KR100994362B1 - Data input device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a data input device, comprising: a data input device having a predetermined sensing area in a terminal for an electronic device, the plurality of radially arranged around the reference position and the reference position that can be displaced in the sensing area; An input unit which detects at least one of a contact and a press on the first indication position and generates an input signal corresponding to the contact or press; And a controller configured to determine a contact or pressing point of the finger or a contact or pressing direction from the input signal, and extract and input data allocated to the input signal from the memory unit.

Input, sensing, contact, pressurization, inward, outward

Description

Data input device {DATA INPUT DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a data input device, and more particularly, to input contact, pressurization, and the direction of contact or pressurization, and effective input is possible based on inward and outward, and user convenience can be improved. It relates to a data input device.

Recently, with the development of software, semiconductor technology, and information processing technology, information devices are becoming smaller and smaller, and as a result, data input to various information devices is also increasingly important.

However, many problems have been revealed in the input of various characters or commands in such information devices.

For example, an input device such as a keyboard used in a personal computer (PC) or a notebook (NoteBook) has a limitation in reducing its size, which makes it difficult to miniaturize these information devices.

In addition, a touch screen method used in a PDA (Personal Data Assistant) or a keypad method used in a mobile phone has an inconvenience in that the input speed is often slow and incorrectly input.

In order to input letters, numbers or symbols at a higher speed in the above-described information devices such as PCs, laptops, PDAs or mobile phones, so-called one-operation one phoneme input is performed in which one phoneme (character) is input in one input operation. There is a need.

In the case where the one-in-one phoneme input is for Korean, a button or input key for inputting 24 or more characters needs to be arranged in the information apparatus.

If the target language is English, Japanese or other foreign languages, more buttons or input keys may need to be added than in Korean.

In addition, as the performance of the desktop PC is increasingly realized in the portable terminal, the portable terminal must be able to perform all input functions of the keyboard keyboard such as various command keys (enter, space, shift key, etc.) and symbols in addition to character input. Is coming.

However, the conventional input device used in various information devices is a method of assigning a character to each input key and tapping or pressing with a finger to input.

Therefore, in a personal portable information terminal such as a mobile phone having a relatively small space for arranging the input keys, it is difficult to arrange more than 24 input keys having the size of a finger. This has been the reason why keyboards have never been miniaturized so far.

Particularly, in the case of a mobile phone, it is inevitable that a plurality of characters are repeatedly arranged in one button since all Korean characters are inputted with 24 or more characters with 12 buttons.

Therefore, the repeated input phenomenon of repeatedly inputting twice and three times to input one character (phoneme) occurs frequently, so that the input time is long and there are a lot of typos.

In addition, the input method itself is very complicated and takes a long time to get used to it.

In order to solve this problem, a character input method for inputting a combination of predetermined characters, such as 'Cheonjiin', has been proposed.

However, the above-mentioned method has the advantage of reducing the number of input buttons for allocating characters because the desired characters are generated by combining the basic characters, but the input buttons must be repeatedly pressed until the desired characters are combined. As a result, the input time was longer.

Particularly, in the above-described input device, after moving and selecting a finger to a predetermined input key to which a mode switching function is assigned, the user switches to an input key to which a corresponding letter is assigned and inputs the character or inputs a predetermined input key. You could change the selection position by repeatedly inputting several times, change the selection position, and then enter the desired character by selecting the input key to which the character is assigned again.

Therefore, there is a problem that the input operation is many and complicated to input the desired character, as well as the input speed is lowered and the input accuracy is lowered.

In addition, technologies such as a keyboard that can be rolled around or a virtual laser keyboard that detects the position of a finger and inputs it when a user performs an operation such as projecting an image of the keyboard keyboard on the floor and inputting the keyboard with a finger thereon are also used. It has been proposed.

However, this type of input device has a problem that it is always inconvenient to carry and carry, and can be input only in a state placed on the floor, there is a problem that it is not applicable to a personal portable information terminal that needs to be input by hand while moving.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data input device capable of inputting accurate data even in a narrow area by distinguishing the direction of contact, pressurization or contact or pressurization. have.

In addition, the present invention does not require repeated inputs, the contact input is possible, so that data can be input quickly, and the movement range for the input is narrow, which prevents the user from inadvertent operation of the input, thereby accurately entering the data. An input device is provided.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a data input device that can input a large amount of data even in a narrow area and is applied to various information devices to achieve a lighter weight and a smaller size of the information device.

In addition, it increases the amount of data that can be input by increasing the input capacity as much as possible, and inputs text editing commands such as enter and space required for character input in general, and data input for easy input of numbers, symbols, special keys, etc. To provide a device.

A data input device of the present invention for achieving the above object is a data input device having a predetermined sensing area in a terminal for an electronic device, the reference position that can be displaced in the sensing area and the radial relative to the reference position A sensing input unit configured to sense one or more of contact and pressurization with respect to the plurality of first indication positions, the first input signal corresponding to the touch or pressurization; And a controller configured to determine a contact or pressing point of the finger or a contact or pressing direction from the first input signal, and extract and input data allocated to the first input signal from the memory unit.

On the other hand, the data input device according to the present invention, which is provided in the base of the terminal for an electronic device, and any one of a plurality of instruction positions radially spaced about the reference position from the reference position within a predetermined input radius An input unit configured to independently perform a first direction input for pressing and a second direction input for pressing one of the indication positions outward from a reference position; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And when the first direction input is detected, the first data allocated to the first direction input to the indication position; and when the second direction input is detected, the second data allocated to the second direction input to the indication position. And a controller for extracting and executing from the memory unit.

In addition, the data input device according to the present invention is provided in the base of the terminal for an electronic device, and presses any one of a plurality of instruction positions radially spaced about the reference position from a reference position within a predetermined input radius. An input unit configured to independently perform a first direction input and a third direction input for pressing one of the indication positions inward toward the reference position; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A third sensing unit sensing the third direction input; And the first data allocated to the first direction input for the indication position when the first direction input is detected, and the third data allocated to the third direction input for the indication position when the third direction input is detected. And a controller for extracting and executing from the memory unit.

On the other hand, the data input device according to the present invention, which is provided in the base of the terminal for an electronic device, and any one of a plurality of instruction positions radially spaced about the reference position from the reference position within a predetermined input radius A first direction input to pressurize, a second direction input to press any one of the pointing positions outward from the reference position, and a third direction input to press any one of the pointing positions inward toward the reference position An input unit performed independently of each other; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; A third sensing unit sensing the third direction input; And when the first direction input is detected, the first data allocated to the first direction input to the indication position; and when the second direction input is detected, the second data allocated to the second direction input to the indication position. And a controller configured to extract and execute third data allocated to the third direction input for the instruction position from the memory unit when the third direction input is detected.

Accordingly, the data input device of the present invention can input a large amount of data even within a narrow area by using one or more input operations of the reference position and the instruction position, and the repeated input operation eliminates the need for repeated operation. By preventing inadvertent malfunctions, there is an advantage of enabling accurate data input.

In addition, since the input space can be minimized and the product can be miniaturized and slimmed, it can be applied to various electronic device terminals such as PDAs, notebooks, and portable mobile communication terminals.

In addition, the data input device of the present invention can provide convenience of data input due to a simple configuration and use method, and can be applied to various information devices, thereby making it possible to reduce the weight and size of the information device.

In addition, the present invention can utilize two or more of the plurality of direction inputs, it is possible to enter a new character input, symbols, numbers, etc. can increase the input capacity without limitation.

Therefore, even in a small device such as a portable terminal, since the input interface can input one operation and one phoneme like a keyboard, it is possible to input at least 24 signals such as 24 Korean characters and 26 alphabet characters in one operation.

Hereinafter, a data input device of the present invention having the above configuration will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For reference, in the description of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used for constituent elements that are not the same shape but functionally equivalent.

The data input device according to the present invention is provided in a terminal for an electronic device at a position corresponding to a plurality of first indication positions radially spaced from the reference position with respect to the reference position in a predetermined input area and the first indication position. Any one of the first input unit for performing a first direction input through at least one of contact and pressurization, a first sensing unit for sensing the first direction input, and the first direction input when the first direction input is detected. And a control unit which extracts and executes first data allocated to the first direction input for the instruction position from the memory unit.

In this case, the first input unit may include one or more second indication positions radially spaced about the first indication position and move the second direction input to move from the first indication position to any one of the second indication positions. It may be provided to be performed independently of the one-way input. Here, the second direction input is detected by a second sensing unit for detecting a second direction input, and the control unit is configured to assign a second direction input to the second indication position when the second direction input is performed. 2 Extract data from the memory section and execute it.

The second indication position may be an inward direction indication position provided from the first indication position to the reference position side, and may be an outward direction reference position provided from the first indication position to the opposite side of the reference position. Can be used. In addition, the second indication position may be provided in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or may be provided in a crosswise or diagonal crosswise direction, and each first indication position may be arranged in a different number and shape.

In this case, the first input unit may be provided at each of the first instruction positions, and the first input unit may press the first input unit to perform the first direction input, and the key may move or tilt the first input unit toward the second instruction position. It can be implemented in a mechanical form such as. Herein, the mechanical shape is only due to the mechanical movement of the first input unit, and the first direction input and the second direction input to the first input unit are sensed by the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit, respectively. It can be processed in a formal form.

Alternatively, the first input unit is provided at the first indication position and performs contact, contact movement, or pressurization, and the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit detect such contact, contact movement, or pressurization to input the first or second direction. It may be implemented in an electronic form such as a touch pad or a touch screen that can perform.

Here, if the first input unit is configured as a touch pad or a touch screen, the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit may be provided in a form of one sensing unit or may be provided integrally with the first input unit. Since the touch pad or the touch screen is merely an example of a configuration capable of detecting a touch or pressure of a finger on the first input unit, if the touch pad or the touch screen can perform the same function, the touch pad or the touch screen may be replaced with a configuration other than the touch pad or the touch screen. can do.

In addition, the first input unit is made of a configuration other than the touch pad or the touch screen, and the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit is made of a tactile sensor, an optical sensor or a pressure sensor to sense the touch, touch movement or pressure of the finger. Can be implemented.

Meanwhile, in the data input device according to the present invention, a second input unit may be further provided separately from the first input unit.

The second input unit is provided around the reference position inside the first input unit. In the second input unit, a third direction input is performed to move toward any one of the first indication positions. Therefore, in the data input device according to the present invention, a third sensing unit is further provided to sense a third direction input by the second input unit.

Like the first input unit, the second input unit may be implemented in the form of a key or a touch pad or a touch screen. Therefore, according to the implementation form of the first input unit and the second input unit, the data input device according to the present invention may represent four types in total. That is, when both the first input unit and the second input unit is in the form of a key, and the first input unit is in the form of a key, and the second input unit is in the form of a touch pad or a touch screen, the first input unit is a touch pad or a touch screen. When the second input unit is formed in the form of a key, both the first input unit and the second input unit is in the form of a touch pad or a touch screen.

In this case, when both the first input unit and the second input unit are formed in the form of a touch pad or a touch screen, the first input unit and the second input unit may be integrally provided without distinguishing a boundary between each other. In this form, the reference position can be generated based on the contact position of the finger, so that the first to third direction inputs can be performed even if the finger is first touched at any position in the input area. In addition, in this form, when the position in the input area of the finger is changed by moving the finger, the reference position may be changed at the same time. In this case, the reference position is determined by sensing the center of the contact area of the finger.

In addition, the number and positions of the first indication position and the second indication position on which the first to third direction inputs are performed may be different from each other. That is, eight first indication positions may be provided and two second indication positions may be provided. Alternatively, the first direction input may be performed at all the first indication positions, but the third direction input may not be performed at the specific first indication positions.

On the other hand, the term "data" in the present specification includes not only a narrow meaning character according to each language, such as Korean characters, English characters or Japanese characters, but also numbers and symbols, and functional commands such as direction movement, spacing, confirmation, and cancellation. I shall do it. Such "data" may be classified into first data, second data, third data, and the like and arranged in the data input apparatus according to the present invention. Therefore, the first data and the like should not only mean letters, but should be understood to include the above-mentioned numbers, symbols, and possible instructions.

Next, various embodiments of the data input device described above will be described.

First Embodiment

Basic composition

The data input device according to the present embodiment describes a case in which both the first input unit and the second input unit are implemented in the form of a touch screen. That is, the data input device according to the present embodiment includes a predetermined input area 50 in a terminal for an electronic device, and uses a motion detection of a finger, so that the reference position S can be displaced in the input area 50. And one or more of contact and pressurization of the plurality of first indication positions D1 radially disposed about the reference position S, the first direction input corresponding to the contact or pressurization is provided. A first input unit 10; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; And extracting and inputting first data allocated to the contact or pressurization from a memory unit (not shown) by determining a contact or pressurization point of the finger or a contact or pressurization direction based on the detection signal from the first detecting unit. And a controller (not shown).

In this case, the first input unit may perform a second direction input for moving toward the one or more second indication positions arranged radially from the first indication position. In this case, a second sensing unit for detecting the second direction input is additionally provided, and when the second direction input is performed, the controller extracts and inputs second data allocated to the second indication position from the memory unit.

The data input device may further include a second input unit which is integrally formed with the first input unit around the reference position and capable of performing a third direction input moving toward the first indication position. In addition, the data input device may include a third sensing unit capable of sensing a third direction input from the second input unit.

However, in the present embodiment, since the first input unit and the second input unit are integrally provided without any distinction, the first input unit and the second input unit will be referred to simply as the input unit including both the first input unit and the second input unit. In addition, since a separate sensing unit for sensing each direction input is not provided on the touch screen, in the present exemplary embodiment, both the first and third sensing units will be referred to simply as the sensing unit.

The data input device as described above may be implemented on a touch screen, but the electronic device terminal is not limited to the touch screen as long as it can detect an input or pressure of a finger or a tool and process the input.

1 is an application example of a data input device according to the present invention and can be implemented on a touch screen like the PDA. When the data input device of the present invention is implemented in the input area 50 such as a touch screen, the reference position S is implemented as a small point for indicating a reference on the screen, and the first indication position D1 is provided. Is formed in a predetermined radial area around the reference position (S).

When the reference position S is implemented in the form of a small dot, the dot form is a term including a circle and a polygon and is implemented to play a role of a reference so that a user can check.

In the touch screen type, the reference position S is implemented as a small point that can be recognized by the user, and the reference position S can be set transparently so that the screen can be checked simultaneously with the input so that a separate space on the screen for input is provided. This eliminates the need to use the screen more efficiently.

In addition, the input unit 10 provided with the reference position S may be movable on the screen. The input unit 10 may move the input unit 10 by dragging the input unit 10 to a desired point after inputting a specific signal. In this case, the specific signal may be the reference position S or the first instruction. It is preferable to double click the position D1 within a predetermined time so as to be movable after the specific signal is input so that general data input is not disturbed.

In addition, the input device may have a standby area (not shown) to move the reference position (S) on one side of the screen. In this case, when the reference position S is moved to the standby area, the area of the first indication position D1 disappears, and when the reference position S moves out of the standby area, the first indication position D1 is moved. ) Area can be displayed. That is, when the input unit 10 is unnecessary, it is preferable that the standby area exists on one side of the screen as in a general window environment, and the area of the first indication position D1 can be set to disappear or appear.

In addition, it is preferable that the area of the first indication position D1 disappears from the waiting area, and not only the reference position S is moved, but also the first indication is made by touching or rubbing the waiting area twice. It is also possible to set the area of the position D1 to appear.

In addition, the conventional PDA is formed with a separate screen for the touch input and the same button area as the input key is present on the screen, so that when touching each button to touch the adjacent button area with the wrong input and While the predetermined area where the button is formed together hides other windows, it is inconvenient to use. However, as described above, the present invention can be applied without covering the screen with a minimum area and a transparent first setting position D1. There are possible advantages.

In addition, the data input device of the present invention can be used in a variety of devices using a touch screen in addition to the illustrated PDA has an advantage that can be applied to a variety of information devices.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2 for an example of the configuration of the input unit 10 for realizing the contact input T, the press input P, and the movement inputs MO1, MO2, MI1, MI2, PM1, PM2 to be described below. Will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the input unit 10 may be provided on the sensing unit 11 such as a touch screen. In more detail, the input unit 10 contacts or presses the reference position S and the first and second indication positions D1 and D2 displayed on the sensing unit 11 so as to contact the touch input T and the pressurization input. (P) can be performed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2A, the movement input M may be performed by moving from the reference position S to the first indication position D1. In this case, the input unit 10 detects a point of contact or pressure, a direction or a movement distance with respect to the movement in the contact or pressure state, and generates an input signal corresponding thereto.

The input signal generated as described above is transmitted to the controller, and the controller extracts data allocated to the input signal from the memory unit and performs input processing.

In addition, the input unit 10 further includes a return unit 13 made of an elastic material and disposed on the sensing unit 11, after the contact input T, the press input P, and the movement input are performed. The input unit 10 may be returned to the original position. The return unit 13 is preferably made transparent so that the reference position S and the first and second indication positions D1 and D2 displayed on the sensing unit 11 are externally identifiable.

On the other hand, the input unit 10, as shown in (b) of Figure 2, the sensing unit 11, such as a touch screen, the return unit 13 and the sensing unit 11 and the above-mentioned return with It may be provided with a plurality of contact protrusions 15 disposed between the portion (13). The input to the input unit 10 is that each contact projection 15 is assigned to the reference position (S) or the first and second indication positions (D1, D2), the reference position (S) or the first and second indications At the time of contact input T, pressure input P, and movement input to the positions D1 and D2, the contact protrusion 15 is made by contacting or pressing the sensing unit 11.

First direction input

As shown in FIG. 3, the input unit 10 according to the present invention displays a reference position S that can be displaced and a plurality of first indication positions D1 radially spaced from the reference position S. FIG. do. In this case, the input unit 10 is provided in the input area 50 of the terminal for the electronic device, and the input area 50 is provided with a sensing unit for detecting a motion of a finger. Accordingly, in the input unit 10, a contact input T or a pressure input P, which is a first direction input, is performed according to the contact or pressure of the finger with respect to the reference position S and the first indication position D1. First data corresponding to each input is input processed. That is, the first direction input is divided into a contact input T and a pressure input P for the first indication position and performed independently of each other.

In more detail, the first instruction position D1 is assigned to each instruction position D1 as a contact input T for each instruction position D1 as shown in FIG. Can be entered. In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 3, the data allocated to each of the indication positions may be input to the pressing input P for each of the indication positions D1.

At this time, the data assigned to the contact input (T) and the data assigned to the pressing input (P) at each indication position (D1) may be arranged differently. Therefore, when data is input by the contact input T and the press input P with respect to each said instruction | indication position D1, since two data can be input in the same instruction | indication position D1, the input capacity is doubled. Can be increased.

Another form of the first direction input may be a vertical pressure input as shown in FIG. 4.

In the present invention, the term "vertical pressure input PP" means any one of the first indication position D1 when the reference position S and the first indication position D1 are provided within one finger range. The first data allocated to the first indication position (D1) is input by placing a finger on the entire reference position (S) and the first indication position (D1) and pressing vertically with respect to any one of the first indication positions (D1). I mean.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the vertical pressure input PP places a finger on the reference position S and the first instruction position D1 and presses the pressure input P with respect to each of the first instruction positions D1. The data allocated to the first indication position D1 may be inputted, or as shown in FIG. 12B, a finger is placed on the specific first indication position D1 and the corresponding first indication position is set. It is also possible to input the data allocated to the first instruction position D1 by applying the pressure input P to D1.

In this vertical pressing input PP, the finger is intentionally pressed with only a specific first indication position D1 with little movement of the finger. At this time, the vertical pressure input (PP) may be provided in multiple stages according to the strength of the pressure.

Move input

On the other hand, the data input according to the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the data is input to the contact input (T) or the pressure input (P) for each of the first indication position (D1) in the absence of movement It may be, but may also be made by the contact or pressure movement of the finger with respect to the reference position (S) and the first indication position (D1). That is, in the present embodiment, the second direction input by the contact or pressure movement of the finger from the first indication position D1 to the radial specific position around the first indication position and the finger from the reference position to the first indication position A 'moving input' having a form in which a third direction input is combined by contacting or pressing movement of the second key may be performed. The movement input is further divided into a first outward movement input, a second outward movement input, a first inward movement input, a second inward movement input, a first through movement input, and a second through movement movement input.

In more detail, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first outward movement input MO1 moving toward one of the first indication positions D1 in a state in which the reference position S is in contact with the reference position S. Referring to FIG. By this, it is possible to input data allocated to each instruction position D1.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the second outward movement input MO2 moves outward toward one of the first indication positions D1 without contacting the reference position S. By means of this, the data allocated to each indication position can be input.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5C, each of the first inward movement inputs MI1 moves from one of the first indication positions D1 to the reference position S until the first position moves. The data allocated to the indication position can be input.

Alternatively, as shown in (d) of FIG. 5, by the second inward movement input MI2 moving inward until it touches the reference position S at any one of the first indication positions D1. Data allocated to each of the instruction positions D1 may be input.

On the other hand, as shown in (e) of Figure 5, the data can also be input by the movement input (M) passing through the reference position (S) in the specific first indication position (D1). At this time, the movement input M is a first through-movement input PM1 penetrating the reference position S at a specific first instruction position D1, and a specific instruction position D1 penetrating the reference position S. FIG. It may be classified as a second through-movement input PM2 moving to. In addition, separate data may be inputted by the first through-movement input PM1 and the second through-movement input PM2.

At this time, each of the movement inputs MO1, MO2, MI1, MI2, PM1, PM2 in Figs. 5A to 5E depends on whether the reference position S is contacted or penetrated, and whether it is inward or outward. Are distinguished. Accordingly, separate data may be input to each of the pair of reference positions S and the first indication positions D1 by the movement according to FIGS. 5A to 5E. In this case, data that can be input to the pair of reference positions S and the first indication position D1 may be increased by six times.

In addition, each of the movement inputs MO1, MO2, MI1, MI2, PM1, and PM2 in FIGS. 5A to 5E may be input in multiple stages according to the length and the strength of the moving distance. For example, 'a' is input when the first outward movement input MO1 in FIG. 5A starts from the reference position S and ends before reaching or reaching the first indication position D1. (Short moving distance), when passing through the first indication position (D1) and ending (long moving distance), 'ㅋ' can be input. In addition, when the 1st outward movement input MO1 in FIG. 5 (a) moves in the state which contacted the reference position S (contact input T form), and pressed the said reference position S, When moving to a state (type of pressure input P), different data can be input.

Second direction input

The second direction input means moving from each first directing position D1 toward one or more second directing positions D2 radially arranged around the first directing position. The second direction input may be implemented in the form as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

In more detail, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a plurality of second indication positions D2 radially spaced apart from each other may be provided at the first indication positions D1. For the second instruction position D2, data assigned to each second instruction position D2 by an outward movement input MO which moves outward from each first instruction position D1 to the second instruction position D2. Can also be entered. In this case, the second direction input may be performed by a contact input T or a pressure input P for contacting or applying pressure to each of the second indication positions D2.

An input signal is generated in the sensing unit by the second direction input to the second indication position D2, and the controller extracts second data corresponding to the input signal from the memory unit and processes the input data.

In addition, the second direction input may be performed in the form of a horizontal pressure input. That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, the horizontal pressing input HP places a finger on one of the first indication positions D1 and presses the finger in an outward direction of the first indication positions D1. For example, the data allocated to the first indication position D1 or the second indication position D2 may be input.

At this time, during the horizontal pressure input (HP), the contact surface and the finger of the input unit 10 is performed by pressing the finger in the horizontal direction while maintaining the contact state. The horizontal pressing input P may also be provided in multiple stages according to the strength of the horizontal pressing.

In addition, as shown in (b) of FIG. 7, the horizontal pressure input HP is provided with a plurality of second directing positions D2 for each of the first directing positions D1. A finger may be placed on the instruction position D1 and horizontal pressure may be applied to each second instruction position D2 so that data allocated to each second instruction position D2 may be input.

3rd direction input

The third direction input means that the third direction input is performed by contact or pressure movement from the reference position to the first indication position. Also, the third direction input may be performed by tilting or tilting the pressure from the reference position to the first instruction position.

In more detail, the third direction input may be performed in the form of a horizontal pressure input HP. That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 8, the horizontal pressure input HP places a finger on the reference position S and the first instruction position D1 and places each first instruction position D1. The data allocated to the first indication position D1 is input by pressing the lens horizontally.

8B to 8D are diagrams for explaining the horizontal pressure input HP.

Referring to the drawings in detail, as shown in (b) of FIG. 8, when the finger is pressed in the horizontal direction, the input unit 10 contracts by the pressure applied to the input unit 10 and detects the degree of such contraction. Generates an input signal according to the horizontal pressure input HP.

In addition, as shown in (c) of FIG. 8, when the return unit 13 is provided on the sensing unit 11 such as a pressure sensing pad and the input unit 10 is configured, the horizontal pressure of the finger may be applied to the sensing unit ( 11) detects and generates an input signal according to the horizontal pressure input (HP). At this time, the return unit 13 is made of an elastic material and returns to its original state when the horizontal pressure input HP is completed.

In addition, as shown in (d) of FIG. 8, the input unit 10 may include a moving unit 17 that is moved according to horizontal pressure of a finger and a sensing unit 11 disposed around the moving unit 17. It may be configured to include. In this case, the sensing unit 11 may be provided at a position corresponding to the first indication position D1, but may be provided in four directions as shown.

Even if the sensing unit 11 is provided only in four directions, an eight-direction input can be sensed through the sensing unit 11. For example, when the horizontal pressure input HP is performed at 1 o'clock, the sensing unit 11 at 12 o'clock and the sensing unit 11 at 3 o'clock detect the movement of the moving unit 17 and the 12 o'clock direction. In other words, it is regarded as the input at 1 o'clock rather than the input at the 3 o'clock.

In this case, the return unit 13 may be provided in the input unit 10. The return unit 13 is provided on the moving unit 17 to allow the moving unit 17 to move finely by horizontal pressure with respect to the return unit 13.

On the other hand, the third direction input may be implemented in the form of tilt movement input.

More specifically, the arrow in FIG. 9 (a) shows a form in which pressure is increased while moving outward, and in FIG. 9 (b), the finger moves from the reference position S to the specific first indication position D1. As this moves, a form of increasing pressure has been described.

As shown in the drawing, data may be input by a movement that increases while increasing the strength of the pressing force with respect to the initial contact point at the time of the movement input to each first indication position D1 outward. An input in which the pressure is increased while moving in this way is defined as a 'tilt movement input (LM)'.

The tilt movement input LM is a form of increasing the pressure while moving in the direction of the first indication position D1 from the reference position S, and is distinguished from the inclination pressure input SP to be described below. That is, the inclined pressure input SP is an input applied while increasing the pressure in the outward direction of each of the first indication positions D1 while the fingers are placed on the entire reference position S and the first indication positions D1. .

On the other hand, the third direction input may be implemented in the form of a slope pressure input. That is, the "inclined pressure input SP" according to the present invention refers to the reference position S and the first position when the reference position S and the first indication position D1 are provided within one finger range. It means that the data assigned to the first instruction position D1 is input by placing a finger on the instruction position D1 and increasing the pressure with respect to any one of the first instruction positions D1.

This 'inclined pressure input (SP)' is similar to the 'tilt movement input (LM)' shown in Figure 9, the difference between the reference position (S), as shown in Figure 10 during the gradient pressure input (SP) ) And the first indication position (D1). Therefore, the 'inclined pressure input SP' and 'tilt depending on whether the finger is placed on the reference position S and the first instruction position D1 for the input that increases the pressure toward the first instruction position D1. Since the mobile input LM 'is divided, it is possible to increase the input capacity by this division.

Combination input

Each of the inputs described above may be performed continuously so that data different from the data allocated to each input may be input. In this case, whether two or more inputs are performed individually or in combination may be set by a time interval at which two or more inputs are performed. That is, if two or more inputs are performed within a set time range, the input is determined as a combination input so that different data is input from each input.

11 to 13 are diagrams illustrating a combination input according to the present invention, and each input is not classified as a first to third direction input, but is divided by a name according to the above-described features. For example, contact input, pressure input, movement input, etc.).

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 11A illustrates a combination of an outward movement input MO (①) and a pressurization input P (②) with respect to each of the first indication positions D1. After performing (MO) (①), a press input (P) (②) may be performed so that data different from each outward movement input MO and the press input P may be input.

For example, 'a' is input by the outward movement input MO in the 3 o'clock direction, and 'ㅏ' is input by the pressure input P for the first indication position D1 in the 3 o'clock direction. If input, 'K' may be input by the combination input of the outward movement input MO and the pressure input P.

In addition, FIG. 11B shows the combined input for performing the outward movement input MO (②) after performing the pressing input P (1) for each of the first indicating positions D1. The combination input may also allow data different from each of the pressure input P and the outward movement input MO to be input.

Although not shown in the drawings, the pressure input P and the inward movement input MI may be combined, the contact input T and the pressure input P may be combined, the inward movement input MI and outward. The move input MO may be combined. In addition, new data may be input by combining the pressing input P, the inward movement input MI, and the outward movement input MO.

Next, FIG. 12 illustrates a form in which the horizontal pressure input HP and the vertical pressure input PP are combined. That is, in FIG. 12A, the horizontal pressure input HP is performed while the finger is placed on the reference position S and the first indication position D1, and then the vertical pressure input PP is performed. In this case, data different from the horizontal pressure input HP and the vertical pressure input PP is input.

12 (b) shows a case where the horizontal pressure input HP (1) and the vertical pressure input PP (2) are continuously input in a state in which only the first instruction position D1 is in contact with each other.

12 illustrates a case in which the vertical pressure input PP is performed after the horizontal pressure input HP is performed, but the reverse operation may be performed.

On the other hand, FIG. 13 shows the combined input when the second instruction position D2 is provided radially at each first instruction position D1. That is, in FIG. 13A, after performing the pressing input P with respect to each of the first indicating positions D1, the outward movement input MO is performed to each of the second indicating positions D2, thereby providing each pressing input. The case where data different from (P) and the outward movement input MO are input is shown.

In addition, in FIG. 13B, a finger is placed on each first instruction position D1 (that is, a contact input T is applied to each first instruction position D1), and the second instruction position D2 is shown. The pressure input P is applied to each of the second commanded positions D2 after the outward movement input MO is made toward (). The combination of these three inputs allows the input of data different from the individual inputs.

In addition, in FIG. 13C, a finger is placed on each first instruction position D1 (that is, a contact input T is performed for each first instruction position D1), and each first instruction position is performed. The case where the outward movement input MO is made toward the second indication position D2 again with the pressurizing input P being applied to (D1).

Setting of reference position and first indication position

FIG. 14 illustrates a method of setting a reference position S when the user places a finger on the reference position S and the first instruction position D1 and inputs each of the first instruction positions D1. It explains.

That is, in the present invention, it is preferable that the positional displacement of the reference position S is possible, and the reference position S is moved to the position where the current finger is placed. At this time, when the finger is placed on the input unit 10, it is not only possible to make a uniform circular contact due to the characteristics of the finger, but also it is impossible to exactly match the center of the finger to the reference position S shown in the input unit 10. Where the reference position S is determined is an important factor in the input.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 14, when a finger is placed on the input unit 10 (see the hatched portion in FIG. 14 (a)), the input unit 10 is a finger placed on the input unit 10. Determine the contact area of the. And the center part is grasped | ascertained from this contact area, and the center part is determined as the reference position (S).

If the reference position S displayed on the input unit 10 is different from the reference position S determined through the contact area, the position is displaced to the reference position S determined through the contact area. This is possible because the reference position S according to the present invention can be changed in position.

In this way, when the reference position S is determined, a plurality of first instruction positions D1 are provided at points radially spaced from the reference position S, and a second second at each first instruction position D1 is necessary. The instruction position D2 is provided.

In FIG. 14B, when the vertical pressure input PP or the horizontal pressure input HP is performed for each first command position D1 with the finger on the input unit 10, the specific first command position The method for determining (D1) is described.

That is, when the vertical pressure input PP or the horizontal pressure input HP is performed, pressure is applied to the specific first indication position D1. In this case, it may be determined that the vertical pressure input PP or the horizontal pressure input HP is performed with respect to the first command position D1 corresponding to the portion where the pressure is most concentrated among the first command positions D1. Alternatively, the first pressing position D1 may be determined based on the area to which the pressure is applied, in which the vertical pressing input PP or the horizontal pressing input HP is performed.

Other

As described above, the data input device according to the present invention may be used in a mechanism that can detect a contact or pressure on the input area 50, such as a touch screen, but if it can detect the movement, pressure or tilt of a finger, It can also be configured as a mechanism. An example of such another mechanism is shown in FIG. 15.

That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 15, the input unit 10 may be provided with a ring-shaped sensing unit 11. The detector 11 may detect movement of the finger on the input unit 10, or pressing and tilting the finger. At this time, the detection unit 11 is located in the return unit 13 is configured to be returned to its original state when the movement of the finger, pressing and tilting is finished.

In more detail, as shown in FIG. 15B, when a finger is moved on the return unit 13, the return unit 13 is pushed to one side and the ring-shaped sensing unit 11 is located therein. It is pushed back. At this time, the entire sensing unit 11 is not moved, but only the sensing unit 11 positioned in the direction in which the finger is moved is pushed by the return unit 13 to move in the corresponding direction.

In addition, the sensing unit 11 detects the horizontal movement, determines that the movement input M is performed for the first indication position D1 corresponding to the direction of the movement, and corresponds to the movement input M. FIG. An input signal is generated to input data.

In addition, as shown in (c) of FIG. 15, when pressing a point on the ring-shaped sensing unit 11, the sensing unit 11 of the corresponding point is pushed down. At this time, the sensing unit 11 detects such a downward movement and determines that the pressing input P is performed at the first indication position D1 by the movement, so that data corresponding to the pressing input P is input. Generate an input signal.

In addition, as shown in (d) of FIG. 15, when pressing a point on the ring-shaped sensing unit 11 in a downward diagonal, the sensing unit 11 of the corresponding point is pushed in a downward diagonal accordingly. At this time, the sensing unit 11 detects the downward diagonal movement, that is, the tilt movement, and determines that the tilt movement input LM or the gradient pressing input SP is performed at the first indication position D1 by the movement. The input signal is generated to input data corresponding to the tilt movement input LM or the gradient pressing input SP.

In addition, the input unit may be configured as shown in FIG. 16 as a modification of FIG. 15. That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 16, two return units 13a and 13b are stacked, and a sensing unit 11 is installed in the lower return unit 13b to provide the first indication position ( It may be configured to detect the moving input (M) toward the D1) and the vertical pressure input (PP) for pressing the first indication position. At this time, the surface of the input unit is protruded by the sensing unit, so that the user can feel the input when performing the direction input, thereby making the input more realistic and accurate.

Alternatively, as shown in (b) of FIG. 16, the input unit includes a returnable sensing unit 11 provided on a surface and a moving unit 17 horizontally movable at the lower end of the sensing unit to perform each direction input. Can be prepared. At this time, the movement of the moving unit 17 is not detected by the sensing unit 11. However, when the finger moves on the sensing unit 11, the moving unit 17 moves together so that the user can feel a sense of movement or input by the moving unit.

On the other hand, the data input device according to the present invention may further include an input mechanism unit 20 to facilitate the data input to the input unit 10. An example of such an input mechanism 20 is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

In more detail, as shown in (a) of FIG. 17, when the data input device according to the present invention is mounted on a portable mobile communication terminal, the input member 20 is connected to a member 30 such as a string of various materials. By connecting using), the input mechanism unit 20 can be placed and used on the input area 50 such as a touch screen only during data input. The connecting member 30 is fastened to the base 40.

At this time, as shown in (b) of Figure 17, the bottom of the input mechanism 20 is provided with a projection 21 on the portion corresponding to the reference position (S) and the first indication position (D1). When the bottom of the input mechanism 20 is placed on the touch screen, the input unit 10 detects each protrusion 21 of the input mechanism 20, and the reference position S is disposed at the central protrusion 21. Then, it is understood that the first instruction position D1 is disposed in the peripheral protrusion 21. Therefore, when each input to the reference position (S) and the first instruction position (D1) on the input mechanism unit 20 is performed, such an input operation is transmitted to the input unit 10, the input unit 10 input corresponding to each input Generate a signal.

The input mechanism 20 is preferably made of a material that can be elastically deformed to facilitate input to the reference position (S) and each indication position (D1).

On the other hand, in Figure 18, the input mechanism 20 is a main body 23 having a belt shape, the receiving portion 25 is provided in the main body 23, the input to the input unit 10 is receivably operable, and the main body It may include a moving support portion 27 which is provided at both ends of the 23 and coupled to the slide groove 41 formed in the base 40 to slide.

In this case, while the input mechanism 20 moves along the base 40, the input mechanism 20 moves to the input area 50 on the touch screen. And the bottom of the receiving portion 25 is formed of a material having an elastic and the projection 21 is formed as shown in (b) of FIG. 17 so that the input operation in the receiving portion 25 is the input portion 10 It is desirable to ensure accurate delivery to.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the data input device according to the present invention will be described. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first input unit and the second input unit are described as being provided in the form of a key. However, as in the first exemplary embodiment, the first input unit and the second input unit may be applied in the form of a touch pad or a touch screen.

Basic composition

19 is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal for an electronic device equipped with a data input device according to a second embodiment.

The terminal for an electronic device may be a mobile phone or a PDA, or may be a USB device equipped with a USB port for connecting to a notebook or a computer. In FIG. 19, a mobile phone is illustrated as a terminal for an electronic device.

In the terminal for the electronic device, a base 40 and a display unit 60 are provided, and the base 40 includes a data input device 1 according to the present invention, various function keys 41 and a port 43. It is provided.

In addition, the data input device 1 may be provided as shown in FIG. 19, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The data input device 1 may be used in combination with a button or a key currently used, or may be modified and used in various forms.

First direction input

20 to 25, the first input unit 10a includes a plurality of first indication positions D1 radially spaced about the reference position S. Referring to FIGS. In this case, since the first input unit 10a is formed in a ring shape, each of the first indication positions D1 is disposed along the ring-shaped first input unit 10a at a predetermined interval.

In the present embodiment, it is illustrated that eight instruction positions D1 are provided, but the number of first instruction positions is not limited thereto. That is, four, five, six, or nine or more may be provided.

In each of the first indication positions D1, the first direction input P may be performed by pressing. At this time, the first direction input (P) is to press each indication position in the vertical direction, which is inclined within a range that can be distinguished from the second direction input (O) described below, including the complete vertical direction It can also be done.

Second direction input

The second direction input may be performed in the form of an 'outward input O' for pressing the first directing position D1 toward the outward direction of the first directing position with respect to each of the first directing positions D1. The outward input O may be made by pressing the inner side of the first input unit 10a from the inner side of the first input unit 10a to the outer side. Alternatively, the outward input O may be placed on the first input unit 10a and face outward. It may also be achieved by pressing the first input unit 10a.

On the other hand, the first input unit 10a may be formed integrally or in a separate form for each indication position. FIG. 21 illustrates the separated first input unit 10a, and FIG. 23 illustrates the integrated first input unit 10a.

As shown in FIG. 21, in the detachable first input unit 10a, the first direction input P and the outward input O for each first instruction position D1 are independently separated by each first instruction position. Is performed. The first direction input P and the outward input O in the separate input unit 10a may be implemented as shown in FIGS. 22A to 22C.

That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 22, when the first direction input P is performed to the input unit 10a, the first sensing unit 71 detects the pressurization by the first direction input P. The first data allocated to the first direction input P is extracted from the memory unit (not shown) and input by the controller (not shown).

When the outward input O for pressing the first input unit 10a outward is performed, the second sensing unit 73 provided on the outside of the input unit 10a senses the pressurization by the outward input O. The second data allocated to the outward input O is extracted from the memory unit and input by the controller. At this time, the outward input O is performed by tilting the first input unit 10a outward.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 22B, the first input unit 10a may be provided to protrude outward. At this time, the first direction input P and the outward input O are performed in the same manner as in FIG.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 22C, the first input unit 10a may be provided to extend outward. In this case, the outward input O is configured to press from the top like the first direction input P. However, unlike the first direction input P that presses the first indication position D1, the outward input O In (O), the first input portion 10a extended to the outside of the first indication position is pressed. At this time, since the first input unit 10a is formed in a relatively low form compared to FIGS. 22A and 22B, the first input unit 10a can easily press the extended portion of the first input unit 10a beyond the first indication position. have.

On the other hand, when the first input unit 10a is provided integrally as shown in Fig. 23, as shown in Figs. 24 (a) and 24 (b), the first direction input (P) by the vertical pressure This may be performed, and the outward input O may be performed by twisting the first input unit 10a to the outside. In this case, a plurality of protrusions 18 may be provided in the first input unit 10a so that the fingers do not slip when the first input unit 10a is pushed outward, or may be made of a rubber-like material having strong frictional force. The first input unit 10a may be made of an elastic material so that the first input unit 10a may return to its original state when the finger is released from the twisted state. Here, pushing the first input unit outward means not twisting in the horizontal direction but twisting the first input unit as if it wraps.

In addition, a support member 19 for supporting the first input unit 10a is provided at a lower end of the first input unit 10a, and a sensing unit 70 is provided at the upper portion of the support member 19. In this case, the sensing unit 70 may be provided to separately detect the first direction input P and the outward input O, and an optical sensor or a pressure sensor may be used. In particular, the sensing unit 70 may detect an outward input that the lower end of the first input unit is warped with respect to another part of the first input unit by the outward distortion of the first input unit.

However, the sensing unit 70 may be provided by being divided into a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit. In this case, the first sensing unit may sense a pressurization to sense the first direction input P, and the second sensing unit may sense the outward input O by sensing the contact movement due to distortion.

In addition, although the outward input is shown in a straight line form from the inside of the input unit toward the input unit in FIG. 20, this is to explain the concept of the outward input, and the outward input may be implemented in various input forms to the outward described above.

That is, as shown in (a), (b) and FIG. 24 of FIG. 22, when the outward input O is configured to press, tilt, or twist the first input unit to the outside, FIG. As shown in), the outward input O may be expressed in a curved form that is bent to the outside of the first input unit at each first indication position.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 22C, when the outward input O is configured to press the outside of the first input unit, as shown in FIG. 25B, the outward input O ) May be expressed in the form of pressing the radially outer side of each first indication position.

On the other hand, the second direction input may be performed in the form of 'inward input (I)' to press inward toward the reference position (S) rather than outward.

In this case, the inward input I may be configured to press the outside of the first input unit 10a from the outside of the first input unit 10a, and to press toward the reference position S on the first input unit 10a. It may also be in the form. The inward input I is not necessarily performed only by pressing, but may also be performed by tilting the first input unit 10a inward (see inward input I in FIG. 28).

In addition, in the present embodiment, the first input unit 10a may be formed in a separate form or in an integral form.

27 to 31 illustrate that the first direction input and the second direction input, the inward input and the outward input, are performed in a combined form. That is, the first direction input P is performed by vertical pressing on the plurality of instruction positions D1 radially spaced about the reference position S, and the pressure is directed outwardly to each instruction position. The outward input O is performed during the two-way input, and the inward input I is performed in the second direction input by pressurizing inward to each of the indicated positions.

As described above, even in the present exemplary embodiment in which the inputs P, O, and I may be performed, the first input unit 10a may be formed in a separated form or an integrated form. That is, when the first input unit 10a is formed in a separated form as shown in FIG. 21, the first input unit 10a may be implemented as shown in FIG. 27.

In more detail, as illustrated in FIG. 28A, the first input unit 10a detects the first direction input P by the vertical pressure and detects the first direction input P in the outward direction. Each of the second sensing units 73 and 75 detects the outward input O and the third direction input I toward inward. At this time, the outward input O and the inward input I are formed while tilting the first input unit 10a so that the inclination is sensed by the sensing units 73 and 75 in the corresponding direction.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 28B, the first input unit 10a may be formed to protrude inward and outward. At this time, the first sensing unit 71 detects the first direction input P by the vertical pressure, the outward input O by tilting outward, and the inward input I by tilting inward. ) Are sensed by the second sensing units 73 and 75, respectively.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 28C, the first input unit 10a may be formed to extend inwardly and outwardly. In this case, the outward input O and the inward input I are performed by directly pressing the outside and the inside from each of the first indication positions D1. In this case, since the first input unit 10a illustrated in FIG. 28C is relatively lower than the first input unit 10a illustrated in FIGS. 28A and 28B, the first input unit 10a may be used. The first direction input P for pressing the image, the outward input O performed over the first input unit 10a, and the inward input I inside the first input unit 10a may be smoothly performed.

In addition, the first input unit 10a may be formed in a cylindrical shape, as shown in (d) of FIG. 28. In this case, a protrusion 18 is formed on an outer circumference of the first input unit 10a, which prevents slipping of a finger when the first input unit 10a is rotated outward or inward. The rotation of the first input unit 10a may be detected by the sensing units 73 and 75.

In the first input unit 10a as shown in FIG. 28D, a support wall 19a may be provided to support the first input unit 10a, and the first input unit 10a may be provided between the support walls 19a. There is provided a seating portion (19b) is mounted. In addition, a first sensing unit 71 is provided between the seating unit 19b and the support wall 19a so that the seating unit 19b presses the first sensing unit 71 by pressurization of the first input unit 10a. When detecting the first direction input (P).

In addition, as shown in (e) of FIG. 28, the first input unit detects the first direction input P by the vertical pressure, and the first sensing unit 71 detects the outward input O toward the outside. The second sensing units 73 and 75 respectively detect the inward input I toward inward. At this time, the input unit shown in (e) of Figure 28, the outward input (O) and inward input (I) is made in Figs. 28 (a) and (b) in that the inclined first input unit (10a). Same as the input unit shown.

However, in the first input unit illustrated in (e) of FIG. 28, the first and second sensing units 71, while the bottom of the first input unit 10a is pressed or inclined while being supported by an elastic body 19c such as a spring, are provided. 73 and 75, an input is performed, and in the input unit illustrated in FIGS. 28A and 28B, there is a difference in that each direction input through the input unit is sensed by a sensing unit made of a metal dome. That is, in the first input unit of FIGS. 28A and 28B, the sensing unit may feel a click when each direction is input, but in each direction of the first input unit of FIG. 28E. It can be performed without a feeling of click upon input. Therefore, in the first input unit illustrated in (e) of FIG. 28, one finger may be pressed even if the first input unit is not pressed or tilted until a click feeling is sensed when the direction input is performed on the first input unit 10a arranged in the radial direction. It is possible to perform the direction input quickly.

Meanwhile, when the first input unit 10a is integrally provided as shown in FIG. 23, the first input unit 10a may be implemented as shown in FIGS. 29 to 31. That is, as shown in FIG. 29, the first input unit 10a is installed on the support member 19 provided on the base 40 so that the first input unit 10a is pressed and twisted by the first input unit 10a. Direction inputs P, O, and I may be performed. Accordingly, the sensing unit detects the vertical pressure on the first input unit 10a on the support member 19 and detects the distortion while detecting the outward input O and the inward input I according to the direction of the warp. 70) may be provided.

At this time, the first input unit (10a), the first sensing unit for detecting the first direction input (P) by the vertical pressure, the sensing unit for detecting only the outward input (O) by the distortion to the outward, and inward It may be further provided with a sensing unit for detecting only the inward input (I) by the distortion.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 30, the first input unit 10a is formed of an elastically deformable material, and a support member 19 is provided at both sides of the base 40 in the lower portion of the first input unit 10a. A first sensing unit 71 is provided below the support member 19 to sense vertical pressure of the first input unit 10a. In addition, the support member 19 is provided with a direction sensing unit 77 that extends into the first input unit and senses a deformation direction while being elastically deformed together with the first input unit 10a.

In this case, it is preferable that the first sensing unit 71 and the direction detecting unit 77 are provided only at portions corresponding to the respective instruction positions.

In addition, although the first input unit illustrated in FIG. 30 has been described as being formed in one piece, the first input unit illustrated in FIG.

Meanwhile, the first input unit 10a may be provided as a touch type as shown in FIG. 31. That is, the first input unit 10a is provided with two lines of sensing lines 78 for detecting the touch of the finger, and the first direction input when the finger touches the sensing line 78 for each instruction position. It is identified as (P), and when two lines of sensing lines 78 are sequentially touched while moving outward at each indicating position, it is recognized as an outward input (O), and two lines of sensing lines moving inward at each indicating position. If 78 is sequentially contacted, it is regarded as an inward input I. In this case, a partition line 12 for distinguishing each first indication position is displayed on the first input unit 10a.

In FIG. 27, the outward input O is shown in a straight line shape toward the first input part from the inside of the first input part and the inward input I is shown in a straight line shape toward the first input part from the outside of the first input part. As described with reference to FIG. 25, the outward input O and the inward input I may be implemented and displayed in various input forms to the outward or inward directions as described above. .

32 and 33, protrusions 18a and 18b are provided at both sides of the first input unit 10a, so that the second direction input is input outwardly by pressing against each of the protrusions 18a and 18b. And inward input can be performed. At this time, since the input to the protrusion 18a on the right side of FIG. 33 is performed while being inclined or pressed outward, it can be referred to as an outward input O, and the input to the protrusion 18b on the left side is inclined or pressed inward. Since it is performed, it may be referred to as an inward input (I).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, each direction input can be more clearly performed through the two inputs in which the directions are completely opposite.

3rd direction input

Next, a third direction input in the data input device according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the third direction input includes the total movement input by the movement of the entire first input unit, the movement of the second input unit itself provided inside the first input unit, the contact movement on the second input unit, and the central movement by pressurization. Can be distinguished by input.

First, the entire moving input among the third direction inputs will be described.

In FIG. 34, a form in which the entire movement input A by the movement of the first input unit 10a itself is added to the first and second direction inputs of this embodiment is illustrated. That is, the following description mainly describes the form in which the entire moving input A is added to the first and second direction inputs P, O, and I, but the first direction input, the outward inputs P, O, and the first direction. In one direction input and inward input (P, I), it may be implemented in the form that the entire movement input (A) is added respectively.

In this case, the entire movement input A may be detected by a third sensing unit (not shown) provided outside the first input unit 10a. The first input unit 10a is connected to the base 40 by the elastic member so that the first input unit 10a can be returned to its original position after the entire movement input A is performed.

In addition, the division between the entire movement input A and the outward input O or the inward input I may be performed by using a first key (not shown) provided outside the reference position S or the first input unit 10a. This may be achieved by controlling the movement of the input unit 10a itself. That is, when a separate key is selected, the first input unit 10a is unlocked to be moved so that the entire movement input A can be performed by the movement of the first input unit 10a itself. When it is released, the first input unit 10a may be locked so that the entire movement input A may not be performed.

Alternatively, the entire movement input A may be provided by pressing the second input unit 10b to be described below as a whole. In other words, when the second input unit 10b is pressed as a whole, this may be regarded as a mode change of the entire moving input path, and when the second input unit is moved, the entire moving input may be performed.

As described above, since the first to third direction inputs P, O, I, and A may be performed, and eight data may be input by each direction input, a total of 32 data may be input. It becomes possible. Therefore, all 24 letters of Korean or 26 letters of English can be arranged, and other functions such as spacing, cancellation and confirmation can be arranged.

Next, the center shift input will be described.

As shown in FIG. 35, the second input unit 10b may be provided separately from the first input unit 10a at the reference position S. In FIG. The second input unit 10b may perform a central movement input C by pressing or moving from the reference position S toward each of the first indication positions D1. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 36, when the central movement input C is additionally performed to the first direction input, the second direction input, and the entire movement input described above, a total of 40 data can be input. Therefore, it can be usefully used to increase the amount of data that can be input.

Alternatively, the central movement input C may be used as a mouse function. In this case, when the data input device 1 according to the present embodiment is used in the mouse mode, the mouse pointer is moved by the central movement input C, and the first direction input, the second direction input, and the entire movement input are performed. One or more of (P, O, I, A) can be used as the left / right and scroll buttons of the mouse.

In addition, the center movement input may be used to move the character during the game, and at this time, various commands for the character may be input to one or more of the first direction input, the second direction input, and the entire movement input (P, O, I, A). Can be used.

The entire movement input A of the third direction input mentioned above may be implemented in the form as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. That is, as shown in FIG. 37, when the second input unit 10b is contacted or pressed, the entire first input unit 10a and the second input unit 10b are moved toward the first indication position D1. It may be provided in the form. In this case, although the first input unit 10a may be provided in the form of a key, the first input unit 10a may be implemented in the form of a touch pad, a touch screen, a tactile sensor, or a pressure sensor that senses contact or pressure. Inputs O and I may be arranged to be performed.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 38, when the second input unit 10b is pressurized, the entire first input unit 10a and the second input unit 10b may be provided to allow the entire movement input A. FIG. In this case, in FIG. 38, the first input unit 10a is provided to perform the first direction input P by pressing and the second direction input O by moving outward. Here, in the second direction input O to the first input unit 10a, the second input unit 10b may be configured to move only a corresponding portion of the first input unit 10a without moving.

Arrangement type of the first indication position and the second indication position

Next, a description will be given of the change of the input form according to the above-described arrangement of the first instruction position on which the first direction input is performed and the second instruction position on which the second direction input is performed in various ways. do.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 39 to 46, in the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first indication positions D1 and the plurality of second indication positions radially spaced from the first indication positions D1 ( D2) is provided. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 39 to 41, the first indication position D1 may be disposed radially spaced about the reference position S, and as shown in FIGS. 42 to 46, the reference position ( It may be arranged spaced apart in a rectangular shape with respect to S).

More specifically, in FIG. 39, eight first directing positions D1 are radially spaced apart from each other, and four second directing positions D2 are disposed at the first directing positions again with respect to the first directing positions. do. At this time, the second indication position (D2) is disposed in two circumferential directions perpendicular to the inward direction, the outward direction opposite to the inward direction, toward the reference position (S), the inward direction and outward direction.

This is in consideration of the convenience of movement of the finger with respect to the reference position (S), the user can input the data assigned to each of the indication position in accordance with the natural movement of the finger.

In addition, a first sensing unit 71 is provided at each first indicating position D1, and a second sensing unit 73 is provided at each second indicating position D2. Therefore, when each first indication position is pressed, the first direction input is performed by detecting the first detection unit.

In addition, when the input unit is pressed or inclined toward each of the second indication positions, the second sensing unit 73 detects this and the second direction input M is performed. Here, in the above-described embodiment, the second direction input is performed by pressing or tilting the input unit outward. However, in the present embodiment, pressing or tilting the first input unit toward the second indication position D2 is referred to as the second direction input ( It is called M). That is, the second direction input M in this embodiment is used in the concept including the outward input O and the inward input I in the above-described embodiment.

In FIG. 40, the second instruction position D2 is disposed in the up, down, left, and right directions around each first instruction position D1. Therefore, since the second instruction position is disposed in the same direction with respect to each first instruction position, there is an advantage that the user is easy to know the second instruction position.

In FIG. 41, similarly to FIG. 39, the first instruction positions are arranged radially, but at the first instruction positions in the diagonal directions, the second instruction positions are disposed only in the inward direction and the outward direction. In the first indication position arranged in the up, down, left, and right directions around the reference position S, four second indication positions are arranged to respectively perform four second direction inputs M, and the reference position S is centered. In order to perform two second direction inputs M by arranging two second indication positions at the second indication positions arranged in the diagonal directions. In addition, the two second indication positions are arranged in the inward direction and the outward direction at the first indication position in the diagonal direction, so that the input according to the natural movement of the finger is possible.

In FIGS. 42 to 46, the first instruction positions D1 are arranged in a square shape around the reference position S, and two or four second instruction positions D2 are arranged at each first instruction position. .

More specifically, in FIG. 42 and FIG. 43, four second instruction positions are arranged at the first instruction position in the up, down, left, and right directions around the reference position S, and two second instruction positions are arranged at the first instruction position in the diagonal direction. Indication positions are arranged.

At this time, in FIG. 42, the second indication position is disposed in the vertical direction at the first indication position in the diagonal direction, and the second direction input M is performed by pressing or tilting the first input unit 10a to the corresponding second indication position. do.

In FIG. 43, the second indication position is disposed at the left and right directions at the first indication position in the diagonal direction, and the second direction input M is performed by pressing or tilting the first input unit 10a to the corresponding second indication position. do.

On the other hand, in FIGS. 44 to 46, four second instruction positions are arranged at the first instruction position in the diagonal direction with respect to the reference position S, and two second instruction positions at the first instruction position in the up, down, left, and right directions. Is arranged.

More specifically, in FIG. 44, the second indication position is disposed in the inward direction and the outward direction at the first indication position in the up, down, left, and right directions to press or tilt the first input unit 10a to the corresponding second indication position in the second direction. The input M is arranged to be performed.

In FIG. 45, the second directing positions are disposed in the left and right directions at the first directing positions in the up, down, left, and right directions so that the second direction input M is performed by pressing or tilting the first input unit 10a to the corresponding second directing positions. Prepared.

In addition, in FIG. 46, the second directing position is disposed in the vertical direction from the first directing position in the up, down, left, and right directions to press or incline the first input unit 10a to the second directing position to perform the second direction input M. FIG. It is prepared to be.

At this time, four second instruction positions are arranged at the first instruction positions in the diagonal directions in FIGS. 44 to 46, and each second instruction position is disposed in the up, down, left, and right directions about the first instruction position. The second indication position may be disposed in a diagonal direction, not up, down, left, or right directions with respect to the first indication position.

The first input unit 10a illustrated in FIGS. 39 to 46 described in the present embodiment may be provided as a separate type as shown in FIG. 21 or as an integrated type as shown in FIG. 23. In this case, the detachable or integrated first input unit may be implemented as shown in FIGS. 28 to 31.

In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, the entire movement input A may be performed among the third direction inputs in which the entire first input unit 10a moves in the direction of the first indication position. As shown in FIG. 35, the second input unit 10b may be provided at the center of the first input unit 10a to perform the center movement input C among the third direction inputs by the second input unit 10b. In this case, the mouse function may be performed by the central movement input C in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

39 and 40 in the present embodiment, eight first direction inputs and 32 second direction inputs are possible, so that a total of 40 different data can be input. 41 to 46, eight first direction inputs and 24 second direction inputs are possible, so that a total of 32 different data can be input. Therefore, in the forms shown in Figs. 39 to 46, all 26 English alphabets or 24 Korean alphabet letters can be arranged at each instruction position, and various function keys (enter, space, cancel, confirmation, mode change, etc.) are left at the instruction position. ) Can be used.

If the mode to be inputted cannot be assigned in the form of FIGS. 39 to 46 only, the total number of input data may be increased by performing the entire movement input A and the central movement input C. FIG. Therefore, in the maximum case, 40 types according to the forms shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, 8 total moving inputs and 8 central moving inputs are possible, and thus, 56 different data can be input. .

The rights of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, but are defined by the claims, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and adaptations within the scope of the claims. It is self-evident.

1 is a front view showing an application example of a data input device according to the present invention;

2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an input unit according to the present invention;

3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a contact input and a pressurization input to an input unit according to the present invention;

4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a vertical pressure input to an input unit according to the present invention;

5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a movement input to an input unit according to the present invention;

6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a second direction input to an input unit according to the present invention;

7 and 8 are a conceptual diagram illustrating a horizontal pressure input to the input unit according to the present invention,

9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a tilt movement input for an input unit according to the present invention;

10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an inclined pressure input to the input unit according to the present invention;

11 to 13 are conceptual views illustrating a combinational input to an input unit according to the present invention;

14 is a view for explaining a method for determining a reference position and a first indication position in the input unit according to the present invention;

15 and 16 are views showing another configuration of the data input device according to the present invention;

17 and 18 are perspective views for explaining the input mechanism according to the present invention,

19 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a terminal for an electronic device equipped with a data input device according to the present invention;

20 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of a data input device according to the present invention;

21 is a block diagram showing a detachable data input device;

FIG. 22 is a view showing an implementation manner of the removable data input device shown in FIG. 21;

23 is a block diagram showing an integrated data input device;

24 is a view showing an implementation manner of the integrated data input device shown in FIG. 23;

25 is a conceptual diagram showing another expression example of the concept of the embodiment according to FIG. 20;

26 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of another embodiment of a data input device according to the present invention;

27 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of another embodiment of a data input device according to the present invention;

28 is a view showing another implementation manner of the detachable data input device;

29 to 31 are views showing another implementation of the integrated data input device;

32 and 33 illustrate another implementation of the data input device;

34 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another concept of a data input device according to the present invention;

35 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another concept of a data input device according to the present invention;

36 to 38 are conceptual views illustrating an embodiment of the data input device shown in FIG. 35;

39 to 46 are conceptual views illustrating yet another concept of a data input device according to the present invention.

Claims (45)

In a data input device having a predetermined sensing area in an electronic device terminal, An input unit for distinguishing and detecting a contact position or a pressurization of a plurality of reference positions that are positionally displaceable in the sensing area and a plurality of first indication positions radially disposed around the reference position, and generating an input signal corresponding to the contact or pressurization; And A control unit for extracting and inputting data allocated to the input signal from the memory unit by determining the contact of the finger, the pressing point or the pressing direction from the input signal Data input device comprising a. delete The method of claim 1, The input unit, A first outward movement input moving toward any one of the plurality of first indication positions in a state of contacting the reference position; A second outward movement input moving outward toward any one of the plurality of first indication positions without contacting the reference position; A first inward movement input that moves from one of the plurality of first indication positions until it contacts the reference position; and And generating the input signal by dividing a second inward movement input moving inwardly until it touches the reference position from any one of the plurality of first indication positions. The method of claim 3, The input unit, A first through movement input moving through the reference position from one of the plurality of first indication positions and a second through movement input moving through any one of the plurality of first instruction positions through the reference position; And classifying and generating the input signal. The method of claim 3, The input unit, And a movement input performed in a contact state and a movement input performed in a pressurized state to generate the input signal. delete The method of claim 1, The input unit, And further generating a corresponding input signal by detecting a contact input or a pressurizing input or a moving input directed to the second instruction position radially disposed around the first instruction position. Input device. The method of claim 1, The reference position and the first indication position is disposed within a range that can be covered with one finger, and a vertical pressure input for vertically pressing any one of the plurality of first indication positions with the finger placed on the input unit. A horizontal pressure input for applying a pressure radially to any one of the plurality of first indication positions while the finger is placed on the input unit, any one of the plurality of first indication positions when the finger is placed on the input unit; Data input device characterized in that one or more of the pressure input of the inclined pressure input to pressurizing while increasing the pressure in one radial direction. delete The method of claim 1, The input unit, A moving unit which is moved by a horizontal pressing input of a finger placed on the input unit, wherein the horizontal pressing is an input for applying a pressure horizontally toward any one of the plurality of first indication positions; And A sensing unit disposed at each of the plurality of first indication positions to sense movement of the moving unit; Data input device comprising a. delete The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, and 7 to 8, And the input signal is divided into two or more signals according to the length and the length of the moving distance of the input part or the strength of the pressing force on the input part. The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, and 7 to 8, And the input signal generates an input signal corresponding to data different from the data according to each input when two or more inputs are successively performed. delete delete delete The method according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, and 7 to 8, The input unit detects the contact area of the finger and transmits the information obtained to the controller, and the controller determines the center position of the contact area and then determines the reference position and the first indication position based on the center position. Data input device, characterized in that. delete delete delete delete delete delete A first direction input provided at a base of the terminal for an electronic device and pressing any one of a plurality of instruction positions radially spaced about a reference position within a predetermined input radius in a vertical direction; One or more direction inputs of a second direction input for pressing one outward in a direction opposite to the reference position and a third direction input for pressing one of the plurality of instruction positions inward in the direction of the reference position are each independently performed. An input unit; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; A third sensing unit sensing the third direction input; And When the first direction input is detected through the first sensing unit, first data allocated to the first direction input at the instruction position is extracted from a memory, and when the second direction input is sensed through the second sensing unit, the first direction input is detected. Extracting the second data allocated to the second direction input at the instruction position from the memory, and when the third direction input is detected through the third sensing unit, the third data allocated to the third direction input at the instruction position; A control unit for extracting and executing from the memory unit Data input device comprising a. The method of claim 24, The entire input unit independently performs a fourth direction input in which the entirety of the input unit is moved outwardly toward the one of the plurality of instruction positions, and the controller is configured to perform the fourth direction input at the instruction position as the fourth direction input is performed. And extracting from the memory unit the fourth data allocated to the four-way input. The method of claim 25, The center input unit is further provided at the reference position to perform a fifth direction input for pressing or moving outward from the reference position toward any one of the plurality of instruction positions. And the controller extracts and executes, from the memory unit, fifth data allocated to the fifth direction input at the instruction position as the fifth direction input of the medium voltage input unit is performed. delete delete delete delete delete The method of claim 24, The input unit is made of an elastic body that can be twisted at each of the plurality of indicating positions, And the second sensing unit or the third sensing unit senses the second direction input or the third direction input through a twisting direction at the instruction position. delete delete A first direction input provided at a base of the terminal for an electronic device and pressing any one of a plurality of instruction positions radially spaced about a reference position within a predetermined input radius in a vertical direction; An input unit configured to independently perform at least one direction input among a second direction input for pressing one outside and a third direction input for pressing one inside of the plurality of instruction positions; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; A third sensing unit sensing the third direction input; And When the first direction input is detected through the first sensing unit, first data allocated to the first direction input at the instruction position is extracted from a memory, and when the second direction input is sensed through the second sensing unit, the first direction input is detected. Extracting the second data allocated to the second direction input at the instruction position from the memory, and when the third direction input is detected through the third sensing unit, the third data allocated to the third direction input at the instruction position; A control unit for extracting and executing from the memory unit Data input device comprising a. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein The entire input unit independently performs a fourth direction input in which the entirety of the input unit is moved outwardly toward the one of the plurality of instruction positions, and the controller is configured to perform the fourth direction input at the instruction position as the fourth direction input is performed. And extracting from the memory unit the fourth data allocated to the four-way input. A first direction input and a plurality of first direction indication positions provided on a base of the electronic device terminal and pressing one of the plurality of first direction indicating positions spaced apart from the reference position within a predetermined input radius; An input unit configured to independently perform second direction inputs moving in any one direction among a plurality of second direction indication positions disposed radially apart from each other; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And When the first direction input is detected by the first sensing unit, first data allocated to the first direction indicating position is extracted from a memory, and when the second direction input is sensed by the second sensing unit, the first direction input is performed. Control unit for extracting and executing the second data allocated to the two-way instruction position from the memory unit Data input device comprising a. delete delete delete The method of claim 37, The plurality of second direction indicating positions in at least two of two circumferential directions perpendicular to the inward direction, the outward direction opposite to the inward direction, and the inward direction toward the reference position at each first direction indicating position; Data input device, characterized in that the arrangement. The method of claim 37, The entire input unit independently performs a fourth direction input of moving outwards from the reference position toward the plurality of first direction indicating positions, and the controller controls the first direction indicating position as the fourth direction input is performed. And extracting from the memory unit the fourth data allocated to the fourth direction input in the memory. The method of claim 42, wherein The central input unit is further provided at the reference position to perform a fifth direction input for pressing or moving outward from the reference position toward any one of the plurality of first direction indicating positions. And the controller extracts and executes, from the memory unit, fifth data allocated to the fifth direction input at the first direction indication position as the fifth direction input of the central input unit is performed. delete delete

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