KR20170012171A - Controlling apparatus using touch input and controlling method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a touch input device and a method for controlling the same, enabling a user to input a character. The touch input device a swiping input unit for selecting a character through a users sweeping gesture; a gesture input unit which is located in a different area from that of the swiping input section and on which a user can touch and input a gesture; and a control unit for determining that the selected character is input when the touch gesture is input from the swiping input unit to the gesture input unit. The gesture input unit is located at the center. The sweeping input unit is located at an outer periphery of the gesture input unit. The first inclination of the sweeping input part at the boundary, where the sweeping input unit and the gesture input unit meet, is larger than the second inclination of the gesture input unit. The control unit moves the pointer according to the direction of the sweeping gesture to select any one of a plurality of characters. When the pointer is moved by the touch gesture from the swiping input unit to the gesture input unit in a state where the pointer is not removed, it is determined that the selected character is input.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a touch input device and a method of controlling the touch input device,

And more particularly, to a touch input device and a control method of the touch input device by which a user can input a character.

Generally, various electronic devices are being developed through the development of electronic communication technology, and these electronic devices are increasingly emphasizing the ease of design of users with ease of operation. What is emphasized in this trend is the diversification of input devices represented by keyboards or keypads.

The touch input device is one of an information communication device that uses various display devices and an input device that constitutes an interface between the user and the user. The user touches or touches the touch pad or the touch screen directly by using an input tool such as a finger or a touch pen, It enables the interface between the communication device and the user.

The touch input device is utilized by various devices such as an automated teller machine (ATM), a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a mobile phone because a touch input device such as a finger or a touch pen can be easily used by anyone, It is also widely used in many fields such as banks, government offices, sightseeing and traffic information.

In recent years, efforts have been made to apply touch input devices to health and medical products and vehicles. Such a touch input device can be implemented on a touch screen or can be used separately from a display device, and thus its utilization is increasing.

The disclosed embodiment provides a touch input device capable of easily inputting a character using a touch input while the user is watching a front or a screen and reducing the error occurrence rate of a character input, and a control method of the touch input device do.

In addition, the disclosed embodiments provide a touch input device and a control method of a touch input device that improve a user's operation feeling or touch feeling when a user operates a touch input device to input a character.

The touch input device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a swiping input unit that receives a character through a swiping gesture of a user, a gesture input unit that is located in a different area from the sweeping input unit and can input a gesture by touching the user, The gesture input unit is located at the center, the sweeping input unit is located at the outer periphery of the gesture input unit, and the sweeping input unit and the gesture inputting unit are located at the center of the gesture input unit, The first inclination of the sweeping input portion at the boundary is set to be larger than the second inclination of the gesture input portion and the control portion moves the pointer according to the direction of the sweeping gesture to select any one of a plurality of characters, From the sweeping input section to the gesture input section It is determined that the selected character is input when the pointer is moved by the touch gesture of the touch screen.

When the flicking gesture is input from the sweeping input unit to the gesture input unit, the control unit can determine that the selected character is input.

The touch input device may further include a display device for displaying characters input from a user.

The sweeping input unit can select a character corresponding to the end point of the sweeping gesture input from the user.

The touch input device may further include a display device for listing characters that the user can input in the sweeping display area.

The display device can highlight the selected character in the sweeping display area.

When the gesture is input from the gesture input unit to the sweeping input unit, the control unit can delete the input character.

The touch input apparatus further includes a display device, wherein the gesture input unit receives the flicking gesture from the user, and the control unit moves the cursor displayed on the display device according to the direction of the flicking gesture input in the gesture input unit.

The control unit may replace a character input with a character corresponding to the sweeping gesture when the flicking gesture is input from the gesture input unit to the sweeping input unit and the sweeping gesture is input in the sweeping input unit.

The gesture input may include a concave shape.

The gesture input portion may be provided in a circular shape, and the sweeping input portion may be provided to surround the circumferential edge of the gesture input portion.

The swinging input portion may be provided so as to be inclined downward.

The sweeping input portion may include a plurality of graduations formed in a negative or positive angle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a touch input device, including: receiving a sweeping gesture by a sweeping input unit; selecting a character among a plurality of characters by moving a pointer according to a direction of the sweeping gesture; Receiving a touch gesture from a ping input unit in a different area from the sweeping input unit and inputting the touch gesture to a gesture input unit through which a user can touch and input a gesture; and determining that the selected character is input, Wherein the first inclination of the sweeping input unit is set to be larger than the second inclination of the gesture input unit at a boundary between the sweeping input unit and the gesture input unit, Gesture from the sweeping input It is determined that the selected character is input when the pointer moves by the touch gesture to the force unit.

The method of controlling a touch input device may further include displaying a character determined to be input on a display device.

The step of displaying may include the step of listing the characters that the user can input, highlighting the selected characters, and displaying the characters judged to have been inputted separately from the characters displayed.

The control method of the touch input device may further include receiving a gesture from the gesture input unit to the sweeping input unit, and deleting the input character.

A method for controlling a touch input device includes the steps of receiving a gesture from a gesture input unit to a sweeping input unit, receiving a swinging gesture from the swinging input unit and selecting another character corresponding to another swinging gesture, Inputting a different gesture to the gesture input unit, and replacing characters input by other characters.

The control method of the touch input apparatus may further include a step of receiving the flicking gesture by the gesture input unit and a step of moving the cursor displayed on the display unit in accordance with the direction of the flicking gesture.

The step of selecting a character may include moving a cursor displayed on the display device according to the direction of the sweeping gesture.

The control method of the touch input device may further include storing the input character.

In the case of using the touch input device and the touch input device control method according to the disclosed embodiment, when the user does not gaze at the touch input unit, that is, when the user is looking at or looking forward at the display device, You can enter characters.

In addition, when the touch input device and the control method of the touch input device according to the disclosed embodiments are used, the user can intuitively know to which region of the touch input portion the finger is positioned due to a tilt sensation felt on the finger.

Therefore, the user can easily input a character while looking at the display device without needing to look at the touch input unit to input a character, and also can input a precise character at an accurate position, thereby improving the recognition rate of the character.

1 is a perspective view showing a touch input device according to a first embodiment.
2 is a plan view showing the touch input device according to the first embodiment.
3 is a sectional view taken along line BB of Fig.
4 to 6 are views for explaining the operation of the touch input device 200 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a gesture input view, Fig. 5 shows a swinging input view, Fig. 6 shows a tap input appearance Fig.
7 is a diagram showing a finger trace when the user inputs the gesture in the vertical direction.
8 is a diagram showing the finger trajectory when the user inputs the gesture in the left and right direction.
FIGS. 9A and 10B illustrate examples of inputting characters and input results by operating the touch input device according to the first embodiment.
FIGS. 11A to 13B are views illustrating deletion or substitution of inputted characters and deletion and substitution results.
14 is a cross-sectional view showing a touch portion according to the second embodiment.
15 is a cross-sectional view showing a touch portion according to the third embodiment.
16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the touch input device according to the first to third embodiments is installed in a health appliance.
17 is a view showing an interior view of a vehicle in which the touch input device according to the first embodiment is installed.
18 is a perspective view showing a gear box equipped with the touch input device according to the first embodiment.
19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a touch input device for inputting a character using the touch input device according to an exemplary embodiment.
20 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a touch input device for deleting or replacing characters using a touch input device according to an exemplary embodiment.

It should be noted that, in the case of adding the reference numerals to the constituent elements of the drawings, the same constituent elements have the same number as much as possible even if they are displayed on different drawings. In the following description, a detailed description of related arts will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the present invention may be unnecessarily obscured. The terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another element, and the element is not limited by the terms.

1 is a perspective view showing a touch input device according to a first embodiment.

The touch input device 200 according to the first embodiment includes a gesture input means by which a user can touch and input a gesture. The gesture input unit may include a gesture input unit 210 located at the center and a sweeping input unit 220 located at the outer edge of the gesture input unit 210. Here, the swiping input unit 220 means a portion where the swiping gesture can be input, and the swype means inputting the gesture without releasing the pointer from the touch pad.

The touch input device 200 includes touch parts 210 and 220 for receiving a user's gesture and a frame part 230 surrounding the touch parts 210 and 220.

The touch units 210 and 220 may be touch pads on which a signal is input when the user touches or approaches a pointer such as a finger or a touch pen. The user can input a predetermined touch gesture to the touch units 210 and 220 and input a desired instruction or command.

The touch pad may include a touch film or a touch sheet including the touch sensor regardless of its name. In addition, the touch pad may include a touch panel which is a display device capable of touching the screen.

On the other hand, recognizing the position of the pointer in proximity with the pointer not touching the touch pad is referred to as "proximity touch ", and when the pointer touches the touch pad, touch ". At this time, the position to be the proximity touch may be a position where the pointer corresponds vertically to the touch pad when the pointer is close to the touch pad.

The touch pad may be a resistive type, an optical type, a capacitive type, an ultrasonic type, or a pressure type. That is, known various types of touch pads can be used.

The rim portion 230 is a portion surrounding the peripheries of the touch portions 210 and 220 and may be provided separately from the touch portions 210 and 220. Key buttons 232a and 232b or touch buttons 231a, 231b, and 231c surrounding the touch units 210 and 220 may be positioned at the frame 230. That is, the user can input the gesture at the touch units 210 and 220 or input the gesture using the buttons 231 and 232 provided at the edge 230 around the touch units 210 and 220 have.

The touch input device 200 according to the first embodiment may further include a wrist support means 240 positioned below the gesture input means for supporting a user's wrist. At this time, the wrist support means 240 may be located higher than the gesture input means, i.e., the touch portions 210 and 220. This can prevent the wrist from being bent when the user inputs the gesture to the touch portions 210 and 220 with the finger while the wrist is supported by the wrist support means 240. [ Therefore, it is possible to prevent a user from suffering from a diseased condition and to provide a more comfortable operation feeling.

2 is a plan view showing the touch input device according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B in Fig.

The touch portions 210 and 220 may include portions lower than a boundary line with the rim portion 230. That is, the touch surfaces of the touch portions 210 and 220 may be positioned lower than the boundary between the touch portions 210 and 220 and the edge portion 230. For example, the touch surface may be inclined downward from the boundary with the rim 230, or may be positioned with a boundary line with the rim 230. Meanwhile, the touch units 210 and 220 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 include a curved surface portion 210 having a concave curved surface shape.

It is possible for the user to recognize the areas and boundaries of the touch parts 210 and 220 by tactile because the touch parts 210 and 220 include a part lower than the boundary part with the rim part 230. [ The recognition rate can be increased when the gesture is made in the central portion of the touch portions 210 and 220. [ Also, even if you enter a similar gesture, there is a risk of being recognized as a different command if you enter the gesture at different locations. The problem is that the user inputs a gesture without gazing at the touch area. When a user inputs a gesture while observing a display device or when a gesture is input in a state where the user concentrates on an external situation, the user can intuitively perceive the touch area and the boundary, so that the user can advantageously input the gesture in the correct position have. Therefore, the input accuracy of the gesture is improved.

The touch portions 210 and 220 may include a concave shape. Here, the concave shape means a recessed or recessed shape, and may include not only a rounded shape but also a shape that slopes or enters a stepped shape.

For example, the touch portions 210 and 220 may include concave curved shapes.

The curved surface portion 210 of the touch portion according to the first embodiment shown in the drawing is provided with a concave curved surface having a constant curvature. On the other hand, the curved surfaces of the touch portion can be provided differently. For example, the curvature of the central portion is small (meaning that the radius of curvature is large) and the curvature of the outer portion is large (meaning that the radius of curvature is small).

Since the touch units 210 and 220 include a curved surface, the sense of touch (or feeling of operation) felt by the user when the gesture is input can be increased. The curved surface shape of the curved surface portion 210 is similar to the trajectory drawn by the motion of the fingertip when a person moves the finger while the wrist is fixed, or when the finger rotates the wrist with a pin, .

As compared with the generally used flat touch part, the touch parts 210 and 220 including concave curved surfaces as in the embodiment can be ergonomically designed.

That is, not only the user's operation feeling is improved but also the fatigue applied to the wrist, etc. can be reduced. Further, the input accuracy can be improved as compared with the case of inputting the gesture to the plane touch portion.

In addition, the touch units 210 and 220 may be provided in a circular shape. When the touch portions 210 and 220 are provided in a circular shape, it is easy to form a concave curved surface. In addition, since the touch parts 210 and 220 are provided in a circular shape, the touch area of the circular touch parts 210 and 220 can be sensed by the user, so that the user can easily input a rolling or spin operation.

In addition, since the touch units 210 and 220 are provided in a curved surface, the user can intuitively know the position of the finger on the touch units 210 and 220. Since the touch portions 210 and 220 are provided in a curved surface, the inclination of the touch portions 210 and 220 varies at any point of the touch portions 210 and 220. [ Accordingly, the user can intuitively know the position of the finger on the touching part 210 or 220 through the sense of inclination felt through the finger.

This feature is advantageous in that when a gesture is input to the touch units 210 and 220 while the user fixes the line of sight to the touch units 210 and 220, By providing the feedback, the user can input the desired gesture, and the input accuracy of the gesture can be improved.

On the other hand, the touch pad used in the touch units 210 and 220 provided on the curved surface can recognize a touch using an optical method. For example, an infrared LED (IR LED) and a photodiode array may be disposed on the rear surface of the curved touch parts 210 and 220. The infrared LED and the photodiode secure the infrared image reflected by the finger, and the control unit extracts the touch point from the secured image.

Meanwhile, the diameter and depth of the touch parts 210 and 220 can be ergonomically designed. For example, the diameters of the touch portions 210 and 220 may be selected within a range of 50 mm to 80 mm.

Considering the average finger length of an adult, the range in which a finger can be moved at a time by movement of a natural finger while the wrist is fixed can be selected within 80 mm. When the diameter of the touch units 210 and 220 exceeds 80 mm, when the user draws a circle in the sweeping input unit 220, the movement of the hand becomes unnatural, and the wrist is used more than necessary.

On the contrary, when the diameter of the touch units 210 and 220 is smaller than 50 mm, the area of the touch area is reduced, so that the diversity of input gestures may be lost. Also, a gesture is drawn in a narrow area, which increases the input error of the gesture.

When the touch units 210 and 220 are provided in a spherical shape, the depth / diameter of the touch units 210 and 220 may be selected from 0.04 to 0.1. A value obtained by dividing the depth of the touch units 210 and 220 by the diameter means a degree of curving of the curved surface of the touch units 210 and 220. That is, the larger the depth / diameter value of the touch portions 210 and 220 having the same diameter, the more concave shape. Conversely, the smaller the depth / diameter value, the more flat shape.

When the depth / diameter value of the touch portions 210 and 220 is larger than 0.1, the curvature of the concave shape becomes large, which makes the user's sense of touch uncomfortable. It is preferable that the concave shape of the touch portions 210 and 220 coincides with the curvature of the curved line drawn by the fingertip in the natural finger movement of the user. However, when the depth / diameter value exceeds 0.1, when a user moves his or her finger along the curved surface of the touch part 210 or 220, more force than necessary is applied to the finger, and an artificial operation feeling is felt. In addition, when the user unconsciously moves the finger naturally, the curved surface and the fingertip may fall apart. In this case, the touch of the gesture is cut off and a recognition error occurs.

In addition, if the depths of the touch portions 210 and 220 are too low, it is difficult for the user to feel the advantages of the curved portion in comparison with the flat portion. If the depth / diameter value of the touch units 210 and 220 is smaller than 0.04, it is difficult for the user to feel the difference in the operation feeling as compared with the case where the user draws the gesture on the plane touch unit.

The touch portions 210 and 220 according to the first embodiment may include an inclined portion 220 that is inclined downward along the outer edge of the curved portion 210. The curved surface portion 210 may have a shape of a spherical surface and the inclined portion 220 may surround the curved surface portion 210 when the touch portions 210 and 220 are provided in a circular shape.

The slope portion 220 can operate as the sweeping input portion 220. For example, the user may input a sweeping gesture along a slope 220 provided in a circular shape. The user may input the sweeping gesture clockwise along the slope 220 or enter the sweeping gesture counterclockwise.

On the other hand, the sweeping gesture can be inputted into different gestures as the input start point and the end point are changed. That is, the sweeping gesture inputted to the slope 220 located on the left side of the curved surface portion 210 and the sweeping gesture inputted to the slope 220 located on the right side of the curved surface 210 have different operations . Further, even when the user touches the finger at the same point to enter the sweeping gesture, the user can be recognized as a different gesture when the end point of the gesture is changed, that is, when the position where the user releases the finger is changed.

Also, the slope unit 220 may receive a tap gesture. That is, different instructions or instructions can be given according to the position of the slope part 220 which the user taps.

The slope portion 220 may include graduations 221. The scales 221 can visually or tactilely indicate the position relative to the user. In one example, the scales 221 may be formed with a relief or a relief. Each of the scales 221 may be arranged at regular intervals. Accordingly, the user can intuitively know the number of scales 221 passing the finger during the sweeping operation, thereby precisely controlling the length of the sweeping gesture.

In one embodiment, the cursor displayed on the display device may move according to the number of scales 221 through which the finger passes in the sweeping gesture. When various characters are continuously arranged on the display device, each time the user passes a scale 221 while the user is swiping, the selected character can be shifted by one space by one space.

The inclination of the inclined portion 220 according to the first embodiment may be greater than the inclination of the curved portion 210 at the boundary where the inclined portion 220 and the curved portion 210 meet. The user can intuitively feel the touch region of the curved portion 210 by providing the slope of the slope portion 220 more urgently than the curved portion 210 when the gesture is input in the curved portion 210. [ On the other hand, during the input of the gesture on the curved surface portion 210, the touch of the slope 220 may not be recognized. The gesture input of the curved portion 210 and the sweep gesture input of the slope 220 may not overlap with each other even if the user reaches the boundary with the slope 220 during the input of the gesture to the curved portion 210 .

The curved surface portion 210 and the inclined portion 220 may be formed integrally with the touch portions 210 and 220 according to the first embodiment. Meanwhile, the touch sensor may be provided separately on the curved surface portion 210 and the inclined portion 220, or may be provided as one touch sensor. When the touch sensor is provided on the curved part 210 and the inclined part 220, the controller divides the touch area of the curved part 210 and the touch area of the inclined part 220 to form the curved part 210 Input section) and the gesture input signal of the slope section 220 (i.e., the sweeping input section).

The touch input device 200 may further include button input means 231 and 232. The button input means 231 and 232 may be located around the touch units 210 and 220. The user can operate the buttons 231 and 232 without changing the position of the hand while inputting the gesture, so that a quick operation command can be issued.

The button input means 231 and 232 include touch buttons 231a, 231b and 231c capable of performing a function designated by a user's touch or a pressing button (232a, 232b). When the touch buttons 231a, 231b, and 231c are used, the touch input devices 231 and 232 may be equipped with a touch sensor.

The push buttons 232a and 232b may be slidable in the up-and-down direction (out-of-plane direction) by an external force or slidable in the in-plane direction. In the latter case, the user can input a signal by pulling or pushing the push buttons 232a and 232b. It is also possible to operate such that different signals are inputted when the push buttons 232a and 232b are pushed and pulled, respectively.

In the figure, five buttons 231 and 232 are shown. For example, each of the buttons 231 and 232 includes a home button 231a for moving to a home menu, a back button 231b for moving to a previous screen in the current screen, An option button 231c for moving to a menu, and two shortcut buttons 232a and 232b. The shortcut buttons 232a and 232b allow the user to directly specify a menu or device frequently used by the user.

The button input means 231 and 232 according to the first embodiment are arranged such that the touch buttons 231a and 231b and 231c are positioned on the upper and both sides and the pressing buttons 232a and 232b are provided between the touch buttons 231a, 232b. By positioning the pressing buttons 232a and 232b between adjacent touch buttons 231a, 231b and 231c, it is possible to prevent a mistake in operating the touch buttons 231a, 231b and 231c unlike the user intends.

The touch input device 200 according to the first embodiment includes a control unit that recognizes a gesture input to the touch units 210 and 220 and analyzes the gesture and commands the various devices.

The control unit may move a cursor or a menu on the display according to a position at which the pointer moves on the touch units 210 and 220. That is, when the pointer moves from the upper part to the lower part, the cursor displayed on the display can be moved in the same direction, or the pre-selected menu can be moved from the upper menu to the lower menu.

In addition, the control unit may analyze the locus of movement of the pointer to correspond to the predefined gesture, and execute the command defined in the corresponding gesture. The gesture can be entered by flicking, rolling, spinning, or tapping the pointer. In addition, the user can input gestures using various touch input methods.

Here, the flicking is a touch input method in which the pointer is moved in one direction while the pointer is in contact with the touch parts 210 and 220, and then the contact state is released. The rolling is performed by touching the center of the touch parts 210 and 220 The touch refers to a touch input method in which a circle is drawn around the center of the touch units 210 and 220 while the tap is a touch input method in which the touch units 210 and 220 are hit.

The control unit may include a program for controlling the touch input device 200 and a display device, a memory for storing data, and a processor for generating a control signal according to programs and data stored in the memory.

The user can also input the gesture using the multi-pointer input method. The multi-pointer input method refers to a method of inputting a gesture in a state in which two pointers are simultaneously or sequentially in contact with each other. For example, two gestures may be input while the two touches 210 and 220 are touched. By using the multi-pointer input method, the single pointer input method and the gesture can be reduced, so that it is possible to provide various commands or instructions that the user can input.

The user can also input a gesture by drawing letters, numbers, or symbols. As an example, Korean consonants / vowels, alphabets, Arabic numerals, or arithmetic symbols can be drawn. The user can directly input letters or numbers to input, thereby shortening the input time and providing a more intuitive interface.

The touch units 210 and 220 can be pressed or tilted so that the user applies pressure to the touch units 210 and 220 to press or tilt a part of the touch units 210 and 220 An execution signal corresponding thereto can be input. Here, the pressing operation may include a case in which the touch portions 210 and 220 are pressed in parallel and a case in which the touch portions 210 and 220 are tilted down. In addition, when the touch units 210 and 220 are provided in a flexible manner, only a part thereof may be pressed.

For example, the touch portions 210 and 220 may be inclined in at least one direction d1 to d4 with respect to the central axis. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, it can be inclined in the up, down, left, and right directions d1 to d4. Of course, it may be arranged to be inclined in various directions according to the embodiment. In addition, when the center portion d5 of the touch units 210 and 220 is pressed, the touch units 210 and 220 can be pressed in parallel.

The user can press or tilt the touch input device 200 to input a predetermined instruction or command. For example, when the user presses the center portion d5 of the touch units 210 and 220, a menu or the like can be selected. When the user presses the upper portion d1 of the touch units 210 and 220, .

4 to 6 are views for explaining the operation of the touch input device 200 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a gesture input view, Fig. 5 shows a swinging input view, Fig. 6 shows a tap input appearance Fig.

Referring to FIG. 4, the user can input an operation command by drawing a gesture on the gesture input unit 210. [0050] FIG. Figure 4 shows a flickering gesture in which the pointer moves from left to right. Referring to FIG. 5, a user may input an operation command by rubbing the sweeping input unit 220 (i.e., rolling or spinning). 5 shows a sweeping gesture that starts to contact at the left slope 220 and moves the pointer along the slope 220 to the top.

Referring to FIG. 6, the user can input an action command by pressing the gesture input unit 210. 6 shows an operation of tapping the right side of the gesture input section 210. Fig.

The gesture input unit 210 refers to the same object as the curved surface unit 210 of the touch unit and the swiping input unit 220 refers to the same object as the inclined unit 220 of the touch unit.

Although not shown in the drawing, the touch input device 200 may include various components related to the operation. The touch input device 200 may include a structure for allowing the touch portions 210 and 220 to be pressed or tilted in the above-described five directions d1 to d5.

In addition, various semiconductor chips, a printed circuit board, and the like may be provided in the touch input device 200. On the other hand, the semiconductor chip may be mounted on a printed circuit board. A semiconductor chip can perform information processing or store data. The semiconductor chip is connected to the touch input device 200 by means of an external force applied to the touch input device 200, a gesture recognized by the touch parts 210 and 220, It is possible to analyze the electrical signal, generate a predetermined control signal according to the analyzed contents, and then transmit the control signal to the control unit or the display device of another device.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a finger trace when the user inputs the gesture in the vertical direction, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the finger trace when the user inputs the gesture in the left and right direction.

The touch portions 210 and 220 according to the first embodiment include concave curved surfaces. At this time, the curvatures of the touch units 210 and 220 can be determined so that the user feels a sense of feeling when the user inputs a gesture. Referring to FIG. 7, when the user moves his / her finger in the vertical direction, the user can input the gesture only by natural movement of the finger in a state in which the joint is not moved or folded except for the finger.

Similarly, referring to FIG. 8, a user can input a gesture only by natural movement of the fingers and the wrist in a state in which the user does not excessively twist his / her wrist when moving his or her finger to the left or right. The shapes of the touch parts 210 and 220 according to the embodiment are ergonomically designed to prevent skeletal diseases that may occur in the wrist or other joints with less feeling of fatigue felt by the user for a long time.

Hereinafter, a method of inputting characters by operating the touch input device 200 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9A to 12B. Fig.

FIGS. 9A and 10B illustrate examples of inputting characters and input results by operating the touch input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11A to FIG. Fig.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the user can select a character to be input by operating the touch input device 200.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 9A, a user can search inputable characters by performing a rolling or a spin operation (i.e., sweeping) in the sweeping input unit 220 of the touch unit. 9B, the display device 500 may list characters that can be input by the user in the sweeping display area 520, and the control unit may display the sweeping display area of the display device 500 corresponding to the position of the pointer 520) to select the character at the cursor location (here the letter "M") and highlight it to the user.

In one embodiment, when the sweeping input section 220 includes a scale 221 (see FIG. 9A), the cursor displayed on the display device 500 according to the number of scales 221 the finger passes through in the sweeping gesture Can be moved. When various characters are continuously arranged in the sweeping display area 520 of the display device 500, a character selected each time the user passes a scale 221 while performing a sweeping operation (i.e., rolling or spinning) You can move one space by one side.

9B, the position of the cursor displayed on the sweeping display area 520 is shown as being the same as the position of the pointer input to the sweeping input part 220, but the position of the cursor displayed on the display device 500 The position of the pointer actually input to the touch input device 200 may be different. For example, even if the user starts to touch the left inclined portion 220 of the touch input device 200 and moves the pointer along the inclined portion 220 to the upper portion in the clockwise direction, The displayed letter "V" starts to be selected and the letters "W" -> "X" -> "Y" -> "Z" can be selected in a clockwise direction according to the user's movement operation.

10A, the user starts the contact in the sweeping input unit 220, moves the pointer to the gesture input unit 210 without releasing the pointer, and turns the pointer (i.e., flicking) The selected character, that is, the selected character. Further, when the user starts the contact at the sweeping input unit 220 and moves the pointer to the gesture input unit 210 without releasing the pointer, and moves the pointer to the sweeping input unit 220 without releasing the pointer The selected character is not input.

Also, although not shown, a user may input a selected character by pressing the center portion of the gesture input unit 210. [

Also, the user may start the contact from the gesture input unit 210 and move the pointer to the sweeping input unit 220 (i.e., flicking) without removing the pointer, thereby deleting the immediately preceding character.

The input characters can be converted into input signals and stored in the memory of the control unit.

Referring to FIG. 10B, the display device 500 may list one or more characters input from the user in the main display area 510, and the cursor on the main display area 510 may be positioned at the position can do.

The cursor displayed on the display device 500 may be located in a different area depending on whether the end point of the input pointer is the gesture input unit 210 or the sweeping input unit 220.

For example, when a user performs a sweep operation from the sweeping input unit 220 to the gesture input unit 210, the end point of the pointer is positioned in the gesture input unit 210, And is located in the display area 510.

In contrast, when the user performs a sweep operation from the gesture input unit 210 to the sweeping input unit 220, the end point of the pointer is positioned in the sweeping input unit 220, and on the display device 500, And is located in the display area 520.

Also, even when the user taps the gesture input unit 210, the end point of the pointer is positioned in the gesture input unit 210, and the cursor is positioned in the main display area 510 on the display device 500.

Conversely, even when the user taps the sweeping input section 220, the end point of the pointer is positioned in the sweeping input section 220, so that the cursor is positioned in the sweeping display area 520 on the display device 500. [

When a user performs a flicking, rolling, spin, or tap operation in the gesture input unit 210 regardless of the end point of the pointer, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 510 < / RTI >

When the user performs a flicking, rolling, spin, or tap operation in the sweeping input unit 220, the cursor moves in the sweeping display area 520 .

Also, the user can delete or replace the already inputted character by positioning the cursor in the main display area 510. [

For example, referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the user starts to touch the left side of the gesture input unit 210 and performs a flicking operation to the right side of the gesture input unit 210, thereby moving the cursor of the main display area 510 And can be moved to the right side in the main display area 510. On the contrary, the user starts to touch the right side of the gesture input unit 210 and performs a flicking operation to the left side of the gesture input unit 210, thereby moving the cursor of the main display area 510 to the left side in the main display area 510 .

For example, if the user wishes to change the already entered "Moter" to "Motor ", he removes the alphabet" e " and performs flicking in the gesture input 210 first to replace it with & You can choose the letter "e".

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the user can start the contact at the gesture input unit 210 and perform the flicking operation to the sweeping input unit 220 to delete the selected character. That is, the user can delete the selected character "e" by moving the pointer to the sweeping input unit 220 without releasing the pointer while the pointer is positioned on the gesture input unit 210. [

In addition, the user may delete the selected character by pressing the back button 231b provided in the touch input device 200. [

13A and 13B, the user performs a sweep operation (i.e., rolling or spinning) in a manner of drawing an arc in the sweeping input section 220, and starts a contact in the sweeping input section 220 A new character can be input by moving the pointer to the gesture input unit 210. [

That is, the user can select characters to be input instead of the deleted alphabet "e" by rubbing the sweeping input unit 220. When the alphabet "o" is selected, the user moves the pointer to the gesture input unit 210 in the sweeping input unit 220 without releasing the pointer, and when the pointer is turned off (ie, flicking), the deleted alphabet "e" Can be replaced with the selected letter "o ".

Further, when the user starts the contact at the sweeping input unit 220 and moves the pointer to the gesture input unit 210 without releasing the pointer, and moves the pointer to the sweeping input unit 220 without releasing the pointer The selected character is not input.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing touch portions 210 and 220 according to the second embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, the touch units 210 and 220 according to the second embodiment may be provided such that the gesture input unit 210 is formed in a planar shape and the sweeping input unit 220 is inclined downward. The gesture input unit 210 is positioned lower than the boundary between the touch units 210 and 220 and the touch units 210 and 220 so that the user can intuitively recognize the touch region.

In addition, it is easy for the user to input the sweeping gesture by providing the slope part 220. [

15 is a cross-sectional view showing a touch portion according to the third embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, in the touch units 210 and 220 according to the third embodiment, the gesture input unit 210 and the sweeping input unit 220 are formed in a continuous curved surface. At this time, the curvature of the sweeping input unit 220 is larger than the curvature of the gesture input unit 210. The user can distinguish the sweeping input unit 220 from the gesture input unit 210 even when the user does not gaze at the touch units 210 and 220 by sensing a sharp change in the curvature.

16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the touch input device according to the first to third embodiments is installed in a health appliance.

The touch input device 200 according to the first to third embodiments may be installed in the health apparatus 10. The health device 10 may include a medical device. The health apparatus 10 includes a body portion 251 that can be lifted by a user, a display portion 250, a first connection portion 252 that connects the body portion 251 and the display portion 250, And a second connection unit 253 for connecting the touch input device 200 and the main body unit 251.

The body part 251 can measure various body information including the body weight of the user.

The display unit 250 may display various image information including the measured body information. In addition, the user can operate the touch input device 200 while the display unit 250 is being viewed.

The display portion 250 may be the display device 500 described above with reference to Figures 9A-13B.

In addition, the touch input device 200 according to the first to third embodiments may be installed in the vehicle 20.

Here, the vehicle 20 refers to various devices for moving the object to be transported from the origin to the destination, such as a person, an object, or an animal. The vehicle 20 may include an automobile running on a road or a track, a ship moving over the sea or a river, and an airplane flying through the air using the action of the air.

In addition, a motor vehicle traveling on a road or a track can move in a predetermined direction in accordance with the rotation of at least one wheel, for example, a three- or four-wheeled vehicle, a construction machine, a two- It can include trains.

FIG. 17 is a view showing an interior of a vehicle equipped with the touch input device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a gear box equipped with the touch input device according to the first embodiment.

17, the vehicle 20 includes a seat 21 on which a driver or the like is mounted, a dashboard 24 provided with a gear box 300, a center fascia 22 and a steering wheel 23, . ≪ / RTI >

The center fascia 22 may be provided with an air conditioner 310, a clock 312, an audio device 313, an AVN device 314, and the like.

The air conditioner 310 adjusts the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and air flow inside the vehicle 20 to comfortably maintain the interior of the vehicle 20. The air conditioner 310 may include at least one discharge port 311 installed in the center fascia 22 for discharging air. The center fascia 22 may be provided with buttons or dials for controlling the air conditioner 310 and the like. A user such as a driver can control the air conditioner 310 by using a button disposed on the center pacea 22. [

The clock 312 may be provided around a button or a dial for controlling the air conditioner 310.

The audio device 313 includes an operation panel provided with a plurality of buttons for performing functions of the audio device 313. [ The audio device may provide a radio mode for providing radio functions and a media mode for reproducing audio files of various storage media containing audio files.

The AVN device 314 may be embedded in the center fascia 22 of the vehicle 20 or protruded on the dashboard 24. The AVN device 314 is an apparatus that can integrally perform an audio function, a video function, and a navigation function according to a user's operation. The AVN apparatus 314 includes an input unit 315 for receiving a user command for the AVN apparatus 314 and a display unit 316 for displaying a screen related to the audio function or a screen related to the video function or a screen related to the navigation function . On the other hand, the audio device 313 may be omitted within a range overlapping with the AVN device 314.

The steering wheel 23 is a device for adjusting the running direction of the vehicle 20. The steering wheel 23 is connected to the rim 321 gripped by the driver and the steering device of the vehicle 20 and is connected to the rim 321, And a spoke 322 connecting the hub. According to the embodiment, the spokes 322 may be provided with an operating device 323 for controlling various devices in the vehicle 20, for example, an audio device or the like.

The dashboard 24 also includes an instrument panel 324 for informing the driver of various vehicle information such as vehicle speed, mileage, engine speed, oil amount, coolant temperature, various warnings, A globe box 325 (globe box), and the like.

The gear box 300 can be generally installed between a driver's seat and a front passenger's seat inside the vehicle 20 and can be equipped with operating devices that the driver needs to operate while driving the vehicle 20. [

18, the gear box 300 is provided with a shift lever 301 for shifting the vehicle 20, a display unit 302 for controlling the performance of the function of the vehicle 20, A button 303 may be provided for executing the program. The touch input device 200 according to the first embodiment may be installed.

The touch input device 200 according to the embodiment may be installed in the gear box 300 so that the touch input device 200 can be operated while the driver is looking forward while driving. For example, the lower portion of the shift lever 301. [ On the other hand, the touch input device 200 may be installed in the center fascia 22, in the passenger seat, or in the back seat.

The touch input device 200 is connected to display devices in the vehicle 20, and can select and execute various icons displayed on the display devices.

The display device installed in the vehicle 20 may include an audio device 313, an AVN device 314, an instrument panel 324, or the like. Also, the display unit 302 may be installed in the gear box 300 if necessary. The display device may also be connected to a head up display (HUD) device or a rearview mirror.

For example, the touch input device 200 can move a cursor displayed on the display device or execute an icon. The icon Ion may include a main menu, a selection menu, a setting menu, and the like. Further, it is possible to operate navigation through the touch input device 200, to set driving conditions of the vehicle, or to execute peripheral devices of the vehicle.

The display apparatus may be the display apparatus 500 described above with reference to Figs. 9A to 13B.

Hereinafter, a character input control method of the touch input device 200 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a touch input device 200 for inputting characters using the touch input device 200 according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a touch input device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. In which a character is deleted or replaced by using the touch input device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The method of controlling the touch input device 200 according to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20 is the same as the touch input device 200 implemented according to at least one of the first to third embodiments described above, For convenience of explanation, the control method of the touch input device 200 according to the first embodiment will be described as an example.

A detailed description of each component included in the touch input device 200 in order to avoid redundant description will be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 19, the sweeping input unit 220 of the touch input apparatus 200 receives a rolling or spinning gesture (i.e., a sweeping gesture) (S1100). Here, receiving a rolling or spin gesture means receiving a pointer without releasing the pointer.

Then, the control unit selects a character corresponding to the end point of the pointer among the characters listed on the display device 500 (S1200). The characters listed on the display device 500 may be letters, numbers, or symbols, and may include consonants / vowels, alphabets, Arabic numerals, or arithmetic symbols, for example.

The characters may be circularly arranged on the sweeping display area 520 of the display device 500 to correspond to a sweeping gesture input scheme that draws a circle.

In addition, the selected character may be highlighted and displayed on the sweeping display area 520 to be clearly displayed to the user. For example, the selected character may be displayed in bold or highlighted.

Then, the controller detects that the pointer has moved from the sweeping input unit 220 to the gesture input unit 210 in a state where the pointer is not removed (S1300).

If the pointer is not removed and the gesture input unit 210 moves back to the sweeping input unit 220 (YES in S1400), the sweeping input unit 220 again performs a rolling or spin gesture (i.e., sweeping) From the user (S1100).

However, if the pointer is removed from the gesture input unit 210 (NO in S1400), the control unit determines that the selected character is input (S1500). The input character may be converted into an input signal and stored in the memory of the control unit, and may be displayed in the main display area 510 of the display device 500.

In this manner, when the character input method using the touch input device 200 is performed, the user can input characters to be intuitively and conveniently input. In this case, the user can easily input a character while looking at the display device without having to look at the touch input unit to input a character, and can input precise characters at accurate positions, thereby improving the recognition rate of characters .

On the other hand, in the case of using the touch input device 200 according to the embodiment, it is possible to not only "input" characters but also to delete or replace them. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 20, do.

First, the touch input device 200 receives a gesture or a command for selecting any one of a plurality of characters already input from the user (S2100).

Then, the controller moves the cursor on the main display area 510 of the display device 500 according to the direction of the inputted gesture, and moves the selected character according to the cursor movement (S2200).

For example, when the user performs a flicking operation from the right side to the left side of the gesture input unit 210, the control unit moves the cursor displayed on the main display area 510 to the left side.

For example, when the user performs the flicking operation from the upper side to the lower side of the gesture input unit 210, the control unit moves the cursor displayed on the main display area 510 downward.

The direction of the gesture includes various directions in which the user can take an action, such as upward, downward, leftward, and rightward as well as diagonal, so that the cursor displayed on the main display area 510 corresponds to the direction of the gesture Can be moved.

Then, the controller detects that the pointer has moved from the gesture input unit 210 to the sweeping input unit 220 in a state where the pointer is not removed (S2300).

When the pointer is moved back to the gesture input unit 210 from the sweeping input unit 220 and the pointer is removed ("Yes" in S2400), the deletion of the character is canceled and the gesture input unit 210 again receives the flickering gesture And receives input from the user (S2100).

However, if the pointer is removed from the swiping input unit 220 ("NO" in S2400), the control unit determines that the selected character is deleted (S2500). The deleted characters can be deleted in the main display area 510 of the display device 500. [

Thus, by using the flicking gesture, the user can selectively delete a character among a plurality of characters already input.

The swipe input unit 220 of the touch input device 200 receives a rolling or a spin gesture (i.e., sweeping) from the user (S2600). Here, receiving a rolling or spin gesture means receiving a pointer without releasing the pointer.

Then, the control unit selects a character corresponding to the end point of the pointer among the characters listed on the display device 500 (S2700).

Then, the controller detects that the pointer has moved from the sweeping input unit 220 to the gesture input unit 210 in a state where the pointer is not removed (S2800).

In the case where the pointer is not removed, the gesture input unit 210 moves back to the sweeping input unit 220 ("YES" in S2900), the input of characters is canceled and the sweeping input unit 220 is again rotated The spin gesture is received from the user (S2600).

However, if the pointer is removed from the gesture input unit 210 ("NO" in S2900), the control unit replaces the previously input character with the selected character (S3000). The substituted characters may be displayed in the main display area 510 of the display device 500. [

In this way, when a method of deleting or replacing a character using the touch input device 200 is performed, the user can intuitively and conveniently select and input a character to be deleted or replaced. In this case, the user can operate the touch input device 200 while watching the display device without having to look at the touch input unit to delete or replace the character.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, You will understand. Accordingly, the true scope of the invention should be determined only by the appended claims.

200: touch input device,
210: curved portion, 220: inclined portion,
222: scale, 230: rim,
231: touch button, 232: pressure button,
240: wrist support,

Claims (21)

A sweeping input unit for selecting a character through a sweeping gesture of a user;
A gesture input unit located in an area different from the sweeping input unit and allowing a user to input a gesture by touching; And
And a controller for determining that the selected character is input when a touch gesture is input from the sweeping input unit to the gesture input unit,
Wherein the gesture input unit is located at a central portion,
Wherein the sweeping input unit is located outside the gesture input unit,
Wherein the first inclination of the swinging input portion at a boundary between the swing input portion and the gesture input portion is set to be larger than the second inclination of the gesture input portion,
Wherein the controller moves the pointer according to the direction of the sweeping gesture to select any one of a plurality of characters, and when the pointer is not removed, the control unit causes the touch gesture from the sweeping input unit to the gesture input unit And determines that the selected character is input when the pointer moves. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit determines that the selected character is input when a flicking gesture is input from the sweeping input unit to the gesture input unit. 3. The method of claim 2,
And a display device for displaying characters input from a user. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sweeping input unit selects a character corresponding to an end point of a sweeping gesture input from a user. The method according to claim 1,
And a display device for listing characters that the user can input in the sweeping display area. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the display device highlights the selected character in the sweeping display area. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit deletes an input character when a gesture is input from the gesture input unit to the sweeping input unit. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a display device,
The gesture input unit receives a flicking gesture from a user,
Wherein the controller moves the cursor displayed on the display device according to the direction of the flicking gesture received in the gesture input unit. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit receives a flicking gesture from the gesture input unit to the sweeping input unit and inputs a sweeping gesture when the sweeping gesture is input in the sweeping input unit, Device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the gesture input comprises a concave shape. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the gesture input unit is provided in a circular shape,
Wherein the sweeping input unit is configured to surround a circumferential edge of the gesture input unit. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sweeping input unit is inclined downward. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sweeping input section includes a plurality of scales formed in a negative or positive angle. Receiving a sweeping gesture by a sweeping input unit;
Moving the pointer according to the direction of the sweeping gesture to select any one of a plurality of characters;
Receiving a touch gesture from the sweeping input unit in a different area from the sweeping input unit, the touch gesture being input to a gesture input unit through which a user can touch and input a gesture; And
Determining that the selected character is input,
Wherein the gesture input unit is located at a central portion,
Wherein the sweeping input unit is located outside the gesture input unit,
Wherein the first inclination of the swinging input portion at a boundary between the swing input portion and the gesture input portion is set to be larger than the second inclination of the gesture input portion,
Wherein the determining step determines that the selected character is input when the pointer is moved by the touch gesture from the sweeping input unit to the gesture input unit in a state where the pointer is not released. 15. The method of claim 14,
And displaying the character determined to be input on the display device. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the displaying comprises:
Listing the characters that the user can input, and highlighting the selected characters; And
And displaying the character determined to be input in a manner different from the character displayed. 15. The method of claim 14,
Receiving a gesture from the gesture input unit to the sweeping input unit; And
Further comprising the step of deleting the input character. 15. The method of claim 14,
Receiving a gesture from the gesture input unit to the sweeping input unit;
The swinging input section receiving another swinging gesture and selecting another character corresponding to the different swinging gesture;
Receiving a gesture input from the sweeping input unit to the gesture input unit; And
And replacing the character input with the other character. 15. The method of claim 14,
Receiving the flicking gesture by the gesture input; And
And moving the cursor displayed on the display device according to the direction of the flicking gesture. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the step of selecting one of the characters comprises:
And moving the cursor displayed on the display device according to the direction of the sweeping gesture. 15. The method of claim 14,
Further comprising the step of storing the input character.

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