KR20200040623A - Electronic device having multi functional human interface and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an aspect of the present invention, an electronic device having a composite human interface comprises: a plurality of composite function input buttons that includes a keycap receiving a touch input or a push input, a switch detecting elevation of the keycap and a plurality of electrodes detecting a touch input; a controller ignoring the touch input and performing a keyboard mode for obtaining a text signal and a mouse mode for obtaining a pointer position information signal related to a position where the touch input is received; a mode switching part receiving a mode switching input for activating or deactivating the mouse mode; and a touch sensing area placed between a keyboard layout and the mode switching part, and generating a mode switching prevention signal when contacting a part of the body of a user to transmit the mode switching prevention signal to the controller.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING MULTI FUNCTIONAL HUMAN INTERFACE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a human interface for receiving text information or pointing location information from a user on a digital device capable of receiving text or pointing location information such as a computer, laptop, tablet PC, mobile phone, and transmitting the text information or pointing location information to the digital device.

2. Description of the Related Art Text input devices such as keyboards for text input in personal computers or portable digital devices have been disclosed. In addition, pointing devices such as a mouse device for controlling a pointer's pointing position for controlling the digital device and performing a function have been disclosed.

One object of the present invention is to detect that the user is operating the keyboard mode, and while the user is operating the keyboard mode, the execution mode is changed to the mouse mode by unintentional contact of a part of the user's hand operating the keyboard mode. It is to provide a pointing device-integrated text input device that prevents switching and a control method therefor.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-described problems, and the problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. .

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the unit cost and size of a product by integrating separately provided text input devices and pointing devices into one human interface device, and to improve work efficiency by eliminating unnecessary operations of user manipulation.

According to the present invention, by detecting that the user is operating the keyboard mode, while the user is operating the keyboard mode, the execution mode is switched to the mouse mode by unintentional contact of a part of the user's hand operating the keyboard mode Can be prevented.

The solving means of the subject matter of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned solving means, and the solving means not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings. Will be able to.

By separately integrating the text input device and the pointing device into one human interface device, the unit cost and size of the product can be reduced, and work efficiency can be improved by eliminating unnecessary operations of user manipulation.

According to the present invention, in addition to being able to use a single pointing device-integrated text device as a keyboard interface and a mouse interface, it can be utilized as a digitizer interface.

According to the present invention, when using the pointing device-integrated text device, when adjusting a property value such as audio volume, the pointer is used to select the property, and the pointer is used to adjust the position of the indicator indicating the property value in the selected property. Without the hassle of doing this, you can easily adjust the value of the desired property with a simple push input and touch input.

According to the present invention, a single pointing device-integrated text device can be used as an input interface to a plurality of devices in a multi-device environment.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

1 is an exemplary view of a pointing device-integrated text input device.
2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation sequence according to mode switching of a pointing device and a text device.
3 are examples of the pointer execution command unit integrated mode switching unit.
4 is an example of displaying a pointer location information input area.
5 is an embodiment of a pointer execution command unit integrated mode switching unit.
6 is an example of a human interface device applied to a portable notebook.
7 is an example in which the lower position type pointer location information input device and the lower position type pointer execution command unit are applied.
8 is a block diagram of a composite function input button.
9 is an example of an electrode of a composite function input button.
10 is an example of the arrangement of a composite function input button.
11 is an example of the arrangement of the electro-rods of different patterns of the composite function input button.
12 is an example of an electrical connection member of the composite function input button.
13 is an example of a switch for character input of a composite function input button.
14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of switching between a text input mode and a pointer location information input mode.
15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for switching a permanent touch mode.
16 is an example of a configuration diagram of a pointing device-integrated text input device.
17 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a pointing device-integrated text input device having a mode switching input discrimination unit.
18 is a flowchart of the operation of the pointing device-integrated text input device including the mode switching input discrimination unit.
19 is a front view of a pointing device-integrated text input device having a mode switching input discrimination unit.
FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional configuration view of the pointing device integrated text input device of FIG. 19.
21 is a front view of the circuit board of the text input device integrated with the pointing device of FIG. 19.
22 is an example of use of the pointing device integrated text input device of FIG. 19.
23 is a front view of another embodiment of a pointing device-integrated text input device having a mode switching input discrimination unit.
24 is a side cross-sectional configuration diagram of the pointing device integrated text input device of FIG. 23.
25 is a flowchart of an operation of another embodiment of a pointing device-integrated text input device having a mode switching input discrimination unit.
26 is a front view of the text input device integrated with the pointing device of FIG. 25.
27 is a side cross-sectional configuration diagram of the text input device integrated with the pointing device of FIG. 25.
28 is a front view of yet another embodiment of a pointing device-integrated text input device having a mode switching input discrimination unit.
FIG. 29 is a front view of the circuit board of the text input device integrated with the pointing device of FIG. 28.

Since the embodiments described in this specification are intended to clearly explain the spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described in the present specification. The scope of should be construed as including modifications or variations that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

The terminology used in the present specification selects a general terminology that is currently widely used in consideration of the functions in the present invention, but this varies depending on the intention, customs, or the emergence of new technologies, etc. of those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. You can. However, if a specific term is defined and used in an arbitrary way, the meaning of the term will be described separately. Therefore, the terms used in this specification should be interpreted based on not only the names of simple terms, but also the actual meaning of the terms and contents throughout the present specification.

The drawings attached to the present specification are intended to easily describe the present invention, and the shapes illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated and displayed as necessary to aid understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited by the drawings.

In the present specification, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of known configurations or functions related to the present invention may obscure the subject matter of the present invention, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as necessary.

An electronic device having a composite human interface according to an aspect of the present invention includes a keycap arranged according to a keyboard layout and receiving a touch input or a push input by the user; A switch for sensing the elevation of the keycap by the push input; And a plurality of electrodes for sensing the touch input. At least one of a keyboard mode for ignoring the touch input and obtaining a text signal according to the composite function input button on which the push input is received, and a mouse mode for obtaining a pointer location information signal related to a location where the touch input is received. A controller that performs the mode of; A mode switching unit disposed on one side of the keyboard layout and receiving a mode switching input for activating or deactivating the mouse mode from the user; And a touch sensing area located between the keyboard layout and the mode switching unit and generating a mode switching prevention signal upon contact with a part of the user's body and transmitting it to the controller, wherein the controller receives the mode switching input. At this time, when the mode switching prevention signal is received, the mouse mode is maintained in an inactive state, but when the mode switching prevention signal is not received, the mouse mode may be activated.

In addition, the mode switching unit includes a touch receiving unit, and the mode switching input may be received through a change in electrostatic capacity according to contact with a part of the user's body through the touch receiving unit.

In addition, the mode switching unit may include a switch that receives the mode switching input by a physical pressure applied by the user.

In addition, the mode switching unit includes a touch receiving unit for sensing a contact of the user's body part by a change in capacitance, and an input unit for sensing a physical pressure applied by the user, wherein the controller applies the physical pressure to the switch. When this is received, the user body contact is received through the touch receiver, and when the mode change prevention signal is not received in the touch detection area, the mouse mode is activated, and the mode change prevention signal is received in the touch detection area. When received, the mouse mode may be maintained in an inactive state.

In addition, the mode switching unit and the touch sensing area may be spaced apart by a first predetermined distance to prevent erroneous operation.

In addition, the mode switching unit may have a downward slope as it moves away from the keyboard layout to prevent erroneous operation.

In addition, the mode switching unit includes the first mode switching unit and the second mode switching unit disposed along one side of the keyboard layout, and the touch sensing area is located between the keyboard layout and the first mode switching unit. And a second sensing touch area positioned between the keyboard layout and the second mode switching unit, wherein the controller receives the mode switching input from the first mode switching unit. When the mode switching prevention signal is received through the 1 touch sensing area, the mouse mode is maintained in an inactive state. When the mode switching prevention signal is not received through the first touch sensing area, the mouse mode corresponds to the first mode switching unit. , The touch input through the plurality of electrods included in the first input area including at least a part of the keyboard layout With respect to activating the mouse mode, and receiving a mode switching input from the second mode switching unit, if a mode switching prevention signal is received through the second touch sensing area, the mouse mode is maintained in an inactive state. When the mode switching prevention signal is not received through the 2 touch sensing area, the touch through the plurality of electrods included in the second input area including at least a part of the keyboard layout corresponding to the second mode switching unit Mouse mode can be activated for input.

Further, the first mode switching unit may be located in a first direction with respect to the second mode switching unit, and the first input area may be positioned in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the second input area. .

Also, the first input region and the second input region may share at least one region with each other.

The present invention relates to a human interface for receiving text information or pointing location information from a user on a digital device capable of receiving text or pointing location information such as a computer, laptop, tablet PC, mobile phone, and transmitting the text information or pointing location information to the digital device.

A keyboard composed of a plurality of physical buttons connected to an elastic body and a switch is widely used as an existing text information input device.

In addition, in a digital device equipped with a touch interface, when a virtual keyboard is displayed on a display and a part of the user's body is touched on the virtual keyboard displayed on the display, a user's gesture or electrical signal is sensed and touched by the user. A method of inputting text on a virtual keyboard displayed in a part is also used.

The touch interface recognizes movement of a part of the user's body, recognizes that it has touched a specific contact surface, senses the flow of electric current through the user's body, or blocks light or sound waves from being blocked or interfered by a part of the user's body. The user's touch can be recognized by sensing or the like.

Examples of the touch interface include a pressure-sensitive touch screen, a capacitive touch screen, an optical touch screen, and an ultrasonic touch screen.

In addition, various touch input technologies that can be used to control location information of a pointer by recognizing location information of a part of the user's body by detecting contact or movement of the user may be used in the present invention.

1 is an exemplary view of a pointing device-integrated text input device.

The pointing device-integrated text input device may have a text input device and a housing 100 for supporting a pointer location information input area.

The housing has a strength capable of withstanding the pressure of the user input, and receives text input information and pointer location information input information, and transmits the information to a digital device connected to the pointing device integrated text input device wired or wirelessly. It may be composed of a control unit, a memory unit, a battery unit, an encoding unit, a transmission unit, and the like.

The pointing device-integrated text input device may include a plurality of buttons 109 for receiving text input information from a commercial person.

The plurality of buttons 109 may be configured as physical buttons or virtual buttons.

The physical button may be composed of a button connected to the elastic body or the button itself is elastic, and thus may have a feature of moving the position upon receiving a user input and returning to the original position when the pressure of the user is removed.

Since the physical button is connected to the electrical switch, the user's pressure is applied, and the button moves, so that the phase of the switch fluctuates to generate a text input value of the corresponding button.

The physical button has a structure in which there is no electrical switch and has an elastic structure to move the position under the pressure of the user and return to the original position when the user's pressure is removed, and the user's text input information is provided by the touch input device Text input information may be generated based on location information in which a user's pressure or gesture is recognized.

The virtual button may be configured by displaying a text input button on a display device.

The virtual button may display any button by projecting light onto a transparent or translucent or opaque object.

The virtual button is not recognized by the user's eyes but has unique location information for each text and may generate corresponding text input information based on the pressure or gesture information of the user.

The pointing device-integrated text input device may have text input areas 107 and pointing location information input areas 108a and 108b having at least a portion as a common area.

The pointing location information input regions 108a and 108b are regions located on the top or bottom of the button for inputting the text, as shown in FIG. 1, the pointing location information input region may have at least a portion of the text input region in common. have.

The pointing location information input area may include the text input area or the text input area may include the pointy location information input area.

The pointing location information input area and the text input area have at least some of them in common, and at least some of them are used as pointing location information input areas, but not used as text input areas, and at least some are used as text input areas, but pointing location information input areas May not be used.

Pointing device The integrated text input device is a pointer position information input device (105) for forming a virtual text input area or a virtual pointing position information input area for text input or for inputting pointing location information or for text input and pointing location information input. ) May be configured on the pointing device-integrated text input device or outside the pointing device-integrated text input device.

The pointer location information input device 105 is a user on the surface or housing 100 of the housing 100 such as an infrared generator and an infrared receiver or an RGB camera or an ultrasonic generator and an ultrasonic receiver or an infrared generator and an infrared camera. It can detect part of the body and receive location information and gesture information.

The pointer location information input device may be configured with a plurality of devices to expand the pointer location information input area or improve accuracy and sensitivity.

For example, a pointer location information input device 105b for configuring the text input or pointing location information input area 108b of the right hand may be provided.

Alternatively, a pointer location information input device 105a for configuring the text input or pointing location information input area 108a of the left hand may be provided.

The text input area or pointing location information input area 108b for the right hand may be characterized by including the area of the J button of the English standard keyboard.

The text input area or the pointing location information input area 108a for the left hand may be characterized by including the area of the F button of the English standard keyboard.

The pointer location information input device may be characterized in that it includes both the areas of the J (J) and F (F) buttons of the English standard keyboard.

When the pointing location information input area is connected to a plurality of digital devices having a display unit, the pointing location information input area may be characterized by moving the pointer position on the plurality of display units. have.

For example, by dividing the area so that the pointer location information input area matches each display unit or operating a separate button indicating the display unit, the pointer location information is transmitted from the corresponding display unit, or a plurality of display units are virtually single. Recognizing the display unit, pointer location information may be transmitted to move the pointer on a single virtual display unit.

The pointing device integrated text input device includes a pointing location information input device that configures a pointing input area and receives pointer location information from a user, and a button or image or space or icon where a pointer moved by the pointing location information input device is located, or A pointer execution command unit 101 or 102 for executing at least one function on the text input window may be provided.

The pointer execution command unit may be composed of one or two buttons, and is responsible for the first function and the second function, respectively, and may be located on the left side of the housing or in the mail or in the center.

The first function may function as, for example, a left click of a computer mouse, and the second function may function as, for example, a right click of a computer mouse.

The pointer execution command unit consisting of the one or two buttons may be configured on both the left side and the right side of the housing, so that both the left-handed and right-handed people are convenient to use.

The pointer execution command unit may be configured to operate by recognizing touch or light blocking or ultrasonic interference or shadow of a user's body part using the above-described touch technology.

The pointer execution command unit may be configured with an elastic physical button.

The pointer execution command unit may be operated using at least one button of a text button located in the text input area in addition to the pointing position information input area.

The pointer execution command unit may operate by selecting a physical or virtual text button on the pointing location information input area.

For example, if a virtual input device is used as a pointing location information input device and a physical button is used as a text input device, in the pointing location information input mode, enter the location information of the pointer on the virtual pointing location information input area and physically located at that location. You can issue a pointer execution command by pressing the text button.

The pointer execution command unit may receive pointer position information in the first gesture of the user in the pointing position information input area and generate a pointer execution command by the second gesture of the user at the same position.

The pointer execution command unit may be configured such that the first function is executed by a first gesture or a first voice, a first blink, a first mouth, or the like of the user's body.

The pointer execution command unit may be configured to execute the second function by a second gesture or a second voice, a second blink, a second mouth, or the like of the user's body.

The pointing device integrated text input device may be configured with a text input mode for receiving text information through the text input device and a pointing position information input mode for receiving pointing location information through the pointing location information input device.

The text input mode and the pointing location information input mode may be switched by the mode switching unit 103.

The mode switching unit 103 may be configured as a switch located separately on the housing.

The mode switching unit 103 may perform mode switching by detecting that at least one text input button or a plurality of text inputs included in the text input device is simultaneously received.

The mode switching unit 103 may switch the mode by receiving control information from a digital device connected to the pointing device-integrated text input device by wire or wirelessly.

The mode switching unit 103 may be configured integrally with the pointer execution command unit 102.

For example, a first gesture such as a touch of a part of the user's body on the pointer execution command unit 102 that reacts first to the first touch or the first pressure and reacts second to the second touch or the second pressure. It can be configured to detect the first touch or the first pressure to switch the mode and respond to the second touch or the second pressure by a second gesture, such as pressing a button, to generate a pointer execution command.

The mode switching unit 103 may be composed of a temporary mode switching mode and a permanent mode switching mode.

For example, in response to the first touch or the first pressure, the text input mode may be switched to the pointing location information input mode, and when the first touch or the first pressure is removed, the temporary input mode may be set to return to the text input mode. have.

Alternatively, in response to the first touch or the first pressure, switching from the pointing location information input mode to the text input mode and returning to the pointing location information input mode when the first touch or the first pressure is removed can be set as a temporary switching mode. .

Permanent switching mode can be configured to switch from text input mode to pointing location information input mode in response to a second touch or second pressure or push switch, and to maintain pointing location information input mode even when the second touch or second pressure is removed. You can.

The temporary mode may be switched by the first control information received from the digital device connected to the pointing device-integrated text input device and wired or wirelessly.

The permanent mode can be switched by the second control information received from the digital device connected to the pointing device-integrated text input device and wired or wirelessly.

The mode switching unit 103 may be configured integrally with the pointer execution command unit.

For example, when a first touch or a first pressure is detected on the pointer execution command unit, a temporary mode is switched from a text input mode to a pointer location information input mode, and when a second touch or a second pressure is detected, a pointer execution command is issued. When it occurs and the third touch or the third pressure is applied, even if the third touch or the third pressure is removed, it can be set to a permanent switching mode to operate in the pointer location information input mode.

At this time, the pointer execution command can be input even in the permanent switching mode.

The mode switching unit may be configured on the left or right side of the housing (106a, 106b)

The mode switching units 106a and 106b configured on the left or right side or the left and right sides of the housing may be configured to operate by sensing a user's touch input or pressure by configuring a virtual button or a physical button.

The mode switching units 106a and 106b configured on the left or right or left and right sides of the housing may be configured to have an input area of 3 cm or more and less than 15 cm along the side of the housing.

The pointing device-integrated text input device may have a transmission unit 104 that transmits data wired or wirelessly to a digital device including an external or pointing device-integrated text input device.

The digital device may receive text input or may receive pointer location information.

2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation sequence according to mode switching of a pointing device and a text device.

The pointing device-integrated text input device may have a separate power supply, or may be supplied with power from the outside by wire or wireless, and may have a switch for controlling the power supply.

When power is supplied to the pointing device-integrated text input device by the switch controlling the power supply unit, it can be determined whether the pointing device-integrated text input device is in the current text input mode or pointing location information input mode (200).

As a result of the determination, in the text input mode, the text input device may be activated and a text input may be received from the user (201).

The input user's text input may be transmitted to a digital device connected by wire or wirelessly (202).

When the mode is switched to the pointing location information input mode during the text input mode, the text input mode may be switched to the pointing location information input mode.

Alternatively, it can be configured to input pointing location information simultaneously with text input.

When the mode is switched to the pointing location information input mode, pointing location information may be received by a user input (204).

The received pointer location information may be transmitted to a digital device connected by wire or wireless (205).

When the pointing device-integrated text input device receives the pointer first execution command (206), the pointer first execution command may be transmitted to a digital device connected by wire or wirelessly (207).

When the pointing device-integrated text input device receives the second execution command of the pointer (208), the first execution command of the pointer may be transmitted to a digital device connected by wire or wirelessly (209).

When the temporary mode switching is released or the permanent mode switching is released, the pointing device-integrated text input device can switch to the text input mode.

When the power supply of the pointing device-integrated text input device is cut off or connected to the power switch of the power supply unit, or when the digital device is disconnected or disconnected, or when there is no user input for a certain period of time, it is terminated by control of a digital device connected by wire or wirelessly You can.

3 are examples of the pointer execution command unit integrated mode switching unit.

When the position is moved by the user's pressure and the pressure is removed, the elastic body 403 to return to the original position, the button 402 receiving the user's pressure, and the position movement by the user's pressure to join and perform the pointer execution command In the button type pointer execution command unit having switches 404 and 405 for generating a touch input located in the mode switching unit 401 which detects the user's touch input at the upper end of the button and switches the text mode and pointing location information input mode. The pointer execution command unit integrated mode switching unit 400 may be configured.

When the position moves by the user's pressure and the pressure is removed, the elastic body 403 to return to the original position, the button 402 receiving the user's pressure, and the position moved by the user's first pressure to join the pointer A second switch unit 411, which is joined by a user second pressure smaller than the user first pressure in the button type pointer execution command unit having the first switches 404 and 405 for generating the execution command, 412) can be configured as a pressure-sensitive pointer execution command unit integrated mode switching unit 410.

 The button portion 402 may be moved from the pressure-distinguished pointer execution command unit-integrated mode switching unit 410 so as not to return to the original position by the elastic body 403.

At this time, the position where the button is fixed is set to a position where the second switches 411 and 412 are joined and the first switches 404 and 405 are not joined, so that when the button is fixed, it can be configured to operate in a permanent mode switching mode. .

 The pointer execution command unit integrated mode switching unit 400 using touch input may be configured to operate the permanent mode switching switch 414 through position movement such as sliding a button unit, and the permanent mode switching switch 414 When additional pressure is applied in the operated state, the pointer execution command switches 404 and 405 may be configured to operate.

The pointer execution command unit-integrated mode switching unit 410 is configured as a touch pad 421 to operate as a mode switching unit when the contact area of a portion of the user's body in contact with the touch pad is in a first predetermined range and in a second predetermined range You can make it work as a pointer execution command.

4 is an example of displaying a pointer location information input area.

The human interface device of the present invention may be designed to further include pointer location information input area display units 701 and 702 that visually display the pointer location information input area in the pointer location information input mode.

The mode switching unit of the present invention is provided separately from the button of the text input unit and recognizes that a part of the user's body is touched on a part of the human interface body to switch to the text input mode and the pointer location information input mode, but when touched, It can be designed to operate in the pointer location information input mode and in the non-touch text input mode.

At this time, when the part of the body used for the mode change is the right hand (106b), the hand that inputs the pointer location information 108a may be designed to be the left hand.

In this case, it is desirable to design the pointer location information input area closer to the opposite edge of the edge where the mode switching unit is located, and the same can be designed when the left and right hands are used in reverse (106a, 108b).

On the other hand, a part of the body used for the mode change can be designed such that the right hand is the right hand and the hand that inputs the pointer position information is also the right hand.

In this case, it is desirable to design the pointer location information input area closer to the edge where the mode switching portion is located than the opposite edge of the edge where the mode switching portion is located, and in the case of the left hand, the same can be designed.

The mode switching unit may determine the text input mode and the pointer location information input mode based on the number of user fingers recognized by the pointer location information input unit.

The number of recognized user fingers when determined by the pointer location information input mode is smaller than the number of recognized user fingers when determined by the text input mode.

For example, while controlling the mode switching unit with the left hand, the finger of the left hand may be non-touched from the text input button, and the index finger of the right hand may be touched to input pointer location information, wherein the number of recognized user's fingers is Become one.

On the other hand, when the left and right fingers are touched on the keyboard for text input, the number of the recognized user's fingers of 2 to 8 or less is recognized.

The pointer location information input mode display unit temporarily displays the pointer location information input mode when the pointer is switched to the pointer location information input mode by the mode switching unit or switches the pointer location information input area from the point of time when the pointer location information input mode is switched to the point of release. It can be visually displayed.

The pointer location information input mode display unit may be displayed by the visible light generator from the text input button or reflected light by the text input button or through an interval between the text input buttons.

The pointer location information input mode display unit is composed of invisible light generators 701a and 701b and surfaces 702a and 702b coated with a dye that emits visible light by optically reacting to the invisible light, and the dye is the text. It can be applied to the gap between the input button or the text input button.

The mode switching unit may further include a handside determination unit for determining whether the user makes the pointer location information input with the left hand or with the right hand.

The display area of the pointer location information input display unit may be flexibly displayed according to the handside determination unit.

The button arrangement and operation of the pointer execution command unit may be flexibly switched according to the handside determination unit.

For example, when the pointer execution command unit includes a right-click and a left-click, the button for performing right-click and left-click of the mouse may be switched according to the determination of the hand-side determining unit.

The pointer location information input area display unit may display (702a, 702b) different pointer location information input areas according to the determination result of the handside determination unit.

The mode switching unit may be designed to automatically switch to the text input mode when a pointer location information input from a user is not input for a certain time or when an input is received through a text input button in the pointer location information input mode.

The pointer location information input area display unit may be applied with a dye to the text input button or a portion of the text input area so as to be visually displayed regardless of the mode of the mode switching unit so that the pointer input area can be recognized even in the text input mode. .

5 is an embodiment of a pointer execution command unit integrated mode switching unit.

When the input operation in which the text input mode and the pointer location information input mode are frequently switched is performed, the number of times of mode switching and pointer execution command input is increased.

For example, in the case of a right-handed person, if you want to input pointer position information while text is being entered in the text input mode, you must switch the mode with the left or right hand, enter the pointer position information, and then enter the pointer real-time command with the left hand. do.

In general, during quick work, the user inputs text and pointer location information and a pointer execution command while keeping an eye on the monitor. If a mode switching unit and a pointer execution command input unit are separately provided, hand movement frequently occurs. It may not be able to perform the function properly because it cannot find the exact location, or it may be troublesome to look at the keyboard.

In order to solve this, for example, in the case of a right-handed person, when a text is input in the text input mode and a hand is placed on the mode switching unit with the left hand, a mode switching command is generated and the pointer input mode is changed. In addition, when the pointer is placed on the mode switching unit and the pointer is input with the right hand, pressure is applied to the mode switching unit, and the pointer execution command unit receives the user's input.

Thus, the user can share the location of the mode switching unit for mode switching and the pointer execution command unit for pointer execution commands.

In one embodiment for this, the mode switching unit is configured as a touch switch capable of accepting a user's hand touch input, and the pointer execution command unit is configured as a switch that responds to the same pressure as the tactile switch and is located below the mode switching unit.

At this time, the first pointer execution command unit 1104 and the second pointer execution command unit 1105 are connected to each other with a conductive material capable of recognizing a touch from the user's hand or commonly connected to the mode switching unit 1201. Therefore, it is configured such that mode switching is performed whether the user touches the first pointer execution command unit or the second pointer execution command unit.

At this time, the mode switching operates as a pointer location information input mode while a touch is being made and as a text input mode when the touch is released.

The mode change by touch may be configured as a sensor capable of sensing the position of the user's finger or another switch operating at a pressure lower than the pressure for the pointer execution command in addition to the touch.

At this time, the mode switching and pointer execution command unit is located in an area distinct from the text input area. Preferably, in the case of a right-handed person, it is located in the left outer area of the text input area. When the mode switching unit and the pointer execution command unit are positioned outside the text input area, the possibility of confusion with the pointer position information input unit disappears and the pointer position information input area can be expanded.

The composite human interface device of the present invention may include a second mode switching unit 1202. The second mode switching unit is a switch that operates like a toggle switch, and is switched to a text input mode and a pointer location information input mode whenever input is received from a user. Thus, even if the user does not touch the left hand with the mode switching unit, it is possible to input the pointer location information with only the right hand.

At this time, when the composite human interface device is in text mode by the second mode switching unit, when the mode switching command by touch is received, the composite human interface device of the present invention operates in the pointer location information input mode. In addition, when a mode switching command by touch is received when the composite human interface device by the second mode switching unit is in the pointer position information input mode, the pointer position information input mode is maintained, but the mode switching command by touch is released or When text input is received by the text input unit, the text input mode is switched.

At this time, when the text input mode is changed by the text input, the first text input is ignored, and when at least two or more text inputs are received, the text input mode is switched.

At this time, if at least two or more text inputs are received and the text input mode is switched, the composite human interface device transmits the text input including the neglected first text to the digital device and digitally inputs the newly input text input information. Transfer to.

6 is an example of a human interface device applied to a portable notebook.

The human interface device 1420 of the present invention can be used as an input device of a portable notebook.

In the portable notebook equipped with the human interface device of the present invention, the display unit composed of the display panel 1411 and the frame 1410 supporting the display panel is bound and covered by the human interface device and the hinge 1428 of the present invention. It can be designed with a high open structure.

At this time, the display unit is inserted into the wall formed by the reflector or absorber 1424 of the human interface device of the present invention. Then, the thickness of the portable notebook using the human interface device of the present invention can be minimized.

To this end, the display unit of the portable notebook should be designed such that the length of the width of the human interface device 1420 of the present invention is at least twice as large as the thickness of the reflector or the absorber 1423 and 1424.

In other words, in FIG. 11, the display unit should be designed so that the multipurpose cover enters.

The display unit has a feature 1413 that allows both edges to be rounded or cut diagonally.

The pointer location information input devices 1421 and 1422 are characterized in that when the display unit is folded, it is positioned toward the outer edge of the rounded or diagonally cut portion.

This is to fold the portable notebook so that it can maintain a thin thickness without being disturbed by the pointer location information input devices 1421 and 1422.

At this time, the mode switching unit and the pointer execution command unit may be located outside the side surface of the human interface device.

In addition, more preferably, it can be positioned outside and below the text input area. (1425, 1426)

At this time, it is preferable that the mode switching unit and the pointer execution command unit are integrally configured as shown in FIG. 10, but it is also possible to separately position them.

At this time, when the mode switching unit or the pointer execution command unit is located outside the text input area, when the user positions a finger to control the mode telephone unit or the pointer execution command unit, the pointer location information input devices 1421 and 1422 are the user. The pointer location information input area should be set except for the area where the mode switching unit or the pointer execution command unit is located so that it does not malfunction by entering the location information of the pointer.

To this end, the area covered by the optical signal generated from the pointer location information input device may be adjusted so that the optical signal does not reach the mode switching unit or the pointer execution command unit.

Alternatively, adjust the angle of the camera's optical signal reception so that the camera does not receive the optical signal generated by reflection, interference, or blocking between the user's finger and the optical signal located in the mode switching unit or pointer execution command unit, or received in the corresponding direction. The optical signal can be ignored.

The portable notebook is designed to have an absorber or a reflector for absorbing or reflecting a light source generated by the pointer location information input device in at least three corners.

At this time, two sides are located on the side of the human interface device (1423, 1424), and on the other side, when the display unit is opened within a certain angle on the surface where the display unit comes into contact with the human interface device, the pointer position information input device 1421 , 1422), the reflector or the absorber is positioned in a certain region 1412 so that the light source generated by the reflector is sufficiently reflected or absorbed.

7 is an embodiment in which the lower position pointer input information input device and the lower position pointer execution command unit are applied.

The human interface device includes a text input unit 1501 composed of a plurality of physical buttons, a pointer receiving information related to a pointer location from a user, a location information input unit, and a pointer receiving a user's command to perform at least one function in a location where the pointer is located. Pointer execution command receiving unit for receiving signals from execution command units 1505 and 1506, mode switching command receiving unit for receiving signals from mode switching unit for switching to pointer location information input mode, and pointer position input to the pointer position information input unit A pointer location information transmitting unit for transmitting information to a digital device connected to the human interface device by wire or wireless, and the pointer location information input area of the pointer location information input unit is at least a part of a text input area of a text input unit composed of the plurality of physical buttons. Of The optical signal reflector or absorber 1503a, 1503b, 1503c formed to be higher than the height of the text input unit on the first to third surfaces 1502a, 1502b, and 1502c surrounding the text input unit. ), And the fourth surface 1502d surrounding the text input unit is formed lower than the height of the first to third surfaces, and the fourth surface may include the pointer execution command units 1505 and 1506. . The first surface and the third surface may be located on the left and right sides of the text input unit, respectively, and the second surface may be located above the text input unit and the fourth surface may be located below the text input unit.

The pointer location information input unit may include at least two sensor modules, and the two sensor modules may be located in lower left and lower right corner regions, respectively, of the text input unit.

The mode switching unit may be operated by a first input of a user input to a first button, and the pointer execution command receiving unit may be operated by a second input of a user input to the first button.

The first button is made of a material capable of sensing an electrical signal generated by a finger touch, and the first input may be generated by recognizing the electrical signal.

While the first input is maintained, it operates in the pointer location information input mode, and when the first input is released, the pointer location information input mode is released and the first input may be generated by physical pressure.

The mode switching unit may be operated by a user's second input input to a second button, and when the second input is input once, activate the pointer location information input mode when the pointer location information input mode is released and the pointer location information input mode is activated. If it is active, it can be unlocked.

At this time, the light source and the image receiving device generated by the pointer location information input devices 1421 and 1422 are preferably directed toward the center of the keyboard.

However, in order to secure the pointer location information input area of the keyboard having a small size or a larger area, the absorber or reflectors 1423 and 1424 located on the side of the human interface device use a reflector other than the absorber and the pointer position information. Light sources and image receiving devices of the input devices 1421 and 1422 may be installed to face the reflectors 1423 and 1424.

That is, the pointer location information input device 1421 may be reflected by the reflector 1423 to receive the received pointer location information.

Also, the pointer location information input device 1422 may receive pointer location information reflected by the reflector 1424 and received.

In this case, it is possible to obtain the effect of positioning the positions of the pointer location information input devices 1423 and 1424 in the left and right outer portions of the actual composite human interface device, thereby acquiring a wider mouse pointer location information input area.

At this time, the angle of the reflector can be installed so as to open at a constant angle of 1 to 15 degrees. That is, the lower end of the reflectors 1423 and 1424 may be wider than the upper end.

In this case, the installation positions of the pointer location information input devices 1423 and 1424 are located at the left and right outer portions of the actual composite human interface device, and at the same time, they are not disturbed by the pointer execution command input device located at the bottom of the keyboard. To avoid this, you can get the effect of moving to the top a certain distance.

The composite human interface device includes a reflector that reflects a light source generated from the pointer location information input unit, and at least two pointer location information input units are installed on the left and right sides of the human interface device, respectively, and the reflector is the human unit. It is installed on the left axis and the right side of the interface device, and the pointer location information input unit on the left side is installed toward the reflection unit on the left side to receive a light source input through the reflection unit on the left side, and the pointer location information input unit on the right side is located on the right side. It is installed toward the reflector to receive a light source input through the reflector on the right side.

The left and right reflectors are not parallel so that they can be installed toward the portion where the left and right pointer location information input parts are located.

The pointer location information input area may be divided into a first area and a second area. That is, for example, the pointer location information input signal input from the right hand may be received from the first region, and the pointer location information input signal input from the left hand may be received from the second region.

In general, the multi-touch control receives a plurality of touch input signals and then determines a control command according to a later moving pattern of the plurality of touch input signals.

However, in the present embodiment, the first pointer location information input signal received from the first pointer location information input area may be used to determine the number of touch inputs.

Further, the second pointer location information input signal received from the second pointer location information input area may be used to receive a movement signal of a touch input.

That is, for example, when inputting up and down sliding touch input with one finger of the right hand while keeping two-finger touch input with the left hand, when inputting the touch up and down with two touch signals of a general multi-touch function. Can be replaced. In general, for example, when a sliding touch input is performed up and down by two touches on an Apple MacBook, an example of performing an up and down scroll input of an Internet browser is exemplified. At this time, when tapping with one finger of the right hand, since there are two touch inputs of the left hand, the same function as when tapping with two fingers can be performed.

As another example, if the left and right sliding touch inputs are input with the right hand while maintaining the three touch inputs with the left hand, this signal is replaced with the case of sliding touch inputs left and right with the three touch signals of the general multi-touch function. You can. For example, when performing sliding touch input from left to right with three touches on Apple's MacBook, for example, performing a function such as flicking a full screen app or dragging with three fingers. At this time, when tapping with one finger of the right hand, since the left hand performs three touch inputs, the same function as when tapping with three fingers can be performed. Examples of the left hand and the right hand may be replaced with examples of the right hand and the left hand, and the number of input signals for determining the number of touches is not limited to the above two and three, but may include one, four, or five touches. have.

The information related to the pointer position received by the pointer position information input unit includes information related to a first pointer position for moving the pointer position and a second pointer for switching the human interface device from a text input mode to a pointer position information input mode. It may consist of information related to the location.

For example, when a pointer location information input signal of a predetermined threshold or higher is generated during the text input mode, the pointer location information input mode may be switched.

8 is a block diagram of a composite function input button.

The composite function input button is the same as the capacitive expression for moving the character input unit 303 for inputting at least one character and a mouse pointer on a human interface such as a keyboard or for pointing location information input for user touch or 3D gesture input on the screen. The physical touch pad 311 may be one button for configuring the pointing device-integrated text input device 310 configured together.

In this embodiment, only the positional information input unit is described using the capacitive touch method, and the mode switching unit, the pointer execution command input unit, the special function key, and the mode of the composite human interface device described using the pointing location information input unit in the optical manner. The contents of the location of the switching unit and the pointer execution command unit, the connection to the internal or display unit, the battery built-in method using the cover unit, the angle adjustment function of the human interface device, the text character input area and the mouse pointing position information input area are the same. You can.

The pointing device-integrated text input device 310 may be configured with a plurality of complex function input buttons.

The composite function input button includes a cover portion 1010 where a user's finger is touched, an electric rod portion 1020 including a transmitter and a receiver for forming an electric field, and a base portion for protecting the electro portion and securing connectivity with an elastic portion It may be composed of (1030).

The elastic portion may be composed of an elastic body 1050, an upper support portion 1040, and a lower support portion 1060.

The upper support portion and the lower support portion may be configured in a cylindrical or angular polygonal cylinder shape, and the upper support portion and the lower support portion may move through the elastic body, and the lower support portion may guide movement of the upper support portion.

The upper support portion may be fixed to the cover portion, the electro rod portion, and the base portion.

The lower support portion may serve as a guide for the upper support portion to reciprocate.

The upper support portion and the lower support portion may connect the upper structure including the electro portion and the lower structure including the elastic portion in a pantograph structure, and guide movement of the upper structure.

The elastic body may be an elastic material having a resilient dome shape, an elastic material having a resilient plate shape, an elastic material having a spring shape, or a plurality of magnets facing different polarities, or a combination thereof. You can.

The elastic portion may be moved to a third height by receiving the second pressure from the cover portion, and may be restored to the first height when the second pressure of the cover portion is released. Moving to the third height means that the position is physically moved, the object is bent by pressure, or the second pressure is sensed by software or the like.

When the first pressure is sensed, a pointer execution command may be generated, and when the second pressure is sensed, an additional pointer execution command may be generated.

For example, an execution command of the application may be displayed at a location where the pointer is positioned by the first pressure, and additional options or previews of the application may be executed by the second pressure.

The electrical signals representing the input of the predetermined characters generated through the switch of the first to fifth composite function input buttons are electrical signals representing input of different characters, and the electro of the first to fifth composite function input buttons are generated. The change of the user's finger contact position or the contact position determined from the path received through the de part may be for connecting and controlling the position of one pointer.

The human interface device may further include a mode switching unit for switching between a text input mode and a pointing location information input mode.

The mode switching unit may be operated by the composite function input button, a separate physical switch unit, a touch switch unit, or a predefined touch pattern.

The human interface device is a character input device composed of a plurality of combinations of multiple function input buttons capable of inputting a single character, and pointing location information for continuously controlling one pointing input device on the electroload of the multiple function input buttons. Can cause

Apart from the plurality of complex function input buttons, the human interface device may include a mode switching unit and a pointer execution command unit.

The mode switching unit and the pointer execution command unit is a button composed of an electric rod and a switch capable of recognizing a user's touch. After the mode is switched by a touch, a pointer execution command is generated by a pressure signal without the need to move or release a finger. You can.

The composite function input button may include a light emitting unit 1070.

The light emitting unit may illuminate a character indicating a character input of the composite function input button or may illuminate a position of the composite function input button itself.

The light emitting unit may be located on the upper structure including the electrorod, or may be located on the lower structure including the elastic body.

The superstructure may include a cover portion, an electro portion, and a base portion as a portion moved by a user's pressure, including an electro portion.

The lower structure guides the movement of the upper structure and may be a portion in which movement does not occur when a user's pressure including a structure that transmits or receives an electrical signal to the electro-rod is applied.

9 is an example of an electrode of a composite function input button.

The capacitive touch type electrorod portion is composed of a plurality of transmitters and receivers.

In the case of a typical capacitive touch type, the electro-portion consists of 5 to 30 rows of transmitter sections and 5 to 30 rows of receiver sections and lattices to form a square surface of a certain size.

In this embodiment, the composite function input button may be generally composed of an electro-rod unit having a size of one character input button having a width of 10 to 20 millimeters.

The electro-road unit can be used as a pointing location information input device by independently configuring a small touch pad, and can be used as a pointing location information input device that can be connected in a wider area with a plurality of adjacent multiple function input buttons.

The electro-rod portion may be composed of one to three transmitters and receivers.

In this embodiment, the electroloading unit of one composite function input button will be described with an example of a composite function input button consisting of three lines of transmitters having different drive signal cycles and two lines of receivers having different scan cycles.

Here, the period may mean a timing at which a signal is generated.

According to the present invention, the number and shape of the transmitter and the receiver according to the size and shape of the button include a part that can be easily modified by those skilled in the art.

First transmitters 1101, 1102, 1103 with a first drive period, second transmitters 1104, 1105, 1106 with a second drive period, third transmitters 1107, 1108, 1109 with a third drive period Can have

It may have a first receiver (1110, 1111) having a first scan cycle, a second receiver (1112, 1113) having a second scan cycle.

The first to third transmitters may be configured by being shorted to a circuit board or connected to one without a separate connecting member.

The first and second receivers may be configured to be printed on a circuit board in a state of being short-circuited to each other, to be connected to separate connection members, or to independently scan electrical signals such as capacitance at the same scan cycle.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of electrode parts configured on the plurality of complex function input buttons are recognized as if they are one of a large area of the electrode part, so that each of the complex function input buttons moves up and down. Partial special design is required.

For example, the width of the second transmitter may be wider than that of the first and third transmitters combined.

The combined area of the first to third transmitters may be narrower than the combined area of the first and second receivers.

In the case of a typical capacitive touchpad, receivers having one scan cycle are interconnected. However, in the present embodiment, the first receiver having one scan period is composed of at least two receiver blocks 1110 and 1111, and the at least two receiver blocks transmit a scan signal to the outside in a state of being short-circuited to each other. can do.

The scan signal may be processed by summing the capacitive signals received from the respective receiver blocks.

In this embodiment, the transmitter is horizontally and the receiver is vertically exemplified, but the receiver can be configured horizontally and the transmitter vertically on the same structure.

The transmitter and receiver may be electrically shorted to the insulators 1114 and 1115.

The electro-rod unit may include a bridge 1120 that transmits and receives external drive signals and scan signals that are stacked or connected downward.

The bridge may transmit a dry signal to the electroload unit and receive a capacitive signal from the receiver.

10 is an example of the arrangement of a composite function input button.

In this embodiment, a composite human interface device composed of a plurality of composite function input buttons may include at least five composite function input buttons.

The second complex function input button 1220 and the third complex function input button 1230 are located on the left and right sides of the first complex function input button 1210, respectively, and the center point of the second complex function input button is the first complex. It is arranged on a virtual X-axis line extending from the center point of the function input button to the left and right, and the center point of the third complex function input button is a virtual X-axis line extending from the center point of the first complex function input button to the right. Can be arranged on.

A fourth complex function input button 1240 and a fifth complex function input button 1250 are further included, and the center point of the fourth complex function input button extends upward from the center point of the first complex function input button. Located on the left side from the axis and located on the right side from the virtual Y axis extending upward from the center point of the second composite function input button, the center point of the fifth composite function input button is downward from the center point of the first composite function input button. Located on the right side from the extended virtual Y axis and located on the left side from the virtual Y axis extending downward from the center point of the third composite function input button, and the fourth and fifth composite function input buttons are the first composite function. It can be located adjacent to the input button.

The distance between the center point of the fourth composite function input button and the virtual Y axis extending upward from the center point of the first composite function input button to the left is the center point of the fifth composite function input button. It may be shorter than the distance spaced to the right from the virtual Y-axis extending downward from the center point of the button.

For example, in the case of the fifth composite function input button, it may be positioned by moving 40 to 60 percent of the length of the width of the first composite function input button from the Y axis to the right.

In the case of the fourth composite function input button, it may be located by moving 15 to 35 percent of the length of the width of the first composite function input button from the Y axis to the left.

The first transmitter of the first to third composite function input buttons may have the same drive signal period as the third transmitter of the fourth composite function input button.

The second receiver of the first composite function input button may have the same scan cycle as the first receiver of the fifth composite function input button.

The first receiver of the first composite function input button and the second receiver of the fifth composite function input button may have different scan cycles.

The second receiver of the first composite function input button and the second receiver of the fourth composite function input button are not arranged in a line in the virtual Y-axis direction but to the left within the width of the first composite function input button. The second receiver of the first composite function input button and the second receiver of the fourth composite function input button may have the same scan period while being moved and located.

This may cause distortion of the pointing location information signal and may require further correction by software.

The human interface device further includes a sixth composite function input button 1560, and the center point of the sixth composite function input button is located on a virtual Y axis extending downward from the center point of the fifth composite function input button. Composite human interface device, characterized in that.

11 is an example of the arrangement of different types of electric rods of the composite function input button.

The first composite button input button and the fourth composite button input button may not be arranged in a line on the virtual Y-axis, but may be positioned to be moved to the left by a first distance.

Due to this, signal distortion of the receiver of the first composite button input button and the fourth composite button input button may occur.

In order to prevent this or minimize distortion, the fourth composite button input button pattern may be modified and designed.

For example, the pattern of the electric rod by the first distance from the left side of the electric rod shown in FIG. 9 may be configured as a second electric rod shape 1350 moved to the right side of the electric rod.

 The second electrorod shape has an effect of aligning the receivers of the first composite function input button and the fourth composite function input button with a virtual Y axis.

A seventh composite function input button 1360 configured in the shape of the second electric rod may be located to the right of the fourth composite function input button.

At this time, the scan period of the receiver 1351 located at the rightmost side of the fourth composite function input button may be the same as the scan period of the receiver 1361 located at the leftmost side of the 7th composite function input button. At this time, the second receivers 1112 and 1113 of the first composite function input button may also have the same scan cycle.

12 is an example of an electrical connection member of the composite function input button.

The transmitters of the first, second and third composite function input buttons are connected to each other by a first electrical connection member, and the receivers of the first, fourth and fifth composite function input buttons can be connected to each other by a second electrical connection member. have.

In the first embodiment of the connecting member, the connecting member is actually a first conductor that moves together by being contacted or joined to the electro portion while moving from the first height to the second height by applying pressure to the composite function input button. A second conductor that is provided on a non-moving part of the function input button and receives an electrical signal from the first conductor, and may be composed of a base PCB (PCB) that connects to the second conductor of the nearby composite function input button. have.

The base PCB may simultaneously transmit and receive a drive signal or a scan signal from a control unit to a transmitter or a receiver of a plurality of input buttons of a composite function.

The first conductor and the second conductor may move in contact with each other in a sliding manner while maintaining a connection.

The first conductor and the second conductor maintain contact when pressure is not applied to the composite function input button or when a pressure is applied below a predetermined threshold, and pressure is applied above a predetermined threshold. In this case, it may be a structure that maintains contact and is shorted.

The first conductor and the second conductor may be configured in a non-contact manner (1450). The first conductor and the second conductor may be provided in the form of a conductive plate having a predetermined area so that they are in contact with each other at regular intervals.

The constant gap may be filled with air, non-conductor 1443 having a dielectric constant such as plastic, silicon, glass, or fraud.

In this case, the electrical signal can transmit the electrical signal in the form of a radio signal having a frequency.

By doing so, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of noise or noise in the signal due to friction between the first conductor and the second conductor, and minimize the occurrence of friction that interferes with the pressure applied to the multi-function input button. The advantage is that the process is simplified.

At least one of the first to second electrical connecting members may be printed on a flexible film as a conductor together with an electrical rod part, or may be an electrical connecting member provided in the elastic part in close contact with or bonded to the electrical rod part.

13 is an example of a switch for character input of a composite function input button.

When pressure is applied to the composite function input button to move from the first position to the second position, switches 1511, 1512, and 1513 that generate electrical signals indicating input of predetermined characters may be operated.

When the switch is connected by the terminal 1511 located on the moving part of the composite function input button, the switches 1512 and 1523 located on the base PCB or the membrane provided separately are electrical signals for indicating the input of a predetermined character. Can be generated and transmitted to the control unit.

The switch may be generated by sensing a separate push switch or a change in magnetic or electric field, light intensity, sound, and the like.

14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of switching between a text input mode and a pointer location information input mode.

The electronic device equipped with the composite human interface may be provided with a right-handed mode and a left-handed mode.

In the right-handed mode, a touch area may be set to facilitate receiving a user's touch input from the user's right hand.

In the left-handed mode, a touch area may be set so that a user's touch input is easily received from the user's left hand.

The right-handed mode and the left-handed mode are provided through a separate switch, at least two simultaneous text inputs, a predefined touch pattern, a combination of text input and touch input, and a mode switching unit on the electronic device equipped with the composite human interface device. It can be set by input or the like.

The electronic device equipped with the composite human interface is operated by the user's pressure on the first pointer execution command button and the second pointer execution command button, and the first pointer execution command button and the second pointer execution command button are A sensor capable of detecting a user's touch input is further provided, and when a touch input is received at the first pointer execution command button and the second pointer execution command button, the electronic device equipped with the complex human interface is temporarily touched. You can switch to

The temporary touch mode may release the temporary touch mode and switch to the text input mode when the user's touch is released to the first pointer execution command button or the second pointer execution command button.

The first pointer execution command button may be located on the left side of the second pointer execution command button, adjacent to the user's left hand thumb, and the second pointer execution command button may be provided adjacent to the user's right hand thumb.

When the temporary touch mode is switched through the touch sensor provided in the first pointer execution command button, the electronic device having the composite human interface may be switched to the right-handed mode.

In the right-handed mode, the right-hand touch area 108b for receiving pointer location information may be set to facilitate touch input with the right hand.

 The right-hand touch area 108b may be set except for the area where the user's left hand places a finger for text input.

For example, in the case of a general keyboard-type composite human interface, the left side of the Y axis including the text F key may be set as a touch inactive area, and the right side of the Y axis including the text G key may be set as a touch activation area.

When switching to the temporary touch mode through the touch sensor provided in the second pointer execution command button, the electronic device having the composite human interface may be switched to the left-handed mode.

In the left-handed mode, the left-hand touch area 108a for receiving pointer location information may be set to facilitate touch input with the left hand.

 The left hand touch area 108a may be set except for the area where the user's right hand places a finger for text input.

For example, in the case of a general keyboard-type composite human interface, the right side of the Y axis including the text J key may be set as a touch inactive area, and the left side of the Y axis including the text H key may be set as the touch activation area.

In addition, the left-hand or right-hand mode may be set in advance in an external device connected to an electronic device having the composite human interface.

The temporary touch mode is the right hand touch mode when a user's touch input is simultaneously generated from at least two of the plurality of composite function input buttons generating text input signals of characters Q, W, E, and R in a US international keyboard arrangement. When the at least two user touch inputs are released, the right hand touch mode may be released and the text input mode may be switched.

The temporary touch mode is the right hand touch mode when a user's touch input is simultaneously generated from at least two of the plurality of composite function input buttons generating a text input signal of Z, X, C, V in a character US international keyboard arrangement. When the at least two user touch inputs are released, the right hand touch mode may be released and the text input mode may be switched.

 The temporary touch mode is the left hand touch mode when a user's touch input is simultaneously generated from at least two of the plurality of composite function input buttons generating text input signals of letters U, I, O, and P in a US international keyboard arrangement. When the at least two user touch inputs are released, the left-hand touch mode may be released and the text input mode may be switched.

 The temporary touch mode is the letter M, <,>,? When a user's touch input is simultaneously generated from at least two of the plurality of composite function input buttons generating a text input signal, the user switches to the left-hand touch mode and releases the left-hand touch mode when the at least two user touch inputs are released. And switch to text input mode.

When the pressure signal is further received in the state in which the touch input is maintained, the composite function input button in which the at least two touch inputs are simultaneously generated is executed by inputting a first pointer execution command or a second pointer of a pointer controlled during execution of the temporary touch mode. It can function as a pointer execution command input.

When the temporary touch mode is activated, the text input mode may be deactivated.

When the text input mode is inactive, at least one text input may have an exception.

15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for switching a permanent touch mode.

When the first pointer execution command button and the second pointer execution command button are simultaneously pressed for a predetermined time, the electronic device equipped with the composite human interface device may be set to a permanent touch mode.

An electronic device equipped with the composite human interface device by a separate switch, at least two simultaneous text inputs, a predefined touch pattern, a combination of a text input and a touch input, an operation of a mode switching unit, etc. The device may be set to a permanent touch mode.

The permanent touch mode is a mode that can receive a user's pointer location information input without having to maintain a separate user input for the pointer location information input.

As an example, in the temporary touch mode, the electronic device equipped with the composite human interface is basically set to a text input mode and switches to a temporary touch mode while the input of a separate user is maintained and the input of the separate user is released. If it is, the temporary touch mode may be canceled and the text input mode may be switched.

On the other hand, in the permanent touch mode, the electronic device equipped with the composite human interface is basically set to the permanent touch mode and the text input mode may be deactivated.

The permanent touch mode may be released under predefined conditions.

For example, when there is no user's touch input for a predetermined time while the permanent touch mode is set, the permanent touch mode may be released.

When the permanent touch mode is set, a predefined touch pattern, input of a predefined button, or input of a text input button except for inactivity, or repeated text input, or when multiple text inputs are input at the same time The permanent touch mode may be released.

The permanent touch mode may include at least a part of the touch area in the right hand touch mode and the touch area in the left hand touch mode, and is wider than the touch area in the right hand touch mode and the touch area in the left hand touch mode. You can.

Preferably, the touch area in the right-hand touch mode and the touch area in the left-hand touch mode may be combined.

1 to 15 illustrate an example of a pointing device-integrated text input device as an electronic device equipped with a composite human interface device to be described in the present invention, and the type and technique of a text input device pointing location information input device are understood by those skilled in the art. This includes changing or replacing without changing the basic purpose.

16 is an example of a configuration diagram of the pointing device-integrated text input device 3000.

Referring to FIG. 16, the pointing device-integrated text input device 3000 according to an embodiment of the present invention according to a drop of a button 3100 receiving a push input or a touch input from a user, and a button 3100 according to a push input The switch 3200 to obtain the key value, the electrical connection member 3300 and the capacitance change to form a circuit 3400 to obtain a change in the capacitance according to the touch input of the electrode 3130 included in the button 3100 and the change in capacitance It may include a controller 3500 to perform processing of various information and electrical signals, including the calculation of the touch coordinate values based.

Here, the push input is a user input that applies physical pressure to the button 3100, and the button 3100 induces a drop over a predetermined distance so that the button 3100 touches the switch 3200 or presses the switch 3200. It means a user input that causes the switch 3200 to output a key value assigned to the switch 3200. In this specification, push input may be mainly used as a user input for text input when the pointing device-integrated text input device 3000 is used as a keyboard interface.

Here, the touch input means a user input that touches the button 3100, and means a user input that induces a change in the electrostatic capacity of the electric rod 3130 embedded in the button 3100. At this time, a case where the change in the electrostatic capacity is equal to or greater than a predetermined touch threshold value may be understood as a touch input. In this specification, the touch input may be mainly used as a user input for controlling the position of the pointer P when the pointing device-integrated text input device 3000 is used as a mouse interface or a digitizer interface.

The pointing device-integrated text input device 3000 may be provided in a keyboard form similar to that shown in FIG. 9 as a whole, or may be provided in the form of a notebook combined with a display and a keyboard.

The pointing device integrated text input device 3000 may include a plurality of buttons 3100 arranged according to a predetermined keyboard layout.

The button 3100 may include a key cap 3110, a button body 3120, and an electrode 3130. Here, the key cap 3110 and the button body 3120 are disposed on the upper and lower portions, respectively, and the electric rod 3130 may be interposed between the key cap 3110 and the button body 3120. That is, the button 3100 may be provided by stacking and combining the key cap 3110, the electric rod 3130, and the button body 3120 in order.

The keycap 3110 is disposed on the top surface of the button 3100, that is, the exposed surface on the keyboard layout. The keycap 3110 may directly contact a user's finger. That is, the user may perform a push input for typing by pressing the key cap 3110 or a touch input for pointer manipulation (eg, movement of a mouse cursor) by touching the key cap 3110. In addition, for the convenience of typing, the keycap 3110 may be printed with characters assigned to corresponding buttons.

The button body 3120 is disposed under the keycap 3110. The button body 3120 may move up or down in the vertical direction when a push input in the vertical direction is input through the keycap 3110. When the button body 3120 descends, the switch 3200 may be physically pressed, or the switch 3200 may be electrically contacted. As described later, the switch 3200 may obtain a key value assigned to the button 3100 by such an operation.

The electric rod 3130 is interposed between the keycap 3110 and the button body 3120. When the input electrode 3130 is input to the touch input to the key cap 3100, its electrostatic capacity changes, and accordingly, the touch input can be sensed.

The electric rod 3130 may be composed of a plurality of blocks 3130 '. Some of these blocks 3130 'may form a first block group 3131 that is electrically connected according to a first direction, which is one of a length direction and a width direction of the keyboard layout. In addition, the remaining part of the block 3130 'may form a second block group 3132 that is electrically connected according to a second direction that is a direction different from the first direction among the length direction and the width direction of the keyboard layout. Here, that the first block group 3131 and the second block group 3132 are electrically connected is that the blocks 3130 'forming the block groups 3131 and 3132 are physically directly connected and electrically connected. In addition, it should be interpreted as including physically indirect connection through electrical connection means such as electric wires or conductors.

Here, the electric rod 3130 may be composed of a plurality of blocks (1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, 1110, 1111, 1112, 1113), like the electric rod unit 1130 have. Here, some blocks may be electrically connected in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction to form a block group.

Meanwhile, the key cap 3110 may correspond to the above-described cover portion, the button body 3120 may correspond to the above-described base portion or upper support portion, and the electrode rod 3130 may correspond to the above-described electric rod portion.

The switch 3200 is located under the button 3100. For example, the switch 3200 is a button 3100 so that a plurality of buttons 3100 correspond to each of the plurality of buttons 3100 according to the keyboard layout on the substrate positioned under the button layer where the buttons 3100 are arranged according to the keyboard layout. It can be arranged at the bottom of.

When the button 3100 descends according to the user's vertical push input, the switch 3200 may contact the button 3100 or may be pressed by the button 3100. Accordingly, the switch 3200 may acquire or output a key value corresponding to the corresponding button 3100.

The electrical connection member 3300 may form a circuit 3400 by connecting block groups 3131 and 3132 between a plurality of buttons 3100. Here, the electrical connection member 3300 is provided in the same pin shape as the first conductors 1080 and 1441 attached to the upper support 1040 and the second conductors 1090 and 1442 attached to the lower support 1050 and 1060. Can be. Examples of the exemplary electrical connection member 3300 include a form implemented through a pattern printed on an FPCB or a type of conductor installed on a board on which the switch 3200 is installed and a button 3100 to be elevated.

The electrical connection member 3300 is an electrical connection between blocks 3130 'that are not physically directly connected on the surface of the electric rod 3130 among blocks 3130' of the electric rod 3130 belonging to a single button 3100. You can establish a connection.

In addition, the electrical connection member 3300 is connected to a group of blocks 3131 and 3132 formed on the electrode 3130 of each button 3100 between adjacent buttons 3100, so that the plurality of buttons 3100 are continuous. Block groups 3131 and 3132 may be connected.

For example, the electrical connecting member 3300 is a first block group of the electric rod 3130 belonging to a plurality of buttons 3100 arranged in a first direction, which is either a length direction or a width direction of the keyboard layout ( 3131) may be connected to form a drive line. For another example, the electrical connection member 3300 is a second block group of the electric rod 3130 belonging to a plurality of buttons 3100 arranged in a second direction which is either a length direction or a width direction of the keyboard layout. The scan lines can be formed by connecting the 3132s continuously.

Here, the first block group 3131 arranged on the drive line may correspond to the above-described transmitter, and the second block group 3132 arranged on the scan line may correspond to the above-described receiver.

A drive signal is applied to the drive line, and the drive signal is applied to the first block groups 3131 positioned on the drive line by the electrical connection member 3300 to induce electrostatic capacity in the electroload 3130. . Also, in the scan line, a scan signal reflecting that the electrostatic capacitance induced in the electric rod 3130 by the drive signal is changed by the user's touch input may be processed. The scan signal may be a signal that detects a change in capacitance in the second block groups 3132 positioned on the scan line by the electrical connection member 3300.

The controller 3500 may be implemented as a CPU or a similar device according to hardware or software or a combination thereof. The controller 3500 may be provided in the form of an electronic circuit that performs control functions by processing electrical signals in hardware. In addition, the controller 3500 may be provided in the form of a program, application, firmware, or the like processed by the hardware controller 3500 in software.

The controller 3500 may perform electronic signal processing, information processing, and calculation. Accordingly, the controller 3500 may process the overall operation of the pointing device-integrated text input device 3000 or control each component of the pointing device-integrated text input device 3000. For example, the controller 3500 may acquire a scan signal from the scan line and calculate a touch coordinate value based on the scan signal. For another example, the controller 3500 may perform a mode switching operation of the pointing device-integrated text input device 3000.

In addition, the controller 3500 may process and perform various functions or operations of the pointing device-integrated text input device 3000. A more detailed description of this will be described later. Meanwhile, in the present specification, the function or operation of the pointing device-integrated text input device 3000 may be interpreted as being performed by the control of the controller 3500 unless otherwise specified.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 according to the present application will be described.

The pointing device integrated text input device 4000 may share the technical idea of the pointing device integrated text input device described above.

In addition, the above-described technical idea, the pointing device integrated text input device is suitably modified within a range that is sufficiently predicted by a person having ordinary knowledge in the field according to the characteristics of the pointing device integrated text input device 4000 ( 4000).

However, when the technical features described above and the unique technical features of the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 described below are arranged, the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 follows the technical features described below. Make sure it works.

Referring to FIG. 17, the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 is arranged according to a keyboard layout to receive a plurality of complex function input buttons 4200 for receiving push input and touch input from a user, and receiving mode switching input from a user Mode switching unit 4400 for switching an execution mode including a mouse mode and a keyboard mode, and mode switching to determine whether the user has operated the mode switching unit for other reasons such as accidentally operating the mode switching unit for mode switching An input determining unit 4500 and a controller 4900 that processes a user input according to a performance mode may be included.

The plurality of composite function input buttons 4200 may be a composite function input button that conforms to the above-described contents according to a predetermined keyboard layout.

The composite function input button 4200 may receive a user's push input and touch input, and transmit it to the controller 4900.

The composite function input button 4200 may include a key cap 4220, a button body 4260, and an electric rod 4240. Here, the keycap 4220 and the button body 4260 are disposed on the upper and lower portions, respectively, and the electric rod 4240 may be interposed between the keycap 4220 and the button body 4260. That is, the button may be provided by stacking and combining the key cap 4220, the electric rod 4240, and the button body 4260 in sequence.

The keycap 4220 may be located on the upper surface of the composite function input button 4200. The keycap 4220 may receive a user's touch input by making direct contact with the user's finger. Also, the keycap 4220 may receive a push input that the user presses up and down, and move up and down with the button body 4260.

The button body 4260 may be disposed under the keycap 4220. The button body 4260 may be moved up and down according to a user's push input, and accordingly, the button body 4260 may physically press the switch 4360 positioned below it or make electrical contact.

The electric rod 4240 is interposed between the keycap 4220 and the button body 4260. When the electric load 4240 is input to the touch input to the keycap 4220, its electrostatic capacity changes, and accordingly, the touch input can be sensed. The electric rod 4240 may be composed of a plurality of blocks.

Since the composite function input button 4200 has been sufficiently described above, additional description will be omitted.

The switch 4360 may be located under the composite function input button 4200. The switch 4360 may be located under the composite function input button 4200 so as to correspond to the arrangement of the composite function input button 4200 under the layer where the composite function input button 4200 is arranged. The switch 4360 may be electrically contacted with the composite function input button 4200 or pressed by the composite function input button 4200 when the button descends according to the user's up-down push input. Accordingly, the switch 4360 may acquire or output a key value corresponding to the corresponding composite function input button 4200.

Since the details of the switch 4360 have been described in detail above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The electrical connecting member 4340 may form circuits by connecting block groups between a plurality of buttons.

The electrical connection member 4340 may electrically connect each block of the electric rod 4240 belonging to the single composite function input button 4200.

Further, the electrical connection member 4340 may electrically connect a block group of the electric rod 4240 between adjacent composite function input buttons 4200.

In this way, the electric connecting member 4340 can form drive lines and scan lines by continuously connecting each block group in different directions.

Details of the electrical connecting member 4340 have been described in detail, and thus will be omitted.

The mode switching unit 4400 may receive a mode switching input from a user and inform the controller 4900 of the mode switching input to switch the execution mode.

As will be described later in detail, the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 may perform a plurality of execution modes. For example, the performance mode may be a keyboard mode, a mouse mode, and a digitizer mode. The mode switching unit 4400 may receive a mode switching input for selecting at least one of a plurality of execution modes from a user.

The method in which the mode switching unit 4400 performs the mode switching input may be various. The mode switching unit 4400 may be, for example, a pointer execution command unit integrated mode switching unit described with reference to FIG. 3.

For example, the mode switching unit 4400 may include a touch receiving unit 4420 and a mode switching switch 4440.

The touch receiver 4420 may receive a mode change input in the form of contact with a user's body. The touch receiver 4420 may include a touch sensor. As described above, as described above, various touch methods such as a resistive touch sensor, a capacitive touch sensor, a pressure-sensitive touch sensor, an optical touch sensor, and an ultrasonic touch sensor may be employed.

The mode change switch 4440 may receive a mode change input in a form in which physical pressure is applied. The mode changeover switch 4440 is, for example, moved by the user's pressure, and the elastic body to return to the original position when the pressure is removed, and the button receiving the user's pressure and the user's pressure to move the position to join If so, it may include a switch for detecting a mode change input.

The mode switching unit 4400 may be disposed on one side of the keyboard layout. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the mode switching unit 4400 may be disposed in one area on the left or right side of the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000. Alternatively, the mode switching unit 4400 may be located farther from the user than the keyboard layout, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the mode switching unit 4400 may be located closer to the user than the keyboard layout. Related matters will be described later in more detail.

The mode switching input determining unit 4500 is configured to determine whether the user intends to switch the mode to the mode switching input received from the user through the mode switching unit 4400. The mode switching input determining unit 4500 may detect a case in which the mode switching input is input by a factor other than the intention of the mode switching, such as a user's mistake. In this case, the mode switching input determination unit 4500 may prevent the execution mode from being switched by generating a mode switching prevention signal and transmitting it to the controller 4900.

The method for determining whether or not the mode switching input determining unit 4500 is authentic may be various. For example, the mode change input discrimination unit 4500 may include a touch sensing unit 4520. The touch sensing unit 4520 may include a touch sensor capable of detecting a touch of a user's body.

The touch sensing unit 4520 may be positioned between the keyboard layout and the mode switching unit 4400, and related matters will be described later in more detail.

The controller 4900 can generally control the operation of each component of the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000.

The controller 4900 applies a drive signal to some of the block groups of the electrical connection member 4340, or receives a scan signal from some of the block groups of the electrical connection member 4340, whereby a user's touch input is received. You can see the location on the keyboard layout. The controller 4900 may acquire a pointer location information signal reflecting the location on the keyboard layout where the touch input is received. The controller 4900 may control the display unit to output a pointer on the display unit according to the pointer location information signal.

The controller 4900 may receive a key value corresponding to the composite function input button 4200 from which the user's push input is received, from the switch 4360. The controller 4900 may acquire a text signal by reflecting the key value. For example, the controller 4900 may control the display unit to output the combined text through the display unit by combining text elements corresponding to the key value.

The controller 4900 may control the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 according to at least one of the plurality of execution modes. The controller 4900 may output at least one of a pointer location information signal or a text signal in a form suitable for the display unit according to the selected execution mode.

The keyboard mode may be a mode for acquiring a text signal and outputting text input according to a key value of the composite function input button 4200 for which a push input is received. At this time, the controller can ignore the touch input to the composite function input button to which the push input is received.

The mouse mode may be a mode for obtaining a pointer location information signal according to a position on the keyboard layout where a touch input is received, and outputting a controlled pointer accordingly. At this time, the controller can ignore the push input for the composite function input button to which the touch input is received.

The controller 4900 may receive a signal according to the mode switching input from the mode switching unit 4400. When the mode switching input is received, the controller 4900 can switch the execution mode for the composite function input button 4200 located in at least one area of the keyboard layout under the condition that there is no mode switching prevention signal. For example, when the execution mode is a keyboard mode, the controller 4900 receives a mode switching input through the touch receiver 4420 of the mode switching unit 4400, and switches the mode from the mode switching input determining unit 4500. When the prevention signal is not received, the execution mode may be changed to the mouse mode in one area of the keyboard layout.

The controller 4900 may receive a mode switching prevention signal from the mode switching input determining unit 4500. When the mode switching prevention signal is received, the controller 4900 may not perform the mode switching even though the mode switching input is received through the mode switching unit 4400. For example, when the execution mode is the keyboard mode, the controller 4900 may maintain the keyboard mode when a mode switching prevention signal is received even though mode switching is input through the touch receiver 4420.

18 is a flowchart of the operation of the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 including the mode switching input determining unit 4500.

Referring to FIG. 18, first, the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 may perform a keyboard mode (S4110). Thereafter, a mode switching input may be received through the mode switching unit 4400 (S4120). Thereafter, the controller 4900 may determine whether a mode switching prevention signal is received through the mode switching input determining unit 4500. When the mode switching prevention signal is received, the keyboard mode may be maintained as it is (S4130). When the mode switching prevention signal is not received, the execution mode may be switched to the mouse mode for the composite function input button 4200 included in a predetermined area on the keyboard layout (S4140). Hereinafter, each step will be described in detail.

First, the pointing device integrated text input device 4000 may perform a keyboard mode (S4110).

The pointing device integrated text input device 4000 may receive a push input from the composite function input button 4200 according to a keyboard mode, and thus obtain a text signal and output it through the display unit.

At this time, a touch input may be received from the composite function input button 4200, but the controller 4900 may ignore this and may not generate a pointer location information signal. Alternatively, the controller 4900 may stop the drive signal applied to the electrode 4240. Alternatively, the controller 4900 may ignore the scan signal received from the electrode 4240.

Thereafter, a mode switching input may be received through the mode switching unit 4400 (S4120).

The mode switching input may be an input for switching the keyboard mode to the mouse mode for at least one area on the keyboard layout.

The mode switching unit 4400 may be a touch input input through the touch receiving unit 4420. Alternatively, the mode switching unit 4400 may be a pressing of the switch 4360 input through the mode switching switch 4440.

The mode switching unit 4400 may receive a mode switching input and transmit it to the controller 4900.

The mode change input may include a permanent mode change input or a temporary mode change input.

Thereafter, the controller 4900 may determine whether a mode switching prevention signal is received through the mode switching input determining unit 4500 (S4130).

The mode switching input may often be received differently from the user's intention. For example, during operation of the keyboard mode, a mode switching input may be received by accidentally touching the mode switching unit 4400 close to the keyboard layout. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether the received mode switching input is actually an input for switching the keyboard mode to the mouse mode.

The mode change input discrimination unit 4500 may include a touch sensing unit 4520. Hereinafter, for convenience, it is assumed that the mode switching input determining unit 4500 is a touch sensing unit 4520 and a mode switching input determining operation will be described based on the touch sensing unit 4520. However, it will be noted that the contents described later may be applied to the mode switching input determining unit 4500 as well as the touch sensing unit 4520 as well as other possible means.

The touch sensing unit 4520 may detect a case in which a mode change input is received differently from a user's intention, and inform the controller 4900 of a mode change prevention signal.

When the mode switching prevention signal is received, the controller 4900 is not allowed to change the keyboard mode to the mouse mode and maintain the keyboard mode.

When the mode switching prevention signal is not received (S4140), the controller 4900 may switch the execution mode to the mouse mode for the composite function input button 4200 included in a predetermined area on the keyboard layout.

The predefined area may be an entire area of the keyboard layout or a partial area. This will be described later in more detail.

In a predetermined area, a touch input may be received through the composite function input button 4200, the controller 4900 may acquire a pointer location information signal accordingly, and output a pointer through the display unit.

19 is a front view of the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 having a mode switching input determining unit 4500, and FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional configuration of the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a front view of the circuit board of the text input device 4000 integrated with the pointing device of FIG. 19.

The pointing device integrated text input device 4000 may be provided in the form of a keyboard as a whole, as shown in FIG. 9, or may be provided in the form of a notebook combined with a display and a keyboard.

The mode switching unit 4400 may be a touch receiving unit 4420.

The mode switching unit 4400 may be designed in consideration of various factors so that a user operating the keyboard layout can conveniently operate the mode switching unit 4400.

The mode switching unit 4400 may be located closer to the user than the keyboard layout. The mode switching unit 4400 may have a shape that extends substantially parallel along one side closer to the user of the keyboard layout.

The length in which the mode switching unit 4400 is extended may be designed in consideration of the position of the user's hand to operate, the length of a specific button such as a space bar of the keyboard layout, and the like. For example, the length of the mode switching unit 4400 may be designed in consideration of the distance between the thumb or index finger of both hands of the user.

The mode switching unit 4400 may be disposed at a distance spaced by a third predetermined distance d3 from the housing end facing the user of the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000.

The third predetermined distance d3 may be to secure a separation distance from the housing end in order to prevent the operation of the mode switching unit 4400 from being erroneously operated. For example, when an external object is positioned close to the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000, the mode switching unit 4400 is spaced apart from the housing end by a third predetermined distance so as not to detect it as a user's mode switching input. Can be.

The mode switching unit 4400 may be a plurality, which will be described later in more detail.

The mode switching input discrimination unit 4500 considers various factors so as to easily distinguish the input to the mode switching unit 4400 from the input to the button on the keyboard layout by detecting that the user is operating the button on the keyboard layout. Can be designed.

The mode switching input determining unit 4500 may be located between the keyboard layout and the mode switching unit 4400.

The mode switching input determining unit 4500 may have a form that extends along one side of the keyboard layout or the mode switching unit 4400.

The mode switching input determining unit 4500 may be spaced apart from the mode switching unit 4400 by a second predetermined length d2.

The second predetermined length d2 may be designed as a length to secure a separation distance so that the mode switching input discrimination unit 4500 does not contact the user's body when the user operates the mode switching unit 4400. . Accordingly, when a user operates on the mode switching unit 4400 performed under the intention of actual mode switching, the mode switching input determining unit 4500 may not contact the user.

The mode change input determining unit 4500 may be positioned close to the keyboard layout. The mode switching input determining unit 4500 may be positioned at a distance from the keyboard layout and a first predetermined length d1. The first predetermined length d1 is, for example, when a user's hand is placed on a button on a keyboard layout, a mode switching input discrimination unit (where a part of the user's hand, for example, a thumb or a palm, etc.) is touched 4500).

The length of the mode switching input discrimination unit 4500 may be set to the same length corresponding to the length of the mode switching unit 4400. Alternatively, the length of the mode switching input discrimination unit 4500 may be set to a length corresponding to an area of the mode switching unit 4400. One area of the mode switching unit 4400 may be, for example, an area where a part of the hand, for example, a thumb or a palm, can reach when a user's hand is placed on a button on a keyboard layout.

The mode switching input determining unit 4500 may be a plurality, which will be described later in more detail.

The mode switching unit 4400 and the mode switching input determining unit 4500 may be installed on one circuit board 4600. For example, the circuit board 4600 may be a flexible printed circuit board (F-PCB).

The mode switching unit 4400 and the mode switching input determining unit 4500 may have different heights disposed in the housing, and the circuit board 4600 includes a mode switching unit 4400 having different heights and a mode switching input determining unit ( 4500) may be designed as first and second stages having different heights to accommodate.

According to an embodiment, the first stage accommodating the mode switching unit 4400 may achieve a downward inclination as it moves away from the keyboard layout. Accordingly, the mode switching unit 4400 may be inclined while facing the user.

On the circuit board 4600, the path through which the mode switching signal reaches from the mode switching unit 4400 to the terminal 4400a and the path through which the mode switching prevention signal reaches from the mode switching input discrimination unit 4500 to the terminal 4500a are It can be formed independently.

The circuit board 4600 may include a bridge connecting the first end and the second end. A terminal 4400a connected to the mode switching unit 4400 and a terminal 4500a connected to the mode switching input determining unit 4500 may be disposed on the bridge of the circuit board 4600. The bridge may be formed on one side of the first end and the second end, or may be formed at the center of the first end and the second end, or may be formed to connect the entire first end and the second end.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 21, a controller 4900 may be disposed on the circuit board 4600. The controller 4900 may be connected to the terminal 4400a to receive a mode switching signal from the mode switching unit 4400, and the controller 4900 may be connected to the terminal 4500a to mode the mode switching input determining unit 4500 The conversion prevention signal may be received to perform calculation and processing for switching the execution mode.

Alternatively, the circuit board 4600 may accommodate a switch 4360 connected to the composite function input button 4200, or the circuit board 4600 may be part of a circuit layer that receives a signal from the composite function input button 4200. .

22 is an example of use for the pointing device integrated text input device 4000 of FIG. 19.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 22, the mode switching input discrimination unit 4500 may detect that a user operates a button on a keyboard layout.

Since the mode switching input determining unit 4500 is disposed close to one side of the keyboard layout, a part of a user's hand operating a button on the keyboard layout can be naturally placed on the mode switching input determining unit 4500.

At this time, a user may accidentally accidentally touch the mode switching unit 4400 while operating a button on the keyboard layout. That is, receiving the mode switching input through the mode switching unit 4400 while the mode switching input determining unit 4500 receives a user's body contact is not a touch for switching the mode, but simply operates the keyboard layout. It may have occurred unconsciously. Therefore, in this case, the mode switching input determining unit 4500 may transmit a mode switching prevention signal to the controller 4900, and the controller 4900 may not allow switching from the keyboard mode to the mouse mode.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 22, the mode switching unit 4400 may receive a mode switching input from a user.

The user input to the mode switching unit 4400 may be, for example, a thumb or an index finger.

The user who wants to switch the execution mode from the keyboard mode to the touch mode, since one area of the keyboard layout is switched to the touch mode, the mode for the button on the keyboard layout is temporarily released to prevent erroneous operation in the touch mode. It is common to perform input to the switching unit 4400.

When the user releases his / her hand from the keyboard layout, the mode change input determining unit 4500 may detect that the user's input is removed.

When the mode switching input is received through the mode switching unit 4400 and the mode switching prevention signal is not received through the mode switching input determining unit 4500, the controller 4900 is included in one area on the keyboard layout. The function input button 4200 can be switched from a keyboard mode to a mouse mode.

One area of the housing in which the mode switching unit 4400 is disposed may be inclined downward as it moves away from the keyboard layout and approaches the user. Thus, the mode switching unit 4400 can effectively detect the user touch.

For example, since an inclination of a region of a housing in which the mode switching unit 4400 is disposed and a region of a housing in which the mode switching input discrimination unit 4500 is disposed are different from each other, the user inputs the mode switching by sensing the gradient. For this, the mode switching unit 4400 may be distinguished.

In addition, since an inclination of a region of the housing in which the mode switching unit 4400 is disposed and a region of the housing in which the mode switching input determining unit 4500 is disposed are different, the mode switching unit 4400 is used for the mode switching input. It can be prevented that a finger touching the touch the mode switching input discrimination unit 4500 simultaneously.

23 is a front view of another embodiment of the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 having the mode switching input discrimination unit 4500. 24 is a side cross-sectional configuration diagram of the pointing device integrated text input device 4000 of FIG. 23.

23 and 24, the mode switching unit 4400 may be a mode switching switch 4440.

The items described on the basis of that the mode switching unit 4400 is the touch receiving unit 4420 in FIGS. 19 to 22 may be applied even when the mode switching unit 4400 is a mode switching switch 4440 within a range that is not disposed. have.

The mode switching switch 4440 may be, for example, the pointer execution command unit integrated mode switching unit 4400 described through FIG. 4.

The mode change switch 4440 may have a different displacement depending on the size of the pressure depressing the mode change switch 4440, so that the mode change can be permanently performed, or the mode change can be performed only while the pressure is maintained. have.

The mode changeover switch 4440 may provide a tactile feedback to the user that the mode changeover switch 4440 is depressed by generating displacement according to the pressure of the user.

The mode changeover switch 4440 may achieve a downward slope toward the user, thereby facilitating receiving the mode changeover input.

25 is a flowchart of an operation of another embodiment of the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 having the mode switching input determining unit 4500.

Referring to FIG. 25, first, the pointing device integrated text input device 4000 may perform a keyboard mode (S4210). Thereafter, a mode change input may be received through the mode change switch 4440 (S4220). Thereafter, whether a user's body part is in contact with the touch receiver 4420 may be detected. If there is no contact with the touch receiver 4420, the pointing device integrated text input device 4000 may maintain the keyboard mode setting (S4230). When there is contact with the touch receiving unit 4420, a user's contact with the mode switching input determining unit 4500 may be detected. When there is contact with the mode switching input determining unit 4500, the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 may maintain the keyboard mode setting (S4240). When there is no contact with the mode switching input determining unit 4500, the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 may switch the key mode mode to the mouse mode in a predetermined area on the keyboard layout (S4250). Hereinafter, each step will be described in detail.

First, the pointing device integrated text input device 4000 may perform a keyboard mode (S4210). At this time, the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 may include a mode change switch 4440 and a touch receiver 4420 together.

Thereafter, a mode change input may be received through the mode change switch 4440 (S4220).

When the controller 4900 receives a mode change input through the mode change switch 4440, the controller 4900 can detect whether the user's body touches the touch receiver 4420. When there is no contact with the touch receiver 4420, the controller 4900 may maintain the keyboard mode setting of the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 (S4230).

The pointing device integrated text input device 4000 determines whether the mode change input is received through the mode change switch 4440 and the touch receiver 4420, so that the mode change input can be more effectively detected.

For example, the controller 4900 may activate the touch receiving unit 4420 and the mode switching input determining unit 4500 only when there is an input to the mode switching switch 4440. When there is no input to the mode changeover switch 4440, power may be saved and the amount of data to be processed may be reduced by deactivating the touch receiving unit 4420 and the touch sensing unit 4520.

Or, if a user accidentally makes contact with the touch receiver 4420, if a sufficient pressure is applied to the mode switch 4440 and displacement does not occur, the controller 4900 determines that the mode change input has not been received. You can.

In addition, the pointing device integrated text input device 4000 may provide various functions in consideration of user convenience by using a combination of a signal for the mode switch 4440 and a signal for the touch receiver 4420.

For example, assuming that the transition to the mouse mode is set to be temporarily valid only for a period of time during which the mode switching input is sustained, the input for switching the execution mode and the input for maintaining the switched mouse mode may be separated. .

The input to the mode changeover switch 4440 may serve as a trigger for switching the execution mode to the mouse mode, and the input to the mode changeover switch 4440 may not need to be continued to maintain the mouse mode.

The input for maintaining the mouse mode may be received by the touch receiver 4420.

That is, the user may generate a displacement by applying pressure to the mode changeover switch 4440, and thereafter, maintain the mouse mode state by maintaining finger contact with the touch receiving unit 4420 even if the pressure is removed. In this way, the mouse mode can be maintained even when pressure is not continuously applied.

In the above description, only the case in which the input to the mode changeover switch 4440 was first detected was described. On the contrary, even when the input to the touch receiving unit 4420 is first detected, the controller 4900 is the mode changeover switch 4440 and Based on the input to the touch receiver 4420, it may be determined whether or not the mode change is input. That is, the order of S4220 and S4230 may be substituted.

When there is contact with the touch receiving unit 4420, it may be detected whether a part of the user's body touches the mode change input determining unit 4500. When there is contact with the mode switching input determining unit 4500, the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 may maintain the keyboard mode setting (S4240).

When a signal is generated from the mode switching switch 4440 and the touch receiving unit 4420, the controller 4900 determines that the mode switching input is received, and determines whether the user is in contact with the mode switching input determining unit 4500. You can.

When there is contact with the mode switching input determining unit 4500, the controller 4900 may determine that the mode switching input is not to activate the mouse mode since the user is operating the keyboard layout. Therefore, the controller 4900 can maintain the keyboard mode.

When there is no contact with the mode switching input determining unit 4500, the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 may switch the key mode mode to the mouse mode in a predetermined area on the keyboard layout (S4250).

Through the above-described process, the execution mode can be accurately and effectively switched from the keyboard mode to the mouse mode.

26 is a front view of the pointing device integrated text input device 4000 of FIG. 25, and FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional configuration diagram of the pointing device integrated text input device 4000 of FIG. 25.

26 and 27, the mode switching unit 4400 may include a touch receiving unit 4420 and a mode switching switch 4440.

The mode change switch 4440 and the touch receiver 4420 may be arranged to share a certain area. Accordingly, when a user touches the mode switching unit 4400 with one touch, the mode switching switch 4440 and the touch receiving unit 4420 may simultaneously receive a mode switching input.

For example, the mode changeover switch 4440 may be formed of an elastic body that restores the position of the button by a button applied with pressure from the user and a restoring force. At this time, the touch receiving unit 4420 may be located at a button of the mode changeover switch 4440 to detect a change in capacitance when the user presses the mode changeover switch 4440.

Alternatively, the touch receiver 4420 may be located below the mode switch 4440 to detect a change in capacitance as the mode switch 4440 is pressed.

Here, the touch receiving unit 4420 may be a physically separate configuration from the mode switching switch 4440, but according to an embodiment, the touch receiving unit 4420 may be a part of components constituting the mode switching switch 4440. have.

The touch receiver 4420 and the mode change switch 4440 may independently transmit electrical signals to the controller. For example, the touch receiver 4420 may include an electrical connection member reaching the circuit board 4600, and the electrical connection member may be designed while passing through the mode changeover switch 4440.

28 is a front view of yet another embodiment of the pointing device-integrated text input device 4000 having a mode switching input discrimination unit 4500, and FIG. 29 is a pointing device-integrated text input device of FIG. 28 ( 4000) is a front view of the circuit board.

28 and 29, a plurality of mode switching units 4400 may be provided. Also, a plurality of mode change input discrimination units 4500 may be provided.

The mode switching unit 4400 may include a first mode switching unit 4450 disposed on the left side and a second mode switching unit 4460 disposed on the right side.

The first mode switching unit 4450 and the second mode switching unit 4460 may be arranged side by side along one side of the keyboard layout.

When used, the first mode switching unit 4450 may be disposed in an area where the user's left hand is placed. The second mode switching unit 4460 may be disposed in an area where the user's right hand is placed.

The first mode switching unit 4450 and the second mode switching unit 4460 may be set to perform mode switching for different areas on the keyboard layout. The first mode switching unit 4450 may correspond to activate the mouse mode of the first input area 4720. The second mode switching unit 4460 may correspond to activate the mouse mode of the second input area 4740.

In general, the user will use an input device integrated with a pointing device with both hands. The first mode switching unit 4450 is positioned corresponding to the left hand of the user, but the first input area 4720 in which the first mode switching unit 4450 activates the mouse mode may be located on the right side of the keyboard layout.

Likewise, the second mode switching unit 4460 is positioned corresponding to the user's right hand, but the second input area 4740 in which the second mode switching unit 4460 activates the mouse mode may be located on the left side of the keyboard layout. .

Thus, the user can perform a control input to operate the mode switching unit 4400 with one hand, and to manipulate the position and movement state of the pointer under the mouse mode with the other hand.

The first input area 4720 and the second input area 4740 may be, for example, pointing location information input areas 108a and 108b illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like.

Also, in the digitizer mode, the first input area 4720 and the second input area 4740 may be a left-hand touch area 108a and a right-hand touch area, respectively (108b).

The first input area 4720 and the second input area 4740 are set in consideration of a user's convenience of operating a button on a keyboard layout, and according to an embodiment, the first input area 4720 and the second input The region 4740 may share one region.

The mode switching input determining unit 4500 may include a first touch sensing unit 4550 disposed on the left side and a second touch sensing unit 4560 disposed on the right side.

The first touch sensing unit 4550 and the second touch sensing unit 4560 may be arranged side by side along one side of the keyboard layout.

When used, the first touch sensing unit 4550 may be disposed in an area where the user's left hand is placed. The second touch sensing unit 4560 may be disposed in an area where the user's right hand is placed.

The first touch sensing unit 4550 may be positioned between the keyboard layout and the first mode switching unit 4450. The second touch sensing unit 4560 may be positioned between the keyboard layout and the second mode switching unit 4460.

At this time, the first touch sensing unit 4550 and the second touch sensing unit 4560 may be physically separate components, but may be one touch pad, and regions in which a touch sensing area is logically divided. . That is, if the configuration distinguishes the touch input from the left and the touch input from the right, the first touch sensing unit 4550 and the second touch sensing unit 4560 may be used.

The first touch sensing unit 4550 may determine whether the mode switching input is a mistake input during a button operation on the keyboard layout or includes an actual mode switching intention when the mode switching input through the first mode switching unit 4450 is input. have.

When the mode switching input through the first mode switching unit 4450 is received, the controller 4900 may check whether a mode switching prevention signal is received through the first touch sensing unit 4550. When the mode switching prevention signal through the first touch sensing unit 4550 is received, the controller 4900 may still maintain the keyboard mode for the first input area 4720.

On the other hand, the controller 4900 receives the mode switching input through the first touch sensing unit 4550, but when the mode switching prevention signal through the first touch sensing unit 4550 is not received, the first input area 4720 For the mouse mode can be performed.

Likewise, when the mode switching input through the second mode switching unit 4460 is received, the controller 4900 can check whether a mode switching prevention signal is received through the second touch sensing unit 4560. When the mode switching prevention signal through the second touch sensing unit 4560 is received, the controller 4900 may still maintain the keyboard mode for the second input area 4740.

On the other hand, the controller 4900 receives the mode switching input through the second touch sensing unit 4560, but when the mode switching prevention signal through the second touch sensing unit 4560 is not received, the second input area 4740 For the mouse mode can be performed.

The first mode switching unit 4450, the second mode switching unit 4460, the first mode switching input determining unit 4550 and the second mode switching input determining unit 4560 are installed on one circuit board 4600 Can be. The circuit board 4600 may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (F-PCB).

The circuit board 4600 may be composed of a first stage accommodating the mode switching units 4450 and 4460 and a second stage accommodating the mode switching input determining units 4550 and 4560, respectively.

The first and second stages may be designed in a shape in consideration of heights, inclination angles, and the like of the mode switching units 4450 and 4460 and the mode switching input determining units 4550 and 4560, respectively.

The first stage may extend long along an extension direction of one side of the keyboard layout, and the first mode switching unit 4450 and the second mode switching unit 4460 may be arranged side by side along one side of the keyboard layout in the first stage. You can.

The second stage may be elongated along an extension direction of one side of the keyboard layout, and the first mode switching input discrimination unit 4550 and the second mode switching input discrimination unit 4560 may display one side of the keyboard layout in the second stage. Therefore, they can be arranged side by side.

The circuit board 4600 may include a bridge connecting the first end and the second end. The bridge of the circuit board 4600 includes a terminal 4450a connected to the first mode switching unit 4450, a terminal 4460a connected to the second mode switching unit 4460, and a first mode switching input determining unit 4550. A terminal 4550a connected to the terminal 4560a and a terminal 4560a connected to the second mode switching input determining unit 4560 may be disposed. A controller 4900 may be disposed on the bridge, and the controller 4900 may be connected to each terminal 4450a, 4460a, 4550a, 4560a to receive an electrical signal.

The bridge may be formed on one side of the first end and the second end, or may be formed at the center of the first end and the second end, or may be formed to connect the entire first end and the second end.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention described above may be implemented separately or in combination with each other.

Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical spirits within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

4000 Pointing device integrated text input device
4200 composite function input button
4220 keycap
4240 Electrod
4260 button body
4340 electrical connection member
4360 switch
4400 mode switching unit
4420 touch receiver
4440 mode changeover switch
4450 first mode switching unit
4460 second mode switching unit
4500 mode switching input discrimination unit
4520 touch sensing unit
4550 first touch sensor
4560 second touch sensor
4600 circuit board
4720 1st input area
4740 2nd input area
4900 controller

Claims (9)

In the electronic device having a composite human interface,
A keycap arranged according to a keyboard layout and receiving a touch input or a push input by the user; A switch for sensing the elevation of the keycap by the push input; And a plurality of electrodes for sensing the touch input.
At least one of a keyboard mode for ignoring the touch input and obtaining a text signal according to the composite function input button on which the push input is received, and a mouse mode for obtaining a pointer location information signal related to a location where the touch input is received. A controller that performs the mode of;
A mode switching unit disposed on one side of the keyboard layout and receiving a mode switching input for activating or deactivating the mouse mode from the user; And
Included between the keyboard layout and the mode switching unit, the touch detection area to generate a mode switching prevention signal when in contact with a part of the user body and transmits it to the controller;
When receiving the mode switching input, the controller maintains the mouse mode in an inactive state when the mode switching prevention signal is received, but activates the mouse mode when the mode switching prevention signal is not received.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
The mode switching unit includes a touch receiving unit,
The mode switching input is received through a change in the electrostatic capacity according to contact with a part of the user's body through the touch receiver
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
The mode switching unit includes a switch for receiving the mode switching input by a physical pressure applied by the user
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
The mode switching unit includes a touch receiving unit for sensing a contact of a part of the user's body by a change in electrostatic capacity, and an input unit for sensing a physical pressure applied by the user,
The controller
When the physical pressure on the switch is received, the user body contact is received through the touch receiver, and the mouse mode is activated when the mode change prevention signal is not received in the touch sensing area,
When the mode switching prevention signal is received in the touch sensing area, the mouse mode is maintained in an inactive state.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
The mode switching unit and the touch sensing area are spaced apart by a first predetermined distance to prevent erroneous operation.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
The mode switching unit has a downward slope as it moves away from the keyboard layout to prevent erroneous operation.
Electronics.
According to claim 1,
The mode switching unit includes the first mode switching unit and the second mode switching unit disposed along one side of the keyboard layout,
The touch sensing area includes a first touch sensing area positioned between the keyboard layout and the first mode switching unit, and a second sensing touch area positioned between the keyboard layout and the second mode switching unit,
When the controller receives the mode switching input through the first touch detection area when the mode switching input is received by the first mode switching unit, the controller maintains the mouse mode in an inactive state.
When the mode switching prevention signal is not received through the first touch sensing area, the plurality of electrods included in the first input area including at least a portion of the keyboard layout corresponding to the first mode switching unit may be used. Activate the mouse mode for the touch input,
When the mode switching input is received by the second mode switching unit, when the mode switching prevention signal is received through the second touch detection area, the mouse mode is maintained in an inactive state.
When the mode switching prevention signal is not received through the second touch sensing area, the plurality of electrods included in the second input area including at least a portion of the keyboard layout corresponding to the second mode switching unit may be used. Activating a mouse mode for the touch input
Electronics.
The method of claim 7,
The first mode switching unit is located in a first direction with respect to the second mode switching unit,
The first input area is located in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the second input area.
Electronics.
The method of claim 7,
The first input area and the second input area share at least one area with each other.
Electronics.

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