WO2013072949A1

WO2013072949A1 - Input device

Info

Publication number: WO2013072949A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/006342
Authority: WO
Inventors: 卓爾森本; 清水　浩一; 航山崎
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2011-11-14
Filing date: 2011-11-14
Publication date: 2013-05-23

Abstract

An input device is provided with: a pin group which is formed by planarly arranging a plurality of pins that can be vertically driven; a drive unit which vertically drives the pins of the pin group; a detection unit which detects the approach or contact of an object to or with the pin group; a dummy input part determination unit which, on the basis of information relating to the approach or contact detected by the detection unit, determines the position or shape of a dummy input part that is a simulated input part; and a dummy input part formation unit which, on the basis of the position or shape determined by the dummy input part determination unit, forms the dummy input part by controlling the driving performed on the pin group by the drive unit. Consequently, an input part such as a button having a proper position or shape can be formed, thereby making it possible to reduce the time for a user to get accustomed to using the input device and for the user to perform input without watching the input device carefully.

Description

Input device

This invention relates to an input device that accepts user input operations.

Generally, in order for a user to freely operate an input device, an understanding and familiarity with the input device is required. In addition, as the system is more multifunctional, one input device often has a plurality of meanings, and there is a problem that an input operation is difficult until the user gets used to the input device.

In order to deal with such a problem, buttons and sliders in the input device according to the operation scene, such as a touch panel that has been widely used as an input device for mobile phones in recent years, and input devices described in

Patent Documents

1 and 2, for example. And the like that provide an intuitive operation even for a user who is not familiar with the input device.
In the following description of the present invention, such buttons and sliders generated in a pseudo manner are referred to as “pseudo input units”.

JP 2010-128788 A JP 2010-250735 A

However, even when using the input device as described above, in a situation where the user needs to perform an operation without gazing at the input device, for example, while driving a car, the pseudo input unit corresponding to the operation scene is used. There is a problem that it is difficult for the user to freely operate the input device unless they are well aware of the formation pattern and the shape of the pseudo input unit.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the user gets used to the input device by generating an input unit having an appropriate position or shape according to the user's characteristics and the user's operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an input device that can reduce the time required for the input and allows the user to perform input without gazing at the input device.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a pin group in which a plurality of pins that can be driven up and down are arranged in a plane, a drive unit that drives the pins of the pin group up and down, and an approach of an object to the pin group or A detection unit that detects contact, a pseudo input unit determination unit that determines a position or shape of a pseudo input unit that is a pseudo input unit based on the approach or contact information detected by the detection unit, and the pin group And a pseudo input unit forming unit configured to form the pseudo input unit based on the position or shape determined by the pseudo input unit determining unit by controlling the driving of the driving unit.

According to the input device of the present invention, since an input unit such as a button having an appropriate position or shape can be formed, time for the user to get used to the input device can be reduced, and the user can watch the input device. Can be entered without

2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of operation of the input device and an example of a pseudo input unit 30 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the pseudo input unit 30 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing of the input device in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the implementation example of the pin 11, the drive device 12, the light-emitting device 13, and the detection apparatus 14. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) It is a figure which shows the display screen 40 and the pseudo input part 30 at the time of performing input of a post office number search. (B) It is a figure which shows the display screen 40 and the pseudo input part 30 at the time of performing volume adjustments, such as guidance of a car navigation, or music. It is a figure which shows the cylindrical pin 21 which can rotate. It is a figure which shows the pin 22 which can be inclined. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the input device according to the second embodiment. (A) It is a figure which shows the state which made the object 20 approach or contact the pin group 1. FIG. (B) It is a figure which shows the state imaged by making the detection distance of the object 20 and each pin 11 into a brightness | luminance. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pseudo input unit 30 according to Embodiment 2. FIG. In Embodiment 2, it is a figure which shows the example which forms the pseudo input part 30 which changes with the number of the fingers which a user uses for operation. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pseudo input unit 30 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration of the input device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the pseudo input unit 30 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pseudo input unit 30 according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device in a fifth embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the input device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of operation of an input device and an example of a pseudo input unit 30 according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device in a seventh embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an input device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The input device 10 transmits a pin group 1 in which a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped pins 11 (see FIG. 2) are arranged, a drive unit 2 that drives each pin 11 constituting the pin group 1, and each pin 11. A light emitting unit 3 that emits light, a detection unit 4 that detects the approach or contact of an object 20 such as a user's finger or stylus, and a pseudo input unit 30 (FIG. 2 ( b), a pseudo input unit determining unit 5 that determines the position and shape of the above and a pseudo input unit forming unit 6 that controls driving and light emission for the pin group 1 and forms the pseudo input unit 30.

The pin group 1 is configured by arranging a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped pins 11 (see FIG. 2) in a plane, and each pin 11 is configured by a highly permeable material such as an acrylic rod. Each pin 11 constituting the pin group 1 can be driven up and down by the drive unit 2 and is caused to emit light by the light emitting unit 3. Each pin 11 is, for example, a square having a side length of about 4 mm in plan view, and is a rectangular parallelepiped having a longer vertical direction (height). That is, the pin 11 is driven up and down in the longitudinal direction by the drive unit 2.
The drive unit 2 includes a drive device 12 such as a piston provided on each pin 11, and each drive device 12 is disposed below each pin 11. Further, each driving device 12 constituting the driving unit 2 receives the control instruction from the pseudo input unit forming unit 6 and drives each pin 11 up and down (up or down).

The light emitting unit 3 includes a light emitting device 13 such as a three-color LED provided on each pin 11, and each light emitting device 13 is disposed below each pin 11. Further, each light emitting device 13 constituting the light emitting unit 3 receives each control instruction from the pseudo input unit forming unit 6 and causes each pin 11 to emit light.
The detection unit 4 includes a detection device 14 such as a photo interrupter provided on each pin 11, and is disposed below each pin 11. Moreover, each detection apparatus 14 which comprises the detection part 4 detects the approach or contact of the objects 20, such as a user's finger | toe or a stylus.

Based on the approach or contact information detected by the detection unit 4, the pseudo input unit determination unit 5 determines which shape of the pseudo input unit 30 is to be generated, that is, which pin is raised or lowered. In addition, it is determined whether to emit light, and an instruction is output to the pseudo input unit forming unit 6.
The pseudo input unit forming unit 6 receives each instruction from the pseudo input unit determining unit 5, that is, according to the position and shape determined by the pseudo input unit determining unit 5, The pseudo input unit 30 is formed by outputting an instruction to drive the pins 11 up and down and an instruction to cause each of the target pins 11 to emit light to the light emitting unit 3.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of the input device and an example of the pseudo input unit 30 according to the first embodiment. In the figure showing the outline of the operation, the pin 11 is shown larger than the object 20 such as the user's finger for the sake of explanation. FIG. 2A is a view showing a state in which a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped pins 11 are arranged side by side in the vertical and horizontal directions and the pin group 1 is formed. In this state, for example, when the user brings the finger (object 20) closer to the pin group 1, as shown in FIG. 2B, the pin 11 at the position of the user's finger (object 20) (in this example, As the four pins 11) rise, light is emitted and a pseudo input section 30 is formed. In FIG. 2, the description has been made assuming that the user's finger is brought close to the object. However, the object 20 according to the present invention can be operated at another part (elbow or foot) as long as it can detect an approach or a contact without being a finger. However, tools such as a stylus may be used.

Further, the shape of the pseudo input unit 30 to be formed is not limited to the button shape shown in FIG. 2B, but the operation state of the device at that time (the state of the application used at that time, and other various conditions) ), Other shapes may be used. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of the pseudo input unit 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, a pin on a straight line passing through a position touched by an object 20 such as a finger (in this example, on a straight line in the left-right direction) is lowered (or a pin other than the straight line is raised). The sliders may be formed by forming a plurality of buttons, or as shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of buttons may be formed around the position touched by the object 20 such as a finger.

When forming a slider as shown in FIG. 3A, instead of lowering a pin on a straight line passing through a position touched by an object 20 such as a finger, the pin on the straight line is raised (or on a straight line). It goes without saying that it may be a slider with a pin not lowered). However, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), lowering only the operable part has an advantage that the user can easily recognize that the part can be operated and can easily trace.
Further, the portion operable as a slider may be on a straight line in the vertical direction in the plan view, or on a cross-shaped straight line in the vertical direction in the plan view, instead of on the straight line in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing of the input device in the first embodiment. First, when the user causes the object 20 to approach or contact the pin group 1, the detection device 14 provided in each pin 11 constituting the pin group 1 detects the approach or contact of the object 20 (step ST01). Next, the pseudo input unit determination unit 5 determines the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30 based on the approach or contact information detected by the detection device 14 (step ST02). For example, when forming a button, all the pins 11 in which the distance between the object 20 such as a finger and the pin 11 is within a predetermined value are extracted, and the pin 11 existing in the center and the surrounding pins 11 are raised. The shape is determined as the shape of the pseudo input unit 30. Note that the term “shape” in the present invention includes not only the shape but also the size, number, and arrangement (such as the positional relationship and the degree of congestion between pins when raising a plurality of pins). The same applies to the form.

The pseudo input unit forming unit 6 forms the pseudo input unit 30 having the shape determined by the pseudo input unit determining unit 5 at the position determined by the pseudo input unit determining unit 5 in order to form the driving unit 2 and the light emitting unit 3. In other words, a command for driving and light emission is transmitted to the driving device 12 and the light emitting device 13 installed on the pin 11 to be driven and emitted (step ST03). Thereafter, the drive unit 2 and the light emitting unit 3 respectively drive and emit light according to a command from the pseudo input unit forming unit 6, thereby forming a pseudo input unit 30 having an appropriate shape at an appropriate position (step ST04). . In this way, for example, the pseudo input unit 30 as shown in FIGS. 2B, 3A, and 3B is formed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an implementation example of the pin 11, the driving device 12, the light emitting device 13, and the detecting device 14 in the present invention. In this example, the pin 11 is realized by an acrylic rod, the drive device 12 is realized by a piston, the light emitting device 13 is realized by a three-color LED, and the detection device 14 is realized by a photo interrupter (FIG. 5A). As shown in this figure, each pin 11 is provided with one drive device (piston) 12, one light emitting device (three-color LED) 13, and one detection device (photo interrupter) 14.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the object 20 such as a finger approaches the pin 11, the approach or contact of the object 20 is detected by the detection device 14, and based on the result, the pseudo input unit determination unit 5 is detected. Determines the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30. Specifically, as shown in this example, if the detection device 14 is a photointerrupter, the object 20 is located on which pin 11 using the distance of the object 20 detected by the photointerrupter using infrared reflection. It is determined whether it is approaching, and the shape of the pseudo input unit 30 is determined.

Thereafter, the pseudo input unit forming unit 6 switches the driving device (piston) 12 and the light emitting device (three-color LED) 13 of each target pin 11 according to the position and shape determined by the pseudo input unit determining unit 5. By controlling, the target pin 11 is moved up and down and emits light (FIGS. 5C and 5D), and the pseudo input unit 30 is formed.

Note that, for example, the drive device 12, the light emitting device 13, and the detection device 14 may be replaced with other physical devices such as replacing the drive device 12 with various actuators such as a servo motor instead of the piston. Further, the present invention is also effective as a configuration in which the pin 11, the light emitting device 13, and the detection device 14 are replaced with a touch panel and a driving device 12 such as a piston is set below the touch panel.

Thus, according to the first embodiment, a pseudo input unit such as a pseudo button appears at a position where the user brings an object such as a finger close to the input device. Can be operated. In addition, since the position and shape of the pseudo input unit can be understood by tactile sense by raising and lowering the pin, the operation can be performed without gazing at the pin. Due to these features, the present invention is also effective as an input device for a vehicle driver who cannot watch the input device for safety or a visually impaired person. Further, by changing the color by causing the pin to emit light, there is a merit that the pseudo input unit can be easily recognized even by color distinction, and an operation direction can be easily recognized in the case of a slider, for example.

Further, as an application of the input device in the first embodiment, the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30 may be changed according to the operation status of a device incorporating the input device 10 in the first embodiment. As an example, consider a case where the input device 10 according to Embodiment 1 is applied to an in-vehicle information device such as a car navigation system.

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the display screen 40 and the pseudo input unit 30 when inputting a zip code search. As shown in this figure, in an operation situation where, for example, a postal code search is performed, a pseudo input in which a numeric keypad is arranged around a position where the user brings a finger (object 20) close to the pin group 1 of the input device 10 Part 30 is formed. On the other hand, FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the display screen 40 and the pseudo input unit 30 when the volume of a car navigation system or music is adjusted. As shown in this figure, for example, in an operation situation in which the volume of a car navigation system or music is adjusted, the volume is adjusted linearly to a position where the user brings a finger (object 20) close to the pin group 1 of the input device 10. Is formed as a pseudo input unit 30 (FIG. 6B).

As described above, the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30 are determined based on the operation state of the device to which the input device 10 is applied in addition to the approach or contact information obtained when the user brings the object 20 such as a finger close to the input device 10. By deciding, it becomes possible to present the pseudo input unit 30 according to the situation at the time of the operation.

Further, at the same time when the pseudo input unit 30 is formed, a signal (function) corresponding to the operation state of the device is assigned to each pin 11 constituting the pseudo input unit 30. For example, when the pseudo input unit 30 having a numeric keypad as shown in FIG. 6A is formed, the control unit (not shown) of the input device 10 forms the finger (the object 20) close to it. Assuming that the selected button is “5”, “1” to “9” and “0” are assigned to the 10 buttons forming the pseudo input unit 30 as signals output when each button is input. This processing is performed by a control unit (not shown) of the input device 10, but detailed description thereof is omitted here.

After the pseudo input unit 30 is formed, when receiving an input to the pseudo input unit 30 including buttons, sliders, and the like, the detection device 14 of the pin 11 constituting the pseudo input unit 30 has a certain period of time. Input to the pseudo input unit 30 in response to detection by the detection device 14 of the pin 11 constituting the pseudo input unit 30 such as when the above contact is detected or a predetermined number of contacts are detected within a predetermined time. It is only necessary to recognize that there is a problem and operate it.

Further, the pin 11 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped, and may be a columnar shape or the like, or may be operable in directions other than up and down (up and down).
FIG. 7 is a view showing a rotatable cylindrical pin 21. The pin 21 is designed to be rotatable and has a larger diameter (for example, a diameter of 1 cm, for example) than the rectangular parallelepiped pin 11 shown in FIGS. An operation can be performed. The pin 21 is also provided with a driving device 12, a light emitting device 13, and a detecting device 14 as shown in FIG. For example, the detection device 14 for the pin 21 can detect the rotation angle of the pin 21 in addition to the approach and contact of the object 20, and after the pin 21 is lifted and the pseudo input unit 30 is formed. The input can be received by the rotation angle of the pin 21.

8A is a diagram showing the tiltable pin 22 like a joystick, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a state in which the tiltable pin 22 is tilted. The pin 22 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape like the pin 11 in FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and the like, and the user may be able to perform an input operation with one pin 22, for example, four For example, the user may perform an input operation using a plurality of pins 22. The pin 22 is also provided with a driving device 12, a light emitting device 13, and a detection device 14 as shown in FIG. In this case, for example, the detection device 14 for the pin 22 can detect the inclination of the pin 22 in addition to the approach and contact of the object 20, and the pin 22 is raised to form the pseudo input unit 30. After that, the input can be received by the direction in which the pin 22 is inclined or the amount of inclination (or both).

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since the pseudo input unit such as a button appears based on the approach or contact information in which the user brings an object such as a finger close, the user can accurately determine the button arrangement or the like. It is possible to operate the input device even if it is not remembered. In addition, since the pseudo input unit is determined according to the operation status of the device to which the input device is applied, even if the same user operation is performed, different pseudo inputs according to various operation statuses of the device to which the input device is applied The part can be formed. In addition, since the position and shape of the pseudo input unit can be understood by tactile sense by raising and lowering the pin, the operation can be performed without gazing at the pin. As described above, since an input unit having an appropriate shape can be formed at an appropriate position, the time required for the user to get used to the input device is reduced, and the user performs input without gazing at the input device. Can do.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the input device according to the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to what was demonstrated in Embodiment 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. In the second embodiment described below, as compared with the first embodiment, the approaching object shape determination unit 7 is further provided to determine the shape of the object 20 that approaches or contacts.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing of the input device according to the second embodiment.
First, when the user approaches or contacts the object 20 such as a finger to the pin group 1, the detection device 14 provided in each pin 11 detects the approach or contact of the object 20 (step ST11). Next, the approaching object shape determination unit 7 determines the shape (including the size, number, and arrangement) of the approaching or contacting object 20 based on the approach or contact information detected by the detection device 14. (Step ST12). This shape determination method will be described later. After that, the pseudo input unit determination unit 5 determines whether the pseudo input unit 30 is based on the approach or contact information detected by the detection device 14 in step ST11 and the shape of the object 20 determined by the approaching object shape determination unit 7 in step ST12. The position and shape are determined (step ST13).

Then, in order to form the pseudo input unit 30 having the shape determined by the pseudo input unit forming unit 6 at the position determined by the pseudo input unit determining unit 5, the driving unit 2 and the light emitting unit 3, that is, driving and Drive and light emission commands are transmitted to the drive device 12 and the light emission device 13 installed on the pin 11 to be emitted (step ST14). Thereafter, in accordance with a command from the pseudo input unit forming unit 6, the driving unit 2 and the light emitting unit 3 respectively drive and emit light, thereby forming the pseudo input unit 30 having an appropriate shape at an appropriate position (step ST15). .

Any method can be applied to the shape determination in step ST12 as long as the shape is determined from the distance information of the object 20. For example, if the detection device 14 installed on each pin 11 generates a distance image using the detection distance as a pixel value, the shape of the object 20 can be determined by general pattern matching. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a user has a finger (object 20) approaching or contacting the pin group 1, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating each finger (object 20) and each pin 11 It is a figure which shows the state imaged as a brightness | luminance with the detection distance.

By the above processing, for example, when the object 20 to be approached to the pin group 1 of the input device 10 is a user's finger, the approaching object shape determination unit 7 determines the size of the finger from the number of pins 11 with which the finger contacts. When the finger is small, a small button is formed as the pseudo input unit 30 as shown in FIG. 12A, and when the finger is large, a large button as shown in FIG. The pseudo input unit 30 can be formed. That is, since buttons having different sizes can be provided depending on the size of the object 20 such as the user's finger, it is possible to solve the problem that it is difficult for the user having a large finger to press the button.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which different pseudo input units 30 are formed depending on the number of fingers used by the user for operation. When the approaching object shape determination unit 7 determines the number of fingers that the user is in contact with the pin group 1 from the arrangement of the pins 11 that are in contact with each other, when only one finger is in contact, FIG. ) Is formed as the pseudo input unit 30, and when a plurality of fingers are in contact, a plurality of buttons as shown in FIG. 13B are formed as the pseudo input unit 30. Different pseudo input sections can be formed depending on the number of objects 20 approaching or contacting.

For example, when setting the scale of a map with an in-vehicle information device such as a car navigation system, by pressing a button such as “100 m”, “500 m”, or “1 km” prepared in the preset, or by moving a slider In many cases, a plurality of operation methods such as a method for finely adjusting the scale are prepared. In such a case, when the input device according to the second embodiment is applied, three buttons “100 m”, “500 m”, and “1 km” that are preset when the user brings a plurality of fingers close to the pin group 1 are simulated. A scale setting method such that a preset scale can be selected as the input unit 30 and a slider can be formed as the pseudo input unit 30 and the scale can be freely adjusted when the user brings only one finger close. The pseudo input unit 30 having an appropriate shape is provided at an appropriate position without designating the user, and the scale can be set using the pseudo input unit 30.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the user's finger is thick, a shape of an object that approaches or contacts the input device (such as a size, It is possible to form an appropriate pseudo input unit according to the number and arrangement).

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the input device according to the third embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to what was demonstrated in

Embodiment

1, 2, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. In the third embodiment described below, as compared with the first embodiment, the user characteristic recording unit 8 is further provided, and the pseudo input unit 30 is changed based on the user characteristics recorded in the user characteristic recording unit 8. To form.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the pseudo input unit 30 according to the third embodiment.
For example, when inputting a postal code or a telephone number, when the user brings a finger close to the pin group 1, a numeric keypad having a shape as shown in FIG. Think of a system to do. At this time, a user who is used to the numeric keypad uses the numeric keypad with a plurality of fingers to shorten the input time. However, the buttons on the numeric keypad shown in FIG. 15A are dense, and it may be difficult for a user with a large hand to operate.

As a method of solving this problem, there is a method of detecting the size of the finger by the approaching object shape determination unit 7 as in the second embodiment, but the arrangement interval of the numeric keys is not the size of only the finger, but the entire hand. Therefore, the approaching object shape determination unit 7 alone may not be able to cope with it. In addition, some users may want to use the pseudo input unit 30 in which ten keys are always densely arranged as shown in FIG. 15A, or a ten key having an arrangement in which keys are not always very dense is used. In some cases, it may be desired to use the pseudo input unit 30. FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating the pseudo input unit 30 in which the numeric keys are arranged in a non-dense state with the finger positioned close to the pin group 1 as a center.
In addition, for example, a user with a large finger may not like fine adjustment using a slider.

Therefore, the size of the hand, the preference of the pseudo input unit 30 such as “I do not like the slider”, etc. are set in advance as user characteristics and recorded in the user characteristic recording unit 8. When the pseudo input unit determining unit 5 determines the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30, the pseudo input unit determining unit 5 determines the position and shape according to the user characteristics recorded in the user characteristic recording unit 8. Thereby, formation of the pseudo input part 30 according to a user's characteristic is attained. For example, when the user characteristic “I do not like the slider” is recorded, an alternative pseudo input unit such as a button can be formed.

Needless to say, the user characteristic recording unit 8 may be provided in addition to the approaching object shape determination unit 7 as in the second embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of such an input device. In this case, the pseudo input unit determination unit 5 is recorded in the approach or contact information of the object 20 detected by the detection unit 4, the shape of the approaching object determined by the approaching object shape determination unit 7, and the user characteristic recording unit 8. The position and shape (including size, number, and arrangement) of the pseudo input unit 30 are determined based on the user characteristics.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of the input device 10 having the configuration shown in FIG. 16 as another example of the third embodiment.
As a specific example, when the second embodiment is applied and the user places his / her hand on the pin group 1, as shown in FIG. 17 (a), the size of the user's hand ( Consider a system for forming a button-like pseudo input unit 30 that matches the shape). Such a system is effective when the user can use the index finger and the middle finger without any problem. For example, a user who is injured with the middle finger is forced to operate with the injured finger.
Therefore, by making the user characteristic recording unit 8 input and record the injury information of the middle finger as the user characteristic in advance, the pseudo input determining unit 5 also takes into account the user characteristic recorded in the user characteristic recording unit 8. Thus, as shown in FIG. 17B, it is possible to form the pseudo input unit 30 having a position and shape that can be operated without using the middle finger.

As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the user's favorite input device, finger information that cannot be used due to injury, etc. are recorded as user characteristics, so that the user's characteristics can be met. This makes it possible to form an easy-to-use pseudo input unit. It is also possible not to form a pseudo input unit that the user does not like.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the input device according to the fourth embodiment. Note that the same components as those described in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In the fourth embodiment described below, compared to the second embodiment, an approaching motion determining unit 9 is provided instead of the approaching object shape determining unit 7, and depending on the operating state composed of the operating speed and the operating time of the approaching object 20. The position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30 determined by the pseudo input unit determination unit 5 are changed.

As a specific example, when the user quickly touches the pin group 1 with a finger (object 20) in the operation scene where the scale of the map is set with the in-vehicle information device such as the car navigation system described in the second embodiment, If you want to perform an operation or approach it slowly, you may want to perform a finely adjustable slider operation. Further, when the user has not touched the pin group 1 with the finger (object 20) for a certain period of time, it is considered that the user is wondering which scale to change. Therefore, the approaching object shape determination unit 7 determines an operation time and an operation speed when the user's finger approaches or contacts the pin group 1, that is, an operation state, and the pseudo input determination unit 5 determines based on the operation state. Thus, the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30 are determined.

For example, when the user's finger has touched the pin group 1 after the approach that the user's finger has approached the pin group 1 has been detected and the user's finger has subsequently touched the pin group 1, For example, a slide as shown in FIG. 19A is formed as the pseudo input unit 30 by determining that a finely adjustable slider operation is to be performed. In addition, when the approach that the user's finger has approached the pin group 1 has not been touched for a certain period of time since the approach has been detected, and the approach has continued for a predetermined time, the user is not only lost, It is determined that the scale should be changed, and for example, three preset buttons (“100 m”, “500 m”, “1 km”) as shown in FIG. With such a configuration, when the user is at a loss, it is possible to propose a preset from the system side.
That is, since the pseudo input determining unit 5 determines the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30 based on the motion state composed of the motion time and the motion speed of the object determined by the approaching object shape determination unit 7, An appropriate pseudo input unit 30 is provided without setting whether to use the operation method.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the pseudo input unit is changed according to the operation state composed of the operation time and the operation speed of the approaching or contacting object, so that it matches the user's feeling more. A pseudo input unit can be formed.

Embodiment 5. FIG.
FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the input device according to the fifth embodiment. Note that the same components as those described in the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In the fifth embodiment described below, as compared with the first embodiment, an input success / failure determination unit 15 and a pseudo input unit correction unit 16 are further provided, and the success or failure of the user input is determined. In this case, the position or shape of the pseudo input unit 30 is corrected based on the determination result.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing of the input device according to the sixth embodiment.
First, the pseudo input unit forming unit 6 forms the pseudo input unit 30 according to the processing of the first to fourth embodiments (see the flowchart of FIG. 4 or FIG. 10) (step ST21). Even after the pseudo input unit 30 is formed, the detection unit 4 detects the approach or contact of the object 20 (step ST22). Then, the input success / failure determination unit 15 determines the success or failure of the input operation by the object 20 from the positional relationship between the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30 already formed and the approach or contact information of the object 20 (step) ST23). At this time, the contact position on the pin group 1 of the final object 20 may be predicted from the approach or contact information, and the success or failure of the input may be estimated and determined. It may wait until it contacts 1, and the success or failure of the input may be determined from the contact information and the positional relationship between the pseudo input unit 30 that has already been formed.

FIG. 22 shows an operation outline of the sixth embodiment.
For example, when an input operation is performed in a shaking place such as in a car, the finger may be displaced from the input device due to vibration. In addition, when the user tries to operate the input device without gazing, the finger may move to a position different from the position intended by the user. FIG. 22A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the pseudo input unit 30 is formed by the approach of the user's finger, and FIG. 22B illustrates a state in which the finger is displaced from the pseudo input unit 30 due to vibration or the like. FIG. At this time, in step ST <b> 23, the input success / failure determination unit 15 determines that the input operation fails due to the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30 and the position of the finger that has shifted and moved.

When it is determined that the input has failed (in the case of YES in step ST24), the pseudo input unit correction unit 16 determines whether the pseudo input unit 30 has detected the cause of the input failure (such as a shift in the position of the pseudo input unit 30 and the position of the object 20). A correction amount is determined (step ST25). Then, the pseudo input unit forming unit 6 corrects the position or shape of the pseudo input unit 30 based on the correction amount determined by the pseudo input unit correcting unit 16 (step ST26). On the other hand, when it is determined that the input is successful (NO in step ST24), the process is terminated as it is.

FIG. 22C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the position of the pseudo input unit 30 is corrected as a result of determining that the input has failed in step ST23 (in the case of YES in step ST24). That is, as shown in FIG. 22B, the position of the pseudo input unit 30 is corrected to move to the left by the amount that the finger is shifted to the left from the original position of the pseudo input unit 30, and the user performs the input operation as it is. It can be performed.
FIG. 22D is a diagram illustrating a state in which the size (shape) of the pseudo input unit 30 is corrected as a result of determining that the input has failed. That is, as shown in FIG. 22B, the shape of the pseudo input unit 30 is greatly corrected as a whole so that the input operation does not fail even if the finger is displaced from the position of the original pseudo input unit 30. The input operation can be performed as it is.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when the input success / failure determination unit 15 determines that the input fails due to movement of the object 20 such as a finger, the pseudo input unit correction unit 16 performs the pseudo input unit. By correcting the position or shape of 30 by the amount by which the object 20 is displaced, it is possible to prevent user input errors.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the input device according to the sixth embodiment. Note that the same components as those described in the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In the sixth embodiment described below, when compared with the first embodiment, an input success / failure determination unit 15 and an input success / failure notification unit 17 are further provided, and the success or failure of the user input is determined. In this case, the determination result is notified to the user.

In the sixth embodiment, similarly to the fifth embodiment, the input success / failure determination unit 15 determines whether or not the input has failed, but even if correction is performed using the fifth embodiment, Since it is difficult to completely avoid an input mistake, when it is determined that the input has failed, the user is alerted by notifying that the input has failed.
Note that any notification method of the input success / failure notification unit 17 may be used. For example, a buzzer sound may be emitted from a speaker or the like, or the pin 11 may be provided with a vibration device to be notified by vibration. You may alert | report by making the light-emitting device 13 light-emit to a specific color, or raising / lowering the drive device 12. FIG. In this embodiment, the notification is made only when the input fails. However, when the input is successful, the success of the input may be notified by another sound or color.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the success or failure of the input is determined, and when it is determined to be unsuccessful, the user is notified of the input failure by sound, light, vibration, or the like. The user can immediately recognize and respond to the input failure.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the input device according to the seventh embodiment. Note that the same components as those described in the first to sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In the seventh embodiment described below, as compared with the first embodiment, an input success / failure determination unit 15 and an input success / failure recording unit 18 are further provided to determine success or failure of user input and record the determination result. When the pseudo input unit determination unit 5 determines the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30, the recorded determination result is fed back.

Also in this seventh embodiment, as in the fifth and sixth embodiments, the input success / failure determination unit 15 determines whether or not the input has failed, but the user moves the finger from the pseudo input unit 30 every time, for example, The same failure may continue, such as a slight shift to the left. In such a case, when the pseudo input unit determining unit 5 determines the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30, for example, the pseudo input unit 30 is formed at a position slightly shifted to the left than usual. This makes it possible to reduce user input errors.

Therefore, the input success / failure result determined by the input success / failure determination unit 15 is recorded in the input success / failure recording unit 18. At this time, in addition to the result of success / failure, in the case of failure, what kind of failure (for example, shifted to the left by one pin) and the number of times are recorded. Then, when the pseudo input unit determination unit 5 determines the shape of the pseudo input unit 30 next, from the success / failure of the past input operation recorded in the input success / failure recording unit 18, The cause is estimated and determined by reflecting the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30. For example, when a failure that the user presses the left side of the pseudo input unit 30 such as a button five times or more is recorded in the input success / failure recording unit 18, the pseudo input is made by shifting the button to the left by one pin from the normal state. The position or shape of the pseudo input unit 30 is determined so as to be the pseudo input unit 30 in which the shape of the unit 30 or the button is slightly increased. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce a user's input mistake.
If the input is not accepted as the position and shape of the pseudo input unit even though it is a determination result that the user input is successful, it is possible to prevent an input error by increasing the sensitivity of contact detection. is there.

As described above, according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the success or failure of the user input is determined, the determination result is recorded, and the position of the input device is changed when the input failure continues. By performing feedback such as increasing the shape of the image, it is possible to form a pseudo input section with fewer erroneous operations.

In the above embodiment, the pseudo input unit determination unit 5 has been described as determining the position and shape of the pseudo input unit 30. For example, the position where the pseudo input unit 30 is formed is determined in advance. For example, only the shape of the pseudo input unit 30 may be determined based on the approach or contact information of an object such as a finger, the operation status of the device to which the input device is applied, the shape of the object, the user characteristics, On the other hand, when the shape of the pseudo input unit 30 is predetermined, the pseudo input is determined based on the approach or contact information of an object such as a finger, the operation status of the device to which the input device is applied, the shape of the object, the user characteristics, and the like. Only the position where the part 30 is formed may be determined.

Further, in the above embodiment, as described in the case where the input device of the present invention is applied to an in-vehicle information device such as a car navigation system, for example, the driver of the vehicle who cannot watch the input device for safety The input device of the present invention is not limited to this, but includes an input device such as an information terminal such as a personal computer, a portable terminal, a game machine, an audio device, a home appliance, etc. Any device can be applied as long as it is a device.

In the present invention, within the scope of the invention, any combination of the embodiments, any modification of any component in each embodiment, or omission of any component in each embodiment is possible. .

The input device of the present invention is particularly effective as an input device for a vehicle driver or a visually impaired person who cannot watch the input device for safety, such as an in-vehicle information device such as a car navigation system, but the input device of the present invention is The present invention is not limited to this, and any form of device can be applied as long as the device includes an input device such as an information terminal such as a personal computer, a portable terminal, a game machine, an audio device, and a home appliance.

1 pin group, 2 driving unit, 3 light emitting unit, 4 detecting unit, 5 pseudo input unit determining unit, 6 pseudo input unit forming unit, 7 approaching object shape determining unit, 8 user characteristic recording unit, 9 approaching operation determining unit, 10 Input device, 11, 21, 22 pin, 12 drive device, 13 light emitting device, 14 detection device, 15 input success / failure determination unit, 16 pseudo input unit correction unit, 17 input success / failure notification unit, 18 input success / failure recording unit, 20 object, 30 pseudo input sections, 40 display screens.

Claims

A group of pins in which a plurality of vertically movable pins are arranged in a plane;
A drive unit for driving the pins of the pin group up and down;
A detection unit for detecting an approach or contact of an object to the pin group;
Based on the approach or contact information detected by the detection unit, a pseudo input unit determining unit that determines the position or shape of the pseudo input unit that is a pseudo input unit;
A pseudo input unit forming unit configured to form the pseudo input unit based on the position or shape determined by the pseudo input unit determining unit by controlling the driving of the driving unit with respect to the pin group. An input device.
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the pseudo input unit determination unit determines a position or a shape of the pseudo input unit based on an operation state of a device to which the input device is applied.
An approaching object shape determining unit that determines the shape of an approaching or contacting object from the approaching or contacting information detected by the detecting unit;
The input according to claim 1, wherein the pseudo input unit determination unit determines a position or a shape of the pseudo input unit based on the shape of the object determined by the approaching object shape determination unit. apparatus.
A user characteristic recording unit that records user characteristics for the pseudo input unit;
The said pseudo input part determination part determines the position or shape of the said pseudo input part based on the characteristic of the user currently recorded on the said user characteristic recording part. The input device according to any one of the above.
An approach movement determination unit that determines an operation state including an operation time and an operation speed of an approaching or contacting object from the approach or contact information detected by the detection unit;
The said pseudo input part determination part determines the position or shape of the said pseudo input part based on the operation state of the object which the said approach movement determination part determined. The Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The input device according to claim 1.
Based on the further approach or contact information detected by the detection unit after the pseudo input unit determination unit determines the position or shape of the pseudo input unit and the pseudo input unit formation unit forms the pseudo input unit. An input success / failure determination unit for determining success or failure of the input operation;
When the input success / failure determination unit determines that the input operation has failed, an instruction to correct the position or shape of the pseudo input unit based on further approach or contact information detected by the detection unit is provided in the pseudo input unit formation unit And a pseudo input unit correction unit that outputs to
The pseudo input unit forming unit, when receiving a correction instruction from the pseudo input unit correction unit, corrects the position or shape of the pseudo input unit according to the correction instruction. Item 6. The input device according to any one of Items 5 to 6.
Based on the further approach or contact information detected by the detection unit after the pseudo input unit determination unit determines the position or shape of the pseudo input unit and the pseudo input unit formation unit forms the pseudo input unit. An input success / failure determination unit for determining success or failure of the input operation;
The input according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: an input success / failure notification unit for notifying that the input has failed when the input success / failure determination unit determines that the input operation has failed. apparatus.
Based on the further approach or contact information detected by the detection unit after the pseudo input unit determination unit determines the position or shape of the pseudo input unit and the pseudo input unit formation unit forms the pseudo input unit. An input success / failure determination unit for determining success or failure of the input operation;
An input success / failure recording unit that records success / failure of the input operation determined by the input success / failure determination unit;
The pseudo input unit determination unit determines a position or a shape of the pseudo input unit based on a success / failure result of a past input operation recorded in the input success / failure recording unit. The input device according to any one of 1 to 5.
9. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a light emitting unit that emits light from the pins of the pin group.