WO2014192293A1

WO2014192293A1 - Auxiliary input device and auxiliary input system

Info

Publication number: WO2014192293A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/002805
Authority: WO
Inventors: 龍文佐々木
Original assignee: ユニバーサルギア合同会社
Priority date: 2013-05-30
Filing date: 2014-05-28
Publication date: 2014-12-04
Also published as: JP2015008451A

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary input device for people with disabilities. This auxiliary input device (100) is constituted by a grip section (101), a built-in transmission unit that serves as a communication unit, a wire (151), and a USB connector (150). The auxiliary input device (100) is characterized in that the grip section (101) is provided with: an operation panel (102) having a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors (102A to 102D) arranged in four locations comprising at least left, right, up and down in a cross-shaped positional relationship; and at least one other pressure-sensitive sensor (103 to 105) arranged on the surface of the grip section (101). The auxiliary input device (100) is further characterized by communicating with an information processing terminal via the communication unit.

Description

Input assist device and input assist system

The present invention relates to an input assist device that can be operated with one hand, for example, to realize operation input using a software keyboard displayed on a screen, and an input assist system using the same.

Today, for example, Japan has a declining birthrate and an aging population, and the working-age population (15-64 year old population) started to decline in 1995 and is expected to decline further in the future. The percentage of the elderly population (65 years old and over) is expected to be approximately 40% in 2050.

In addition, although life-style related diseases due to cerebrovascular diseases tend to increase, the cerebrovascular diseases may require rehabilitation due to cognitive impairment and sequelae of limb muscle spasms.

With the advent of such a society, there is an increasing demand for skills that enable smooth communication and various information processing in a new information transmission environment such as personal computers and the Internet. Furthermore, there is a need for skills that can execute various information processing such as knowledge and technology recording and transmission of individuals in a mobile environment. The same applies to the elderly and disabled persons described above.

Various input auxiliary devices have been proposed to support such smooth communication, rapid information processing, and various information processing in a mobile environment.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information input device that reduces a burden and fatigue by moving only in a direction in which a finger can easily move. That is, in this technique, since two movement amounts are measured with the thumb and the index finger, four pieces of information can be input in total.

JP 2007-334846 A

However, the technology of Patent Document 1 is only developed in consideration of the complexity of the conventional joystick operation, and physically disabled people and elderly people who have difficulty in movement of the upper limbs use personal computers and mobile devices. It does not pay attention to the problems when operating. Furthermore, there is no mention of an input operation using a software keyboard.

In other words, in the prior art, even if a person who has difficulty in input of a personal computer or mobile device due to the sequelae or aging of cerebrovascular disorders, these devices can be operated without relying on hard keyboard input operations. As a result, the state-of-the-art services provided through the Internet (reading newspapers, watching movies, reading, e-mail, Internet search, mail order, etc.) can be enjoyed without care as well as healthy people. No consideration has been given to improving the QOL of the elderly and the elderly.

Therefore, in view of the above technical problems, the present invention is also suitable for an input operation on a personal computer or a mobile device by a physically handicapped person or an elderly person who is unable to move the upper limb, and is displayed on a monitor of the personal computer. A small, lightweight, low-priced input that can be input with one hand without assisting with the movement of arms such as a mouse, and with the movement of subtle force. An object of the present invention is to provide an input assist device that can be customized according to the user's physique and the degree of disability, and that contributes to improving the QOL of disabled and elderly people, and an input assist system using the same.

In order to solve the above technical problem, the input auxiliary device according to the first aspect of the present invention is an input auxiliary device including a grip portion and a communication portion, and the grip portion includes a plurality of pressure-sensitive devices. A panel having sensors arranged in a cross-like positional relationship at least at four locations on the left, right, top, and bottom; and at least one other pressure-sensitive sensor disposed on the surface of the grip portion; And communicating with the information processing terminal.

The input assist device according to the second aspect of the present invention is an input assist device composed of a grip part and a transmission part, and the grip part is capable of being pressed down and can be pushed and turned, A plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors arranged to be pressed, a built-in built-in pressure-sensitive switch, and a trigger switch linked to the built-in pressure-sensitive sensor are provided, and the transmission unit communicates with the outside A communication unit, and communicates with the information processing terminal via the communication unit.

Furthermore, the input assistance system according to the third aspect of the present invention is an input assistance system comprising an information processing terminal and an input assistance device, wherein the information processing terminal executes software by executing display means and an application program. Control means for displaying the keyboard on the display means in a selectable manner, and the input auxiliary device is composed of a grip part and a transmission part, and the grip part can be pressed and rotated. A stroke sensor, a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors arranged so as to be pressed, a built-in built-in pressure-sensitive switch, and a trigger switch linked to the built-in pressure-sensitive sensor are provided, A communication means for communicating with the information processing terminal, and a stroke type operation input by the stroke sensor of the input auxiliary device; and / or By direct pressing-type operation input by Kikan圧 sensor, and selects the keys to be desired from a software keyboard displayed on the information processing terminal.

The input assist device and the input assist system using the same according to the present invention are displayed on a monitor of a personal computer for an input operation on a personal computer or a mobile device by a physically handicapped person or an elderly person who cannot operate the upper limb. It can be performed from a software keyboard, a screen keyboard of a tablet terminal, or the like. At that time, the input operation with one hand is realized without the movement of the arm like a mouse and without the movement by the delicate force. In addition, small size, light weight and low price are realized. It is also possible to customize it according to the user's physique and the degree of disability. Furthermore, it can contribute to QOL improvement of a disabled person and an elderly person.

It is a lineblock diagram of the input auxiliary device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. (A) thru | or (d) is a figure explaining the press operation of the pressure sensor accompanying operation of the trigger key of the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block block diagram of the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of an information processing terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement by the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a software keyboard. (A) thru | or (c) is a figure which shows the example of a display of a software keyboard. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement allocated to operation of each sensor. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement by the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 10 is a flowchart showing details of an operation A. 10 is a flowchart showing details of an operation B. 10 is a flowchart showing details of an operation C. 10 is a flowchart showing details of an operation D. 10 is a flowchart showing details of an operation E. (A) thru | or (c) are the conceptual diagrams which show the movement of the cursor of a software keyboard. It is a block diagram of the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A) thru | or (c) is a figure which shows the method of the character input by the input assistance system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between each sensor of the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention, the movement of the pointer of a software keyboard, various settings, etc. It is a figure which shows the relationship between each sensor of the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention, the movement of the pointer of a software keyboard, various settings, etc. (A) And (b) is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating rotation of the panel 102 of the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between each sensor of the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention, and the movement of the pointer of a software keyboard, various settings, etc. It is a figure which shows the relationship between each sensor of the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention, and the movement of the pointer of a software keyboard, various settings, etc. It is a block diagram of the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the operation panel which can be employ | adopted as the input auxiliary device which concerns on the 4th thru | or 6th embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an input assist device of the present invention and an input assist system using the same will be described with reference to the drawings.

It should be noted that the input assist device and the like of the present invention are not limited to the following description, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The input assist device of the present invention assists, for example, operation input on a personal computer or mobile device by a physically handicapped person or an elderly person who cannot operate the upper limbs. In the following embodiments, even if there is a hand or finger failure or deterioration of the operation force due to aging, a software keyboard is used together so that input operations are not inconvenient.

Such an input assist device has the following features, for example.
・ Separate type that realizes an easy-to-grip grip shape ・ Easy-to-press button layout (can be customized to accommodate individual differences in finger spasticity)
・ Programming of learning function to avoid repeated pointer movement

That is, the input assist device and the input assist system using the same according to the present invention can be input from a software keyboard displayed on a monitor of a personal computer and a screen keyboard of a tablet terminal, not a keyboard as hardware attached to the personal computer. The device is a small, lightweight, and low-priced device that can input with two to three fingers of one hand, for example, without the movement of an arm like a mouse and without the action of delicate force adjustment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the above features.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an input assist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the input auxiliary device 1 includes a grip part 2 and a transmission part 3. That is, it is a separate type in which the grip part 2 and the transmission part 3 are divided. Although the illustration of the grip portion 2 is simplified in this example, the grip portion 2 is formed so as to be easily gripped in consideration of the size of the user's hand and the length and thickness of the finger. The grip portion 2 is provided with one stroke sensor 4 and three

pressure sensors

5a, 5b, 5c. In this example, when the grip portion 2 is gripped so as to be wrapped on the palm of the left hand, the stroke sensor 4 and the pressure sensor 5a can be operated by the thumb, and the pressure sensor 5b can be operated by the thumb or the middle finger, It arrange | positions so that the pressure sensor 5c can be operated with a ring finger.

Furthermore, a pressure sensor 7 is disposed inside the grip portion 2 so that the pressure sensor 7 can be pressed through an interlocking mechanism by operating a trigger switch 6. In this example, the trigger switch 6 is arranged so that it can be operated by the user's index finger. The arrangement of the

pressure sensors

5a, 5b, 5c, and 7 and the trigger switch 6 is merely an example, and is not limited to this. That is, the arrangement can be customized according to the user's characteristics.

The grip part 2 is screwed to the transmission part 3 and the outputs of the pressure sensors 5a to 5c, 7 etc. of the grip part 2 are electrically connected to the configuration of the control system in the transmission part 3. Although a detailed configuration of the transmission unit 3 will be described later, a USB connector 8 is extended from the transmission unit 3 as a communication unit for connecting the input auxiliary device 1 to the information processing terminal.

As described above, in the configuration of FIG. 1, one stroke sensor 4 and four pressure-sensitive sensors 5a to 5c, 7 both select a key to be input from the software keyboard on the monitor. In the case of people with disabilities, there are many cases of spasticity (smoothness or sticking due to muscle over-tension), so stroke type and direct pressing type can be selected.

Further, the input auxiliary device 1 in FIG. 1 is divided into a grip part 2 in which various sensors are arranged and a transmission part 3 to which a USB connector 8 can be connected. The grip part 2 is subject to customization depending on the size of the palm and fingers. 3 was fixed. As a result, customization and assembly repair corresponding to the physical characteristics of each user can be facilitated, the number of parts stock can be reduced, and cost increase due to customization can be suppressed.

2 (a) to 2 (d) are diagrams illustrating the pressure sensor pressing operation associated with the operation of the trigger switch 6 of the input auxiliary device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The trigger switch 6 is configured to press the pressure-sensitive sensor 7 via the interlocking mechanism 15 by pulling the trigger portion 6a. The interlocking mechanism 15 includes a shaft member 6b including an engaging claw portion 6c, It consists of an engaging groove 6d.

As shown in FIG. 2A, in the normal state, the engaging claw portion 6c of the shaft member 6b is not engaged with the engaging groove portion 6d. However, as shown in FIG. When the portion 6a is pushed in, the shaft member 6b is also interlocked, and the engaging claw portion 6c of the shaft member 6b is engaged with the engaging groove portion 6d and the position is fixed (latched). In this state, the tip of the shaft member 6b is in a state where the pressure sensor 7 is pressed. In order to release this latched state, the trigger switch 6 may be pressed deeper as shown in FIG. When pressed, the engagement of the engaging claw portion 6c of the shaft member 6b with the engaging groove portion 6d is released, and as shown in FIG. 2D, the shaft member 6b is moved by the elastic force of an elastic member (not shown). It is carried to the side opposite to the pushing direction so as to return to the normal state, and returns to the normal state.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the input auxiliary device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the input auxiliary device 1 is roughly divided into a grip part 2 that can be customized and a transmission part 3 in which a control system is stored.

First, one stroke sensor 4, three pressure sensitive sensors 5 a to 5 c, and one pressure sensitive sensor 7 are disposed in the grip portion 2. Furthermore, the trigger switch 6 is disposed so that the pressure sensor 7 can be pressed via the interlocking mechanism 15. In this example, the stroke sensor 4 is disposed at a position operable with the thumb, the pressure-sensitive sensor 5a is disposed at a position operable with the thumb, the trigger switch 6 is disposed at a position capable of being pressed with an index finger, The pressure-sensitive sensor 5b is disposed at a position that can be pressed by the thumb or the middle finger, and the pressure-sensitive sensor 5c is disposed at a position that can be pressed by the ring finger. This arrangement is a series, and can be customized according to the user's physique and failure status. Moreover, you may provide the pressure-sensitive sensor which can be pressed with a little finger separately.

A pressure-sensitive conductive elastomer sensor or the like can be used as the pressure-sensitive sensor. A pressure-sensitive conductive elastomer sensor is a conductive type by mixing a conductive material with a rubber material, which is an insulating material, and makes use of the elasticity of the rubber to increase the electrical resistance along with the displacement (strain) of the rubber due to pressure changes. The value varies from ∞ (40MΩ or more) to several Ω. However, it is not limited to this.

The transmission unit 3 is provided with a switch input unit 9. The switch input unit 9 is connected to the outputs of the

various sensors

4, 5 a to 5 c, 7 of the grip unit 2 described above. An input sensitivity adjustment unit 10 is connected to the switch input unit 9, and the input sensitivity from various sensors can be adjusted. An output of the switch input unit 9 is connected to a CPU 12 as a control unit via a DIP switch 11. The CPU 12 is responsible for overall control as a control unit. Further, the output of the CPU 12 is connected to the USB connector 8 via the analog output unit 13. In addition, wireless communication is also possible via Bluetooth (registered trademark) 14. These USB connector 8 and Bluetooth 14 correspond to communication means. The input auxiliary device 1 is connected to the information processing terminal 20 by the USB connector 8 or the Bluetooth 14. Of course, Bluetooth does not necessarily have to be mounted.

In such a configuration, when the stroke sensor 4, the pressure sensitive sensors 5a to 5c and the trigger switch 6 are pressed by a user operation, a sensor signal is sent from each sensor to the switch input unit 9. In the switch input unit 9, since the input sensitivity is adjusted by the input sensitivity adjustment unit 10, for example, only sensor signals exceeding a predetermined threshold can be sent to the CPU 12. When receiving the sensor signal, the CPU 12 outputs a control signal from the USB connector 8 via the analog output unit 13. Alternatively, the control signal is modulated and wirelessly communicated with the information processing terminal 20 via the Bluetooth 14.

Here, FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the information processing terminal 20 and will be described.

As shown in the figure, the information processing terminal 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input unit 23, Bluetooth 24, an operation unit, an operation / display unit 25 as a display unit, and a control unit 26 as a control unit. Are communicably connected via a control bus 30. The wireless communication unit 21 is also connected to the antenna 29 and performs wireless communication with the outside. The storage unit 22 includes a memory and stores application programs and the like. The input unit 23 is attached with the USB connector 8 of the input auxiliary device 1 and receives an input of a control signal or the like. The Bluetooth 24 is for performing wireless communication with the input auxiliary device 1. The operation / display unit 25 includes, for example, a touch panel, and accepts an operation input by tapping the screen in addition to various displays. And the control part 26 implement | achieves the software keyboard 28 mentioned later as a function by running the application program 27. FIG.

An input assist system is constructed by the input assist device 1 and the information processing terminal 20 described above.

Hereinafter, the operation of the input assist system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the operation is started, first, the sensor to be used (stroke sensor 4, pressure sensors 5a to 5c, pressure sensor 7) is selected (step S1). This selection can be appropriately made by setting the dip switch 11 or the like.

Subsequently, the CPU 12 executes application software (step S2). Here, for example, it is assumed that software that implements a software keyboard is executed. After execution, the software keyboard to be used is selected (step S3), the character is selected by the stroke sensor (step S4A), or the character is selected by the pressure sensor (step S4B), and the character string is created (step) S5). Then, it is determined whether or not the character input by the application software is to be ended (step S6). If not, the process returns to step S3 to repeat the above operation. When the process is to be terminated, the application is updated / terminated (step S7), and this operation is terminated.

Here, FIG. 6 shows a display example of a screen keyboard displayed when a tablet terminal is adopted as the information processing terminal 20. Further, FIG. 7 shows a software keyboard displayed when a smartphone is adopted as the information processing terminal 20. 7A shows a display example of a software keyboard for alphabet input, FIG. 7B shows a software keyboard for input of numbers and symbols, and FIG. 7C shows a display example of a software keyboard for input of hiragana characters. .

Next, various operations can be assigned to each of the

sensors

4, 5 a to 5 c and 7, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example thereof.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, the operation of the input assisting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

When the operation is started, the CPU 12 as the control unit first determines whether or not the stroke sensor 4 has been operated (step S11). Here, when the stroke sensor 4 is operated, operation A (FIG. 10) is executed (step S12), and the process returns to step S11.

When the CPU 12 determines that the stroke sensor 4 is not operated in step S11, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the pressure sensitive sensor 5a is operated (step S13). Here, when the pressure sensor 5a is operated, the operation B (FIG. 11) is executed (step S14), and the process returns to step S11.

When the CPU 12 determines that the pressure sensor 5a is not operated in step S13, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the pressure sensor 5b is operated (step S15). Here, when the pressure sensitive sensor 5b is operated, operation C (FIG. 12) is performed (step S16), and the process returns to step S11.

Next, when the CPU 12 determines in step S15 that the pressure sensor 5b is not operated, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the pressure sensor 5c is operated (step S16). Here, when the pressure sensor 5c is operated, operation D (FIG. 13) is performed (step S17), and the process returns to step S11.

If the CPU 12 determines that the pressure sensor 5c is not operated in step S17, the CPU 12 determines whether the trigger switch 6, that is, the pressure sensor 7 is operated (step S15). Here, when the trigger switch 6 is operated, the operation E (FIG. 14) is executed (step S16), and the process returns to step S11.

Thus, if the CPU 12 determines in step S19 that the trigger switch 6 has not been operated, the CPU 12 determines whether or not to end the input operation (step S21). If not, the CPU 12 returns to step S11 and ends. If so, this operation is terminated.

Here, the details of the operation A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In operation A, first, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the stroke sensor 4 is normally pressed from the pressing time or the like (step S31). If it is determined that the pressing is normal, a “confirm” operation is performed (step S32). On the other hand, if the CPU 12 determines that the press is not a normal press, the CPU 12 determines whether the press is a long press from the press time or the like (step S33). If it is determined that the button is long-pressed, a “conversion” operation is performed (step S34).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that it is not a long press, the CPU 12 determines whether or not a double click has been made based on whether or not a double press has been made within a predetermined time (step S35). If it is determined that the click is a double click, a “drop” operation is performed (step S36). If it is determined in step S35 that it is not a double click, the CPU 12 determines whether or not it is a push-down (step S37). If it is determined that the key is pressed, “key conversion” and “drag” are performed. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S37 that it is not pushed and turned, and after the processing in steps S32, S34, S36, and S38, the operation A is terminated and the process returns. When the stroke sensor 4 is pressed, a linear movement is made to a desired key as shown in FIG.

Next, the details of the operation B will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the operation B, first, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the pressure sensor 5a is normally pressed from the pressing time or the like (step S41). If it is determined that the button is normally pressed, a “left click” operation is performed (step S42). On the other hand, if the CPU 12 determines that the press is not a normal press, the CPU 12 determines whether the press is a long press from the press time (step S43).

If the CPU 12 determines that the button is a long press, the CPU 12 performs a “move to the right and confirm the drag range” operation (step S44). In step S43, if the CPU 12 determines that it is not a long press, it determines whether or not it is a double click based on whether or not it has been pressed twice within a predetermined time (step S45). If it is determined that the click is a double click, a “drop” operation is performed (step S46). When it is determined in step S46 that it is not a double click, and after the processing in steps S42, S44, and S46, the operation B is terminated and the process returns.

Next, the details of the operation C will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the operation C, first, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the pressure sensor 5b is normally pressed from the pressing time or the like (step S51). If it is determined that the button is normally pressed, a “right click” operation is performed (step S52). On the other hand, if the CPU 12 determines that the press is not a normal press, the CPU 12 determines whether the press is a long press from the press time or the like (step S53).

If the CPU 12 determines that the long press is performed, the CPU 12 performs a “start drag range” operation (step S54). If the CPU 12 determines in step S53 that it is not a long press, it determines whether or not it is a double click based on whether or not it has been pressed twice within a predetermined time (step S55). If it is determined that the click is a double click, a “drag range end” operation is performed (step S56). When it is determined in step S56 that it is not a double click, and after the processing in steps S52, S54, and S56, the operation C is terminated and the process returns.

Next, the details of the operation D will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In operation D, first, the CPU 12 determines whether or not the pressure sensor 5c is normally pressed from the pressing time or the like (step S61). If it is determined that the button is a normal press, a “moving down one” operation is performed (step S62). On the other hand, if the CPU 12 determines that the press is not a normal press, the CPU 12 determines whether the press is a long press from the press time or the like (step S63). If the CPU 12 determines that it is a long press, the CPU 12 performs an “up / down rotation” operation (see FIG. 15A) (step S64). If it is determined in step S63 that it is not a long press, and after the processing in steps S62 and S64, the operation D is terminated and the process returns.

Next, the details of the operation E will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In operation E, the CPU 12 first determines from the pressing time or the like whether or not the pressure sensor 7 is normally pressed (step S71). If it is determined that the button is normally pressed, a “move right one” operation is performed (step S72). On the other hand, if the CPU 12 determines that the press is not a normal press, the CPU 12 determines whether the press is a long press from the press time (step S73).

Then, if the CPU 12 determines that the long press is performed, the CPU 12 performs a “right rotation” operation (see FIG. 15C) (step S74). If it is determined in step S73 that it is not a long press, the CPU 12 determines whether or not it is a double click based on whether or not a double press is made within a predetermined time (step S75). If it is determined that the click is a double click, the “Fn, Ctrl, Alt Fix” operation is performed (step S76). When it is determined in step S76 that it is not a double click, and after the processing in steps S72, S74, and S76, the operation E is terminated and the process returns.

15 (a) to 15 (c) are conceptual diagrams showing the movement of the cursor of the software keyboard. For example, when a software keyboard for alphabet input is selected from among software keyboards displayed when a smartphone is adopted as the information processing terminal 20, when the pressure sensor 5c is pressed for a long time, FIG. The cursor rotates up and down as shown in (a). Further, the confirmation by pressing the stroke sensor 4 moves a desired key linearly as shown in FIG. When the pressure sensor 7 is pressed for a long time, the cursor rotates to the right as shown in FIG. When performing vertical rotation or right rotation, the key may be selected by pressing the stroke sensor 4 at a desired position.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the trigger switch has a small size that can be operated with only one hand, and is linked to one stroke sensor, three pressure sensors, and one built-in pressure sensor. And an input auxiliary device including a signal / power supply cable with a USB connector for communicating with an information processing terminal including a mobile device such as a personal computer and a smartphone.

Both the stroke sensor and the pressure sensor are means for selecting a desired key from the software keyboard on the monitor. However, in the case of a physically handicapped person due to cerebrovascular disorder, spasticity may occur on the fingers ( In many cases, the stroke type and the direct pressing type can be selected.

The input assist device according to the first embodiment includes a grip portion in which a pressure sensor, a trigger switch, and a stroke switch are disposed, and a transmission portion to which a USB connector is extended. The transmission target is a fixed size. As a result, customization corresponding to individual physical characteristics of the user, ease of assembly and repair, reduction of the number of parts stock, and cost increase due to customization can be suppressed.

For various sensors, the corresponding operation can be appropriately selected and set according to the user's failure level, physique, etc. For example, in the first embodiment described above, the key to select the cursor according to the operation of the stroke sensor 4 Can move linearly. When the pressure sensor 5c is pressed and held, the pointer can be turned in the vertical direction to search for a desired key. When the pressure sensor 7 is pressed and held, the desired key can be searched by turning the pointer to the right (clockwise).

Since the input assist device according to the first embodiment is operated with only one hand, when the Fn key or Ctrl key is used, the trigger switch 6, that is, the pressure sensor 7 is double-clicked by placing the pointer on the Fn key or Ctrl key. Then, it may be temporarily fixed, and the corresponding key may be selected and pressed by another method during that time. The drag-and-drop operation may be performed by determining the range by operating the pressure-

sensitive sensor

5a or 5b and moving the stroke sensor 4 to drop.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 16 shows a configuration of an input auxiliary device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment relates to a simplified input assist device in which various function keys are assigned to a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors that can be connected to an information processing terminal via a wiring 57 and a USB connector 56.

As in the input assisting device according to the first embodiment described above, not the pointer for operating the entire keyboard, but only the five function keys in the leftmost column of the normal keyboard are used as the target keys, and the five pressure sensitivity of the grip Assign to the sensor. Here, the five function keys in the leftmost column are “half-width / full-width / kanji”, “Tab”, “Caps Lock” (change to “Enter” by double-click etc.), “Shift”, “Ctrl” It is. These keys can be pressed only with the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of the left hand. That is, the pressure

sensitive sensors

51, 52, 53 are arranged at positions where the left thumb can be pressed, the pressure sensitive sensor 54 is arranged at a position where the index finger can be pressed, and the pressure sensitive sensor 55 is arranged at a position where the middle finger can be pressed. Set up. Alphabets and numbers can be entered by operating the keyboard with the fingers of the right hand. This separation of functions makes it possible to input the right finger freely and quickly.

In general, in the case of cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral overflow, paralysis occurs in the upper and lower limbs on the opposite side depending on which side of the brain bleeds. When the left hand is paralyzed with right handedness, keyboard input can be sufficiently performed with the button function of such an input assist device. On the other hand, if your right hand is paralyzed with left-handedness, you can use “half-width / full-width / kanji”, “Delete”, “Back Space”, “Enter” (double-click to change to “Caps など Lock”), “Shift” , “Ctrl” and the like may be assigned to five pressure-sensitive sensors.

The input assist device according to the second embodiment as described above is a simple grip with a button = key fixed type, and there is a demand for a person who is not good at inputting both hands of the keyboard even if it is not handicapped. Conceivable. In addition, the grip design is simplified, resulting in cost reduction.

(Third embodiment)
FIGS. 17A to 17C show examples of input via a software keyboard by the input assist system according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 17A shows a display screen for hiragana input. As shown in the figure, a selectable area from “A” to “WA” is displayed, and this area can be rotated. A selection frame is provided at the center of the area, and the selection frame is rotated so that a desired line among the “A” to “WA” lines fits in the selection frame. When any desired “A” to “WA” row is placed in the selection frame, the selectable hiragana of the column for the row is displayed in a new display area. In this example, the “ha” row is selected, and “ha”, “hi”, “fu”, “he”, and “ho” corresponding to the “ha” row are displayed in a selectable manner. Also in this display area, a selection frame is provided at the center, and the desired hiragana is rotated and selected so as to fit in the selection frame. When a desired hiragana is placed in the selection frame, selection history characters related to the hiragana are displayed beside the selectable characters. When selecting from among the selection history characters, the pointer is placed in the area and selected.

FIG. 17B shows a display screen for alphabet input. As shown in the same figure, a selectable area from “A” to “Z” is displayed, and this area can be rotated. A selection frame is provided at the center of the region, and the selection alphabet is rotated so that a desired alphabet among “A” to “Z” fits in the selection frame. When any one of “A” to “Z” as desired is placed in the selection frame, a display area in which the assigned special character can be selected in addition to the uppercase and lowercase characters of the character is displayed. In this example, “E” is selected, and “E”, “e”, “#”, “iv”.

FIG. 17C shows a display screen for inputting numbers. “1” to “0” are displayed so as to be selectable, and the area can be rotated. A selection frame is provided in the center, and the display is rotated so that a desired number can be accommodated in the selection frame.

According to the third embodiment described above, a software keyboard that can select and construct a desired character string with a simpler input operation is realized.

As described above in detail, according to the input assist device and the input assist system using the same according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the following can be handled.
・ Aging work population ・ Increasing number of elderly retirees ・ Increasing number of physically handicapped ・ Increased demand for intellectual labor It is possible to provide a small, lightweight, and low-priced device that can be used without any problems.

In addition, people who have difficulty in inputting personal computers or mobile devices due to aftereffects or aging of cerebrovascular disorders can operate these devices without using hardware keyboard input operations. , Making it possible to enjoy state-of-the-art services (newspaper browsing, movie viewing, reading, e-mail, Internet search, mail order, etc.) provided via the Internet without care, as well as for healthy people. It becomes possible to lead to QOL improvement.

The first to third embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, instead of the above-described stroke sensor, it is needless to say that a trackball may be provided in the grip portion for thumb operation. The trackball in this case may be composed of a ball, a shaft that rotates in conjunction with the ball, and a sensor corresponding to each of a plurality of axes that detect rotation of the shaft.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 18 shows and describes the configuration of an input auxiliary apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This fourth embodiment relates to an input auxiliary device that can be connected to an information processing terminal via a USB connector 150. A panel 102 provided with four pressure-sensitive sensors 102A to 102D for thumb operation on a grip portion 101. It has the feature in that it is arranged. Details will be described below.

As shown in the figure, the input assisting device 100 includes a panel 102 having four pressure-sensitive sensors 102A to 102D for thumb operation on the surface of a grip unit 101 incorporating a transmission unit, and a plurality of senses. Pressure sensors 103 to 105 are provided. The grip portion 101 is formed to have a shape that is easy to grip in consideration of the size of the user's hand and the length and thickness of the finger.

More specifically, the panel 102 has four pressure-sensitive sensors 102A to 102D arranged in a cross-like positional relationship at four locations on the left, right, top and bottom of the panel surface. The panel 102 is disposed at a position where it can be operated with a thumb. Further, the pressure sensor 103 is also disposed in the lower region of the panel 102 at a position where it can be operated with the thumb. The pressure-sensitive sensor 104 is disposed at a position that can be operated with the index finger, and the pressure-sensitive sensor 105 is disposed at a position that can be operated with the middle finger.

It should be noted that the arrangement of the panel 102 and the pressure sensitive sensors 103 to 105 is merely an example, and it is needless to say that the arrangement is not limited to this. That is, the arrangement can be customized according to the user's characteristics. Further, a USB connector 150 as a communication unit for connecting to the information processing terminal extends from the grip unit 101 via the wiring 151.

The pressure-sensitive sensors 102A to 102D and 103 to 105 have an electrical resistance value that changes from ∞ (for example, 40 MΩ or more) to several Ω level in accordance with the displacement (strain) of rubber due to a pressure change. In the panel 102, the pressing state of the four pressure-sensitive sensors 102A to 102D is read from the change in the analog output signal, and based on the detection result, it is associated with the operation of the software keyboard pointer or the like at the information processing terminal to be connected. I do. The analog signal of the pressure sensor is A / D converted and then sent as a digital signal to the information processing terminal side via the USB connector 150. As described above, the input assist device 100 side detects the pressed sensor and the pressure level from the pressure balance of the pressure sensitive sensors 102A to 102D and 103 to 105, and performs the predetermined operation on the information processing terminal side. Give instructions.

As the pressure sensitive sensors 102A to 102D, 103 to 105, so-called dome type sensors can be used, and as the pressure sensitive sensors 103 to 105, so-called push type sensors can be used. However, it is not limited to this.

As described above, in the input assist device 100 of FIG. 18, one panel 102 and the four pressure-sensitive sensors 103 to 105 both select a key to be input from the software keyboard on the monitor of the connected information processing terminal. is there.

Hereinafter, the relationship between each sensor and operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 19, the pressure-sensitive sensor 102A of the panel 102 is moved up by one key when pressed, rotated up by a point when pressed, and menu selected when double-clicked. When the pressure sensor 102B is pressed, the key is moved to the right by one key, the point is rotated to the right by long pressing, and the copy / drag start position is specified by double clicking. When the pressure sensor 102C is pressed, the down key is moved, when the button is pressed for a long time, the point is rotated downward, and when the button is double clicked, the left button is clicked (menu display). When the pressure sensor 102D is pressed, the left key is moved, if the button is pressed for a long time, the point is rotated to the left, and if double clicked, the copy / drag end position is specified.

On the other hand, the pressure sensor 103 is half-width / full-width switching when pressed, key is fixed when pressed long, and key is unlocked when double-clicked. For the pressure sensor 104, alphanumeric / Hiragana is switched when pressed, copy / drag range is determined when pressed, and paste / drop is selected when double-clicked. The pressure sensor 105 is space when pressed, converted when long pressed, and unconverted when double-clicked.

As shown in FIG. 20, the operation of the point when the pressure sensitive sensors 102A to 102D of the panel 102 are simultaneously pressed is as follows. That is, when the pressure

sensitive sensors

102A and 102B are pressed simultaneously, the pointer moves in the upper right direction. When the pressure

sensitive sensors

102B and 102C are pressed simultaneously, the pointer advances in the lower right direction. When the pressure

sensitive sensors

102A and 102D are pressed simultaneously, the pointer advances in the upper left direction. When the pressure

sensitive sensors

102D and 102C are pressed simultaneously, the pointer advances in the lower left direction.

Here, there is a difference in the advancing angle of the pointer depending on the force of pressing the two pressure sensors that are pressed simultaneously and the contact surface of the pressure sensor that the finger contacts. Furthermore, a gentle curve progression and a U-turn can be achieved by quickly devising how to push and moving the finger.

More specifically, as described above, the pressure-sensitive sensors 102A to 102D arranged on the panel 102 have a configuration in which the electric resistance value changes with the displacement of rubber due to the pressure change. When the pressing state is read from the change in the analog output signal from each sensor and simultaneously pressed, based on the ratio of the pressing levels of the two sensors, the slope of the upper right movement direction is calculated on the information processing terminal side if it is upper right. Move the pointer and so on.

FIG. 21 shows a turning operation of the improved example of the panel 102. The circular panel 102 may be rotatable clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 10A to the state shown in FIG. In this way, the pressure sensors 102A to 102D can be arranged at the operation position that the user likes.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a panel having four pressure sensors is arranged at a predetermined position on the upper surface side of the apparatus that can be operated with the thumb, and each pressure sensor is operated. Accordingly, the pointer on the software keyboard can be freely operated, and the pressure sensor and the software keyboard can be related as desired by the user. Furthermore, since a pressure-sensitive sensor is used, even a user who does not have a pressing force can perform delicate operation instructions or the like with a minute pressing force, which is suitable for use by, for example, the elderly and the disabled. .

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 22 shows and describes the configuration of an input auxiliary device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment relates to an auxiliary device that can be connected to an information processing terminal via a USB connector 250, and includes four pressure-sensitive sensors 203A to 203D for thumb operation on the side surface of the grip unit 201. It is characterized in that the panel 203 is provided. Details will be described below.

As shown in the figure, the input assisting device 200 includes a pressure sensitive sensor 202 and four pressure sensitive sensors 203A to 203D for thumb operation on the surface of a grip part 201 with a built-in transmission part. 203 and

pressure sensors

204 and 205 are disposed. The grip part 201 is shaped so as to be easily gripped in consideration of the size of the user's hand and the length and thickness of the finger.

The panel 203 has four pressure-sensitive sensors 203A to 203D arranged so as to have a cross-like positional relationship at four locations on the left, right, top and bottom of the panel surface. The panel 203 is disposed below the pressure sensor 202 at a position where it can be operated with a thumb. The pressure-sensitive sensor 202 is also disposed in the upper region of the panel 203 at a position where it can be operated with the thumb. The pressure-sensitive sensor 204 is disposed at a position that can be operated with the index finger, and the pressure-sensitive sensor 205 is disposed at a position that can be operated with the middle finger.

Note that the arrangement of the panel 203 and the pressure-

sensitive sensors

202, 204, and 205 is merely an example, and it is needless to say that the arrangement is not limited thereto. That is, the arrangement can be customized according to the user's characteristics. Further, a USB connector 250 as a communication unit for connecting to the information processing terminal extends from the grip unit 201 via the wiring 251.

Here, the pressure-sensitive sensors 203A to 203D, 202, 204, and 205 change the electrical resistance value from ∞ (for example, 40 MΩ or more) to several Ω level in accordance with the displacement (strain) of the rubber due to the pressure change. On the thumb operation panel 203, the pressing states of the four pressure sensors 203A to 203D are read from the change in the analog output signal, and based on the detection result, the operation of the pointer of the software keyboard or the like is performed on the information processing terminal connected to Associate with. The analog signal of the pressure sensor is A / D converted and then sent as a digital signal to the information processing terminal side via the USB connector 250. As described above, on the input assisting device 200 side, the information processing terminal is configured to detect the pressed sensor and the level of pressing from the pressure balance of the pressure sensitive sensors 203A to 203D, 202, 204, and 205 and perform a predetermined operation. To the side.

As the pressure sensitive sensors 203A to 203D, so-called dome type sensors can be used, and as the pressure

sensitive sensors

202, 204, 205, so-called push type sensors can be used. However, it is not limited to this.

As described above, in the input assist device 200 of FIG. 22, one panel 203 and four

pressure sensors

201, 204, and 205 both select a key to be input from the software keyboard on the monitor of the connected information processing terminal. Is.

As shown in FIG. 23, the pressure-sensitive sensor 203A of the panel 203 is moved up by one key when pressed, rotated up by a point when pressed and menu selection when double-clicked. When the pressure sensor 203B is pressed, the key is moved to the right by one key. When the button is pressed, the point is rotated to the right. When double-clicked, the copy / drag start position is specified. The pressure sensor 203C is moved down by one key when pressed, rotated downward by a point when pressed, and left-clicked (menu displayed) when double-clicked. When the pressure sensor 203D is pressed, the left key is moved, if the button is pressed for a long time, the point is rotated to the left, and if double clicked, the copy / drag end position is specified.

On the other hand, the pressure-sensitive sensor 202 disposed above the panel 203 is half-width / full-width switching when pressed, key fixing when long-pressed, and key unlocking when double-clicking. With respect to the pressure sensor 204, when the button is pressed, alphanumeric / hiragana switching is performed. When the button is pressed, the copy / drag range is determined. The pressure sensor 205 is space when pressed, converted when long pressed, and unconverted when double-clicked.

As shown in FIG. 24, the operation of the point when the pressure-sensitive sensors 203A to 203D of the panel 203 are simultaneously pressed is as follows. That is, when the pressure

sensitive sensors

203A and 203B are pressed simultaneously, the pointer moves in the upper right direction. When the pressure

sensitive sensors

203B and 203C are pressed simultaneously, the pointer advances in the lower right direction. When the pressure

sensitive sensors

203A and 203D are pressed simultaneously, the pointer advances in the upper left direction. When the pressure

sensitive sensors

203D and 203C are pressed simultaneously, the pointer advances in the lower left direction. Here, there is a difference in the advance angle of the pointer due to the force of pressing the two pressure sensors simultaneously pressed and the difference in the contact surface of the pressure sensor with which the finger contacts. Furthermore, a gentle curve progression and a U-turn can be achieved by quickly devising how to push and moving the finger.

That is, in more detail, as described above, the pressure-sensitive sensors 203A to 203D arranged on the panel 203 have a configuration in which the electric resistance value changes with the displacement of rubber due to the pressure change. When the pressing state is read from the change in the analog output signal from each sensor and simultaneously pressed, based on the ratio of the pressing levels of the two sensors, the slope of the upper right movement direction is calculated on the information processing terminal side if it is upper right. Move the pointer and so on.

Note that, similarly to the above-described fourth embodiment, the panel 203 may be rotatable, and the operation positions of the pressure-sensitive sensors 203A to 203D may be arbitrarily set.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, a panel including four pressure sensors is disposed at a predetermined position on the side surface of the apparatus that can be operated with the thumb, and each pressure sensor is operated. Accordingly, the pointer on the software keyboard can be freely operated, and the pressure sensor and the software keyboard can be related as desired by the user. Furthermore, since a pressure-sensitive sensor is used, even a user who does not have a pressing force can perform delicate operation instructions or the like with a minute pressing force, which is suitable for use by, for example, the elderly and the disabled. .

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 25 shows and describes the configuration of an input assist device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. This sixth embodiment relates to an auxiliary device that can be connected to an information processing terminal via a USB connector 350. A panel 302 including four pressure sensors for index finger operation is provided in the grip portion 301. It is characterized by a point. Details will be described below.

As shown in the figure, in the input assist device 300, the above-described one panel 302 and pressure-sensitive sensors 303 to 305 are disposed on the surface of the grip portion 301 having a built-in transmission portion. The grip portion 301 is formed so as to be easily gripped in consideration of the size of the user's hand and the length and thickness of the finger.

The panel 302 has four pressure-sensitive sensors 302A to 302D arranged in a cross-like positional relationship at four locations on the left, right, top and bottom of the panel surface. The panel 302 is disposed at a position where it can be operated with an index finger. The pressure sensors 303 to 305 are disposed at positions that can be operated by the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger, respectively.

It should be noted that the arrangement of the panel 302 and the pressure sensitive sensors 303 to 305 is merely an example, and of course is not limited to this. That is, the arrangement can be customized according to the user's characteristics. Further, a USB connector 350 as a communication unit for connecting to the information processing terminal extends from the grip unit 301 via the wiring 351.

As described above, in the input assist device 300 in FIG. 25, one panel 302 and three pressure-sensitive sensors 303 to 305 both select keys to be input from the software keyboard on the monitor of the connected information processing terminal. is there. The relationship between each sensor and the operation can be set to the same meaning as described in the fourth and fifth embodiments.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, a panel having four pressure sensors is disposed at a predetermined position on the side surface of the apparatus that can be operated with the thumb, and each pressure sensor is operated. Accordingly, the pointer on the software keyboard can be freely operated, and the pressure sensor and the software keyboard can be related as desired by the user. Furthermore, since a pressure-sensitive sensor is used, even a user who does not have a pressing force can perform delicate operation instructions or the like with a minute pressing force, which is suitable for use by, for example, the elderly and the disabled. .

Here, referring to the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 26A and 26B, an example of the structure of the operation panel that can be employed in the input assisting devices according to the fourth to sixth embodiments will be described. The operation panel is provided with four pressure sensitive sensors 403A to 403D as shown in FIG. In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the pressure sensor is indicated by a broken line.

In the example shown in the figure, an opening 402 for taking out a lead wire is formed in a convex shape at a predetermined height in the grip portion main body, and a latch portion 402 a made of a flexible metal spring is formed in the opening 402. . Then, the operation panel 400 is formed by covering the reverse concave panel 401 over the opening 402. A part of the inner peripheral surface of the panel portion 401 is provided with a large number of substantially triangular recess portions 401a. Therefore, when the panel portion 401 is rotated with respect to the opening portion 402, the latch portion 402a is provided in the recess portion 401a. The position is maintained by this contact, and an operation sound is also generated by friction between the two during operation. The rotation angle is defined by adjusting the formation region of the indented portion 401 a on the inner peripheral surface of the panel portion 401. In this example, it can be rotated by 90 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise from the reference position shown in FIG. Since the positions of the four pressure sensors are changed by this rotation, the positions of the pressure sensors can be set at positions suitable for the user.

This rotation function makes it possible to adjust the positions of the four pressure sensitive sensors on the operation panel, so that the input assist device can be used for both left and right hands. Moreover, if the formation area of the indentation part of the inner peripheral surface of the panel part 401 is increased / decreased, the angle which can be rotated can also be prescribed | regulated, However, when using for both right and left hands, it becomes a rotation angle of 180 degrees at least Thus, it is sufficient to form a recess.

Therefore, according to the fourth to sixth embodiments, the input assisting device is configured by a grip portion and a communication portion, and the grip portion includes a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors in a cross shape at least at four positions on the left, right, and top. And an operation panel that is rotatable with respect to the grip portion and at least one other pressure-sensitive sensor disposed on the surface of the grip portion, and information is transmitted via the communication portion. Provided is an input assist device that communicates with a processing terminal and adjusts the position of the pressure-sensitive sensor by rotating the operation panel with respect to the grip portion so that it can be operated by left and right hands. Is done.

Further, according to the fourth to sixth embodiments, the input auxiliary device is configured by a grip portion and a communication portion, and the grip portion includes a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors in a cross shape at least at four positions on the left, right, and top. And an operation panel that is rotatable with respect to the grip portion and at least one other pressure-sensitive sensor disposed on the surface of the grip portion, and information is transmitted via the communication portion. The operation panel communicates with a processing terminal, and the operation panel includes a convex opening provided on a surface of the grip part, and a reverse concave panel that covers the convex opening rotatably. The panel is equipped with the four pressure-sensitive sensors. By rotating the panel with respect to the convex opening of the grip part, the position of the pressure-sensitive sensor can be adjusted to handle operations with left and right hands. With features that enable Input assist device is provided that.

Furthermore, according to the fourth to sixth embodiments, there is provided an input assist system including an information processing terminal and an input assist device, wherein the information processing terminal selects a software keyboard by executing a display unit and an application program. And a control means for displaying on the display means. The input auxiliary device comprises a grip part and a communication part, and the grip part has a plurality of pressure sensitive sensors at least at four positions on the left, right, top and bottom. An operation panel that is disposed in a cross-like positional relationship and is rotatable with respect to the grip portion; and at least one other pressure-sensitive sensor disposed on a surface of the grip portion; It communicates with the information processing terminal via the communication unit, and adjusts the position of the pressure sensor by rotating the operation panel with respect to the grip unit. Input assistant system characterized by making it possible to correspond to the operation by is provided.

When two pressure sensors on the operation panel of the input assist device are pressed at the same time, the pressure state of each pressure sensor is read from the change in the analog output signal from each pressure sensor. Based on the ratio of the pressing levels, the inclination in the oblique movement direction is calculated on the information processing terminal side, and the pointer or the like is operated.

In this case, the control signal may be output stepwise from the input auxiliary device by dividing the range from 0 degrees (horizontal movement) to 90 degrees (vertical movement) into 15 sections every 15 degrees.

Mobile devices, smartphones, and tablets developed for use in desk work other than the users originally intended for this device, such as disabled people and elderly people, have a small soft keyboard key size and good sensitivity. It is often impossible to operate during work that requires gloves, such as a driver during delivery, farming or water work. However, since the latest industrial systems often require real-time input at the site of data generation, this device is not only at the forefront of data generation in all industries, not only for the physically handicapped and the elderly. May be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Input auxiliary device 2 Grip part 3 Transmission part 4 Stroke sensor 5a-5c, 7 Pressure sensor 6 Trigger switch

6a Trigger part

6b Shaft member 6c Engagement claw part 6d Engagement groove part 8 USB socket 9 Switch input part 10 Input sensitivity adjustment Part 11 DIP switch 12 CPU
13 Analog output unit 14 Bluetooth 20 Information processing terminal 21 Wireless communication unit 22 Storage unit 23 Input unit 24 Bluetooth 25 Operation / display unit 26 Control unit 27 Application program 28 Software keyboard 29 Antenna

Claims

An input auxiliary device composed of a grip part and a communication part,
The grip portion is
A panel in which a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors are disposed in at least four positions on the left, right, top and bottom in a cross-like positional relationship;
At least one other pressure-sensitive sensor disposed on the surface of the grip portion;
With
An input assist device that communicates with an information processing terminal via the communication unit.
A desired key is selected from a software keyboard displayed on the information processing terminal by an operation input of the pressure sensor of the panel and / or a direct press operation input by the other pressure sensor. The input auxiliary device according to claim 1.
The input assist device according to claim 1, wherein the panel is circular, the panel is configured to be rotatable with respect to the grip portion, and the position of the pressure sensitive sensor can be adjusted by the rotation.
An input auxiliary device composed of a grip part and a transmission part,
In the grip part,
A stroke sensor that can be pressed and rotated, and
A plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors arranged to be depressable;
Built-in pressure sensitive switch,
A trigger switch linked to the built-in pressure sensor;
Is provided,
In the transmission unit,
Communication means for communicating with the outside,
Is provided,
An input assist device that communicates with an information processing terminal via the communication means.
A desired key is selected from a software keyboard displayed on the information processing terminal by a stroke type operation input by the stroke sensor and / or a direct press type operation input by the pressure sensor. Item 5. The auxiliary input device according to Item 4.
The grip part is detachable from the transmission part,
The input assist device according to claim 4, wherein the grip portion can be formed to have a desired size and / or shape.
An input assistance system comprising an information processing terminal and an input assistance device,
The information processing terminal
Display means;
Control means for displaying a software keyboard on the display means so as to be selectable by executing an application program;
With
The input auxiliary device is:
It consists of a grip part and a transmission part,
In the grip part,
A stroke sensor that can be pressed and rotated, and
A plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors arranged to be depressable;
Built-in pressure sensitive switch,
A trigger switch linked to the built-in pressure sensor;
Is provided,
In the transmission unit,
A communication means for communicating with the information processing terminal;
Is provided,
A desired key is selected from a software keyboard displayed on the information processing terminal by a stroke type operation input by the stroke sensor of the input assist device and / or a direct press type operation input by the pressure sensor. An input assist system characterized by
The input assist system according to claim 7, wherein a pointer is turned in a predetermined direction according to an operation of the pressure sensor, and a desired key is selected according to the operation of the pressure sensor.
9. The input assist system according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined direction is a vertical direction or a horizontal direction.