JP2011250198A - Information input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information input device using a virtual projection keyboard that allows proper information input on uneven surfaces.SOLUTION: An information input device 10 includes: a virtual keyboard projector section for projecting a virtual keyboard 21 that has a plurality of input keys 24; and an input determination section for determining key input to the virtual keyboard 21 as projected. The virtual keyboard projector section sets at least one projection area A in each of at least two flat parts 27 divided by a concave/convex part 26, and projects a plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 onto the plurality of projection areas A, respectively. Each of the partial virtual keyboards 22 consists of part of the virtual keyboard 21.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information input device including a virtual keyboard projecting unit that projects a virtual keyboard having a plurality of input keys, and an input determining unit that determines a key input to the projected virtual keyboard.

  A virtual keyboard projection unit that projects a virtual keyboard having a plurality of input keys, and an input determination unit that performs key input determination on the projected virtual keyboard as an information input device that inputs various types of information including characters and numbers A device including the above is already known. An information input device using such a projection-type virtual keyboard has the advantage that it does not have physical input keys, is easy to miniaturize, and is highly portable.

  For example, in the information input device described in Patent Document 1 below, a key input operation is performed in a state where the virtual keyboard projection unit projects an optical image of the virtual keyboard onto a flat surface such as a desk surface and the infrared laser is irradiated in advance. The input determination unit is configured to determine the key input by detecting an infrared laser reflected by the finger of the user who performs the operation. Further, in the information input device of Patent Document 1, the virtual keyboard projection unit is configured such that the projection position of the virtual keyboard depends on the size and shape of the user's hand, or the shape of a specific area such as a sheet on which the virtual keyboard is projected. And the projection size can be adjusted.

  However, the information input device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the entire virtual keyboard is basically projected onto a flat surface that occupies a relatively wide area. Therefore, for example, when a relatively large unevenness is present on a flat surface and the virtual keyboard is projected so as to be superimposed on the uneven part, the projected virtual keyboard is distorted by the uneven part, etc. There is a possibility that appropriate information input cannot be performed because it becomes difficult to determine the key input.

JP 2007-219966 A

  Therefore, it is desired to realize a technique that enables appropriate information input even in a place with unevenness in an information input device using a projection-type virtual keyboard.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a characteristic configuration of an information input device including a virtual keyboard projecting unit that projects a virtual keyboard having a plurality of input keys, and an input determining unit that determines a key input to the projected virtual keyboard. The virtual keyboard projection unit sets at least one projection area on each of the at least two flat parts partitioned by the unevenness, and a plurality of partial virtual keyboards composed of a part of the virtual keyboard are set to the plurality of projection areas. Each is at a point to be projected.

  According to said characteristic structure, the some partial virtual keyboard which consists of a part of virtual keyboard can each be projected on the several projection area | region set to a flat part avoiding an unevenness | corrugation. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize each partial virtual keyboard or to make key input determination difficult due to the presence of the unevenness. Therefore, it is possible to provide an information input device using a projection-type virtual keyboard capable of performing appropriate information input even in a place with unevenness.

  Here, a situation determination unit that determines a situation in which key input is performed is further provided, and the virtual keyboard projection unit projects and projects each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards based on a determination result by the situation determination unit. It is preferable that the state is determined.

  The “projection state” is used as a concept including the size of the projection image, the brightness of the projection image, the color of the projection image, and the presence or absence of projection.

  According to this configuration, it becomes easy to project a plurality of partial virtual keyboards at appropriate positions in appropriate states according to the situation where key input is performed.

  In addition, the virtual keyboard projection unit further includes a priority virtual keyboard selection unit that selects, as a priority virtual keyboard, the one that is most usable from the plurality of partial virtual keyboards based on the determination result by the situation determination unit. It is preferable that the projection position and projection state of each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards are determined so that the priority virtual keyboard is superior to other partial virtual keyboards.

  Note that the “dominant state” is easy for the user to visually recognize, such as a state in which it is projected greatly on other partial virtual keyboards, a state in which it is projected brightly, and a state in which it is projected close to the user's hand. Alternatively, it is used as a concept representing an easy-to-operate state.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to project the priority virtual keyboard that is determined to be most usable among the plurality of partial virtual keyboards in a state superior to other partial virtual keyboards. Therefore, the key input operation by the user can be facilitated.

  Further, the virtual keyboard projection unit projects the plurality of partial virtual keyboards divided according to the function of each input key onto the plurality of projection areas, respectively, and the priority virtual keyboard selection unit displays the partial virtual keyboards. It is preferable that the priority virtual keyboard is selected based on the function of each input key included in the keyboard.

When a key input operation is performed, it is expected that input keys having the same function are likely to be operated continuously.
According to this configuration, in addition to the determination result by the situation determination unit, based on the function of each input key included in each partial virtual keyboard, the function that is expected to be operated continuously is expected. The partial virtual keyboard including the input keys can be projected as a priority virtual keyboard in a state superior to other partial virtual keyboards. Therefore, the key input operation continuously performed by the user can be facilitated.

  The plurality of partial virtual keyboards include a character input virtual keyboard including at least a set of character input keys for inputting characters and a number including a set of number input keys for inputting numbers. A configuration including an input virtual keyboard is preferable.

  According to this configuration, it can be divided into a character input virtual keyboard for inputting characters and a number input virtual keyboard for inputting numbers according to the function of each input key. Then, based on the determination result by the situation determination unit and the function of each partial virtual keyboard, either the character input virtual keyboard or the numeric input virtual keyboard can be projected in an advantageous state depending on the situation.

  The priority virtual keyboard selection unit is connected to a navigation device having at least one of a 50-sound search function and an address search function and at least one of a phone number search function and a postal code search function. When the 50-sound search function or the address search function is executed in the navigation device, the character input virtual keyboard is used. When the phone number search function or the zip code search function is executed, the number input virtual keyboard is used. It is preferable to select the priority virtual keyboard.

When a 50-sound search function or an address search function is executed in the navigation device, there is a high possibility that a character input operation is performed using a character input key group. On the other hand, when the telephone number search function or the zip code search function is executed in the navigation device, there is a high possibility that the number input operation is performed using the number input key group.
According to this configuration, the priority virtual keyboard can be appropriately selected from the character input virtual keyboard and the numeric input virtual keyboard according to the function executed in the navigation device. Therefore, the key input operation for inputting the search condition can be facilitated according to the function executed in the navigation device.

  Preferably, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit is configured to select, as the priority virtual keyboard, a partial virtual keyboard having an input key on which key input is performed at that time among the plurality of partial virtual keyboards. is there.

When a key input operation is performed, it is expected that there is a possibility that the partial virtual keyboard having the input key for which the key input is performed at that time may be operated continuously.
According to this configuration, it is possible to project a partial virtual keyboard during key input, which is expected to be operated continuously, as a priority virtual keyboard in a state superior to other partial virtual keyboards. Therefore, the key input operation performed continuously by the user can be facilitated.

  Further, it is preferable that the virtual keyboard projection unit projects the plurality of partial virtual keyboards divided according to the arrangement of the input keys in the virtual keyboard onto the plurality of projection areas. .

  According to this configuration, it is possible to project a plurality of partial virtual keyboards to a plurality of projection areas while avoiding unevenness without changing the arrangement of the input keys in the virtual keyboard as a whole.

  Further, each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards is assigned input keys assigned when the virtual keyboard is divided at a predetermined boundary, and assigned input keys assigned to other partial virtual keyboards adjacent to the boundary. Of these, it is preferable to have an auxiliary input key corresponding to the assigned input key arranged adjacent to the boundary line.

When each partial virtual keyboard is formed by dividing the virtual keyboard at a predetermined boundary line, the user knows which partial virtual keyboard the input keys arranged near the boundary line belong to. May be difficult.
According to this configuration, each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards has a unique assigned input key and an auxiliary input key arranged adjacent to the boundary line. Therefore, the two partial virtual keyboards on both sides of the boundary line each include a predetermined input key arranged near the boundary line as an auxiliary input key, and project the auxiliary input key as a part of each partial virtual keyboard. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to suppress giving a user an uncomfortable impression regardless of the position of the boundary line in the virtual keyboard.
Such a configuration is particularly suitable for a configuration in which a plurality of partial virtual keyboards are divided according to the arrangement of each input key in the virtual keyboard.

  Further, it is preferable that the assignment input key and the auxiliary input key are projected in different display modes.

  Note that “different display modes” are used as concepts including different colors, different sizes, and different shapes.

  According to this configuration, it is easy for the user to visually identify the assigned input key and the auxiliary input key in each partial virtual keyboard.

  Further, it is preferable that the virtual keyboard projection unit includes a minute concave portion having a width equal to or smaller than a predetermined reference width set to be less than the width of the input key.

If the concave portion has a width equal to or smaller than a predetermined reference width set to be less than the width of the input key, the projected partial virtual keyboard is distorted due to the presence of the small concave portion, so that it is difficult for the user to visually recognize it. There is almost no problem that the key input is difficult to determine.
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the projection area from being subdivided and set more than necessary by including such a minute recess in the flat portion. Therefore, it is possible to avoid inconveniences such as the fact that many partial virtual keyboards that are subdivided more than necessary are projected and become difficult to use.

  In addition, it is preferable that the projection area is set on the surface of any part of the interior member of the vehicle.

The size of the interior space is limited, and the interior of the vehicle is provided with many parts having a relatively complicated shape. Therefore, it is often difficult to secure a flat surface that occupies a wide range inside the vehicle. On the other hand, for example, the surface of a dashboard, center console, door mirror operation panel, seat, or other interior member may have a flat surface with a certain size even if there are irregularities.
According to this configuration, the partial virtual keyboard can be projected onto each of a plurality of projection areas set on the surface of any part of the interior member of the vehicle having a flat surface with a certain degree of width. Therefore, such a configuration is particularly suitable when the information input device according to the present invention is used inside a vehicle.

  Further, it is preferable that the virtual keyboard projection unit is connected to a projection area database that stores the arrangement of the projection areas for each vehicle type, and the projection area database is configured to set the projection area according to the vehicle type based on the projection area database. is there.

The arrangement of interior members inside the vehicle is often different for each vehicle type. Therefore, it is preferable that the projection area is set at a different position for each vehicle type.
According to this configuration, it is easy to set an appropriate projection area according to the vehicle type based on the projection area database storing the arrangement of the projection area for each vehicle type, and project the partial virtual keyboard onto the projection area. . That is, according to the above configuration, when the information input device according to the present invention is mounted on a vehicle, it is not necessary to individually check the position of the unevenness inside the vehicle and perform initial setting of the projection region. The work for initial setting can be simplified.

  The projection area further includes a seating state determination unit that is set on the surface of any part of the interior member of the vehicle and that determines a seating state of an occupant in a plurality of seats provided in the interior of the vehicle. The keyboard projection unit is preferably configured to determine the projection position and projection state of each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards based on the determination result by the seating state determination unit.

  According to this configuration, the partial virtual keyboard can be projected onto the projection area set on the surface of any part of the interior member of the vehicle having a flat surface with a certain size. At that time, depending on the occupant's seating state in multiple seats, the partial virtual keyboard should be in an appropriate position in an appropriate position so that the key input operation is easy for the passenger who is highly likely to perform the key input operation. It becomes easy to project.

It is a functional block diagram of the information input system concerning a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mounting state to the vehicle of the information input device which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the outline of the hardware constitutions of the information input device which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting method of the projection area | region which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display mode of the partial virtual keyboard which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example of the display mode of the partial virtual keyboard which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the partial virtual keyboard projection process which concerns on 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display mode of the partial virtual keyboard which concerns on 2nd embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the information input system concerning a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mounting state to the vehicle of the information input device which concerns on 3rd embodiment.

1. First Embodiment A first embodiment of an information input device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the information input device according to the present invention is connected to the navigation device 30 and the mobile terminal device 40, and is configured to be able to input various types of information consisting of characters, numbers, etc. thereto. A case where the present invention is applied to the information input system S will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a virtual keyboard projection unit 11 that projects a virtual keyboard 21 having a plurality of input keys 24, and determination of key input to the projected virtual keyboard 21. And an input determination unit 12 for performing In such a configuration, the information input apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes, as shown in FIG. 2 and the like, each of the at least two flat portions 27 in which the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 is partitioned by a partition portion 26 formed of unevenness. At least one projection area A is set, and a plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 formed of a part of the virtual keyboard 21 are projected onto the plurality of projection areas A, respectively. Thereby, the information input device 10 capable of performing appropriate information input even in a place with unevenness is realized. Hereinafter, the information input system S and the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

1-1. Overall Configuration of Information Input System First, the overall configuration of the information input system S including the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. The information input system S according to the present embodiment is built inside the vehicle 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the information input system S according to this embodiment includes an information input device 10, a navigation device 30, a mobile terminal device 40, a display input device 50, and a projection area database 60. These devices 10 to 60 are electrically connected via an in-vehicle LAN or the like so that information can be exchanged between them. The information input device 10 can input various information to the navigation device 30 and the mobile terminal device 40, and information input by the information input device 10 is displayed on the display input device 50.

  The information input device 10 can input information by detecting a key input operation on the virtual keyboard 21 (optical image of the keyboard image) projected on a predetermined plane without providing a physical input key. It is a possible device. An information input device based on such a principle is conventionally known as a kind of software keyboard. Here, the “virtual keyboard 21” includes a plurality of input keys 24 that can input at least all characters and numbers. The key arrangement of the plurality of input keys 24 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the virtual keyboard 21 is configured by a set of input keys 24 having a key layout conforming to the JIS standard layout. The virtual keyboard 21 may have a key layout that conforms to the ASCII layout or the like. The virtual keyboard 21 inputs at least one set of character input key group 24a for inputting characters, at least one set of number input key group 24b for inputting numbers, and special operations such as a shift key and an enter key ( A set of special input keys 24c for inputting commands (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

  The information input device 10 according to the present embodiment uses the same principle as the above-described conventional device. However, unlike the conventional apparatus that basically assumes projection on a desk, the information input apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is a projection area A set on the surface of any part of the interior member of the vehicle 1. The virtual keyboard 21 is projected onto the screen. In addition, in the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment, the projection mode of the virtual keyboard 21 is greatly different from that of the conventional device in view of being applied to the information input system S constructed in a relatively narrow vehicle interior space. . Details of the information input device 10 will be described later.

  The navigation device 30 is a device that can realize a normal navigation function such as display of the vehicle position and route guidance, and is configured as an in-vehicle navigation device in the present embodiment. The navigation device 30 includes a navigation calculation unit 31, a destination search unit 32, and a map database 33. The navigation calculation unit 31 displays the position of the vehicle and calculates the route from the departure point to the destination based on information acquired from GPS satellites, direction sensors, vehicle speed sensors, map data stored in the map database 33, and the like. Integrated control of route guidance to the destination. The destination search unit 32 performs a destination search based on the map data stored in the map database 33. The “destination” here includes not only the final destination but also an intermediate destination (for example, a stop-in facility).

  In the present embodiment, the destination search unit 32 performs a destination search based on a search condition of any one of 50 sounds, an address, a telephone number, and a postal code. That is, the navigation device 30 according to the present embodiment includes a 50 sound search (free word search) function, an address search function, a telephone number search function, and a postal code search function. When executing each search function, a search keyword can be designated by inputting one or both of letters and numbers by the information input device 10. For example, when executing a 50-sound search function or an address search function, a predetermined character string (for example, a destination name, a part of an address, etc.) for mainly specifying a search target can be designated. Further, for example, when executing the telephone number search function or the zip code search function, it is possible to designate a predetermined numeric string (phone number of the destination, zip code) mainly for specifying the search target.

  Note that a PND (personal navigation device) or the like may be used as the navigation device 30 as long as it can be connected to the information input device 10.

  The mobile terminal device 40 is a mobile communication terminal device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). In such a portable terminal device 40, electronic mail can be transmitted and received via a communication network such as a cellular phone network. In this embodiment, for example, when creating a new mail, it is possible to create a mail text by inputting one or both of letters and numbers with the information input device 10.

  The display input device 50 is a combination of a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and an input device such as a touch panel. The display input device 50 displays, for example, a guidance image by the navigation device 30, displays a search keyword being input when searching for a destination, or displays a mail text being edited when creating a mail text. In addition, the display input device 50 displays a button for selecting a search condition when performing a destination search, and outputs the search condition to the navigation device 30 based on a pressing operation of the button by the user. it can. In this embodiment, the search keyword and the mail text are basically input by the information input device 10, but input from a touch panel type software keyboard displayed on the display input device 50 is also performed separately. It may be possible.

  The projection area database 60 is a database that stores data relating to the arrangement of the projection area A (see FIG. 2 and the like) for each vehicle type. Since the arrangement, size, shape, and the like of each interior member of the vehicle 1 are different for each vehicle type, an appropriate arrangement, size, and size of the projection area A set on the surface of any part of the interior member in the present embodiment, The shape is also different for each model. As described above, the information input system S according to the present embodiment includes data relating to an appropriate arrangement of the projection areas A that are different for each vehicle type in a database. In addition, since the arrangement of each interior member and the arrangement of the projection area A associated therewith may be different depending on the year, grade, etc. even for the same vehicle type, in addition to the classification by vehicle type, It is preferable that the database is also classified into a database.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a physical mounting state of the information input system S and the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment on the vehicle 1. As shown in this figure, the information input device 10 is arranged so that a virtual keyboard 21 can be projected on a dashboard 3 which is one of interior members of the vehicle 1. The navigation device 30 and the display input device 50 are embedded in the front panel in a general manner.

1-2. Configuration of Information Input Device Next, the configuration of the information input device 10 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information input device 10 includes a virtual keyboard projection unit 11, an input determination unit 12, a situation determination unit 13, and a priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14. Each of these functional units 11 to 14 is configured by hardware, software (program), or both, and is electrically connected so as to be able to exchange information with each other.

  The virtual keyboard projection unit 11 is a functional unit that projects a virtual keyboard 21 having a plurality of input keys 24. In the present embodiment, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 projects the virtual keyboard 21 onto the projection area A set on the dashboard 3 by irradiating visible light from the projection unit 11a as shown in FIG. Here, the projection area A is a predetermined range in which the virtual keyboard 21 can be projected by the visible light irradiated from the projection unit 11a, and the reflected light of the laser from the irradiation unit 12a described later can be detected by the detection unit 12b. Occupying the area. As shown in FIG. 4, such a projection area A is set in each of at least two flat portions 27 partitioned by a partition portion 26 having relatively large unevenness. Here, the “parts 26 made of irregularities” include convex portions or concave portions formed on the surface of the interior member, and when the projection area A is set to be separated into a plurality of interior members, they are physically mutually connected. It includes a recessed space formed as a space between two interior members that are spaced apart. When there are three or more flat surfaces 27, if the projection areas A are set in the two flat portions 27, the projection areas A are set in at least some of the flat surfaces 27. It does not have to be. In any case, at least one projection region A is set on at least two flat portions 27 among the two or three or more flat portions 27.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for setting the projection area A according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a protrusion 26 a having a relatively large width and extending in a predetermined direction is formed on the dashboard 3. This convex part 26a becomes the partition part 26, and the flat surface 27 is formed in the both sides of the said convex part 26a, respectively. Here, the flat surface 27 is preferably formed of a complete flat surface having a uniform height. However, since it is difficult to secure a completely flat surface on the surface of the interior member, the distortion of the projected virtual keyboard 21 is small, and the input determination unit 12 can appropriately determine the key input. Within the range, the flat surface 27 may be a gently curved surface or the like.

In the present embodiment, the minute recess 28 having a width Wc equal to or smaller than a predetermined reference width Ws set to a value narrower than the width Wk of the input key 24 of the virtual keyboard 21 is included in the flat portion 27. As such a reference width Ws, for example, a predetermined width within a range of 1/4 to 1/2 of the width Wk of the input key 24 can be set. In the relationship with the width Wk of the input key 24, even if the virtual keyboard 21 is projected across the minute recess 28 in such a very narrow minute recess 28, the user can reliably input the input key 24. Can be visually recognized. Therefore, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 according to the present embodiment treats the minute concave portion 28 having a width equal to or smaller than the reference width Ws as a part of the flat portion 27. As described above, by including the minute concave portion 28 in the flat portion 27, it is possible to prevent the projection region A from being set more finely than necessary.
In the present embodiment, in consideration of a determination method of key input by the input determination unit 12 described later, all the convex portions are treated as the partition portions 26 regardless of the size of the convex portions, and the minute convex portions. Even if it is a part, such a minute convex part is not included in the flat part 27.

  According to the setting as described above, at least one projection region is formed in each of at least two flat portions 27 defined by the partition portion 26 configured as a convex portion or a concave portion having a width larger than the predetermined reference width Ws. A is set. That is, the information input system S according to the present embodiment has at least two flat surfaces 27 on which one or more projection areas A are set on the dashboard 3, and the projection area A is not set in some cases. A flat surface 27 is further provided. In the present embodiment, such a projection area A is stored and provided in advance in the projection area database 60 from the viewpoint of simplifying the work for initial setting when the information input device 10 is mounted on a vehicle. It is set according to the vehicle type based on the data.

  In the present embodiment, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 can project the partial virtual keyboard 22. Here, the partial virtual keyboard 22 is an optical image of a partial keyboard image, and includes a part of the entire virtual keyboard 21. That is, the partial virtual keyboard 22 is a partial virtual keyboard in which one virtual keyboard 21 is divided into a plurality as a whole. As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 according to the present embodiment is configured to project a plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 onto a plurality of projection areas A, respectively.

  The input determination unit 12 is a functional unit that determines key input for the projected partial virtual keyboard 22. In the present embodiment, each projection area A onto which the partial virtual keyboard 22 has been projected has a key input position detection laser (for example, infrared rays) from the irradiation unit 12a along the flat part 27 where the projection area A is set. Laser). When the user places a finger so as to touch a specific input key 24 of the partial virtual keyboard 22 on the projection area A, the laser from the irradiation unit 12a is reflected by the surface of the finger, and the reflected laser is reflected by the detection unit 12b. Detected. The input key specifying unit 12c specifies the input key 24 touched by the user by calculation based on the laser detected by the detecting unit 12b. In this way, the input determination unit 12 can determine key input to the partial virtual keyboard 22.

  As described above, the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment is based on the assumption that the input determination unit 12 performs key input determination using a method similar to that of the conventional device. A plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 can be projected onto the projection area A set on the flat portion 27 partitioned by the projector 26 while avoiding the unevenness of the partition portion 26. Therefore, for example, as in the present embodiment, a flat surface that occupies a sufficiently wide area so that the entire virtual keyboard 21 can be projected together due to the presence of obstacles such as irregularities in a relatively narrow interior space is ensured. Even if it is not possible, it is possible to input appropriate information using the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 that are projected while avoiding such obstacles.

  By the way, the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment can appropriately change the projection position and the projection state of each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 according to the situation in which key input is performed. In order to realize such a function, the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment further includes a situation determination unit 13. The situation determination unit 13 is a functional unit that determines a situation in which key input to the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 is performed. In the information input system S in which the information input device 10 is connected to the navigation device 30 and the mobile terminal device 40 as in the present embodiment, the situation determination unit 13 is executed in the navigation device 30 and the mobile terminal device 40, respectively. Alternatively, the situation in which key input is performed is determined by determining the function to be executed.

  The virtual keyboard projection unit 11 according to the present embodiment further includes a projection position determination unit 11b and a projection state determination unit 11c in addition to the projection unit 11a similarly provided in the conventional apparatus. The projection position determination unit 11b determines the projection position of each of the partial virtual keyboards 22 based on the determination result regarding the situation where the key input by the situation determination unit 13 is performed. At this time, the projection position determination unit 11b determines the projection positions of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 in consideration of the arrangement of the plurality of projection areas A. That is, the projection position determination unit 11b determines which projection area A each partial virtual keyboard 22 is projected to, and which position in each projection area A is projected. The projection state determination unit 11c determines the projection state of each of the partial virtual keyboards 22 based on the determination result regarding the situation where the key input by the situation determination unit 13 is performed. That is, the projection state determination unit 11c determines how each partial virtual keyboard 22 is projected. More specifically, the projection state determination unit 11c determines in what size, brightness, color, and the like each partial virtual keyboard 22 is projected. In that case, the projection state determination part 11c can also determine so that the projection of some partial virtual keyboards 22 may be abbreviate | omitted depending on the case. The virtual keyboard projection unit 11 projects each partial virtual keyboard 22 on the projection position determined by the projection position determination unit 11b in the projection state determined by the projection state determination unit 11c.

  The information input device 10 according to the present embodiment further includes a priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14. Based on the determination result by the situation determination unit 13, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 sets the most usable virtual keyboard 22 p as the priority virtual keyboard 22 p (see FIGS. 5 and 6). It is a functional part to select. That is, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 selects, as the priority virtual keyboard 22p, the one that is predicted to be most usable among the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 in view of the situation where key input is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the projection position determination unit 11b and the projection state determination unit 11c each project the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 so that the priority virtual keyboard 22p is in a superior state over the other partial virtual keyboards 22. Determine the position and projection state. For example, the projection position determination unit 11b determines the projection position of each partial virtual keyboard 22 so that the priority virtual keyboard 22p is projected closer to the user's hand than the other partial virtual keyboards 22. Further, for example, the projection state determination unit 11c determines the projection state of each partial virtual keyboard 22 so that the priority virtual keyboard 22p is projected larger or brighter than the other partial virtual keyboards 22 or both. In this manner, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 determines that the priority virtual keyboard 22p predicted to be most usable from the viewpoint of key input is in a state superior to the other partial virtual keyboards 22, in other words, Thus, it can be projected onto the projection area A in a state that is easy for the user to visually recognize or operate. Therefore, the key input operation by the user can be facilitated.

1-3. Next, a specific example of the display mode of the partial virtual keyboard 22 by the information input system S according to this embodiment will be described. 5 and 6 are diagrams each showing an example of a display mode of the partial virtual keyboard 22 according to the present embodiment.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 2, the dashboard 3 provided inside the vehicle 1 has two flat portions 27 on the surface thereof, and one projection area A is provided on each of the two flat portions 27. Is set. Therefore, in this example, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 projects a total of two partial virtual keyboards 22, one on each of the two projection areas A set on both sides of the convex portion 26 a.

  In the present embodiment, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 divides one virtual keyboard 21 as a whole into a plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 according to the functions of the input keys 24. Here, “divide” is used as a concept including not only dividing so as not to have an overlapping portion but also distributing so as to have a partially overlapping portion. In the present embodiment, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 includes a character input virtual keyboard 22a including at least a set of character input keys 24a for inputting characters, and a set of number input keys for inputting at least numbers. It is divided into a number input virtual keyboard 22b consisting of a group 24b. In the present embodiment, the virtual keyboard 22a for character input also includes a set of special input keys 24c for inputting special operations. Further, the character input key group 24a constituting the character input virtual keyboard 22a may include a part of the input keys 24 capable of inputting numbers. The number input virtual keyboard 22b is a so-called numeric keyboard. The number input key group 24b constituting the number input virtual keyboard 22b may include a part of the input keys 24 capable of inputting special operations. Each of the partial virtual keyboards 22 divided for each input function can be regarded as a collection of input keys 24 that are highly likely to be continuously subjected to key input operations by the user.

  As described above, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 selects, as the priority virtual keyboard 22p, the one having the highest possibility of use from among the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 based on the determination result by the situation determination unit 13. In this embodiment, since the partial virtual keyboard 22 is divided for each input function, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 is included in each partial virtual keyboard 22 in addition to the determination result by the situation determination unit 13 in consideration of this point. The priority virtual keyboard 22p is selected based on the function of each input key 24. That is, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 determines whether the character input or the number input is more likely to be performed in view of the situation where the key input is performed, and based on the result, the character input virtual keyboard 22a and the number input One of the input virtual keyboards 22b is selected as the priority virtual keyboard 22p.

  More specifically, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 selects the character input virtual keyboard 22a as the priority virtual keyboard 22p when the navigation device 30 performs a 50-sound search function or an address search function. When the 50-sound search function or the address search function is executed, a user inputs a predetermined character string such as a destination name or a part of an address to the navigation device 30 in order to specify a search target. It is predicted that Therefore, in such a case, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 selects the character input virtual keyboard 22a as the priority virtual keyboard 22p. On the other hand, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 selects the numeric input virtual keyboard 22b as the priority virtual keyboard 22p when the telephone number search function or the zip code search function is executed in the navigation device 30. When the telephone number search function or the zip code search function is executed, a predetermined number string such as a destination telephone number or a zip code is input to the navigation device 30 by the user in order to specify a search target. It is predicted that Therefore, in such a case, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 selects the number input virtual keyboard 22b as the priority virtual keyboard 22p.

  In the present embodiment, the projection position determining unit 11b projects each of the partial virtual keyboards 22 so that the priority virtual keyboard 22p selected in this way is projected to a position closer to the user than the other partial virtual keyboards 22. Determine the projection position. In this example, when the projection position determination unit 11b determines the projection positions of the two partial virtual keyboards 22, both the driver of the vehicle 1 and the passenger in the passenger seat are considered as “users”. That is, the projection position determination unit 11b is closer to both the driver and the passenger in the passenger seat among the two projection areas A (the first projection area A1 and the second projection area A2 in FIGS. 5 and 6). The projection position of each partial virtual keyboard 22 is projected so that the priority virtual keyboard 22p is projected onto a certain second projection area A2 and the other partial virtual keyboard 22 is projected onto the first projection area A1 that is far from the driver. decide. Further, in the present embodiment, the projection position determination unit 11b projects the priority virtual keyboard 22p on the near side (user side) in the second projection area A2, and the other partial virtual keyboard 22 in the first projection area A1. The projection position of each partial virtual keyboard 22 is determined so as to project to the side. Further, the projection state determination unit 11 c determines the projection state of each partial virtual keyboard 22 so that the priority virtual keyboard 22 p is projected larger than the other partial virtual keyboards 22.

  According to the above, when the 50-sound search function or the address search function is executed in the navigation device 30, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 uses the character input virtual keyboard 22a relatively as shown in FIG. Large projection is performed on the front side of the second projection area A2. On the other hand, when the telephone number search function or the zip code search function is executed in the navigation device 30, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 uses the second numeric input virtual keyboard 22 b as shown in FIG. Large projection is performed on the front side of the projection area A2. In this way, the display mode of the character input virtual keyboard 22a and the number input virtual keyboard 22b is appropriately changed according to the search condition of the destination search executed in the navigation device 30, thereby performing a search according to the search function. Key input operations for inputting conditions can be facilitated.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information input device 10 can also be connected to the mobile terminal device 40. The information input device 10 is connected to the mobile terminal device 40 and can input characters and numbers for creating a document such as an e-mail text by an editor function provided in the mobile terminal device 40. In this case, in the present embodiment, when a document is created in the mobile terminal device 40, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 selects the character input virtual keyboard 22a as the priority virtual keyboard 22p. However, if the document has been created and candidates can be selected by specifying numbers during character conversion, for example, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 sets the number input virtual keyboard 22b as the priority virtual keyboard 22p. select. The projection positions and projection states of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 including the priority virtual keyboard 22p selected in this way are the same as described above. Therefore, according to the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment, the key input operation during document creation can be facilitated.

1-4. Procedure of Projection Process of Partial Virtual Keyboard Next, a procedure (projection method) of the projection process of the partial virtual keyboard 22 executed in the information input apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the projection processing according to this embodiment. The procedure of the projection process described below is executed by hardware and / or software (program) or both constituting each functional unit of the information input device 10 described above. When each of the functional units is configured by a program, the arithmetic processing device included in the information input device 10 operates as a computer that executes the program that configures each functional unit. Hereinafter, a case where the information input device 10 is connected to both the navigation device 30 and the mobile terminal device 40 in the information input system S will be described as an example.

  The projection process of the partial virtual keyboard 22 according to the present embodiment is started in a situation where information input such as characters or numbers is requested in the navigation device 30 and the mobile terminal device 40 (step # 01: Yes). The situation determination unit 13 determines whether or not the destination search function is executed in the navigation device 30 (step # 02). When it is determined that the destination search function is being executed (step # 02: Yes), the situation determination unit 13 determines whether the telephone number search function or the zip code search function is being executed next. (Step # 03). When it is determined that the telephone number search function or the zip code search function is being executed (step # 03: Yes), the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 selects the number input virtual keyboard 22b as the priority virtual keyboard 22p. (Step # 06). On the other hand, when it is determined that the telephone number search function or the postal code search function is not executed, that is, the 50-sound search function or the address search function is executed (step # 03: No), the priority virtual keyboard is selected. The unit 14 selects the character input virtual keyboard 22a as the priority virtual keyboard 22p (step # 07).

  When it is determined in step # 02 that the destination search function is not executed (step # 02: No), the situation determination unit 13 determines whether the document creation function is executed in the mobile terminal device 40. It is determined whether or not (step # 04). If it is determined that the document creation function is being executed (step # 04: Yes), the situation determination unit 13 next determines whether a candidate is being selected (step # 05). When it is determined that the candidate is being selected (step # 05: Yes), the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 selects the number input virtual keyboard 22b as the priority virtual keyboard 22p (step # 06). On the other hand, when it is determined that the candidate is not being selected, that is, the normal input is being accepted (step # 05: No), the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 sets the character input virtual keyboard 22a as the priority virtual keyboard 22p. (Step # 07). The virtual keyboard projecting unit 11 projects the selected priority virtual keyboard 22p in a state superior to the other partial virtual keyboards 22 (step # 08). Here, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 projects the priority virtual keyboard 22p to a position close to the user as viewed relatively, and ends the projection processing according to the present embodiment. After that, a key input determination process is executed for the user's key input operation.

  If it is determined in step # 04 that the document creation function is not executed (step # 04: No), the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 projects all the partial virtual keyboards 22 in an equal state. (Step # 09). In this case, in consideration of the arrangement of the input keys 24 in the virtual keyboard 21, the character input virtual keyboard 22a is projected on the first projection area A1 set on the left side when viewed from the user and set on the right side. It is preferable that the number input virtual keyboard 22b is projected onto the second projection area A2. Above, the projection process which concerns on this embodiment is complete | finished. After that, a key input determination process is executed for the user's key input operation.

2. Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the information input device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Also in the present embodiment, the overall configuration of the information input system S and the configuration of the information input device 10 are basically the same as those in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the specific projection mode of the partial virtual keyboard 22 is different from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, the information input system S and the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that the points not particularly specified are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 displays a single virtual keyboard 21 as a whole according to the arrangement of the input keys 24 in the virtual keyboard 21. The keyboard 22 is divided. In this example, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 divides one virtual keyboard 21 into two partial virtual keyboards 22. More specifically, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 uses the predetermined boundary line B as a reference, the right virtual keyboard 22c on the right side of the boundary line B when viewed from the user, and the boundary line when viewed from the user. The left virtual keyboard 22d on the left side of B is divided. At this time, the arrangement of the input keys 24 is not changed. Here, the position and shape of the boundary line B can be arbitrarily set. In this example, each of the input keys 24 passes through between the “F” key and the “J” key, which are generally set as the home position, and forms a polygonal line in a state that is relatively close to a straight line except for the space key. A boundary line B extending in the front-rear direction (in the direction connecting the front side and the back side of the user as a whole) is set. In such a setting, the right virtual keyboard 22c includes a part of the right side of the set of character input keys 24a, the whole of the set of number input keys 24b, and the right side of the set of special input keys 24c. Some are included. The left virtual keyboard 22d includes a part of the left side of the set of character input key group 24a and a part of the left side of the set of special input key group 24c. Accordingly, the right virtual keyboard 22c functions as a right hand virtual keyboard, and the left virtual keyboard 22d functions as a left hand virtual keyboard.

  Then, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 projects the right virtual keyboard 22c on the second projection area A2 set on the right side when viewed from the user, and on the left side on the first projection area A1 set on the left side when viewed from the user. The virtual keyboard 22d is projected. As described above, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 projects the two partial virtual keyboards 22c and 22d while avoiding obstacles such as unevenness without changing the arrangement of the input keys 24 in the virtual keyboard 21 as a whole. can do. Therefore, according to the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform appropriate information input even in a place with unevenness. In the present embodiment, the left virtual keyboard 22d is always projected on the first projection area A1 and the right virtual keyboard 22c is projected on the second projection area A2, regardless of the determination result by the situation determination unit 13. It has become.

  In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 has a plurality of assignment input keys 24d and a plurality of auxiliary input keys 24e. Here, the assignment input key 24d is an input key 24 assigned when the virtual keyboard 21 is divided at a predetermined boundary line B. That is, the input key 24 inherently included in the partial virtual keyboard 22 by being divided at the boundary line B is set as the “assignment input key 24d”. Specifically, in FIG. 8, all of the input keys 24 positioned on the right side of the boundary line B included in the right virtual keyboard 22c are assigned input keys 24d in the right virtual keyboard 22c, and the boundary included in the left virtual keyboard 22d. All of the input keys 24 positioned on the left side of the line B become the assigned input keys 24d in the left virtual keyboard 22d.

  On the other hand, the auxiliary input key 24e is an input key 24 corresponding to the assignment input key 24d arranged adjacent to the boundary line B among the assignment input keys 24d of the other partial virtual keyboards 22 adjacent to the boundary line B. . That is, by dividing the boundary line B, the input keys 24 that are inherently included in the other partial virtual keyboards 22 as the assigned input keys 24d, and the group of input keys 24 adjacent to the boundary line B are changed to “ Auxiliary input key 24e ". Here, in the “adjacent”, in addition to the case where each auxiliary input key 24e is directly adjacent to the boundary line B, it is adjacent to the boundary line B via one or more other auxiliary input keys 24e. Cases are also included. However, the ratio of the auxiliary input key 24e in each partial virtual keyboard 22 is limited to a predetermined value or less (for example, 1/5 or less). FIG. 8 shows an example in which the input key 24 for each column directly adjacent to the boundary line B is used as the auxiliary input key 24e. Specifically, in FIG. 8, the input keys 24 for one column adjacent to the left side of the boundary line B included in the right virtual keyboard 22c become auxiliary input keys 24e in the right virtual keyboard 22c, and are included in the left virtual keyboard 22d. The input keys 24 for one column adjacent to the right side of the boundary line B become auxiliary input keys 24e in the left virtual keyboard 22d.

  By the way, if the virtual keyboard 21 is simply divided into two partial virtual keyboards 22 by dividing the virtual keyboard 21 into two partial virtual keyboards 22, depending on the setting of the position and shape of the boundary line B, for example, the input keys 24 arranged near the boundary line B It may be difficult for the user to know which partial virtual keyboard 22 belongs to, and the user may have an impression that it is difficult to use. In this regard, in the above configuration, the plurality of input keys 24 arranged across the boundary line B overlap with both the right virtual keyboard 22c and the left virtual keyboard 22d as the assigned input key 24d or the auxiliary input key 24e. included. In this way, with respect to the input key 24 set as the auxiliary input key 24e in any of the partial virtual keyboards 22, a key input operation can be performed from either the right virtual keyboard 22c or the left virtual keyboard 22d. Can be made possible. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the user from giving an impression that it is difficult to use without depending on the position of the boundary line B in the virtual keyboard 21.

  In the present embodiment, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 projects the assigned input key 24d and the auxiliary input key 24e included in each partial virtual keyboard 22 in different display modes. For example, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 projects the assignment input key 24d and the auxiliary input key 24e in a manner including at least one of different colors, different sizes, and different shapes. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the assignment input key 24d and the auxiliary input key 24e are projected so that only the colors remain the same in size and shape in each partial virtual keyboard 22. By adopting such a configuration, it is easy for the user to visually identify the assigned input key 22d and the auxiliary input key 24e in each partial virtual keyboard 22.

3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the information input device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Also in the present embodiment, the overall configuration of the information input system S and the configuration of the information input device 10 are basically the same as those in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the setting of the projection area A and the specific projection mode of the partial virtual keyboard 22 are different from those in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, the information input system S and the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that the points not particularly specified are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the dashboard 3, which is one of the interior members of the vehicle 1, has a flat portion 27 on the surface and a center that is another one of the interior members of the vehicle 1. The console 4 also has a flat portion 27 on its surface. The flat portion 27 on the dashboard 3 and the flat portion 27 on the center console 4 are partitioned by a partition portion 26 formed of a concave space therebetween. In the present invention, a concave space formed as a space between two interior members that are physically separated from each other as described above is also included in the “partition portion 26 made of unevenness”. In the present embodiment, one projection area A is set for each of the flat portion 27 on the dashboard 3 and the flat portion 27 on the center console 4. The virtual keyboard projection unit 11 places the partial virtual keyboards 22 in the third projection area A3 set on the flat part 27 on the dashboard 3 and the fourth projection area A4 set on the flat part 27 on the center console 4, respectively. Project. In this case, the information input device 10 has two sets of virtual keyboard projection unit 11 and input determination unit 12.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the information input device 10 according to the present embodiment further includes a seating state determination unit 15. The seating state determination unit 15 is a functional unit that determines a seating state of an occupant in a plurality of seats provided inside the vehicle 1. The information input device 10 is connected to a vehicle ECU (vehicle electronic control unit) 70 and can determine the seating state of the occupant based on information from the seating sensor 71 input to the vehicle ECU 70. The virtual keyboard projection unit 11 according to the present embodiment adds the determination result by the seating state determination unit 15 in addition to the determination result by the situation determination unit 13 and the function of each input key 24 included in each partial virtual keyboard 22. The projection position and projection state of each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 are determined based on the above.

  More specifically, when the sitting state determination unit 15 determines that the passenger is seated in the passenger seat, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 performs more key input for the passenger seated in the passenger seat. The priority virtual keyboard 22p under the circumstances is projected in a state superior to the other partial virtual keyboards 22 to the third projection area A3 which is the projection area A that is easy to operate. On the other hand, when the sitting state determination unit 15 determines that the passenger is not seated in the passenger seat, the virtual keyboard projection unit 11 is the fourth projection area A that is easier for the driver to perform key input operations. The priority virtual keyboard 22p under the circumstances is projected onto the projection area A4 in a state superior to the other partial virtual keyboards 22. In this way, the key input operation by the passenger or the driver can be facilitated according to the sitting state of the passenger in the passenger seat.

  In this example, when the seating state determination unit 15 determines the seating state, only the seating state relating to the passenger in the passenger seat is determined. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, for example, when it is configured so that information can be input from a passenger in the rear seat via the information input device 10, the seating state regarding the passenger in the passenger seat and the rear seat is comprehensively determined. It is also good. In this case, it is possible to facilitate the key input operation by the passenger who is highly likely to perform the key input operation according to the seating state of the passenger in the plurality of seats including the passenger seat and the rear seat.

4). Other Embodiments Finally, other embodiments of the information input device according to the present invention will be described. Note that the feature configurations disclosed in each of the following embodiments are not applied only in that embodiment, and should be applied in combination with the feature configurations disclosed in the other embodiments unless a contradiction arises. Is also possible.

(1) In each of the above embodiments, the case where the interior member of the vehicle 1 has the two flat portions 27 on the surface thereof has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the interior member of the vehicle 1 may have three or more flat portions 27 on the surface thereof. In this case, at least the projection region A is set on the two flat portions 27 on both sides of the partition portion 26 made of unevenness, and the projection region A may or may not be set on the other flat portions 27. In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where one projection area A is set for each flat portion 27 has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a configuration in which two or more projection areas A are set on any one or more flat portions 27 is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(2) In the first and third embodiments, a case where the priority virtual keyboard 22p is configured to be projected to a position closer to the user and larger than the other partial virtual keyboards 22 will be described as an example. did. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, a configuration in which the priority virtual keyboard 22p is projected so as to be displayed brighter than the other partial virtual keyboards 22 is also one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, a configuration in which only the priority virtual keyboard 22p is projected and projection of the other partial virtual keyboards 22 is stopped is also one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(3) In the first and third embodiments, when a plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 are configured according to the functions of the input keys 24, the virtual keyboard 21 includes the special input key group 24c. The case where it is divided into the character input virtual keyboard 22a and the number input virtual keyboard 22b has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when three or more projection areas A are set, for example, the special input key group 24c may be separated from the character input virtual keyboard 22a and further divided into the special input virtual keyboard. This is one of the preferred embodiments.

(4) In the first and third embodiments, when the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 are configured according to the function of each input key 24, the priority virtual keyboard selection unit 14 includes the navigation device 30 or The case where the priority virtual keyboard 22p is selected according to the function being executed in the mobile terminal device 40 has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the partial virtual keyboard 22 having the input key 24 in which the key input is performed at that time among the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 without considering the function being executed. It is also one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention to have a configuration that unconditionally selects the priority virtual keyboard 22p.

(5) In the second embodiment, according to the arrangement of the input keys 24 of the virtual keyboard 21, the virtual keyboard 21 is horizontally moved to the two partial virtual keyboards 22 (the right virtual keyboard 22 c and the left virtual keyboard 22 d). The case where it can be divided has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, when the virtual keyboard 21 is divided into left and right, a configuration in which the virtual keyboard 21 is divided into three or more partial virtual keyboards 22 is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In addition, it is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention that the virtual keyboard 21 is divided into two or more partial virtual keyboards 22 in any form including front and rear, diagonal, and the like. In any case, it is preferable that the virtual keyboard 21 is divided according to the shape of the partition portion 26.

(6) In the second embodiment, the case where each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 has the assignment input key 24d and the auxiliary input key 24e has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is not always required that each partial virtual keyboard 22 has the auxiliary input key 24e. One or more (including all) partial virtual keyboards 22 are assigned without having the auxiliary input key 24e. It is one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention to have only the input key 24d.

(7) In the first embodiment, as a whole, one virtual keyboard 21 has a plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 (character input virtual keyboard 22a, numeric input virtual keyboard depending on the function of each input key 24. An example in which each of the partial virtual keyboards 22 has only the input keys 24 corresponding to the assignment input keys 24d in the second embodiment has been described. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, even when divided into a plurality of partial virtual keyboards 22 for each input function, any one or more partial virtual keyboards 22 are assigned input keys 24d and auxiliary input keys 24e as in the second embodiment. It is also one of preferred embodiments of the present invention to be configured with For example, the character input virtual keyboard 22a includes a part of the number input key group 24b adjacent to the boundary B as the auxiliary input key 24e, or the number input virtual keyboard 22b adjacent to the boundary B. A part of the character input key group 24a may be included as the auxiliary input key 24e. In this case, it is more preferable that the assignment input key 24d and the auxiliary input key 24e are projected in different display modes.

(8) In the second embodiment, the case where the assigned input key 24d and the auxiliary input key 24e included in each partial virtual keyboard 22 are projected in different display modes has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention that the assignment input key 24d and the auxiliary input key 24e are projected in the same manner without being particularly distinguished.

(9) In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the minute recess 28 having the width Wc equal to or less than the predetermined reference width Ws is included in the flat portion 27 has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention that such a minute recess 28 is not included in the flat portion 27 but is handled as the partition portion 26. In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where all the convex portions are handled as the partition portions 26 regardless of the size of the convex portions has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, below a predetermined reference height (here, this is assumed to be Hs) set to a value smaller than the height of the laser irradiation position from the irradiation section 12a (here, this is assumed to be Hi). It is also one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention that the minute convex portion having the height Hc is included in the flat portion 27. In addition, depending on the determination method of key input by the input determination unit 12, a configuration in which the minute convex portion is included in the flat portion 27 without depending on the height Hc of the minute convex portion is also possible in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. One.

(10) In each of the above embodiments, the input determination unit 12 is configured to determine the key input to the partial virtual keyboard 22 based on the laser irradiation for detecting the key input position and the detection of the reflected light. The case has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, the input determination unit 12 determines the key input to the partial virtual keyboard 22 based on the spatial recognition of the fingertip position of the user using an imaging device such as one or more CCD cameras. Is also one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(11) In each of the above embodiments, when the information input system S is built inside the vehicle 1, the projection is projected onto one or both surfaces of the dashboard 3 and the center console 4 that are interior members of the vehicle 1. The case where the area A is set has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, a configuration in which the projection area A is set on the surface of another interior member such as a door mirror operation panel or a seat is also a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(12) In each of the above embodiments, when the information input system S is built inside the vehicle 1, the projection area A is based on data stored and provided in the projection area database 60 in advance. The case where it is set according to the vehicle type has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the projection area A is individually set in consideration of the arrangement and shape of the interior member without being connected to the projection area database 60. one of.

(13) In each of the above embodiments, the case where the information input device 10 is applied to the information input system S built inside the vehicle 1 has been described as an example. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, the information input device according to the present invention can naturally be applied to an information input system or the like that is connected to a personal computer or the like in a room such as an office.

(14) Regarding other configurations as well, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. That is, as long as the configuration described in the claims of the present application and a configuration equivalent thereto are provided, a configuration obtained by appropriately modifying a part of the configuration not described in the claims is naturally also included in the present invention. Belongs to the technical scope.

  The present invention is suitably used for an information input device including a virtual keyboard projecting unit that projects a virtual keyboard having a plurality of input keys and an input determining unit that determines key input to the projected virtual keyboard. Can do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle 10 Information input device 11 Virtual keyboard projection part 12 Input determination part 13 Situation determination part 14 Priority virtual keyboard selection part 15 Seating state determination part 21 Virtual keyboard 22 Partial virtual keyboard 22a Character input virtual keyboard 22b Number input virtual keyboard 22p Priority virtual keyboard 24 Input key 24a Character input key group 24b Number input key group 24d Allocation input key 24e Auxiliary input key 26 Partition (unevenness)
27 Flat part 28 Small concave part 30 Navigation device 60 Projection area database A Projection area B Boundary line Wk Input key width

Claims (14)

An information input device comprising: a virtual keyboard projecting unit that projects a virtual keyboard having a plurality of input keys; and an input determining unit that determines a key input to the projected virtual keyboard,
The virtual keyboard projection unit sets at least one projection area in each of at least two flat parts partitioned by unevenness, and a plurality of partial virtual keyboards formed of a part of the virtual keyboard are set in the plurality of projection areas, respectively. Information input device to project. A situation determination unit for determining a situation in which key input is performed;
The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the virtual keyboard projection unit determines a projection position and a projection state of each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards based on a determination result by the situation determination unit. Based on the determination result by the situation determination unit, further comprising a priority virtual keyboard selection unit that selects the most usable one as a priority virtual keyboard from the plurality of partial virtual keyboards,
The virtual keyboard projection unit determines a projection position and a projection state of each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards so that the priority virtual keyboard is superior to other partial virtual keyboards. Information input device. The virtual keyboard projection unit projects the plurality of partial virtual keyboards divided according to the function of each input key onto the plurality of projection regions,
The information input device according to claim 3, wherein the priority virtual keyboard selection unit selects the priority virtual keyboard based on a function of each input key included in each partial virtual keyboard.   The plurality of partial virtual keyboards for character input consisting of at least a set of character input keys for inputting characters and a set of number input keys for inputting numbers at least The information input device according to claim 4, comprising a virtual keyboard. Connected to a navigation device having at least one of a 50-sound search function and an address search function and at least one of a phone number search function and a postal code search function;
The priority virtual keyboard selection unit is configured to use the virtual keyboard for character input when the 50-sound search function or the address search function is executed in the navigation device, and when the telephone number search function or the postal code search function is executed. The information input device according to claim 5, wherein the number input virtual keyboard is selected as the priority virtual keyboard.   4. The information according to claim 3, wherein the priority virtual keyboard selection unit selects, as the priority virtual keyboard, a partial virtual keyboard having an input key in which key input is performed at that time among the plurality of partial virtual keyboards. Input device.   The virtual keyboard projection unit projects the plurality of partial virtual keyboards divided according to the arrangement of the input keys in the virtual keyboard onto the plurality of projection areas, respectively. The information input device according to one item. Each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards is
An assignment input key assigned by dividing the virtual keyboard at a predetermined boundary line;
Among the assigned input keys assigned to other partial virtual keyboards adjacent to the boundary line, auxiliary input keys corresponding to the assigned input keys arranged adjacent to the boundary line;
The information input device according to claim 1, comprising:   The information input device according to claim 9, wherein the assignment input key and the auxiliary input key are projected in different display modes.   11. The information input device according to claim 1, wherein the virtual keyboard projecting unit includes a minute concave portion having a width equal to or smaller than a predetermined reference width set to be less than a width of the input key in the flat portion.   The information input device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the projection area is set on a surface of any location of an interior member of the vehicle. Connected to the projection area database storing the arrangement of the projection areas for each vehicle type,
The information input device according to claim 12, wherein the virtual keyboard projection unit sets the projection area according to a vehicle type based on the projection area database. The projection area is set on the surface of any part of the interior member of the vehicle,
A seating state determination unit that determines a seating state of an occupant in a plurality of seats provided in the vehicle;
The information according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the virtual keyboard projection unit determines a projection position and a projection state of each of the plurality of partial virtual keyboards based also on a determination result by the seating state determination unit. Input device.

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