JP4784894B2 - Key input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a key input device.

  Conventionally, optical key input devices have been used in personal computers and the like. This optical key input device is provided with a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and a shielding plate corresponding to a plurality of keys. That is, when the key is pressed by the user, the key moves downward, and the light passing under the key is blocked by the shielding plate. Therefore, the pressed key is detected by detecting that the light reaching the light receiving element from the light emitting element is blocked by the shielding plate.

For example, Patent Document 1 has a plurality of optical paths, a light source is provided at one end of each optical path, a light receiver is provided at the other end, each optical path is divided into a plurality of groups, and a plurality of keys. There are switches, and each key switch is divided into a plurality of groups, or a group as a whole, and a group of optical paths here is assigned to a group of a plurality of key switches. A group of optical paths is assigned to each group of key switches, and each key switch is essentially one for each group of optical paths from the group of optical paths assigned for that group of key switches. The optical path passes through the vicinity of the key switch, and the key switch presses the key top, thereby blocking all the optical paths passing through the vicinity of the key switch. Key switch group that has been disclosed. Which key switch is pressed is determined by examining a combination of changes in the output state of the light receiver provided at one end of each optical path.
JP 2004-38905 A (page 2-4, FIG. 1)

  However, in such a key input device in the related art, since a key pressed by light being blocked (also referred to as an input key) is detected, if a shielding object such as dust is mixed in the device, This shield blocks light that passes under the key. In this case, there is a problem that a key is erroneously detected as being pressed.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technique in which a mistake in detection of a pressed key does not easily occur.

In order to solve the above problems, a key input device according to the present invention provides:
A key provided at a predetermined position;
A reflecting plate having reflecting surfaces formed on both sides of a plurality of sheets provided at different angles with respect to the key;
A light emitting means provided facing the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate of the pressed key;
And light receiving means for receiving light emitted from the light emitting means and reflected by the reflecting plate.

  According to the present invention, errors in detecting key input are reduced.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a key input device 100 according to the first embodiment.

  For example, a key input device 100 used for a keyboard of a personal computer or the like includes a plurality of keys 1, a light emitting element 2, a light receiving element 3, a reflecting plate 4, and a detection unit 30.

  The keys 1 are provided in a matrix, for example. That is, for example, the key 1 is arranged at a position indicated by (N, M (N, M = integer) in orthogonal coordinates (XY coordinates), for example, as shown in FIG. In the position (1,1), (1,2), (1,3),..., (2,1), (2,2), (2,3),. When the key 1 is pressed by the user, the key 1 is moved downward to input information.

  The light emitting element 2 is provided corresponding to each key 1. That is, a group of light-emitting elements 2 are arranged around the group of keys 1 arranged in a matrix, that is, on the side (one side) of the group of keys 1 in the X coordinate direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one light emission at a position corresponding to (1,1), (1,2), (1,3)... (1, M) and at a position outside the group of keys 1. Element 2 is provided. Further, one light emitting element 2 is provided at a position corresponding to (2, 1), (2, 2), (2, 3)... (2, M) and at a position outside the group of keys 1. . Similarly, one light emitting element 2 is provided at a position corresponding to (N, 1), (N, 2), (N, 3)... (N, M), and outside the group of keys 1. Yes. And each light emitting element 2 is provided so that the below-mentioned reflecting plate 4 may be opposed. That is, when the key 1 is pressed, the light emitting element 2 is arranged so that the light of the light emitting element 2 is reflected by the reflecting plate 4 provided below the lowered key 1.

  The light emitting element 2 is controlled to emit light in order at different times. For example, light is emitted in order from the light emitting element located on the left side in FIG. 1 to the light emitting element located on the right side. And light emission is not performed simultaneously. For example, light is emitted in order at intervals of several microseconds to several milliseconds. That is, light emission is performed in a time division manner.

  A light receiving element 3 is also provided corresponding to each key 1. That is, a group of light receiving elements 3 are arranged around the group of keys 1 arranged in a matrix, that is, in the Y coordinate direction, on the side portion (one side portion) of the group of keys 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one light reception is performed at a position corresponding to (1,1), (2,1), (3,1)... (N, 1) and at a position outside the group of keys 1. Element 3 is provided. Further, one light receiving element 3 is provided at a position corresponding to (1, 2), (2, 2), (3, 2)... (N, 2) at a position outside the group of keys 1. . Similarly, a single light receiving element 3 is provided at a position corresponding to (1, M), (2, M), (3, M)... (N, M) at a position outside the group of keys 1. Yes. And each light receiving element 3 is provided so that the below-mentioned reflecting plate 4 may be opposed. That is, when the key 1 is pressed, the light from the light emitting element 2 is reflected by the reflecting plate 4 provided on the lower side of the lowered key 1 so that the light receiving element 3 receives the reflected light. Is arranged.

  The reflector 4 is attached to the lower part of the key 1 so as to face the light emitting elements 2 and the light receiving elements 3. The reflecting plate 4 has a reflecting surface on the side facing the light emitting elements 2 and the light receiving elements 3.

  For example, in FIG. 1, when the key 1 located at the (N, M) position is pressed, the light from the light emitting element 2 located at the Nth position from the left is emitted from the key 1 located at the (N, M) position. The light receiving element 3 which is reflected by the reflecting plate 4 provided on the lower side and detects the reflected light is positioned Mth from the top. Therefore, by detecting the light emission / light reception information by the detection unit 30, it is detected (determined) that the key 1 at the (N, M) position is pressed. That is, it is possible to determine which key is pressed.

(Key press detection operation 1)
Next, the operation of the key input device 100 in the first embodiment will be described.
For example, the detection operation when the key 1 at the position (H, I (H, I is a natural number)) is pressed by the user will be described.

  First, light is emitted from the light emitting element 2 located at the leftmost position in FIG. Then, it is detected whether or not the light from the light emitting element 2 is received by the light receiving element 3. If H ≠ 1, there is no detection by the light receiving element 3 because the reflector 4 is not on the optical path.

  Next, light is emitted from the light emitting element 2 located at the second position from the left. Then, it is detected whether or not the light from the light emitting element 2 is received by the light receiving element 3. If H ≠ 2, there is no detection by the light receiving element 3 because the reflector 4 is not on the optical path.

  Thereafter, the same operation is performed.

  And light emission is performed from the light emitting element 2 which exists in the Hth position from the left. Whether or not the light from the light emitting element 2 is received by the light receiving element 3 is detected. Now, since the key 1 at the (H, I) position is depressed, the reflector 4 is present on this optical path. Accordingly, the light from the light emitting element 2 is reflected by the reflecting plate 4, and the light receiving element 3 located at the I-th position from the top detects the reflected light.

  Thereafter, light is emitted from the light emitting element 2 located at the (H + 1) th position from the left. Then, it is detected whether or not the light from the light emitting element 2 is received by the light receiving element 3. However, since there is no reflecting plate 4 on this optical path, there is no detection by the light receiving element 3.

  Thereafter, the same process is repeated.

  As described above, in the key input device 100 according to the first embodiment, when the key 1 located at the (N, M) position is pressed, the light from the light emitting element 2 located Nth from the left is (N , M) is reflected by the reflecting plate 4 at the position, and this reflected light is received by the M-th light receiving element 3 from above, so that the N-th light emitting element and the M-th light receiving element emit light. Based on the received light information, it can be determined (detected) that the key 1 located at the (N, M) position is pressed.

  If a shielding plate is used instead of the reflecting plate, and if dust enters the optical path, the difference between the shielding plate and dust cannot be determined. . On the other hand, in the case of a reflecting plate, since the determination is made by detecting reflected light, the light receiving elements 3 can be provided around all (four surroundings) of the group of keys 1 arranged in a matrix. For example, all the light from the light emitting element 2 is received, and the difference from the dust can be determined as compared with the conventional case. Therefore, false detection is reduced accordingly. In addition, it is preferable that the light receiving elements provided around the entire periphery are light receiving and emitting elements.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the first embodiment, there is a single reflector, but the second embodiment is an example using two reflectors.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the key input device 100 according to the second embodiment.

  The key input device 100 is used for a keyboard of a personal computer, for example. The key input device 100 includes a group of keys 1, two reflecting plates 4, 5, light emitting / receiving elements 10 a, 10 b, 20 a, 20 b, a detection unit 30, and a storage unit 40.

  The configuration of the group of keys 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  However, in the case of the first embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 1, the reflecting plate 4 is provided at an angle of, for example, 45 ° (45 ° with respect to the X-axis direction). In the present embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 2, the reflecting plate 4 is provided at an angle of, for example, 45 ° (45 ° with respect to the X-axis direction). Further, as can be seen from FIG. 2, the added reflector 5 is provided so as to have an angle of, for example, 22.5 ° (45 ° / 2). A reflective plate 5 is provided at a position below the reflective plate 4. Further, the reflecting plates 4 and 5 of the present embodiment are formed so that both the front and back surfaces are reflecting surfaces.

  Now, instead of the light emitting element 2 provided in 1st Embodiment, in this embodiment, the light receiving / emitting element 10a was provided. Further, a light emitting / receiving element 10b is provided at a position outside the group of keys 1 so as to face the light emitting / receiving element 10a. Further, instead of the light receiving element 3 provided in the first embodiment, a light receiving / emitting element 20a is provided in the present embodiment. Further, a light emitting / receiving element 20b is provided at a position outside the group of keys 1 so as to face the light receiving / emitting element 20a. These light emitting / receiving elements 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b are configured by combining the light emitting element 2 and the light receiving element 3 adjacent to each other. The light emitting element 2 / light receiving element 3 of the light emitting / receiving element 10a and the light receiving element 3 / light emitting element 2 of the light receiving / emitting element 10b are opposed to each other. The light receiving element 3 and the light emitting element 2 of the element 20b are provided to face each other. The light emitting / receiving elements 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b are provided corresponding to the reflecting plates 4, 5 of the key 1 that is pressed. Accordingly, if the light emitting / receiving elements 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b have a certain length, only one light receiving / emitting element 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b is sufficient, but the light emitting / receiving elements 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b are sufficient. If it is a dot-like thing, in order to provide corresponding to the reflecting plates 4 and 5, it is necessary to arrange two vertically.

  Now, which light emitting / receiving element 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b receives light emitted from which light emitting / receiving element 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b corresponding to the pressed key or plural keys. The associated information (table) is stored in the storage unit 40.

  Alternatively, information (table) shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the storage unit 40. That is, when all the keys 1 are not pressed, which light receiving / emitting element 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b has received the light emitted from any of the light receiving / emitting elements 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b. The information is memorized. That is, in FIG. 2, for example, the relationship that the light emitting / receiving element 10b receives light emitted from the light receiving / emitting element 10a located on the leftmost side is “1”, and the light emission from the light emitting / receiving element 10a located second from the left The relationship that the light emitting / receiving element 10b receives the light is “2”, and the relationship that the light emitting / receiving element 20b receives the light emitted from the light emitting / receiving element 20a located on the uppermost side is “N + 1”. ”Is stored as“ N + 2 ”, indicating that the light emitting / receiving element 20b has received light from the light emitting / receiving element 20a positioned second from the top. In addition, the relationship with the light receiving element that receives light from the light emitting element is stored in the same relationship.

(Key press detection operation 2)
Even in the present embodiment, when only one key 1 is pressed, detection of the pressed key is basically performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

  However, in this case, the light from the light emitting / receiving element 10a is reflected by the reflecting plate 4, and the light from the light receiving / emitting element 20a is reflected by the reflecting plate 5 in the first optical path where the reflected light is received by the light receiving / emitting element 20a. There are a plurality of optical paths detected by the light receiving element, such as a second optical path where the light receiving / emitting element 10a receives the reflected light. Therefore, in this case, even if dust is present on any one of the optical paths and the light path is blocked, detection is possible if there is no dust on any one of the optical paths. Therefore, also from this point, the present embodiment is superior to the above embodiment. In the present embodiment as well, as described above, the difference from dust can be determined.

  By the way, in the case of the embodiment, for example, when both the (1, 1) position key and the (1, 2) position key are pressed, there is only one reflecting plate having only one reflecting surface. , (1, 2) position key cannot be detected.

  However, even if there is only one reflecting plate, if the reflecting surface is formed on both the front and back surfaces, if the issuing element 2 and the light receiving element 3 are replaced with light receiving and emitting elements, for example, a key at the (1, 1) position and (1 , 2) Even when the position key is pressed together, detection is possible. However, even in this case, for example, when the key at the (1, 1) position, the key at the (1, 2) position, and the key at the (2, 2) position are both pressed, the key at the (1, 2) position is It cannot be detected that the button has been pressed.

(Multiple key press detection operation)
However, if configured as in the present embodiment, detection is possible even in the above case.

  For example, the case where a total of four keys 1 at the positions (1, 1) (1, 2) (2, 1) (2, 2) are pressed (see FIG. 4) will be described.

  The key input device 100 causes each of the light emitting / receiving elements 10a, 10b, 20a, and 20b to sequentially emit light along the X coordinate and the Y coordinate at predetermined time intervals. The emitted light is received by the light emitting / receiving elements 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b. The relationship between the light emitting / receiving elements is detected. Then, it can be determined (detected) which key is pressed from the relationship of light emitting element-light receiving element-key stored in the storage unit 40 in advance.

  Alternatively, it can be determined (detected) which key is pressed as follows. First, a combination of the X and Y coordinates of the light emitting / receiving elements 10a, 10b, 20a and 20b on the light emitting side and the X and Y coordinates of the light receiving and emitting elements 10a, 10b, 20a and 20b on the light receiving side. Collect and read. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the position information of the coordinate axes of the light receiving / emitting elements 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b on the side that emits light in a time-sharing manner, and the light receiving / emitting elements 10a, 10b, 20a, The position information of the coordinate axis 20b is read (step 502).

  Next, the key input device 100 determines a range including all the positions of the plurality of keys 1 that are simultaneously pressed based on the information of each combination read in step 502. That is, the key input device 100 refers to the contents of the table 500 in FIG. 3 and extracts combinations in which the light emitting side and the light receiving side do not match the combinations stored in association with each other in the table 500. Based on the X and Y coordinate ranges on the light emitting side included in the extracted combination, a range including all the positions of the plurality of keys 1 simultaneously pressed is determined. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, among the combinations read in step 502, the light emitting / receiving elements that emit light and the light emitting / receiving elements that receive light coincide with the combinations stored in association with each other in the table 500. Extract combinations that do not.

  Then, a range including all the positions A, B, C, and D is determined based on the X and Y coordinates of the light emitting and receiving elements included in the extracted combination.

  The detection unit 30 is based on two combinations in which the light emitting / receiving element that emits light and the light emitting / receiving element that receives light are interchanged in each combination at the end of the range determined in step 503. The coordinates of key 1 are detected. That is, the detection unit 30 refers to each combination and detects two combinations in which a light emitting / receiving element that emits light and a light emitting / receiving element that receives light are interchanged. Then, based on these two detected combinations, the X and Y coordinates of the pressed key 1 are determined. For example, the detection unit 30 receives the light emitted from the light emitting / receiving element 20a corresponding to (1,1) and the light received from the light emitting / receiving element 20a corresponding to (1,1). Based on the information received by the light emitting / receiving element 10a, the coordinates of the key 1 at the position A (1, 1) are detected (step 504).

  The detection unit 30 detects the coordinates of the key 1 at the position B (2, 1) based on the combinations received at two positions among the combinations read at step S502 (step 505).

  The detection unit 30 is based on two combinations in which the light emitting / receiving element that emits light and the light emitting / receiving element that receives light are interchanged in each combination at the end of the range determined in step 503. The coordinates of key 1 are detected. That is, the detection unit 30 refers to each combination and detects two combinations in which a light emitting / receiving element that emits light and a light emitting / receiving element that receives light are interchanged. Then, based on these two detected combinations, the X and Y coordinates of the pressed key 1 are determined. For example, the detection unit 30 receives the information received by the light emitting / receiving element 10b from the light emitting / receiving element 20b corresponding to (2, 2) and the light emitted from the light emitting / receiving element 10b corresponding to (2, 2). Based on the information received by the light emitting / receiving element 20b, the coordinates of the key 1 at the position C (2, 2) are detected (step 506).

  The detection unit 30 is based on two combinations in which the light emitting / receiving element that emits light and the light emitting / receiving element that receives light are interchanged in each combination at the end of the range determined in step 503. The coordinates of key 1 are detected. That is, the detection unit 30 refers to each combination and detects two combinations in which a light emitting / receiving element that emits light and a light emitting / receiving element that receives light are interchanged. Then, based on these two detected combinations, the X and Y coordinates of the pressed key 1 are determined. For example, the detection unit 30 receives the light emitted from the light emitting / receiving element 10a corresponding to (1,2) and the information received by the light emitting / receiving element 20a and the light emitted from the light emitting / receiving element 20a corresponding to (1,2). Is detected based on the information received by the light emitting / receiving element 10a (step 507). In addition, since the key 1 of each coordinate of the adjacent positions A, B, and C has already been detected within the range determined in step 503, the light emission / reception at the position corresponding to (1, 2) is performed by the erasing method. It is determined that the light emitted from the element 20a is reflected by the reflecting plate 4 at the position corresponding to (1, 2). Then, the X coordinate of the pressed key 1 is determined, and these determined X and Y coordinates are determined as the coordinates of the key 1 at the position D (1, 2).

  As described above, in the key input device 100 according to the present embodiment, the light from the light emitting and receiving elements is reflected by the reflecting plates 4 and 5 at different angles in response to the plurality of keys 1 being pressed, Each key 1 pressed is detected by receiving the reflected light.

  Therefore, it is possible to cope with the case of pressing a plurality of keys, which is difficult to detect in the case of the embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, the reflector 4 reflects the light from the light emitting element at an angle of 90 °, and the reflector 5 reflects the light from the light emitting element at 135 °. Not limited. That is, although the case of the said embodiment is the simplest, you may change the setting angle of the reflecting plates 4 and 5. FIG.

  In the above embodiment, when the key input device 100 is actually used for a keyboard, the configuration is as shown in FIG. In this keyboard, the key 1 of the coordinates (1, 3) is assigned to the position E of the “no conversion” key. Also, the key 1 with coordinates (2, 3), (3, 3) is assigned to the position F of the “space” key. When pressing of the key 1 of these coordinates is detected, a function associated with these coordinates is executed.

  In addition, the key input device according to the present invention is not limited to a keyboard of a personal computer, but can be applied to general input devices in vending machines and other devices.

Schematic of the key input device according to the first embodiment Schematic of the key input device according to the second embodiment Explanatory drawing of the information (table) memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 40 Explanatory drawing when a plurality of keys are pressed in the key input device according to the second embodiment The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the key input device in 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the key input device in other embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key 2 Light emitting element 3 Light receiving element 4, 5 Reflector 10a, 10b, 20a, 20b Light receiving / emitting element 30 Detection part 40 Storage part 100 Key input device

Claims (5)

A key provided at a predetermined position;
A reflecting plate having reflecting surfaces formed on both sides of a plurality of sheets provided at different angles with respect to the key;
A light emitting means provided facing the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate of the pressed key;
And a light receiving means for receiving the light emitted from the light emitting means and reflected by the reflecting plate . 2. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting means is provided around the key. Keys are keys arranged in a matrix,
The key input according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light emitting means is arranged at a position for emitting light from at least two directions with respect to the reflecting surface of the pressed key reflector. apparatus. The key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the light emitting means is a light emitting means for emitting light in a time division manner. The key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising detection means for detecting whether or not light emitted from the light emitting means is received by the light receiving means .

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