JPH11134093A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To improve operability and reduce fatigue. [Configuration] On a frame 101, a thumb block 300, a four-finger block 200, and a hand pad 120 are provided. The position of the thumb block 300 and the hand pad 120 can be adjusted freely.
A pointing block 370 is provided on the thumb block 300 so that the position can be freely adjusted. The thumb block 300 includes a first thumb control key panel 301 and a second thumb control key panel 302, on which a key group mainly operated by the thumb is arranged. The pointing panel 371 of the pointing block 370 is provided with a character cursor key 375 and a graphic cursor key 376. The four-finger block 200 is provided with a four-finger operation panel 201 that almost follows the curved surface drawn by the fingertip when the four fingers are extended and bent in the functional neutral position of the hand.
In 201, a key group operated by four fingers is arranged.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to computers (both large and small, including personal computers and workstations), word processors, game machines, telephones,
The present invention relates to an input device for manually inputting data, commands, and the like to computer-related devices such as a desk calculator or electronic devices such as a measuring device and a control device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The use of electronic devices such as computers is increasing day by day. In particular, the spread of PCs has been remarkable, and it has come to be called the PC age per person. As the use of PCs has increased, the quantity and quality of input data and commands have also increased.

A keyboard is most commonly used as an input device for manually inputting data, commands, and the like to a PC. Currently, the most widely used keyboards basically inherit the shape and key layout of an old typewriter, and many keys are arranged on one plane. For these keys, the key top surface is lower on the user side, and P
It is set to gradually increase toward the C CRT display device. Conventional keyboards require twisting of the forearm to the inside of the body (pronation) because the keys are arranged almost on the water surface, which is a distant cause of muscle fatigue, shoulder stiffness, and strain on the tendon sheath (tenosynovitis). ing.

A graphic user interface (GUI) has been frequently used not only in an operating system (OS) but also in various applications. In the GUI, it is necessary to frequently designate an icon displayed on the CRT display device, move a cursor, and the like.
A pointing device such as a mouse must be operated. The user's hand must frequently move between the keyboard and the pointing device, increasing user fatigue.

[0005] Keyboards have been improved to reduce the burden on the user, and some products have already been sold. Adjustable Keyboard from Apple Inc., Kinesis Ergonomic Keyboard from Kinesis Inc., ITC Inc.
Floating Arm Keyboard. Above all, Kinesis Ergo
The nomic Keyboard arranges the keys in a recessed part so as to follow the joint movements of the fingers so that the user's wrists and fingers can take a natural shape.

However, the length of the key in the front-rear direction follows the shape (square) of a conventional key switch, and it is easy to strike a key in a back row or a front row.
Further, the touch at the time of keying is poor due to the structure in which the key top surface does not coincide with the tip surface of the finger for keying it. As described above, in a recent GUI environment, a pointing device operation is frequently required in addition to a keyboard operation. The Kinesis Ergonomic Keyboard is less operable than a conventional flat keyboard when used with a pointing device.

[0007] PCs introduced into offices as an alternative to paper and pencil are generally placed on a desk. If you place a large-screen CRT display device of 17 inches or more on a desk, place a keyboard in front of it and a mouse on the right (or left) of the keyboard, there is no longer space for documents such as materials on the desk. Is almost nonexistent. Since the keyboard is generally placed in front of the CRT display device, the materials and the like must be placed on the side, making it difficult to see.

[0008]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an input device that does not easily cause fatigue.

The present invention also provides an input device with good operability.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an input device which can maintain good operability even when an icon, a cursor and the like are operated together with a key.

Further, the present invention provides an input device capable of widely using the upper surface of a desk or the like even when the display device is placed on the desk or the like.

The input device according to the present invention includes at least first and second operation surfaces, and the first operation surface includes at least one manually operated input element suitable for being operated by a thumb. On the second operation surface, a finger other than the thumb (one or two of the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger)
And a plurality of hand-operated input elements suitable for being operated by at least one of the first operation surface and the first operation surface so as to fit the thumb and other fingers substantially facing each other. At least a part of the operation surface 2 is substantially in the opposite direction.

The posture that the hand shows when the forearm and hand are placed on a desk with weakness is the most natural posture, which is called a functional neutral position. Functional neutral is the least fatigued position, with no twisting or forcing on the forearms and hands. The input device according to the invention, in the most preferred embodiment, starts from a functional neutral position of the hand.

The five fingers show various movements based on the functional neutral position. The thumb has a high degree of freedom of movement, and can easily perform adduction and abduction in addition to extension and flexion. The most natural and less fatigued movements of the four fingers except the thumb are extension and flexion. The most basic operation performed by the thumb and other fingers in cooperation with each other is an operation of grasping an object.

The present invention focuses on the most natural, basic, and fatigue-free operation of the hand described above. A first operation surface operated by a thumb and a second operation surface operated by a finger other than the thumb are provided, and a hand operation input element is provided on each of these operation surfaces.
The hand-operated input elements include those called by various names such as keys, buttons, switches, and sticks (including those that function as pointing devices as described later).
At least a part of the first operation surface and at least a part of the second operation surface are substantially in opposite directions. Therefore, these first operation surface and second finger are
Can be operated as if gripping a hand-operated input element provided on the operation surface of the device. As described above, the grasping operation is the most basic operation of the hand, so that it is hard to be tired and the operation is easy.

The above-mentioned operation surface includes not only a continuous flat surface or a curved surface but also a surface having holes or gaps in other regions except for a portion where a manual operation input element is provided.

The input device according to the present invention can be used as a substitute for a conventional keyboard of a computer system including a word processor, a personal computer and the like. The input device according to the present invention further comprises:
The present invention can be applied as part or all of a telephone, a desk calculator, a telephone with a calculation function, a mouse, and the like.

The input device according to the present invention includes a device operated with one hand and a device operated with both hands. Devices operated with one hand can be further classified into devices that can perform all inputs with one hand alone and devices that can perform all inputs using a pair of left and right input devices.

In any case, in the input device according to the present invention, in the most preferred embodiment, since the hand-operated input element is arranged in a range where the finger can easily move from the functional neutral position of the hand, the entire device can be used. It is possible to reduce the size, and when placed on a desk, it does not interfere much, and can be used more widely on the desk than when a conventional keyboard is arranged. The input device according to the present invention can be operated while being held by one hand or both hands.

In particular, if the input device is provided with a transmitting device for transmitting a signal input from the manual operation input device by infrared, radio wave or other signal propagation medium, and the input signal is transmitted to the processing device wirelessly, Since a cable is not required, it can be used widely on a support table such as a desk, and input can be performed while moving.

As described above, since the thumb has a large degree of freedom of movement, it can play many roles. Therefore, the first
It is preferable to provide a pointing device as one of the manually operated input elements on the operation surface of the device. The pointing device has a 4-way switch, an 8-way switch,
This includes a ball or stick position input device. In this way, in addition to key input, icon and cursor operations on the display screen can be performed using the input device according to the present invention.

The first operation surface suitable for being operated by the thumb can have various variations depending on the movement of the thumb. One is that it has a first portion that is substantially opposite to at least a portion of the second operation surface. The first portion of the first operation surface is preferably shaped so as to follow a plane (or a curved surface) drawn by the finger pad of the thumb when the finger touches the pad of another finger. In this first part, a hand-operated input element used in combination with another hand-operated input element, a frequently-used hand-operated input element or a pointing device will be arranged. The second is a second provided at a position protruded by the thumb of the thumb.
Is provided on the first operation surface.

The fingers other than the thumb basically perform bending and extension movements. To match this movement of other fingers,
Preferably, the second operation surface has a spread. In one embodiment, the second operation surface extends from a portion substantially opposite to at least a portion of the first operation surface so as to follow a locus drawn by the fingertip when the other finger is bent or extended. It is formed to extend in a curved manner.

In order to utilize a plurality of fingers, preferably, the hand-operated input elements are arranged in a plurality of stages along the curvature of the second operation surface.

By forming the second operation surface as described above, the second operation surface is adapted to the natural movement of the finger other than the thumb, so that the finger is hardly tired and the operation can be performed with the feeling of grasping the hand operation input element. can do.

More preferably, the hand operation input element on the second operation surface is provided in such a direction that the tip surface of the finger makes surface contact with the top surface at each position where the finger extends or bends. Since the tip surface of the finger comes into surface contact with the top surface of the manual operation input element, the operation is easy and a small force is sufficient.

Further, if necessary, the first operation surface and the second operation surface
The third part of the operating surface of the
Operation surface is provided. At least one manual operation input element is also arranged on the third operation surface.

Preferably, finger rest positions are provided on the first operation surface and the second operation surface. On the first operation surface, a rest pad is provided at the rest position of the thumb. Keys, switches and the like are arranged around or inside the thumb rest pad as needed.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first operation surface is formed on the surface of the thumb block,
The thumb block is provided on the substrate so as to be adjustable in position.

The size of the hand varies greatly from person to person.
The ease of movement of the fingers of the hand and the range in which they can move also vary from individual to individual. By making the position of the first operation surface relatively adjustable with respect to the position of the second operation surface, the input device can be adjusted to the characteristics of the user's hand, ease of use, and the like.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first
And a hand pad for placing or touching a hand for operating the manual operation input element on the second operation surface is provided so as to be capable of position adjustment.

This hand pad is the little finger side (shoulder side) of the palm.
Place near the bulge (little finger ball) on the side and the tip of the wrist,
Or to guess. This stabilizes the hand that operates the operation surface, and provides support when the finger is extended, bent, added, abducted, or protruded. In addition, the stability when the input device is used at an angle or when the input device is held and used is increased. Since the hand pad can be adjusted freely,
It is possible to make it easy to use according to the size of the user's hand and the like.

In yet another preferred embodiment,
The input device of the present invention includes first and second input devices for left and right. A pointing device is provided in each of the first and second input devices, and an output signal of the pointing device of one of the input devices is an X, Y direction signal, and an output signal of the pointing device of the other input device. Is used as the Z-direction signal. Thus, the position on the three-dimensional coordinate axis can be easily input using the left and right hands. The output signal of the pointing device of one of the input devices may be a Y and Z direction signal, and the output signal of the pointing device of the other input device may be an X and Z direction signal.

The most simple expression of the input device according to the present invention is as follows. That is, the input device according to the present invention includes a first operation surface provided with at least one hand operation input element suitable for being operated by a thumb, and at least a part of the first operation surface substantially opposite to the first operation surface. A second operation surface having a portion facing in the direction and provided with at least one hand operation input element suitable for being operated by other fingers except the thumb. I do.

When the input device according to the present invention is expressed centering on a hand pad, it can be defined as follows. That is, the input device of the present invention is arranged in a range in which the hand pad on which the hand is placed or placed, and the fingertips of the thumb and other fingers placed or placed on the hand pad can move. And a manual operation input element.

[0036]

【Example】

(1) Overview of Overall Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall arrangement of a computer system (for example, a personal computer system) including an input device according to the present invention.

On a desk (or table, rack, or support stand called by another name) 500, a CRT display device 510 of a computer system is arranged. The main body of the computer is placed on the desk 500, and the CRT display 51
0 may be placed. Left and right input devices 100 and 400 according to the present invention (one input device is constituted by a pair of left and right) are placed on the desk 500 at positions on the desk 500 at the left and right front positions of the CRT display device 510. As shown in FIG.
At a position where the user sits down on a chair (not shown) placed in front of 500 and looks directly at the display screen of the CRT display device 510, with both wrists in a functional neutral position [Functional neutral position will be described later. However, in brief, both forearms (the part from the elbow to the wrist or a part thereof) are weakened and the desk 500
The left and right input devices 100 and 400 can be grasped with both hands, respectively, and can be operated with a finger centering on the functional neutral position. The spacing between the left and right input devices 100 and 400 is about the width of the user's shoulder. Therefore, CR
Left and right input devices 100 in front of the T display device 510
, 400 on the upper surface 501 of the desk 500, a space for placing the material M or the like can be secured. Of course, the material M does not have to be placed, and other objects (tablet, precision mouse, coffee cup, etc.) may be placed.

The user can place data M or the like in front of his / her eyes and use the input devices 100 and 400 to input data and commands to the computer with both hands. That is, since the area immediately before the CRT display device 510 is not occupied by the input device, the user can freely use the central portion of the upper surface 501 of the desk 500.
As will be described later, the input devices 100 and 400
Switch (hereinafter simply called key) and pointing
Devices (character cursor key switches and graphic cursor key switches to be described later) are provided for easy operation. The input device 100 or 400 can be moved to any position according to the position and posture of the user.

Each of the input devices 100 and 400 has a built-in transmission device (see reference numerals 114A and 114B in FIG. 6). A communication device 511 (receiving devices 513A, 513B, 516A, 516B) is also provided on the CRT display device 510. These transmitting and receiving devices transmit and receive data using infrared rays as carriers. Input device 100, 400
Is converted into infrared light and transmitted to the communication device 511. The computer recognizes the input signal based on the signal received by the communication device 511. Input device 100, 40
In transmission and reception of signals between 0 and the computer, not only infrared rays but also weak radio waves may be used as carriers. When a plurality of computers are arranged adjacent to each other, it is preferable to use different carrier frequencies in order to avoid mutual interference. Regardless of whether infrared or radio waves are used as the carrier, the input devices 100 and 400 and the computer are connected to the device I at the start of communication or each time communication is performed.
It is preferable to exchange D and mutually confirm the other party.

As described above, since the input and output devices 100 and 400 and the computer transmit and receive signals wirelessly, a code or the like is unnecessary, and it is easy to use without being obstructed. Of course, the input devices 100 and 400 and the computer may be connected using a code.

Since the left and right input devices 100 and 400 have basically the same structure (the left and right are symmetric) (the types of keys arranged are partially different), the configuration of the left input device 100 Will be described in detail below, and differences between the left and right input devices 100 and 400 will be described each time.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show the overall structure of the input device 100 on the left. The input device 100 includes a frame (or substrate) 101, a hand pad 120, a four-finger block 200, and an upper block 290 provided on the frame 101.
, A thumb block 300 and a circuit box 130. At the lower surface of the frame 101, legs 102 are attached at several places.
It is stably placed on 0. In this embodiment, the frame 101
Is slightly inclined upward toward the front. It is desirable that the height of the leg 102 can be adjusted as needed.

The thumb (thumb) of the five fingers of the human hand
And the other index finger (index finger), middle finger (medium finger), ring finger (ring finger), and little finger (ko finger) have different structures, and thus have different forms of movement. Four fingers excluding the thumb are collectively referred to as four fingers.

The hand pad 120 is the little finger side of the palm (the shaku side).
The bulge (little fingerball) on the side of the face and on the measure side of the wrist is placed. This stabilizes the hand and ensures smooth movement of the finger (see FIG. 2).

The hand pad 120 is movable and rotatable along the upper surface of the frame 101, as will be described later in detail. Further, the height of the hand pad 120 can be adjusted. Hand pad 120 including height adjustment
Is adjustable, so the size, shape,
It can be adapted to usability.

In the four-finger block 200, a key group mainly operated by four fingers of the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger and the little finger is arranged. The four-finger block 200 is fixed on the frame 101. Of course, frame four finger block 200
Position adjustment is possible (including height adjustment) on the 101.

The four-finger block 200 has a four-finger operation panel 201 that almost matches the curved surface drawn by the fingertip when the four fingers are extended and bent in the functional neutral position of the hand supported on the hand pad 120. doing. A large number of keys (mainly keys of Alpha Numerics) are arranged on the four-finger operation panel 201. The arrangement of these keys in a substantially horizontal direction is referred to as a row, and from the bottom, a first row, a second row, a third row, a fourth row, a fifth row, a sixth row, and a seventh row. Four finger operation panel 201
The arrangement of the keys in the substantially vertical direction above is referred to as a row, and the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth rows are arranged from the side farthest from the thumb block 300 (the left end in FIG. 4). Columns and the seventh column (Figure
21, 21, 32).

The four-finger block 200 has six boards 219, 22
9, 239, 249, 259 and 269, and these boards 219 to 269 are fixed by a plurality of support columns (not shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, see FIG. 22, reference numeral 206). 6
Keys are arranged on the front surfaces of the boards 219 to 269, respectively. These keys are provided in such a direction that the distal end surface of the finger makes surface contact with the key top surface at each position of the extending or bending finger. There are small intervals between the six boards 219-269. Therefore, the four-finger operation panel 201 is not a continuous surface. Of course, the panel 201 can be formed as a continuous curved surface.

The detailed configuration of the four-finger block 200, particularly the arrangement and arrangement of keys, will be described later in connection with the movement of four fingers.

In the thumb block 300, a key group mainly operated by the thumb and a pointing device are arranged. The position of the thumb block 300 is adjustable on the frame 101. The thumb block 300 is provided on the thumb block frame 103, and its height can be adjusted by using the spacer 104. This is for the purpose of adapting to the size, shape, and convenience of the user's hand.

In addition to extension and flexion, the thumb has a degree of freedom of adduction and abduction that moves away from the index finger to the radial side or approaches the palm side. As a result, the thumb can operate many keys, and the pointing device can be operated because the muscle strength of the finger is strong.

The thumb block 300 is generally provided with two types of operation panels in terms of input functions.
The thumb control key panel and the pointing panel 371. The thumb control key panel is divided into a first thumb control key panel 301 and a second thumb control key panel 302 in terms of arrangement. In the first and second thumb control key panels 301 and 302, control keys (edit keys and control keys) in a broad sense are collected as described later, and are integrated with the input by the thumb (FIG. 37). See also FIG. 38).

In terms of arrangement of these panels,
The second thumb control key panel 302 and the pointing panel 371 are substantially on the same plane, and the first thumb control key panel 301 is substantially perpendicular to these panels 302 and 371.

At the lower part of the second thumb control key panel 302, a thumb block 300 is cut out, and a pointing block 370 is accommodated therein. pointing·
The block 370 is movable on the thumb block frame 103 in the front-rear direction and is fixed at an arbitrary position. The surface of this pointing block 370 is pointing
Panel 371 is constituted.

On the pointing panel 371, a pointing device, that is, a four-way switch (see FIG. 34, reference numerals 375 and 376), which will be described in detail later, is disposed. The four-way switches 375 and 376 will be briefly described. The upper four-way switch 375 replaces the four arrow keys of a conventional keyboard, and is called a character cursor key switch (hereinafter simply referred to as a character cursor key). The lower four-way switch 376 is a mouse
It replaces a ball, track ball, track pad, etc., and is called a graphic cursor key switch (hereinafter simply referred to as a graphic cursor key). Devices for similar operations such as operation of a character cursor on a display screen and operation of a graphic cursor can be operated in a close place with almost the same feeling. The position detection circuits for these cursor keys 375 and 376 are provided in the thumb block 300.

The second thumb control key panel 302 and the pointing panel 371 are substantially along the plane drawn by the thumb of the thumb when stroking the belly of the other four fingers with the thumb. These panels 302 and 371 are almost vertical planes, and are part of the four-finger operation panel 201 (near the sixth and fifth rows).
Is almost in the opposite direction. The thumb and four fingers of the hand face each other easily. The keys and cursor keys of these panels 302 and 371 and a part of the keys of the four-finger operation panel 201 are operated with a feeling of being picked up by the thumb and the four fingers that are substantially opposed to each other.

The first thumb control key panel 301 stands almost vertically while slightly curved in a spherical shape. This panel
301 is facing forward. First thumb control key panel 30
The key group arranged in 1 is operated such that the IP joint of the thumb is completely extended, and the MP joint and CM joint are moved so as to be pushed with the fingertip.

First and second thumb control key panels 301 and 30
The key group arranged in the second row is also the first to sixth rows from the bottom.
The columns are referred to as the first to sixth rows from the farthest from the four-finger operation panel 201 (see FIGS. 37 and 38).

The upper block 290 is provided on the four-finger block 200 and the thumb block 300. Upper block 29
0 may be either fixed or freely adjustable. The upper operation panel 291 of the upper block 290 is also provided with keys (mainly numerical keys, auxiliary keys for inputting numerical values, etc.). A communication window 131 for emitting infrared rays for communicating with the communication device 511 is provided on the back surface of the upper block 290. An infrared light emitting diode is arranged inside the communication window 131.

The keys arranged on each of the operation panels described above include various well-known types (mechanical type, conductive rubber, piezo element, Hall element, etc., optical interrupter type, capacitance type, etc.). ) Can be used. The switching force is about 15 to 35 gf for the key group arranged on the four-finger operation panel 201, and particularly preferably about 25 gf. Since the muscle strength of the thumb is strong, the key group arranged on the first and second thumb control key panels 301 and 302 and the graphic cursor key 376 are preferably 30 to 50 gf, particularly preferably 40 gf. Since the character cursor key 375 also serves as the home position of the thumb, 50 to 120 gf,
Preferably it is 60 gf.

The circuit box 130 contains input circuits such as keys and switches, a communication device, and a battery as a power supply.

The positional relationship between the respective operation panels in the input device 100 will be briefly summarized. The second thumb control key panel 302, the pointing panel 371, and a part of the four-finger operation panel 201 face in opposite directions. That is, there is a relationship between the front side and the back side. The four-finger operation panel 201 is bent and extended so as to follow the locus drawn by the fingertip when the four fingers in the functional neutral position are bent and extended. Second thumb control key panel 302 and pointing panel 371
A first thumb control key panel 301 is provided, which is bent substantially at a right angle to the right, and is substantially vertical and loosely curved in a spherical shape.

FIG. 6 shows an electrical configuration of a communication system using infrared rays between the input devices 100 and 400 and a computer.

In the left input device 100, the keys arranged on the various operation panels 201, 291, 301, and 302 and the character cursor keys 37 of the pointing panel 371 are described.
5 are collectively represented as a key switch group 111A. Signal from key switch group 111A [reference numeral 116
, 117, the key Mou of the first thumb control key panel 301
The signals from se # 1 and Mouse # 2 (hereinafter, referred to as mouse buttons) are received by the MPU (micro processing unit) 113A through the interface 112A by key scanning or interruption. The MPU 113A passes the input key code to the transmitting device 114A. The transmitting device 114A modulates the key code of the left hand part with the carrier 1 and transmits the modulated key code.

The position of the graphic cursor key 376 of the pointing panel 371 (as will be described later, if the speed can be detected, the speed is also detected) is detected by the position detection circuit, and the MPU 113 via the interface 112B.
Input to B. The graphic cursor key 376 and the position detection circuit are collectively shown as a mouse sensor 111B in FIG. The signals 116 and 117 from the mouse buttons of the first thumb control key panel 301 are
Input to MPU 113B via B. The MPU 113B encodes the moving direction and moving speed from the mouse sensor 111B, and the key input status from the mouse button, and transfers the encoded data to the transmitting device 114B. The transmitting device 114B modulates the encoded information on the carrier 2 and transmits the modulated information. Signal 118 and switch
119 will be described later.

If necessary, the transmitting devices 114A and 114B may add a code indicating that the transmitting device is the left input device 100 to the transmitting signal. In this case, carriers 1 and 3 may be the same,
The number of the transmitting devices 114A and 114B may be one. Carrier 2,
The same applies to No. 4.

The communication system for the right input device 400 has the same configuration.

The key codes from the left and right input devices 100 and 400 are received by the receiving devices 513A and 513B,
Sent to U514. In the MPU 514, the scanning code corresponding to the input key combination is generated as if the left and right states are combined and as if they were key codes from one keyboard. Scan code is computer 51
2 to the keyboard port or low speed USB (ADB for Mac).

The encoding information of the mouse sensors of the left and right input devices 100 and 400 is received by the receiving devices 516A and 516B, and is processed by the MPU 517. At this time, the tap statuses of the left and right mouse buttons are processed as a logical sum. On the other hand, the information of the moving direction and the moving speed of the left and right mouse sensors are encoded earlier in the output, and the other information is ignored. These are from the MPU 517 to the computer 51
2 mouse port or low speed USB (ADB for Mac).

The input device 100 is used as follows. Place your hand on the hand pad 120 (or touch it), and place your thumb on the character cursor keys at the top of the pointing panel 371.
375 and put the other four fingers on the four-finger operation panel 201 at an appropriate position. Based on this state, the user can extend, bend, add, or abduct the finger according to the position of the key to be operated, and furthermore, can touch the key while changing the part of the hand to be applied to the hand pad 120 as necessary. Also, character cursor keys
375 and graphic cursor keys 376 can also be operated. Since the hand is basically in a functional neutral position, the burden on the hand is light and fatigue is unlikely to occur. Also, as described later,
The keys are arranged at positions corresponding to the extension, flexion, adduction, and abduction of the thumb, and the key top surface faces in the direction facing the belly of the fingertip, so that operability is good. The positions and heights of the hand pad 120, thumb block 300, and pointing block 370 are adjusted according to the size of the hand. The same applies to the operation of the right input device 400.

(2) Functional Neutral Position and Finger Movement When the human body is generating force, even if there is no movement, the human body consumes energy of muscle strength, and muscles become tired,
A burden is placed on the tendon sheath for smooth muscle exercise. Functional Neutral Position (FNP)
Means a posture in which no force is generated in the relevant body part.

A functionally neutral posture occurs when the body is weakened. In the posture during desk work, it is the state when the user places his / her hand on the desk with his / her wrist weakened. FIG. 7 shows the state of the hand at this time. The back of the hand (the back of the hand) is tilted about 60 degrees on the desk surface on average, and the four fingers are slightly bent. The back is never horizontal (parallel to the desk top). The thumb is tilted about 60 degrees from the back of the hand to the desk surface. This hand posture is the basic form of the input device described above.

It should be noted that even in a functionally neutral position, the back of the hand does not necessarily lean inward. Depending on the position of the upper limb (upper arm [shoulder to elbow] and forearm [elbow to wrist])
The functional neutral position of the hand beyond the wrist changes.

When the forearm is raised toward the chest, the back of the hand becomes almost vertical, as shown in FIG. This is suitable as a basic attitude when operating a pointing device when using a computer in an explanatory meeting or a study meeting. This is the basic posture when operating the mouse for presentation browsing described later.

When the elbow is slightly protruded and the forearm is leveled, the palm (palm) slightly turns upward as shown in FIG. This is the basic posture when operating a light device with both hands. It is suitable for a simple Japanese input device described later.

Further, when the forearm is directed downward and approached above the knee, the back of the hand becomes substantially horizontal as shown in FIG. This posture is one of the relaxed input postures in the operation of the input device described above.

The structure and movement of the four fingers will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 shows a finger (representing four fingers by one finger) from the carpal bone located at the base of the wrist. The finger consists of four bones. That is, from the fingertip (distal end) to the distal phalanx, the middle phalanx, the proximal phalanx, and the metacarpal. The three joints between these bones are called DIP joint, PIP joint, and MP joint from the distal end. The joints are indicated by X in FIG.

The four fingers can perform left and right movements (abduction and adduction) with the middle finger as the center. The metacarpals are connected by the palmar aponeurosis, and the base phalanx is also connected to the fingers. It is not very free because it is bound by the interligament (the part of the water). Therefore, in the case of four fingers, bending and stretching movements (bending,
Extension) is the main exercise.

FIG. 11 also shows a typical posture when the finger is extended and bent. S, N, H, P and F
Indicates the position of the fingertip in each posture, and its meaning is as follows.

Point S: All joints beyond the metacarpal bone (DI
(P, PIP, MP) at the maximum extension position. N point: the position of the fingertip in the functional neutral position described above. MP
The joint and the PIP joint are both bent by about 40 degrees, and the DIP joint is bent by about 10 degrees. H point: The position when the finger is to be straightened from the above N point. That is, this is the fingertip position when the MP joint is kept at the functional neutral angle and the DIP and PIP joints are fully extended. This posture occurs when trying to extend a finger during normal fingering. If you are not quite conscious, it will be H point instead of S point. P point: M with DIP joint and PIP joint fully extended
A position where only the P joint is bent at a right angle. Point F: the maximum bending position where all joints are bent as much as possible.

Next, the structure and movement of the thumb will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 shows the phalanges and joints of the thumb. The hand is shown supported on hand pad 120.

A feature of the thumb is that the metacarpal has a high degree of freedom. This is because there is no interdigital ligament between the index finger and the CM joint at the proximal end of the metacarpal bone can rotate. For this reason,
The metacarpals of the thumb can move even with the wrist fixed.

Such a rotational movement is called a bending and stretching movement, an adduction and an abduction movement. When trying to move smoothly starting from a functional neutral position, the bending and stretching movements are actually felt as opening and closing movements of the thumb, and the adduction and abduction movements as up and down movements of the thumb.

On the other hand, since the thumb has no middle phalanx as compared to the other four fingers, the length of the entire finger is about the little finger. Instead, muscle strength is strong.

The structure and operation of the hand pad will be described.

Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG.
Has a wall 121 and a foot 122 extending downward from the wall 121. Wall part 121 between four fingers and thumb
So that the swelling (little finger ball) on the side of the little finger (shoulder) of the palm and the tip of the wrist on the shank rests on the base 122,
A hand is placed on the hand pad 120. The foot part 122 gently descends in the direction of the four fingertips. Base part 122 and wall part 12
1 and 2 receive the weight of the hand and arm, hold the palm, and apply the force to the input device 100, so that the input device 100 is also stabilized. The wall of the wall portion 121 enters a shallow valley between the little finger ball portion and the ball portion of the ball to enhance the feeling of holding during use. Wall 121
Is rapidly descending in the direction of the wrist so as not to come into contact with the thumb ball due to the opposing movement of the thumb.

In order to be able to always place the hand on the same position on the hand pad 120, it is preferable that the wrinkle of the distal end of the distal palm skin line is aligned with the palm terminal mark N.

As can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 7 and FIG.
In the functional neutral position shown in (1), the wrist does not burden, but it is difficult to obtain smooth finger movement. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, by placing the hand on the hand pad 120, all the fingers tend to open slightly, but the movement of the fingers moves smoothly without hindering the movement of the fingers and the wrist and the fingers. There is no burden on.

The functional neutral position of the hand with the hand resting on the hand pad 120 is shown in FIGS. 12 is a side view, FIG. 16 is a top view, and FIG. 17 is a perspective view.

When the four fingers of the hand (FIGS. 12, 16, and 17) placed on the hand pad and in the functional neutral position are bent and stretched, the trajectories of the fingertips are determined for the shortest little finger and the longest middle finger. Figure
18 and FIG. 19 respectively. In FIG. 18, the relative positions of the MP joints of the other three fingers with respect to the MP joint of the little finger are also shown as the index finger MPJ, the middle finger MPJ, and the ring finger MPJ. The positions of S, H, N, F, and P are the same as those shown in FIG. 11 (subscripts s are added to N and F). As the trajectory of the fingertip, three curves shown by solid lines and one curve (part) shown by broken lines are drawn. The movement of the finger that causes each of these trajectories is as follows.

The curve of the largest locus (SHPF)
Is obtained by starting and bending the finger while stretching the finger as far as possible from the point S. MP joint,
The PIP joint and the DIP joint rotate sequentially. When the rotation of the previous joint reaches the limit (approximately 90 degrees), the next joint rotates.

The curve of the smallest locus (S-Ns-Fs-
F) is obtained by bending and stretching movements performed while bending the finger as much as possible, starting from point S. Except for some,
This is due to the rotation of the MP joint. In the section (S-Ns), the DIP joint mainly rotates, and in the section (Ns-Fs), the PIP joint rotates.
The IP joint mainly rotates.

The middle locus curve (S-Ns-NF)
Is a bending / stretching locus obtained when the finger is smoothly moved from the functional neutral point N as a starting point. The movement of the joint
This is a rotation similar to the largest locus described above, except that there is a slight rotation of the DIP joint and the PIP joint from the point S to the point Ns.

The movement of the finger is summarized as follows from the viewpoint of the rotational movement of the joint.

Rotation of MP joint: Curve (SP), curve (Ns-N) Rotation of PIP joint: Curve (PF), curve (NF) Rotation of DIP joint: Curve (S-Ns) , F neighborhood

Roughly speaking, the rotation of the proximal phalanx (the rotation of the MP joint) is predominant in the direction from the point P to the hand (distal), and the rotation of the distal phalanx (the rotation of the PIP joint) in the proximal direction (proximal). Rotation) is the main.

Focusing on the fact that the thumb of the hand in the functional neutral position placed on the hand pad moves smoothly starting from the functional neutral position, FIG. .

The functional neutral position is shown in FIG.
In functional neutral position, the belly of the thumb is tilted by about 16 degrees (perhaps several degrees depending on the individual) with respect to the vertical plane.

The easiest movement from the posture shown in FIG.
This is to extend the thumb straight as it is.
The posture shown in is reached. During this movement, the finger pad naturally rotates clockwise and coincides with the vertical plane. This thumb posture is similar to the feel of the posture of the point H with the four fingers.

The movement from the posture shown in FIG. 20 (D) is easy for the CM joint to move up and down and to open and close.

The upward movement of the thumb causes the figure from FIG.
(B) is reached. At this time, the belly of the finger does not change. Although illustration is omitted, the same applies to the downward movement. The upward rotation angle of the thumb is less than 90 degrees, and the downward rotation angle is
Less than 40 degrees.

FIG. 20 (D) to FIG.
(F) is reached. Similarly, the belly of the thumb lies in a vertical plane. The maximum opening angle is less than 40 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 20 (G), even when the thumb is rotated slightly downward and slightly opened, the belly angle of the thumb is maintained.

On the other hand, the vertical rotation of the thumb while the MP joint is bent is complicated.

For example, when the metacarpal is rotated upward while keeping the base phalanx horizontal from the posture of FIG.
(A) is reached. The distal phalanx flexes naturally. The belly of the thumb also rotates to near horizontal. It appears that strong finger-to-joint interference occurs with such flexing fingers.

Finally, when the CM joint is rotated downward from the posture of FIG. 20 (C), it can be moved to the posture of FIG. 20 (E). The rotation angle at this time is about 30 degrees. With the rotation, the MP and IP joints slightly bend, and the belly of the finger approaches slightly vertical.

As described above, the movement of the thumb is performed by slightly rotating the thumb from the functional neutral position and straightening the thumb.
The spherical motion by the CM joint centering on the posture of (D) is effective.

(3) Key arrangement and key arrangement in the four-finger block FIGS. 21 to 23 show the four-finger block 200 (four-finger operation panel 201).
FIG. As described above, the four-finger block 200 includes six boards 219 to 269, and a key 209 (a key or key top surface is indicated by reference numeral 209) is provided on the front of each board.

The keys on the boards 219 and 229 in the first and second rows are operated mainly by the little finger. Third stage board 23
The key of 9 is operated mainly by the ring finger, and the key of the board 249 in the fourth row is operated mainly by the middle finger. Further, the keys of the boards 259, 269 of the fifth and sixth stages are operated by the index finger. In particular, as shown in FIG. 21, rest positions (finger rest portions) 207 and 208 for resting the fingertips of four fingers are provided on both sides of the front surface of these boards 219 to 269, respectively.

As described with reference to FIG. 15, in the functional neutral position, each of the four fingers is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. In response, each of the boards 219 to 269 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (X axis) as shown in FIG. Fig. 22
Shows a cross section at the position of the second row in FIG.

As can be seen from FIG. 23, the boards 219 to 269 are slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (Y axis) in accordance with the opening of the four fingers.

Keys provided on the front of boards 219 to 269
The keytop surface of the 209 is slightly inclined (within 15 degrees) with respect to the vertical axis under the influence of the board inclination described above. Since the key top surface is a substantially vertical surface, the weight of the finger cannot be used as the force for pressing the key. Therefore, as described above, the operation force of the key is preferably weak (15 to 35 gf).

In FIG. 21, the inclination of the board as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is not shown for convenience of drawing.

The arrangement of keys on the four-finger operation panel 201 is determined in consideration of the smooth movement of the four fingers starting from the functional neutral position, the length of the fingers, and the like.

The basic idea at this time is that it is important that the belly of the fingertip makes surface contact with the key top in order to clarify the feel of keying with the finger. If key switches having the same shape are used, it is desirable to give priority to a little finger having a short length and weak muscle strength. Further, as shown in FIG. 24, it is preferable that the key top surface is not substantially square but rather rectangular (long in the vertical direction). Even if the width of the key top surface in the horizontal direction is short, a good keying feel can be obtained with a key top having a concave portion that fits the belly of the fingertip.

An example of the key arrangement will be described with reference to FIG. 25 for the first and second keys operated by the little finger.

Regarding the keys in the seventh row, when the finger is extended from the point N at the functional neutral position, that is, from the point H, the finger is lightly pinched (feeling like pinching between the little finger and thumb). Place the key top in a position where it can make surface contact.

The keys in the sixth row are arranged at positions where the fingertips can make surface contact with the key tops by slightly raising (extending) the operation from point N.

The keys in the fifth row are arranged at positions where they come into surface contact with the operation feeling of lightly picking downward (to bend) from point N.

The keys from the fourth row to the second row are arranged at positions where they can be moved continuously from the upper row and come into surface contact with the operation feeling of lightly picking.

The keys in the first row are arranged so as to make surface contact at the position where they sink from the second row, with the touch of being picked in the direction opposite to the picking angle of the second row.

The arrangement of the other three fingers can be determined in the same manner. At this time, it is preferable that the positions of the keys from the fifth row to the first row are determined according to the movement of the interlocking finger when the finger is moved to the corresponding row of the little finger. Ring finger,
26 to 28 show an example of an arrangement of keys operated by the middle finger and the index finger.

The arrangement of the key tops shown in FIGS. 25 to 28 is as follows.
Although determined separately, they are similar to each other with respect to the surface direction and relative angle of the key top. In fact, in the first to fifth rows, the selection of the row occurs due to the rotation of the middle phalanx around the PIP joint, and it appears that the PIP joint descends around the MP joint for keying. The DIP joint moves significantly only when changing direction to the first row.

FIG. 29 shows each of the four fingers in FIG.
FIG. 29 is a drawing in which top views of the board corresponding to the positions of the key tops shown in FIG. 28 are overlaid. For reference, a side view of the little finger in the functional neutral position (point N), a little finger in the most extended position (point P), and a side view of the thumb in the functional neutral position are also shown.

FIG. 30 shows another example of the key arrangement for the little finger. The concept of determining this key layout is as follows.

The keys in the seventh row are arranged at positions where the fingertips can make surface contact with the key tops by lightly picking from the functional neutral point N.

The keys in the sixth row are located below the seventh row in the direction of point P, and are arranged at positions where the fingertips can make surface contact with the key tops by lightly touching the keys.

The keys in the fifth row to the second row are in surface contact with lightly picked, and are arranged continuously.

The keys in the first row are arranged at a distance from the second row, and are brought into surface contact with the picking feel in the direction opposite to the picking angle of the second row.

This key arrangement is effective when the height of the key switch is small, when the number of rows is small, and so on. For example, an example of a telephone having the function of an electronic desk calculator described below corresponds to this.

A specific example of the key arrangement on the four-finger operation panel will be described. FIG. 31 shows the key arrangement of the four-finger operation panel of the input device 100 for the left hand, and FIG. 32 shows the input device 400 for the right hand.
2 shows the key arrangement of the four-finger operation panel.

The four-finger operation panel is used for key input of alphabets, numbers, symbols, and functions (total 86 with left and right hands).

The alphabet keys are arranged in the fourth, fifth and sixth rows, and the key arrangement follows the QWERTY arrangement. The keys in these rows can be operated with a light picking feel rather than typing.

The function keys (F1 to F11) are arranged in the second column, and only F12 is arranged in the first column.
This is for aligning the function keys F1 to F10 with the numerical keys 1 to 0 so that the key positions can be easily remembered. Since this row can be operated by extending the fingertip from the functional neutral point N, it is easy to remember and the finger movement is small.

The numeric keys are arranged in the first row. This row is keyed with the above-described finger posture at point H. The feeling of grabbing and poking a number is obtained.

This numeric key string can be operated even when alphabets are input. Hand pad 12 for dedicated input of numbers
Release the hand from 0 and place the four fingers on the numeric keys on the four-finger operation panel 201 and the thumb on the numeric keys ("5" and "6" as described later) on the upper operation panel 291. Numbers and numeric expressions can be entered. At this time, the finger is rubber
It looks like grabbing the ball.

Since the symbol keys (third row, second to sixth rows) are provided separately from the numeric keys, they can be directly entered without shifting. Of course, a shift may be inserted.

As for other symbol keys, related keys are arranged together. These keys can also be selected with or without shift.

Among the user-defined keys, the keys in the second row and the seventh row can define keys frequently used by the user. For example, the ATOK user has "user
It is preferable to assign “user2” to “F6” and “user4” on the right hand to “F5.” Assign “user1” (second column, first row) to “E5”.
"sc" allows a traditional keyboard user to hit "Esc" as the upper left key.
If the second button of the mouse is assigned to "" (the seventh row, the sixth row), the setting can be easily changed from the keyboard.

(4) Key Arrangement and Key Arrangement in Thumb Block As described above, the thumb block 300 (including the pointing block 370) has the first thumb control key panel 301.
, A second thumb control key panel 302 and a pointing panel 371 are provided.

FIG. 33 is a view of the four-finger block 200, the pointing block 370, and the hand pad 120 taken out and viewed from above, and shows the IP of the thumb of the hand placed on the hand pad 120.
The positions of the joint, the MP joint, the CM joint, and the CM joint of the little finger are also shown. Fig. 34 and Fig.
Reference numeral 35 denotes a pointing block 370.

In the pointing block 370, a character cursor key 375 and a graphic cursor key 376 are provided.
Is provided. These cursor keys are a kind of pointing device, and generate signals indicating four directions according to the inclination of the key top (FIG. 37, FIG. 37).
38). An eight-way switch can be provided instead of the four-way switch, or an analog switch using a hall element or the like can be used. Using a multi-directional analog sensor (such as a pressure-sensitive sensor, a magnetic sensor, a resistive sensor, or an optical sensor) can detect not only the direction of the keytop but also the speed.

How the output signals from the cursor keys 375 and 376 are reflected on the movement of the cursor or the like on the display screen of the display device 510 of the computer is determined by the input processing program of the computer or the MPU (MPU) of the communication device 511. It depends on the processing program indicated by reference numerals 514 and 517 in FIG. For example, each time a signal indicating one direction is output from these switches, the cursor can be moved in that direction by a fixed distance. The cursor may be moved by a distance corresponding to the duration of the signal output from the switch. It is also possible to increase the moving speed of the cursor when the duration is longer than a certain time. The moving speed of the cursor can be controlled based on the speed detection signal.

In order to realize efficient cursor operation while maintaining the functional neutral position of the hand, as shown in FIG. Character cursor key 375 with finger pad on top
It is preferable that the graphic cursor key 376 at the bottom is placed at a position where the thumb is rotated downward from that position.

As described with reference to FIG. 20, since the belly of the thumb is inclined about 16 degrees from the vertical plane, the key top (knob) plane of the upper character cursor key 375 is 16 degrees from the vertical plane.
The key top (knob) of the graphic cursor key 376 at the lower part is arranged so as to be inclined at half the angle (see FIG. 35).

As can be seen from FIGS.
In the key 375 and the graphic cursor key 376, the direction in which the keytop is operated and the movement of the cursor on the display surface of the CRT display device 510 are different. Regarding the lower graphic cursor key 376, when the thumb is extended, the cursor on the CRT display 510 moves upward, when the thumb is pulled downward, when the thumb is bent to the left, the thumb is moved. Bends to the right and moves to the right. The mouse button is "Mouse #
1 "," Mouse # 2 "as the first thumb control key panel 30
It is arranged at a position adjacent to the first graphic cursor key 376 as a control key in a broad sense to be described later.

FIG. 36 is a view of the four-finger block 200, the first thumb control key panel 301 of the thumb block, and the hand pad 120 as viewed from above, and shows the hand mother placed on the hand pad 120. The positions of the IP joint, the MP joint, and the CM joint of the finger and the CM joint of the little finger are also shown.

Excluding the mouse button, the keys (26 keys) operated by the thumb can be broadly classified into normal keys (9 keys) and control keys (13 keys). These keys are collectively called control keys in a broad sense.

Normal keys (edit keys) "Space", "Tab", "Enter", "Shift", "Ba"
ck Space ”,“ Delete ”,“ Insert ”,“ Esc ”,“ Ca
ps Lock ”control keys“ Ctrl ”,“ Alt / Command ”,“ Esc ”,“ Windows St ”
art / Option ”,“ Home ”,“ End ”,“ Page Up ”,
“Page Down”, “Print Screen”, “Scroll Lock”,
“Pause”, “Num Lock”

As described with reference to FIG. 20, the movement of the thumb is shown by the light vertical movement from the functional neutral position (used for the pointing operation described above) and the CM joint in which the finger is straightened. ) Is effective. The control keys in a broad sense are arranged so as to be operated using the spherical movement of the thumb. That is, the first thumb control key panel 301 (and the second thumb control key panel 30) that is gently curved and substantially vertical so as to form a part of a spherical surface.
2), control keys in a broad sense are arranged in a matrix in four rows and four rows + six rows and two rows (see FIGS. 37 and 38).

The arrangement of keys and switches in the thumb block 300 will be specifically described. FIG. 37 shows the input device 100 for the left hand.
First thumb control key panel 301 of the thumb block 300,
Second thumb control key panel 302 and pointing device
An example of a key group and a cursor key arrangement on a panel 371 are shown. FIG. 38 shows an example of an arrangement of keys and cursor keys on the first thumb control key panel, the second thumb control key panel, and the pointing panel of the thumb block of the input device 400 for the right hand. .

As can be seen by comparing FIG. 37 and FIG. 38, the key groups on the thumb block panel
The arrangement of the cursor keys is symmetric. That is, the cursor key, mouse,
Buttons and control keys are dually arranged on the left and right, and can be operated with either hand.

Therefore, when inputting a combination of a plurality of control keys and character keys, for example, "Ctrl" + "C", "Ctrl" + "C" with the left hand, "C" with the left hand, and "C" with the right hand. CTRL ". Also, the combination of the graphic cursor key and the mouse button, and the combination of the graphic cursor key and the shift key, can be performed efficiently and easily if the left and right hand operations are simultaneously performed. For example, when dragging the mouse,
It is sufficient to operate the graphic cursor key with the dominant hand and the mouse button Mouse # 1 (the fourth column, the second row) with the other hand.

Since the left and right input devices 100 and 400 are provided with graphic cursor keys, the graphic cursor keys of the left input device 100 are used for inputting X and Y coordinates, and the right input device 400 is used. Graphic cursor
A key can be assigned for inputting the Z coordinate. By doing so, three-dimensional data manipulation (for example, CA
D, CG, graph processing, etc.), not only the work efficiency is improved, but also the three-dimensional data can be intuitively and easily understood. A specific configuration example for this will be described later. Other uses are possible, such as using the graphic cursor key of the left input device 100 for inputting Y and Z coordinates and the graphic cursor key of the right input device 400 for inputting X and Z coordinates.

In the display of the key top surface, “Win / Option” separated by a horizontal line corresponds to a “Windows Start” key (Microsoft) and an “Option” key (Apple Computer). "Atl / Command" is the same.

The arrangement of the keys is orderly so that it can be understood at a glance, and is easy to remember.

In the following, the arrangement of the control keys is for the left hand (see FIG.
37) will be mainly explained.

“Opti” used in combination with character keys
“on”, “Alt / Command”, and “Shift” are located just above the functional neutral position.

Keys related to normal input and editing are arranged in the fourth and fifth columns. Move fast from functional neutral.

In the third column, control keys that are relatively frequently used are arranged.

In the second and first columns, the key of the pair relationship, "+ Ta
b ”,“ −Tab ”;“ Home ”,“ End ”;“ Page Up ”
, "Page Down" are arranged. In order to clarify the association, the keys in the first column are located four degrees below the keys in the second column.

"IM on / off" in the second column and the sixth row is a key for a user who needs an implementation method such as Japanese, so-called "Alt" + "half size / full size".
Corresponding to

If "user1" in the column next to this key is defined as "no conversion", Japanese input can be performed comfortably.

Mouse buttons "Mause # 1", "Mause # 2"
"May not be used at the same time as the graphic cursor keys next to it, but may be combined with the graphic cursor keys on the opposite hand as described above. This is effective for drag operations. The adjacent "user
2 ”and“ user3 ”are respectively“ Mause # 1 ”and“ Mause #
It is also preferable to define 2 "for double click.

FIG. 39 shows a preferred example of a key top of a control key in the thumb block 300. The key top is circular and the top surface is convexly curved. A control key having such a key top has a good feel and has few erroneous keys with adjacent keys.

The key tops of the character cursor key 375 and the graphic cursor key 376 are shown in FIG. 34 or FIG.
As shown in the figure, the surface is circular and the surface is concavely curved.

FIG. 40 shows another example of a key top of a four-way switch. Four hemispherical projections 378 are provided at equal angular intervals on the upper surface of a disk 377 attached to the shaft. The convex part with the belly of the thumb placed between the four convex parts 378
It can be operated as if pressing the outer surface of the 378 hemisphere.

A configuration example in which three-dimensional coordinates are input using the graphic cursor keys of the left and right input devices will be described. Since processing for inputting X and Y coordinates is known,
The coordinate input will be described.

For the sake of convenience using the drawing (particularly FIG. 6), the case where the input is made in the Z direction by the graphic cursor key on the left will be described.

With the software of the computer 512, “Sh
When "ift" + "Ctrl" is pressed simultaneously with the graphic cursor key, it is assumed that the cursor movement is associated with the Z direction.
It is necessary that a signal 118 be input from the interface 12B to the interface 112A via the switch 119. The switch 119 is, for example, a manual switch (such as a dip switch) and is turned on.

When the cursor movement signal from the mouse sensor 111B is confirmed by the MPU 113B via the interface 112B, the MPU 113B performs the above-described cursor movement processing, and transmits the one-shot interrupt signal 118 via the switch 119 to the interface 112A. To send to. This interrupt is detected by the MPU 113A and “Shift” +
The make code in which the composite input of “Ctrl” has occurred is sent to the keyboard port, and the interrupt processing ends.

Since the MPU 113B sends the cursor movement encoding information to the mouse port as long as there is a cursor movement signal, the movement of the cursor on the display device in the Z direction is generated by the software of the computer 512.

When the cursor movement signal is interrupted by the MPU 113B, the encoding information at the mouse port is lost.
The movement of the cursor on the display device in the Z direction also stops. MP
U 113B stops the transmission of the encoding information, and, at the same time, stops the transmission of the one-shot interrupt signal again via the switch 119.
118 to the interface 112A. This interrupt is detected by the MPU 113A, a break code of a composite input of "Shift" + "Ctrl" is sent to the keyboard port, and the interrupt processing ends.

Thus, the movement of the cursor in the Z direction can be operated only by moving the left-hand graphic cursor key 276.

The switch 119 can be turned on automatically by a key combination instead of manually. Further, if software (OS or application software) for identifying the direction signals of the graphic cursor keys of the left and right input devices and creating data representing X, Y, Z coordinates is installed in the computer, The signal 118 and the switch 119 described above become unnecessary.

(5) Key Arrangement in Upper Block The arrangement side of the key group provided on the upper operation panel 291 of the upper block 290 is shown in FIG. 41 for each of the left and right input devices. The upper operation panel 291 provides auxiliary keys (32 in total) for inputting numbers and mathematical expressions.

One example of how to use the upper operation panel 291 is as follows. Left and right four fingers on each four finger operation panel 20
Place the thumb on the numeric key on the upper operation panel 291 and place it on the numeric key of 1. That is, the thumb of the left hand is “5”
Then, the thumb of the right hand is placed on “6”. When creating data, put the materials in front of you (between the left and right input devices), release your hand from the hand pad 120, put your elbows on the desk, stretch your back, and enter a large amount of data at high speed. . Higher speed keystrokes are possible than normal numeric keys, and less movement of the fingers reduces fatigue.

At the time of operating the upper operation panel, since the wrist is not fixed by the hand pad, it is not always necessary to define a precise surface as in other panels.

(6) Position Adjustment Mechanism The position adjustment mechanism of the hand pad 120, thumb block 300 and pointing block 370 is shown in FIG.

In the frame 101, a hole 101A for position adjustment of the thumb block 300 and a hole 101B for position adjustment of the hand pad 120 are provided.
Has been opened.

The hand pad 120 is mounted on the hand pad rotating base 123 with screws 125. Head of screw 125 is turntable 123
Into a recess (not shown) on the lower surface of the. Hand pad 120 is screw
It is freely rotatable around 125.

One or more spacers 124 are interposed between the hand pad rotating table 123 and the frame 101. The height of the hand pad 120 is determined according to the number of spacers 124 to be used. A screw 126 is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) on the lower surface of the hand pad rotating base 123 through a hole 101B of the frame 101 and a small hole of the spacer 124. Thus, the hand pad rotating table 123 is fixed to the frame 101. The position of the hand pad rotating base 123 on the frame 101 is adjustable within the range of the hole 101B.

A hole 103A for position adjustment is also formed in the thumb block frame 103. Screw 107 has this hole 103A
The pointing block 370 is fixed on the thumb block frame 103 by being screwed into a screw hole (not shown) on the lower surface of the pointing block 370 through the through hole. The pointing block 370 is adjustable in position on the thumb block frame 103 within the size of the hole 103A.

The height of the thumb block 300 is determined by the number of spacers 104 used. Screws 106 are small holes in fixed panel 105, holes 101A in frame 101, spacers 10
4 is screwed into the screw hole formed on the lower surface of the thumb block 300 through the small hole of the thumb block frame 103 so that the thumb block 300 is
1 Fixed on top. The position of the thumb block 300 on the frame 101 is adjustable within the size of the hole 101A.

Adjustment of the height and position of the hand pad 120, thumb block 300, and pointing block 370 should be based on the following points.

The height of the hand pad 120 is set so that the middle finger of the hand placed on the hand pad 120 is aligned with the center of the height of the four-finger operation panel 201.

The position of the hand pad 120 is such that when the middle finger of the hand placed on the hand pad 120 is in the posture of the point H in FIG. 11, the keys in the second row of the four-finger operation panel 201 (“F3” with the left hand) Key,
Lightly touch the "F8" key with your right hand.

The height of the thumb block 300 is set to
When the thumb of the hand placed above is extended straight from the functional neutral position, “Space” on the first thumb control key panel 301
Touch the top of the key.

The position of the thumb block 300 is
Rotate the thumb of the hand placed above to open and close angles so that the "Space" key and "End" key can be pressed.

The position of the pointing block 370 is
When the thumb is slightly bent from its functional neutral position, the center of the fingertip of the thumb is positioned at the center of the character cursor key 375.

The height of the pointing block 370 can also be adjusted via a spacer. In this case, the height of the pointing block 370 should be such that when the thumb is slightly bent from its functional neutral position, the center of the fingertip of the thumb is located at the center of the character cursor key 375. I do.

(7) Another Embodiment FIGS. 43 and 44 (A) and (B) show examples of a telephone having the function of an electronic desk calculator.

A four-finger operation surface is provided on the outer surface of the case of the telephone 600.
610 and thumb operation surface 620 are formed. Four finger operation surface
610 is almost vertical (slightly upwards and backwards)
It rises and curves in a concave shape. On the four-finger operation surface 610, numeric keys, other keys required for dialing, and keys required for calculation are arranged. The arrangement of these keys is preferably based on the concept shown in FIG.

The thumb operation surface 620 is located substantially opposite to the four finger operation surface 610 and is inclined. A thumb rest pad 622 is provided on the thumb operation surface 620. Various function keys of the telephone are arranged around the thumb rest pad 622 (see the area indicated by 640 in FIG. 44). Further, the thumb operation surface 620 is provided with a calculator mode on / off switch 623, a telephone directory download start button 624, and a four-way switch 625 for searching the page of the telephone directory.

A switch for forcibly disconnecting and on-hook the telephone at a position between the four-finger operation surface 610 and the thumb operation surface 620
621 are provided. The case protrudes slightly downward from the location where the switch 621 is provided. The protrusion 601 is for holding a telephone case. The protruding portion 601 can be grasped by a little finger, a ring finger, and a palm to press a key or to make a call. The protrusion 601 is positioned as a deformation of the hand pad 120 of the input device 100 described above.

Further, the earphone speaker 634 and the microphone 635 are provided on both sides of the case of the telephone 600 slightly behind.
Is provided.

A microphone 631 having high directivity and an external speaker 632, and a display panel 633 of an electronic desk calculator are provided on the upper surface of the case of the telephone 600. While the telephone is in use, dial No. is displayed on display panel 633 (see FIG. 44 (A)).

In this embodiment, the four-finger operation surface 610 and the thumb operation surface 620 have a front-back arrangement relationship. Holding the case with a functionally neutral hand causes the thumb to touch the thumb rest pad 622 and the other four fingers to touch the keys on the four finger operating surface 610. Therefore, the user can press the key as if the user were holding the key with a finger.

FIGS. 45 to 48 show a mouse for presentation browsing.

[0202] The mouse 700 includes a table 730.
0, an arm support 710 is provided upright. The hand pad 72 is also placed on the table 730 at a position adjacent to the arm support 710.
0 is fixed. Although the mouse 700 shown is for the left hand, the mouse for the right hand can also be configured in the same manner (the mouse may be symmetric).

An arm 711 is attached to the arm support 710 at its base end, and extends slightly obliquely upward. The arm 111 can be configured to be pivotable about the support portion 710 and to be vertically movable.

A thumb panel 740 is attached to one side of the peripheral surface of the arm 711, and a mouse # 1 button 712, which is operated by the index finger from the tip to the base, is provided on the substantially opposite surface. Mouse # 2 button 713 operated by middle finger
, A ring finger rest 714 and a little finger rest 715 are provided.

The thumb operation panel 741 has cursor operation keys 741
, An Enter key 714, a character / graphic changeover switch 743 and a low speed / high speed changeover switch 744.

The cursor operation key 741 is realized by the above-described four-way switch (or eight-way switch) or another directional input device, and has a function as a character cursor key and a function as a graphic cursor key. These functions are switched by the changeover switch 743. The cursor on the display screen moves in the direction specified by the cursor operation keys 741. The moving speed of the cursor is switched between a low speed (normal speed) and a high speed (double speed or triple speed) by a changeover switch 744.

When the mouse # 1 button 712 and the mouse # 2 button 713 are applied to the hand pad 720 in the vicinity of the bulge at the tip of the wrist from the side of the hand side of the wrist, the finger is more indexed than the neutral function position. And the middle finger is provided at a position suitable for being operated in a slightly open state. Rest 71
4 and 715 are in positions that cause the ring finger and little finger to rest slightly closer to their neutral functional position. By slightly pressing the ring finger and the little finger against these rest portions 714, 715, the mouse 700 can be held between the rest of the palm hitting the hand pad 720.

The hand pad 720 is provided with an operation detection switch 716. The operation detection switch 716 is realized by, for example, a touch switch, and detects a part of the hand applied to the hand pad 720.

A communication circuit including an MPU is provided inside the base 730,
A battery or the like for supplying the operating power is built in. MP
U is normally in sleep mode and the operation detection switch
It is started by the detection signal of 716, and starts the communication operation and other controls. As a result, the MPU rises when the user attempts to operate by holding the mouse 700. Therefore, various keys, switches, mouse buttons 712,
The input from 713 is immediately transmitted to the computer. The communication circuit consists of the direction signal of the cursor operation key 741 on the thumb panel 740, the input signal of the Enter key 742, the changeover switches 743 and 74.
The switching signal 4 and the input signals of the mouse buttons 713 and 714 are modulated and transmitted to the outside by infrared rays or radio waves.

The mouse 700 can be placed on a desk and operated with one hand. In addition, even when there is no support such as a desk, it can be used in a sitting posture or a standing posture. At this time, operability is very good if the bottom of the base 730 of the mouse 700 is applied to the knee (when sitting) or to the front, side, or side of the waist (when standing) of the thigh. Part of the hand is placed on the hand pad 720, the thumb is placed on the cursor operation key 741 of the thumb panel 740, and the other four fingers are placed on the buttons 712, 713 and the rest parts 714, 715, respectively. It can be used in a nearly neutral functional state.

FIGS. 49 to 51 show a simplified Japanese input device.

This input device 800 is used with both hands. The input device 800 is generally elongated and flat, and is curved toward the front side.

The surface of the input device 800 is the thumb operation surface 820,
Here, function keys 823 such as numeric keys 821, consonant keys 822, and shift keys are provided. The shift key is also used to input lowercase letters and special characters while pressing it.

The back of the input device 800 has three fingers (middle finger, ring finger,
On the operation surface 810 of the little finger, a vowel key 812 for the left hand and an eight-way switch (used for cursor control) 811 functioning as a mouse for the right hand are provided.

Further, left-click on the side of the input device 800.
Button 825 and right-click button 826 are provided. These click buttons are operated with the index finger, and are used to input “confirm” and “cancel”, respectively. As an example of Japanese input, "ka" is input by a combination of vowel "ka" key and consonant "a" key, and "ki" is input by combination of vowel "ka" key and consonant "i" key. .

Most commonly, the input device 700 is used by grasping both ends thereof with both hands. Since the thumb operation surface 820 and the three finger operation surface 810 are in a front-to-back relationship, the input device 800 can be used in a functional neutral position of the hand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a computer including an input device according to the present invention.
It is a perspective view showing an example of the whole arrangement of a system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which left and right input devices are operated with both hands.

FIG. 3 is a right wing isometric view of the left input device.

FIG. 4 is a left wing isometric view of the left input device.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the left input device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an infrared communication system between the input device and a computer.

FIG. 7 shows a functional neutral posture and a triangle ruler when a hand is placed on a desk with weakness.

FIG. 8 shows a functionally neutral posture of a weakened wrist when the forearm is directed upward.

FIG. 9 shows the functionally neutral posture of the weakened wrist when the forearm is oriented horizontally.

FIG. 10 shows a functionally neutral posture of a weakened wrist when the forearm is directed downward.

FIG. 11 shows the structure and movement of four fingers.

FIG. 12 shows the structure and movement of the thumb.

FIG. 13 is a left wing isometric view of a hand pad.

FIG. 14 is a right wing isometric view of a hand pad.

FIG. 15 shows a functional neutral posture with hands relaxed on a hand pad, together with a triangle ruler.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the hand in a functional neutral position on the hand pad.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the hand in a functional neutral position on the hand pad.

FIG. 18 shows the trajectory of the fingertip when the little finger in the functional neutral position is bent and stretched.

FIG. 19 shows the trajectory of the fingertip when the middle finger in the functional neutral position is bent and stretched.

FIGS. 20 (A) to (G) show the movement patterns of the thumb in the functional neutral position.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the structure of a four-finger block.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of a four-finger block.

FIG. 23 is a front view of a four-finger block.

FIG. 24 shows a key top of the four-finger operation panel.
(A) is a plan view and (B) is a side view.

FIG. 25 shows an example of a trajectory of a fingertip of a little finger and key arrangement.

FIG. 26 shows an example of a trajectory of a fingertip of a ring finger and key arrangement.

FIG. 27 shows an example of a trajectory of a fingertip of a middle finger and key arrangement.

FIG. 28 shows an example of the trajectory of the fingertip of the index finger and key arrangement.

FIG. 29 shows a board obtained from a four-finger key arrangement in an overlapping manner, together with a little finger and a thumb.

FIG. 30 shows another example of the trajectory of the fingertip of the little finger and the key arrangement.

FIG. 31 shows a key arrangement of a four-finger operation panel of the input device for the left hand.

FIG. 32 shows a key arrangement of a four-finger operation panel of the input device for the right hand.

FIG. 33 is a plan view showing a relationship among a four-finger block, a pointing block, and a hand pad.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a pointing block.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a pointing block.

FIG. 36 is a plan view showing a relationship among a four-finger block, a thumb operation key panel, and a hand pad.

FIG. 37 shows a key arrangement of a thumb block of the input device for the left hand.

FIG. 38 shows a key arrangement of a thumb block of the input device for the right hand.

39A and 39B show key tops of control keys in a thumb block, wherein FIG. 39A is a plan view and FIG. 39B is a side view.

FIG. 40 shows another example of the switch top of the four-way switch, where (A) is a perspective view and (B) is a side view.

FIG. 41 shows an example of a key arrangement of the upper operation panel for the left and right input devices.

FIG. 42 is an assembled perspective view of a position adjusting mechanism.

FIG. 43 is a front view showing a telephone having the function of an electronic desk calculator.

44A is a side view of a telephone, and FIG. 44B is an enlarged view of a part of a four-finger operation surface.

FIG. 45 is a left wing isometric view of a mouse.

FIG. 46 is a top view of the mouse.

FIG. 47 is a rear view of the mouse.

FIG. 48 is a side view of the mouse.

FIG. 49 is a plan view of the simplified Japanese input device.

FIG. 50 is a side view of the simplified Japanese input device.

FIG. 51 is a rear view of the simplified Japanese input device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100, 400 Input device 120 Hand pad 200 Four finger block 201 Four finger operation panel 290 Upper block 300 Thumb block 301 First thumb control key panel 302 Second thumb control key panel 370 Pointing block 371 Pointing panel 600 Telephone with electronic desk calculator function 610, 710, 910 Four-finger operation surface 620, 720, 820, 920 Thumb operation surface 700 Mouse for presentation browsing 740 Thumb panel 800 Simple Japanese input device 810 Three-finger operation surface

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroshi Kobayashi 3-4-8 Uedanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Elfo Engineering Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Kobayashi 17--17 Nisshincho, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 1-901 (72) Inventor Masanori Niiyama 213-10 Sasai, Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture Sayama Green Heights 3-204 (72) Inventor Kenichi Yamazaki 3-12-11 Oda, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Claims (21)

[Claims] A first operation surface provided with at least one hand-operated input element suitable for being operated by a thumb; A plurality of hand operation input elements suitable for being operated by other fingers than the thumb are provided on the operation surface, respectively.
So that it fits the thumb and other fingers that are almost facing each other
An input device, wherein at least a part of the first operation surface and at least a part of the second operation surface are substantially in opposite directions. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the first operation surface and the second operation surface are touched by natural finger movements based on the positions of the thumb and the other four fingers in a substantially functional neutral position. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement of at least a part of the operation surface is determined. 3. An input device for a computer.
The input device according to claim 1. 4. A telephone or a telephone with a calculation function.
The input device according to claim 1. 5. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device is a mouse. 6. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device is a left-hand or right-hand input device. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operation is performed with both hands.
An input device according to claim 1. 8. The input device according to claim 1, wherein one of the manually operated input elements provided on the first operation surface is a pointing device. 9. The input device according to claim 1, wherein a thumb rest pad is provided on the first operation surface. 10. The input device according to claim 1, wherein a rest position is provided on the second operation surface. 11. A first portion in which the first operation surface is substantially opposite to at least a part of the second operation surface, and a first portion in the back of the first portion. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a second portion that rises substantially vertically in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction. 12. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the first operation surface is formed on a surface of a thumb block, and the thumb block is provided on a substrate so as to be adjustable in position. 13. A trajectory drawn by a fingertip when the other finger is bent or extended from a portion where the second operation surface faces in a direction substantially opposite to at least a part of the first operation surface. 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device extends in a curved manner along the axis. 14. A hand-operated input device is arranged in a plurality of stages along the curvature of the second operation surface.
14. The input device according to 13. 15. The input device according to claim 14, wherein the manual operation input element is provided in such a direction that the tip surface of the finger makes surface contact with the top surface at each position where the finger extends or bends. . 16. A third operation surface is provided between portions of the first operation surface and the second operation surface which face in opposite directions, and at least one hand is provided on the third operation surface. The input device according to claim 1, wherein an operation input element is arranged. 17. The input device according to claim 1, wherein a hand pad for placing or touching a hand for operating the manual operation input element on the first and second operation surfaces is provided so as to be freely adjustable in position. 18. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication device that transmits a signal input from the manual operation input element by infrared rays or radio waves. 19. A pair of a left-handed first input device and a right-handed second input device, wherein the first and second input devices are provided with a pointing device, respectively. The output signal of the pointing device of the input device is a signal representing two directions of the three-dimensional coordinate system, and the output signal of the pointing device of the other input device is used as a signal representing at least one remaining direction of the three-dimensional coordinate system. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device is used. 20. A first operation surface provided with at least one hand operation input element suitable for being operated by a thumb and a direction substantially opposite to at least a part of the first operation surface. And a second operation surface provided with at least one hand operation input element suitable for being operated by another finger other than the thumb. 21. A hand pad on which a hand is placed or placed, and a hand-operated input element disposed in a range in which the thumb of a hand placed or placed on the hand pad and the fingertips of the other fingers can move. An input device comprising: