JP2008090559A - Data input device, information processing system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect and input a rotation angle by a change in a contact state of an inexpensive electrode arrangement when data can be input and set by a simple rolling operation with a fingertip, and the apparatus body is rolled.
A data input device for inputting data to an information device, the device surface having a curved surface that enables rolling by an operator's finger, and detecting a finger contact position on the device surface. Contact detection means, displacement calculation means for calculating a continuous or discrete displacement direction and displacement amount of the contact position with rolling, and the contact position or the displacement direction and displacement amount are transmitted to the information device. Data transmission means.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a data input device, an information processing system, and a program for inputting data to an information device.

  Currently, information technology and the Internet are deeply penetrated into the home, and there is a need for a universal design user interface and input device that allows anyone to easily operate information equipment. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a device for inputting various information, buttons are apt to be small and precise because fine buttons and menus are operated depending on vision. For this reason, it is difficult for the operator to operate, and it takes time to get used to the operation.

  For this reason, the entire main body of the information device is treated as an operation target, and when the operator changes the posture of the main body, the change is detected, and by determining information to be input based on the detected posture change, There has been proposed a technique for inputting various information by an operation applied to a large apparatus body without using fine buttons and knobs.

  However, these techniques require fine wrist and arm movements and are not necessarily good in operability. In addition, since the rotation angle is detected using a polarization technique, it is limited to the operating range of the wrist. When reciprocating, there is a problem that fatigue of the operator cannot be neglected.

  Conventionally, in order to detect a change in the posture of the main body, a special sensor such as an acceleration sensor is used, which causes an increase in cost.

(For example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-357236 A JP 2001-60140 A JP 2001-224084 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and allows data input and setting by a simple rolling operation with a fingertip. Also, when the apparatus main body is rolled, the rotation angle is low and the electrode arrangement is contacted. An object of the present invention is to provide a data input device, an information processing system, and a program that can be detected by a change in state.

  Generally, a gyroscope, an acceleration sensor, a gravity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or the like is used as a method for detecting the attitude of the data input device main body (hereinafter referred to as the device main body). A relative posture change with respect to a human finger is detected by means of electric power, and the change amount is transmitted as control data of the information equipment.

  In this input method, the curved device surface is rolled on a finger. There is no friction in the rolling motion, and the contact position between the finger and the device surface is continuously changed. On the other hand, when the finger is slid on the surface of the device, friction is caused, and the portion of the finger that contacts the device remains constant, and only the portion of the device that contacts the finger changes continuously.

  The feature of the present invention is that the entire apparatus main body is regarded as a large operation target, the operator specifies the information to be input by changing the attitude of the apparatus main body, and does not use switches or knobs that move relative to the apparatus main body. In addition, the change in the posture of the main body itself is detected and used as input information.

  Specifically, the data input device according to the present invention is a data input device for inputting data to an information device, the surface of the device has a curved surface that enables rolling with an operator's finger, Contact detection means for detecting a contact position of a finger on the surface of the apparatus, and data transmission means for transmitting the contact position to the information device, and inputting data by changing the attitude of the entire apparatus through rolling. Features.

Here, the contact is intended to include not only a touched state but also a pressurized state.
(Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the contact includes pressure)

  Preferably, the data input device is provided with a displacement calculating means for calculating a continuous or discrete displacement direction and a displacement amount of the contact position with rolling, and the data transmitting means is replaced with the contact position, or The displacement direction and the displacement amount may be transmitted to the information device together with the contact position. Thereby, the load on the information device side can be reduced.

  Note that the information provided by the contact detection means and the information provided by the displacement calculation means are redundant, and only one of the information may be transmitted to the information device. That is, the displacement information can be calculated only from the contact position information by sending the contact position information given by the contact detection means every moment or when the contact is turned ON / OFF.

  Here, the information device is intended to include not only a so-called general-purpose computer but also a TV, a music player, and the like that are operated by a microprocessor or the like. Further, the curved surface includes not only a curved surface having a circular cross section but also a curved surface having a polygonal cross section.

  A problem in the case where the apparatus main body is an operation target is that haptic feedback is poor. For this reason, it is desirable that there is a mechanism for returning a response to a tactile sensation using unevenness provided on the surface or electrically generated vibration.

  Specially designed for software that interprets the structure and input of the device in order to prevent the problem of incorrect input when the device is accidentally bumped somewhere or when another part of the hand touches the device during operation. Need to be creative. For example, if the material of the outer cylinder to be pushed in with a finger is hardened to some extent, and the cylinder is pressed between the thumb and forefinger and pressed, the cylinder deforms into an ellipse, and the pressed part becomes the short axis of the ellipse and the radius becomes small However, the radius of the other part increases, and if the electrode that contacts when the cylinder is pushed into the inside of the cylinder is prepared, the long axis side comes to be lifted from the electrode. In this way, only one place can be pushed in exclusively. In addition, based on the fact that the point where the circumference of the small circle inside the large circle contacts the circumference of the outer circle is limited to one point in geometry, the inner surface of the hollow part of the outer cylinder It is also possible to limit the number of points where the outer surface of the inner cylinder contacts to one. Alternatively, by putting liquid or air into a sealed empty wall and pressing a certain part, the liquid or air that escapes from it pushes up another part, thereby limiting the part to be pushed into one. Alternatively, when one side is pushed in, the other side is lifted up oppositely with the fulcrum sandwiched between them, and the spacer that acts as a fulcrum is inserted between the two electrodes in some places, so that no spacer is included When is pressed, the opposite side is lifted across the spacer, so that only one location can be pushed in exclusively.

  Preferably, the contact detection means detects at least two different contact positions on the surface of the apparatus, and determines whether each of the contact positions is an effective signal on the condition that the contact position is located on a substantially diameter of the apparatus curved section. Further, the displacement calculation means may calculate that the displacement direction and the displacement amount are valid when the displacement directions of the respective contact positions are the same and the difference between the displacement amounts is within a predetermined range. .

  When the posture of the main body is changed by pinching the device main body with the thumb and forefinger and changing the posture of the main body, the contact position between the finger and the main body changes. When a certain part is pushed in and the electrode at that part becomes conductive, it is checked whether the opposite electrode at an angle of about 180 degrees from that part is also conductive at the same time. Only interpret it as input. Here, in order to detect the push-in from the opposite side, a single tact switch or the like is introduced instead of the electrode for detecting the push-in position in detail, and it does not matter whether it is exactly 180 degrees or not. The method is also effective. Further, when rolling, the electrodes to be contacted should be changed to continuously adjacent ones. Therefore, when this contacts discontinuously, a method of eliminating it as an erroneous input can be considered. As a result, data entered when the operator operates the device body with two fingers sandwiched from both sides is accepted as valid data, and other parts of the hand are inadvertently touched or dropped during operation. It is possible to prevent erroneous input such as when.

  Further, the data input device according to the present invention further includes a weight for changing a relative position in the space by gravity and a sensor for detecting the position of the weight in the space provided in the data input device. It is also possible to introduce simple posture detecting means for detecting the posture of the main body from the position of the weight. If it is going to be constructed at a low cost, support means attached between the weight and one wall surface in the space is used to support the weight, and the weight is either in the longitudinal direction of the support means or in a direction perpendicular thereto. Only in the direction of gravity, it is formed so as to come into contact with the wall surface of the space when gravity acts in that direction, and a means for electrically detecting the contact frequency between the weight and the space wall surface is provided. It may be determined whether the data input device is standing vertically or lying horizontally. Alternatively, as another configuration, a spherical weight is housed in a spherical hollow portion having a radius larger than that of the weight, and the movement of the sphere is optically or magnetically tracked, and the attitude of the data input device is determined from the average location point. It is good to judge.

  Here, the longitudinal direction means the length direction of the support means when a substantially uniform distance is taken from any wall surface in the space in a state where the weight is not attached and the support means is not displaced.

  Furthermore, in order to detect the attitude of the data input device, it is possible to use the deflection direction of radio waves or light waves, or to use the position of the marker of the data input device taken from outside. A marker is attached to the data input device, and it is photographed with a camera, and the attitude of the data input device is estimated from the positional relationship of the marker. In this case, the camera increases the cost, so a cheaper method is to send light with a predetermined polarization direction or radio waves polarized in a specific direction from the data input device and receive it. On the side, the attitude of the data input device is detected from the direction of deflection of light waves and radio waves. Or, conversely, a light having a predetermined polarization direction or a radio wave polarized in a specific direction is transmitted from a reference position provided outside and is received at the data input device side, and the deflection direction of the light wave or radio wave is received. Detects self posture from Various methods have already been developed as methods for detecting polarization and polarization direction and attitude determination methods based on the detection method, and these are incorporated into the present invention to detect the attitude of the data input device of the present invention. By applying to the rolling direction of the data input device, it is possible to input a variety of information by intuitive operation that tells which posture the device is to be rolled in and in which direction while reducing the cost. Thus, an unprecedented epoch-making effect can be obtained.

  In the data input device according to the present invention, the side surface with which the finger comes into contact is further divided into a plurality of sections along the rotation axis at the time of rolling, and the contact detection means detects the contact position for each of the sections, and The displacement calculating means calculates a displacement direction and a displacement amount for each of the sections, and the data transmitting means transmits a data type based on the sections and a displacement direction and a displacement amount for each section. Alternatively, the data transmission unit may transmit only the contact position detected for each of the sections by the contact detection unit. If only the information on the contact position is given as a time series, the receiving side can calculate the displacement direction and the displacement amount.

  For example, it is possible to provide a plurality of parts to be operated by contact with a finger along the long side surface by configuring with a cylindrical vertically long pen type. A variety of operation commands can be made by sending input data to each operation unit with a data type for identifying the operation unit.

  In the present invention, the device itself is rolled rather than turning a dial that rotates relative to the device main body. However, as described above, the operation part becomes larger and the operation becomes easier as described above. In addition, when rotating further, various information may be inputted by changing and rolling the picking position on the side of the integrated device. If a variety of similar information is to be input with a dial, a large number of dials are provided in parallel, and the operability is expected to be considerably deteriorated. However, in the present invention, for example, the device is configured using a long cylinder, and the information to be input is changed depending on where the cylinder is picked and rolled. Can be distinguished, the configuration of the apparatus can be kept simple, and the operator can input information while distinguishing information in a tactile sense.

  An information processing system according to the present invention is an information processing system including an information device and a data input device for inputting data to the information device, wherein the data input device includes a data type and an attitude of the device. Means for transmitting data, a contact position associated with a finger operation, or its displacement direction and displacement, wherein the information device comprises means for receiving data sent from the data input device, and among the received data, Means for determining the processing content according to the data type, and when the processing content is a menu item selection process, the moving direction of highlight display of a plurality of menu items is determined by the posture data and the displacement direction, and the displacement amount Menu item selection processing means for determining the amount of highlight display movement based on Is said the posture data running movement or scrolling of the cursor in the direction determined by the direction of displacement, characterized by comprising a means for determining the amount of movement or scrolling of the cursor on the basis of the displacement amount.

  Note that the information device and the data input device described above may exist separately and separately and communicate with each other wirelessly or by wire. Alternatively, both may be integrated and communicate with each other in an integrated apparatus. In the above description, the information sent to the information device may not be the relative displacement amount of the contact position but may be the contact position itself. Depending on the application, the information is highlighted based on the absolute position information of the contact position. You may decide which menu item to use.

  In the method of inputting information by rolling the apparatus main body itself, it is difficult to return tactile feedback to the operator for the movement of rolling the apparatus main body. When the dial is turned relative to the device body, a reaction force is periodically applied to the turning motion to create a crisp feel, but when the device body is turned, such a feel cannot be produced. At this time, as a function of the data input device itself or an information device that receives input information from the data input device, a signal is sent to the data input device when the highlighted menu item is switched, and the data input The apparatus is provided with tactile feedback means for notifying the operator of switching of menu items by generating vibration for a predetermined time by receiving the signal.

  When only one-way communication can be performed from the input device to the information device, vibration may be generated every time the main body rolls at a predetermined angle. However, in order to synchronize the occurrence of vibration and the movement of the highlight display, every time a vibration is generated on the data input device side, a signal notifying that is sent to the information equipment side, and the signal is highlighted in synchronization with the signal. It is necessary to switch the displayed item. The predetermined angle may be determined in advance, or may be changed later by a dial operation or an operation of the data input device of the present invention.

  In addition to the tactile sensation described above, hearing or vision may be used as feedback for the operator to confirm his / her own operation.

  In the case of hearing, it is possible to distinguish and confirm by sound that a pressure of a predetermined amount or more has been applied and that the pressure has been applied or rotated (rolled) by a predetermined amount or more. If it is a sound, it may be played on the TV side instead of the remote control side, so there is no need for the above-described bidirectional communication. For example, it is preferable to make a beep sound when the finger touched with a pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined amount and when the finger is released to release the pressure, or when a predetermined amount of rolling occurs. This predetermined amount starts counting from the point of time when the finger touches and pressurizes. Or, if you continue to rotate while pressure is applied, it is better to count from the time when it rang. The menu highlight item is switched in synchronization with this tapping sound. Alternatively, a popping sound may be generated each time the highlighted item of the menu is switched on the information device side, without depending on the angle of rolling.

  In addition, one of the major problems of the present invention is that when the device itself is rolled, the main body must be held. Input may occur. To prevent this problem, do not input information whenever a finger comes in contact, but do not input information unless the finger is in contact with the device body with a force greater than a certain pressure. It is. Then, when the finger is lightly touching the device only to hold the device, or when the device body is rolled in the reverse direction while trying to return to the original position after rolling the device Is not entered.

  Here, in order to determine whether the finger is pinching the device body with a pressure of a predetermined size or more, in addition to a mechanism for detecting contact, a tact switch is additionally introduced and the body is grasped with the thumb and forefinger. Sometimes, when the device is rolled while picking with a force strong enough to turn on the tact switch, information associated with the rolling is input. On the other hand, if this tact switch is not turned on even if it is picked, information is not input even if it is rolled.

According to the above, even if the rolling range of the data input device is limited, each time the limit of the rolling range is reached, the data input device is rolled in the reverse direction with the finger lightly touched, and the original posture By returning to the step and repeating the rolling while applying pressure, the scroll and the cursor can be continuously controlled in a certain direction.

  In the above, a pressurizing amount of a predetermined magnitude or more is required at the time of rolling, but the above problem can also be prevented by utilizing the time during which the finger is in contact without doing so. That is, the pressing state data indicating whether or not it is pressed from the data input device is transmitted, and in the information device, when there is pressing, when the time of the previous pressing-free state is less than a predetermined value, the menu item selection means Alternatively, if the moving process is continuously executed in the scroll means and the time of the previous no-press state is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the moving process is started from the initial position of the menu, whereby a limited rolling of the data input device is performed. Regardless of the range, the movement can be controlled continuously in a certain direction.

  When rolling with a pen-shaped data input device sandwiched between the thumb and forefinger, there is a limit to the range of movement of the finger, so there is a limit to the angle that can be rolled at once, and in order to input information corresponding to a larger angle, After returning the finger to the position before rolling, it is necessary to repeat the operation of rolling in the same direction as before. In addition, when the device itself has a display or a switch that detects pushing in a specific part of the device, the display can be easily positioned or can be easily pressed at the standard time. It is necessary to return the posture of the apparatus to the standard position (home position) so that the position is reached.

  In such a situation, after the device is rolled in a specific direction and information is input, it is necessary to roll the device in the reverse direction and return to the original posture in order to return to the home position. In order to avoid the confusion of the operation of rolling in the reverse direction for this return with the operation of rolling for input, when rolling with the intention of input, pinch the device with your thumb and forefinger and rotate it while applying pressure. When turning to return to the position, pick it with a force that is weak enough to hold the device, and roll it back to the standard posture without applying too much pressure. Then, using a sensor that detects the strength of the pressurization or a switch that conducts when pressure is applied with a force greater than a predetermined magnitude, it is possible to determine whether it is rotating with or without pressurization. Separately, information corresponding to the case of rotating while pressing is input.

  On the other hand, if the input device does not have the above-described switch or display on a specific side surface and any side surface is symmetrical and has the same function at any rolling position, there is no need to return to the home position. In that case, by using the time interval to determine whether or not the operation is continued as described above, if it is difficult to rotate while pressing, or the mechanism for detecting pressurization is omitted, the cost can be reduced. This can be done when you want to reduce it.

  The program according to the present invention is a program that is executed on an information device that operates based on data sent from the data input device of the present invention, and stores the data type and processing content in association with each other. And processing for receiving the data type sent from the data input device, attitude data of the device, contact position, displacement direction, displacement amount data, and processing content is selected according to the data type from the received data A process of determining a movement direction of the control item in the selected processing content according to the posture data and the displacement direction, and determining a position or movement amount of the control item according to the contact position or the displacement amount; And a process for transmitting a signal for vibrating the device toward the data input device when a predetermined condition is met, That.

  As described above, according to the present invention, various information data can be input and set by a rolling operation with the fingertip of the entire device while distinguishing the posture of the device and the contact position of the finger. Since the entire large device is targeted for operation without being confused by the operation of buttons and dials, high operability can be maintained even if the entire device is downsized. In addition, the device body is sealed to ensure waterproofness and dustproofness, and the rotation angle and rotation direction of the entire device are detected by an inexpensive method to form irregularities on the surface of the unitary device. It is possible to realize a user interface that can be operated by groping by providing tactile cues by generating vibrations.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view and an operation explanatory diagram of the data input device according to the present embodiment. The side surface of the data input device 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 1B, the operator performs operations by rolling the side surface of the device with a fingertip, and transmits data necessary for processing to the information equipment. To be sent.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the data input device 10. As shown in this figure, the data input device 10 includes a columnar base portion 12 serving as a base during operation, a pair of donut-shaped support portions 11a fixed to the side surfaces of the base portion 12, and a support portion 11a. The elastic support part 11b comprised by the cylindrical-shaped elastic body which covers a part of side surface of the base 12 is fixed, and the cylindrical press part 11c whose outer periphery is shorter than the elastic support part 11b is provided. A plurality of protrusions 11d are provided on the surface of the pressing portion 11c. This is for tactile confirmation of the place to be pressed, and when dividing into different categories according to the type of data to be input, this projection is provided for each category so that the category can be distinguished by tactile sense. It is good to make it. The base 12, the support part 11a, the elastic support part 11b, the pressing part 11c, and the protrusion 11d constitute an operating means 95.

  If the pressing portion 11c itself has high hardness and does not deform even when pressed, the outer cylinder keeps its cross-sectional shape circular as shown in FIG. One contact with the electrode on the surface of a small cylinder. Since the circles having different radii contact with each other only at one point, the contact point is limited to one pressurizing point, and a side-inhibiting contact position detection sensor can be configured.

  In the data input device 10 shown in FIG. 3A, when the pressing portion 11c is not pressurized, as shown in FIG. 3B, the surface of the base portion 12 is not in contact with the back surface of the elastic support portion 11b. .

  When pressure is applied to the pressing portion 11c from one direction with a fingertip, the pressing portion 11c moves only with respect to the base portion 12 as shown in FIG. As described above, the support portion 11a, the elastic support portion 11b, and the pressing portion 11c are also fixed.

  The elastic support portion 11b is made of an elastic material having conductivity such as conductive rubber, and is pressed by a fingertip to be deformed when pressure is applied from the pressing portion 11c to come into contact with the base portion 12, and is restored by releasing the pressure. To do. The pressing portion 11c is made of a material that does not easily deform, such as plastic.

  In this state, the operator supports both ends of the base portion 12 of the data input device 10 with the index finger and the middle finger, respectively, and presses the pressing portion 11c with the thumb from the opposite direction. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the elastic support portion 11 b located inside the pressing portion 11 c is deformed and comes into contact with the base portion 12. The data input device 1 detects the pressed position of the pressing portion 11c by obtaining the contact position.

  Although the method for detecting the pressed position is not the point of the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a slight slit (gap) is provided in the axial direction on the surface of the base portion 12, and a conductive material 15 having resistance is applied. . Electrodes 16b and 16a are provided at one end of the conductive portion at the slit boundary between the elastic support portion 11b and the base portion 12 formed using a conductive material, lead wires are respectively drawn out therefrom, and a voltage V is applied to both ends to measure current. The current value is measured by 17. Since the current value changes depending on the contact position between the elastic support portion 11b and the base portion 12, it can be seen at which position on the circumference of the pressing portion 11c it is pressed.

  The method for detecting the pressurization position (contact position) of the pressing portion 11c is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a large number of electrodes are arranged along the circumference of the base portion 12, and which electrode is arranged. There is also a method of detecting depending on whether conduction occurs. In addition, a pressure position may be detected using a piezoelectric element, or a light blocking position or transmission position may be detected optically by blocking or transmitting a light path by pressing. . Or you may detect the change of the electrostatic capacitance at that time so that the electrode space | interval of a pressurization point may become narrow.

  A plurality of protrusions 11d are arranged on the surface of the pressing portion 11c of the data input device 10, and the operator can recognize the amount of rolling (the amount of rotation of the base 12) by the feeler. In addition, it is desirable that the protrusion 11d can be easily recognized by the touch of the fingertip by changing the shape and the interval between the protrusions, so that the operator has pressed the position.

  For example, in FIG. 3B, when the pressing portion 11c is pressed from the upper side in the drawing, the elastic support portion 11b and the base portion 12 come into contact through the pressing portion 11c as shown in FIG. 3C. In this state, if the data input device 1 is rolled with a finger while being pressed and the contact position is maintained and the pressed position is moved in the direction of FIG. 3D, the resistance value continuously changes. Depending on whether the resistance value is increasing or decreasing, the rotation direction (hereinafter generally referred to as displacement direction) and the rotation amount (hereinafter generally referred to as displacement amount) can be detected.

The data input device 10 is provided with an infrared light receiving / emitting means 59 and an execution switch 58 for transmitting / receiving data to / from the information device 80. The data input device 10 is provided with a contact position or a rotation direction and a rotation amount. Data, switch status data, and the like are sent to the information device 80. The calculation of the rotation direction and the rotation amount may be performed by the data input device 10, but may be performed by the information device 80 that is the data transmission destination.
(Other Example 1)

  Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is an external configuration diagram of the data input device 10 according to another embodiment, and FIGS. 6B to 6D are diagrams showing a state during pressurization in the AA cross section. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, the lower half of the figure uses a tact switch 21f with the switch portion 28 as the lower half, and the upper half is constituted by a semi-cylindrical pressing portion 11c. The pressing portion 11c has a bellows structure 21e having a spring action, and the spring portion 21e contracts due to the pressing, and the inner side of the pressing portion 11c and the base portion 12 come into contact with each other. The movement of the finger is detected by obtaining the change in the contact position.

As described above, the detection method can be realized by, for example, applying a conductive material to the inside of the pressing portion 11c, passing a current between the base surface having resistance, and detecting the current value. You may make it implement | achieve by this method.
(Other Example 2)

  Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the pressing portion 11c is made of a material that is deformed by applying pressure and restored by releasing the application, for example, a thin metal plate. Further, the base 12 is provided with a plurality of conductive protrusions 32a on the surface, and a support 32b formed of an insulating material having an appropriate elasticity, for example, insulating rubber, is disposed between the protrusions 32a. . Two operating means 95a and 95b constituted by the pressing portion 11c, the base portion 12, the protrusion 32a, and the support column 32b are provided.

  Here, when the protrusions 32a and the support columns (spacers) 32b are alternately arranged with an appropriate interval, the support columns (spacers) 32b serve as fulcrums of the seesaw. That is, in a state where they are alternately arranged, if a certain position on the pressing portion 11c is pressed so that the inner surface of the pressing portion 11c touches the protrusion 32a at the pressing point, the support (spacer) 32b serves as a fulcrum of the seesaw. The inner surface of the pressing portion 11c is lifted on the opposite side of the pressing point across the fulcrum, and the inner surface of the pressing portion 11c is prevented from touching the protrusion 32a around the pressing point. Alternatively, if air or oil is injected into the empty wall between the inner wall of the pressing portion 11 c and the outer wall of the base portion 12, the air or oil that escapes from one place when it is pushed up will push up the other part, thereby suppressing the side. An automatic contact position detection sensor can be configured.

  In the data input device 10 in the present embodiment, the pressing position and the rotation amount are measured by detecting the protrusion 32a that is in contact with the inside of the pressing portion 11c. This can be realized, for example, by applying a conductive material to the inside of the pressing portion 11c, applying a voltage between the protrusions 32a, and detecting the conduction state. At this time, it is desirable to transmit data as an effective operation because there are two touching points in the diameter direction of the cross section. The validity of the data can also be determined on the information device 80 side.

  Normally, when the operator rolls the apparatus main body with his / her fingertip, both sides of the pressing portion 11c are sandwiched as shown in FIG. 7 (c), so two points that always face each other as shown by arrows in FIG. 7 (d). Touch. When the data input device 10 is accidentally dropped, only one point is touched as shown in FIG. 7E. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous data input by eliminating such a state. .

When a plurality of operation means 95 are provided for the base 12 as shown in FIG. 7, the operator can select which operation means by changing the interval of the protrusions on the pressing portion 11c or changing the shape. Can be recognized by tactile sense. At this time, the data input device 10 transmits the identification information of the operation means in addition to the contact positions or displacement directions and displacement amounts of the operation means 95a and 95b. The data identification information of the operation means 95a and 95b can be used as a data type for individually operating each information device 80 when there are a plurality of control targets.
(Other Example 3)

Next, still another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, a half of the cylindrical cross section is constituted by the switch part 28 using a tact switch or the like, and the other half is constituted by the pressing part 11c. The switch unit 28 is turned ON when pressed. When the switch unit 28 is in the ON state, the position information of the pressing unit 11c is valid, and the contact position at that time is transmitted.
(Other Example 4)

  As shown in FIG. 9, a cylindrical operation means 95a is divided into two in the longitudinal direction, a switch portion 53 using a tact switch or the like is provided at the center, and pressing portions 11c are provided at both ends thereof.

Thereby, when force is applied to the fingertip and pressed, the switch portion 53 is turned on, and in this state, the contact position between the deformed pressing portion 11c and the plurality of protrusions 32a on the base portion 12 is detected by rolling with the fingertip. To do.
(Other Example 5)

  In this example, the data input device 10 is provided with gravity direction detecting means 96 that can be realized at low cost. As shown in FIG. 10, a cavity 64 is provided in the base 12, and a weight 66 made of a conductor is fixed to one end of the cavity through a spring 67. The inner surface 64 of the cavity has conductivity and detects a contact position with the weight 66 having conductivity. At this time, the spring 67 is set so as not to contact the cavity wall surface with respect to gravity in the expansion / contraction direction (vertical direction in FIG. 10) but to contact with gravity in the lateral direction.

  For example, when the spring is attached in the longitudinal direction of the base 12 as shown in FIG. 10, when the device 10 is vertical, the weight 67 does not contact the wall surface. As shown in FIG. 4, gravity G acts in the lateral direction of the spring 67, and the weight 66 contacts the cavity wall surface 64. Therefore, by detecting this contact, it is distinguished whether the device is in a horizontal state or a vertical state. can do.

  In order to distinguish the case where the weight 66 and the cavity wall surface 64 come into contact with each other by centrifugal force, the gravity direction detecting means 96 is provided at the target position with the central axis of the base 12 interposed as shown in FIG. . And when it is contacting the different side (outside with respect to a central axis) of a cavity wall surface, it determines with the contact by centrifugal force, and when contacting the same side, it determines with the contact by gravity. Even when a general acceleration sensor is used, if two acceleration sensors are arranged at symmetrical positions with the rotation axis as shown in FIG. 11, whether the detected acceleration is due to centrifugal force or due to gravity? , Will be able to distinguish.

  Further, there is no guarantee that the weight 66 is always in contact with or not in contact with the cavity wall surface 64. If the hand shakes, it may come in contact even when it should not be in contact with it, and it may temporarily leave even when it should be kept in contact. In such a case, priority may be given to detecting the posture stably even if the temporal resolution is reduced by using the contact or non-contact duration or the time average thereof.

The configurations described in the above embodiments can be realized in various combinations. For example, the gravity direction detecting means 96 shown in FIG. 10 may be provided in the configuration of the operating means 95a and 95b in FIG.
(Other Example 6)

  In order to detect the attitude of the device 10 in the space, in addition to this, attitude information is obtained using the directivity of light or radio waves, such as obtaining angle information on the information device 80 side using polarization and polarization. It is also effective to do.

  FIG. 12 shows the principle diagram. In this figure, the attitude sensor of the remote control using polarized light functions as follows.

  First, infrared light is emitted from one end of the remote controller (data input device) 10 by the infrared light receiving and emitting means 59. At this time, polarized light that passes only light polarized in the direction of the stripes described on the light emitting element surface at the remote control end in FIG. Pass through filter 75. Then, the polarization direction of the light propagating in the space is indicated by the direction of the large stripe pattern described in the space of the drawing.

  On the other hand, on the receiving side, polarizing filters 71a and 72b are provided in the light receiving openings of the two photodiodes 72a and 72b as shown in FIG.

  Then, the light emitted from the remote controller 10 is polarized in different directions depending on the attitude of the remote controller 10, and different photodiodes 72a and 72b receive light strongly depending on the polarization direction. The attitude of the remote controller 10 can be detected by checking whether the diode is receiving light most strongly.

  Two or more photodiodes or other infrared detection sensors may be used. In such a case, each filter is configured to selectively pass infrared light polarized at an angle equal to 180 degrees. It may be provided on the front surface of the photodiode so that the attitude of the remote control can be detected at a finer angle. Alternatively, the attitude of the remote controller can be estimated at a finer angle from the ratio of the intensity of light received by only two photodiodes. Furthermore, it is possible to detect the attitude of the remote controller based on the same principle as described above by using a general radio wave and its polarization, not infrared light.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the entire main body of the data input device 10 is handled as an operation target, and when the operator changes the posture of the main body, the change is detected, and based on the detected posture change. By determining the information to be input, various information can be input by an operation applied to a large apparatus main body without using fine buttons and knobs. Conventionally, a special sensor such as an acceleration sensor has been used to detect a change in the posture of the main body. However, in this embodiment, the rotation angle when the apparatus main body is rotated is adjusted to an inexpensive electrode contact. It is possible to detect through a change in state, and further, the operability is improved by using unevenness and vibration.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiment discloses a data processing method in an information device that operates by receiving input data sent from the data input device 10.

  Next, the configuration of the information processing system 1 including the information device 80 and the data input device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

The information device 80 includes a receiving unit 81 that receives data transmitted from the data input device 10, a control unit 82 that performs movement and execution processing of control items (such as a cursor) on the display 84 based on the received data, Transmission means 83 for transmitting data to the data input device 10 is provided. On the other hand, the data input device 10 is constituted by a pressing portion 11c and the like, an operation means 95 for performing an operation input, a contact detection means 93 for detecting a contact position, a displacement calculation means 94 for calculating a displacement direction and a displacement amount of the contact position. , Attitude detecting means (equivalent to the above-described gravity direction detecting means) 96 for detecting the attitude of the apparatus main body, data transmitting means 91 for transmitting data such as the contact position to the information equipment 80, and data sent from the information equipment 80 Data receiving means 92 for receiving and vibration means 97 for vibrating the apparatus are provided. The vibration means 97 is for informing the operator of the contents according to the processing status of the information device 80, and may be replaced with a sounding means or the like. Further, the displacement calculating means 94 may be provided on the information equipment 80 side. In the following description of the basic processing of the information device 80, it is assumed that the displacement calculation processing is performed on the information device 80 side.
Communication between the data input device 10 and the information device 80 may be connected by wire in addition to wireless such as infrared rays or Bluetooth.

In the above configuration, first, basic processing relating to movement of a control item (for example, a cursor) of the control means 82 will be described with reference to FIG. The following is an example in which the data input device 10 is sandwiched between fingertips and at least two points are in contact (configuration in FIG. 7).
(Basic processing)

  The receiving means 81 of the information device 80 activates the control means 82 when receiving data sent from the data input device 10. When the control means 82 is activated, first, it is determined whether or not the data input device 10 is pressurized at two points (S101). At this time, applying a chattering prevention technology that ignores the pressure even if the pressure is released for a short time is effective in preventing erroneous input. However, this method is effective when the rotation angle is detected with sufficiently high resolution.

  If “No” in step S101, it is determined whether or not the next non-pressurized time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (S102). If no pressure is applied for a predetermined time or longer (“Yes” in S102), the coordinate data is reset to the initial menu position (S103).

  On the other hand, if there are two pressure points in step S101 (“No” in S101), it is determined whether the positions of the two points are within a predetermined range with reference to 180 degrees (S104). If it is within the range, the position coordinates of the two points are stored (S105).

  Thereafter, when the pressing position has moved (“Yes” in S106), it is next determined whether or not the moving directions of the two points are the same (S108). If the moving directions are the same, the moving distance is calculated. (S109). As described in the first embodiment, this calculation method includes, for example, a method of detecting a change in resistance due to a contact position.

  Next, posture data is acquired (S110), and it is checked whether the apparatus 10 is operated in a vertical state or a horizontal state. Note that the data is not limited to vertical and horizontal, and data such as an oblique direction and depth may be collected and used for control processing.

  Then, the stored coordinate data of the control item of the previous process is extracted (S111) and moved by the movement distance calculated in step S109 in the direction determined by the posture data and the movement direction (that is, the rotation direction of the apparatus 10). The coordinate data after movement is stored and displayed on the screen (S113).

Next, it is determined whether or not the state before and after the movement corresponds to a predetermined condition (S114), and if it corresponds, vibration data is transmitted to the apparatus 10 (S115).
Note that the predetermined processing such as steps S101 and S104 may be performed on the data input device 10 side.
(Selection cancellation process)

In step S108, if the moving direction has reciprocated a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined time, the process may jump to step S103 to forcibly return to the menu initial position. As a result, it becomes possible to reset if a wrong selection is made.
(Menu item selection process)

Next, an application example of the above-described control processing procedure will be described.
15 to 18 are explanatory diagrams of menu item and scroll bar control methods displayed on the display of the information device 80.

  The data input device 10 is provided with two sets of operating means. The operating means 95a selects a menu item on the menu screen, and the operating means 95b adjusts the volume and the like with a scroll bar. In addition, this invention is not restricted to this, A various use is possible by the function of the information equipment 80. FIG.

  When the operator selects a menu item or the like displayed on the screen of the information device 80, first, as shown in FIG. 15, the menu selection operation means 95a of the data input device 10 is set with the thumb, Hold with your index finger (or middle finger). As a result, the pressing portion 11 c is deformed, and data on the position pressed by the fingertip is sent from the data input device 10 to the information device 80.

  When receiving the data, the receiving unit 81 extracts a data type set for each operation unit included in the data, and determines which operation unit is used.

  In the case of data by the operating means 95a, the menu item (also referred to as initial item or initial position) at the center of the menu screen is highlighted. At the same time, the vibration signal is transmitted to the data input device 10.

  When the data input device 10 receives this vibration signal, the data input device 10 vibrates for a predetermined time by the vibration means 97.

  Next, when the operator wants to move the highlight in the vertical direction of the menu item, the operator rotates the data input device in the horizontal direction with his fingertip. For example, when the user wants to select the upper menu item (when he wants to move the highlight upward), the user rotates the thumb while shifting it upward. Along with this rotation, data is periodically transmitted.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing processing when a menu item in the horizontal direction is selected. The highlight display is moved by rotating the data input device 10 vertically and rotating it to the left and right of the drawing.

17 is a process of scrolling in the vertical direction by rotating the apparatus 10 in the horizontal direction using the operation means 95b of the data input apparatus 10, and FIG. The figure shows a state of scrolling in the horizontal direction by rotating in the horizontal direction of the drawing.
(Tactile feedback processing)

  The general processing content of the tactile feedback means 85 (not shown) of the information processing system 1 is as follows. First, when the device (data input device) 10 detects the pressurization state so that the operator can confirm that the pressurization has been performed. 1 vibration pattern is generated and applied to the operator's finger through the vibration means 97. In order to allow the operator to confirm that the roll has been rolled by a predetermined angle, when a certain amount of rotation is detected after pressure detection, a second vibration pattern is generated and applied to the operator's finger. Alternatively, after the device previously detects a rotation of a certain amount of angle, if the operator continues rolling motion while applying pressure and then detects the rotation of a certain amount of angle for the second time, the second vibration pattern Is generated again and added to the operator's finger. The detection of the rotation of a certain amount of angle may be performed on the information device 80 side or may be performed on the data input device 10 side. In the example of FIG. 15, the switching of menu items is determined on the information device 80 side, and the vibration pattern is transmitted to the data input device 10 at the switching timing.

  The above "fixed amount" can be changed depending on the situation by sensitivity adjusting means 86 (not shown) or a program. Further, the tactile feedback may notify the reaction by sound instead of vibration. This is particularly effective for music players.

Next, a method for using tactile feedback using vibration or the like will be described.
First, the input function varies depending on which position in the cylinder of the data input device 10 shown in FIG. 19 is pressed and rolled. It is necessary for the operator to grasp the difference in this function tactilely. For this purpose, an uneven clue is provided on the cylindrical surface to distinguish the position. In addition, the vibration pattern and cycle are changed according to the place where it is turned. For example, when the cursor moves continuously, a high-frequency vibration with a constant amplitude is applied, and when moving while jumping through menu items, a high-frequency vibration that lasts for a short period of time in a pulsed manner is applied. When the pressure is weakened and rolled in the opposite direction to return to the home position, by preventing such vibration from occurring, the operator can confirm that nothing has been input.

  In order to distinguish between the case of rolling for the purpose of input and the case of rolling to return to the home position, when the above method is realized by a conventional contact detection method (for example, a capacitance method), In addition to the contact detection method, a sensor or switch for detecting pressurization is required. In addition, a mechanism for eliminating the erroneous input shown in the first embodiment is also required. There is a novelty different from the conventional touchpad in that these components are required. Although it may be detected by electrostatic capacitance, in that case, a sensor for detecting the applied pressure is required in order to prevent the input from being input when turning back. The difference from the capacitive touch pad is that the coordinate change information is not input if the touch pad is in contact but is not pressurized. It has a mechanism for detecting pressurization and can control the cursor and scroll using the amount of movement between the start of pressurization and the release of pressurization.

To cancel the menu selection, for example, in the pressed state, the thumb is moved up and down to change the rotation direction. The information device 30 resets the menu selection by detecting a predetermined number of changes in the rotation direction within a predetermined time.
(Menu item execution process)

There are various ways to execute the selected menu item. For example, in a state where the highlight is displayed, ON / OFF of pressing is performed once or a predetermined number of times without rotating. In addition, the execution process may be executed when the pressure is released by rolling. Of course, it is also possible to provide a separate execution button and execute the menu item selected by pressing the button.
(Character information input processing)

Next, character information selection operation will be described with reference to FIG.
For example, a character arrangement similar to a numeric keypad of a mobile phone is used. Three pressure positions are distinguished along the cylinder of the cylindrical remote controller, and a motion that rolls at each pressure position is detected. The column of the numeric keypad is selected by the three pressurization positions, and is further rolled to select the row.

It is possible to select three rows of numeric keys by operating as described above in a state in which the posture of the remote controller 10 is oriented in the horizontal direction. When inputting hiragana, after selecting one of the keys on the numeric keypad as described above, the direction of the remote control is changed to make the remote control vertical. Then, the sensor detects this posture, displays one row of hiragana in the 50-note table assigned to the selected key horizontally, and displays it on the screen. You can select one. Alternatively, in order to be able to distinguish one row in addition to the above three rows, a total of four pressure points can be distinguished, and if hiragana is selected in one extra row, the posture of the remote control 10 is set in the horizontal direction. You can input hiragana while keeping it.
(Use as a music player remote control)

  It can also be used as a music player operation or as a remote control attached to the music player's headphone cable.

  In particular, in a music player, when a plurality of operation units are provided on a cylinder and rolled according to the place to be pressurized, (1) album selection, (2) song selection, (3) volume adjustment, (4 ) Scrolling the displayed contents, (5) Fast-forwarding songs, fast-rewinding (scrolling songs) (6) Selecting and executing various operation menus such as play, stop, sound effect, etc. improves.

Hereinafter, an operation example of the music player will be described with reference to FIG.
(a) The position to pick and press when sending the album name. If you roll the main body while applying pressure at this position, the album names will change one after another.
(b) The position to pick when scrolling the album name information that does not fit in one line. When the main body is rolled while pressurizing at this position, the lines displayed when the same album name and accompanying information are spread over several lines change one after another.
(c) Position to pick when sending a song. If you pick it at this position and roll it under pressure, it will switch to the display of another song.
(d) If the information of a song reaches several lines when rolled while pressing at this position (a place near the middle line between the protrusions in the middle and right lines), the lines are scrolled and displayed.
(e) The volume of the volume can be adjusted by rolling in this position (place near the right row between the middle row and right row projections).
(f) Rolling at this position switches various functions of the player such as “play” and “fast forward”. Also switches menu items for function setting.

Next, an example of mounting on a music player will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 21 (a), a display on the side of the main body is provided, and the display position in the display corresponds to the pressure applied to the side during operation. For example, in this example, album name: Morzart, song name: Magic Flute, and a triangle mark indicating that the operation is being played are displayed, but these display positions are at the positions of the three rows of protrusions provided on the side surface. It corresponds. These protrusions are provided so that when the operation is performed so as to roll the side surface, it is possible to tactilely grasp where the finger should be sandwiched and rolled.

For example, as shown in FIG. 21 (g), when the left row of the three protrusion rows is picked and rolled while being pressed, the album name displayed on the display is switched in sequence according to the rolling direction. Each time it is switched, the main body is vibrated or a beeping sound is generated to notify the operator that the album has changed tactilely and audibly. If the same thing is done for the projections in the middle row, the song titles will be sent one after another. In the right column, music player functions such as “play”, “stop”, and “fast forward” can be selected. Alternatively, when switching the items of the various setting menus, an operation is performed so that the protrusions in the right row are pinched with fingers.
In addition, FIG. 19 of another sheet shows not only the operation of picking and operating the protrusions but also the operation of picking and operating between the protrusions. When rolling by pressing between the protrusions, for example, album names that cannot be displayed in one line or scroll the song name according to the amount of rolling to display information that cannot be displayed on a single line display. ing.

FIG. 21 (b) shows an example of a rolling motion detection mechanism and an example of a pressure detection mechanism. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along a broken line in FIG. Insulating, elastic, and plastic spacers (cylindrical) and conductive electrodes (hemispherical) are alternately arranged on the side. Further, when the outer oval casing is pressed, the electrodes under the pressed portion are distorted and become conductive. It detects which electric conduction is conducted and knows the pressure position. In this example, this mechanism is introduced on both the side touching with the thumb and the side touching with the index finger, the pressure position from both fingers is detected, and only when they are on the diagonal, it is accepted as an effective input, Erroneous input is eliminated. Further, it can be determined that the rolling movement is performed only when the contact point is continuously moving, and instantaneous conduction and release can be eliminated as an erroneous input.

FIG. 21 (e) shows a state in which the ellipse of the outer casing is deformed when the pressure is applied at the position indicated by the arrow, and the electrodes are in contact with each other, and the state in which the tact switch is turned on to detect the pressurization. The case is distorted during pressurization, and the electrode is in contact with the pressurization point, but the spacer acts as a fulcrum for the seesaw, and the case has a certain degree of rigidity, so the pressurization point is centered during deformation. It can be seen that the curvature of the curved surface becomes loose, and the surrounding electrodes other than the pressurization point are rather lifted to suppress contact.

In FIG. 21 (c), if the above mechanism is inserted into both the side touched with the thumb and the side touched with the index finger, the cost increases. Therefore, the mechanism is introduced only on one side, and a tact switch is inserted on the opposite side for pressurization. It was made to detect only. The tact switch can only detect whether the pressure has been applied, and the pressure position cannot be detected accurately.

In FIG. 21 (d), instead of the arrangement of electrodes and spacers, the contact position and pressure position of the finger are detected as the amount of resistance by the principle of variable resistance. The resistance value changes when the contact position of the electrode and the resistance film changes on the same principle as the variable resistance. The position where the outer arc-shaped electrode touches the inner cylindrical surface to which the resistance film is attached is detected as a resistance value. Here, the outer electrode has high hardness and does not deform even when pressed. The radius of the arc shape of the outer electrode is larger than the radius of the anti-cylinder on which the inner resistive film is stretched, and the contact point is restricted to one place due to the geometrical relationship between the two, and the electrode resists only at the pressed position. It will come into contact with the membrane. This state is shown in FIG. 21 (f), and it can be confirmed that the contact position is limited to one. In addition, a tact switch for detecting pressurization is provided on the opposite side surface to detect pressurization by turning on and off the tact switch and to eliminate erroneous input.
Since FIGS. 21 (e) and (f) have already been described above, description thereof is omitted here.

FIG. 21 (g) shows how to operate the apparatus. As shown in this figure, the position of a specific protrusion is sandwiched between the thumb and forefinger and rolled while being pressed, whereby input corresponding to the protrusion position is performed. In this example, albums are selected and displayed in order according to the direction and amount of rolling.

  As a method of finally determining the album, (1) a method of rolling while applying pressure to display the target album on the screen and determining the album displayed on the screen when the pressing is stopped, (2) When the target album is displayed on the screen and the operation of pressurizing and depressurizing is performed in the same place without rolling, the album is displayed at that time. (3) The album changes in order while rolling. However, it is displayed on the display, stops rolling, and the album is confirmed when the tact switch provided separately is pressed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by moving a control object such as a cursor in the moving direction of the thumb, the operator can operate sensuously without making a mistake.

  In addition, since the data input device is vibrated by the menu item switching, the operator can surely recognize the menu switching.

  In addition, since the state of pressing and without pressing is sent, for example, when the amount of scrolling is insufficient with one finger operation, once released (with no pressing), the finger is returned to an appropriate position, Since the information device side performs the process of moving the cursor or the like according to the amount of displacement from the next time in the re-pressed state within a certain time on the information device side, it is optional even in the limited motion region of the data input device The cursor can be moved to the position.

  In addition, when moving a cursor etc. to the same direction continuously, there exists a possibility of rolling to a reverse direction at the moment of releasing a press once. In such a case, in normal processing, there is a possibility that the cursor or the like may move in the reverse direction. However, the direction controlled first by the information device is moved in the pressed state so as to store the forward direction state. When the direction changes, by providing a certain dead zone, the cursor can be stably moved in one direction even when the operator continuously operates in a certain direction.

  In the above description, the control item is moved in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction as an example. However, the control item may be moved obliquely by detecting the oblique direction.

  When the data input device according to this embodiment is used as a television remote controller, various information can be input by changing the pressure position in each posture and rolling the remote controller while changing the posture of the remote controller. For example, by changing the pressure position and rolling, volume adjustment, channel feed, menu switching, and character input can be performed. Furthermore, when the remote control is rolled in the horizontal state, the program guide displayed on the screen can be scrolled vertically, and when it is rolled in the vertical state, it can be scrolled horizontally. In browsing Internet contents, the contents can be freely scrolled and the cursor can be controlled by rolling while changing the attitude of the remote control.

In addition, the data input device according to the present embodiment can be used by being incorporated in another device or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, it may be formed integrally with the pen. At this time, if the joint portion is detachable, it is convenient for exchanging pen consumables. In addition to this, it may be mounted on a mobile phone as shown in FIG.
(Procedure for vibration pattern generation, erroneous input / chattering elimination)

  FIG. 24 shows a procedure for generating a vibration pattern at an appropriate timing, and erroneous input and chattering in the data input device, information processing system, and program of the present invention by monitoring changes in pressure applied from the finger to the device. A procedure for excluding from input is shown in a flowchart. First, the pressurization state of the apparatus is always monitored, or the power supply is turned on with pressurization itself as a trigger, and the procedure of FIG. 24 is started. If the amount of pressurization is a predetermined value, it is determined that an intended operation has been applied to the input device, and whether it is a pressure that has been continuously applied, or the operator starts pressurization. Whether the pressure is applied for the first time or not is judged by looking at the stored past pressurization state (S202).

  Even if the amount of pressurization is less than the predetermined value, the amount of pressurization may be instantaneously reduced due to chattering while the time from the last pressurization to the time is short. The pressurization flag is kept ON and the pressurization is handled as being continued (“YES” in S203). If the amount of pressurization is still below the predetermined value even after this short period, it is determined that the pressurization has been released, the pressurization flag is turned OFF, and a signal 3 indicating that the pressurization has been released is output as necessary. Transmit (S204).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S202 that pressurization has been started for the first time (“YES” in S202), the point is stored as a pressurization start point, and vibration for notifying the operator that pressurization has been performed. In order to generate the pattern 1 and store that the vibration is generated at the position, the pressurization start point is stored as the vibration generation point. Further, the pressure flag is turned ON, and further a signal 1 is transmitted (S205). If the pressurization has continued from before, it is determined whether or not the pressurization point during the pressurization has continuously moved (S206). If it is continuous, it is determined that the input is correctly performed, and the distance (rotation amount) between the point where the vibration was generated and the local point is obtained, and if it exceeds the predetermined amount (" YES ”), a vibration pattern 2 is generated, and the point is newly registered as a vibration generation point. Further, signal 2 is transmitted to the information processing system (S208). Thereafter, the process returns to the beginning of the flowchart (S201) and the above processing is repeated.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the processing of the information device is executed corresponding to each operation unit of the data input device has been described. However, the semantic content of the operation command can be changed according to the execution content of the information device. You may make it. For example, not only communication from the remote control (data input device) to the TV (information equipment) but also communication from the TV to the remote control is performed, which changes the assignment function on the remote control side and controls tactile feedback due to vibration. Etc. Further, sensitivity adjustment (for example, adjustment of the correspondence between the amount of rolling and scrolling, and the amount of cursor movement) may be performed when a certain operation unit among a plurality of operation units is pressed and rolled. In addition, the function assigned to each place can be changed by customization, or the assignment method may be changed according to the use situation (context).

FIG. 1A is an external configuration diagram of the data input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 1A), an explanatory diagram of an operation situation (FIG. 1B), and an explanatory diagram showing the position of each component during operation (FIG. 1C). It is a block diagram of the data input device by the 1st Embodiment of this invention, Fig.2 (a) is a block diagram in a no-pressurization state, FIG.2 (b) shows the mode of a deformation | transformation in a pressurization state. It is a block diagram. 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams when the data input device of FIG. 2 is operated. FIG. 3A is an external view of the data input device, and FIGS. 3B to 3C are cross-sectional views taken along line EE in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the displacement state at the time of pressurization of the base 12 and the press part 11c when force is added from the arrow direction. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the contact detection means of the data input device of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the other example of the contact detection means of the data input device of FIG. FIG. 6A is an external configuration diagram of the data input device 10 according to another embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIGS. 6B to 6D are views during pressurization in the AA cross section of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state of. FIG. 7A is an external configuration diagram of the data input device 10 according to another embodiment 2 of the present invention (when no pressure is applied), FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of the configuration in the BB section, FIG. (C) is an external view which shows the mode at the time of pressurization, FIG.7 (d)-(f) is a figure which shows the state at the time of pressurization in a BB cross section. FIG. 8A is an external configuration diagram of the data input device 10 according to another embodiment 3 (when no pressure is applied), FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of the configuration in the CC cross section, and FIG. 8C. These are the external views which show the mode at the time of pressurization, FIG.7 (d)-(h) is a figure which shows the state at the time of the pressurization or operation in CC section. FIG. 9A is an external configuration diagram of the data input device 10 according to another embodiment 4 (when no pressure is applied), FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of the configuration in the DD section, and FIG. 9C. These are the external views which show the mode at the time of pressurization, FIG.9 (d), (e) is a figure which shows the state at the time of pressurization in a DD cross section. It is a block diagram and operation | movement explanatory drawing of the gravity direction detection means (attitude | position detection means) of the data input device 10 by other Example 5 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the system which arrange | positions an acceleration sensor symmetrically on both sides of a rotating shaft, and cancels the influence of centrifugal force. It is principle explanatory drawing of the attitude | position detection means by other Example 6 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the information processing system by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the control means 82 of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of operation at the time of menu selection by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (When moving vertically) It is a figure showing the mode of operation at the time of menu selection by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (When moving horizontally) It is a figure showing the mode of operation at the time of the scroll by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (When moving vertically) It is a figure showing the mode of operation at the time of the scroll by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (When moving horizontally) It is explanatory drawing of the example of operation of the music player by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the example of selection operation of the character information by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the example of mounting of the music player by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the external appearance and operation state when integrated with a pen. It is the top view (upper) and front view (lower) when it integrates with a portable terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the program for vibration pattern generation | occurrence | production and prevention of incorrect input and chattering.

Explanation of symbols

1 Information processing system 10 Data input device (remote control, device)
11a support part 11b elastic support part 11c pressing part 11d protrusion 12 base 15 conductive material 16a, 16b electrode 17 current detection means 21e bellows mechanism 21f tact switch 28, 53 switch part 32a protrusion 32b strut 58 execution switch 59 infrared light receiving and emitting means 64 cavity 66 Weight 67 Spring 71a, 71b, 75 Polarizing filter 72a, 72b Photodiode 80 Information device 81 Receiving means 82 Control means 83 Transmitting means 84 Display (display means)
91 data transmission means 92 data reception means 93 contact detection means 94 displacement calculation means 95, 95a, 95b operation means 96 gravity direction detection means (posture detection means)
97 Vibration means

Claims (28)

A data input device for inputting data to an information device, the device surface having a curved surface that enables rolling with an operator's finger,
Contact detection means for detecting a contact position of a finger on the surface of the apparatus;
Data transmitting means for transmitting the contact position to the information device,
A data input device for inputting data by changing the attitude of the entire device through rolling. A data input device for inputting data to an information device, the device surface having a curved surface that enables rolling with an operator's finger,
A displacement calculating means for calculating a continuous or discrete displacement direction and displacement amount of the contact position with rolling;
Data transmitting means for transmitting the displacement direction and displacement to the information device;
A data input device comprising:   In the data input device, rolling performed in a state where the pressure applied from the finger to the curved surface is high is determined as rolling intended for input, and rolling performed in a state where the pressure is low is not intended for input. 3. The data according to claim 1, wherein the contact detection unit operates only when a pressurization amount of a predetermined amount or more is applied in order to determine whether the pressure is high or low. Input device.   In the data input device, rolling performed in a state where the pressure applied from the finger to the curved surface is high is determined as rolling intended for input, and rolling performed in a state where the pressure is low is not intended for input. 3. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein a push-in detection switch is provided separately from the contact detection means in order to determine whether the pressure is high or low.   The contact detection means detects at least two different contact positions on the surface of the apparatus, and determines whether each of the contact positions is an effective signal on the condition that the contact position is positioned on a substantially diameter of the apparatus curved section. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the data input device is a data input device.   The displacement calculating means calculates the displacement direction and the displacement amount as valid when the displacement directions of the respective contact positions are the same and the difference between the displacement amounts is within a predetermined range. The data input device described. Inside the curved surface, at a point where the finger contacts and pressurizes, a pair of electrodes or a resistance material that conducts at the time of pressurization, a displacement amount sensor that detects a displacement amount of the curved surface that is displaced at the pressing point, A pressure sensor for detecting a pressure applied from the curved surface at a pressure point, and at least one of the pressure sensor,
A mechanism that constrains a pair of electrodes or resistance materials in the periphery thereof to not conduct when a pair of electrodes or resistance materials conduct at the contact point when a finger contacts and presses one point on the curved surface, Or a mechanism for suppressing pressurization around the maximum pressurization point of the displacement amount or the pressurization amount,
Furthermore, a side-inhibiting contact position detection sensor that exclusively detects contact / pressurization / displacement points,
The data input device according to claim 1, further comprising: (Detailed side-inhibiting contact position detection sensor that detects contact, pressurization, and displacement exclusively)
In the side-inhibiting contact position detection sensor, a pair of electrodes or resistance members provided inside the curved surface is arranged to face each other with a circle having a different radius or an arc-shaped cross-section, and the contact point or closest proximity of these pairs The data input device according to claim 7, wherein the point or the maximum pressure point is limited to one pressure point.   In the side-inhibiting contact position detection sensor, a pair of electrodes or resistance materials provided inside the curved surface is arranged so as to face each other with a circular or arcuate cross-sectional shape, and the electrode or resistance is applied when the curved surface is pressurized. It is characterized by constraining the contact point or the closest point or the maximum pressure point of these pairs to one pressure point by the curvature of the material pair outside being loosened around the pressure point. The data input device according to claim 7.   In the side-inhibiting contact position detection sensor, a pair of electrodes or resistance members provided inside the curved surface is arranged so as to face each other with a circular or arc-shaped cross-sectional shape, and a spacer for securing a gap between the pairs By using this spacer as a fulcrum of the seesaw mechanism, when pressurizing one point of the curved surface, the opposite side is lifted with the spacer interposed therebetween, so that the contact point or the closest point of these pairs or 8. The data input device according to claim 7, wherein the maximum pressure point is limited to one pressure point.   In the side-inhibiting contact position detection sensor, a pair of electrodes or a resistance material provided inside the curved surface is made of a deformable material, air is sealed between the pair, and air is pushed out when one point of the pair is approached. By utilizing the action of trying to widen the distance between pairs at other points, the contact point, closest approach point or maximum pressure point of these pairs is restricted to one pressure point. The data input device according to claim 7.   In the space provided in the data input device, a weight for changing the relative position in the space by gravity, and a sensor or switch for detecting the position of the weight in the space are provided, and the attitude of the data input device The data input device according to claim 1, further comprising posture detecting means for detecting the position. The data input device is divided into a plurality of sections along a rotation axis at the time of rolling,
Each section is provided with irregularities on the curved surface so that it can be identified tactilely,
The contact detection means detects a contact position for each of the sections,
The displacement calculation means calculates a displacement direction and a displacement amount for each of the sections,
The data according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the data transmission means transmits a data type based on the classification, the contact position for each classification, or the displacement direction and the displacement amount. Input device. Means for generating a vibration for a predetermined time so that the operator can confirm that the operation has been accepted when the data input device rolls a predetermined amount;
Means for outputting a signal so as to switch a highlighted menu item simultaneously with the vibration generation;
Means for adjusting the size of the predetermined amount, if necessary;
The data input device according to claim 1, further comprising:   The data input device vibrates in a first vibration pattern when a finger touches and a pressurization amount exceeds a predetermined magnitude, and vibrates in a second vibration pattern when it rolls a predetermined amount while being pressed. Then, by changing the first vibration pattern and the second vibration pattern, it is possible to tactilely discriminate and confirm that the pressure is applied with a force of a predetermined magnitude and the roller is rotated by a predetermined angle. The data input device according to claim 14.   The data input device includes means for measuring the duration of the pressing state of the finger that contacts the curved surface, and when the previous pressing-free state time is less than a predetermined value, the pressing is continued ignoring it. The data input device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising means for determining that the device is present.   The data input device cancels the previous input when the reciprocating motion of the rolling is performed with a rolling amount of a predetermined amount or more while the finger in contact with the curved surface is applied with a pressure of a predetermined pressing amount or more. The data input device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the data input device returns to the input state at the time when the immediately preceding finger is not pressurized. An information processing system configured by integrating or separating an information device and the data input device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for inputting data to the information device,
The data input device includes means for transmitting at least one of a data type, posture data of the device, a finger contact position, and a displacement direction and a displacement amount of the contact position accompanying a finger operation,
The information device includes means for receiving data sent from the data input device;
Means for determining processing contents according to received data;
An information processing system comprising: An information processing system comprising an information device and a data input device according to any one of claims 1 to 16 for inputting data to the information device, wherein the data input device is deflected Information processing characterized by comprising attitude detecting means for transmitting radio waves and light waves, detecting a deflection direction of the radio waves and light waves received by the information device, and detecting the attitude of the data input device based on the deflection direction. system. In the information processing system, when the processing content is a program or menu item selection process, an item to be highlighted is determined based on the contact position and the posture data, or a menu or menu item is determined based on the posture data and the displacement direction. Menu item selection processing means for determining a moving direction of highlight display of a program item and determining a moving amount of highlight display based on the displacement amount;
When the processing content is cursor movement or scroll processing, the cursor is moved or scrolled in a direction determined by the posture data and the displacement direction, and the cursor movement amount or scroll amount is determined based on the displacement amount. When,
The information processing system according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising: In the information processing system, when the information device is a music player and the data input device controls the music player,
Decide which operation to perform, such as volume adjustment, album, song, selection of various functions, fast-forwarding of a song, etc., by combining the data type based on the category and the attitude data of the device as necessary Means to
Volume increase / decrease, album / song selection direction, function selection direction is determined by the fast-forwarding direction of the song, the displacement direction, or, if necessary, the posture data, and these selections / fast-forwarding based on the displacement amount Means for determining the amount of movement or the speed of movement;
The information processing system according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising: In the information processing system, when the information device is a video device such as a digital television or a video player, and the data input device controls the video device,
Decide which operation to perform, such as volume adjustment, selection of channels and recorded programs, selection of various functions, fast-forwarding of video, etc., based on the data type based on the category and, if necessary, attitude data of the device Means to
Increase / decrease volume, direction of sending channel or recorded program, direction of fast-forward of recorded program, function selection direction is determined by combining the displacement direction or, if necessary, the posture data, and based on the amount of displacement Means for determining a feed amount or feed speed at the time of feeding;
The information processing system according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising:   The information device sends a signal to the data input device when the highlighted menu item is switched so that the operator can confirm that the operation has been accepted, and the data input device 20. The information processing system according to claim 18, further comprising tactile feedback means for notifying an operator of switching of menu items by generating vibration for a predetermined time by receiving   The information processing system includes means for measuring a duration of a pressed state of a finger that is in contact with the curved surface, and when the time of a previous no-press state is less than a predetermined value, the press is continued ignoring it. 20. The information processing system according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising means for determining that it is present.   The data input device or the information processing system immediately before the reciprocating motion of rolling is performed with a rolling amount greater than or equal to a predetermined amount while a finger touching the curved surface is applied with a pressure greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure amount. The information processing system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the input state is canceled and the input state at the time when the previous finger is not pressurized is restored.   The information processing apparatus vibrates in a first vibration pattern when a finger comes into contact and a pressurization amount exceeds a predetermined magnitude, and vibrates in a second vibration pattern when it rolls a predetermined amount while being pressed. Then, by changing the first vibration pattern and the second vibration pattern, it is possible to tactilely discriminate and confirm that the pressure is applied with a force of a predetermined magnitude and the roller is rotated by a predetermined angle. The information processing system according to claim 18 or 19.   The information device emits a first pattern sound or is highlighted when the pressure applied by the finger touching it exceeds a predetermined level so that the operator can confirm that the operation has been accepted. 20. An information processing system according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising an auditory feedback means for outputting a second pattern sound when a menu item is switched and notifying an operator of the switching of the menu item. . A program executed on an information device that operates based on data sent from the data input device according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
Among the data, the processing content is selected according to the data type, the movement direction of the control item in the selected processing content is determined based on the posture data and the displacement direction, and the movement amount of the control item is determined based on the displacement amount. Process to determine,
A computer-executable program comprising:

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