JP2010244088A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device more precisely specifying an effective key switch intended with input by an operator even when simultaneously touching a plurality of key switches. <P>SOLUTION: The input device includes a plurality of key switches 4 each having a key display area 2 for performing input by touch, and an electrode 1 formed with a touch detection area 9 arranged below the key display area 2, for detecting whether or not input is performed to the key display area 2. An area gravity center position of each touch detection area 9 in two key switches 4 adjacently arranged in an arranging direction is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arranging direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device such as a remote controller or a mobile phone.

  An input device having a plurality of key switches in a matrix, such as a remote control or a mobile phone, is provided with a function for presenting symbols and data assigned to the key switch when it comes into contact with the key switch in the input operation of the operation terminal. It has been. As such a function, for example, each key switch has a function of detecting contact with a touch sensor or the like, and a function of discriminating the touched key switch can be exemplified.

  Here, when performing an input operation on a small input device in which the interval between the key switches cannot be sufficiently large, or when touching different key switches at the fingertip and the base of the finger when operating with a finger, a plurality of The key switch input may be detected at the same time, and it is necessary to determine which key switch having the input signal should be valid. Specifically, it is necessary to specify a plurality of key switches that have detected contact as one by some means.

  As a related technique regarding such specifying means, there is a technique using a control device including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a control unit has a selection unit, and the selection unit performs a predetermined process.

  Further, in the case where there are a plurality of keys pressed in the CPU of the key input device, the key to be prioritized is selected based on the valid key information in the ROM, and the code data of the selected key is stored in the key code section. There is also related technology (Patent Document 2)

  In addition, there is a related technology for generating a key code as one key for the purpose of accumulating the pressures of a plurality of pressed keys at certain time intervals and pressing a key having the maximum value of the accumulated values (patent) Reference 3).

In addition, there is a related technique in which a key having the highest possibility of being targeted by pressing a plurality of keys simultaneously input is learned from a key input pattern input in the past, determined, and output (Patent Document 4).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-305941 (paragraph 0027, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-287631 (FIG. 4, summary) JP-A-5-27895 (paragraph 0008) JP 2004-355289 A (paragraph 0012)

  These related techniques also have a certain effect in that the inputs of a plurality of key switches that detect contact are specified as one input. However, all the related techniques specify one input of a plurality of key switches by control of data processing or the like inside the apparatus, and there is still a problem in accuracy. In particular, in view of the recent miniaturization of input devices such as mobile phones, there is a problem that it is desired to increase the accuracy of accurately detecting a desired key switch that a user wants to input.

  For example, a means for enabling the upper left one among a plurality of key switches in which contact has been detected may make an erroneous determination if an operation with the left hand is performed. This is because, when operating with the left hand, the key switch that the operator intends to input is the uppermost key switch among the plurality of key switches in which contact has been detected.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 19 showing the relationship between the portion intended to be input and the electrodes that have detected a plurality of contacts, for example, “5” depending on how to enter the key switch of the hand operated by the key. In the case of inputting the number key switch, when the finger enters from the left side, the “4” key switch on the left side comes into contact with the “5” key switch. In this case, it is the “4” key switch that is determined to have been input.

  In order to avoid such a misjudgment in the case of left-hand operation, it is conceivable to provide a means for identifying a valid key switch by making a left-right judgment by preparing separate detection means on both sides of the apparatus. However, such means also causes a problem that another sensor that is not related to the input unit that performs the apparatus must be provided.

  The object of the present invention has been made to solve the above problems. More specifically, in the input operation of an input device having a plurality of key switches, it has a function of presenting symbols and data assigned to the key switch when it comes into contact with the key switch. An object of the present invention is to provide an input device that can identify an effective key switch that an operator intends to input even when touching at the same time.

  An input device according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems is arranged in a key display area for performing input by contact and a lower part of the key display area, and detects whether or not an input is made in the key display area. An input device provided with a plurality of key switches each having an electrode on which a contact detection region is formed, and an area center of gravity of each of the contact detection regions in two key switches arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction The position is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

  In a preferred aspect of the input device of the present invention, the area centroid position of the touch detection region and the area centroid position of the key display region in the at least one key switch are adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction. The area gravity center positions of the respective contact detection regions in the two arranged key switches are arranged so as to be shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

  In a preferred aspect of the input device of the present invention, two key switches arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction by providing a non-detection region that does not detect contact of the key display region adjacent to the contact detection region. The area centroid positions of the respective contact detection areas are shifted in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

  In a preferred aspect of the input device of the present invention, at least one of the sides facing the other adjacent key display region and at least one of the lower sides of the key display region among the sides of the key display region. The non-detection region is provided below a predetermined region surrounded by the part.

  In a preferred aspect of the input device of the present invention, two key switches arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction by making the shape of the key display area different from the shape of the electrodes in at least one of the key switches. The area centroid positions of the respective contact detection areas are shifted in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

  In a preferred aspect of the input device according to the present invention, the arrangement position of the key display area and the arrangement position of the electrodes are arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction in at least one of the key switches. The area gravity center positions of the respective contact detection regions in the two key switches are arranged so as to be shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

  In a preferred aspect of the input device of the present invention, in at least one of the key switches, the distance from the surface of the key switch to the electrode is changed in the plane of the electrode so as to be adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction. In addition, the area centroid positions of the respective contact detection regions in the two key switches are shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

  In a preferred aspect of the input device of the present invention, in at least one of the key switches, the dielectric constant between the surface of the key switch and the electrode is changed in the plane of the electrode so that they are adjacent in the arrangement direction. The area centroid positions of the respective contact detection regions in the two key switches arranged in the above are shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

  In a preferred aspect of the input device of the present invention, a push switch for performing input by pushing the key display area is added to the key switch.

  In a preferred aspect of the input device of the present invention, a database for referring to data created by predetermined prioritization and a valid key for outputting valid key data for narrowing down the input of one valid key switch. And a specifying means.

  According to the present invention, in the input operation of an input device having a plurality of key switches, it has a function of presenting symbols and data assigned to the key switch when it touches the key switch. It is possible to provide an input device that can more accurately specify an effective key switch that an operator intends to input even when touched at the same time. More specifically, it becomes easy to specify an effective key switch that the operator intends to input regardless of the left and right hands that are operated by the operator. Also, since the key display area seen by the operator and the position of the area where contact is detected are arranged differently, it is also suitable for key arrangements with a commonly used key display area. it can.

  Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples, and can be arbitrarily modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention. First, the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an example of the input device of the present invention. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, electrodes that cannot be visually recognized are seen through.

  The input device 20 is formed with a key display area 2 for inputting by contact and a contact detection area 9 for detecting whether or not an input is made in the key display area 2. A plurality of key switches 4 having electrodes 1 arranged in a matrix are provided, and the area centroid position 21 of each contact detection region 9 in two key switches 4 arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction is expressed as They are shifted in the vertical direction. In addition, the area gravity center position in this invention is synonymous with a general area gravity center. For example, the area centroid position 21 refers to the coordinates of the point where the resultant force of the moment applied to the minute unit area in the contact detection region 9 becomes zero.

  The input device 20 is arranged so that the area gravity center positions 21 of the respective contact detection areas 9 in the two key switches 4 arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction are shifted in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction. Makes it easier to specify an effective key switch intended for input. This point will be described in more detail when the operation of the input device 20 is described.

  In the input device 20, the area centroid position 21 of the touch detection region 9 and the area centroid position of the key display region 2 in each of the key switches 4 of [2], [5], [8], and [0] Is shifted. More specifically, the area centroid position in each key display area 2 of [2], [5], [8], [0] is substantially the center position of each key display area 2 (key switch of [3] However, these area centroid positions are located below the key display areas 2 of [2], [5], [8], and [0]. The electrodes 2 are arranged so as to be shifted in the vertical direction from the area centroid position 21 of each electrode 2. As a result, the area center of gravity position 21 of each contact detection region 9 in the two key switches 4 arranged adjacent to each other like the key switch 4 of [2] and the key switch 4 of [3] has two key switches. 4 are arranged so as to be shifted in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the four lines are arranged. Note that the area gravity center position 21 of each contact detection region 9 in the two key switches 4 arranged adjacent to each other is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two key switches 4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the area gravity center positions 21 of the two key switches 4 are arranged so as to have a constant gap (distance) in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the key switch 4 of the input device 20 is arranged in a 3 × 4 rectangular matrix, and the numbers [0] to [9], [*] and [ The symbol “#” is assigned. Each area where the assigned symbols are designed constitutes a key display area 2. [1] No. [4] No. [7] No. [*] No. [3] No. [6] No. [9] No. [#] No. An odd number column, [2] number [5] number [8] number [0] number is an even number column. The arrangement of the electrodes 1 is also arranged in a rectangular matrix, but in the even-numbered column shape, the lower portion of the electrode 1 is cut obliquely in order to shift the area centroid position 21 of the contact detection region 9.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of each key switch of the input device shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows a cross section of one key switch extracted for convenience of explanation. This also applies to FIGS. 14 to 16 described later.

  The key switch 4 is formed in a key display area 2 for inputting by contact and a contact detection area 9 for detecting whether or not an input is made in the key display area 2. Electrode 1. More specifically, the key switch 4 includes a top cover 5 that is touched by an operation object such as a finger, a key display area 2 for recognizing an area in the top cover 5 where an operator inputs, and a key display. The spacer 6 for supporting the top cover 5 below the area 2, the electrode 1 for detecting contact with the key display area 2, and the contact on the lower side of the electrode 1. And the wiring board 3 for outputting to the outside.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic conceptual diagram for explaining a contact detection region of the input device of FIG. More specifically, in order to describe the contact detection region 9 in one key switch 4 in the even-numbered row ([2] number [5] number [8] number [0] number) in the input device 20 of FIG. Is a plan view of the key display region 2 in a state of seeing through. 3A shows a case where the contact area 8 formed by a contact object such as a finger exists on the contact detection area 9, and FIG. 3B shows a contact formed by a contact object such as a finger. FIG. 3C shows a contact portion of the contact area 8 in the key display area 2 in the case of FIGS. 3A and 3B when the area 8 does not exist on the contact detection area 9.

  In the key display area 2, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the contact area 8 formed by the operation article (finger) overlaps the electrode 1 (contact detection area 9) when the operator inputs. The electrode 1 can detect contact. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the contact region 8 does not overlap with the electrode 1 (contact detection region 9), the electrode 1 cannot detect contact. FIG. 3C shows the area centroid of the surface where the contact area 8 and the key display area 2 overlap in each of these cases. As shown in the figure, the contact detection area 9 represents the distribution of the center of gravity when contact can be detected. Further, the non-detection area 10 represents the center of gravity distribution when contact cannot be detected on the key display area 2.

  As described above, the non-detection region 10 is provided adjacent to the contact detection region 9 and functions as a region that does not detect contact. More specifically, in FIG. 3, a region where the electrode 1 is not provided is a non-detection region 10, and the electrode 1 is formed by the contact detection region 9. And as shown in FIG. 1, the shape of the contact detection area | region 9 is varied by changing the shape of the electrode 1 between the electrodes 1 which adjoin. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, the area center-of-gravity position 21 of each contact detection region 9 in the two key switches 4 arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction is shifted in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction. become. As described above, in the input device 20, the shapes of the contact detection region 9 and the electrode 1 are the same, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The contact detection region may be formed in the electrode, and the shape of the contact detection region may be included in the electrode 1. Such an embodiment will be described later.

  FIG. 4 shows a key switch for one line in the input device of FIG. More specifically, FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the electrode 1 and the contact detection area 9 in the key display area 2, and the area centroid positions 22a and 22b of the left and right adjacent key display areas 2a and 2b. And the relationship between the area centroid positions 21a and 21b of the contact detection areas 9a and 9b. 4 is a plan view of the key display areas 2a and 2b with the electrodes 1a and 1b seen through, as in FIGS.

  In the key switch 4b, the area centroid position 21b of the contact detection area 9b and the area centroid position 22b of the key display area 2b are shifted from each other. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the area centroid position 21b of the electrode 1b (contact detection area 9b) of the even-numbered key switch 4b is different from the area centroid position 22b of the key display area 2b. This is due to the presence of an area in the key display area 2b where contact is not detected due to the shape of the even-numbered electrodes 1b. In addition, in the key switches 4a arranged adjacent to each other, the area gravity center position 21a of the contact detection region 9a is displaced at least in the vertical direction with respect to the arrangement of the key switches 4a and 4b.

  Next, the operation of the input device 20 will be described below.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the overall operation of the input device shown in FIG. Since FIG. 5 is a block diagram, the input unit 7 in the input device 20 of FIG. 1 is further schematically shown. The input device 20 specifies an effective key for outputting the input unit 7, a database for referring to data created by predetermined prioritization, and effective key data for narrowing down the input of one valid key switch. Means (valid key specifying device), and further has information presenting means.

  In the input device 20, when the electrode 1 in the plurality of key switches 4 arranged in the input unit 7 detects contact, contact key data a is output. When the effective key specifying means for discriminating the key intended by the operator is received, when the contact key data a is received, the priority data b is based on the database for referring to the data created by the predetermined prioritization. As a result, the key switches 4 that become effective are narrowed down to one, and this is output as effective key data c. Upon receiving the valid key data c, the information presenting means displays a predetermined symbol or data assigned to the valid key switch 4. Here, as the database, for example, a recording medium such as a memory and a hard disk can be used. As a specific device used for the valid key specifying means, an environment capable of executing priority to key switches ranked with reference to a database, in other words, a device capable of executing predetermined processing based on recorded judgment criteria If there is no restriction in particular. As the effective key specifying means, for example, a device such as a computer can be used. As the information display means, for example, a display device such as a monitor / projector can be used.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the input apparatus shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 6, first, it is determined whether or not the key switch 4 is touched (S101). If the key display area 2 is touched, an effective key for determining the key that the operator intends to input. One of the plurality of key switches 4 is specified as a valid key switch 4 by the specifying means (S102). Finally, predetermined symbols and data assigned to the activated key switch 4 are displayed (S103).

  Next, operations for creating a database will be described. In the database shown in FIG. 5, data created by predetermined prioritization is recorded. The priority order recorded in this data is such that when the input to a plurality of key switches (electrodes) is confirmed, the area centroid position of the contact detection region is arranged on the uppermost side among the electrodes detecting contact. The key switch having the electrodes that are arranged is prioritized.

  Next, detailed operation in the effective key specifying means (effective key specifying device) will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the valid key specifying means. When input to a plurality of key switches (electrodes) is confirmed, the area centroid position of the contact detection region is arranged on the uppermost side among the key switches of the electrodes that detect contact (S202), and further Thus, the key switch 4 arranged in the even-numbered column is specified as a valid key by giving priority (S203) (S204).

  The priority order of the key switches in the effective key specifying means is simply described as giving priority to the key switches arranged in the even-numbered columns on the upper side, but is determined in advance from the positional relationship of the area center of gravity of the contact detection area of the key switch. Is recorded in the database. In the even-numbered key switch and the odd-numbered key switch, since the area centroid of the contact detection area of the even-numbered key switch is arranged on the upper side, the even-numbered key switch is given priority. Accordingly, a database having a priority order for the effective keys is created by the effective key specifying means shown in FIG. Specifically, the order of key switches prioritized by the valid key specifying means is “2” “3” “1” “5” “6” “4” “8” “9” “7” “0” “#” “ * ”In order.

  Next, the reason why the key switch intended by the operator can be correctly specified by the operation of the effective key specifying means will be described.

  In FIG. 4, when a finger is put in from the right side to input the odd-numbered key switch 4a, the contact is not detected on the lower side due to the shape of the contact detection area 9b of the even-numbered column. Do not detect. Therefore, it is possible to correctly specify the odd-numbered key switch 4a intended by the operator. In addition, when it is inserted from the left side, it can be specified correctly in the same manner.

  In FIG. 4, when the finger is inserted from the right side to input the even-numbered key switch 4b, the odd-numbered electrode 1a also detects contact in the shape of the odd-numbered contact detection region 9a. However, as described above, the electrode 1 to be effective in the key switch 4 that has detected contact is determined in advance by the effective key specifying means. For this reason, since the even key switch 4b is a valid key by the valid key specifying means, the even key switch 4b intended by the operator can be correctly specified. In addition, when it is inserted from the left side, it can be specified correctly in the same manner.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an example of a key switch intended for input and an electrode that actually detects contact. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between another example of a key switch intended for input and an electrode that actually detects contact. In FIGS. 8 and 9, it is assumed that data is recorded in the database of the input device in advance by giving priority to the key switch corresponding to the upper contact detection area and prioritizing the even numbered key switch. . The valid key specifying means refers to the database and narrows down the key switch to one.

  First, a description will be given with reference to FIG. For example, when the operator puts his finger from the right side to input the odd numbered key switch [4], the electrodes of the key switches [4], [7] and [8] detect contact. Suppose that The contact detection region of the key switch [5] adjacent to the key switch [4] does not detect contact because the lower side of the electrode is cut obliquely. Since the key switch [4] is the uppermost key switch, the key switch [4] becomes the effective key switch by the effective key specifying means referring to the database, and the key intended by the operator is displayed. The switch [4] number can be correctly specified. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 8, the same identification can be performed when the operator puts a finger from the left side.

  Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG. For example, when the operator puts his finger from the right side to input the even numbered key switch [5], the key switches [5], [6], [8] and [9] touch Is detected. Here, the key switch [6] adjacent to the key switch [5] also detects contact. However, the key switches at the highest position among the electrodes that detect contact are the numbers [5] and [6], and among these key switches, priority is given to the even-numbered key switches. The key switch [5] becomes the valid key switch by the valid key specifying means referring to the database, and the key switch [5] number intended by the operator can be correctly specified. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 9, the same identification can be performed when the operator puts a finger from the left side.

  The shape of the electrode is not limited to the shape described above. That is, in each side of the key display area, at least a part of the side facing another adjacent key display area, and at least a part of the lower side of the key display area, below the predetermined area. As long as the non-detection region is provided, the shape of the electrode is not limited to that described above. For example, the area centroid of the contact detection area is configured such that a non-detection area is provided at a lower corner of a side adjacent to the other key switch among the sides of at least one of the left and right adjacent key switches. Other shapes may be used as long as the position is displaced vertically.

  Further, in FIG. 1, the shape is changed only for the even-numbered electrodes, but the shape may be changed for all or some of the electrodes. Some of these specific examples are described below.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of another example of the input device of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the distance between the adjacent electrodes 1 can be narrowed by aligning the shapes of all the electrodes 1 and changing the inclination of the oblique cuts. The bias of the sensitivity of the electrode 1 depending on can be reduced. Further, by making the area of each electrode 1 constant, variations in sensitivity of each electrode 1 can be reduced.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of still another example of the input device of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the shape of the electrode 1 is such that at least one (odd row) of the left and right adjacent key switches 4 and other adjacent keys on each side of the key display area 2. The non-detection area 10 is provided below the area surrounded by the side facing the display area 2 and the lower side of the key display area 2. As a result, the non-detection area 10 is formed in an area corresponding to half of the key display area 2, and the area centroid position of the contact detection area 9 is shifted (displaced) in the left-right direction. Since the area centroid position of 9 is also displaced up and down, there is no problem. Rather, by determining the shape of the electrode 1 so that the distance between the center-of-gravity positions of the left and right adjacent contact detection regions 9 is increased, the left and right adjacent electrodes 1 are less likely to be detected at the same time. It becomes easy to correctly specify the intended key switch 4. In the case of such a shape of the electrode 1, the area centroid position of the contact detection region 9 of the odd-numbered key switch 4 is disposed above the area centroid position of the contact detection region 9 of the even-numbered key switch 4. Thus, the valid key specifying means is controlled to give priority to the odd-numbered key switches 4.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of still another example of the input device of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, in at least one of the left and right adjacent key switches 4, among the sides of the key display area 2, the side facing the other adjacent key display area 2, and the key display The non-detection region 10 is provided in the lower portion of the region surrounded by the midpoint of the lower side of the region 2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, even-numbered columns and odd-numbered columns may have different shapes as long as the area centroid position of the contact detection region 9 is displaced vertically. In the case of such a shape of the electrode 1, the area centroid position of the contact detection region 9 of the key switch 4 is different for each row of the key switches 4 arranged side by side. Therefore, it is necessary to control the effective key specifying means corresponding to the area centroid position. is there. Specifically, the order of the key switches 4 to be prioritized by the valid key specifying means is “1” “3” “2” “5” “4” “6” “7” “9” “8” “0”. The order is “*” and “#”.

  In the specific example described above, by changing the shape of the key display region and the shape of the electrodes, the area centroid position of each contact detection region in the two key switches arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction is It can also be described as being shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of.

  In the specific example described above, the arrangement of the key switch and the key display area is a rectangular matrix. However, among the sides of the key display area of at least one of the left and right adjacent key switches, The non-detection area is provided below the predetermined area surrounded by at least a part of the side facing the other adjacent key display area and at least a part of the lower side of the key display area. As long as the area centroid position of the detection area is displaced up and down, the shape and arrangement of the key switch and the key display area are not limited.

  Further, the electrode for detecting contact may have a structure for detecting contact by a change in pressure, a structure for detecting contact by a change in pressure, or a structure for detecting contact by an amount of deflection of the top cover. In general, it is assumed that the size of an operation article (finger) for input by an operator and a key switch is approximately the same.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is characterized by a difference in electrode arrangement as compared with the first embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of still another example of the input device of the present invention. More specifically, it is an arrangement diagram showing the arrangement of a plurality of key display areas 32 and electrodes 31 in the input unit 37 of the input device 30. The input device 30 makes the barycentric position of the area of each contact detection area in the two key switches 34 arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction by making the arrangement position of the key display area 32 different from the arrangement position of the electrode 31. Are arranged so as to be shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction. Specifically, in the input device 30, the arrangement of the key display areas 32 is arranged in a rectangular matrix, but the arrangement of the electrodes 31 is displaced evenly and oddly in the vertical direction. Thus, there is no contact detection area below the even-numbered key display area 32, and there is a non-detection area where no contact is detected. On the other hand, there is no contact detection area on the upper side in the odd-numbered key display area 32, and there is a non-detection area where no contact is detected.

  Since the input device 30 can change the arrangement of the electrodes 31 without depending on the key display area 32 as compared with the first embodiment, the vertical distance between the area gravity center positions of the left and right adjacent contact detection areas. In addition, the area of the electrode 31 can be increased, and the sensitivity deviation of the contact detection region depending on the position on the key display region 32 can be easily reduced.

  In the input device 30, this means that there is no contact detection area for specifying the key switch 34 including the non-detection area in the non-detection area, and as shown in FIG. The contact detection area may be in this non-detection area. In this way, the contact detection area may protrude from the adjacent key display area, but in order to reliably avoid contact detection in a key display area different from the original, the contact detection area is displayed as a key display area. It is desirable to be within the area.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of each key switch of the input device. As shown in FIG. 14, the key switch 44 includes a top cover 45 with which an operation object such as a finger contacts, a key display area 42 for recognizing an area in the top cover 45 where an operator inputs, A spacer 46 for supporting the top cover 45 under the display area 42, an electrode 41 for detecting contact with the key display area 42, and a contact with the electrode 41 under the electrode 41. It is comprised with the wiring board 43 for outputting this to the exterior. In the input device 40, two key switches arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction are obtained by changing the distance from the surface of the key switch 44 (key display region 42) to the electrode 41 within the plane of the electrode 41. The area gravity center positions of the respective contact detection areas at 44 are arranged so as to be shifted in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

  In the first embodiment, by changing the shape of the electrode, the side facing the other adjacent key display region among the sides of the key display region of at least one of the left and right adjacent key switches. A non-detection region is formed below a predetermined region surrounded by at least a part of the key display region and at least a part of the lower side of the key display region. In contrast, in this embodiment, the electrode 41 is inclined to change the shape of the contact detection area on the electrode 41 to form a non-detection area.

  In the input device 40, since the electrode 41 detects contact by a change in capacitance, if the electrode 41 is tilted, the capacitance changes in inverse proportion to the distance from the key display area 42 to the electrode 41. The shape of the contact detection area on the electrode 41 changes depending on the position of the key display area 42.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing still another example of each key switch of the input device. As shown in FIG. 15, the key switch 54 includes a top cover 55 with which an operation object such as a finger contacts, a key display area 52 for recognizing an area in the top cover 55 where an operator inputs, A spacer 56 for supporting the top cover 55 below the display area 52, the dielectric 14 inserted into the spacer 56, an electrode 51 for detecting contact with the key display area 52, and the electrode 51 And a wiring board 53 for outputting to the outside that the contact has been made. In the input device 50, the dielectric constant between the surface of the key switch 54 (key display region 52) and the electrode 51 is changed in the plane of the electrode 51, so that the 2 adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction is arranged. The area gravity center positions of the respective contact detection regions in the two key switches 54 are arranged so as to be shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

  In the input device 50, the dielectric constant between the key display area 52 and the electrode 51 depends on the position on the key display area 52 as compared with the key switch 4 shown in FIG. It has changed. The electrode 51 is configured to detect contact by changing the capacitance. More specifically, by inserting the dielectric 14 in a part between the key display area 52 and the electrode 51, the electrostatic capacity varies depending on the position on the key display area 52, The shape of the contact detection area can be changed. Accordingly, the shape of the contact detection area can be changed by setting the direction in which the dielectric constant is changed to the vertical direction of the key display area 52 (the horizontal direction in FIG. 15).

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In the fifth embodiment, the present invention is applied to a key switch for inputting characters by pressing. More specifically, in an input operation of an operation terminal having a plurality of key switches, when a key switch is touched before the key switch is pressed, symbols / data assigned to the key switch can be presented. It can be done.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing still another example of each key switch of the input device. As shown in FIG. 16, the key switch 64 includes a key top 15 (key display area) with which an operation object such as a finger contacts, and a spacer 66 below the key top 15 for supporting the key top 15. The electrode 61 is configured to detect contact with the key top 15, and the wiring board 63 is provided on the lower side of the electrode 61 and outputs to the outside that the contact has been made. A metal dome 16 as a push-in switch for inputting by pressing the key top 15 (key display area) is added to the key switch 64. More specifically, as compared with the key switch 4 shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, the key display area is made to be the key top 15 for being pushed in by the key switch 64, and the electrode 61 and the wiring board 63 are used. In addition, a metal dome 16 for detecting the push-in is added.

  Since the key top 15 plays the same role as the key display area 2 shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, the arrangement of the key top 15 is the same. The metal dome 16 is also disposed below the key top 15. In the input device 60, the arrangement of the plurality of key display areas (key tops 15) and the electrodes 61 in the input unit and the method of changing the shape of the contact detection area of the electrodes 61 are the same as those of the input device 20 of the first embodiment. It is. Accordingly, at least a part of the side facing the other adjacent key display area among the sides of the key display area of at least one of the left and right adjacent key switches and the lower side of the key display area. A non-detection region is provided below a predetermined region surrounded by at least a part of the side, and the area centroid position of the contact detection region is displaced vertically. However, the present embodiment is not limited to such a method, and the contact detection region may be formed on the electrode by the method used in the second to fourth embodiments.

  The overall operation of the input device 60 will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the overall operation of the input device shown in FIG. Since FIG. 17 is a block diagram, the input unit 67 in the input device 60 of FIG. 16 is further schematically shown. The input device 60 outputs an input key 67, a database for referring to data created by predetermined prioritization, and valid key specification for outputting valid key data for narrowing down the input of one valid key switch. Means (valid key specifying device), and further has information presenting means.

  In the input device 60, the input unit 67 has a plurality of key switches 64. The key switch 64 outputs contact key data a when the inner electrode 61 detects contact, and pushes when the metal dome 16 detects pushing. Key data d is output. In the valid key specifying means for discriminating the key intended by the operator, when the contact key data a is received, the valid key specifying means becomes valid based on the database for referring to the data created by the predetermined prioritization. The key switch 64 is narrowed down to one, and this is output as valid key data c. When the valid key data c is received, the information presenting means displays a predetermined symbol or data assigned to the valid key switch 64, and when the push key data d is received, the input result is displayed. . As the database, the valid key specifying unit, and the information presenting unit, the same ones as described in FIG. 5 may be used.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the input apparatus shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 18, first, it is determined whether or not the key top 15 is touched (S301). If the key top 15 is touched, the effective key specification for determining the key that the operator intends to input is determined. One of the plurality of key switches 64 is identified as an effective key switch 64 by means (S302). Finally, predetermined symbols and data assigned to the valid key switch 64 are displayed (S303). When the operator searches for the key switch 64 that is touched with the intention of input and performs input by pressing, the pressing is detected (S304) and the input information is presented (S305).

It is a typical top view of an example of the input device of the present invention. It is typical sectional drawing of each key switch of the input device shown in FIG. It is a typical conceptual diagram for demonstrating the contact detection area | region of the input device of FIG. The key switch is shown for one line in the input device of FIG. It is a block diagram showing the whole operation | movement of the input device shown in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the whole operation | movement of the input device shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by an effective key specific means. It is a figure which shows the relationship between an example of the key switch intended for input, and the electrode which actually detected the contact. It is a figure which shows the relationship between another example of the key switch intended for input, and the electrode which actually detected the contact. It is a typical top view of other examples of the input device of the present invention. It is a typical top view of another example of the input device of the present invention. It is a typical top view of another example of the input device of the present invention. It is a typical top view of another example of the input device of the present invention. It is typical sectional drawing which shows another example of each key switch of an input device. It is typical sectional drawing which shows another example of each key switch of an input device. It is typical sectional drawing which shows another example of each key switch of an input device. It is a block diagram showing the whole operation | movement of the input device shown in FIG. It is a flowchart showing the whole operation | movement of the input device shown in FIG. It is a figure showing the relationship between the part which intended the input, and the electrode which detected the some contact.

Explanation of symbols

1, 31, 41, 51, 61 Electrode 2, 32, 42, 52 Key display area 3, 43, 53, 63 Wiring board 4, 34, 44, 54, 64 Key switch 5, 45, 55 Top cover 6, 46 , 56, 66 Spacer 7, 37, 67 Input section 8 Contact area 9 Contact detection area 10 Non-detection area 14 Dielectric 15 Key top 16 Metal dome 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 Input device 21 Area center of gravity position 22 Key display Area center of gravity position a Contact key data b Priority data c Effective key data d Push key data

Claims (10)

A key display region for performing input by contact; and an electrode disposed at a lower portion of the key display region and having a contact detection region for detecting whether or not an input has been made in the key display region. An input device provided with a plurality of key switches,
An input device, wherein the area centroid positions of the respective contact detection areas in two key switches arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction are shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.   By shifting the area centroid position of the touch detection area and the area centroid position of the key display area in at least one of the key switches, each of the two key switches arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction is shifted. The input device according to claim 1, wherein an area centroid position of the contact detection area is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.   By providing a non-detection area that does not detect contact of the key display area adjacent to the contact detection area, the area centroid position of each of the contact detection areas in two key switches arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input devices are arranged so as to be shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.   Of each side of the key display area, at least a part of a side facing another adjacent key display area, and at least a part of a lower side of the key display area, below a predetermined area The input device according to claim 3, wherein the non-detection region is provided.   The barycentric position of the area of each of the contact detection regions in two key switches arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction by making the shape of the key display region and the shape of the electrodes different in at least one of the key switches The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input devices are arranged so as to be shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.   Each of the touch detection areas in the two key switches arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction by making the arrangement position of the key display area and the arrangement position of the electrodes different in at least one of the key switches. 6. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the area centroid positions of the first and second areas are shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.   The contact detection in each of the two key switches arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction by changing the distance from the surface of the key switch to the electrode in the plane of the electrode in at least one of the key switches. The input device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5, and 6, wherein an area center of gravity position of the region is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.   By changing the dielectric constant between the surface of the key switch and the electrode in at least one of the key switches, each of the two key switches arranged adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction is changed. The input device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7, wherein an area gravity center position of the contact detection region is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.   The input device according to claim 1, wherein a push switch for performing input by pushing in the key display area is added to the key switch.   The database further includes a database for referring to the data created by the predetermined prioritization, and valid key specifying means for outputting valid key data for narrowing down the input to one valid key switch. The input device according to any one of? 9.

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