JP3665539B2 - Input device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an input device using a tablet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As this type of input device, for example, there is an input device that includes a transparent pressure-sensitive tablet and an input pen, and the transparent pressure-sensitive tablet is superimposed on a display screen. When a desired position on the display screen is pointed and pressed with the input pen, the pressed position is detected by the pressure-sensitive tablet, and the pointed position on the display screen is recognized.
[0003]
Such an input device is used by being attached to an electronic device, but it is troublesome to put in and out the input pen and store it. In addition, when the electronic device is downsized, the input pen is also downsized and the operability is deteriorated. For this reason, not only this input device but also a keyboard may be connected to an electronic device and used together. However, if a keyboard is used together, portability is impaired.
[0004]
Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-244815 discloses an apparatus in which a cover is pivotally supported in the vicinity of one side of a pressure-sensitive tablet superimposed on a display screen and a plurality of operation buttons are provided on the cover. . Here, when the cover is open, the position indicated by the input pen is detected by the pressure-sensitive tablet, and when the cover is closed, the position pressed by the operation button is detected by the pressure-sensitive tablet.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional apparatus, either one of the input by the pen and the input by the operation button is selected according to the opening / closing of the cover, and both inputs are not used at the same time. Moreover, since the input method is switched according to the opening / closing of the cover, one of the two input methods is selected, and the number of input methods cannot be increased to three or more.
[0006]
JP-A-6-161602, JP-A-8-339237, and JP-A-9-6474 disclose a technique for protecting a keyboard and a display screen by sliding a lid of an electronic device. However, no operation button has been provided on the lid.
[0007]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and it is possible to use both input by a pen and input by operation buttons using a tablet without connecting a keyboard. An object of the present invention is to provide an input device capable of selecting any one of the above input modes.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, an input device of the present invention includes a tablet having a sensing surface, a moving piece supported movably along the sensing surface of the tablet, and a sensing piece provided on the moving piece. A group of operation buttons acting on the surface, a position detection unit for detecting the position of the moving piece, and one of a plurality of preset input modes is selected according to the position of the moving piece detected by the position detection unit. Input mode selection means.
[0009]
According to the present invention having such a configuration, the position of the moving piece is detected, and one of a plurality of input modes is selected according to the detected position of the moving piece. Accordingly, if three or more positions and three or more input modes corresponding to the respective positions are set in advance, any of the three or more input modes can be selected by moving the moving piece. . In addition, if the size and position of the moving piece are appropriately determined and the entire tablet is prevented from being covered with the moving piece, the input pen can be brought into contact with the tablet. Can be used in combination.
[0010]
The movement of the moving piece includes parallel movement and rotational movement, and any kind of movement may be used as long as it moves along the sensing surface of the tablet.
[0011]
In the present invention, the position detecting means is a tablet, and when the operation button of the operation button group is pressed, the tablet detects the position of the operation button as the position of the moving piece.
[0012]
That is, the tablet is used as a position detecting means for the moving piece. Since the operation button group moves with the movement of the moving piece, the position of the operation button detected by the tablet indicates the position of the moving piece.
[0013]
On the other hand, the input device of the present invention is supported by a tablet having a sensing surface and movably along the sensing surface of the tablet, is detachable, and can be detached and remounted after being changed in direction. According to the moving piece, the operation button group provided on the moving piece and acting on the sensing surface of the tablet, the direction detecting means for detecting the direction of the moving piece, and the direction of the moving piece detected by the direction detecting means in advance Input mode selection means for selecting one of the set input modes.
[0014]
Here, the direction of the moving piece is detected, and one of a plurality of input modes is selected according to the detected direction of the moving piece. If the size and position of the moving piece are appropriately determined and the entire tablet is prevented from being covered with the moving piece, the input pen can be brought into contact with the tablet, and input by the operation button and input by the input pen can be performed. Can be used together. Further, if the direction of the moving piece can be changed, the arrangement of the operation buttons on the moving piece changes from the user side. For example, the arrangement of the operation buttons that are easy to use right-handed and the arrangement of the operation buttons that are easy to use left-handed Any of these can be provided.
[0015]
If the position of the moving piece is detected, the direction of the moving piece is detected, and one of a plurality of input modes is selected in accordance with the position and the direction, a number of input modes can be selected. Easy to set up.
[0016]
Furthermore, in the present invention, the operation button group is unevenly distributed on the moving piece. As a result, even if the moving piece is approximately the same size as the tablet, a moving piece portion in which the operation button group is not unevenly distributed, that is, an empty portion is formed.
[0017]
Further, in the present invention, the tablet is transparent, the part of the moving piece where the operation button group is not unevenly distributed is transparent, and the tablet and the moving body are superimposed on the display screen. In this case, the display screen can be viewed through the part of the moving piece where the operation button group is not unevenly distributed and the empty part of the tablet.
[0018]
Furthermore, in the present invention, the tablet is transparent, the part of the moving piece where the operation button group is not unevenly distributed is opened, and the tablet and the moving body are superimposed on the display screen. Also in this case, the display screen can be seen through the opening part of the moving piece and the empty part of the tablet. In addition, the input pen can be brought into contact with an empty part of the tablet through the opening part of the moving piece, and input by the input pen becomes possible.
[0019]
In the present invention, an openable / closable protective cover for covering the operation button group is provided. This protective cover can prevent the operation button from being pushed by mistake.
[0020]
Furthermore, in the present invention, the operation button group is detachably attached to the moving piece. In this case, if a plurality of types of operation button groups are prepared, these operation button groups can be used interchangeably, and various input modes can be set. Further, when the operation button group is removed, an opening portion is formed in the moving piece, so that the input pen can be brought into contact with an empty portion of the tablet through the opening portion of the moving piece.
[0021]
In the present invention, the direction of the entire operation button group can be changed, and the operation button group can be attached to the moving piece. For example, the operation button group can be attached to the moving piece by rotating the direction of the entire operation button group by 90 degrees. In this case, by rotating the entire input device in accordance with the direction of the operation button group, the input device can be used in the horizontal direction or the input device can be used in the vertical direction.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0023]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a first embodiment of the input device of the present invention. The input device 100 is applied to a portable electronic device, and includes a transparent pressure-sensitive tablet 101, a slide body 102 that is movably supported along the pressure-sensitive surface of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, and the slide. A group of operation buttons 103 provided on the body 102, an input pen 104, a memory 105, and a central processing unit (CPU) 106 that comprehensively controls the input device 100 and the portable electronic device are provided. The transparent pressure-sensitive tablet 101 overlaps the liquid crystal display unit 107 of the portable electronic device, and the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 107 can be viewed through the pressure-sensitive tablet 101.
[0024]
Here, the slide body 102 is moved, the predetermined operation button 103a is moved to the position of the first input mode or the position of the second input mode, and the operation button 103a is pressed and pressed against the pressure-sensitive tablet 101. The pressure-sensitive tablet 101 detects the position where the operation button 103a is pressed, that is, the position of the first input mode or the position of the second input mode, and outputs a detection signal indicating this position to the CPU 106.
[0025]
When the CPU 106 inputs a detection signal indicating the position of the first input mode, the CPU 106 selects a first input mode table stored in advance in the memory 105 and sets the first input mode. When the CPU 106 receives a detection signal indicating the position of the second input mode, the CPU 106 selects a second input mode table stored in advance in the memory 105 and sets the second input mode. In the first input mode table, the positions of the operation buttons 103a and 103b of the operation button group 103 when the operation button 103a is moved to the position of the first input mode are registered in advance. Similarly, the positions of the operation buttons 103a and 103b of the operation button group 103 when the operation button 103a is moved to the position of the second input mode are registered in advance in the second input mode table.
[0026]
Thus, the first input mode or the second input mode is set, and then the operation button group 103 is operated. For example, when the first input mode is set, every time one of the operation buttons 103a and 103b is pressed, the CPU 106 inputs the detection signal of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 and searches the first input mode table. Then, an operation button corresponding to the position indicated by the detection signal is obtained, and this operation button is identified. Similarly, when the second input mode is set, every time one of the operation buttons 103a and 103b is pressed, the CPU 106 inputs the detection signal of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 and searches the table of the second input mode. Then, an operation button corresponding to the position indicated by the detection signal is obtained, and this operation button is identified.
[0027]
In addition, when the second input mode is set, the slide body 102 covers only about 1/3 of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 as described later, and is about 2/3 of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101. Thus, the input pen 104 can be used for input in a range close to about 2/3. When the position indicated by the detection signal of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 is out of the range of the operation button group 103, the CPU 106 regards this position as being due to the input pen 104.
[0028]
2, 3, 4 and 5 show a portable electronic device to which the input device 100 of the first embodiment is applied. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the portable electronic device, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device when the input device 100 is set to the first input mode, and FIG. 4 is an input device. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device when 100 is set to the second input mode, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.
[0029]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, a liquid crystal display unit 107 and a transparent pressure-sensitive tablet 101 are stacked on the upper side of the portable electronic device 110. Grooves 110 a are formed on both sides of the portable electronic device 110. The slide body 102 includes a flat plate portion 102a, side wall portions 102b provided on both sides of the flat plate portion 102a, and rail portions 102c provided on the edges of the side wall portions 102b. The operation button group 103 is arranged in a range of about ３ of the flat plate portion 102a of the slide body 102.
[0030]
Each rail portion 102c of the slide body 102 is fitted into each groove 110a of the portable electronic device 110, and the slide body 102 is movably mounted. As shown in FIG. 3, when the slide body 102 is moved to a position where the entire slide body 102 overlaps the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, the operation button 103a is moved to the position of the first input mode. When the operation button 103a is pressed in this state, the first input mode is set.
[0031]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the slide body 102 is moved to a position where the range of about 1/3 of the slide body 102 overlaps the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, the operation button 103a is moved to the position of the second input mode. . When the operation button 103a is pressed in this state, the second input mode is set.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 6, the operation button 103a (or 103b) of the operation button group 103 is connected to the edge of the hole 102d of the flat plate portion 102a through the elastic support portion 112. Normally, the operation button is supported by the elastic support portion 112 in a state where the lower end 103e of the operation button is separated from the pressure-sensitive surface of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 as indicated by a solid line. When the operation button is pressed, the operation button moves as indicated by a dotted line, and the pressure-sensitive surface of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 is pressed by its lower end 103e. When the operation button is released, the operation button returns to the original position indicated by the solid line by the elastic force of the elastic support portion 112.
[0033]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 is configured such that the tablet film 121 and the tablet glass 122 are slightly spaced apart from each other, the contact 123 is provided on the tablet film 121, and the contact 124 is provided on the tablet glass 122. It has a provided structure. When the operation button 103a (or 103b) is pressed, the contacts 123 and 124 come into contact with each other, and when the operation button is released, the contacts 123 and 124 are separated from each other. A plurality of sets of contacts 123 and 124 are arranged in a matrix on the entire pressure-sensitive surface of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, and when any set of contacts 123 and 124 comes into contact, the contacts 123 and 124 are The position of the pressed operation button is detected electrically. When pressed by the input pen 104, the contacts 123 and 124 that are in contact with each other are electrically detected, and the position of the input pen 104 is detected.
[0034]
As described above, in the first embodiment, when the slide body 102 is moved and the predetermined operation button 103a is moved to the position of the first input mode or the position of the second input mode and then the operation button 103a is pressed, The first input mode or the second input mode is set. In any input mode, input by operating the operation button group 103 is possible. Further, in the second input mode, a range of about 2/3 of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 is opened, so that not only input by the operation button 103 but also input by the input pen 104 can be performed.
[0035]
In addition to the first and second input modes, three or more input modes and three or more positions in the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 are set in advance, the slide body 102 is moved, and the operation button 103a is pressed. Any one of the positions may be instructed by pressing the button, and one of the input modes may be set in accordance with the instructed position. Alternatively, the input mode using only the input pen 104 may be set by removing the slide body 102 and indicating the preset position of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 with the input pen 104.
[0036]
Further, instead of detecting the position of the pressed operation button 103a by the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, a sensor for detecting the position of the slide body 102 is provided, and according to the position of the slide body 102 detected by this sensor, Either input mode may be set. That is, since the operation button group 103 and the slide body 102 are moved together, the same effect can be achieved regardless of which position is detected.
[0037]
7, 8, and 9 show a portable electronic device to which a first modification of the input device of FIG. 1 is applied. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the portable electronic device, FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device when the input device is set to the first input mode, and FIG. 9 shows the input device. It is a top view which shows a portable electronic device when set to 2nd input mode. 7 to 9, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same functions as those in FIGS. 2 to 5.
[0038]
In the input device 130 shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the operation button group 103 is arranged at substantially the center of the slide body 131. In this case, in the state where the second input mode is set as shown in FIG. 9, only a range of about 1/3 of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 is opened, so that there is a range in which input by the input pen 104 is possible. Narrow. However, when the entire slide body 131 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, the entire display content of the liquid crystal display unit 107 is roughly grasped through the slide body 131 in the state where the first input mode is set as shown in FIG. be able to.
[0039]
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a portable electronic device to which a second modification of the input device of FIG. 1 is applied. In FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same operations as those in FIGS. 2 to 5.
[0040]
In the input device 140 shown in FIG. 10, a slide body 141 is applied instead of the slide body 102 of FIGS. 2 to 5, and the direction of the slide body 141 is opposite to that of the slide body 102 of FIGS. 2 to 5. It has become. Accordingly, the position of the operation button 103a for designating the first input mode and the second input mode is changed.
[0041]
The slide body 141 is provided with a window 142 into which a transparent synthetic resin plate is fitted. In the first input mode, the operation button group 103 overlaps the range of about ３ on the left side of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, and input by the operation button 103 can be performed. Further, since the range of about 2/3 on the right side of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 is opened, it is possible to perform input using the input pen 104 and confirmation of the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 107.
[0042]
In the second input mode, the operation button group 103 overlaps the range of about 右側 on the right side of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, and input by the operation button 103 can be performed. In addition, since the window 142 overlaps the range on the left side of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 107 can be confirmed through the window 142.
[0043]
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a portable electronic device to which a third modification of the input device of FIG. 1 is applied, and FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device. 11 and 12, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same functions as those in FIGS. 2 to 5.
[0044]
In the input device 150 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a slide body 151 is applied instead of the slide body 102 of FIGS. Similar to the slide body 141 of FIG. 10, the slide body 151 has an orientation opposite to that of the slide body 102 of FIGS. 2 to 5, and is used for designating the first input mode and the second input mode. The position of the operation button 103a has been changed.
[0045]
The slide body 151 is formed with an opening 151a. In the first input mode, the operation button group 103 overlaps the range of about ３ on the left side of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, and input by the operation button 103 can be performed. Further, since the range of about 2/3 on the right side of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 is opened, it is possible to perform input using the input pen 104 and confirmation of the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 107.
[0046]
In the second input mode, the operation button group 103 overlaps the range of about 右側 on the right side of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, and input by the operation button 103 can be performed. In the range on the left side of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 107 can be viewed through the opening 151a, and input by the input pen 104 can be performed through the opening 151a.
[0047]
13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 show a portable electronic device to which a fourth modification of the input device of FIG. 1 is applied. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the portable electronic device, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a slide body in the input device. 15 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 15, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. . In FIGS. 13 to 17, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as those in FIGS. 2 to 5.
[0048]
In the input device 160 shown in FIGS. 13 to 17, a movable protective cover 162 is provided on the slide body 161, the protective cover 162 is moved, and the operation button group 103 is covered and protected by the protective cover 162.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 14, a transparent protective cover 162 is placed on the slide body 161, and the frame body 163 is fixed to the slide body 161 from above. A stepped portion 163a is formed on both inner edges of the frame 163, and end portions 162a on both sides of the protective cover 162 are fitted into the stepped portion 163a on both sides. Thereby, the protective cover 162 is supported movably.
[0050]
15 to 17 show a state where the operation button group 103 is protected by the protective cover 162. In this state, the operation button group 103 is not pressed by mistake. When the protective cover 103 is moved in the direction of arrow E, the operation button group 103 is opened, and the operation button group 103 can be operated.
[0051]
18 to 20 show a portable electronic device to which a fifth modification of the input device of FIG. 1 is applied. 18 is a perspective view showing the portable electronic device, FIG. 19 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device, and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 18 to 20, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same functions as those in FIGS. 2 to 5.
[0052]
In the input device 170 shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, both of the two operation units 172 and 173 can be detachably attached to the slide body 171. These operation units 172 and 173 are provided with respective operation button groups 174 and 175. The arrangement and configuration of the operation button group 174 and the arrangement and configuration of the operation button group 175 are different from each other.
[0053]
The slide body 171 has an opening 171a, and grooves 171b are formed on both sides of the opening 171a. Rail portions 172a are formed on both sides of the operation unit 172. These rail portions 172a are fitted in the grooves 171b of the opening 171a of the slide body 171 so that the operation unit 172 is mounted. Similarly, each rail portion 173a of the operation unit 173 is fitted into each groove 171b of the opening 171a of the slide body 171 and the operation unit 173 is mounted. After mounting any one of the operation units 172 and 173 on the slide body 171 in this way, the slide body 171 is mounted on the portable electronic device 110.
[0054]
Here, by moving the slide body 171 equipped with the operation unit 172 to at least two positions and then pressing a predetermined operation button 174a of the operation button group 174, any one of at least two input modes is selected. Set. Further, by moving the slide body 171 equipped with the operation unit 173 to at least one of two positions and then pressing a predetermined operation button 175a of the operation button group 175, at least one of the two input modes can be selected. Set. Therefore, a plurality of input modes can be set for each of the operation units 172 and 173, and the input device 170 as a whole can set a large number of input modes.
[0055]
Alternatively, in the operation unit 172, an array of operation buttons that are easy to use right-handed is set, and in the operation unit 173, an array of operation buttons that are easy-to-use left-handed is set, and the operation units 172 and 173 are set according to right-handed and left-handed. May be used properly.
[0056]
When neither of the operation units 172 and 173 is attached, the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 107 is viewed through the opening 171a of the slide body 171 or the input pen 104 to the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 is input through the opening 171a. Input can be made.
[0057]
FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a portable electronic device to which a sixth modification of the input device of FIG. 1 is applied. Note that, in FIG. 21, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as those in FIGS.
[0058]
In the input device 180 shown in FIG. 21, the operation unit 182 can be detachably mounted on the slide body 181 while changing its direction. An opening 181a is formed in the slide body 181, and each groove 181b is formed on both sides of the opening 181a. The operation unit 182 has a square shape when viewed from above, and rails 182a are formed on four sides thereof. Since the operation unit 182 is square, the operation unit 182 is fitted in the opening 181a of the slide body 181 in the vertical direction (indicated by the symbol G) or in the horizontal direction (indicated by the symbol H), that is, by 90 degrees different from each other. be able to. In this way, after the operation unit 182 is mounted on the slide body 181 either vertically or horizontally, the slide body 181 is mounted on the portable electronic device 110.
[0059]
Here, at least two inputs are made by moving the slide body 181 equipped with the vertical operation unit 182 to at least one of two positions and then pressing a predetermined operation button 183a of the operation button group 183. Set one of the modes. Further, by moving the slide body 181 mounted with the lateral operation unit 182 to at least two positions and then pressing the predetermined operation button 183a, at least one of the two input modes is set. . Therefore, a large number of input modes can be set for the input device 180 as a whole.
[0060]
Further, depending on whether the installed operation unit 182 is in the portrait orientation or landscape orientation, the input mode for performing the input operation with the portable electronic device 110 in the portrait orientation, and the input operation with the portable electronic device 110 in the landscape orientation. The input mode can be selectively set.
[0061]
When the operation units 182 are not attached, the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 107 is viewed through the opening 181a of the slide body 181 and the input pen 104 is input to the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 through the opening 181a. Can do.
[0062]
Therefore, various input modes can be set, and the portable electronic device 110 can be used properly in portrait and landscape orientations.
[0063]
FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the input device of the present invention. Note that, in FIG. 22, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same operation as in FIG. 1.
[0064]
In this input device 200, instead of the slide body 102 of FIG. 1, a slide body 201 that is detachable and can be detached and remounted after changing the orientation is provided. A direction detecting switch 202 for detection is attached.
[0065]
The slide body 201 is mounted in one direction and in the opposite direction. The direction detection switch 202 detects the direction of the slide body 201 and outputs a detection signal indicating the direction to the CPU 106. The CPU 106 sets either the first input mode or the second input mode according to the two directions indicated by the detection signal.
[0066]
23, 24, 25, and 26 illustrate a portable electronic device to which the input device 200 of the second embodiment is applied. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the portable electronic device, FIG. 24 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device when the input device 200 is set to the first input mode, and FIG. FIG. 26 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device when 200 is set to the second input mode, and FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along II of FIG.
[0067]
As shown in FIG. 23 to FIG. 26, a notch 201 d is formed on one side wall 201 b of the slide body 201. In addition, a direction detection switch 202 is provided on one side of the portable electronic device 110. The direction detection switch 202 has a mover 202a.
[0068]
As shown in FIG. 24, when the slide body 201 is attached to the portable electronic device 110 with the operation button group 103 facing the left side of the slide body 201, the notch 201d of the slide body 201 is the orientation detection switch 202. Since the movable element 202a of the direction detection switch 202 is pressed by the other side wall 201b of the slide body 201 because it is located on the opposite side, the direction detection switch 202 is turned on, and in response to this, the CPU 106 receives the first input. Set the mode.
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 25, when the slide body 201 is mounted on the portable electronic device 110 with the operation button group 103 facing the right side of the slide body 201, the notch 201 d of the slide body 201 is turned to the orientation detection switch 202. Therefore, the mover 202a of the direction detection switch 202 is not pressed down, and the direction detection switch 202 is turned off. In response to this, the CPU 106 sets the second input mode.
[0070]
As described above, in the second embodiment, the first input mode or the second input mode is set according to the orientation of the slide body 201 attached to the portable electronic device 110.
[0071]
Instead of providing the direction detection switch 202, the position of the predetermined operation button of the operation button group 103 may be detected by the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, and the direction of the slide body 201 may be obtained based on this position. That is, when the orientation of the slide body 201 is changed, the position of the operation button is also changed accordingly, so that the orientation of the slide body 201 can be obtained based on the position of the operation button.
[0072]
In addition to the orientation of the slide body 201, the slide body 201 is moved and the position designated by pressing a predetermined operation button is detected as in the first embodiment, and the orientation and detection of the slide body 201 are detected. If one of a plurality of input modes is selected according to the position, a larger number of input modes can be set.
[0073]
27 and 28 are plan views showing portable electronic devices to which modifications of the input device of FIG. 23 are applied. In FIGS. 27 and 28, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same functions as in FIGS.
[0074]
In the input device 210 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, a slide body 211 having an opening 211a is applied instead of the slide body 201 shown in FIGS. A cutout portion 211 d is formed on one side wall portion 211 b of the slide body 211, and a direction detection switch 202 is provided on one side of the portable electronic device 110. The orientation detection switch 202 detects the orientation of the slide body 201, and the first input mode or the second input mode is set according to the detection result.
[0075]
In both the first input mode of FIG. 27 and the second input mode of FIG. 28, the operation button group 103 overlaps the range of about 1/3 of one side of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101, and input by the operation button can be performed. Further, since the remaining range of about 2/3 of the pressure-sensitive tablet 101 is released, it is possible to perform input using the input pen 104 and confirmation of the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 107.
[0076]
Note that the input device of the second embodiment can be variously modified in the same manner as the input device of the first embodiment. For example, the arrangement position of the operation button group 103 on the slide body may be changed, or an empty part where the operation button group 103 is not arranged may be a transparent window. Alternatively, a protective cover for protecting the operation button group 103 may be provided. Alternatively, two operation units may be selectively mounted on the slide body, or one operation unit may be mounted with its orientation changed by 90 degrees.
[0077]
Furthermore, in either of the first and second embodiments, various modifications may be made, or those modifications may be combined as appropriate. Further, the entire slide body and the operation button group may be transparent, or the operation button group may be disposed on the entire slide body. Furthermore, as the tablet, not only the pressure-sensitive type but also other known types can be applied.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the input device of the present invention, the position of the moving piece is detected, and one of a plurality of input modes is selected according to the detected position of the moving piece. Accordingly, if three or more positions and three or more input modes corresponding to the respective positions are set in advance, any of the three or more input modes can be selected by moving the moving piece. . In addition, if the size and position of the moving piece are appropriately determined and the entire tablet is prevented from being covered with the moving piece, the input pen can be brought into contact with the tablet. Can be used in combination.
[0079]
The movement of the moving piece includes parallel movement and rotational movement, and any kind of movement may be used as long as it moves along the sensing surface of the tablet.
[0080]
Moreover, according to this invention, the tablet is utilized as a position detection means of a moving piece. Since the operation button group moves with the movement of the moving piece, the position of the operation button detected by the tablet indicates the position of the moving piece.
[0081]
On the other hand, according to the input device of the present invention, the direction of the moving piece is detected, and one of a plurality of input modes is selected according to the detected direction of the moving piece. If the size and position of the moving piece are appropriately determined and the entire tablet is prevented from being covered with the moving piece, the input pen can be brought into contact with the tablet, and input by the operation button and input by the input pen can be performed. Can be used together. Further, if the direction of the moving piece can be changed, the arrangement of the operation buttons on the moving piece changes from the user side. For example, the arrangement of the operation buttons that are easy to use right-handed and the arrangement of the operation buttons that are easy to use left-handed Any of these can be provided.
[0082]
If the position of the moving piece is detected, the direction of the moving piece is detected, and one of a plurality of input modes is selected in accordance with the position and the direction, a number of input modes can be selected. Easy to set up.
[0083]
Further, according to the present invention, since the operation button group is unevenly distributed on the moving piece, even if the moving piece is almost the same size as the tablet, the part of the moving piece where the operation button group is not unevenly distributed, that is, the empty part. Is formed.
[0084]
Moreover, according to this invention, the tablet is transparent, the site | part of the moving piece in which the operation button group is not unevenly distributed is transparent, and the tablet and the mobile body are overlaid on the display screen. In this case, the display screen can be viewed through the part of the moving piece where the operation button group is not unevenly distributed and the empty part of each tablet.
[0085]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the tablet is transparent, the part of the moving piece where the operation button group is not unevenly distributed is opened, and the tablet and the moving body are superimposed on the display screen. In this case, the display screen can be viewed through the opening part of the moving piece and the empty part of each tablet. In addition, the input pen can be brought into contact with an empty part of the tablet through the opening part of the moving piece, and input by the input pen becomes possible.
[0086]
In addition, according to the present invention, since the openable and closable protective cover that covers the operation button group is provided, it is possible to prevent the operation button from being accidentally pressed.
[0087]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the operation button group is detachably attached to the moving piece, if a plurality of types of operation button groups are prepared, these operation button groups are exchanged and used. It is possible to set various input modes. Further, when the operation button group is removed, an opening portion is formed in the moving piece, so that the input pen can be brought into contact with an empty portion of the tablet through the opening portion of the moving piece.
[0088]
Further, according to the present invention, the direction of the entire operation button group can be changed and the operation button group can be attached to the moving piece. For example, when the direction of the entire operation button group is rotated by 90 degrees and this operation button group is mounted on the moving piece, the input device is turned sideways by rotating the entire input device according to the direction of the operation button group. Or the input device can be used in a vertical orientation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a first embodiment of an input device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a portable electronic device to which the input device of FIG. 1 is applied.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device when the input device of FIG. 1 is set to the first input mode.
4 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device when the input device of FIG. 1 is set to the second input mode. FIG.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
6 is a partially enlarged view showing an operation button and a pressure-sensitive tablet of the input device of FIG. 1. FIG.
7 is a perspective view showing a portable electronic device to which a first modification of the input device of FIG. 1 is applied.
8 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device when the input device of FIG. 7 is set to the first input mode. FIG.
9 is a plan view showing a portable electronic device when the input device of FIG. 7 is set to the second input mode. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a portable electronic device to which a second modification of the input device of FIG. 1 is applied.
11 is a perspective view showing a portable electronic device to which a third modification of the input device of FIG. 1 is applied.
12 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device of FIG. 11. FIG.
13 is a perspective view showing a portable electronic device to which a fourth modification of the input device of FIG. 1 is applied.
14 is an exploded perspective view showing a slide body in the input device of FIG. 13;
15 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device of FIG. 13;
16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG.
17 is a cross-sectional view taken along DD in FIG.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a portable electronic device to which a fifth modification of the input device of FIG. 1 is applied.
19 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device of FIG.
20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG.
21 is a perspective view showing a portable electronic device to which a sixth modification of the input device of FIG. 1 is applied.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram schematically showing a second embodiment of the input device of the invention.
23 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a portable electronic device to which the input device of FIG. 22 is applied.
24 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device when the input device of FIG. 22 is set to the first input mode. FIG.
FIG. 25 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device when the input device of FIG. 22 is set to the second input mode.
26 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. 25. FIG.
FIG. 27 is a plan view showing a portable electronic device to which a modification of the input device of FIG. 23 is applied and when the input device is set to the first input mode.
FIG. 28 is a plan view showing the portable electronic device when the input device of FIG. 27 is set to the second input mode.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 input devices
101 pressure sensitive tablet
102 Slide body
103 Operation buttons
104 Input pen
105 memory
106 Central processing unit (CPU)
107 Liquid crystal display unit
110 Portable electronic devices

Claims (9)

A tablet having a sensing surface;
A moving piece supported movably along the sensing surface of the tablet;
A group of operation buttons provided on the moving piece and acting on the sensing surface of the tablet;
Position detecting means for detecting the position of the moving piece;
An input device comprising: input mode selection means for selecting one of a plurality of preset input modes according to the position of the moving piece detected by the position detection means. The position detecting means is a tablet,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein when the operation button of the operation button group is pressed, the tablet detects the position of the operation button as the position of the moving piece. A tablet having a sensing surface;
A movable piece that is supported movably along the sensing surface of the tablet, is detachable, can be removed, repositioned and then mounted again;
A group of operation buttons provided on the moving piece and acting on the sensing surface of the tablet;
Direction detecting means for detecting the direction of the moving piece;
An input device comprising input mode selection means for selecting one of a plurality of preset input modes according to the direction of the moving piece detected by the direction detection means. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation button group is unevenly distributed on the moving piece. The tablet is transparent and
The part of the moving piece where the operation buttons are not unevenly distributed is transparent,
The input device according to claim 4, wherein the tablet and the moving body are superimposed on the display screen. The tablet is transparent and
The part of the moving piece where the operation button group is not unevenly distributed is opened,
The input device according to claim 4, wherein the tablet and the moving body are superimposed on the display screen. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising an openable / closable protective cover that covers the operation button group. 4. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation button group is detachably attached to the moving piece. The input device according to claim 8, wherein the direction of the entire operation button group can be changed and the operation button group can be attached to the moving piece.

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