JPH04128324U - One-handed input terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To construct a small input terminal that allows character input operations using only one hand. [Structure] One of three to five levels of positional information is specified at the center of the surface of a plate-shaped frame 1 that can be held with one hand.
A number of slide switches 2 are arranged in parallel, basic character code information is assigned to each combination of position information specified by these slide switches 2, and a part that the fingertip of one hand of the operator can reach at the same time, for example, the upper part of the surface of the frame 1, On the right and left sides of the back, for example, CAPS key, Kana key, CTR key, shift key, space key, DEL
Auxiliary keys 3, 4, 5 such as keys are arranged, and the button switch ₂₂ of the slide switch 2 or each auxiliary key 3, 4,
By turning on 5, the assigned code information is input into the computer.

Description

[Detailed explanation of the idea]

0001

[Industrial application field]

This invention is a character and symbol input terminal for computers, especially palmtop computers. Regarding the end.

0002

[Conventional technology]

Recently, ultra-compact multipurpose palmtop personal computers have been developed. this kind of Palmtop computers have an input system that allows you to efficiently enter characters in a limited space. How to design power terminals has become an important topic.

0003 By the way, as is well known, keyboards are generally used as input terminals for computers. A computer, mouse, etc. are used. In addition, a light pedal that operates on a CRT screen is also available. There are also buttons, touch panels, etc.

0004

[Problem that the idea aims to solve]

However, both keyboards and mice require less installation space or operation space. Palmtops are difficult to operate unless on a desk or similar functional item It was unsuitable for use with personal computers.

[0005] In addition, although touch panels and other devices have the effect of saving space, If applied to a top PC, it will cause poor operability and significantly reduce character input efficiency. There was a point.

[0006] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks, and its purpose is to Compact and ideal for space-saving multi-purpose computers such as palmtop computers. The purpose is to provide an input terminal with excellent operability.

[0007]

[Means to solve the problem] The structure of the one-handed operation input terminal of the present invention to achieve the above purpose is that it can be held with one hand. It is equipped with a plate-shaped frame that can be used to reach the part of the surface of this frame that can be reached simultaneously by the fingertips of one hand. M (integer) slide switches each specifying one of the N (integer) stages of position information. combination of position information specified by these slide switches. In addition to assigning basic character code information to each, the front and back sides of the frame are Multiple auxiliary keys are arranged in areas that can be reached at the same time by the fingertips of one hand on the front and sides of the Assign control code information to each of the slide switch and the auxiliary key. You can display each assigned code information by turning on at least one The feature is that the information is input into the data center itself.

[0008]

[Effect]

By each of the M slide switches specifying and turning on one of the N stages of position information, one of the N ^M combinations of basic character code information can be obtained. Furthermore, by turning on the auxiliary key, control code information such as shift information and CTR information can be obtained. Therefore, by inputting basic character code information, control code information, and code information combining these into the computer main body, almost the same functions as a normal keyboard can be achieved.

[0009] The integer values N and M can be set arbitrarily depending on the purpose of the computer main body. Moreover, the frame, slide switches, and auxiliary keys can be grasped by the operator with only one hand. can be held and operated.

0010

【Example】

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is an external view of a one-handed input terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is A frame that accommodates wiring boards, etc., and has a shape that allows the operator to hold it with one hand. , for example, has a plate-like outer shape.

Reference numeral 2 denotes slide switches, and three slide switches are arranged in parallel on the surface of the frame 1 at a site where the fingertips of one hand of the operator can reach at the same time, for example, on the center surface of the frame 1. Each slide switch 2 consists of a key 2 ₁ that slides on three to five contact points, and a button switch 2 ₂ provided on the key 2 ₁ . The contact points of each slide switch 2 are configured in four stages as standard, and in other stages as three or five stages depending on the application. Positional information is assigned to each contact point, and basic character code information is also assigned to each positional information specified by the combination of the three slide switches ₂₂ . Here, the basic character code information means character code information that does not require combination with CTR information, shift information, etc., which will be described later.

When the contacts of the slide switch 2 are configured in four stages, 4 ³ (64) types of basic character code information are assigned. This number of basic character code information approximately corresponds to the number of keys that a normal keyboard or the like has.

[0014] When the above-mentioned contact points are configured in three stages and five stages, 3 ³ (27) ways and 5 ³ (125) ways of basic character code information can be assigned, respectively.

The assigned basic character code information is triggered by turning on the button switch 2 ₂ , is code-processed on the wiring board in the frame 1 , and is input into the computer main body (not shown).

[0016] 3 is a CA disposed on the top of the frame 1 in close proximity to the slide switch 2. First auxiliary keys such as PS key, Kana key, cursor movement key, 4 is frame 1 Second auxiliary keys such as shift key and CTR key located on the back right side, 5 is frame This is the third auxiliary key such as the space key and DEL key located on the back left side of the computer. Ru. The number and type of the first to third auxiliary keys are set arbitrarily considering the frequency of use. be able to. In addition, each of the auxiliary keys 3, 4, and 5 can be reached by the fingertips of one hand of the operator at the same time. If it is a part, it may be arranged outside the above part, on both sides of the frame 1. . Each auxiliary key 3, 4, 5 is code-processed on the wiring board in frame 1 and is input to the computer itself.

[0017] Next, how to use the one-handed input terminal configured as described above will be explained.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how this terminal is used. For example, the terminal is fixed to the right hand with a band or the like, and the frame 1 is pressed between the thumb and little finger. For each slide switch 2, slide the key ₂₁ with your index finger, middle finger, and ring finger, and press the button switch ₂₂ in line with the code (contact position) you wish to input. As a result, specific basic character code information is input into the computer main body. The first auxiliary key 3 is also operated with these three fingers. Further, the second auxiliary key 4 is operated with the little finger, and the third auxiliary key 5 is operated with the thumb.

As described above, in this embodiment, three slide switches 2 are arranged in parallel on a frame 1 that can be held by the operator with one hand, and 3 ³ to 5 ³ types of basic character code information are assigned. Since the first to third auxiliary keys 3, 4, and 5 to which the control code information is assigned are all disposed within the reach of the fingertips of one hand, it is possible to input all the code information with only one hand. Moreover, it does not require any special space for operation and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

[0020] In this embodiment, the slide switch 2 is configured with three to five contact points, and the number of contacts is three, but the number is not necessarily limited to these numbers. It is possible to obtain position information in N ^M ways using M (integer) number of slide switches 2 having contact points in (integer) stages.

[0021]

[Effect of the idea]

As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, the hardware structure for character input is The configuration is significantly reduced compared to ordinary keyboards, etc., and the operation mode and usage are The usage is not particularly limited, and the code information assigned can be changed depending on the usage. This has the effect of greatly contributing to system miniaturization and versatility. play.

[0022] Therefore, if this invention is applied, space-saving devices such as palmtop computers can be used. We are able to provide small, easy-to-use input terminals that are ideal for multi-purpose computers. Wear.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a one-handed input terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a usage state diagram of the one-handed operation input terminal of this embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1...Frame, 2...Slide switch, 3, 4, 5...Auxiliary key.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] Claim 1: A plate-shaped frame that can be held with one hand, and one of N (integer) levels of positional information is specified for each part of the surface of the frame that can be simultaneously reached by the fingertips of one hand.
(integer) slide switches are arranged in parallel, basic character code information is assigned to each combination of position information specified by these slide switches, and the fingertips of one hand on the front, back, and side surfaces of the frame can be reached at the same time. Arranging a plurality of auxiliary keys in a part, assigning control code information to each auxiliary key, and inputting each assigned code information into the computer main body by turning on at least one of the slide switch and the auxiliary key. A one-handed operation input terminal.