Keyboard device

Abstract

The invention provides a keyboard device, a control method and a control program which can further improve convenience of a user. The keyboard device includes: a housing; a plurality of keys arranged on the upper surface of the housing; and a touchpad provided on at least one side surface of the housing, the shortest distance D between a key assigned to the reference key position among the plurality of keys and an upper end portion of the side surface on which the touchpad is provided and the width W of the touchpad satisfying 2lt; log2 (1 + D / W) lt; 6.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a keyboard device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various types of keyboard devices have been developed. In such keyboard devices, it is required to further improve the convenience of users.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an input assisting means operating device, which includes a first direction position operating input portion arranged on a first edge portion formed by the intersection of an operating surface and a side surface of a housing, and a second direction position operating input portion arranged on a second edge portion intersecting the first edge portion. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-058986 Summary of the invention Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0005] In keyboard devices, it is required to further improve the convenience of users.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard device that can further improve user convenience. Technical means of solving problems

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard device includes: a shell; a plurality of keys arranged on the upper surface of the shell; and a touchpad arranged on at least one side surface of the shell, and the shortest distance D between a key assigned to a reference key position among the plurality of keys and an upper end portion of the side surface on which the touchpad is arranged and a width W of the touchpad satisfy the following formula. 2 <log2(1+D / W)<6

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a keyboard device includes: a shell; a plurality of keys arranged on the upper surface of the shell; a mouse pointer arranged on the upper surface of the shell; and a touchpad arranged on at least one side surface of the shell, and the shortest distance D between the mouse pointer and the upper end of the side surface on which the touchpad is arranged and the width W of the touchpad satisfy the following formula. 2 <log2(1+D / W)<6 Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the keyboard device can further improve the convenience of the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the keyboard device according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 is a top view of the keyboard device. Figure 3 is a graph used to illustrate the experimental results. Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the space bar, the touch pad, and the user's fingers. Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining a cover of a mouse pointer. Figure 6 yes Figure 2 AA cross-sectional view of the keyboard device shown. Figure 7 (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams for explaining the side shape of the keyboard device. Figure 8 (a) to (h) are schematic diagrams for explaining the shape of a portion of the side surface of the keyboard device where the touchpad is arranged. Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing switches provided on the keyboard device. Fig.10 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing an angle switching portion of a keyboard device. Fig.11 (a) is a diagram showing a keyboard device in which an angle switching unit is housed. Fig.11 (b) is a diagram showing a keyboard device with the first angle adjustment unit unfolded. Fig.11 (c) is a diagram of the keyboard device with the second angle adjustment unit unfolded. Fig.12 (a) is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a keyboard device. Fig.12 (b) is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a storage device and a processing circuit. Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing an example of control processing executed by the keyboard device. Fig.14 It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit of a keyboard device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Hereinafter, a keyboard device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but includes the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0012] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the keyboard device 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 is a top view of the keyboard device 100 .

[0013] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2, arrow A1 indicates the approximately vertical direction (the height direction of the keyboard device 100), arrow A2 indicates the long side direction (width direction) of the keyboard device 100 which is perpendicular to the height direction, and arrow A3 indicates the short side direction (depth direction) of the keyboard device 100 which is perpendicular to the height direction and the width direction.

[0014] The keyboard device 100 is a keyboard device having main keys for inputting symbols or letters such as alphanumeric characters. The keyboard device 100 may also be a so-called numeric keyboard device having a numeric keypad for inputting numbers. The keyboard device 100 receives an input operation from a user and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the input operation from the user to an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer, a portable information terminal, etc.) not shown in the figure and electrically connected to the keyboard device 100.

[0015] The keyboard device 100 includes a housing 101, a plurality of keys 102, a mouse pointer 103, a plurality of mouse keys 104, and a plurality of touch pads 110. In addition, the number of touch pads 110 may be one. The plurality of keys 102, the mouse pointer 103, the plurality of mouse keys 104, and the plurality of touch pads 110 are all disposed in the housing 101.

[0016] The plurality of keys 102 are used to input characters such as symbols or alphanumeric characters. The plurality of keys 102 are arranged on the upper surface of the housing 101. Each key 102 includes a key cap and a key switch. The plurality of keys 102 include keys 102a to 102h assigned to reference key positions. When the plurality of keys 102 are main keys, the A key, the S key, the D key, the F key, the J key, the K key, the L key, and the "; (semicolon)" key are assigned to the reference key positions. When the plurality of keys 102 are numeric keypads, the 5 key is assigned to the reference key position.

[0017] The mouse pointer 103 is used to designate an input position or coordinates on a screen of a display device (not shown) of an information processing device connected to the keyboard device 100. The mouse pointer 103 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 101. Considering that the mouse pointer 103 is operated together with the mouse button 104, the mouse pointer 103 is provided at a position based on the position of the mouse button 104. For example, the mouse pointer 103 is provided at a position overlapping with the mouse button 104 as viewed from the depth direction A3, that is, in the width direction A2. In addition, the mouse pointer 103 is provided at a position overlapping with the mouse button 104 as viewed from the width direction A2, that is, in the depth direction A3.

[0018] The mouse pointer 103 is arranged between the F key 102d and the J key 102e among the plurality of keys 102. Thus, the user can easily operate the mouse pointer 103 by using the index finger placed on the F key 102d and the J key 102e assigned to the reference key positions. Therefore, the keyboard device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0019] The plurality of mouse buttons 104 are buttons that can be assigned the same functions as the left button, right button, and wheel button on a conventional three-button mouse, or can be assigned other functions used in conventional keyboard devices.

[0020] A plurality of mouse keys 104 are provided in a range from the upper surface to the front side of the housing 101. The mouse keys 104 are arranged between the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key positions among the plurality of keys 102 and the touch pads 110a and 110b. Thus, the user can easily operate the mouse keys 104 with the thumb while placing the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger on the keys 102a to 102h. Therefore, the keyboard device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0021] Furthermore, the mouse button 104 is provided between the mouse pointer 103 and the touch pads 110a and 110b. Thus, the user can easily operate the mouse button 104 with the thumb while operating the mouse pointer 103 with the index finger. Therefore, the keyboard device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0022] The plurality of touch pads 110 can be assigned gesture functions and output signals corresponding to operations such as sliding, clicking, double-clicking, pressing, or long pressing, etc. The plurality of touch pads 110 are used to scroll up and down or left and right, enlarge or reduce, or rotate an object displayed on a screen of a display device of an information processing device connected to the keyboard device 100, etc.

[0023] The plurality of touch pads 110 include touch pads 110a to 110f. The touch pads 110a and 110b are disposed on the side surface near the front of the housing 101. The touch pads 110c and 110d are disposed on the rear side surface of the housing 101. The touch pad 110e is disposed on the left side surface of the housing 101. The touch pad 110f is disposed on the right side surface of the housing 101. Each touch pad 110 is disposed along the extension direction of each side surface. The touch pad 110 includes a sensor for detecting a user's touch.

[0024] The shortest distance D1 between the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key positions among the plurality of keys 102 and the upper ends E1 to E4 of the side surface where the touch pad 110 is provided and the width W of the touch pad 110 satisfy the following formula (1). 2 <log2(1+D1 / W)<6…(1)

[0025] The width W of the touch panel 110 is the length in the short-side direction of the operation surface of the touch panel 110 , that is, the length in the height direction A1 of the touch panel 110 .

[0026] The shortest distance D1 is the distance between the center position of the keycaps of the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key positions in the depth direction A3 and the upper end E1 of the front side surface. The shortest distance D1 may also be the distance between the end of the keycaps of the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key positions in the depth direction A3 and the upper end E1 of the front side surface.

[0027] The shortest distance D1 may also be the distance between the center position of the keycaps of the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key positions in the depth direction A3 and the upper end E2 of the rear side surface. The shortest distance D1 may also be the distance between the rear end of the keycaps of the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key positions in the depth direction A3 and the upper end E2 of the rear side surface.

[0028] The shortest distance D1 may also be the distance between the center position of the keycap of the leftmost key 102a among the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key position in the width direction A2 and the upper end E3 of the left side surface. The shortest distance D1 may also be the distance between the left end of the keycap of the key 102a in the width direction A2 and the upper end E3 of the left side surface. The shortest distance D1 may also be the distance between the position of any key among the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key position in the width direction A2 and the upper end E3 of the left side surface.

[0029] The shortest distance D1 may also be the distance between the center position of the keycap of the rightmost key 102h among the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key position in the width direction A2 and the upper end E4 of the right side surface. The shortest distance D1 may also be the distance between the right end of the keycap of the key 102h in the width direction A2 and the upper end E4 of the right side surface. The shortest distance D1 may also be the distance between the position of any key among the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key position in the width direction A2 and the upper end E4 of the right side surface.

[0030] It is particularly preferable that the shortest distance D1 and the width W satisfy the following formula (2). 2.2 <log2(1+D1 / W)<4.1…(2)

[0031] Fitts's law is known, which predicts that the time required to move to the area of ​​a target object is a function of the distance to the target object and the size of the target object. Fitts's law is used to model the action of pointing to a certain point, that is, the action of physically contacting the target object with a hand or finger. In Fitts's law, the time T representing the completion of the action is calculated by the following equation (3). T=a+blog2(1+D / W)…(3)

[0032] Here, a is the time required to start and stop the movement. b is the movement speed. D is the distance from the starting point to the center of the target. W is the width of the target measured in the direction of movement. Among these parameters, time a and speed b are determined by experimental conditions. The logarithmic term log2(1+D1 / W) in formula (2) is called the difficulty index ID, and the time T to complete the action depends on the difficulty index ID.

[0033] The inventor conducted the following experiment, namely, for a keyboard device with a touchpad provided on the side, the reference key position of the key was used as the starting point, and the width of the touchpad was used as the width of the target object. While changing the distance between the reference key position of the key and the touchpad and the width of the touchpad, multiple users were asked to move their fingers placed on the reference key position to the position of the touchpad.

[0034] Figure 3 is a graph for explaining the above experimental results.

[0035] exist Figure 3 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the difficulty index ID, and the vertical axis represents the user's subjective value of comfort in operability. The subjective value has five levels, 1 represents very uncomfortable, 2 represents uncomfortable, 3 represents normal, 4 represents comfortable, and 5 represents very comfortable. Figure 3 The curve 301 is a curve showing the relationship between the difficulty index ID of each key in the above experiment and the average value of the subjective values ​​of multiple users. The lines 302a to 302g above the curve 301 represent the maximum values ​​of the subjective values ​​of each user with respect to the difficulty index ID of each key 102, and the lines 303a to 303g below the curve 301 represent the minimum values ​​of the subjective values ​​of each user with respect to the difficulty index ID of each key 102. Figure 3 As shown, when the difficulty index ID is less than 6, the subjective value of each user is 3 or more, indicating that it is normal, and all users are not dissatisfied with the operability. On the other hand, in order to properly arrange the keys between the reference key positions and the touchpad, the difficulty index ID must be at least greater than 2. Therefore, when the keyboard device satisfies the above formula (1), it is possible to improve the operability of the user while properly arranging the keys.

[0036] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, when the difficulty index ID is less than 4.1, the subjective value of each user is 4 or more, indicating comfort, and all users feel comfortable in terms of operability. In addition, in order to allow users to type comfortably on the keyboard, the keys are arranged with a margin between the reference key position and the touchpad, and the difficulty index ID needs to be greater than 2.2. Therefore, when the touchpad is arranged to satisfy the above formula (2), the keyboard device can further improve the user's operability while more appropriately arranging multiple keys.

[0037] In particular, when the touch pad 110 is disposed on the near front side or rear side of the housing 101 , the touch pad 110 is disposed at a position that is easy to operate by all of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger relative to the operation key 102 .

[0038] In the above equations (1) and (2), the shortest distance D1 may be replaced by the shortest distance (Euclidean distance) between the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key positions and the upper end of each touch pad 110. In the above equations (1) and (2), the shortest distance D1 may be replaced by the distance obtained by adding the distance between the upper end E1 to E4 and the upper end of each touch pad 110 to the shortest distance D1.

[0039] Furthermore, the shortest distance D2 between the mouse pointer 103 and the upper ends E1 to E4 of the side surface on which the touch panel 110 is provided and the width W of the touch panel 110 satisfy the following formula (4). 2 <log2(1+D2 / W)<6…(4)

[0040] The shortest distance D2 is the distance between the center position of the mouse pointer 103 in the depth direction A3 and the upper end E1 of the near side surface. The shortest distance D2 may be the distance between the near end of the mouse pointer 103 in the depth direction A3 and the upper end E1 of the near side surface.

[0041] The shortest distance D2 may also be the distance between the center position of the mouse pointer 103 in the depth direction A3 and the upper end E2 of the rear side surface, the upper end E3 of the left side surface, or the upper end E4 of the right side surface. The shortest distance D2 may also be the distance between the rear end of the mouse pointer 103 in the depth direction A3 and the upper end E2 of the rear side surface, the distance between the left end and the upper end E3 of the left side surface, or the distance between the right end and the upper end E4 of the right side surface.

[0042] Similar to the positional relationship between the reference key positions and the touch pad 110 , when the touch pad 110 is arranged relative to the mouse pointer 103 to satisfy the above equation (4), the keyboard device 100 can improve the user's operability while appropriately arranging the plurality of keys 102 .

[0043] It is particularly preferable that the shortest distance D2 and the width W satisfy the following formula (5). 2.2 <log2(1+D2 / W)<4.1…(5)

[0044] Similar to the positional relationship between the reference key positions and the touch pad 110 , when the touch pad 110 is arranged relative to the mouse pointer 103 to satisfy the above equation (5), the keyboard device 100 can further improve the user's operability while more appropriately arranging the plurality of keys 102 .

[0045] In addition, in the above-mentioned equations (4) and (5), the shortest distance (Euclidean distance) between the mouse pointer 103 and the upper end of the touch panel 110 may be used instead of the shortest distance D2. In addition, the distance obtained by adding the shortest distance D2 to the distance between the upper end portions E1 to E4 and the upper end portion of the touch panel 110 may be used instead of the shortest distance D2.

[0046] In addition, considering the size of the entire keyboard device 100, the distances D1 and D2 are preferably 300 mm or less. In addition, considering the size of the entire touch pad 110, the width W of the touch pad 110 is preferably within a range of 1 mm or more and less than 50 mm.

[0047] In addition, the plurality of keys 102 include a space bar 102i. Preferably, the shortest distance between the space bar 102i and an upper end portion E1 of a near-front side surface of the housing 101 on which the touch pads 110a and 110b are provided is 55.1 mm or less. More preferably, the shortest distance between the space bar 102i and an upper end portion E1 of a near-front side surface of the housing 101 on which the touch pads 110a and 110b are provided is 37.7 mm or less. The shortest distance between the space bar 102i and the upper end portion E1 is the distance from the center position of the keycap of the space bar 102i to the upper end portion E1 in the depth direction A3. The shortest distance between the space bar 102i and the upper end portion E1 may be the distance from the end of the near-front side of the keycap of the space bar 102i to the upper end portion E1 in the depth direction A3.

[0048] In the keyboard device 100, the mouse button 104 is arranged between the space bar 102i and the upper end E1 of the near-front side surface of the housing 101 provided with the touch pads 110a and 110b. On the other hand, according to the research results of the Artificial Intelligence Research Center (https: / / www.airc.aist.go.jp / dhrt / hand / data / list.html), the average length of the back side of the first finger (thumb) of Japanese people is 53.4 mm, the minimum is 43.5 mm, and the maximum is 63.6 mm. In addition, the movable angle of the thumb relative to the index finger (the angle of the extension direction of the thumb relative to the extension direction of the index finger) is within the range of 30 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0049] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the space key 102i, the touch pads 110a and 110b, and the user's fingers.

[0050] In order to improve the operability of the user, it is preferred that the thumb can operate both the space bar 102i and the touch pads 110a and 110b without the index finger leaving the F key 102d or the J key 102e. Figure 4As shown, when the angle of the thumb on the space bar 102i relative to the index finger is 30° and the angle of the thumb on the touch pad 110a relative to the index finger is 90°, the distance D3 between each position of the thumb is the value of the length of the thumb multiplied by sin(60°). Therefore, in order to operate both the space bar 102i and the touch pads 110a and 110b by a thumb having a length of 43.5 mm without the index finger leaving the F key 102d or the J key 102e, the distance between the space bar 102i and the upper end E1 needs to be 37.7 mm or less. In addition, in order to operate both the space bar 102i and the touch pads 110a and 110b by a thumb having a length of 63.6 mm without the index finger leaving the F key 102d or the J key 102e, the distance between the space bar 102i and the upper end E1 needs to be 55.1 mm or less.

[0051] That is, when the distance between the space bar 102i and the upper end E1 of the side surface near the front of the housing 101 is 55.1 mm or less, a user whose thumb is 63.6 mm long can operate the space bar 102i and the touch pads 110a and 110b with the thumb without the index finger leaving the F key 102d or the J key 102e. In addition, by setting the distance between the space bar 102i and the upper end E1 of the side surface near the front of the housing 101 to 37.7 mm or less, a user whose thumb is short can also operate the space bar 102i and the touch pads 110a and 110b with the thumb without the index finger leaving the F key 102d or the J key 102e. Therefore, the keyboard device 100 can arrange the mouse key 104 between the space bar 102i and the side surface near the front of the housing 101, and improve the operability of the user.

[0052] Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the cover 103 a of the mouse pointer 103 .

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, the mouse pointer 103 has a detachable cover 103a. By detachably providing the cover 103a, the mouse pointer 103 can easily replace the cover 103a, and the surface material (different hardness of rubber, etc.) and / or shape (concave and convex shape, etc.) can be changed. The user can change the cover 103a of the mouse pointer 103 to a member that is easy for the user to use, and the keyboard device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0054] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 AA cross-sectional view of the keyboard device 100 is shown.

[0055] like Figure 6As shown, with reference to the mounting surface S of the keyboard device 100, the height of the end E5 on the front side of the upper surface of each key 102j arranged on the rear side relative to the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key position is lower than the height of the end E6 on the rear side of the upper surface of each key 102j. By inclining the upper surface of each key 102j arranged on the rear side toward the front side, the user's finger can smoothly contact the upper surface of each key 102j when moving from the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key position to each key 102j. In addition, with reference to the mounting surface S of the keyboard device 100, the height of the end E7 on the front side of the upper surface of each key 102k arranged on the front side relative to the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key position is higher than the height of the end E8 on the rear side of the upper surface of each key 102k. Since the upper surfaces of the keys 102k arranged on the near side are tilted backward, the user's fingers can smoothly contact the upper surfaces of the keys 102k when moving from the keys 102a to 102h assigned to the reference key positions to the keys 102k. Therefore, the keyboard device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0056] In addition, with the placement surface S of the keyboard device 100 as a reference, the heights of the ends E9 and E5 near the front of the keys 102a to 102h and 102j arranged on the rear side relative to the mouse pointer 103 among the plurality of keys 102 are higher than the rear ends E9 and E5 of the upper surfaces of the keys 102a to 102h and 102j. 10 , E6 are low. By tilting the upper surfaces of the keys 102a to 102h and 102j arranged on the rear side toward the near front side, the user's fingers can smoothly contact the upper surfaces of the keys 102a to 102h and 102j when they move from the mouse pointer 103 to the keys 102a to 102h and 102j. In addition, with the placement surface S of the keyboard device 100 as a reference, the height of the end E7 on the near front side of the upper surface of the key 102k arranged on the front side relative to the mouse pointer 103 is higher than the height of the end E8 on the rear side of the upper surface of the key 102k. By tilting the upper surfaces of the keys 102k arranged on the near front side toward the rear side, the user's fingers can smoothly contact the upper surfaces of the keys 102k when they move from the mouse pointer 103 to the keys 102k. Thus, when the mouse pointer 103 is operated after the keys 102j and 102k are operated, the user's fingers are unlikely to come into contact with the keys 102j and 102k, and the user can smoothly operate the mouse pointer 103. Therefore, the keyboard device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0057] Figure 7 (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams for explaining the side shape of the keyboard device 100.

[0058] In the side surface of the keyboard device 100, the portion where the touch pad 110 is arranged is arranged closer to the inner side (center side) of the keyboard device 100 than the portion where the touch pad 110 is not arranged. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the touch pad 110 is arranged in the upper area of ​​the side surface of the keyboard device 100 in the height direction A1. Below the touch pad 110, a guide portion 111 is provided that extends along the extension direction of the side surface of the keyboard device 100 and protrudes outward from the touch pad 110. The guide portion 111 is formed to span both ends of the extension direction of the side surface of the keyboard device 100. The guide portion 111 is formed at any position such as the center position, the upper position, and the lower position of the side surface of the keyboard device 100 in the height direction A1.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown in (b), a guide portion 112 may be formed instead of the guide portion 111. Like the guide portion 111, the guide portion 112 is formed to protrude outward from the touch pad 110. However, the guide portion 112 extends below the touch pad 110 along the extension direction of the side surface of the keyboard device 100 and does not reach the two ends of the extension direction of the side surface. In addition, the guide portion 112 is formed to extend upward from the positions of the two ends of the touch pad 110 in the extension direction of the side surface and reach the upper end of the side surface. On the side surface of the keyboard device 100, a recess 113 is formed by the guide portion 112. The portion of the guide portion 112 extending along the extension direction of the side surface of the keyboard device 100 is formed at any position of the side surface of the keyboard device 100, such as the center position, the upper side position, and the lower side position. The recess 113 is formed at any position of the side surface of the keyboard device 100, such as the center position or the position close to one end, in the extension direction of the side surface of the keyboard device 100.

[0060] like Figure 7As shown in (c), the touch pad 110 may also be arranged in the lower area of ​​the side surface of the keyboard device 100 in the height direction A1. In this case, a guide portion 114 may be formed instead of the guide portion 112. Like the guide portion 112, the guide portion 114 is formed to protrude outward from the touch pad 110. However, the guide portion 114 extends above the touch pad 110 along the extension direction of the side surface of the keyboard device 100 and does not reach both ends in the extension direction of the side surface. In addition, the guide portion 114 is formed to extend downward at the positions of both ends of the touch pad 110 in the extension direction of the side surface and reach the lower end of the side surface. On the side surface of the keyboard device 100, a recess 115 is formed by the guide portion 114. The portion of the guide portion 114 extending along the extension direction of the side surface of the keyboard device 100 is formed at any position such as the center position, the upper position, and the lower position of the side surface of the keyboard device 100 in the height direction A1. The recess 115 is formed at any position such as the center of the side surface or a position close to one end in the extending direction of the side surface of the keyboard device 100. Instead of the guide portion 114, a guide portion may be provided above the touch pad 110, the guide portion extending along the extending direction of the side surface of the keyboard device 100 and formed across both ends of the side surface of the keyboard device 100 in the extending direction.

[0061] By forming the guide portion, the keyboard device 100 can make the user clearly understand the position of the operation area of ​​the touch pad 110, and can improve the operability of the user. In addition, by forming the recessed portion, the keyboard device 100 can prevent the user from accidentally touching the touch pad 110. In particular, in the recessed portion formed in the portion where the touch pad 110 is arranged, the upper end or the lower end in the height direction A1 is opened, so that the user can easily touch the touch pad 110, and the keyboard device 100 can improve the operability of the user.

[0062] Figure 8 (a) to (h) are schematic diagrams for explaining the shape of a portion of the side surface of the keyboard device 100 where the touch pad 110 is arranged.

[0063] like Figure 8 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the portion of the side surface of the keyboard device 100 where the touch panel 110 is arranged has a planar shape extending along the height direction A1. Figure 8 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the portion where the touch panel 110 is disposed may also have a curved shape in which the central portion in the height direction A1 is curved inwardly extending in the width direction A2. Figure 8 As shown in (c) of FIG. 1 , the portion where the touch panel 110 is disposed may also have a curved shape in which the central portion in the height direction A1 is curved so as to extend outward in the width direction A2. Figure 8As shown in (d) of FIG. 1 , the portion where the touch panel 110 is disposed may have a planar shape extending in such a manner that the lower side in the height direction A1 is located on the outer side in the width direction A2 relative to the upper side in the height direction A1. Figure 8 As shown in (e), the portion provided with the touch panel 110 may have a planar shape extending in such a manner that the upper side in the height direction A1 is located on the outer side in the width direction A2 relative to the lower side in the height direction A1. Figure 8 As shown in (f) of FIG. 1 , the portion where the touch panel 110 is provided may have a curved shape extending and curved in such a manner that the center portion in the height direction A1 is located inside the upper side and the lower side in the width direction A2. Figure 8 As shown in (g), the portion provided with the touch panel 110 may have a curved shape formed by three planes, the curved shape being that the central portion in the height direction A1 is located outside the upper side and the lower side in the width direction A2, and the central portion in the height direction A1 extends along the height direction A1. Figure 8 As shown in (h), the portion provided with the touch panel 110 may have a curved shape that is bent and extends in such a manner that the central portion in the height direction A1 is located inside the width direction A2 relative to the upper side and the lower side. In addition, the portion provided with the touch panel 110 may have a curved shape formed by three planes, in which the central portion in the height direction A1 is located inside the width direction A2 relative to the upper side and the lower side, and the central portion in the height direction A1 extends along the height direction A1.

[0064] Fig. 9 1 is a perspective view showing the switch 105 provided in the keyboard device 100 .

[0065] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , a switch 105 is provided on the keyboard device 100. For example, the switch 105 is provided on the side of the keyboard device 100. The switch 105 has a function of switching the operation of at least one of the mouse pointer 103, the mouse button 104, and the touch pad 110 to be valid or invalid. Thus, the keyboard device 100 can invalidate the operation of at least one of the mouse pointer 103, the mouse button 104, and the touch pad 110 according to the user's request, and can suppress the occurrence of user's operation errors. In addition, a plurality of switches 105 can be provided on the keyboard device 100 corresponding to the mouse pointer 103, the mouse button 104, and the touch pad 110, respectively. In addition, the keyboard device 100 can invalidate the operation of one of the mouse pointer 103, the mouse button 104, and the touch pad 110 according to the number of times the switch 105 is pressed. In addition, the keyboard device 100 can invalidate the operations of all the mouse pointers 103, the mouse buttons 104, and the touch pad 110 by one switch.

[0066] Fig.10 1 is a perspective view showing the angle switching unit 106 of the keyboard device 100 .

[0067] like Fig.10 As shown, an angle switching portion 106 is provided on the keyboard device 100. For example, the angle switching portion 106 is respectively provided on the bottom surface of the keyboard device 100 and around the right rear corner and the left rear corner of the keyboard device 100. The angle switching portion 106 is provided to be able to change the slope of the upper surface of the housing 101 relative to the placement surface S of the keyboard device 100. The angle switching portion 106 includes a storage portion 106a, a first angle adjustment portion 106b, and a second angle adjustment portion 106c. The ends of the rear side surfaces of the first angle adjustment portion 106b and the second angle adjustment portion 106c are rotatably supported on the housing 101 around the rotation axis 106d.

[0068] Fig.11 (a) is a diagram showing a keyboard device 100 in which an angle switching unit 106 is housed. Fig.11 (b) is a diagram showing the keyboard device 100 with the first angle adjustment portion 106b unfolded. Fig.11 (c) is a diagram showing the keyboard device 100 with the second angle adjustment portion 106c deployed.

[0069] like Fig.11 As shown in (a), when the angle switching unit 106 is accommodated, the angle of the upper surface of the housing 101 is θ1. Fig.11 As shown in (b), when the first angle adjustment portion 106b is unfolded, the angle of the upper surface of the housing 101 is θ2 which is greater than θ1. Fig.11 As shown in (c), the angle of the upper surface of the housing 101 when the second angle adjustment portion 106c is unfolded is θ3 which is greater than θ2. θ3 is within the range of 15° to 25°, preferably 20°. Thus, the user can operate the key 102, the mouse pointer 103, the mouse button 104, and the touchpad 110 at a preferred angle. Therefore, the keyboard device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0070] Fig.12 (a) is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the keyboard device 100. The keyboard device 100 includes an operation signal receiving circuit 120, a communication device 130, a storage device 140, a processing circuit 150, and the like in addition to the above-mentioned configuration.

[0071] The operation signal receiving circuit 120 acquires operation signals corresponding to the user's input operations outputted from the keys 102 , the mouse buttons 104 , the mouse pointer 103 , and the touch pads 110 , and transmits the operation signals to the processing circuit 150 .

[0072] The communication device 130 is used as a communication unit capable of communicating with an information processing device. The communication device 130 has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals with an information processing device (not shown) through a wireless communication line according to a prescribed communication protocol. The prescribed communication protocol is, for example, a wireless communication protocol using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IEEE802.15. In addition, the keyboard device 100 may also have an interface circuit that complies with a serial bus such as USB instead of the communication device 130, and be connected to an information processing device (not shown) through a wire to transmit and receive signals.

[0073] The storage device 140 functions as a storage unit. The storage device 140 includes a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). In addition, the storage device 140 stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc. used in various processes of the keyboard device 100. The computer program can also be installed in the storage device 140 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a well-known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read only memory), etc. In addition, the computer program can also be distributed from a server or the like and installed in the storage device 140.

[0074] The processing circuit 150 functions as a control unit. The processing circuit 150 operates according to a program pre-stored in the storage device 140. The processing circuit 150 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the processing circuit 150, a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large-scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. can also be used. The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operation signal receiving circuit 120, the communication device 130, the storage device 140, etc., and controls these parts. The processing circuit 150 obtains operation signals from the multiple keys 102, the multiple mouse keys 104, the mouse pointer 103, and the multiple touch pads 110 through the operation signal receiving circuit 120. The processing circuit 150 converts the obtained operation signals into electrical signals that can be output from the communication device 130 and can be processed by the information processing device, and sends them to the information processing device through the communication device 130.

[0075] Fig.12 (b) means Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 140 and a processing circuit 150 shown in FIG. 1 (a).

[0076] like Fig.12 As shown in (b), the storage device 140 stores a control program 141 and the like. The program is a functional module implemented by software running on the processor. The processing circuit 150 reads the program stored in the storage device 140 and runs according to the read program, thereby functioning as the control unit 151.

[0077] Fig.13 1 is a flowchart showing an example of control processing executed by the keyboard device 100. The control processing is mainly executed by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the keyboard device 100 according to a program stored in advance in the storage device 140.

[0078] First, the control unit 151 waits until an operation signal is acquired (step S101). When the user operates the key 102, the mouse pointer 103, the mouse button 104, or the touch pad 110, each key 102, the mouse pointer 103, the mouse button 104, or the touch pad 110 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the operation signal receiving circuit 120. When the operation signal receiving circuit 120 receives an operation signal from each key 102, the mouse pointer 103, the mouse button 104, or the touch pad 110, it converts the received operation signal into a predetermined format and outputs it to the processing circuit 150.

[0079] Next, the control unit 151 determines whether the operation indicated by the operation signal is an operation on the mouse pointer 103 (step S102). When the operation indicated by the operation signal is not an operation on the mouse pointer 103 ("No" in step S102), the control unit 151 transfers the process to step S105. On the other hand, when the operation indicated by the operation signal is an operation on the mouse pointer 103 ("Yes" in step S102), the control unit 151 determines whether the operation on the mouse pointer 103 is set to be invalid (step S103). The control unit 151 detects the state of the switch 105 and determines whether the operation on the mouse pointer 103 is set to be invalid. When the operation on the mouse pointer 103 is set to be invalid ("Yes" in step S103), the operation signal is discarded, the operation on the mouse pointer 103 is invalidated (step S104), and the process returns to step S101.

[0080] On the other hand, if the operation on the mouse pointer 103 is not set to be invalid (No in step S103), the control unit 151 determines whether the operation represented by the operation signal is an operation on the mouse button 104 (step S105). If the operation represented by the operation signal is not an operation on the mouse button 104 (No in step S105), the control unit 151 transfers the process to step S108.

[0081] On the other hand, when the operation indicated by the operation signal is an operation on the mouse button 104 ("Yes" in step S105), the control unit 151 determines whether the operation on the mouse button 104 is set to be invalid (step S106). The control unit 151 detects the state of the switch 105 and determines whether the operation on the mouse button 104 is set to be invalid. When the operation on the mouse button 104 is set to be invalid ("Yes" in step S106), the operation signal is discarded, the operation on the mouse button 104 is invalidated (step S107), and the process returns to step S101.

[0082] On the other hand, if the operation on the mouse button 104 is not set to be invalid ("No" in step S106), the control unit 151 determines whether the operation indicated by the operation signal is an operation on the touch panel 110 (step S108). If it is not an operation on the touch panel 110 ("No" in step S108), the control unit 151 transfers the process to step S113.

[0083] On the other hand, when the operation indicated by the operation signal is an operation on the touch panel 110 ("Yes" in step S108), the control unit 151 determines whether the operation on the touch panel 110 is set to be invalid (step S109). The control unit 151 detects the state of the switch 105 and determines whether the operation on the touch panel 110 is set to be invalid. When the operation on the touch panel 110 is set to be invalid ("Yes" in step S109), the operation signal is discarded to invalidate the operation on the touch panel 110 (step S110), and the process returns to step S101.

[0084] On the other hand, when the operation on the touch panel 110 is not set to be invalid ("No" in step S109), the control unit 151 determines whether the mouse pointer 103 is being operated (step S111). For example, the control unit 151 determines whether the mouse pointer 103 is being operated based on whether an operation signal is received from the mouse pointer 103 and whether it is within a predetermined time after the mouse pointer 103 was last operated. If the mouse pointer 103 is being operated ("Yes" in step S111), the control unit 151 discards the operation signal to invalidate the operation on the touch panel 110 (step S110), and returns the process to step S101. In this way, the control unit 151 invalidates the operation of the touch panel 110 while accepting the operation of the mouse pointer 103. When the user touches the touch panel 110 by mistake while the mouse pointer 103 is being operated, the keyboard device 100 can invalidate the operation on the touch panel 110, thereby suppressing the occurrence of an operation error caused by the user.

[0085] On the other hand, when the mouse pointer 103 is not being operated (No in step S111), the control unit 151 determines whether the mouse button 104 is being operated (step S112). For example, the control unit 151 determines whether the mouse button 104 is being operated based on whether an operation signal is received from the mouse button 104 and whether it is within a predetermined time after the mouse button 104 was last operated. When the mouse button 104 is being operated (Yes in step S112), the control unit 151 discards the operation signal, invalidates the operation on the touch pad 110 (step S110), and returns the process to step S101. In this way, the control unit 151 invalidates the operation of the touch pad 110 while receiving the operation of the mouse button 104. When the user touches the touch pad 110 by mistake while the mouse button 104 is being operated, the keyboard device 100 can invalidate the operation on the touch pad 110, and can suppress the occurrence of an operation error caused by the user.

[0086] On the other hand, when the mouse button 104 is not being operated ("No" in step S112), the control unit 151 sends a code (command) corresponding to the acquired operation signal to the information processing device via the communication device 130 (step S113), and transfers the processing to step S101.

[0087] As described above in detail, in the keyboard device 100 , the touch pad 110 provided on the side surface of the housing 101 is arranged at a position where the user can operate well according to Fitts's law. Thus, the keyboard device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0088] In addition, when the keyboard, mouse, and touchpad are physically independent, the user needs to release or touch each device when operating the physically independent devices.

[0089] On the other hand, in the keyboard device 100 according to the present embodiment, the plurality of keys 102, the mouse pointer 103, the plurality of mouse keys 104, and the plurality of touch pads 110 are all provided in the housing 101. In addition, the plurality of keys 102, the mouse pointer 103, the plurality of mouse keys 104, and the plurality of touch pads 110 are respectively arranged at positions where they can be easily operated in a state where the index finger does not leave the F key 102d or the J key 102e. Therefore, the user can easily operate each of the plurality of keys 102, the mouse pointer 103, the plurality of mouse keys 104, and the plurality of touch pads 110 without moving the hand from the reference key position. In particular, since the keyboard device 100 is provided with the mouse pointer 103 and the plurality of mouse keys 104 in the housing 101, the keyboard device 100 can be used alone to realize the mouse function. Therefore, the keyboard device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0090] In addition, the plurality of keys 102, the mouse pointer 103, the plurality of mouse keys 104, and the plurality of touch pads 110 are all disposed in the housing 101. Therefore, the user can carry the plurality of keys 102, the mouse pointer 103, the plurality of mouse keys 104, and the plurality of touch pads 110 together, and the keyboard device 100 can improve the convenience for the user who moves frequently.

[0091] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 250 of a keyboard device 100 according to another embodiment.

[0092] like Fig.14 As shown, the processing circuit 250 is used instead of the processing circuit 150 of the keyboard device 100 to perform control processing, etc. The processing circuit 250 includes a control circuit 251, etc. In addition, each of these components may be constituted by an independent integrated circuit, a microprocessor, firmware, etc.

[0093] The control circuit 251 is an example of a control unit, and has the same function as the control unit 151. The control circuit 251 receives an operation signal from the switch 105 and the operation signal receiving circuit 120, and transmits a code corresponding to the operation signal to the information processing device via the communication device 130.

[0094] As described above, even when the keyboard device uses the processing circuit 250 , the convenience of the user can be further improved.

[0095] Regarding the embodiment described in detail above, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed.

[0096] (Note 1) A keyboard device, characterized by comprising: case; a plurality of keys disposed on an upper surface of the housing; and A touch panel is provided on the side surface near the front of the housing. The shortest distance between the space key among the plurality of keys and an upper end portion of the side surface on which the touch pad is provided is 55.1 mm or less. Explanation of symbols

[0097] 100 is a keyboard device, 101 is a housing, 102 is a key, and 110 is a touch pad.

Claims

1. A keyboard device, characterized in that: have: case; a plurality of keys disposed on an upper surface of the housing; and a touch panel disposed on at least one side of the housing, The shortest distance D between a key assigned to a reference key position among the plurality of keys and an upper end of a side surface on which the touch panel is provided and a width W of the touch panel satisfy the following formula: 2 <log2(1+D / W)<6。 2. The keyboard device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The touch panel is disposed on at least one of a front side surface and a rear side surface of the housing.

3. The keyboard device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The touch panel is arranged on the side surface near the front of the housing, The shortest distance between the space key among the plurality of keys and an upper end portion of the side surface on which the touch panel is provided is 55.1 mm or less.

4. The keyboard device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height of the end portion near the front side of the key configured on the rear side relative to the key assigned to the reference key position among the multiple keys is lower than the height of the rear end of the key, and the height of the end portion near the front side of the key configured on the near front side relative to the key assigned to the reference key position is higher than the height of the rear end of the key.

5. The keyboard device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The keyboard device further includes a mouse key disposed between a key assigned to a reference key position among the plurality of keys and the touch pad.

6. A keyboard device, characterized in that: have: case; a plurality of keys disposed on the upper surface of the housing; a mouse pointer disposed on the upper surface of the housing; and a touch panel disposed on at least one side of the housing, The shortest distance D between the mouse pointer and the upper end of the side surface where the touch panel is provided and the width W of the touch panel satisfy the following formula: 2 <log2(1+D / W)<6。 7. The keyboard device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The touch panel is disposed on at least one of a front side surface and a rear side surface of the housing.

8. The keyboard device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The touch panel is arranged on the side surface near the front of the housing, The shortest distance between the space key among the plurality of keys and an upper end portion of the side surface on which the touch panel is provided is 55.1 mm or less.

9. The keyboard device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The mouse pointer is configured between the F key and the J key among the plurality of keys.

10. The keyboard device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The keyboard device further includes a mouse button, and the mouse button is arranged between the mouse pointer and the touch pad.

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