Input device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide an input device, a control method, and a control program capable of preventing the occurrence of operation errors on a plurality of touch pads.SOLUTION: An input device includes a control unit which outputs a first code assigned to a single operation when the single operation is performed on a first touch pad, and outputs a second code assigned to a combined operation when the combined operation is performed on both first and second touch pads. When the single operation is performed on the second touch pad while outputting the first code in response to the single operation on the first touch pad, the control unit does not output the second code. When a finger of a user is separated from the second touch pad while outputting the second code in response to the combined operation on both first and second touch pads, the control unit does not output the first code.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device, a control method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, input devices having multiple touch pads have been developed. In such input devices, there is a demand for reducing the occurrence of operational errors by users.

[0003] An information terminal having a plurality of input detection means has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1). In a state where the display of this information terminal is controlled in response to an input operation caused by contact or proximity to one input detection means, even if contact or proximity is detected by another input detection means, the display is not controlled in response to the input operation caused by that contact or proximity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-228786 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for input devices that can reduce the occurrence of operational errors when using multiple touch pads.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an input device, a control method, and a control program that are capable of suppressing the occurrence of operational errors on multiple touch pads. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An input device according to one aspect of the present invention has a first touchpad, a second touchpad different from the first touchpad, and a control unit that outputs a first code assigned to an individual operation when an individual operation is performed on the first touchpad, and outputs a second code assigned to the combined operation when a combined operation is performed on both the first touchpad and the second touchpad, wherein the control unit does not output the second code when an individual operation is performed on the second touchpad while the first code is being output as a result of the individual operation being performed on the first touchpad, or does not output the first code when the user's finger is removed from the second touchpad while the second code is being output as a result of the combined operation being performed on both the first touchpad and the second touchpad.

[0008] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes an input device having a first touchpad and a second touchpad different from the first touchpad, outputting a first code assigned to a single operation when a single operation is performed on the first touchpad, and outputting a second code assigned to the combined operation when a combined operation is performed on both the first touchpad and the second touchpad, wherein in the output, when the first code is output as a result of a single operation being performed on the first touchpad and an independent operation on the second touchpad is further performed, the second code is not output, or when the second code is output as a result of a combined operation being performed on both the first touchpad and the second touchpad, the first code is not output if the user's finger is removed from the second touchpad.

[0009] A control program according to one aspect of the present invention is a control program for an input device having a first touchpad and a second touchpad different from the first touchpad, which causes the input device to output a first code assigned to an individual operation when an individual operation is performed on the first touchpad, and to output a second code assigned to the combined operation when a combined operation is performed on both the first touchpad and the second touchpad, and in the output, if an individual operation on the second touchpad is further performed when the first code is output as a result of an individual operation being performed on the first touchpad, the second code is not output, or if the user's finger is removed from the second touchpad when the second code is output as a result of a combined operation being performed on both the first touchpad and the second touchpad, the first code is not output. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the input device, the control method, and the control program are capable of suppressing operational errors on multiple touch pads. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an input device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the input device 100. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input device 100. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a data structure of map information. [Diagram 5] 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a data structure of an operation table; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 140 and a processing circuit 150. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 250. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, a keyboard device, a control method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an input device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a top view of the input device 100.

[0014] 1 and 2, arrow A1 indicates the approximately vertical direction (height direction of the input device 100), arrow A2 indicates the longitudinal direction (width direction) of the input device 100 perpendicular to the height direction, and arrow A3 indicates the short side direction (depth direction) of the input device 100 perpendicular to the height direction and width direction.

[0015] The input device 100 is an example of a keyboard device. The input device 100 receives an input operation by a user and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the input operation by the user to an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.) (not shown) electrically connected to the input device 100.

[0016] The input device 100 has a housing 101, a plurality of key switches 102, a plurality of buttons 103, a mouse pointer 104, and a touch pad 110. The plurality of key switches 102, the plurality of buttons 103, the mouse pointer 104, and the touch pad 110 are all provided on the housing 101. It should be noted that the housing 101 is not provided with a display.

[0017] The multiple key switches 102 are provided on the top surface of the housing 101. The multiple key switches 102 are keys including physical key tops. The multiple key switches 102 correspond to characters such as symbols or alphanumeric characters, and are used to input characters such as symbols or alphanumeric characters. The multiple key switches 102 include special keys for performing special operations. The special keys are a Function key, a Ctrl key, a Shift key, an Alt key, a Windows (registered trademark) key, a Command key, or the like.

[0018] The multiple buttons 103 are provided from the top surface to the front side surface of the housing 101. The multiple buttons 103 can be assigned functions similar to those of a left button, a right button, and a wheel button provided on a general three-button mouse. The multiple buttons 103 may also be assigned other functions used in general input devices.

[0019] The mouse pointer 104 is provided on the top surface of the housing 101, similarly to the multiple key switches 102. The mouse pointer 104 is provided at a position based on the position of the button 103, taking into consideration that the mouse pointer 104 will be operated together with the button 103. For example, the mouse pointer 104 is provided at a position overlapping with the button 103 when viewed from the depth direction A3, i.e., in the width direction A2. The mouse pointer 104 is also provided at a position overlapping with the button 103 when viewed from the width direction A2, i.e., in the depth direction A3. The mouse pointer 104 is used to designate an input position or coordinates on the screen of a display device (not shown) of an information processing device (not shown) to which the input device 100 is connected.

[0020] The touchpad 110 includes touchpads 110a to 110d. The touchpad 110a is provided on the left side of the front side of the housing 101, and the touchpad 110b is provided on the left side of the housing 101. The set of touchpads 110a and 110b is an example of a plurality of touchpads, and is an example of a set of a first touchpad and a second touchpad different from the first touchpad. The touchpad 110c is provided on the right side of the front side of the housing 101, and the touchpad 110d is provided on the right side of the housing 101. The set of touchpads 110c and 110d is an example of a plurality of touchpads, and is an example of a set of a first touchpad and a second touchpad.

[0021] Each touchpad 110 is provided along the extension direction of each side surface. Each touchpad 110 is a capacitive or pressure-sensitive touchpad. Each touchpad 110 includes one or more sensors that detect a touch by a user. When there are multiple sensors, the sensors are arranged in a row along the extension direction of each side surface. When the detection state of each sensor of each touchpad 110 changes, the sensor outputs a detection signal that changes according to the detection state of each sensor. When the detection state of any sensor changes, each touchpad 110 outputs an operation signal including the arrangement position and detection signal of each sensor. The input device 100 detects a user's operation (gesture) on each touchpad 110 based on the arrangement position of the sensor that detected the user's touch, the signal value of the detection signal, and the change over time. For example, when the signal value of the detection signal of any sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the input device 100 detects a touch operation at the arrangement position of the sensor. When the signal value of the detection signal of the sensor that detected the touch operation becomes below a predetermined threshold and the signal value of the detection signal of the sensor adjacent to that sensor becomes above a predetermined threshold, the input device 100 detects a slide operation in the direction from the sensor that first detected the touch operation to the adjacent sensor.

[0022] A gesture function can be assigned to each touchpad 110, and the touchpad outputs a signal corresponding to an operation such as a slide (swipe), a flick, a tap, a double tap, a press, or a long press. Each touchpad 110 is used to scroll up and down or left and right, enlarge or reduce, or rotate an object on a screen displayed on a display device of an information processing device to which the input device 100 is connected.

[0023] Note that one of the set of touchpads 110a and 110b or the set of touchpads 110c and 110d may be omitted. Also, any one of the touchpads 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d may be omitted.

[0024] 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the input device 100. The input device 100 further 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.

[0025] The operation signal receiving circuit 120 receives operation signals corresponding to input operations by the user from the multiple key switches 102 , the multiple buttons 103 , the mouse pointer 104 and the touch pad 110 , and transmits them to the processing circuit 150 .

[0026] The communication device 130 functions 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 to and from the information processing device through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless communication protocol using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IEEE802.15. The input device 100 may have an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB instead of the communication device 130, and may be connected to the information processing device by wire to transmit and receive signals.

[0027] The storage device 140 is an example of a storage unit. The storage device 140 has memory devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage device 140 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the input device 100. The computer programs may be installed in the storage device 140 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) or a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read only memory). The computer programs may be distributed from a server or the like and installed in the storage device 140. The storage device 140 also stores map information and an operation table as data. The map information and the operation table will be described in detail later.

[0028] The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program prestored in the storage device 140. The processing circuit 150 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). A DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like may be used as the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operation signal receiving circuit 120, the communication device 130, the storage device 140, and the like, and controls each of these parts. The processing circuit 150 acquires operation signals from the multiple key switches 102, the multiple buttons 103, the mouse pointer 104, and the touch pad 110 via the operation signal receiving circuit 120. The processing circuit 150 converts the acquired operation signals into electrical signals that can be output from the communication device 130 and processed by the information processing device, and transmits the electrical signals to the information processing device via the communication device 130.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a data structure of the map information.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, in the map information, output information is assigned and set for each operation on the multiple key switches 102, the multiple buttons 103, and the touch pad 110.

[0031] An operation on the key switch 102 or the button 103 is an operation of pressing the key switch 102 or the button 103. An operation on the touchpad 110 includes a slide (swipe), a flick, a tap, a double tap, a press, a long press, etc. The contents of the operation on the touchpad 110 are specified in an operation table.

[0032] The output information is information that is output to the information processing device when each operation is performed. The output information that is output when an operation is performed on the key switch 102, the button 103, or the touch pad 110 is a code corresponding to that operation. The code is a numeric string that is predetermined between the information processing device and the information processing device, and functions as a command for causing the information processing device to execute a corresponding action. The action includes vertical or horizontal scrolling, enlargement or reduction, or rotation of an object on a screen displayed on a display device of the information processing device.

[0033] Note that an operation on the mouse pointer 104 is an operation of applying a force to the mouse pointer 104 in a predetermined direction. Output information that is output when an operation on the mouse pointer 104 is performed is movement information corresponding to the operation (the direction and strength of the applied force). The movement information indicates, for example, the movement direction and movement amount of the pointer. The movement information is information for moving an object such as a cursor displayed on a display device of the information processing device, and functions as a command for causing the information processing device to execute a corresponding action.

[0034] The operations assigned to the output information in the map information include a combination of multiple operations, such as a combination of operations on multiple touchpads of the touchpad 110, or a combination of operations on multiple touchpads of the touchpad 110 and operations on special keys of the multiple key switches 102.

[0035] In the following, a combination of operations on multiple touchpads assigned to output information in the map information, i.e., a combination of operations on both touchpads 110a and 110b, or both touchpads 110c and 110d, may be referred to as a combination operation. In addition, a combination of operations on multiple touchpads and operations on special keys assigned to output information in the map information, i.e., a combination of operations on both touchpads 110a and 110b, or both touchpads 110c and 110d, and operations on special keys may also be referred to as a combination operation. The combination operation is, for example, a pinch operation or a rotation operation by a slide operation on each of the multiple touchpads. The combination operation may be a combination of any operation such as a slide operation, a flick operation, a tap operation, a double tap operation, a press operation, or a long press operation on each of the multiple touchpads.

[0036] On the other hand, an operation on one (single) touchpad assigned to output information in map information, i.e., an operation on only touchpad 110a, only touchpad 110b, only touchpad 110c, or only touchpad 110d, may be referred to as a single operation. Also, a combination of an operation on one touchpad and an operation on a special key assigned to output information in map information, i.e., an operation on only touchpad 110a, only touchpad 110b, only touchpad 110c, or a combination of an operation on touchpad 110d and an operation on a special key, may be referred to as a single operation. An example of a single operation is a slide (swipe) operation. An individual operation may be any operation such as a flick operation, a tap operation, a double tap operation, a press operation, or a long press operation.

[0037] In the following description, an operation on each of the multiple key switches 102 may be referred to as a key operation, an operation on each of the multiple buttons 103 may be referred to as a button operation, and an operation on the mouse pointer 104 may be referred to as a pointer operation.

[0038] As a combination of multiple touchpads, for example, a combination of a touchpad 110a provided on the left side of the front side of the housing 101 and a touchpad 110b provided on the left side of the housing 101 is set. Also, as a combination of multiple touchpads, a combination of a touchpad 110c provided on the right side of the front side of the housing 101 and a touchpad 110d provided on the right side of the housing 101 is set. By setting a code for a combination of two touchpads arranged on either side of the front left corner or the front right corner of the housing, a user can easily perform a predetermined action on the information processing device using only the left hand or only the right hand. Therefore, the input device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0039] Furthermore, by setting codes for combinations of operations on multiple touch pads and operations on special keys, the user can easily execute various actions on the information processing device by operating only the input device 100. Therefore, the input device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0040] As described above, the operations assigned to the output information in the map information may include a combination of an operation on one of the touchpads 110 and an operation on a special key among the multiple key switches 102. On the other hand, the operations assigned to the output information in the map information do not include an operation on only the special key. In this way, the input device 100 can assign to the special key a conversion function that outputs output information different from the output information assigned to the other operation by operating the special key in combination with another operation.

[0041] Furthermore, the storage device 140 may store a plurality of pieces of map information corresponding to a plurality of information processing devices having different types or OSs (Operating Systems), etc. In this case, different output information is assigned to the same operation in the plurality of pieces of map information. The contents of the switching operation for switching to each piece of map information (the device to be operated and the operation performed on each device) are set in the storage device 140.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the operation table.

[0043] 5, the operation table specifies the contents of operations on each touchpad 110. In the operation table, for each operation on each touchpad 110, the operation direction on each touchpad 110, the contact time with each touchpad 110, the number of contacts, the contact area, and / or the number of contact areas, etc. are stored in association with each other. That is, the operations on each touchpad 110 are classified according to the operation direction on each touchpad 110, or the contact time, the number of contacts, the contact area, or the number of contact areas on each touchpad 110. The operations on each touchpad 110 need only be classified according to at least one of the operation direction, contact time, number of contacts, contact area, and number of contact areas, rather than based on all of the operation direction, contact time, contact number, contact area, and number of contact areas.

[0044] The input device 100 can support many types of operations on the touchpad 110 by defining the operations using various parameters.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150. As shown in FIG.

[0046] 6, the storage device 140 stores a control program 141 and the like. The program is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The processing circuit 150 reads the program stored in the storage device 140 and operates according to the read program, thereby functioning as a control unit 151.

[0047] 7, 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of a control process executed by the input device 100. The control process is executed mainly by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the input device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140.

[0048] First, the control unit 151 waits until it receives an operation signal (step S101). When a user operates each device (the key switch 102, the button 103, the mouse pointer 104, or the touch pad 110), each device 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 device, it converts the received operation signal into a predetermined format and outputs it to the processing circuit 150. The operation signal includes information indicating the operated device and the operation performed on that device.

[0049] When the operation signal receiving circuit 120 receives operation signals from a plurality of devices within a sufficiently short time, the operation signal receiving circuit 120 may combine the received operation signals into one and output the combined operation signals to the processing circuit 150. When the control unit 151 receives a plurality of operation signals from the operation signal receiving circuit 120 within a sufficiently short time, the control unit 151 may process the received operation signals together.

[0050] Next, the control unit 151 determines whether or not the operation indicated by the acquired operation signal is a switching operation (step S102).

[0051] If the operation indicated by the operation signal is a switching operation, the control unit 151 identifies map information corresponding to the switching operation from the storage device 140, switches the map information being used to the identified map information (step S103), and returns the process to step S101. In this manner, the control unit 151 switches map information in response to a request from a user. This allows the input device 100 to switch map information according to the type or OS of the connected information processing device, and thus allows the input device 100 to support various types of information processing devices.

[0052] If the operation indicated by the operation signal in step S102 is not a switching operation, the control unit 151 determines whether the operation indicated by the operation signal is a single operation on one touch pad (step S104). The control unit 151 refers to the map information and the operation table stored in the storage device 140 and determines whether the operation indicated by the operation signal is a single operation assigned to output information in the map information.

[0053] If the operation indicated by the operation signal is a single operation, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the current operation state of the input device 100 is a combination operation state (step S105). The combination operation state is a state in which the input device 100 outputs a code assigned to a combination operation performed by a user. The operation state is set to the combination operation state from when the combination operation is performed until the end condition of the combination operation is satisfied. If the operation state is the combination operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous combination operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting the code assigned to the single operation indicated by the operation signal (step S106). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0054] On the other hand, if the operation state is not the combination operation state, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation state is a single operation state by another touchpad different from the touchpad that accepted the operation indicated by the operation signal (step S107). For example, if the touchpad that accepted the operation is the touchpad 110a, the other multiple touchpads are the touchpads 110b, 110c, or 110d. The single operation state is a state in which the input device 100 outputs a code assigned to a single operation performed by a user on the other touchpad, and the input device 100 outputs a code assigned to the single operation performed by the user on the other touchpad. The operation state is set to the single operation state from when the single operation is performed until the end condition of the single operation is satisfied. If the operation state is a single operation state by another touchpad, the control unit 151 judges that the previous single operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting the code assigned to the single operation indicated by the operation signal (step S106). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0055] On the other hand, if the operation state is not a single operation state by another touch pad, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation state is a key operation state (step S108). The key operation state is a state in which the input device 100 outputs a code assigned to a key operation performed by a user. The operation state is set to the key operation state from when a key operation is performed until a key operation end condition is satisfied. If the operation state is a key operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous key operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting the code assigned to the single operation indicated by the operation signal (step S106). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0056] On the other hand, if the operation state is not the key operation state, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation state is the button operation state (step S109). The button operation state is a state in which the input device 100 outputs a code assigned to a button operation performed by a user. The operation state is set to the button operation state from when the button operation is performed until a condition for terminating the button operation is satisfied. If the operation state is the button operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous button operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting a code assigned to the single operation indicated by the operation signal (step S106). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0057] On the other hand, if the operation state is not the button operation state, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation state is the pointer operation state (step S110). The pointer operation state is a state in which the input device 100 outputs movement information assigned to a pointer operation performed by a user. The operation state is set to the pointer operation state from when a pointer operation is performed until a pointer operation end condition is satisfied. If the operation state is the pointer operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous pointer operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting a code assigned to the single operation indicated by the operation signal (step S106). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0058] On the other hand, if the operation state is not the pointer operation state, the control unit 151 sets the operation state to a single operation state by the touch pad that has accepted the operation indicated by the operation signal (step S111).

[0059] Next, the control unit 151 refers to the map information and the operation table stored in the storage device 140, and identifies output information (code) assigned to the operation (single operation) indicated by the operation signal. The control unit 151 outputs the identified output information (code) to the information processing device via the communication device 130 (step S112), and returns the process to step S101. The output code is an example of the first code or the third code.

[0060] In this way, when an individual operation is performed on one of the two touchpads, the control unit 151 outputs a code assigned to the individual operation on the touchpad. Then, as described in step S105, when a combined operation is performed on both of the two touchpads and an individual operation is performed on one of the touchpads, the control unit 151 does not output a code assigned to the individual operation. That is, when the control unit 151 outputs a code assigned to a combined operation on both of the two touchpads as a result of the combined operation being performed, if the user's finger is removed from one of the touchpads, the control unit 151 does not output a code assigned to the individual operation. As a result, even if the user's finger is accidentally removed from one of the touchpads while the user is performing a pinch operation, a rotation operation, or the like, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to a slide operation on the other touchpad. Also, when the control unit 151 outputs a code assigned to a combined operation on both of the two touchpads as a result of the combined operation being performed, if an operation is performed on the other touchpad, the control unit 151 does not output a code assigned to the operation. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors on multiple touch pads, and can improve user convenience.

[0061] Also, as described in step S107, when an individual operation is performed on one of the two touchpads and the control unit 151 outputs a code assigned to the individual operation, even if an individual operation is performed on the other touchpad, the control unit 151 does not output the code assigned to the individual operation. As a result, even if the user touches the other touchpad by mistake while performing a slide operation or the like on one of the touchpads, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to the slide operation on the other touchpad. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors on multiple touchpads and can improve the convenience of the user.

[0062] Also, as described in step S108, when a single operation is performed on one of the touchpads while a key operation is being performed on any of the key switches, the control unit 151 does not output a code assigned to the single operation. As a result, even if the user accidentally touches the touchpad while performing an operation on any of the key switches, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to the operation on the touchpad. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors and improve user convenience.

[0063] As described above, the operations assigned to the output information in the map information include a combination of an operation on one touchpad and an operation on a special key, and do not include an operation on only the special key. Therefore, when a key operation on a special key is performed and an independent operation on one touchpad is performed, the control unit 151 outputs a code corresponding to the combination of the key operation on the special key and the independent operation on one touchpad. That is, in this case, the control unit 151 outputs a code according to the combination of the key operation on the special key and the independent operation on one touchpad. That is, the control unit 151 executes a process according to the combination of the key operation on the special key and the independent operation on one touchpad. This allows the input device 100 to increase the variety of codes to be output by using the special key.

[0064] Also, as described in step S109, when a single operation is performed on one of the touchpads while a button operation is being performed on any of the buttons, the control unit 151 does not output a code assigned to the single operation. As a result, even if the user accidentally touches the touchpad while performing an operation on any of the buttons, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to the operation on the touchpad. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors and improve the convenience for the user.

[0065] Also, as described in step S110, when a single operation is performed on one touchpad while a pointer operation is being performed on the mouse pointer 104, the control unit 151 does not output a code assigned to the single operation. As a result, even if the user accidentally touches the touchpad while performing an operation on the mouse pointer 104, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to the operation on the touchpad. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors and improve user convenience.

[0066] If the operation indicated by the operation signal in step S104 is not a single operation, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of the single operation (step S113). For example, if the operation state is a single operation state and the single operation being performed is a slide operation, a press operation, or a long press operation, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal indicates that the user's finger is removed from the target touch pad. If the operation state is a single operation state and the operation indicated by the operation signal indicates that the user's finger is removed from the target touch pad, the control unit 151 judges that the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of the single operation.

[0067] If the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of the single operation, the control unit 151 cancels the single operation state (step S114) and returns the process to step S101. That is, when the control unit 151 outputs a code assigned to the single operation by performing a single operation on any touchpad, the control unit 151 determines that the single operation has ended on the condition that the user's finger is removed from the touchpad. This allows the user to continue the operation even if he or she touches another device while continuing to touch the touchpad being operated in a slide operation, press operation, or long press operation. The user can determine whether the operation is continuing or not depending on whether or not the touchpad being operated is continuing, and can correctly recognize the current operation state. Therefore, the input device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0068] When the single operation being performed is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a double tap operation, the control unit 151 releases the single operation state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation state was set to the single operation state in step S111. In this case, the control unit 151 monitors whether the predetermined time has elapsed asynchronously with the control process.

[0069] If the operation indicated by the operation signal in step S113 is not an operation corresponding to the end of a single operation, the control unit 151 judges whether the operation indicated by the operation signal is a combination operation on a plurality of touch pads (step S115). The control unit 151 refers to the map information and the operation table stored in the storage device 140 and judges whether the operation indicated by the operation signal is a combination operation assigned to the output information in the map information.

[0070] When the operation indicated by the operation signal is a combination operation, the control unit 151 judges whether the operation state is a combination operation state by other multiple touchpads different from the multiple touchpads that accepted the operation indicated by the operation signal (step S116). For example, when the multiple touchpads that accepted the operation are the touchpads 110a and 110b, the other multiple touchpads are the touchpads 110c and 110d. The combination operation state by other multiple touchpads is a state in which the input device 100 outputs a code assigned to the combination operation by performing a combination operation on the other multiple touchpads by the user. When the operation state is a combination operation state by other multiple touchpads, the control unit 151 judges that the previous combination operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting the code assigned to the combination operation indicated by the operation signal (step S117). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0071] On the other hand, if the operation state is not a combination operation state by a plurality of other touch pads, the control unit 151 judges whether the operation state is a single operation state or not (step S118). If the operation state is a single operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous single operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting the code assigned to the combination operation indicated by the operation signal (step S117). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0072] On the other hand, if the operation state is not a single operation state, the control unit 151 judges whether the operation state is a key operation state (step S119). If the operation state is a key operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous key operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting the code assigned to the combination operation indicated by the operation signal (step S117). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0073] On the other hand, if the operation state is not a key operation state, the control unit 151 judges whether the operation state is a button operation state (step S120). If the operation state is a button operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous button operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting the code assigned to the combination operation indicated by the operation signal (step S117). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0074] On the other hand, if the operation state is not a button operation state, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation state is a pointer operation state (step S121). If the operation state is a pointer operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous pointer operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting the code assigned to the combination operation indicated by the operation signal (step S117). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0075] On the other hand, if the operation state is not the pointer operation state, the control unit 151 sets the operation state to a combination operation state by a plurality of touch pads that has received the operation indicated by the operation signal (step S122).

[0076] Next, the control unit 151 refers to the map information and the operation table stored in the storage device 140, and identifies output information (code) assigned to the operation (combined operation) indicated by the operation signal. The control unit 151 outputs the identified output information (code) to the information processing device via the communication device 130 (step S123), and returns the process to step S101. The output code is an example of the second code.

[0077] In this way, when the control unit 151 receives operations on a plurality of touch pads, it outputs a code corresponding to the combination of the operations based on the map information. This allows the user to easily perform fine operations such as vertical or horizontal scrolling, zooming in or out, or rotation using the input device 100, and the input device 100 can further improve the convenience for the user.

[0078] As described above, the combination operation includes a combination of operations on multiple touchpads and operations on special keys. That is, when the control unit 151 receives an operation on multiple touchpads and a special key, the control unit 151 outputs a code corresponding to the combination of the operations on the multiple touchpads and the operations on the special key related to the operation based on the map information. This allows the input device 100 to increase the variety of codes to be output by using the special key.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 151 outputs a code according to the operation direction on the multiple touchpads, or the contact time, the number of contacts, the contact area, or the number of contact regions on the multiple touchpads. This allows the input device 100 to increase the variety of operations on the touchpad.

[0080] In addition, when a combination operation is performed on both the touchpads 110a and 110b, or on both the touchpads 110c and 110d, the control unit 151 outputs a code assigned to the combination operation. Then, as described in step S118, when a combination operation is performed on both of the two touchpads while an individual operation is being performed on one of the two touchpads, the control unit 151 does not output a code assigned to the combination operation. That is, when an individual operation is performed on one of the two touchpads and a code assigned to the individual operation is output, the control unit 151 does not output a code assigned to the combination operation when an individual operation is performed on the other touchpad. As a result, even if a user accidentally touches another touchpad while performing a slide operation or the like on one touchpad, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to a pinch operation or a rotation operation on the two touchpads. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operation errors on multiple touchpads, and can improve the convenience of the user.

[0081] Also, as described in step S119, when a combination operation is performed on two touchpads while a key operation is being performed on any of the key switches, the control unit 151 does not output a code assigned to the combination operation. As a result, even if the user accidentally touches the touchpad while performing an operation on any of the key switches, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to the operation on the touchpad. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors and improve the convenience of the user.

[0082] As described above, the operations assigned to the output information in the map information include a combination of operations on the two touchpads and operations on the special key, and do not include operations on only the special key. Therefore, when a combination operation on the two touchpads is performed while a key operation on the special key is being performed, the control unit 151 outputs a code corresponding to the combination of the key operation on the special key and the combination operation on the two touchpads. That is, in this case, the control unit 151 outputs a code according to the combination of the key operation on the special key and the combination operation on the two touchpads. That is, the control unit 151 executes a process according to the combination of the key operation on the special key and the combination operation on the two touchpads. This allows the input device 100 to increase the variety of codes to be output using the special key.

[0083] Also, as described in step S120, when a combined operation is performed on two touchpads while a button operation is being performed on any button, the control unit 151 does not output a code assigned to the combined operation. As a result, even if the user accidentally touches the touchpad while performing an operation on any button, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to the operation on the touchpad. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors and improve the convenience of the user.

[0084] Also, as described in step S121, when a combined operation is performed on two touchpads while a pointer operation is being performed on the mouse pointer 104, the control unit 151 does not output a code assigned to the combined operation. As a result, even if the user accidentally touches the touchpad while performing an operation on the mouse pointer 104, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to the operation on the touchpad. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors and improve user convenience.

[0085] As described above, when an individual operation is being performed on any one of the touchpads, the combined operation on the two touchpads is invalidated. The input device 100 accepts the combined operation when a simultaneous operation on the two touchpads is performed first. When performing, for example, a pinch operation or a rotation operation, the user first touches the two touchpads simultaneously and then slides on each touchpad. This clarifies the user's intention to operate the two touchpads, and the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors.

[0086] If the operation indicated by the operation signal in step S115 is not a combination operation, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of the combination operation (step S124). For example, if the operation state is a combination operation state and the combination operation being performed includes a slide operation, a press operation, or a long press operation such as a pinch operation or a rotation operation, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal indicates that the user's fingers are removed from both of the two target touch pads. If the operation state is a combination operation state and the operation indicated by the operation signal indicates that the user's fingers are removed from both of the two target touch pads, the control unit 151 judges that the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of the combination operation.

[0087] If the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of the combination operation, the control unit 151 releases the combination operation state (step S125) and returns the process to step S101. That is, when the control unit 151 outputs a code assigned to the combination operation by performing the combination operation on both of the two touch pads, the control unit 151 determines that the combination operation has ended on the condition that the user's fingers are removed from both of the two touch pads. This allows the user to continue the operation in a pinch operation or a rotation operation even if the user touches another device while continuing to touch the touch pad being operated. The user can determine whether the operation is continuing or not depending on whether the user continues to touch the touch pad being operated, and can correctly recognize the current operation state. Therefore, the input device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0088] When the single operation being performed is a combination of a flick operation, a tap operation, or a double tap operation, the control unit 151 releases the combination operation state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation state was set to the combination operation state in step S122. In this case, the control unit 151 monitors whether the predetermined time has elapsed asynchronously with the control process.

[0089] If the operation indicated by the operation signal in step S124 is not an operation corresponding to the end of the combination operation, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal is a key operation for any of the key switches 102 (step S126). The control unit 151 refers to the map information and the operation table stored in the storage device 140, and judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal is a key operation assigned to the output information in the map information.

[0090] If the operation indicated by the operation signal is a key operation, the control unit 151 judges whether the operation state is a combination operation state (step S127). If the operation state is a combination operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous combination operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting the code assigned to the key operation indicated by the operation signal (step S128). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0091] On the other hand, if the operation state is not a combination operation state, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation state is a single operation state (step S129). If the operation state is a single operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous single operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting the code assigned to the key operation indicated by the operation signal (step S128). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0092] On the other hand, if the operation state is not the single operation state, the control unit 151 sets the operation state to the key operation state (step S130).

[0093] Next, the control unit 151 refers to the map information and the operation table stored in the storage device 140, and identifies output information (code) assigned to the operation (key operation) indicated by the operation signal. The control unit 151 outputs the identified output information (code) to the information processing device via the communication device 130 (step S131), and returns the process to step S101. The output code is an example of the fourth code.

[0094] In this way, when a key operation is performed on each of the multiple key switches 102, the control unit 151 outputs a code assigned to the key operation. Then, as described in step S127, when the control unit 151 outputs a code assigned to a combination operation as a result of the combination operation being performed, if a key operation is performed on any of the multiple key switches 102, the control unit 151 does not output the code assigned to the key operation. As a result, even if the user accidentally touches a key switch while performing a pinch operation, a rotation operation, or the like on the two touch pads, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to the key switch. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors and improve the convenience of the user.

[0095] Also, as described in step S129, when a key operation is performed on any of the multiple key switches 102 while the control unit 151 is outputting a code assigned to the single operation due to the single operation being performed, the control unit 151 does not output the code assigned to the key operation. As a result, even if the user accidentally touches a key switch while performing a slide operation or the like on one touch pad, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to that key switch. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors and improve user convenience.

[0096] On the other hand, if the operation indicated by the operation signal is not a key operation in step S126, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of key operation (step S132). For example, if the operation state is a key operation state, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal indicates that the user's finger is removed from the target key switch. If the operation state is a key operation state and the operation indicated by the operation signal indicates that the user's finger is removed from the target key switch, the control unit 151 judges that the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of key operation.

[0097] If the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of key operation, the control unit 151 releases the key operation state (step S133) and returns the process to step S101. If the operation state is the key operation state, the control unit 151 may release the key operation state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the user's finger was removed from the target key switch. In this case, the control unit 151 monitors the elapse of the predetermined time asynchronously with the control process.

[0098] If the operation indicated by the operation signal in step S134 is not an operation corresponding to the end of the key operation, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal is a button operation for any of the buttons 103 (step S134). The control unit 151 refers to the map information and the operation table stored in the storage device 140, and judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal is a button operation assigned to the output information in the map information.

[0099] If the operation indicated by the operation signal is a button operation, the control unit 151 judges whether the operation state is a combination operation state (step S135). If the operation state is a combination operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous combination operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting the code assigned to the button operation indicated by the operation signal (step S136). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0100] On the other hand, if the operation state is not a combination operation state, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation state is a single operation state (step S137). If the operation state is a single operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous single operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting the code assigned to the button operation indicated by the operation signal (step S136). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0101] On the other hand, if the operation state is not the single operation state, the control unit 151 sets the operation state to the button operation state (step S138).

[0102] Next, the control unit 151 refers to the map information and the operation table stored in the storage device 140, and identifies output information (code) assigned to the operation (button operation) indicated by the operation signal. The control unit 151 outputs the identified output information (code) to the information processing device via the communication device 130 (step S139), and returns the process to step S101.

[0103] In this way, when a button operation is performed on each of the multiple buttons 103, the control unit 151 outputs a code assigned to the button operation. Then, as described in step S135, when the control unit 151 outputs a code assigned to a combination operation as a result of the combination operation being performed, if a button operation is performed on any of the multiple buttons 103, the control unit 151 does not output the code assigned to the button operation. As a result, even if the user touches a button by mistake while performing a pinch operation, a rotation operation, or the like on the two touch pads, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to the button. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors and improve the convenience of the user.

[0104] Also, as described in step S137, when a button operation is performed on any of the buttons 103 while the control unit 151 is outputting a code assigned to the single operation due to the single operation being performed, the control unit 151 does not output the code assigned to the button operation. As a result, even if the user touches a button by mistake while performing a slide operation or the like on one touch pad, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to the button. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors and improve the convenience for the user.

[0105] On the other hand, if the operation indicated by the operation signal is not a button operation in step S134, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of the button operation (step S140). For example, if the operation state is a button operation state, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal indicates that the user's finger is removed from the target button. If the operation state is a button operation state and the operation indicated by the operation signal indicates that the user's finger is removed from the target button, the control unit 151 judges that the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of the button operation.

[0106] If the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of the button operation, the control unit 151 releases the button operation state (step S141) and returns the process to step S101. If the operation state is the button operation state, the control unit 151 may release the button operation state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the user's finger was removed from the target button. In this case, the control unit 151 monitors whether the predetermined time has elapsed asynchronously with the control process.

[0107] If the operation indicated by the operation signal in step S140 is not an operation corresponding to the end of a button operation, the control unit 151 determines whether the operation indicated by the operation signal is a pointer operation on the mouse pointer 104 (step S142).

[0108] If the operation indicated by the operation signal is a pointer operation, the control unit 151 judges whether the operation state is a combination operation state (step S143). If the operation state is a combination operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous combination operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting movement information corresponding to the pointer operation indicated by the operation signal (step S144). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0109] On the other hand, if the operation state is not a combination operation state, the control unit 151 judges whether the operation state is a single operation state (step S145). If the operation state is a single operation state, the control unit 151 judges that the previous single operation is continuing, and discards the operation signal without outputting movement information corresponding to the pointer operation indicated by the operation signal (step S144). Then, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101.

[0110] On the other hand, if the operation state is not the single operation state, the control unit 151 sets the operation state to the pointer operation state (step S146).

[0111] Next, the control unit 151 identifies output information (movement information) corresponding to the operation (pointer operation) indicated by the operation signal. The control unit 151 outputs the identified output information (movement information) to the information processing device via the communication device 130 (step S147), and returns the process to step S101.

[0112] In this way, when a pointer operation is performed on the mouse pointer 104, the control unit 151 outputs movement information corresponding to the pointer operation. Then, as described in step S143, when a pointer operation is performed on the mouse pointer 104 while the control unit 151 is outputting a code assigned to the combination operation as a result of the combination operation being performed, the control unit 151 does not output movement information corresponding to the pointer operation. As a result, even if the user accidentally touches the mouse pointer 104 while performing a pinch operation, a rotation operation, or the like on the two touch pads, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to the operation on the mouse pointer 104. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors and improve the convenience of the user.

[0113] Also, as described in step S145, when a pointer operation on the mouse pointer 104 is performed while the control unit 151 is outputting a code assigned to a single operation due to the performance of the single operation, the control unit 151 does not output movement information corresponding to the pointer operation. As a result, even if the user accidentally touches the mouse pointer 104 while performing a slide operation or the like on one touch pad, the control unit 151 does not cause the information processing device to execute an action corresponding to the operation on the mouse pointer 104. Therefore, the input device 100 can suppress the occurrence of operational errors and improve user convenience.

[0114] On the other hand, if the operation indicated by the operation signal is not a pointer operation in step S142, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of the pointer operation (step S148). For example, if the operation state is a pointer operation state, the control unit 151 judges whether or not the operation indicated by the operation signal indicates that the mouse pointer 104 has stopped. If the operation state is a pointer operation state and the operation indicated by the operation signal indicates that the mouse pointer 104 has stopped, the control unit 151 judges that the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of the pointer operation.

[0115] If the operation indicated by the operation signal corresponds to the end of the pointer operation, the control unit 151 releases the pointer operation state (step S149) and returns the process to step S101. The control unit 151 may release the pointer operation state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation state was set to the pointer operation state in step S146, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the mouse pointer 104 stopped. In this case, the control unit 151 monitors whether the predetermined time has elapsed asynchronously with the control process.

[0116] The processes of steps S105, S107, S108, S109, S110, S116, S118, S119, S120, S121, S127, S129, S135, S137, S143, or S145 may be omitted. Also, the processes of steps S102 to S103, steps S104 to S114, steps S115 to S125, steps S126 to S133, steps S134 to S141, or steps S142 to S149 may be omitted.

[0117] As described above in detail, when the input device 100 receives operations on the multiple touchpads 110, the input device 100 transmits to the information processing device a code assigned to a combination of operations on the multiple touchpads 110. This allows the user to easily perform various operations using the input device 100, and the input device 100 can further improve user convenience.

[0118] Furthermore, the input device 100 does not accept a combination operation on two touchpads while accepting an individual operation on one touchpad, and does not accept an individual operation on one touchpad while accepting a combination operation on two touchpads. This makes it possible for the input device 100 to suppress the occurrence of operational errors on multiple touchpads.

[0119] The input device 100 is not provided with a display and is used as an input device for other information processing devices. A user can use the input device 100 to smoothly operate objects on a screen displayed on an information processing device connected to the input device 100.

[0120] Furthermore, since the input device 100 has a touch pad 110 in addition to the multiple key switches 102, the user can perform various operations using only the input device 100. The user can cause the information processing device to perform actions such as sliding, pinching, or rotating without moving the hand to a device other than the input device 100. Therefore, the input device 100 can reduce the effort required for the user to perform operations.

[0121] Furthermore, the input device 100 enables a user to realize functions that are generally realized by shortcut keys in an information processing device by operating the touch pad 110. This eliminates the need for a user to memorize shortcut keys, which requires high learning costs, and enables the user to perform functions that are generally realized by shortcut keys by intuitive operations.

[0122] Furthermore, the input device 100 appropriately disables access to the touchpad 110. This allows the input device 100 to prevent the user from executing unintended settings or state transitions when the user touches the touchpad 110 unconsciously while carrying the input device 100, or when the user touches the touchpad 110 accidentally during an operation. Furthermore, when the input device 100 receives a specific operation and another operation, the input device 100 gives priority to and continues the previously received operation. When a user performs another operation after performing a specific operation, the user is highly likely to explicitly end the specific operation and is unlikely to perform the other operation while performing the specific operation. The input device 100 gives priority to and continues the previously received operation, thereby suppressing the occurrence of operational errors.

[0123] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 250 of an input device according to another embodiment.

[0124] 10, the processing circuit 250 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the input device 100, and executes control processing and the like. The processing circuit 250 includes a control circuit 251 and the like. The control circuit 251 may be configured as an integrated circuit or the like.

[0125] The control circuit 251 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 151. The control circuit 251 receives an operation signal from the operation signal receiving circuit 120, reads each piece of information from the storage device 140, and transmits output information corresponding to the operation signal to the information processing device via the communication device 130. The control circuit 251 also executes exclusive control over each operation indicated by the received operation signal.

[0126] As described above in detail, even when the processing circuit 250 is used, the input device can further improve the convenience for the user and can also reduce the occurrence of operational errors on multiple touch pads.

[0127] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the touchpad 110 may be provided on the rear side of the housing 101. For example, the touchpad 110a is provided on the left side of the rear side of the housing 101, the touchpad 110b is provided on the left side of the housing 101, the touchpad 110c is provided on the right side of the rear side of the housing 101, and the touchpad 110d is provided on the right side of the housing 101. In this case, a command is set for a combination of two touchpads arranged on either side of the rear left corner or the rear right corner of the housing, and the user can easily perform a predetermined action on the information processing device using only the left hand or only the right hand. In addition, each touchpad 110 may be arranged at any position of the housing 101. In addition, any one of the touchpads 110a, 110b, 110c, or 110d may be omitted.

[0128] Furthermore, the input device 100 may have a changeover switch (physical switch) for switching the map information on the housing 101. Furthermore, the input device 100 may store a command for switching the map information in the map information.

[0129] Furthermore, the input device 100 is not limited to a keyboard device, but may be any device having multiple touch pads, such as a tablet terminal or a speaker device, and may be a device that does not include key switches. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 100 Input device, 102 Key switch, 104 Mouse pointer, 110 Touch pad, 151 Control unit

Claims

1. The first touchpad and, A second touchpad, which is different from the first touchpad, The system includes a circuit that outputs a first code assigned to a first operation when a first operation, which is a single operation on the first touchpad, is performed, and outputs a second code assigned to a combination operation when a combination operation, which is a combination of operations on both the first and second touchpads, is performed. The circuit continues to output the second code without outputting the first code if, while the second operation on the second touchpad is being completed and the first operation on the first touchpad is continuing. An input device characterized by the following features.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit determines that the combined operation has ended if an operation on both the first touchpad and the second touchpad is completed while the second code is being output.

3. The aforementioned circuit is When the second operation, which is a standalone operation on the second touchpad, is performed, the third code assigned to the second operation on the second touchpad is output. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, which, if the second operation on the second touchpad is performed while the first code is being output, continues to output the first code without outputting the third code.

4. It has multiple key switches, When a third operation is performed on one or more of the multiple key switches, the circuit outputs a fourth code assigned to one or more of the multiple key switches. The aforementioned circuit is If the first operation or the combined operation is performed while the fourth code is being output, the fourth code will continue to be output without outputting the first code or the second code, or The input device according to claim 1 or 2, which, if the third operation is performed on one or more of the multiple key switches while the first code or the second code is being output, continues to output the first code or the second code without outputting the fourth code.

5. The aforementioned multiple key switches include special keys, The input device according to claim 4, wherein the circuit performs processing according to the combination of the fourth operation on the special key and the first operation and the one of the combination operations when one of the first operation and the combination operation is performed while the fourth operation on the special key is being performed.

6. It also has a mouse pointer, The circuit outputs movement information when a fifth operation is performed on the mouse pointer. The aforementioned circuit is If the first operation or the combined operation is performed while the movement information is being output, the movement information will continue to be output without outputting the first code or the second code, or The input device according to claim 1 or 2, which, if the fifth operation is performed on the mouse pointer while the first code or the second code is being output, continues to output the first code or the second code without outputting the movement information.

7. When a first operation, which is a single operation on the first touchpad, is performed, a first code assigned to the first operation is output, and when a combination operation, which is a combination of operations on both the first touchpad and a second touchpad different from the first touchpad, is performed, a second code assigned to the combination operation is output. In the output described above, if the second operation on the second touchpad is completed and the first operation on the first touchpad is continuing while the second code is being output, the second code will continue to be output without outputting the first code. A control method characterized by the following:

8. A control program for an input device, When a first operation, which is a single operation on the first touchpad, is performed, the input device is instructed to output a first code assigned to that first operation, and when a combination operation, which is a combination of operations on both the first touchpad and a second touchpad different from the first touchpad, is performed, the input device is instructed to output a second code assigned to that combination operation. In the output described above, if the second operation on the second touchpad is completed and the first operation on the first touchpad is continuing while the second code is being output, the second code will continue to be output without outputting the first code. A control program characterized by the following features.

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