Input devices

Abstract

To provide an input device that enables a user to input a predetermined value into an information processing device while reducing the use of desk space. [Solution] The device is equipped with a plurality of input devices 3 that perform predetermined inputs to an information processing device, a transmitting unit 7 that transmits input information corresponding to the operation of the input devices 3 to the information processing device, and an attachment unit 2 for detachably attaching to a pen-type input device P that performs input to the information processing device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device. [Background technology]

[0002] A pen-type input tool such as that described in Patent Document 1 (referred to as a "pen-type input device" in Patent Document 1) is sometimes used as an input means for touch panels and pen tablets equipped on information processing devices such as notebook PCs, tablet PCs, and smartphones. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-199208 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With such a pen-type input implement, when using a so-called "eraser" function for deleting a specified portion of a depicted image, it is necessary to select and press a menu or the like displayed on the screen. In the case of a function that is used frequently, such as the "eraser" function, it is necessary to select and press a menu or the like displayed on the screen every time the function is used, which is troublesome for the operator of the pen-type input implement.

[0005] In addition, software such as an illustration creation application may have registered shortcut keys for using an "eraser" function, etc., but if a keyboard or other input device placed on a desk is used to input such shortcut keys, there is the inconvenience of reducing desk space.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an input device that allows a user to input a predetermined value into an information processing device while reducing the amount of desk space used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The input device of the present invention includes a plurality of input manipulation tools for inputting predetermined information to an information processing device, a transmitting section for transmitting input information corresponding to the manipulation of the input manipulation tools to the information processing device, and an attachment section for detachably attaching to a pen-type input tool for inputting information to the information processing device. The pen-type input device has a shape that extends in the length direction of the pen-type input device when attached to the pen-type input device, and has a wide portion and a narrow portion that is located on the pen tip side of the pen-type input device when attached to the pen-type input device and has a width direction that is narrower than the wide portion and that is perpendicular to the length direction of the pen-type input device when attached to the pen-type input device. .

[0008] According to this invention, it is possible to perform predetermined input to an information processing device by using an input operation tool. In addition, since it is attached to a pen-type input tool, it can be used without using desk space when in use, thereby reducing the use of desk space.

[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of input operation tools are arranged within a range operable by the fingers of an operator who operates the pen-type input tool.

[0010] According to this configuration, the input device is positioned within a range that can be operated by the fingers of the operator who operates the pen-type input device, so that the operator can operate the input device without having to change the way he or she holds the pen-type input device.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the mounting portion is configured to cover at least half of the circumferential direction of the pen-type input tool at a location of the pen-type input tool where the mounting portion is located.

[0012] According to this configuration, the attachment portion is configured to cover more than half of the circumferential direction of the pen-type input tool, so that the pen-type input tool can be securely attached to the pen-type input tool.

[0013] In the present invention, it is preferable that an external charging connector is provided, and that the connector is disposed in a position where a charging cable can be connected when the connector is attached to the pen-type input tool.

[0014] According to this configuration, it is possible to connect the charging cable to the connector without removing the input device from the pen-type input implement.

[0015] In the present invention, the connector is arranged The aforementioned a wide portion and a width direction perpendicular to the length direction of the pen-type input tool when attached to the pen-type input tool that is narrower than the wide portion; The aforementioned It is preferable that the input device has a narrow portion, and the input device is disposed in the narrow portion.

[0016] According to this configuration, by arranging, for example, a battery or a control device in the wide portion, it is possible to configure the portion other than the wide portion as a narrow portion. The narrow portion is easy for an operator who operates a pen-type input device to place his / her fingers, and by arranging the input devices in such a narrow portion, multiple input devices are arranged near the fingers of the operator who operates the pen-type input device, so the operator can operate multiple input devices with one hand.

[0017] The present invention preferably includes a charging status indicator lamp for indicating the state of charging and charging.

[0018] According to this configuration, the operator can check the charging status by the charging status indicator lamp, and can confirm whether charging is necessary or not by whether or not a charging instruction is given.

[0019] In the present invention, it is preferable that a battery holding portion be provided for detachably holding a battery that supplies power.

[0020] This configuration allows power to be supplied from a battery. When power is supplied from a battery, even if the battery power decreases, it can be used immediately by simply replacing the battery, and since there is no need to charge it, it is possible to avoid using it while a charging cable is connected.

[0021] In the present invention, it is preferable that an input mode change operation tool is provided for switching the input information between a first mode and a second mode.

[0022] According to this configuration, by switching between the first mode and the second mode, the input information is switched according to the operation of the input device. In other words, since it is possible to transmit multiple pieces of input information to the information processing device with one input device, it is possible to increase the types of input information transmitted to the information processing device while suppressing an increase in the number of input devices, thereby enabling more operations to be performed.

[0023] In the present invention, it is preferable that the predetermined input is a shortcut key.

[0024] According to this configuration, it is possible to perform input corresponding to a shortcut key simply by operating an input operation tool on the information processing device.

[0025] In the present invention, it is preferable that the transmission section transmits the input information to the information processing device by communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard.

[0026] According to this configuration, it is possible to transmit input information to the information processing device using wireless communication that complies with the commonly used Bluetooth standard. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the input device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mounting portion of the input device. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a view of the input device as seen from the width direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a view of the input device viewed lengthwise toward the pen tip. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of an input device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] [Overall configuration of input device] The input device 100 of this embodiment will be described below. As shown in Fig. 1, the input device 100 is attached to a pen-type input tool P for inputting to a touch panel or pen tablet provided in an information processing device M such as a notebook PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the length direction of the pen-type input tool P and the length direction of the input device 100 will be simply referred to as the "length direction," the width direction perpendicular to the length directions of the pen-type input tool P and the input device 100 will be simply referred to as the "width direction," and the side of the length direction on which the pen tip of the pen-type input tool P is located will be simply referred to as the "pen tip side."

[0029] The input device 100 has a main body 1 that extends in the length direction of the pen-type input tool P when attached to the pen-type input tool P. The main body 1 has a wide portion W that is configured to be wide in the width direction, and a narrow portion T that is narrower in the width direction than the wide portion W. The narrow portion T is located on the pen tip side in the length direction, and is configured to be narrower than the wide portion W in the width direction perpendicular to the length direction of the pen-type input tool P when attached to the pen-type input tool P. An operator who operates the pen-type input tool P grips the narrow portion T. The wide portion W is located on the opposite side of the pen tip side in the length direction.

[0030] The main body 1 is provided with an attachment section 2 that is integrally formed with the main body 1 and is adapted to be detachably attached to a pen-type input device P, and a plurality of input operating devices 3 that perform predetermined inputs to the information processing device M.

[0031] [Configuration of the mounting part] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the mounting unit 2 is formed in the wide portion W of the main body 1 and has a holding mechanism 20 that holds a portion of the pen-type input device P opposite to the pen tip side. Here, the portion of the pen-type input device P where the mounting unit 2 is located is referred to as the “held portion Ph.” Generally, the held portion Ph of the pen-type input device P is configured cylindrically, and the holding mechanism 20 is configured to have a shape corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the held portion Ph. Specifically, the holding mechanism 20 has an opening 21, forming a groove with a C-shaped cross section. The holding mechanism 20 also has two side walls 22 that extend over the entire length of the mounting unit 2 and sandwich the pen-type input device P from both sides in the width direction. The two side walls 22 are configured to approach each other at the opening 21 side portion. The holding mechanism 20 of the mounting unit 2 is configured to cover more than half of the circumferential direction of the pen-type input device P at the held portion Ph of the pen-type input device P.

[0032] In this embodiment, the holding mechanism 20 is made of a flexible material such as resin. When the input device 100 is attached to the pen-type input device P, the held portion Ph of the pen-type input device P is pressed against the edges of the two side walls 22. When the input device 100 is further pushed into the pen-type input device P, the two side walls 22 are deformed and move away from each other, thereby slightly widening the opening 21. When the pen-type input device P enters the inside of the holding mechanism 20 (groove) through the widened opening 21, the shapes of the two side walls 22 and the opening 21 return to their original shapes, and the pen-type input device P is held. In this way, the input device 100 is attached to the pen-type input device P. When the input device 100 is detached from the pen-type input device P, the pen-type input device P is pushed toward the opening 21, thereby deforming the two side walls 22 and slightly widening the opening 21. The input device 100 is removed from the pen-type input article P by moving the pen-type input article P from the widened opening 21 to the outside of the holding mechanism 20 (groove).

[0033] A groove 11 that is continuous with the groove that is the holding mechanism 20 is formed in the narrow portion T. In other words, the groove that is the holding mechanism 20 and the groove 11 form a groove that extends over the entire length of the main body 1 in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the groove 11 is configured to cover less than half of the circumference of the pen-type input tool P, and is not configured to hold the input device 100 like the holding mechanism 20.

[0034] [Configuration of various operating tools] 1 and 3, the information processing device M is provided with a first push-button input operation device 31, a second input operation device 32, and a third input operation device 33 as input operation devices 3 for performing predetermined inputs to the information processing device M. The first input operation device 31, the second input operation device 32, and the third input operation device 33 are arranged in the narrow width portion T, in a finger-operable range R that is a range operable with the finger of an operator who operates the pen-type input device P. Specifically, the finger-operable range R is located at a position where the index finger of an operator who operates the pen-type input device P equipped with the input device 100 is located, or in the vicinity of that position. The finger-operable range R is located on the surface opposite to the surface on which the groove 11 (see FIG. 2) is located in the width direction.

[0035] The main body 1 is provided with an input mode change operation device 34 that switches the mode of input information transmitted to the information processing device M when the input operation device 3 is operated. Specifically, when the input operation device 3 is operated, it switches between a first mode in which input information for performing a preset shortcut key operation is transmitted and a second mode in which input information for performing a shortcut key operation registered by the operator is transmitted. Each time the operator presses the input mode change operation device 34, it alternates between the first mode and the second mode.

[0036] The input mode change operation tool 34 is disposed in the wide portion W, and is located on the opposite side of the pen tip in the length direction, and is spaced apart from the input operation tool 3. In addition, in the width direction, it is located on the surface opposite to the surface on which the holding mechanism 20 is provided.

[0037] The main body 1 is provided with a power supply operation device 35 for turning the power on and off. The power supply operation device 35 is located on the opposite side of the pen tip in the length direction, i.e., at a position separated from the input operation device 3, and is arranged next to the input mode change operation device 34. Each time the operator presses the power supply operation device 35, the power is alternately switched between an on state and an off state.

[0038] [Configuration of connector for external charging] The main body 1 is provided with a battery B that supplies power. A connector 4 for external charging is provided in a wide portion W of the main body 1. A charging cable (not shown) is connected to the connector 4 when charging the battery B. The connector 4 is disposed on an end face 12 of the input device 100 opposite the pen tip side. With this configuration, the connector 4 is disposed in a position where a charging cable can be connected when the connector 4 is attached to the pen-type input implement P. Note that the type of connector is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, a connector conforming to the USB Type-C (registered trademark) standard is adopted.

[0039] [Configuration of the notification device] The main body 1 is equipped with a notification device 5 (corresponding to the "charging status indicator lamp" of the present invention) that uses multiple lighting patterns to notify the user of the charging status and to instruct the user to charge. The notification device 5 is arranged in the main body 1 along the length thereof, alongside the input mode change operating device 34 and the power operating device 35.

[0040] In this embodiment, the notification device 5 lights up when the power is on, and flashes when the battery B requires charging. In this embodiment, the notification device 5 lights up orange when a charging cable (not shown) is connected to the connector 4 and charging is in progress, lights up green when charging is complete, and turns off when the charging cable is disconnected. Furthermore, the notification device 5 emits green light in the first mode, lights blue when in the second mode, and emits red and blue light alternately when connection initiation processing with the information processing device M is in progress. The present invention is not limited to this, and notification may be made in colors or lighting / flashing patterns different from those described above, and the colors and lighting patterns may be customizable.

[0041] [Control when pressing the input operation tool] The main body 1 is provided with a control unit 6 that controls the first input operation device 31, the second input operation device 32, and the third input operation device 33 in response to the respective operations of these operation devices, and a transmission unit 7 that transmits input information in response to the respective operations of these operation devices to the information processing device M. In this embodiment, the transmission unit 7 transmits the input information to the information processing device M via wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth standard.

[0042] The control of the control unit 6 and the transmission unit 7 when the first input operation device 31, the second input operation device 32, and the third input operation device 33 are operated will be described with reference to FIG.

[0043] When the control unit 6 detects that the first input device 31 has been operated in the first mode, the control unit 6 controls the transmission unit 7 to transmit pre-registered operation information corresponding to the operation of the first input device 31 to the information processing device M. When the transmission unit 7 transmits the operation information, the information processing device M receives the operation information corresponding to the operation of the first input device 31 in the first mode as input information. In this embodiment, the input information corresponding to the operation of the first input device 31 in the first mode is shortcut key operation information, and the software SW installed in the information processing device M executes processing when a preset shortcut key is input. In this embodiment, the software SW is an application for creating illustrations, and the shortcut key executed when the first input device 31 is operated in the first mode is "Brush (a function for switching to a brush drawing mode)."

[0044] When the control unit 6 detects that the second input operation device 32 and the third input operation device 33 have been operated in the first mode, the control unit 6 controls the transmission unit 7 to transmit operation information corresponding to these operations to the information processing device M, similar to when the first input operation device 31 has been operated. The information processing device M receives the operation information corresponding to the operations of the second input operation device 32 and the third input operation device 33 in the first mode as input information. In this embodiment, the input information corresponding to the operations of the second input operation device 32 and the third input operation device 33 in the first mode is shortcut key operation information, and the software SW installed in the information processing device M executes processing when a preset shortcut key is input. In this embodiment, the shortcut key executed when the second input operation device 32 is operated in the first mode is "Back (a function to return the drawing to the previous state)," and the shortcut key executed when the third input operation device 33 is operated in the first mode is "Eraser (a function to delete a specified portion of the drawn image)."

[0045] In the second mode, when the control unit 6 detects that the first input operation device 31, the second input operation device 32, and the third input operation device 33 have been operated, the control unit 6 controls the transmission unit 7 to transmit operation information corresponding to these operations to the information processing device M, as in the first mode, and the information processing device M receives, as input information, operation information corresponding to the operations of the first input operation device 31, the second input operation device 32, and the third input operation device 33 in the second mode. In the second mode, instead of the shortcut keys "Brush," "Back," and "Eraser" that are executed when the first input operation device 31, the second input operation device 32, and the third input operation device 33 are operated, processing is executed when a shortcut key registered by the operator is input. The method for registering shortcut keys to be executed when the input operation device 3 is operated in the second mode is not particularly limited, and the registration process may be performed using dedicated software, for example.

[0046] [Another embodiment] Hereinafter, another embodiment in which the above embodiment is modified will be exemplified.

[0047] (1) In the above embodiment, when the input device 3 is operated, in the first mode, a process is executed when a preset shortcut key is input, and in the second mode, a process is executed when a shortcut key registered by the operator is input. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in both the first mode and the second mode, a process may be executed when a preset shortcut key is input, or a process may be executed when a shortcut key registered by the operator is input.

[0048] (2) In the above embodiment, the input operation device 3 is provided with three push-button type input operation devices (first input operation device 31, second input operation device 32, and third input operation device 33). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the input operation device 3 may be a touch sensor type. Furthermore, the input operation device 3 may be provided with two or less input operation devices, or may be provided with four or more input operation devices.

[0049] (3) In the above embodiment, the main body 1 is provided with a rechargeable battery B that supplies power, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main body 1 may be provided with a battery holding section that holds a battery in a detachable manner, and power may be supplied from the battery instead of the battery B.

[0050] (4) In the above embodiment, the alarm device 5 is described as being configured to indicate the charging status and charging using a plurality of lighting and flashing patterns, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the alarm device 5 may be configured to indicate the charging status and charging using a plurality of sound patterns. The notification device 5 may also be configured to notify whether the current mode is the first mode or the second mode.

[0051] (5) In the above embodiment, the transmitting unit 7 is described as being configured to transmit input information to the information processing device M via wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth standard, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transmitting unit 7 may be configured to transmit input information to the information processing device M via infrared communication, or may be configured to transmit input information to the information processing device M via wired communication.

[0052] (6) In the above embodiment, the input mode change operating device 34, the power operating device 35, and the alarm device 5 are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the input mode change operating device 34, the power operating device 35, and the alarm device 5 may be arranged in a line in the circumferential direction.

[0053] (7) In the above embodiment, the mounting unit 2 is integrally configured with the main body 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the mounting unit 2 may be configured separately from the main body 1. In this case, instead of the holding mechanism 20 being a groove having the opening 21 and the side wall 22, the holding mechanism 20 may be configured as, for example, a belt that can be attached to the pen-type input tool P.

[0054] The configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, unless a contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0055] The present invention can be used in input devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 100: Input device 2: Mounting part 3: Input operation tool 4: Connector 5: Notification device (charging status indicator lamp) 7: Transmitter 34: Input mode change operation tool T: Narrow part W: Wide part M: Information processing device P: Pen-type input device

Claims

1. a plurality of input manipulation devices for performing predetermined inputs to the information processing device; a transmitting unit that transmits input information corresponding to the operation of the input operation tool to the information processing device; a mounting portion for detachably mounting a pen-type input tool for inputting to the information processing device; An input device configured in a shape that extends in the length direction of the pen-type input tool when attached to the pen-type input tool, and having a wide portion and a narrow portion that is located on the pen tip side of the pen-type input tool when attached to the pen-type input tool and has a width direction that is narrower than the wide portion and perpendicular to the length direction of the pen-type input tool when attached to the pen-type input tool.

2. 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of input manipulation implements are arranged within a range operable by a finger of an operator who manipulates the pen-type input implement.

3. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the mounting portion is configured to cover at least half of the circumference of the pen-type input tool at a location where the mounting portion is located.

4. It is equipped with a connector for external charging, 4. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the connector is disposed at a position where a charging cable can be connected when the connector is attached to the pen-type input implement.

5. the wide portion in which the connector is disposed, and the narrow portion which is narrower than the wide portion in a width direction perpendicular to a length direction of the pen-type input tool when attached to the pen-type input tool, The input device according to claim 4 , wherein the input operation tool is disposed in the narrow portion.

6. 5. The input device of claim 4, further comprising a charging status indicator lamp for indicating the status and duration of charging.

7. 2. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a battery holder for detachably holding a battery for supplying power.

8. 2. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising an input mode change operation tool for changing the input information between a first mode and a second mode.

9. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined input is a shortcut key.

10. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the input information to the information processing device by communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard.

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