JP2002358151A - User input device, computer to which user input device is connected, method of controlling computer to which user input device is connected, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To perform an input operation without difficulty even in a situation where one hand cannot be used due to other business. A user input device includes a user input unit for a user to input data or a command using a human body, and a use mode detection unit for detecting a use mode of the user input unit by a human body. I have. On the side of the computer to which the user input device is connected, the operation of the application being executed by the application execution unit can be changed according to the detection result by the usage pattern detection unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a user input device for allowing a user to input commands and the like to a computer, a computer connected to the user input device, a control method for the computer connected to the user input device, and a storage medium. In particular, a user input device, such as a keyboard and a mouse, by which a user performs an input operation using a part of a human body, a computer connected to the user input device, a control method for a computer connected to the user input device, and storage Regarding the medium.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a user input device designed on the assumption that a user operates with both hands, a computer to which the user input device is connected, a control method for a computer to which the user input device is connected, and a storage medium In particular, a user input device and a user input device that can perform an input operation without any inconvenience even in a situation where one hand cannot be used due to other tasks while assuming that the user operates with both hands are connected. The present invention relates to a computer and a control method of a computer to which a user input device is connected, and a storage medium.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Along with the recent technological innovation, a general-purpose computer, called a workstation (WS) or a personal computer (PC), which is relatively small and inexpensive and has high added value and high functionality. The system has been developed and marketed, and has deeply penetrated the daily life of universities and other research institutions, corporations and other offices, and even ordinary households. Most of the daily work now involves computers, and many people spend the day touching keyboards and mice.

By the way, keyboard operation is usually performed with both hands, but depending on the situation, there are cases where both hands cannot be used.

For example, when operating a mouse, the right hand (or dominant hand) is above the mouse. Also, when answering a telephone call while operating a computer, it is naturally impossible to operate the keyboard with a hand holding the handset.

Conventional keyboards are not designed in consideration of the disadvantageous situation that a user cannot operate with both hands. For this reason, an unnatural operation with one hand may be required, and the operability of the computer is extremely reduced.

For example, when an operation is required in which a key that should be operated with the left hand is pressed with the right hand, or a key on the right side is simultaneously pressed while pressing the control key or shift key on the left side. If it is blocked by another task, the input operation becomes unnatural or the input operation itself becomes impossible.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to connect an excellent user input device which allows a user to perform an input operation using a part of a human body such as a keyboard or a mouse. To provide a control method for a computer to which a connected computer and a user input device are connected, and a storage medium.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an excellent user input device, a computer to which the user input device is connected, and a control method for a computer to which the user input device is connected, which is designed on the assumption that the user operates with both hands. Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an excellent input operation that allows a user to perform an input operation without difficulty even in a situation where one hand cannot be used due to other tasks, while assuming that the user operates with both hands. An object of the present invention is to provide a user input device, a computer to which the user input device is connected, a control method for a computer to which the user input device is connected, and a storage medium.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and a first aspect of the present invention is a user input device for receiving data or command input from a user to a computer. It is characterized by comprising a user input means for the user to input data or command using a human body, and a use form detection means for detecting a use form of the user's body for the user input means, User input device.

[0012] The usage pattern detection means can detect, for example, whether the usage pattern of the user's body to the user input means is a normal mode or an unusual mode.

On the computer main body side to which the user input device is connected, according to the detection result by the use form detecting means,
The operation of the application being executed by the application executing means can be changed.

If the user input means is, for example, a keyboard, the usage pattern detecting means may be a normal mode in which the user can perform key input using both hands, or a non-operating mode in which the user can perform key input using only one hand. Which of the normal modes the keyboard is used can be detected.

In the case where the user input means is, for example, a mouse, the use form detecting means may be a mouse operation mode in which the user can operate the mouse with at least one hand, or the user may operate the mouse with the hand. Can be detected to detect any of the mouse non-operation modes in which the mouse cannot be operated by releasing the mouse.

In the case where the user input means is constituted by, for example, a combination of a keyboard and a mouse, the use form detecting means includes a first use mode in which the user can perform key input using both hands, or It is possible to detect which one of the second use modes in which the user can use a mouse with one hand and key input using only the other hand.

Further, the use mode detecting means can detect whether or not the user is in another terminal use mode in which the user uses a mobile phone or another information terminal using at least one hand.

The usage pattern detecting means for detecting a user's system usage pattern via a user input device such as a keyboard includes, for example, a transmission electrode disposed substantially at the center of the keyboard, and a transmission electrode for transmitting to the transmission electrode. A transmitter for supplying an alternating current; a first receiving electrode disposed substantially at the left end of the keyboard; and a second receiving electrode disposed substantially at the right end of the keyboard.
, A first receiver that receives an alternating current flowing through the first receiving electrode, and a second receiver that receives an alternating current flowing through the second receiving electrode. .

In such a case, a first capacitor equivalent circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed between the transmission electrode and the first reception electrode, and a first capacitor equivalent circuit of the transmission electrode and the second reception electrode is formed. A second capacitor equivalent circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed between them, and in response to a human body approaching the left side of the keyboard, a 1-2th capacitor equivalent circuit becomes parallel to the first capacitor equivalent circuit. A capacitor equivalent circuit is formed, or in response to the human body approaching the right side of the keyboard, a 2-2 capacitor equivalent circuit is formed in parallel with the second capacitor equivalent circuit. Therefore, the capacitance of the 1-2th or 2-2nd capacitor equivalent circuit changes according to the degree of approach to the human body, and as a result, the capacitance of the 1st or 2nd capacitor equivalent circuit passes through the 1st or 2nd capacitor equivalent circuit. It can be detected that the user is using the left and / or right side of the keyboard based on the change in the alternating current.

The usage pattern detecting means for detecting a user's system usage pattern via a user input device such as a mouse includes, for example, a transmission electrode provided at substantially one end of the mouse, and a transmission electrode provided to the transmission electrode. A transmitter for supplying a reliable AC current, and a receiving electrode disposed at substantially the other end of the mouse,
And a receiver for receiving the alternating current flowing through the receiving electrode.

In such a case, a first capacitor equivalent circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, and the first capacitor equivalent circuit is formed in response to a human body approaching the upper surface of the mouse. , A second capacitor equivalent circuit is formed in parallel with the first capacitor equivalent circuit. Therefore, the capacitance of the second capacitor equivalent circuit changes according to the degree of approach to the human body,
As a result, it is possible to detect that the user is using the mouse based on a change in the alternating current passing through the first capacitor equivalent circuit.

Further, the use mode detecting means is provided on the user input means so as to expose the outside and transmit the output signal by modulating the original signal to generate an output signal. Transmitting means comprising a first conductive member,
It is possible to comprise a receiving means comprising a second conductive member disposed on an external device so as to be exposed to the outside so that the output signal can be received, and a demodulating means for demodulating the received signal. it can. In such a case, by utilizing the fact that a human body comes into contact with the first and second conductive members to enable signal transmission between the transmitting means and the receiving means, the user can use an external device. Can be detected.

The user input means is, for example, a keyboard, and the external device is, for example, an information terminal such as a mobile phone. In such a case, the usage pattern detecting means holds the information terminal with one hand of the user on the keyboard and the other hand through signal transmission between the transmitting means and the receiving means. The condition can be detected.

Alternatively, the usage pattern detecting means may be arranged so that the plurality of linear transmitting electrodes, the transmitter for supplying an alternating current for transmission to each of the transmitting electrodes, and the transmitting electrodes are not in contact with each other. It can be composed of a plurality of linear receiving electrodes arranged and a receiver for receiving an alternating current flowing through the receiving electrodes. The usage pattern detection area in which the plurality of transmission electrodes and the plurality of reception electrodes intersect is disposed so as to overlap the user input area of the user input device. At each intersection, a first capacitor equivalent circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed, and in response to the human body approaching the intersection of the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, the first capacitor equivalent circuit becomes parallel to the first capacitor equivalent circuit. 2 is formed.

In such a case, the capacitance of the second capacitor equivalent circuit changes according to the degree of approach to the human body, and as a result, the AC current passing through the first capacitor equivalent circuit changes. Can be detected on the basis of the change in the user's human body to the user input means.

Such a use form detecting means can detect a multidimensional value consisting of an output at each intersection in response to an operation performed by the user's body on the user input means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer to which a user input device for inputting data or a command by a user using a human body is connected, wherein an application executing means for executing a predetermined application; A usage pattern detection unit configured to detect a usage pattern of the human input device with respect to the user input device; and an operation control unit configured to change an operation of the application being executed by the application execution unit in accordance with a detection result obtained by the usage pattern detection unit. A computer to which a user input device is connected.

[0028] The usage pattern detecting means can detect whether the usage pattern of the user's body for the user input device is a normal mode or an unusual mode. Further, the operation control unit can switch the assignment to the input content from the user input device in response to the detection of the non-normal mode by the use mode detection unit.

[0029] The user input device may be a keyboard. In such a case, the operation control unit responds to the detection of the usage mode in which the user can perform key input using only one hand by the usage mode detection unit.
The assignment to each key on the keyboard may be changed.

Alternatively, the user input device may be composed of a combination of a keyboard and a mouse.
In such a case, the use mode detection means may be a first use mode in which the user can perform key input using both hands, or a second use mode in which the user can perform key input using only the other hand using a mouse with the left hand. Which of the two use modes may be detected. Further, the operation control means includes:
In the first use mode, normal text characters are assigned to each key of the keyboard, but in the second use mode, a command function is assigned to a left-hand operation key of the keyboard. Good.

Alternatively, the use mode detection means may detect whether or not the user is in another terminal use mode in which the user uses a mobile phone or another information terminal using at least one hand. . In such a case, the operation control unit can activate the other terminal driving application in response to the other terminal use mode being detected by the use mode detection unit.

In the case where the user input device is a keyboard, the usage pattern detecting means supplies a transmitting electrode disposed substantially at the center of the keyboard and an alternating current for transmission to the transmitting electrode. A transmitter, a first reception electrode disposed substantially at the left end of the keyboard, a second reception electrode disposed substantially at the right end of the keyboard, and an alternating current flowing through the first reception electrode. And a second receiver for receiving an alternating current flowing through the second receiving electrode. Then, a first capacitor equivalent to a capacitor is provided between the transmission electrode and the first reception electrode.
And a second capacitor equivalent circuit is formed between the transmission electrode and the second reception electrode.
A capacitor equivalent circuit is formed, and when the human body approaches the left side of the keyboard, the first
A first to second capacitor equivalent circuit is formed in parallel with the capacitor equivalent circuit of the first embodiment, or becomes parallel to the second capacitor equivalent circuit in response to a human body approaching the right side of the keyboard. A 2-2 capacitor equivalent circuit is formed.

Therefore, the capacitance of the 1-2th or 2-2nd capacitor equivalent circuit changes in accordance with the degree of approach to the human body, and as a result, the 1st or 2nd capacitor equivalent circuit changes. Either a first usage mode in which the user can key in using both hands or a second usage mode in which the user can key in using only the left hand based on the change in the alternating current passing through the circuit Can be detected. The operation control unit assigns normal text characters to each key of the keyboard in the first use mode, but assigns a normal text character to a left-hand operation key of the keyboard in the second use mode. Command functions can be assigned.

In the case where the user input device comprises a combination of a keyboard and a mouse, the usage pattern detecting means includes a transmitting electrode provided at substantially one end of the mouse, and an AC for transmitting to the transmitting electrode. It can be constituted by a transmitter for supplying a current, a receiving electrode arranged at substantially the other end of the mouse, and a receiver for receiving an alternating current flowing through the receiving electrode. A first capacitor equivalent circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode, and a first capacitor equivalent circuit is formed in response to a human body approaching the upper surface of the mouse. Form a second capacitor equivalent circuit in parallel.

Therefore, the capacitance of the second capacitor equivalent circuit changes according to the degree of approach to the human body,
As a result, it is possible to detect that the user is using the mouse based on a change in the alternating current passing through the first capacitor equivalent circuit. In addition, the operation control unit can assign a command function to a left-hand operation key of the keyboard in response to detecting that the user is using the mouse.

Alternatively, the use form detecting means is provided on the user input means such that the modulating means modulates an original signal to generate an output signal and the output means is exposed to the outside so that the output signal can be transmitted. A transmitting means comprising a first conductive member, a receiving means comprising a second conductive member disposed on an external device so as to be exposed to the outside and capable of receiving the output signal; And a demodulating means for demodulating the converted signal.

[0037] In such a case, the use form detecting means is capable of transmitting a signal between the transmitting means and the receiving means when a human body comes into contact with the first and second conductive members. It is possible to detect that the user is using the external device. Therefore, the operation control unit can start the application for the external device in response to the use mode detection unit detecting the use of the external device.

Alternatively, the use mode detecting means may be arranged so that the plurality of linear transmission electrodes, the transmitter for supplying an alternating current for transmission to each of the transmission electrodes, and the transmission electrodes are not in contact with each other. It can be composed of a plurality of linear receiving electrodes arranged and a receiver for receiving an alternating current flowing through the receiving electrodes. Then, the usage pattern region in which the plurality of transmission electrodes and the plurality of reception electrodes intersect is arranged so as to overlap the user input region of the user input device,
At each intersection of the transmission electrode and the reception electrode, a first capacitor equivalent circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed,
When the human body approaches the intersection of the transmission electrode and the reception electrode, the second capacitor becomes parallel to the first capacitor equivalent circuit.
Is formed. Therefore,
The usage pattern detection means changes the capacitance of the second capacitor equivalent circuit according to the degree of approach to a human body,
As a result, based on the change in the alternating current passing through the first capacitor equivalent circuit, it is possible to detect a use form of the user's human body with respect to the user input device as a multidimensional value composed of outputs at each intersection. it can. Therefore, the operation control means may perform, for example, a user authentication process by comparing and matching a specific input operation performed by the user with a multidimensional value detected from the specific input operation, as the process using the multidimensional value. Can be performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a computer to which a user input device for inputting data or a command by a user using a human body is connected. A user comprising: a usage pattern detection step of detecting a configuration; and an operation control step of changing an operation of an application being executed by the application execution unit in accordance with a detection result of the usage pattern detection step. This is a method for controlling a computer to which an input device is connected.

According to the control method of the computer according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the use mode detecting step, the use mode of the user's body with respect to the user input device is either a normal mode or an unusual mode. In the operation control step, the assignment to the input content from the user input device can be switched in response to the detection of the non-normal mode in the usage pattern detecting step.

For example, in the case where the user input device is a keyboard, the operation control step responds to the detection of a use mode in which the user can perform key input using only one hand in the use mode detection step. The assignment for each key on the keyboard can be changed.

Alternatively, when the user input device comprises a combination of a keyboard and a mouse, in the use mode detecting step, the first use mode in which the user can perform key input using both hands, or the user uses the left hand. Detecting which one of the second use modes in which a key can be input using only the other hand using a mouse, the operation control step includes: performing each key of the keyboard under the first use mode Although a normal text character is assigned to the keyboard, a command function may be assigned to a left-hand operation key of the keyboard in the second use mode.

Further, in the use mode detecting step, it may be detected whether or not the user is in another terminal use mode in which the user uses a mobile phone or another information terminal using at least one hand. . In such a case, in the operation control step, the other terminal driving application can be started in response to the detection of the other terminal use mode in the use mode detection step.

Further, in the use mode detecting step, a use mode of the user's body with respect to the user input device may be detected as a multidimensional value. In such a case, in the operation control step, as a process using the multidimensional value, the user performs a comparison and comparison between a specific input operation performed by the user and a multidimensional value detected from the specific input operation. Authentication processing can be executed.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is described in such a manner that information processing in accordance with a user's use mode with respect to a user input device for inputting data or commands using a human body is executed on a computer system. A storage medium in which the stored computer software is physically stored in a computer-readable format, wherein the computer software detects a usage mode of the user input device by a human body, and the usage mode An operation control step of changing an operation of the application being executed by the application execution unit in accordance with a detection result of the detection step.

The storage medium according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is a medium that provides computer software in a computer-readable format to a general-purpose computer system that can execute various program codes. Such a medium is, for example, a CD (Compact Disc)
And FD (Floppy Disk), MO (Magneto-Optical dis
It is a removable and portable storage medium such as c). Alternatively, it is technically possible to provide computer software to a specific computer system via a transmission medium such as a network (a network may be either wireless or wired).

Such a storage medium defines a structural or functional cooperative relationship between the computer software and the storage medium in order to realize predetermined computer software functions on a computer system. It is. In other words, by installing predetermined computer software into the computer system via the storage medium according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a cooperative action is exhibited on the computer system, and The same operation and effect as those of the computer or the computer control method according to the second or third aspect can be obtained.

Still other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are:
It will become apparent from the following more detailed description based on the embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings.

[0049]

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

A. FIG. 1 shows a user input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Is schematically shown. User input device 1
Can be connected as a peripheral device to a computer (not shown) having a general hardware configuration, for example. The user can input desired data and commands to a computer (not shown in FIG. 1) via the user input device 1.

In the example shown in the figure, the user input device 1
For example, inside a general keyboard 10 (below the keyboard input surface) that receives user input on a text-based basis in a “QWERTY” layout, a human body detection device 20 that recognizes the presence of the right and left hands of the user on the keyboard 10 is provided. It has a built-in configuration. Such a user input device 1
As described later, the state of the system and the processing operation of the application can be changed in accordance with the result of recognizing the presence or absence of the right hand and the left hand on the keyboard 10 as described later.

The human body detecting device 20 according to this embodiment
A transmission electrode 21 disposed substantially at the center of the keyboard 10,
An AC current signal Tx for transmission is transmitted to the transmission electrode 21.
(E.g., 100 kHz), a left-hand detection receiving electrode 23 disposed substantially at the left end of the keyboard 10, and a right-hand detection reception electrode 24 disposed substantially at the right end of the keyboard 10. , A left-hand detection receiver 25 that receives an alternating current flowing through the receiving electrode 23, and a right-hand detection receiver 26 that receives an alternating current flowing through the receiving electrode 24.

The receiver 25 for detecting the left hand includes a receiving electrode 23
-Pass filter (BPF) 25A that allows only an alternating current of a predetermined frequency band to pass from the received signal RXL
Modulator comprising an amplifier 25B, a detector 25C, and an A / D converter for converting a detection output into a digital signal.
And a converter 25D.

The receiver 26 for right hand detection is provided with a band-pass filter (BPF) 2 for passing only an alternating current in a predetermined frequency band from the reception signal RXR from the reception electrode 24.
6A, an amplifier 26B and a detector 26C.
A modulator for converting a detection output into a digital signal
/ D converter 26D.

The human body detecting device 20 having such a configuration
, The transmission electrode 21 and the reception electrode 23 for left hand detection
A circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed between
A circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed between the transmission electrode 21 and the reception electrode 24 for right hand detection.

For example, in response to the user's left hand approaching a predetermined position on the upper surface of the keyboard (ie, the left half),
A virtual capacitor equivalent circuit is formed in parallel with the left-hand capacitor equivalent circuit described above. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether or not the user's left hand is on the keyboard 10 by utilizing the change in the capacitance of the virtual capacitor accompanying the approach of the user's left hand. Similarly, in response to the user's left hand approaching a predetermined position on the upper surface of the keyboard (that is, the left half), a virtual capacitor equivalent circuit is formed in parallel with the above-described capacitor equivalent circuit on the right hand side. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether or not the right hand of the user exists on the keyboard 10 by using the change in the capacitance of the virtual capacitor accompanying the approach of the right hand of the user.

FIG. 2 shows a transmitting electrode 21 and a receiving electrode 2 for detecting a left hand in the human body detecting device 20 according to the present embodiment.
Only 3 is drawn. FIG. 3 shows an equivalent circuit between the transmission electrode 21 and the reception electrode 23 for left hand detection.

Transmission electrode 21 and reception electrode 2 for left hand detection
As shown in FIG. 3, a circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed between the three.

Here, for example, 100 k
When an AC voltage of about Hz is applied, the transmission electrode 21
Capacitance C between electrodes 23_aCauses capacitive coupling
As a result, an alternating current is generated in the receiving electrode 23. This conden
Sa C_aThe intensity of the current passing through the
Band-pass filter tuned to the transmission frequency of the current voltage
25A, amplifier 25B, detector 25C, and A / D converter
By performing signal processing by each unit of the converter 25D,
Extracted as digital data. Reception in this case
The intensity of the alternating current received at electrode 23 is
Sensor capacitance C _aOnly depends on

[0060] capacitance C _a is unless deformation of the transmission electrode 21 and the receiving electrode 23, static, keeping a fixed value. Therefore, as long as the same alternating voltage is applied to the transmitting electrode 21 side, the intensity of the alternating current received at the receiving electrode 23 side is constant.

Next, a mechanism for detecting a human body such as a user's left hand by the combination of the transmission electrode 21 and the reception electrode 23 will be described.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a state in which the left hand of the user approaches the left side on the input surface of the keyboard 10, that is, between the transmission electrode 21 and the reception electrode 23. FIG.
5 shows an equivalent circuit between the transmission electrode 21 and the reception electrode 23 when the user's left hand approaches between the transmission electrode 21 and the reception electrode 23.

[0063] In between the transmission electrode 21 and the receiving electrode 23, as described above, the capacitor C _a equivalent circuit is formed.

The human body such as the left hand of the user can be regarded as a virtual ground point (earth). Therefore,
The equivalent circuit includes a capacitor C _a formed between the transmission electrode 21 and the reception electrode 23, and a virtual capacitor C _b1 formed in series between the human body and the transmission electrode 21 and between the human body and the reception electrode 23, respectively. And C _b2 are connected in parallel.

Therefore, for example, 10
When an AC voltage of about 0 kHz is applied, the capacitor C
by the amount of current flowing into the ground through the _b1, weakens the strength of the current detected alternating current generated, i.e. the receiving electrode 23 side by the capacitive coupling by the capacitance C _a between the transmission electrode 21 and the receiving electrode 23 .

The capacitance C _a is static and keeps a fixed value unless the transmission electrode 21 and the reception electrode 23 are deformed. On the other hand, the human body and the transmission electrode 21 and the human body and the reception electrode 2
Each of the capacitances C _b1 and C _b2 of the virtual capacitors formed in series between each of the three becomes larger as the human body approaches the left side of the input surface of the keyboard 10, that is, the transmission electrode 21 and the reception electrode 23. . Therefore, when the same AC voltage is applied to the transmitting electrode 21, the receiving electrode 2
The strength of the alternating current detected by the 3
0 As it approaches the left side of the input surface, it becomes smaller.

Utilizing such a phenomenon, a received signal which is AM-modulated by the band-pass filter 25A, the amplifier 25B, and the detector 25C and further converted to a digital form by the A / D converter 25D is used. It can be determined whether the human body is approaching the transmission electrode 21 and the reception electrode 23, that is, whether the left hand of the user is using the keyboard 10.

Also, according to the same principle as described above,
Based on the electrostatic action between the transmission electrode 21 and the right-hand detection reception electrode 24, whether the human body is approaching the transmission electrode 21 and the right-hand detection reception electrode 24,
It can be determined whether or not the right hand of the user is using the keyboard 10.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a basic configuration of a user input device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The user input device 1 according to this embodiment is configured by a combination of a keyboard 10 and a mouse 30. The keyboard 10 and the mouse 30 can be connected as a peripheral device to a computer (not shown) having a general hardware configuration, for example. The user can input desired data and commands on a text basis through key input on the keyboard 10,
Desired data and commands can be input on a graphic basis through the coordinate instruction input by the mouse 30.

The keyboard 10 is, for example, "QWERTY"
Keyboard with a general keyboard layout of the form
Inside the keyboard 0 (below the keyboard input surface)
A human body detecting device 20 that recognizes the presence of the right hand and the left hand of the user is incorporated on the top of the device. However, the human body detection device 20
Are similar to those described above, and the description is omitted here.

On the other hand, the mouse 30 incorporates a rotatably supported ball and a movement sensor (not shown) for detecting the amount of movement in each of the xy axes from the rotation of the ball (not shown). It has a general configuration with buttons on the back, and the user's hand (usually the right hand or dominant arm) is placed on the back of the mouse 30 for use.

In the present embodiment, such a mouse 30 has a human body detecting device 40 incorporated therein. On a computer (not shown) to which the user input device 1 including the mouse 30 and the keyboard 10 is connected, as described later, the user
In addition, the operation mode of the keyboard 10 is automatically detected, and the state of the system and the processing operation of the application can be changed according to the usage mode of the user input device 1.

The human body detection device 40 according to this embodiment
A transmitting electrode 41 disposed at substantially one end of the mouse 30 and an AC current signal Tx for transmission (for example, 1
A transmitter 42 for supplying 00 kHz), a receiving electrode 43 arranged at substantially the other end of the mouse 30, and a receiver 44 for receiving an alternating current flowing through the receiving electrode 43.

The receiver 44 includes a band-pass filter (BPF) 44A for passing only an alternating current in a predetermined frequency band from the reception signal RXM from the reception electrode 43, and an amplifier 44.
B, an AM modulator comprising a detector 44C, and an A / D converter 44D for converting a detection output into a digital signal.

The human body detection device 40 having such a configuration
In, a circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed between the transmission electrode 41 and the reception electrode 43.

For example, when the user's right hand (or dominant hand) approaches the back of the mouse 30, a virtual capacitor equivalent circuit is formed in parallel with the above-described capacitor equivalent circuit. Therefore, by utilizing the change in the capacitance of the virtual capacitor accompanying the approach of the user's right hand, it is determined whether or not the user's right hand is behind the mouse 30, that is, whether or not the user is operating the mouse 30. Can be detected.

The principle of detecting whether or not the user is operating the mouse 30 by the electrostatic action between the transmission electrode 41 and the reception electrode 43 is based on the input surface of the keyboard 10 described with reference to FIGS. Since the mechanism for detecting the hand of the user is substantially the same as the above, the description is omitted here.

In the embodiment shown in FIG.
0, a detection signal L indicating whether the user is operating the keyboard 10 with his left hand.
And a detection signal R indicating whether the user is operating the keyboard 10 with the right hand. Similarly, a detection signal M indicating whether or not the user is operating the mouse is obtained from the human body detection device 40 incorporated in the mouse 30.

FIG. 7 schematically shows the output levels of the detection signals L, R, and M in a usage mode in which the user does not operate (release) the keyboard 10 and the mouse 30. In such a state, the output level of each of the detection signals L, R, and M is relatively high because each reception electrode can satisfactorily receive the AC voltage signal transmitted from the transmission electrode.

FIG. 8 shows the detection signals L and L in the usage mode in which the user operates the keyboard 10 with both hands.
The output levels of R and M are schematically shown. In such a state, a virtual capacitor equivalent circuit is formed between the transmission electrode 21 and each hand of the user. As a result, the level of the AC voltage signal received by the left-hand detection reception electrode 23 and the right-hand detection reception electrode 25 decreases. Therefore, although the output level of the detection signal M is relatively high, the output levels of the detection signal L and the detection signal R decrease.

FIG. 9 schematically shows the output levels of the detection signals L, R, and M in the usage mode in which the user operates the keyboard 10 with the left hand and the mouse 30 with the right hand. Is shown in In such a situation,
Between the transmission electrode 21 and the left hand of the user, as well as the transmission electrode 31
Between the user and the right hand of the user, a virtual capacitor equivalent circuit is formed. As a result, the level of the AC voltage signal received by the receiving electrode 23 for detecting the left hand and the receiving electrode 33 for detecting the mouse operation decreases. Therefore, the detection signal R
Is relatively high, but the output levels of the detection signal L and the detection signal M decrease.

FIG. 10 schematically shows the output levels of the detection signals L, R, and M in a usage mode in which the user operates the keyboard 10 with only the right hand.
For example, in addition to the case where the user is resting his left hand, the user is handling a mobile phone or other external device with his left hand (FIG. 1).
1) corresponds to this. In such a state, since a virtual capacitor equivalent circuit is formed between the transmission electrode 21 and the right hand of the user, the level of the AC voltage signal received by the reception electrode 25 for right hand detection decreases.
Therefore, the output levels of the detection signal L and the detection signal M are relatively high, but the output level of the detection signal R decreases.

FIG. 12 schematically shows a basic configuration of a user input device 1 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 in that the user input device 1 is configured by a combination of the keyboard 10 and the mouse 30, but the user operates the mobile phone 50 in addition to the user input device 1. The difference from the example shown in FIG. 6 is that the possibility is assumed.

For example, inside a general keyboard 10 having a “QWERTY” arrangement (below the keyboard input surface),
A human body detection device 20 that recognizes the presence of the right hand and the left hand of the user on the keyboard 10 is incorporated. However, since the configuration and operation characteristics of the human body detection device 20 are the same as those described above, the description is omitted here.

On the other hand, the mouse 30 incorporates a rotatably supported ball and a movement sensor (not shown) for detecting the amount of movement in each of the xy directions from the rotation of the ball (not shown). It has a general configuration with buttons on the back, and the user's hand (usually the right hand or dominant arm) is placed on the back of the mouse 30 for use. Inside the mouse 30, a human body detection device 40 is provided.
Is incorporated, but the human body detection device 40
Are similar to those described above, and the description is omitted here.

In this embodiment, on the portable terminal 50,
A human body detection device 60 for detecting whether or not the user is operating the portable terminal 50 by hand is mounted. The human body detection device 60 includes a receiving unit 61 made of a conductive member disposed to be exposed on the housing wall surface of the portable terminal 50 so as to be able to receive an output signal from the transmission electrode 21.
And a demodulation unit 62 for demodulating a received signal.

When a human body comes into contact with the receiving section 61 made of a conductive member, a signal can be transmitted between the transmitting section and the receiving section. Therefore, through signal transmission between the transmission electrode on the keyboard 10 or the mouse 30 and the receiver 61 on the mobile phone 50, one hand of the user can move the keyboard 10 or the mouse 30.
It is possible to detect a state where the mobile phone 50 is being held by the opposite hand while being on the upper side.

Therefore, in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 12, the computer main body connected to the user input device 1 can detect the use form of the user input device 1 as described below.

State 1: Both hands are on the keyboard 10 State 2: Left hand is on the keyboard 10 and right hand is on the mouse 30 State 3: Only one hand (for example, left hand) is on the keyboard 10 State 4: Left hand And hold the mobile phone 50 with the right hand on the keyboard 10

On a computer to which the user input device 1 including the mouse 30 and the keyboard 10 is connected, as described later, the user operates the keyboard 1
0, the mouse 30, and the mobile terminal 50 are automatically detected, and the user input device 1
Alternatively, the state of the system and the processing operation of the application can be changed according to the usage mode of the mobile terminal 50.

FIG. 13 schematically shows a basic configuration of a user input device 1 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the user input device 1 has a keyboard 1
Although this embodiment is common to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that it is composed of 0, it is possible to detect a keyboard input operation by a user as a multidimensional value (in this embodiment, a two-dimensional value having a two-dimensional planar spread). This is different from the example shown in FIG.

For example, inside a general keyboard 10 having a “QWERTY” arrangement (below the keyboard input surface),
A human body detection device 70 that recognizes the presence of the right hand and the left hand of the user on the keyboard 10 is incorporated.

In the example shown in FIG.
Are a plurality of linear transmitting electrodes 71-1, 71-2,..., 7
1-m, a transmitter 72 for supplying an alternating current for transmission to each of the transmission electrodes 71-1 ..., and each transmission electrode 7 by electrostatic action.
, 75-n for receiving the alternating current from 1-1,..., And each of the receiving electrodes 7
5-1 and a receiver 76 for receiving an alternating current flowing therethrough. The receiver 76 includes a band-pass filter (BPF) 76A that allows only an alternating current in a predetermined frequency band to pass.
Modulator comprising an amplifier 76B, a detector 76C, and an A / D converter for converting a detection output into a digital signal.
And a converter 76D.

Each of the receiving electrodes 75-1, 75-2,..., 75
In FIG. 13, each of the transmission electrodes 71-1, 71-2,
, 71-m, and at the intersection, these electrodes are not in contact with each other. In other words,
At each intersection of the electrodes, a circuit equivalent to a capacitor for storing electric charges is substantially formed. Therefore, when an alternating current passes through the transmitting electrode, the alternating current flows through the crossing point of the opposing receiving electrode due to capacitive coupling. Each of these transmitting electrodes 71-1, 71-2,
, 71-m and the receiving electrodes 75-1, 75-2, ..., 7
The region where 5-n intersects constitutes a human body detection region in the human body detection device 70. This human body detection area has a two-dimensional spread as shown in the figure.

The transmitter 72 applies an alternating current to each of the transmitting electrodes 71-1 while scanning. Therefore, at a certain moment, an alternating current flows from the capacitor equivalent circuit at the intersection with the corresponding transmitting electrode at each receiving electrode 75-1,..., And the transmitting electrode that has transmitted the AC current and the receiving electrode that has received the AC current The input position can be detected based on the positional relationship with the electrodes. For example, a two-dimensional user input can be detected via the user input area by performing predetermined arithmetic processing on the processor 80 on the output signal of each of the receiving electrodes 75-1 that have been A / D converted. .

In the illustrated example, each of the transmitting electrodes 71-1 and 71-1
, 71-m are arranged substantially in parallel, and the receiving electrodes 75-1, 75-2, ..., 75-n are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transmitting electrodes 11-1 ... The user input area is a substantially planar area in which electrodes are uniformly combined on a mesh. However, the gist of the present invention is not particularly limited to such a form,
As long as the transmitting electrodes 71-1 and the receiving electrodes 75-1 intersect without touching each other, the transmitting electrodes 71-1 may have a shape other than a plane, for example, a spherical shape or another curved surface. For example, the human body detection device 70 having the same configuration can be incorporated in the mouse 30.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 13 makes it possible to recognize a finer hand shape by increasing the number of electrodes as compared with the case shown in FIG. For example, when the user places both hands on the keyboard 10, the two-dimensional output of the human body detection device 70 is as shown in FIG. The two-dimensional output of the human body detection device 70 when the user places his right hand on the mouse 30 is:
As shown in FIG.

[0098] The human body detection device 70 according to this embodiment includes:
The proximity to the hand can be measured independently at each intersection between the transmission electrode 71 and the reception electrode 75. The obtained two-dimensional output pattern differs depending on how the user's hand is placed on the input surface of the keyboard 10 or on the back of the mouse 30. In FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the output level at each intersection is indicated by shading.

Since each user has characteristics and habits in key operation, even when the same key input is performed on the input surface of the keyboard 10, the two-dimensional output pattern obtained through the human body detecting device 70 is also different for each user. It is thought that it is different.
That is, when the same person performs the same input operation (for example, at the moment when a specific key is pressed), the multidimensional value output from the human body detecting device 70 is expected to be substantially the same, but the multidimensional value is Different for each.

Therefore, when the user performs a specific input operation on the user input device 1 such as the keyboard 10 or the mouse 30, the multi-dimensional values detected from the human body detecting device 70 are compared and collated, whereby Authentication processing can be executed. However, the details of the user authentication process using the multidimensional value obtained from the human body detection device 70 will be described later.

B. Computer with user input device
As described above, on the computer to which the user input device 1 according to the present invention is connected, the state of the system or the state of the system is determined according to the result of recognition of the human body such as the presence or absence of the right and left hands on the keyboard 10. The processing operation of the application can be changed. Hereinafter, an application on a computer to which a user input device is connected will be described.

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a hardware configuration of a computer 100 applicable to the present invention. Hereinafter, each component in the computer 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0103] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, which is a main controller of the system 100, executes various applications under the control of an operating system (OS). The CPU 101 can execute, for example, a processing procedure (described later) that changes the state of the system or the processing operation of the application according to the result of recognition of the human body. As shown, the CPU 10
1 is interconnected with other devices (described later) by a bus 108.

The memory 102 is a storage device used for storing a program code to be executed by the CPU 101 and temporarily storing work data being executed. It should be understood that the memory 102 shown in the figure includes both non-volatile and volatile memories.

The display controller 103 uses C
This is a dedicated controller for actually processing a drawing command issued by the PU 101. The drawing data processed by the display controller 103 is temporarily written to, for example, a frame buffer (not shown), and then output to the screen by the display 111.

The input device interface 104 is a device for connecting the user input device 1 such as the keyboard 10 and the mouse 30 to the computer 100.
The input device interface 104 according to the present embodiment includes:
Scan code input from keyboard 10 or mouse 3
In addition to inputting a coordinate instruction from 0, each detection signal L, R, and M can be received via the human body detection device.

Network interface 105
Connects the system 100 to a LAN (Local Area Network) according to a predetermined communication protocol such as Ethernet.
Etc., and even a wide area network such as the Internet.

On the network, a plurality of host terminals (not shown) are connected in a transparent state, and a distributed computing environment is constructed. On the network, distribution of software programs, data contents, and the like can be performed. For example,
It is possible to download, via a network, software that describes, in a computer-readable format, a processing procedure for changing a system state or an application processing operation according to a result of recognition of a human body. Further, the multidimensional value for the user authentication process obtained from the human body detecting device 70 may be moved between systems via a network.

The external device interface 107 is a device for connecting an external device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) 114 or a media drive 115 to the system 100.

The HDD 114 is an external storage device in which a magnetic disk as a storage carrier is fixedly mounted (well-known), and is superior to other external storage devices in terms of storage capacity, data transfer speed, and the like. Placing a software program on the HDD 114 in an executable state is called “installing” the program in the system. Usually HD
D114 stores in a nonvolatile manner program codes of an operating system to be executed by the CPU 101, application programs, device drivers, and the like.

For example, software describing a processing procedure for changing a system state or an application processing operation in accordance with a result of recognition of a human body in a computer readable format can be installed on the HDD 114. Further, the multidimensional value for the user authentication process obtained from the human body detecting device 70 may be recorded on the HDD 114 in a nonvolatile manner.

The media drive 115 has a CD (Compa
ct Disc), MO (Magneto-Opticaldisc), DVD (Di
It is a device for loading a portable medium such as a digital versatile disc (Gital Versatile Disc) and accessing its data recording surface.

The portable medium mainly backs up software programs, data files, and the like as computer-readable data, and moves them between systems (that is, includes sales, distribution, and distribution).
Used for the purpose. For example, software that describes, in a computer-readable format, processing procedures that change the state of the system and the processing operations of applications in accordance with the results of human body recognition is physically distributed among multiple devices using these portable media.・ Can be distributed. Further, the multidimensional value for the user authentication process obtained from the human body detection device 70 may be moved between systems via a portable medium.

Note that the computer 1 shown in FIG.
00 is an example of an IBM personal computer "
PC / AT (Personal Computer / Advanced Technolog
y) ". A computer having another architecture can be applied as the computer 100 according to the present embodiment.

On the computer 100 as described above, the human body detection signals L,
The following user usage patterns can be determined according to R and M.

State 1: Both hands are on keyboard 10 State 2: Left hand is on keyboard 10, right hand is on mouse 30 State 3: Only one hand (for example, left hand) is on keyboard 10 State 4: Left hand And hold the mobile phone 50 with the right hand on the keyboard 10

For example, on the computer 100 to which the user input device 1 according to the present invention is connected, while an editing tool such as a drawing editor is running, the behavior is determined in accordance with the identification of the state 1 or the state 2. Can be changed. For example, while the state 1 is detected, the keyboard 10 operates in the text input mode. Also, in response to the detection of the state 2, the command key mode for assigning a command key (eg, figure creation, line type identification, etc.) to assist the mouse operation on the left hand portion of the keyboard 10 is automatically set. Transition. The user does not need to enter a special command for changing the mode.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for the computer 100 to change the behavior in response to the identification of the state 1 or the state 2 while the editing tool such as the drawing editor is activated. The format is shown. This processing procedure is realized, for example, in a form in which the CPU 101 executes a predetermined program code.
Hereinafter, a processing procedure for the computer 100 to change the behavior will be described with reference to this flowchart.

While an editing tool such as a drawing editor is running on the computer 100, first, in step S1
It is checked whether or not both hands of the user are placed on the keyboard 10.

If the state 1 in which both hands of the user are placed on the keyboard 10 is identified, the flow advances to step S3 from the Yes branch of the decision block S2 to proceed to step S3.
Operate the whole as a text input mode according to normal key assignment.

On the other hand, if the state 1 is not identified, the process proceeds from the branch No in the decision block S2 to the step S4 to further check whether or not the right hand of the user is placed on the mouse 30.

When the state 2 in which the right hand of the user is on the mouse 30 and only the left hand is on the keyboard 10 is identified, the flow advances to step S6 from the branch Yes of the decision block S5, and the operation proceeds to step S6. To switch to a command key mode in which command keys are assigned to assist mouse operation.

On the computer 100, the Web
WWW built on the Internet using a browser
(World Wide Web) Space can be searched (well-known). On the computer 100 to which the user input device 1 according to the present invention is connected, while the Web browser is running, for example, in response to the detection of the state 3, a command key for Web navigation is placed on the right hand portion of the keyboard. Can be assigned automatically. In response to detection of state 4 in which the left hand is operating an information communication terminal such as mobile phone 50, a memo tool for the mobile phone is automatically activated, and a text input mode of the tool is provided. Can be automatically set to one-handed keyboard ^{/ * /} .
For such mode switching, the user does not need to give an explicit command to the computer 100, and the system can detect the user's usage pattern and switch the processing appropriately.

FIG. 18 shows that while the Web browser is running,
The processing procedure for the computer 100 to change the behavior in response to the identification of the state 3 or the state 4 is shown in the form of a flowchart. This processing procedure is, for example,
This is realized in a form in which the CPU 101 executes a predetermined program code. Hereinafter, a processing procedure for the computer 100 to change the behavior will be described with reference to this flowchart.

While a navigation tool such as a Web browser is running on the computer 100, first, in step S11, it is checked whether only one hand of the user is placed on the keyboard 10.

If the state 3 in which only one hand of the user is placed on the keyboard 10 is identified, the decision block S
Proceeding to step S13 from the branch Yes of 12, the Web
A key command for navigation is assigned to a key on the keyboard 10 in an area where the user's hand is located.

On the other hand, if the state 3 is not identified, the process proceeds from the branch No in the decision block S12 to the step S14.
Then, it is further checked whether only the right hand of the user is placed on the keyboard 10 and the mobile phone 50 is operated with the left hand.

When the state 4 in which the user operates the keyboard 10 with only the right hand and operates the mobile phone 50 with the left hand is identified, the branch Y in the decision block S15 is performed.
From es, the process proceeds to step S16 to activate the telephone memo application and automatically set the right hand operation area of the keyboard 10 to the right hand keyboard mode that can be operated with one hand.

On the computer 100 to which the user input device 1 according to the present invention is connected, when the user performs a specific input operation on the user input device 1 such as the keyboard 10 and the mouse 30, the human body detection device By comparing and comparing the multidimensional values (see FIG. 14 and FIG. 15) detected from 70 (described above), the user authentication process can be executed.

Authentication processing based on user input is roughly classified into user registration processing which is preprocessing for authentication, and authentication processing based on the registered data.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a user registration process for registering a multidimensional value from the human body detecting device 70. This processing procedure is performed, for example, by the CPU
101 is executed in a form of executing a predetermined program code. Hereinafter, a processing procedure for performing user registration will be described with reference to this flowchart.

First, the user to be registered is pressed down on a specific key on the keyboard 10 (step S).
21).

When the specific key is pressed, the multidimensional value acquired by the human body detecting device 70 is stored as identification information (ID) of the registered user (step S2).
2).

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing a user authentication process using a multidimensional value registered as user identification information.
This processing procedure is realized, for example, in a form in which the CPU 101 executes a predetermined program code. Hereinafter, a processing procedure for performing user authentication will be described with reference to this flowchart.

First, the user to be authenticated is caused to press a specific key on the keyboard 10 (step S31).

When the specific key is pressed, the distance between the multidimensional value acquired by the human body detecting device 70 and each of the multidimensional values stored as the identification information (ID) of the registered user is calculated. (Step S32). Then, the shortest distance obtained by this distance calculation is set to L.

Next, it is checked whether or not the calculated shortest distance L is less than a predetermined threshold (step S33).

If the shortest distance L is less than the threshold,
Recognize the authenticated user as a registered user (step S3
4). On the other hand, if the shortest distance L is abnormal in the threshold, the recognition of the authenticated user is rejected (step S35).

According to the user authentication method using the multidimensional value obtained from the human body detecting device 70 as described above, a special burden is imposed on the user, and the user is required to attach a specific device such as an IC card. The authentication process can be completed in a very natural format without forcing.

Further, by replacing the above-mentioned “pressing of a specific key” operation with the input of a password, it is possible to identify whether the password has been input by the user or by impersonating another person.

<< Note >> *: For one-handed keyboard,
For example, Edgar Matias, I. Scott MacKenzie, William B
uxton co-authored paper "Half-QWERTY: a one-handed keyboard"
facilitatingskill transfer from QWERTY "(Conferen
ce proceedings on Human factors incomputing system
s, 1993, Pages 88-94).

[Supplement] The present invention has been described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments. However, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can modify or substitute the embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. That is, the present invention has been disclosed by way of example, and should not be construed as limiting. In order to determine the gist of the present invention, the claims described at the beginning should be considered.

[0143]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention,
A user can perform an input operation using a part of a human body such as a keyboard or a mouse, and the like, an excellent user input device, a computer connected to the user input device, and a control method of a computer connected to the user input device, and A storage medium can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, an excellent user input device, a computer connected with the user input device, and a computer control method connected with the user input device, which are designed on the assumption that the user operates with both hands, In addition, a storage medium can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform an input operation without any inconvenience even in a situation where one hand cannot be used due to another task, while assuming that the user operates with both hands. A user input device, a computer to which the user input device is connected, a method of controlling the computer to which the user input device is connected, and a storage medium can be provided.

According to the present invention, the user of the computer can appropriately switch the processing according to the state of the user's hand without giving an explicit command for switching the input mode.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a basic configuration of a user input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a principle for detecting a human body (for example, a user's hand) by an electrostatic action between a transmission electrode 21 and a reception electrode 23 for detecting a left hand.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a principle for detecting a human body (for example, a user's hand) by an electrostatic action between a transmission electrode 21 and a reception electrode 23 for left hand detection.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a principle for detecting a human body (for example, a user's hand) by an electrostatic action between a transmission electrode 21 and a reception electrode 23 for left hand detection.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a principle for detecting a human body (for example, a user's hand) by an electrostatic action between a transmission electrode 21 and a reception electrode 23 for left hand detection.

FIG. 6 shows a user input device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the basic configuration of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating output levels of detection signals L, R, and M in a usage pattern in which the user does not operate the keyboard 10 and the mouse 30;

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating output levels of detection signals L, R, and M in a usage pattern in which a user operates the keyboard 10 with both hands.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating output levels of detection signals L, R, and M in a usage pattern in which the user operates the keyboard 10 with the left hand and operates the mouse 30 with the right hand. .

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating output levels of detection signals L, R, and M in a usage pattern in which the user operates the keyboard 10 with only the right hand.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user operates the keyboard 10 with the right hand and handles a mobile phone or the like with the left hand.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a basic configuration of a user input device 1 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a basic configuration of a user input device 1 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing an output at each intersection of the human body detection device 70 when the user places both hands on the keyboard 10.

FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing an output at each intersection of the human body detection device 70 when the user places both hands on the mouse 30.

FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of a computer 100 applicable to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for causing the computer 100 to change a behavior according to identification of the state 1 or the state 2;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for causing the computer 100 to change the behavior in response to identification of the state 3 or the state 4 while the Web browser is running.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a user authentication process based on a multidimensional value from the human body detection device 70 obtained at the time of a user input operation on the user input device 1.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a user authentication process based on a multidimensional value from the human body detection device 70 obtained at the time of a user input operation on the user input device 1.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... User input device 10 ... Keyboard 20 ... Human body detection device 21 ... Transmitting electrode, 22 ... Transmitter 23 ... Left-hand receiving electrode, 24 ... Left-hand receiving device 25 ... Right-hand receiving electrode, 26 ... Right-hand receiving music 30 ... Mouse 40 human body detecting device 41 transmitting electrode, 42 transmitter 43 receiving electrode 50 mobile phone 60 human body detecting device 61 receiver 62 demodulator 70 human body detecting device 71 transmitting electrode 72 transmitting Device 75: Receiving electrode, 76: Receiver 80: Processor 100: Computer 101: CPU, 102: Memory 103: Display controller 104: Input device interface 105: Network interface 107: External device interface, 108: Bus 111: Display 114: Hard disk drive, 115: Media drive Eve

Claims (34)

[Claims] 1. A user input device for receiving input of data or commands from a user to a computer, the user input means for the user to input data or commands using a human body, and the user using a human body of the user. A use mode detection unit configured to detect a use mode of the input unit. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the use mode detection unit detects whether a use mode of the user's body with respect to the user input unit is a normal mode or an unusual mode. User input device. 3. The user input means is a keyboard, and the usage pattern detecting means is a normal mode in which the user can perform key input using both hands, or a non-normal mode in which the user can perform key input using only one hand. 2. The user input device according to claim 1, wherein it is detected which one of the keyboards is used. 4. The user input means is a mouse, and the use mode detection means is a mouse operation mode in which a user can operate a mouse using at least one hand, or
The user input device according to claim 1, wherein the user input device detects which of a mouse non-operation mode in which the user cannot release the mouse to operate the mouse. 5. The user input means comprises a combination of a keyboard and a mouse, and the use form detecting means comprises: a first use mode in which a user can perform key input using both hands; or a user using a mouse with one hand. 2. The user input device according to claim 1, wherein the user input device detects which of the second use modes allows key input using only the other hand. 6. The use mode detecting means detects whether the user is in another terminal use mode in which the user uses a mobile phone or another information terminal using at least one hand. The user input device according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The user input means is a keyboard, the usage pattern detecting means is a transmitting electrode disposed substantially at the center of the keyboard, and a transmitter for supplying an alternating current for transmission to the transmitting electrode. A first receiving electrode disposed substantially at the left end of the keyboard; a second receiving electrode disposed substantially at the right end of the keyboard; and a first receiving an alternating current flowing through the first receiving electrode. And a second receiver for receiving an alternating current flowing through the second receiving electrode, wherein a first capacitor equivalent between the transmitting electrode and the first receiving electrode is equivalent to a capacitor. A circuit is formed, and
A second capacitor equivalent circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed between the transmission electrode and the second reception electrode, and in response to a human body approaching the left side of the keyboard,
A 1-2 capacitor equivalent circuit is formed in parallel with the first capacitor equivalent circuit, or in parallel with the second capacitor equivalent circuit in response to a human body approaching the right side of the keyboard. A 2-2 capacitor equivalent circuit is formed, and the 1-2 or 2nd capacitor equivalent circuit is formed according to the degree of approach to the human body.
-2, the capacitance of the equivalent circuit of the capacitor changes, and as a result, the AC current passing through the first and / or second equivalent circuit of the capacitor changes. The user input device according to claim 1, wherein the use of the right side is detected. 8. The user input means is a mouse; the usage pattern detecting means is: a transmitting electrode disposed substantially at one end of the mouse; and a transmitter for supplying an alternating current for transmission to the transmitting electrode. A receiving electrode disposed at substantially the other end of the mouse; and a receiver for receiving an alternating current flowing through the receiving electrode, a first equivalent of a capacitor between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode. A capacitor equivalent circuit is formed, and when the human body approaches the upper surface of the mouse, the first
A second capacitor equivalent circuit is formed in parallel with the capacitor equivalent circuit of the above, and the capacitance of the second capacitor equivalent circuit changes according to the degree of approach to the human body. 2. The user input device according to claim 1, wherein it is detected that a user is using the mouse based on a change in an alternating current passing through the capacitor equivalent circuit. 9. The use form detecting means is provided on the user input means so as to modulate an original signal to generate an output signal, and to be exposed to the outside so that the output signal can be transmitted. Transmitting means comprising a first conductive member, and receiving means comprising a second conductive member disposed on an external device so as to be exposed to the outside so as to be able to receive the output signal; Demodulating means for demodulating the obtained signal, wherein a signal is transmitted between the transmitting means and the receiving means when a human body comes into contact with the first and second conductive members. The user input device according to claim 1, wherein: 10. The user input means is a keyboard, the external device is a mobile phone or another information terminal, and the usage pattern detecting means is a user through signal transmission between the transmitting means and the receiving means. The user input device according to claim 9, wherein a state is detected in which one hand is on the keyboard and the information terminal is gripped by the opposite hand. 11. The use mode detecting means includes: a plurality of linear transmission electrodes; a transmitter for supplying an alternating current for transmission to each of the transmission electrodes; and a contact with each of the transmission electrodes. A plurality of linear receiving electrodes arranged, and a receiver for receiving an alternating current flowing through the receiving electrodes, wherein the plurality of transmitting electrodes and the plurality of receiving electrodes intersect the usage pattern detection area is A first capacitor equivalent circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed at each intersection of the transmission electrode and the reception electrode, and the human body is arranged with the transmission electrode. In response to approaching the intersection of the receiving electrodes, the second capacitor becomes parallel with the first capacitor equivalent circuit.
Is formed, and the capacitance of the second capacitor equivalent circuit changes according to the degree of approach to the human body. As a result, the alternating current passing through the first capacitor equivalent circuit is reduced. The user input device according to claim 1, wherein a use form of the user's human body on the user input unit is detected based on the change. 12. The user input device according to claim 1, wherein said usage pattern detecting means detects a multidimensional value in response to an operation performed by a human body on said user input means. . 13. A computer to which a user input device for inputting data or a command by a user using a human body is connected, an application executing means for executing a predetermined application, and a usage form of the user's human body for the user input device. User input, comprising: a use mode detecting unit configured to detect an operation of the application being executed by the application executing unit in accordance with a detection result obtained by the use mode detecting unit. Computer to which the device is connected. 14. The use mode detecting means detects whether a use mode of the user's body to the user input device is a normal mode or an unusual mode, and the operation control means detects the use mode. Switching the assignment to the input content from the user input device in response to the non-normal mode being detected by the means;
A computer to which the user input device according to claim 13 is connected. 15. The user input device is a keyboard, and the operation control means responds to the use form detection means detecting a use form in which a user can perform key input using only one hand. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein an assignment for each key on the keyboard is changed.
A computer to which the user input device according to 1 is connected. 16. The user input device is composed of a combination of a keyboard and a mouse, and the use mode detecting means is a first use mode in which a user can perform key input using both hands, or a user uses a mouse with a left hand. And detecting which one of the second use modes in which key input can be performed using only the other hand. The operation control means normally performs an operation for each key of the keyboard in the first use mode. The computer according to claim 13, wherein a command function is assigned to a left-hand operation key of the keyboard in the second use mode. 17. The operation control unit detects whether the user is in another terminal use mode in which a user uses a mobile phone or another information terminal using at least one hand, and Connecting the user input device according to claim 13, wherein, in response to the detection of the other terminal use mode by the use mode detection means, the application for driving the other terminal is started. Computer. 18. The user input device is a keyboard, wherein the usage pattern detecting means includes: a transmission electrode disposed substantially at the center of the keyboard; and a transmitter for supplying an alternating current for transmission to the transmission electrode. A first receiving electrode disposed substantially at the left end of the keyboard; a second receiving electrode disposed substantially at the right end of the keyboard; and a first receiving an alternating current flowing through the first receiving electrode. And a second receiver for receiving an alternating current flowing through the second receiving electrode, wherein a first capacitor equivalent between the transmitting electrode and the first receiving electrode is equivalent to a capacitor. A circuit is formed, and
A second capacitor equivalent circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed between the transmission electrode and the second reception electrode, and a first capacitor equivalent circuit is provided in response to a human body approaching the left side of the keyboard. Is formed in parallel with the second capacitor equivalent circuit in response to a human body approaching the right side of the keyboard. A capacitor equivalent circuit is formed, and the 1-2 or the second according to the degree of approach to the human body.
-2, the user performs key input using both hands based on the fact that the capacitance of the capacitor equivalent circuit of -2 changes, and as a result, the alternating current passing through the first or second capacitor equivalent circuit changes. Detecting which of a possible first use mode or a second use mode in which the user can perform key input using only the left hand, wherein the operation control unit detects the keyboard under the first use mode 14. The user input according to claim 13, wherein a normal text character is assigned to each of the keys, but a command function is assigned to a left-hand operation key of the keyboard in the second use mode. Computer to which the device is connected. 19. The user input means comprises a combination of a keyboard and a mouse, and the usage pattern detecting means supplies a transmitting electrode disposed at substantially one end of the mouse, and supplies a transmitting AC current to the transmitting electrode. And a receiving electrode disposed at substantially the other end of the mouse, and a receiver for receiving an alternating current flowing through the receiving electrode, and a capacitor between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode. An equivalent first capacitor equivalent circuit is formed, and in response to a human body approaching the upper surface of the mouse, a second capacitor equivalent circuit becomes parallel to the first capacitor equivalent circuit.
Is formed, and the capacitance of the second capacitor equivalent circuit changes according to the degree of approach to the human body. As a result, the alternating current passing through the first capacitor equivalent circuit changes. Detecting that the user is using the mouse, the operation control unit responds to the detection that the user is using the mouse, Assign command functions to left-hand operation keys,
A computer to which the user input device according to claim 13 is connected. 20. The use form detecting means is provided on the user input means so as to modulate an original signal to generate an output signal, and to be exposed to the outside so that the output signal can be transmitted. Transmitting means comprising a first conductive member, and receiving means comprising a second conductive member disposed on an external device so as to be exposed to the outside so as to be able to receive the output signal; And demodulating means for demodulating the signal obtained by the user. When a human body comes into contact with the first and second conductive members, signal transmission between the transmitting means and the receiving means becomes possible. Detects that an external device is being used, and the operation control unit activates an application for the external device in response to detection of use of the external device by the usage pattern detecting unit.請 characterized by Computer connected to a user input device according to claim 13. 21. The use mode detecting means includes: a plurality of linear transmission electrodes; a transmitter for supplying an alternating current for transmission to each of the transmission electrodes; and a contact with each of the transmission electrodes. A plurality of linear receiving electrodes arranged, and a receiver for receiving an alternating current flowing through the receiving electrodes, wherein a usage pattern region in which the plurality of transmitting electrodes and the plurality of receiving electrodes intersect is the user A first capacitor equivalent circuit equivalent to a capacitor is formed at each intersection between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode, and the human body is connected to the transmission electrode and the reception electrode. In response to approaching the intersection, the second capacitor becomes parallel with the first capacitor equivalent circuit.
Is formed, and the capacitance of the second capacitor equivalent circuit changes according to the degree of approach to the human body. As a result, the alternating current passing through the first capacitor equivalent circuit is reduced. Based on the change, a use form of the user's human body to the user input device is detected as a multidimensional value, and the operation control unit executes a process using the multidimensional value. A computer to which the user input device according to claim 13 is connected. 22. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the operation control means executes a user authentication process by comparing and comparing a specific input operation performed by the user with a multidimensional value detected from the specific input operation. A computer to which the user input device according to claim 21 is connected. 23. A method for controlling a computer to which a user input device for inputting data or a command by a user using a human body is connected, wherein a use mode detection step of detecting a use mode of the user input device by a human body. An operation control step of changing an operation of an application being executed by the application execution unit in accordance with a detection result of the use mode detection step, a computer control method connected to a user input device. . 24. The usage pattern detecting step detects whether a usage pattern of the user's human body with respect to the user input device is a normal mode or an unusual mode, and the operation control step includes detecting the usage pattern. 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the assignment to the input content from the user input device is switched in response to the detection of the non-normal mode in the step. 25. The user input device is a keyboard. In the operation control step, in response to detecting a use mode in which a user can perform key input using only one hand in the use mode detection step, 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the assignment of each key on the keyboard is changed. 26. The user input device comprises a combination of a keyboard and a mouse. In the usage pattern detecting step, the user uses the first usage mode in which the user can perform key input using both hands, or the user uses the mouse with the left hand. And detecting which of the second use modes in which key input can be performed using only the other hand. The operation control step is generally performed for each key of the keyboard under the first use mode. 24. The computer according to claim 23, wherein a command function is assigned to a left-hand operation key of the keyboard in the second use mode. Method. 27. The use mode detecting step includes detecting whether the user is in another terminal use mode in which a user uses a mobile phone or another information terminal with at least one hand, and In response to the detection of the other terminal use mode by the use form detection step,
The method for controlling a computer connected to a user input device according to claim 23, wherein the application for driving the other terminal is started. 28. The use form detecting step detects a use form of the user's human body on the user input device as a multidimensional value, and the operation control step executes a process using the multidimensional value. A method for controlling a computer to which a user input device according to claim 23 is connected. 29. In the operation control step, a user authentication process is performed by comparing and matching a specific input operation performed by a user with a multidimensional value detected from the specific input operation. A method for controlling a computer to which the user input device according to claim 28 is connected. 30. A computer readable format for executing computer software written to execute, on a computer system, information processing according to a user's use mode with respect to a user input device by which a user inputs data or a command using a human body. A storage medium physically stored in the computer software, wherein the computer software detects a usage pattern for the user input device by a user's body, and according to the detection result by the usage pattern detection step, An operation control step of changing an operation of an application being executed by the application executing means. 31. The user input device is a keyboard. In the operation control step, in response to detecting a usage pattern in which a user can perform key input using only one hand in the usage pattern detection step, 31. The storage medium according to claim 30, wherein an assignment for each key on a keyboard is changed. 32. The user input device comprises a combination of a keyboard and a mouse, and in the use mode detecting step, a first use mode in which a user can perform key input using both hands, or a user uses a mouse with a left hand And detecting which of the second use modes in which key input can be performed using only the other hand. The operation control step is generally performed for each key of the keyboard under the first use mode. 31. The storage medium according to claim 30, wherein, in the second use mode, a command function is assigned to a left-hand operation key of the keyboard in the second use mode. 33. In the use mode detecting step, it is detected whether or not the user is in another terminal use mode in which the user is using a mobile phone or another information terminal with at least one hand, and the operation control step is performed. In response to the detection of the other terminal use mode by the use form detection step,
31. The storage medium according to claim 30, wherein the other terminal driving application is started. 34. The use form detecting step detects a use form of the user's human body on the user input device as a multidimensional value. In the operation control step, a specific input operation performed by the user and the specific input 31. The control method of a computer to which a user input device is connected according to claim 30, wherein a user authentication process is executed by comparison and collation with a multidimensional value detected from an operation.