Information input apparatus, and information processing apparatus, method, recording medium, and program

• US 20060001649A1
• Filed: 09/02/2005
• Published: 01/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Junichi Rekimoto
• Original Assignee: Junichi Rekimoto
• Inventors: Rekimoto, Junichi
• Granted Patent: US 7,187,368 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/169
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/141 Activation of instrument input devices by approaching fingers or pens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/141 Activation by approaching fingers or pens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04895 Guidance during keyboard input operation, e.g. prompting
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2003/0293 with an integrated touch switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/032 Feedback about selected symbol, e.g. display
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2231/032 Remote control
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2231/036 Radio; TV
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/006 Containing a capacitive switch or usable as such
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/233 including a pointing device, e.g. roller key, track ball, rocker switch or joystick constructional details of pointing devices per se G06F3/033
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72469 for operating the device by selecting functions from two or more displayed items, e.g. menus or icons
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/56 including a user help function

Abstract

An information processing apparatus comprises a key and a proximity sensor. When the user places a finger on a depressing portion of the key, the proximity sensor detects the event, and inputs, to the information processing apparatus, proximity information indicating that the user'"'"'s finger is in proximity to the key. Based on the proximity information which has been input, the information processing apparatus displays information relating to the function assigned to the key. When the depressing portion is depressed with the user'"'"'s finger, the key inputs, to the information processing apparatus, information indicating that its contacts are in an on-state. Based on the input information, the information processing apparatus is able to execute the function. Thus, a function assigned to a physical key may easily be recognized by a user.

Claims

1. An information input apparatus, comprising:

first input means for detecting an input based on physical contact by a live body; and

second input means for detecting an input based on the proximity of said live body to said first input means.

2. An information processing apparatus, comprising:

first input means for detecting an input based on physical contact by a live body;

second input means for detecting an input based on the proximity of said live body to said first input means; and

state identifying means for identifying a first state, where said live body is in proximity to said first input means, when the input based on the proximity of said live body to said first input means is detected by said second input means, and identifying a second state, where said first input means is operated, when the input based on contact by said live body is detected by said first input means.

3. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising display control means for controlling in such a way that information relating to said first input means is displayed when said first state is identified by said state identifying means.

4. The information processing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said information relating to said first input means includes information relating to a function assigned to said first input means, said information processing apparatus further comprising a function executing means for executing said function assigned to said first input means when said second state is identified by said state identifying means.

5-13. -13. (canceled)

14. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus having first input means for detecting an input based on physical contact by a live body, and second input means for detecting an input based on the proximity of said live body to said first input means, said method comprising:

identifying a state, wherein a first state, where said live body is in proximity to said first input means, is identified when the input based on the proximity of said live body to said first input means is detected by said second input means, and a second state, where said first input means is operated, is identified when the input based on physical contact by said live body is detected by said first input means.

15. A recording medium in which a computer-readable program is stored, wherein said computer-readable program is for controlling an information processing apparatus having first input means for detecting an input based on physical contact by a live body, and second input means for detecting an input based on the proximity of said live body to said first input means, and said computer-readable program comprises:

identifying a state, wherein a first state, where said live body is in proximity to said first input means, is identified when the input based on the proximity of said live body to said first input means is detected by said second input means, and a second state, where said first input means is operated, is identified when the input based on physical contact by said live body is detected by said first input means.

16. A program for making a computer controlling an information processing apparatus comprising first input means for detecting an input based on physical contact by a live body, and second input means for detecting an input based on the proximity of said live body to said first input means perform the step of:

identifying a state, wherein a first state, where said live body is in proximity to said first input means, is identified when the input based on the proximity of said live body to said first input means is detected by said second input means, and a second state, where said first input means is operated, is identified when the input based on physical contact by said live body is detected by said first input means.