JP2002149303A - Magnetic key input device and monitor system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized and light-weight magnetic key input device of high performance. SOLUTION: A plurality of key sensors 3a to 3e consisting of TMR elements or the like manufactured by thin film techniques or the like is arranged in parallel and is so constituted that the movement of a magnetic field generating member operated by a finger tip 4, for example, a false nail 5 may be magnetically detected by key sensors 3a to 3e, and thus a simple magnetic key input device 1 is provided which not only detects the movement in high performance but also is made small-sized and light-weight.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a magnetic field type key input device and a monitoring system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a keyboard is a representative example of an information input device, and a pointer device such as a mouse and a trackball is used as necessary. Here, keyboards and the like have drawbacks such as requiring an occupied space for installation and hindering downsizing of electronic devices.

According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-53153, an information input device that does not require any space for installation, using an object attached to the surface of a nail as an index,
There has been proposed a device in which information is transmitted by detecting the position change by a detecting means. More specifically, for example, the index uses a coating material coated on the surface of the nail, and the detection means is based on a subject image captured by a camera.

According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-149256, a three-dimensional coordinate input device capable of intuitively inputting a spatial position has been proposed.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
In the case of JP-A-53153, a keyboard or the like is not required for an input operation part and no space is required for installation. However, considering the entire input device, a camera or the like as a detection means is required, and as a result, In addition, it is complicated and large.

In the case of the three-dimensional coordinate input device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-149256, the structure is complicated.

[0007] For these reasons, the information input device is not yet satisfactory in terms of high performance, small size, light weight, and simplicity, and there is still room for improvement.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized, light-weight, high-performance magnetic field type key input device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic field type key input device capable of simple three-dimensional input as a pointer input.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a monitoring system capable of developing business by using the magnetic field type key input device.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetic field type key input device, wherein a magnetoresistive element, a giant magnetoresistive element, and a tunnel magnetic field which respond to a movement of a magnetic field generating member operated by a fingertip. A plurality of key sensors each including a resistance effect element, a magnetic impedance element, or an electromagnetic induction coil are arranged in parallel.

Accordingly, a magnetoresistive element (MR element), a giant magnetoresistive element (GMR element), a tunnel magnetoresistive element (TMR element), or a magneto-impedance element (MI element) manufactured using a thin film technique or the like. Alternatively, a plurality of key sensors using an electromagnetic induction coil are arranged in parallel, and the movement of the magnetic field generating member operated by a fingertip is configured to be magnetically detected by the key sensor. -It is possible to reduce the weight and provide a simple information input device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the magnetic field type key input device of the first aspect, the magnetic field generating member is a false nail in which a magnetic member is included or a magnetic paint is applied.

Therefore, the input operation side can be easily constituted by the artificial nail.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the magnetic field type key input device of the first aspect, the magnetic field generating member is a coating material in which a nail is coated with a magnetic paint.

Therefore, the input operation side can be easily realized by using the coating material in which the nail is coated with the magnetic paint as the magnetic field generating member.

The invention described in claim 4 is the first to third aspects of the present invention.
In the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the above, a differential operation means for obtaining a difference between detection signals of two adjacent key sensors, and a key operation for the key sensor based on a differential output of the differential operation means. A signal detecting means for detecting the movement of the magnetic field generating member, and after a predetermined time elapses, a method of obtaining a differential by the differential calculating means obtains a difference between detection signals of two adjacent key sensors in different directions. Switching means for switching in such a manner as described above.

Therefore, in the detection operation by the key sensor, by detecting the difference between the detection signals of the two adjacent key sensors, a weak magnetic field change can be detected with higher accuracy. In addition, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the magnetic field generating member operated by the fingertip is moved by switching the way of taking the differential so as to take the difference between the detection signals of two adjacent key sensors in different directions. However, the detection resolution can be increased.

The invention described in claim 5 provides the invention according to claims 1 to 3
In the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the above, an average value calculating means for calculating an average value of the detection signals of the plurality of key sensors, and an individual key sensor with respect to the average value calculated by the average value calculating means And a signal detecting means for detecting a movement of the magnetic field generating member with respect to the key sensor based on a differential output of the differential calculating means.

Therefore, although basically the same as the case of the fourth aspect of the invention, even in the case where the change of the magnetic field intensity fluctuates extremely, the average value processing is performed.
Temporal and spatial averaging is possible for the noise component,
A high-performance detection operation in which noise components have been removed can be performed.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1 to 5
The magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the above, further comprising a magnetic field applying means for temporarily magnetizing the magnetic field generating member in the vicinity of a detection unit of each key sensor.

Therefore, even when the change in the magnetic field intensity fluctuates extremely, the magnetic field generating member temporarily magnetizes the magnetic field generating member in the vicinity of the detection unit of each key sensor, thereby enabling stable magnetic field intensity input. And the detection operation is stabilized.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claims 1 to 6
In the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the above, pointer movement is performed based on a comparison of a planar movement of the magnetic field generating member in a detection area set on the key sensor surface with a preset threshold value. Pointer input determining means for determining that

Therefore, when a fingertip is operated on each key sensor, a normal key input operation is performed. However, the planar movement of the fingertip, that is, the magnetic field generating member in the detection area set on the key sensor surface is not changed. It can be a pointer input, and also has the function of a pointer input device.

[0025] The invention according to claim 8 provides the invention according to claims 1 to 6.
In the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the above, the three-dimensional movement of the magnetic field generating member in the detection area set above the key sensor surface is based on the intensity distribution of the detection output of each key sensor. Pointer input determination means for determining a pointer input based on a three-axis vector is provided.

Therefore, although it is basically the same as the case of the invention described in claim 7, in particular, the three-dimensional movement of the magnetic field generating member is determined based on the intensity distribution of the detection output of each key sensor.
By judging that the pointer input is based on the axis vector, simple three-dimensional input can be performed in the pointer input device.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, there are provided the first to eighth aspects.
In the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the above, a specific movement of the magnetic field generating member which is operated by a fingertip and detected by the key sensor is a specific input signal.

Therefore, by using a specific movement of the magnetic field generating member, which is operated by a fingertip and detected by the key sensor, as a specific input signal, input information from the magnetic key input device is used for a specific command signal or the like. can do.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the magnetic field type key input device according to the ninth aspect, the specific input signal is a signal intended to lock the locking system.

Therefore, as one example of an application example of the ninth aspect of the present invention, a specific movement of the magnetic field generating member which is operated by a fingertip and detected by the key sensor can be utilized as a locking signal in the locking system.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects,
It has an acceleration sensor or a gravity sensor integrally.

Therefore, by having both the acceleration information and the gravity information, more precise information can be input.

The monitoring system according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention
12. A monitor for monitoring the controlled device based on a contract between the magnetic field key input device according to claim 1 and a subscriber who owns the controlled device operated by the magnetic field key input device. And a communication device for exchanging information between the monitoring device and the communication device owned by the subscriber.

Accordingly, by utilizing the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the monitoring operation is performed by the monitoring device in accordance with the contract concluded with the subscriber, and the monitoring result is sequentially obtained. By notifying the subscriber side, it is possible to develop a consultant-like business in which each subscriber is provided with information on abnormalities and problems pointed out in monitoring.

[0035]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
It will be described based on. In the magnetic field type key input device 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of (for example, five) button-shaped key sensors 3 a to 3 e are linearly arranged on the surface (operation surface) of a small case 2 having a rectangular shape and about the size of a palm. Are arranged in parallel. Here, each of the key sensors 3a to 3e to which individual key information is assigned is constituted by a TMR element (tunnel magnetoresistive element).

Such a TMR element is formed by a phenomenon discovered in recent years, that is, formed by a junction structure of a ferromagnetic material, an insulating film and a ferromagnetic material, and depends on the relative angle of magnetization of both ferromagnetic materials. This utilizes a phenomenon called a ferromagnetic tunnel effect in which a tunnel effect appears.
As described in JP-A-91925 and JP-A-10-255231, S.I. Maekawa and V.M. Ga
fvert et al., IEEE Trans. Magn., MAG-18,707 (19
82) theoretically and experimentally shows that the tunnel effect is defined depending on the relative angle of magnetization of both magnetic layers in the magnetic / insulator / magnetic coupling. It is known that the ferromagnetic tunnel effect in such a TMR element has a very high magnetic field sensitivity.

The key sensors 3a to 3e are connected to the fingertip 4
The false nail 5 is attached to the nail at the fingertip 4. Each of the key sensors 3a to 3a responds to the weak magnetic field change when the false nail 5 is approached.
e functions as a member for generating a magnetic field that reacts magnetically, and the artificial nail 5 itself contains a magnetic member, or
Magnetic paint is applied to the surface. But false nail 5
The present invention is not limited to this, and a coating material obtained by applying a magnetic paint to the nail of the fingertip 4 may function as a member for generating a magnetic field. In any case, the input operation side can be simply configured or realized.

In addition, although not specifically shown in FIG. 1, the case 2 includes an amplifying circuit for amplifying the detection signals detected by the key sensors 3a to 3e, an arithmetic circuit for appropriately processing the amplified signals, and the like. Have been. The output side of the built-in circuit is appropriately connected to a PC, other IT equipment, or the like, and the magnetic field type key input device 1 functions as an information input device.

In such a configuration, when key information is input using the magnetic field type key input device 1, the false key 5 is attached to the nail of the fingertip 4 and the desired key sensors 3a to 3e are set.
Move closer to the part (or press it). In this operation, the key sensors 3a, 3
b, 3c, 3d or 3e detects the change in the magnetic field and produces the largest detection output. Thus, it is possible to specify which key of the key sensors 3a to 3e has been operated with the fingertip 4, and to output the key input information. However, if the differential between the detection signals of the two adjacent key sensors is determined independently of the individual detection signals of the key sensors 3a to 3e, the fingertip 4 is located at any position on the key sensor group. Can be recognized, and a weak magnetic field change can be reliably detected. As a result, not only the individual operation of each of the key sensors 3a to 3e, but also the key sensors 3a to 3e
Even when the fingertip 4 (the false nail 5) is moved substantially in parallel on the 3e surface, the movement state can be detected by the movement of the magnetic field change, and pointer input as described later becomes possible.

Therefore, according to the magnetic field type key input device 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of key sensors 3a to 3e made of TMR elements manufactured by using a thin film technique or the like are arranged in parallel, Since the movement of the artificial nail 5 to be performed is magnetically detected by the key sensors 3a to 3e, it is possible to detect the movement with high performance, to reduce the size and weight, and to provide a simple information input device. .

In this embodiment, the key sensor 3a
-3e have been described using the TMR element.
Not limited to the MR element, the key sensors 3a to 3e may be configured by a magnetoresistive element (MR element), a giant magnetoresistive element (GMR element), a magnetic impedance element (MI element), or an electromagnetic induction coil.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same portions as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted (the same applies to each of the following embodiments).

The magnetic key input device 6 according to the present embodiment
The appearance is the same as that of FIG. 1, but the circuit configuration built in the case 2 is devised. That is, in the present embodiment, the data changeover switch 7 as switching means for appropriately switching the detection signals obtained from the key sensors 3a to 3f, and the key sensors 3a to 3f.
3f, a differential amplifying unit 8 as a differential operation means for calculating a difference between detection signals of two adjacent key sensors and a differential output obtained from the differential amplifying unit 8 And a comparison unit 9 as a signal detecting means for detecting the movement of the artificial nail 5 by comparing the reference value with the reference value. In FIG. 2, the data changeover switch 7, the differential amplifying unit 8, and the comparing unit 9 are illustrated outside the case 2 for schematic illustration.
(The same applies to embodiments described later). Here, when a predetermined time elapses after detecting the detection output of the key sensor, the data changeover switch 7
It has a switching function for switching the way of taking differentials for the key sensors so as to be in different adjacent directions.

In such a configuration, the magnetic field generated from the false nail 5 based on the operation of the fingertip 4
In the case of detection by a to 3e, the differential signal between the detection signals of two adjacent key sensors is taken by the differential amplifying unit 8 under the switching by the data changeover switch 7 and compared by the comparing unit 9. On the other hand, after a lapse of a predetermined time, a differential between adjacent key sensors in different directions is obtained by a differential amplifying unit 8 and compared by a comparing unit 9 to grasp an input state.

For example, after a difference between the detection signal of the key sensor 3c and the detection signal of the key sensor 3c is obtained by the differential amplifying unit 8, a predetermined time elapses.
The differential between the detection signals 3c is obtained by the differential amplifying unit 8, and so on. According to this, since the target is also moved with time on the detection side, the detection resolution when the false nail 5 is moved can be increased.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Magnetic key input device 10 of the present embodiment
Is similar to the case of FIG. 1 except that the circuit configuration built in the case 2 is devised. That is, in the present embodiment, the data changeover switch 11 as switching means for appropriately switching the detection signals obtained from the key sensors 3a to 3f and the average value of all the detection signals obtained from the key sensors 3a to 3f are calculated. Average value circuit 12 as an average value calculation means to perform the average value calculated by the average value circuit 12 and each key sensor 3
a differential amplifier circuit 13 as a differential operation means for obtaining a differential between the detection signals a to 3e, and a false nail by comparing a differential output obtained from the differential amplifier circuit 13 with a predetermined reference value. 5 as a signal detecting means for detecting the movement of
And a circuit configuration including: Here, the data changeover switch 11 has a changeover function of switching the differential amplifier circuit 13 such that the detection outputs of the key sensors 3a to 3e are sequentially and individually output.

In such a configuration, the magnetic field generated from the artificial nail 5 based on the operation of the fingertip 4 is
a to 3e, all key sensors 3a
The average value is calculated by the average value circuit 12 with respect to the detected outputs of the key sensors 3a to 3e. Using the calculated average value, the differential outputs of the detected outputs of the key sensors 3a to 3e are obtained by the differential amplifier circuit 13. The state of the movement of the false nail 5 is detected by comparing the predetermined value with the predetermined value.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the artificial nail 5
Even when the change in the magnetic field strength fluctuates extremely, the detection output of each of the key sensors 3a to 3e is subjected to an average value process of calculating an average value by the average value circuit 12 so that the noise component is temporally reduced. In addition, spatial averaging can be performed, and a high-performance input operation detection operation in which noise components have been removed can be performed.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the magnetic key input device 15 of the present embodiment, an external assist magnetic field as a magnetic field applying means is added. That is, in the case 2, each key sensor 3a
Yoke 16a to 16e are provided in close proximity to each other, and permanent magnet 1 common to these yokes 16a to 16e is provided.
7 are provided. The yokes 16a to 16e and the permanent magnet 17 constitute a magnetic field applying unit 18. Here, each of the key sensors 3a to 3e is configured so that the permanent magnet 17 does not cause magnetic saturation. In particular,
The permanent magnets 17 have a magnetic field strength lower than the anisotropic magnetic field of the magnetic thin films constituting the key sensors 3a to 3e, and are configured to generate a magnetic field larger than the coercive force of the magnetic member of the false nail 5. I have.

In such a configuration, a certain key sensor 3a to 3e, for example, the key sensor 3a
When the false nail 5 is approached, the magnetic member or magnetic paint of the false nail 5 is temporarily magnetized through the permanent magnet 17 and the yoke 16a, and is detected by the key sensor 3a in this magnetized state. The same applies when the false nail 5 is brought close to the other key sensors 3b to 3e.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the change in the magnetic field intensity fluctuates extremely, the magnetic member of the false nail 5 or the magnetic member of the false nail 5 near the detection unit by each of the key sensors 3a to 3e is controlled by the magnetic field applying means 18. By temporarily magnetizing the magnetic paint, a stable magnetic field intensity is input, and the detection operation is stabilized.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
It will be described based on. In the magnetic key input device 19 of the present embodiment, the detection area 20 of the false nail 5 is set substantially in parallel on the surfaces of the key sensors 3a to 3e, and the false nail 5 (fingertip 4) in the detection area 20 is set. Key sensors 3a to 3e
The movement substantially parallel to the plane is determined as a pointer input. In order to determine this as a pointer input, in the circuit configuration built in Case 2, a signal threshold value 21 set as a comparison target for the comparison unit 14 and a signal value for detecting the state of signal value fluctuation based on the output of the comparison unit 14 A change detection unit 22 and a pointer input determination unit 2
3 are configured.

The output of the signal value fluctuation detecting section 22 (that is, the output of the magnetic key input device 19) is, for example, a personal computer 24.
Has been entered.

In such a configuration, when the false nail 5 (fingertip 4) moves substantially in parallel in the detection area 20 on the surface of the key sensors 3a to 3e, the individual key sensors 3a to 3e to be detected are individually Since the detection signal does not exceed the predetermined signal threshold value 21 set in advance, the signal value fluctuation detection unit 22 determines that the input is not a key input but a pointer input with respect to the comparison result by the comparison unit 14. Then, the movement of the artificial nail 5 at that time is grasped by fluctuations in the signals of the individual key sensors 3a to 3e. The information of the pointer input determined in this manner is embodied as a pointer input by being displayed as a point 26 on the screen 25 in the personal computer 24, for example.

In this embodiment, the artificial nail 5
When the operation of approaching each of the key sensors 3a to 3e with the (fingertip 4) is performed, unlike the case of the parallel movement, the output of the corresponding key sensor exceeds the signal threshold value 21 and is recognized as a normal key input. .

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
It will be described based on. In the magnetic key input device 27 of the present embodiment, a detection area 28 of the false nail 5 is set above the surface of the key sensors 3a to 3e, and the three-dimensional detection of the false nail 5 (fingertip 4) in the detection area 28 is performed. Is determined as a pointer input using a three-axis vector. In order to determine this as a pointer input, in a circuit configuration built in Case 2, a signal threshold 29 set as a comparison target for the comparison unit 14 and a vector component in the three axial directions based on the output of the comparison unit 14 are detected. The pointer input determination unit 31 is configured by adding the axis component detection unit 30.

Therefore, it is basically the same as the fifth embodiment. In particular, the three-dimensional movement of the false nail 5 in the detection area 28 is detected by the detection output of each of the key sensors 3a to 3e. It is possible to perform a simple three-dimensional input as a pointer input device for a personal computer or the like by determining that the input is a pointer using a three-axis vector on the basis of the intensity distribution and a preset signal threshold value 29.

A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, for example, a specific movement of the fingertip 4 (the artificial nail 5) is grasped as a command signal to the personal computer 24 by using the magnetic key input device 27 shown in FIGS. An example of the application is shown below.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a processing example in this case. First, a series of movements (specific movements) such as grasping and opening the hand using the magnetic key input device 27 is grasped as an input trajectory based on a three-axis vector, and stored in the memory 32 of the personal computer 24. Further, in the personal computer 24, the operation locus stored in the memory 32 is stored in the personal computer 24.
Is applied to the predetermined instruction and stored in the memory 32. Under such a setting, when an operation of the fingertip 4 (the artificial nail 5) is detected through the magnetic key input device 27 at an arbitrary point in time, the personal computer 24 stores the operation locus and the memory 32 in the memory 32. The trajectory is collated with an existing operation trajectory, and if these trajectories match, it is determined that the input operation is valid, and a command assigned to the operation is executed.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the magnetic key input device 27 can be used as a command input device for the personal computer 24.

An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is basically the same as the seventh embodiment. For example, the fingertip 4 (the false nail 5) is used by using the magnetic key input device 27 shown in FIGS. An application example in which a specific movement of the lock control device 33 is grasped as a lock signal for a lock control device 33 having a microcomputer configuration constituting the lock system.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a processing example in this case. First, a series of movements (specific movements) such as gripping and opening the hand using the magnetic key input device 27 is grasped as an input trajectory based on a three-axis vector, and the lock control device 3
3 is stored in the memory 34. Further, the lock control device 3
In 3, the operation trajectory stored in the memory 34 is applied to a locking signal for the locking control device 33 and stored in the memory 34. Under such a setting, when an operation of the fingertip 4 (the artificial nail 5) is detected through the magnetic key input device 27 at an arbitrary point in time, the locking control device 33 stores the operation locus and the memory 34. Then, if the trajectories match, it is determined that the input operation is valid, and the locking operation is performed according to the locking signal assigned to the operation.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the magnetic key input device 27 can be used as a lock command input device for the lock control device 33.

A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the magnetic key input device 27 having an integral acceleration sensor in the eighth embodiment is used.

As described above, the trajectory of the three-axis input is stored in the memory 34 of the lock control device 33. However, since this motion trajectory does not include information accompanied by rotation,
In the present embodiment, an acceleration sensor is added to the magnetic key input device 27 in order to detect the rotation information and improve the accuracy of the position information of the motion trajectory. Thereby, more precise information can be input.

In FIG. 11, the lock control device 33 and the magnetic key input device 27 are connected by a conductor (wire), but may be connected wirelessly. Further, a gravity sensor may be integrally provided instead of the acceleration sensor.

A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment shows an example of application to a monitoring system 35 which is a security system constructed using the magnetic key input device 27 shown in the eighth embodiment.

The monitoring system 35 of the present embodiment is constructed based on a contract relationship between a business operator and a subscriber who owns the magnetic key input device 27 and the locking control device 33 as a corresponding control target device. In the system, the business side has a host computer 37 as a monitoring device in a monitoring center 36, and is connected to a locking control device 33 of a subscriber using a communication device 38. This communication device 38
Is not limited to wired / wireless, and may be a mobile phone or the like. The host computer 37 has an analysis center 39.
Connected to an analysis computer 40 in the inside.

In such a system configuration, input information of a specific motion trajectory of the fingertip 4 corresponding to the locking command is stored in the memory 34 of the locking control device 33 in advance and monitored using the communication device 38. The information is transmitted to the host computer 37 in the center 36 one by one. In response to this information, the host computer 37 monitors the locking control device 33 in accordance with the contract with the subscriber, and notifies the subscriber of the monitoring result one by one. A consultant-like business development that provides each subscriber with information on the indication of a problem becomes possible.

At this time, depending on the contract, in addition to the security monitoring report, the analysis result by the analysis computer 40 is added to notify the monitoring result, so that the management burden on the subscriber can be greatly reduced. it can.

Although the present embodiment has been described as an example of application to a locking-related security system, the present invention is not limited to locking, and various consultant-like business developments that provide the convenience of the subscriber by contract with the subscriber are provided. Becomes possible.

[0072]

According to the magnetic field type key input device of the present invention, a magnetoresistive element (MR element), a giant magnetoresistive element (GMR element), and a tunnel manufactured by using a thin film technique or the like. A plurality of key sensors using a magnetoresistive element (TMR element), a magnetic impedance element (MI element), or an electromagnetic induction coil are arranged in parallel, and the movement of a magnetic field generating member operated by a fingertip is magnetically detected by the key sensor. As a result, it is possible to perform high-performance detection, reduce the size and weight, and provide a simple information input device.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the magnetic field type key input device according to the first aspect, the member for generating a magnetic field comprises:
Since the magnetic member is built-in or an artificial nail coated with a magnetic paint, the input operation side can be easily configured by the artificial nail.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the magnetic field type key input device according to the first aspect, the member for generating a magnetic field comprises:
Since the coating material is formed by applying a magnetic paint to the nails, the input operation side can be easily realized.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the difference between the detection signals of two adjacent key sensors in the detection operation by the key sensors. I took action,
Since a weak magnetic field change can be detected with higher accuracy, and after a lapse of a predetermined time, the method of taking a differential is switched so as to take a differential between detection signals of two adjacent key sensors in different directions. Even when the magnetic field generating member operated by the fingertip moves, the detection resolution can be increased.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operation is basically the same as that of the fourth aspect of the invention. However, even when the magnetic field intensity changes extremely, the average value is not changed. Since the processing is performed, the noise component can be temporally and spatially averaged, and a high-performance detection operation with the noise component removed can be performed.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, even when the magnetic field intensity changes extremely,
By temporarily magnetizing the magnetic field generating member in the vicinity of the detection unit of each key sensor by the magnetic field applying unit, a stable magnetic field intensity is input, and the detection operation can be stabilized.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the plane of the member for generating a magnetic field within a detection area set on the key sensor surface. Input operation means for judging a typical movement as a pointer input based on a comparison with a preset threshold value, so that when a fingertip is operated on each key sensor, a normal key input operation is performed. The fingertip, that is, the planar movement of the magnetic field generating member within the set detection area can be used as pointer input, and also has the function of a pointer input device.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is basically similar to the case of the seventh aspect of the invention. In particular, by determining the three-dimensional movement of the magnetic field generating member as a pointer input using a three-axis vector based on the intensity distribution of the detection output of each key sensor, a simple three-dimensional input can be performed in the pointer input device.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the specific movement of the magnetic field generating member which is operated by a fingertip and detected by the key sensor. Is used as a specific input signal, so that input information from the magnetic key input device can be used for a specific command signal or the like.

According to the invention set forth in claim 10, according to claim 9
As an example of an application example of the described invention, a specific movement of a magnetic field generating member that is operated by a fingertip and detected by a key sensor can be used as a locking signal in a locking system.

According to the eleventh aspect, according to the first aspect,
In the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the above items 1 to 10, it is possible to input more precise information by integrally having an acceleration sensor or a gravity sensor and having both acceleration information and gravity information.

According to the monitoring system of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, by utilizing the magnetic field type key input device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the monitoring operation according to the contract concluded with the subscriber. Is performed by a monitoring device, and the result of the monitoring is sequentially notified to the subscriber side, so that it is possible to develop a consultant-like business in which each subscriber is provided with information on abnormalities and problems pointed out in monitoring.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a simplified first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a simplified fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view schematically showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram thereof.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view schematically showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram thereof.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a processing example according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a processing example according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic front view schematically showing a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic diagram showing a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 magnetic field type key input device 3a to 3e key sensor 4 fingertip 5 false nail, member for generating magnetic field 6 magnetic field type key input device 7 switching means 8 differential operation means 9 signal detection means 10 magnetic field type key input device 12 average value calculation means 13 Differential operation means 14 Signal detection means 15 Magnetic field type key input device 18 Magnetic field applying means 19 Magnetic field type key input device 20 Detection area 23 Pointer input determination means 27 Magnetic field type key input device 28 Detection area 31 Pointer input determination means 33 Locking system, Control target device 37 Monitoring device 38 Communication device

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A magnetoresistive element, a giant magnetoresistive element, which responds to a movement of a magnetic field generating member operated by a fingertip,
A magnetic field type key input device, wherein a plurality of key sensors each including a tunnel magnetoresistive element, a magnetic impedance element or an electromagnetic induction coil are arranged in parallel. 2. The magnetic field type key input device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generating member is a false nail having a magnetic member inside or a magnetic paint applied. 3. The magnetic field type key input device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field generating member is a coating material obtained by applying a magnetic paint to a nail. 4. A differential operation means for obtaining a difference between detection signals of two adjacent key sensors, and detecting a movement of the magnetic field generating member with respect to the key sensor based on a differential output of the differential operation means. And a switching unit that switches the differential operation by the differential operation unit after a predetermined time elapses so as to obtain the differential between the detection signals of the two adjacent key sensors in different directions. 4. The magnetic field type key input device according to claim 1, wherein: 5. An average value calculating means for calculating an average value of the detection signals of the plurality of key sensors, and a differential for obtaining a difference between the detection signal of each key sensor and the average value calculated by the average value calculating means. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an operation unit; and a signal detection unit configured to detect a movement of the magnetic field generating member with respect to the key sensor based on a differential output of the differential operation unit. The magnetic field type key input device as described in the above. 6. The magnetic field type key according to claim 1, further comprising a magnetic field applying unit for temporarily magnetizing the magnetic field generating member near a detection unit of each key sensor. Input device. 7. A pointer input determining means for determining a planar movement of the magnetic field generating member in a detection area set on the key sensor surface as a pointer input based on comparison with a preset threshold value. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
7. The magnetic field type key input device according to any one of items 6 to 6. 8. A three-dimensional movement of the magnetic field generating member in a detection area set above the key sensor surface is determined as a pointer input by a three-axis vector based on an intensity distribution of a detection output of each of the key sensors. 7. The magnetic field type key input device according to claim 1, further comprising a pointer input determination unit. 9. The magnetic field according to claim 1, wherein a specific movement of the magnetic field generating member, which is operated by a fingertip and detected by the key sensor, is a specific input signal. Type key input device. 10. The magnetic field type key input device according to claim 9, wherein the specific input signal is a signal intended to lock the locking system. 11. The magnetic field type key input device according to claim 1, further comprising an acceleration sensor or a gravity sensor. 12. The controlled object based on a contract between the magnetic field type key input device according to claim 1 and a subscriber who owns a controlled device operated by the magnetic field type key input device. A monitoring system comprising: a monitoring device that monitors a device; and a communication device that exchanges information between the monitoring device and a communication device owned by the subscriber.