Key input unit and key input method

A digital processor having at least one key for inputting a user's operation command corresponding to a moving direction, comprising:

• a key unit;
• and
• a control unit that recognizes the opposite direction of arrangement positions or the opposite direction of a vector sum of one or more sensors outputting a sensing signal as the moving direction of the slider on the basis of the sensing signal input from the key unit,
• wherein the key unit includes:
• a base that is fixed at the central position of the key unit;
• a slider that horizontally moves in parallel to the horizontal plane of the base by the user's operation;
• a frame that supports the slider so as to horizontally move;
• a restoration unit that gives a resistive force against the horizontal movement of the slider and restores the horizontally-moved slider to an original position;
• at least one outer horizontal bearing disposed at a predetermined position between the frame and the slider;
• and
• at least one inner horizontal bearing disposed at a predetermined position between the frame and the central portion of the base,
• wherein the inner horizontal bearing and the outer horizontal bearing are located in the opposite directions from the central portion, and
• wherein a magnet that restores one or more of the inner horizontal bearing, the outer horizontal bearing, and a vertical bearing disposed between the bottom of the slider and the top surface of the base, which have moved, to the original position is disposed below the base.

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having recorded thereon a program which can be read by a digital processor and in which command words executable by the digital processor are materially described so as to carry out a key input method, the key input method comprising:

• receiving a horizontal movement start signal of a slider;
• receiving a sensing signal from one or more sensors disposed in a key unit;
• and
• recognizing the opposite direction of arrangement positions or the opposite direction of a vector sum of one or more sensors outputting the sensing signal as the moving direction of the slider,
• wherein the key unit includes:
• a base that is fixed at the central position of the key unit;
• the slider that horizontally moves in parallel to the horizontal plane of the base by the user's operation;
• a frame that supports the slider so as to horizontally move;
• a restoration unit that gives a resistive force against the horizontal movement of the slider and restores the horizontally-moved slider to an original position;
• at least one outer horizontal bearing disposed at a predetermined position between the frame and the slider;
• and
• at least one inner horizontal bearing disposed at a predetermined position between the frame and the central portion of the base,
• wherein the inner horizontal bearing and the outer horizontal bearing are located in the opposite directions from the central portion, and
• wherein a magnet that restores one or more of the inner horizontal bearing, the outer horizontal bearing, and a vertical bearing disposed between the bottom of the slider and the top surface of the base, which have moved, to the original position is disposed below the base.