Input device

Abstract

An input device includes a contact sensing surface having at least one key region and a controller. The controller includes: a position-detecting unit configured to detect the position on the contact sensing surface contacted by an object, a memory unit configured to store at least one functional data each corresponding to a key function, a key-triggering unit configured to read out the functional data in the memory unit and activate the corresponding key function without a sliding into the key region, a key function setting unit configured to change the functional data based on the direction and distance of the object sliding within the key region. With this arrangement, the key function setting unit can reduce the number of the keys regions virtually provided on the contact sensing surface, thereby providing an intuitive operation of key functions for a user.