JP2004157640A - Portable terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability in inputting a character and visibility to a screen displaying an input candidate character when the character is inputted. <P>SOLUTION: A portable terminal device is provided with a first jog dial 20 arranged at nearly the same distance from the both sides on a main operation face and a second jog dial 33 arranged at nearly the same distance from both sides on the rear side of the operation face. A UI screen used when inputting a character has a first character display position for displaying the character inputted by depressing the first jog dial and second to fifth character display positions located on the front, rear, left and right sides of the first character display position for displaying four characters which neighbors the first character at the front, rear, left and right of the Japanese syllabary table of the character. The input candidate character displayed at the first character display position on the UI screen is sequentially changed in accordance with the rotational operation of the both jog dials 20 and 33, and the four characters neighboring the first character at the front, rear, left and right of the input candidate character thus changed on the Japanese syllabary table are allocated to the second to fifth character display positions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device, and more particularly to a mobile terminal device that performs character input such as a mobile phone that can be held with one hand.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, communication of electronic mails and messages is becoming widespread in mobile terminal devices represented by mobile phones. Due to the nature of the mobile terminal device, it is necessary to input characters using a limited number of operation keys and dials on the operation surface.
[0003]
In a conventional typical character input method of a mobile phone, a plurality of characters assigned to individual keys are sequentially displayed cyclically by pressing the keys to select a desired character. Therefore, there is a problem in that the number of times a key is input for each kana character increases as the character is at or near the end of the cycle.
[0004]
Some models have a jog dial (push-operable dial input unit) arranged at the upper center of the operation unit of the mobile phone. In such a model, the character row of the Japanese syllabary (for example, Aijeo) can be selected and determined by rotating the jog dial, but the movement in the column direction (Akasana ...) must be performed with a button. That is, it was not possible to select and input desired characters using only the jog dial.
[0005]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-163953 discloses a technique for selecting and inputting a kana character using two jog dials capable of moving a cursor in a direction perpendicular to the direction. Each of the two jog dials is a dial type. One of them is for moving in the vertical direction (aiueo) and is arranged at the right center part of the front face of the mobile phone, and the other is for moving in the horizontal direction (Akasana ...) and is arranged at the upper left part of the mobile phone. In addition, the push operation of the jog dial for vertical movement is used for determination of Aioueo, and the push operation of the jog dial for horizontal movement is used for right movement and kana-kanji conversion selection.
[0006]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-90200 discloses a rotatable drum-type dial disposed along a hinge portion of a foldable mobile phone, which input means is capable of moving the dial in the axial direction. ing. With all necessary characters, numbers, symbols, and the like displayed on the liquid crystal display screen, the cursor can be sequentially moved to a desired position using this input means, whereby a desired character can be selected and input. It has become.
[0007]
Conventionally, there is also known an apparatus in which a backlight arranged behind a dial is turned on when a key or the like of a mobile phone is operated to illuminate the entire dial.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-90200 (FIGS. 1 and 8)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-163953 (FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 8)
[Non-patent document 1]
Toshiyuki Masui, "POBox-An Input Method Based on Prediction and Fuzzy Search", [online], [Search on May 17, 2002], Internet <URL: http: // www. cs. / Sony. co. jp / person / masui / OpenPOBox / >>
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The input device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-163953 is capable of selecting and inputting desired kana characters only by operating a dial, but one of two jog dials is disposed at the right center of the front of the mobile phone. In addition, since the other is arranged on the upper left side of the mobile phone, the operable or easy hand is limited to one of the right and left hands. However, which of the right and left hands holds the mobile phone differs depending on the user. Therefore, there is a problem that depending on which hand holds the mobile phone, there are cases where it is easy to use and cases where it is difficult to use. To clear (cancel) the operation once performed, it is necessary to operate a key different from the jog dial.
[0010]
In the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-90200, it is possible to select and enter a desired kana character only by operating the dial. However, all necessary characters, numerals, symbols, etc., are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen. In this case, the target characters are difficult to see on a display screen of a limited size, such as a mobile phone, and there is a problem that the usability is not always good.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal device capable of improving operability of character input.
[0012]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable terminal device which has no difference in operability even if the portable terminal device is gripped by either left or right hand.
[0013]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal device capable of improving the visibility of a display screen of input candidate characters at the time of character input.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The portable terminal device according to the present invention is a portable terminal device that can be held by one hand, and is a position that can be operated with the thumb of the hand holding the portable terminal device on the main operation surface, and is substantially equidistant from both sides. And a first push-operable dial input unit disposed at a position, and a position operable with the index finger of the hand holding the portable terminal device on the back side of the main operation surface, and substantially equal from both sides. A second push-operable dial input unit disposed at a distance.
[0015]
In this configuration, the first and second push-operable dial input units allow the user to simultaneously operate both dial input units with the thumb and forefinger of one hand holding the mobile terminal device. Therefore, it is possible to perform an operation such as character input without releasing the fingers from both dial input units. In addition, since both dial input units are arranged at positions substantially equidistant from both sides of the device, the hand holding the device may be either right or left.
[0016]
When the mobile terminal device includes an upper housing and a lower housing connected to be openable and closable by a hinge portion, as a specific arrangement position of both dial input portions, the first push-operable dial input portion is The second push-operable dial input unit is disposed at the center of the upper end of the main operation surface of the lower housing, and the second push-operable dial input unit is disposed at the center of the upper end of the lower housing behind the hinge. Accordingly, a new dial input unit can be added while following the form and operation method of a conventional two-fold type general dial input unit, and without obstructing the operation.
[0017]
The first push-operable dial input unit has a drum-type rotating body, and the first push-operable dial input unit has a disk-type rotating body. For example, when the two dial input units are assigned to the movement instruction operation in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, respectively, the direction of the movement operation matches the direction of the rotating body of the rotating body, so that the operability is improved.
[0018]
Another portable terminal device according to the present invention is a portable terminal device for inputting characters, and comprises a first push-operable dial input unit, a second push-operable dial input unit, and both push-operable dial input units. Display means for displaying a user interface (UI) screen at the time of character input by the user, and display control means for controlling the display means to update the UI screen in response to operation of both push-operable dial input units, The UI screen is located at a first character display position for displaying an input candidate character input by a push operation of the first push-operable dial input unit, and at front, rear, left, and right sides of the first character display position. And second to fifth character display positions for displaying four characters adjacent to the front, rear, left and right on the Japanese syllabary, and the display control means includes: And sequentially changing the input candidate characters to be displayed at the first character display position on the UI screen in accordance with the rotation operation of the second push-operable dial input unit, and the second to fifth character display positions. , Four characters adjacent to the front, rear, left and right of the changed input candidate character on the Japanese syllabary are assigned.
[0019]
In this way, by associating the first and second push-operable dial input units with the user interface screen, it is possible to perform all or almost all character input operations only by operating both dial input units. Particularly, on the user interface screen, four characters adjacent to the front, rear, left and right in the Japanese syllabary are displayed at the front, rear, left and right positions with one input candidate character of the Japanese syllabary as the center. Even in the display screen of the given size, the current input candidate character can be clearly recognized, and when changing the input candidate character, the four characters of front, rear, left and right serve as indices for the change operation. Further, since the input candidate characters can be moved in any of the front, rear, left, and right directions by operating both dials, it is possible to quickly move and select the target input candidate character in combination with the display mode of the user interface screen. Operation becomes possible.
[0020]
In this portable terminal device, a plurality of operation keys including a numeric keypad to which a plurality of input candidate characters are respectively assigned, a plurality of light emitting elements individually provided for the plurality of operation keys, Key light emission control means for independently controlling the light emission of the operation key to which the input candidate character displayed at the first character display position belongs in accordance with the rotation operation of the second push-operable dial input unit may be further provided. .
[0021]
In the present invention, since the user mainly performs character input by operating both dial input units while looking at the user interface screen on the screen, it is not always necessary to illuminate the entire operation key group normally present in the operation unit of the portable terminal device. Absent. On the other hand, in relation to the operation of both dial input units, the user is informed which character line the character of interest currently belongs to by illuminating only the operation keys assigned to the character line. be able to. This is particularly meaningful when a character other than the representative character displayed on each operation key is focused on the screen.
[0022]
The UI screen further has an area for displaying an input candidate phrase group selected based on the input character, and the input candidate is input by rotating one of the first and second push-operable dial input units. An input candidate word group may be selected from the word group. This further improves the character input efficiency.
[0023]
The push operation of the second push-operable dial input unit may be assigned to a character input clear operation. Thus, the push operation of the second push-operable dial input unit is effectively used, and it is not necessary to separate a finger from the dial input unit for a clear operation in work such as character input.
[0024]
Still another portable terminal device according to the present invention controls a plurality of operation keys on an operation surface, a plurality of light emitting elements individually provided for the plurality of operation keys, and independently controls light emission of each operation key. Key light emission control means.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a mobile phone will be described as an example of a mobile terminal device. However, the present invention is not limited to a mobile phone, but can be applied to any mobile terminal device having a character input function. Such a portable terminal device includes a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a game machine, and the like, and in a broad sense, includes a remote controller for controlling various information devices.
[0026]
FIGS. 1A and 1B show a rear view and a side view, respectively, of an open state of a two-fold (foldable) mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a front view thereof.
[0027]
The mobile phone 100 includes a hinge 18, and an upper housing 14 and a lower housing 25 connected to be openable and closable by the hinge 18. The ear receiver 12 is arranged above the inner main surface of the upper housing 14, and the display unit 16 (for example, a flat display device such as a liquid crystal display) is arranged on the inner main surface.
[0028]
On the main operation surface inside the lower housing 25, the jog dial 20 is arranged at the upper center, left and right keys 26a and 26b are arranged on both sides, and soft keys 17a and 17b are arranged on both sides. The jog dial 20 is a dial input unit that can be pushed, and here uses a drum-type rotating body. The soft keys 17a and 17b are operation keys to which arbitrary functions are assigned corresponding to various menus and screens, and the assigned functions are notified to the user by the display contents of the key operation display area. Regarding the left and right keys 26a and 26b, whether or not the mobile phone can be used in each usage scene is displayed in a key operation display area. Below these operation keys, a call key 21, a clear key 22, and a power key / end key 23 are arranged. Further, a numeric keypad 28 is arranged below the memo key 30, and a memo key 30 and a manner key 31 are arranged below these. A microphone 32 is arranged at the lowermost part of the lower housing 25.
[0029]
Such a configuration itself is known. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1A, in the present embodiment, the lower housing 25 has a second central portion in the left-right direction near the hinge portion 18 on the back side of the operation portion 211. A jog dial 33 is provided. The jog dial 33 uses a dial-type rotating body, and its rotation plane is substantially parallel to a main operation surface on which various keys are arranged. The jog dial 33 can be rotated in the direction of arrow H, and can be pushed (pressed or clicked) in the direction of arrow V.
[0030]
As described above, since both jog dials 20 and 33 are arranged at substantially equal distances on both sides of the mobile phone, the jog dials have a symmetrical shape, so that the user can operate with either the right hand or the left hand without any difference. Further, since the jog dial 20 is located on the front side and the jog dial 33 is located on the back side, the former can be operated simultaneously with the thumb and the latter can be operated simultaneously with the index finger. The jog dial 20 is a drum type whose rotation axis is parallel to the hinge axis, and the jog dial 33 is a disk type whose rotation axis is orthogonal to the hinge axis. Thus, the user can intuitively recognize that rotation of the jog dial 20 corresponds to a movement instruction in the up-down direction and rotation of the jog dial 33 corresponds to a movement instruction in the left-right direction.
[0031]
Note that the mobile phones of FIGS. 1 and 2 assume a case where a built-in antenna is used, and the antenna is not shown.
[0032]
FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration of mobile phone 100 of the present embodiment.
[0033]
The mobile phone 100 includes an antenna 200, a duplexer (Duplexer) 201, a receiving unit (RX) 202, a transmitting unit (TX) 203, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 204, a speaker 205, and a microphone 206 as parts related to the telephone function. , And an ear receiver 207 (corresponding to 12 in FIG. 1). The mobile phone 100 further includes a control unit 208 and a display unit 209 (corresponding to 16 in FIG. 1) connected to the control unit 208, an operation unit 211, a ROM 213, a RAM 214, and a key light-emitting unit as parts related to the control of the mobile phone. It has a part 44. The key light emitting section 44 includes a light emitting element (for example, LED) for each key as described later. The ROM 213 stores a control program for realizing the operation of the present embodiment described later. The ROM 213 may include a rewritable nonvolatile memory (for example, a flash ROM). The operation unit 211 includes the jog dial 20 and the jog dial 33 in addition to the various operation keys described above.
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device portion related to the jog dial 20 (or 33) of the operation unit 211.
[0035]
The configuration of the jog dial 20 (33) itself is sufficient with an existing configuration, and a function of outputting on / off signals of different phases A and B in synchronization with the rotation of the dial, and a pulse signal as a timing signal in accordance with the push operation of the dial Output function. The D flip-flop (FF) 102 confirms the level of the other phase signal (for example, A-phase) at the rising (or falling) edge of one phase signal (for example, B-phase), so that the D flip-flop (FF) 102 A direction signal (Direction) indicating whether the dial is rotating in the direction is output. A timing signal (pulse signal) is generated for each rotation of a predetermined angle based on one of the two phase signals or a combination of both signals (for example, AND output). The logic circuit (LOGIC) 103 checks the level of the direction signal at the time when the timing signal is generated, and generates an output signal corresponding to the left and right keys (26a and 26b in FIG. 2). These output signals are assigned to the rows or columns set in the key matrix, R1 (113), S2 (114), and R2 (115), thereby realizing a left-right movement operation.
[0036]
Also, the push signal of the jog dial is a pulse signal output in response to a single dial press operation, and is newly assigned to the clear function in the present embodiment. The principle of this operation is that the jog dial 20 (33) itself has a switch function, and each is directly connected to the row and column R3 (111) and S1 (112) of the key matrix, so that the switch in the jog dial becomes conductive at the same time. , R3 (111) and S2 (112) of the key matrix conduct, and the clear function operates.
[0037]
FIG. 5 shows an internal circuit configuration of the logic circuit 103. The signal output from the flip-flop 102 includes a signal of “0” or “1”, and indicates a rotation direction of “right” and “left”, respectively. Here, it is assumed that a signal of “1” indicating the left direction is output from the flip-flop 102 as an example. Also, the timing signal from the jog dial indicates the timing when both the phase signals A and B are ON, and it is assumed here that "1" indicating OFF is output. These two signals pass through NOT circuit 201 and NOR circuits 202 and 204, and reach switches 203 and 205. The switches 203 and 205 are turned on when the control signal is "1". In this case, since the control signals of the switches 203 and 205 are both "0", both switches are in the OFF state.
[0038]
Next, it is assumed that the signal from the flip-flop is left at “1” indicating the left, and the timing signal outputs “0” indicating ON. Then, a signal of “1” reaches the switch 203 and a signal of “0” is applied to the switch 205.
As a result, the switch 203 becomes conductive, and as a result, R1 (113) and S2 (114) of the key matrix become conductive, and the same operation as when the conventional left key button is pressed is performed. .
[0039]
Similarly, in a state where a signal of “0” indicating the right is output from the flip-flop 102 and a timing signal is also outputting “0” indicating ON, the control signal of “0” arrives at the switch 203 and the switch 203 A control signal of “1” is applied to 205. In this case, as a result, S2 (114) and R2 (115) of the key matrix become conductive, and the same operation as when the conventional right key button is pressed can be performed.
[0040]
Here, as an example, the signal “0” output from the flip-flop 102 is “rightward” and 1 is “leftward”, but even if the signal is reversed, it is finally set in the key matrix. It suffices if there are wires for R1 (113), S2 (114), and R2 (114).
[0041]
Next, an outline of the key matrix will be briefly described.
[0042]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing signal waveforms of the respective components when a specific button (key) is pressed and turned on in the key matrix. The key matrix has a configuration in which key-sensing "rows" and "columns" for transmitting signals are arranged in a grid, and switches are arranged at intersections of the respective "rows" and "columns". Such a configuration itself is well known.
[0043]
In the key sense S2 (114), the normal signal is in the HI state.
Here, assuming that the jog dial is rotated to the right, S2 (114) and R2 (115) conduct as described above from FIGS. At the moment of this conduction, the signal of the key sense S2 (114) row changes from HI to LOW. Immediately thereafter, different signals (scan signals) 301, 302, and 303 are sent to the columns of R0, R1 (113), and R2 (115). In this case, since the place conducting with S2 (114) is R2 (115), S2 (114) can see the same signal 300 as the signal 301 sent to R2 (115). In this way, the location of the conducting row and column (that is, the position of the key) can be grasped.
[0044]
In the present embodiment, the actual left and right keys and the clear key can be operated together with the function of the jog dial. As a result, some users can perform conventional operations.
[0045]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the key light emitting unit 44. In the present embodiment, a predetermined key button is independently turned on, for example, when a character is input using a jog dial. The key light emitting section 44 is a circuit for that purpose. An LED 690 as a light emitting element and its LED drive circuit 691 are provided for each set of keys used for character input (however, not shown). In the present embodiment, such a key group is 12 keys by adding “*” and “#” to the numeric keypad. The resistances 621 to 633 connected in series between the power supply 601 and the ground divide the power supply voltage and output different levels of reference voltages to one end of each resistance. These reference voltages are applied to one input terminal of each of the comparators 651 to 663. The number of reference voltages and the number of comparators are both the number of keys + 1. The control signal 603 is applied to the other input terminal of each comparator. The control signal 603 is a voltage level corresponding to a specific key (a key to be turned on) of the key group, and is given from the control unit 208. Each of the comparators 651 to 663 compares the voltage divided into 12 from 0 “V” to the voltage of the power supply 601 with the voltage level of the control signal, and outputs a signal of “0” or “1”.
[0046]
As an example, when no signal is output from the control signal 603 (when the voltage is at the lowest voltage level), each of the comparators 651 to 663 is assumed to output a signal of 0 (LOW).
[0047]
Here, when it is desired to light the third LED, a voltage level is output as the control signal 603 such that the output signals of the comparators 651 to 653 become HI. At this time, of the comparators 651 to 663, the comparators 651 to 653 output HI, and the comparators 654 to 663 output LOW. In this state, all the LEDs after the comparators 651 to 653 are turned on, and all the LEDs after the comparators 654 to 663 are off. Therefore, an exclusive OR (X-OR) circuit 671 to 682 is connected to each of the comparators 651 to 663 in order to search for a place where the signal output from the comparator is at the boundary between HI and LOW, and turn on the LED only in that part. Is provided at the subsequent stage. That is, the output of the X-OR circuit becomes HI only at the boundary between the portion where the signal output from the comparator is HI and the portion which is LOW. When it is desired to turn on the third LED as described above, the output of the X-OR circuit 673 becomes HI because the output of the comparator 653 is HI and the output of the comparator 654 is LOW. That is, the LED drive circuit operates.
[0048]
A circuit similar to the circuit subsequent to the X-OR circuit 671 is added to the subsequent stage of each of the X-OR circuits 671 to 682. Only when the signal of the X-OR circuit becomes HI, the subsequent LED 690 However, the lamp is turned on when a current flows from the power supply 602. Note that the assignment of the key number to each LED in FIG. 7 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. By assigning the key that is frequently used to the side with a relatively low voltage, energy saving measures can be taken.
[0049]
Next, the operation in the present embodiment will be described.
[0050]
FIG. 8 shows a user interface (UI) screen on the display unit 209 used at the time of character input in the present embodiment. This screen displays a horizontal band-shaped first area 81 for displaying a radio wave state, a remaining battery level, and the like from the upper side, a horizontal band-shaped second area 82 for displaying a current screen theme, and a UI area for character input. And a fourth area 84 displaying a lowermost operation guidance. In the example of the figure, the second area 82 shows an example in which the subject is “memo input”.
[0051]
In the third area 83, five characters are arranged and displayed in a substantially cross shape. The positions of the characters are four at the center of the cross and above, below, left, and right, and the characters are displayed in spheres 831 to 835 displayed in a pseudo three-dimensional manner on the screen. The ball in the center of the cross is slightly larger in size than the other balls, and the other balls 836 are staggered behind to provide a three-dimensional effect separately from the individual balls. At present, the pointer points to the character of this central ball. The pointer referred to here is a control indicating that the character of the center ball in the group of characters that can be input is a target (input target character) that is immediately selected by a push operation (decision operation) of the jog dial 20. The above parameters. In addition to the size of the sphere, the characters inside the central sphere may be highlighted in a different color from the other spheres and characters.
[0052]
The characters to be input are kana characters and predetermined symbols as shown in FIG. The character table of FIG. 9 is obtained by extending the Japanese syllabary table to include voiced sounds, semi-voiced sounds, punctuation marks, and symbols. In this specification, the character table of FIG. 9 is referred to as a Japanese syllabary table for convenience. Such a Japanese syllabary is stored in a memory (213 or 214) in the apparatus as a data table or as ancillary data of a program.
[0053]
The character pointed to by the pointer is displayed in the center sphere 833 of the character input UI screen of FIG. 8, and characters corresponding to the front, rear, left and right of the character in the Japanese syllabary of FIG. Is done. If the character indicated by the pointer is a character that is in contact with the outer boundary of the Japanese syllabary of FIG. 9 and there are no characters before, after, right or left, the character on the opposite side is assigned. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the character pointed by the pointer is “A”, there is no character located above “A” in the Japanese syllabary, but the opposite side of the same line ( The character “O” at the bottom is assigned to the ball 831 above “A” on the UI screen. Similarly, in the Japanese syllabary, there is no character to the left of “A”, but the rightmost character (symbol) “•” in the same row is assigned to the ball 832 to the left of “A” on the UI screen.
[0054]
The fourth area 84 is a guidance area corresponding to the left key 26a, the jog dial 20, and the right key 26b shown in FIG. 2, and in the example of the figure, each push operation is assigned to left movement, determination, and right movement of the pointer. It is shown that it is. When the jog dial 20 is pushed in the state of FIG. 8A, the character "A" is input. This input character is displayed at the position of the cursor 830.
[0055]
FIG. 8B shows the UI screen when the jog dial 33 on the back is rotated by one character from the state of FIG. 8A to move the pointer to the “ka” line on the right of the Japanese syllabary. Is shown. With the movement of the pointer, the characters located at the front, rear, left and right on the Japanese syllabary with respect to the new center character are assigned to the respective balls 831 to 835 in the same relationship on the UI screen. By rotating the jog dial 33 in this manner, the pointer can be moved in the left-right (horizontal) direction on the Japanese syllabary. If the pointer further moves in the same direction when the pointer reaches one end on the Japanese syllabary, the pointer moves to the other end. That is, since the movement of the pointer is cyclic (ring-shaped), by moving the pointer on the ring in a direction closer to the target character line, it is possible to reach the target character line with a smaller number of movements. it can. When the jog dial 20 is pushed in the state of FIG. 8B, the character "?" Is input.
[0056]
FIG. 8C shows a UI screen when the front jog dial 20 is rotated by one character from the state of FIG. 8A and the pointer is moved to “i” next to the lower halftone table. Is shown. Thus, by rotating the jog dial 20, the pointer can be moved up and down (vertically) on the Japanese syllabary. The operation when the pointer reaches the end is the same as that in the case of the horizontal direction. That is, the pointer moves to the opposite end in the vertical direction.
[0057]
Since the number of characters to be displayed is limited by such a character input UI screen, the display of characters is simplified, and the visibility is further improved. In addition, by displaying adjacent characters on the Japanese syllabary table before, after, right and left of the character to be input at the center, the user can determine which one to move to when the pointer is moved to the target character earlier. can do. Further, the movement of the pointer by the rotation operation with the dial can be performed extremely easily and quickly as compared with the conventional continuous pressing operation of the same key.
[0058]
FIG. 10 shows an example of moving the pointer on the UI screen and turning on the operation keys independently. The key to which the character displayed in the center on the UI screen belongs is turned on independently, and the other keys are turned off. In the example of FIG. 10A, the central character is “A”, and the “1” key to which the character belongs is lit. In FIG. 10B, the central character is "?", And the "2" key to which the character belongs is lit. In FIG. 10C, the central character is “I”, and the “1” key to which the character belongs is lit.
[0059]
As described above, in contrast to the conventional case where the entire dial is illuminated by the backlight, the present invention allows individual key buttons to be independently lit. Performing the independent lighting control of the corresponding operation key in conjunction with the display of the UI screen in accordance with the input of characters by the jog dial is performed in a row (831, 834, 835) of vertical spheres on the UI screen. Helps the user to recognize to which line the character line where the current pointer is located belongs when the character of the Japanese syllabary (the top row of the Japanese syllabary) is not displayed (ie, the representative character assigned to each key) It becomes. Also, by moving the lighting of the numeric keypad, it is possible to immediately and intuitively recognize that the character line where the pointer is located has moved.
[0060]
Normally, each row of the Japanese syllabary table is assigned to each key for character input on the mobile phone. Are not assigned to separate keys on a row-by-row basis.
For example, a small character for a repetitive sound or a repellent sound is assigned to the same line of a large character having the same sound. In addition, voiced or semi-voiced dots are often assigned to specific symbol keys. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the pointer is moved in the horizontal direction on the Japanese syllabary table by the rotation of the jog dial 33, and the lighted key is switched accordingly. However, in the case of a voiced line or the like, the lighted key may not be switched. is there.
[0061]
Further, in the present embodiment, no particular reference is made to the mode of kana-kanji conversion after input of kana characters. An existing kana-kanji conversion method or a prediction conversion method described later can be used.
[0062]
FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a process for performing one-character input. In this process, first, it is checked whether any jog dial is operated (S11). If not, processing corresponding to the operation of another key (if any) is executed (S23).
[0063]
When the jog dial is operated, a character input UI screen as described with reference to FIG. 8 is displayed (S12). Then, it is checked whether the operation is the rotation of the lateral jog dial 20 (S13). If so, the pointer is moved laterally according to the rotation direction (S14). In addition, the lighting key LED is moved as needed (S15). The drawing of the UI screen is updated according to the horizontal movement of the pointer (S22). Then, the process returns to step S11. At this stage, no input character has been selected.
[0064]
If it is determined in step S13 that the operation of the jog dial is not rotation of the horizontal jog dial, it is checked whether or not the vertical jog dial 33 is rotating (S16). If so, the pointer is moved vertically (S17), and the process proceeds to screen drawing update in step S22.
[0065]
If it is determined in step S16 that the operation of the jog dial is a rotation of the vertical jog dial, it is checked whether the operation is a push operation of the vertical jog dial (S18). If so, the character currently pointed to by the pointer is input (S19). Otherwise, it is determined that the operation is a push operation of the horizontal jog dial, and the input of the character input immediately before is cleared.
[0066]
After steps S19 and S20, the character UI screen is deleted (S21).
[0067]
Through a series of operations as described above, character input can be performed without releasing a finger from the two jog dials.
[0068]
Next, a modified example of the present embodiment will be described.
[0069]
Recently, as a new character input method, there has been proposed a method of predicting a word that the user intends to input for a character input by the user and presenting the word as an input candidate. For example, when the first character of the target word is input, all the words that include the character as the input are extracted from the dictionary and output as a list of input candidates on the display screen. If the target phrase is present in the list output, the user can select the phrase by moving the cursor or the like, and can confirm the selection of the phrase by key operation. If the second character before the confirmation is input, the dictionary is searched again for the two characters, and the corresponding input candidates are output in a list. In this case, the number of input candidates output in the list (the number of hits) decreases. As the number of input characters increases, the number of input candidates decreases. There is also known a method of performing a somewhat ambiguous search, such as ignorance of a perfect match and ignoring the difference between a clear sound, a voiced sound, and a semi-voiced sound. As one of the predictive conversion methods employing such “prediction” and “fuzzy search”, for example, a POBox (Predictive Operation Based One Sample) disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 is known. (POBox is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation).
[0070]
A modified example in which such a predictive conversion method is combined with the above-described character input method using the jog dial will be described with reference to FIG. The hardware configuration of this modified example is the same as that shown in FIG. 3, but stores a program for predictive conversion and a dictionary on a memory such as the ROM 213 and / or the RAM 214.
[0071]
As shown in FIG. 12A, a fifth area 85 for displaying a group of input candidate words is provided substantially at the lower half of the third area 83. FIG. 12B shows a state in which the pointer is moved sideways by rotating the jog dial 33 in the state of FIG. 12A and the UI screen is changed to input the character “KA” as described above. This figure shows a state in which a candidate word group that has been predictively converted based on the input character “ka” is displayed in the area 85. At this time, the UI screen has been erased. The candidate word group is changed depending on the input history, and may include kanji and katakana. The user can move the cursor 837 in the area 85 to a target word (if any) in the candidate word group by rotating the jog dial 20, and confirm the selection by pushing the jog dial 20. . When the jog dial 33 is rotated in the state of FIG. 12B, a character input UI screen appears again as shown in FIG. 12C. In this example, the UI screen is displayed over the area 85. As a result, a screen of a limited size is effectively used. When inputting a kana character using the jog dial, even if a part of the area 85 is hidden, there is no particular problem in operation. Again, when a candidate word group is displayed in the area 85 and the user selects a candidate word, the UI screen is erased.
[0072]
According to this modification, more efficient character input and kana-kanji conversion can be performed using only the jog dial.
[0073]
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various modifications and changes are possible. For example, in the Japanese syllabary table shown in FIG. 9, the rows of the voiced sound and the semi-voiced sound are included, but the voiced sound and the semi-voiced sound may be input by performing another key operation. In that case, these rows can be omitted from the Japanese syllabary.
[0074]
Use the jog dial on the back to select a character line (a line, ka line, sa line, ...) and use the front jog dial to select a character line (a line, line, u line, ...) However, the reverse is also possible. In this case, the selection and clear of the character may be as described above, or these may be reversed.
[0075]
Although the character display position in the character input UI screen is shown as a pseudo three-dimensional sphere, it may be a planar circle. Furthermore, the shape of the character input position may be any shape. In an extreme case, the character may be displayed directly on the background.
[0076]
In the individual light emission control of the operation key, only the example of generating control according to the character input by the jog dial is shown, but in various states such as when receiving a telephone call or sending and receiving mail, it is necessary to individually illuminate the key buttons in a separate pattern Is also possible.
[0077]
Although only an example in which the present invention is applied to a two-fold type mobile phone is shown, the present invention is also applicable to a so-called straight type. In this case, it is possible to take measures such as protruding the second jog dial toward the rear of the housing, or providing a concave portion on the rear of the housing and operably disposed therein.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the operability of the character input of a portable terminal device can be improved. In particular, since both the first push-operable dial input unit and the second push-operable dial input unit are arranged in the center of the device, the operation can be performed when the device is gripped with the right hand and the left hand. There is no difference in operability, and the same operability is guaranteed regardless of the user's dominant hand.
[0079]
Further, by using a combination of the first push-operable dial input unit and the second push-operable dial input unit, it is possible to perform a character input operation without speaking a finger from these two dial input units. Become. Thereby, quick and easy character input becomes possible, and operability is improved.
[0080]
Furthermore, according to the character input UI screen of the present invention, the number of input candidate characters displayed on the screen is limited, so that the visibility of the characters is improved. In addition, by combining the first push-operable dial input unit and the second push-operable dial input unit, it is possible to perform quick and easy character input in combination with the UI screen configuration.
[0081]
By independently controlling the light emission of the operation keys in response to the rotation operation of the first and second push-operable dial input units, even if the limited number of input candidate characters is displayed, the character is currently selected. The character line can be recognized by the user.
[0082]
If the predictive conversion method is combined with the character input using the UI screen and the first and second push-operable dial input units, efficient character input (and conversion) becomes possible, and the operability is further improved. Can be planned.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIGS. 1A and 1B are a rear view (a) and a side view (b) of an open state of a two-fold (foldable) mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the mobile phone shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the mobile phone of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device portion related to a jog dial of the operation unit 211 illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal circuit configuration of a logic circuit 103 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing signal waveforms of respective units when a specific button (key) is pressed down to conduct in a key matrix.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a key light emitting unit shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing three examples (a), (b), and (c) of a user interface (UI) screen used at the time of character input according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of the Japanese syllabary used in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating three examples (a), (b), and (c) of moving a pointer on a UI screen and turning on operation keys independently according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process when performing one-character input in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing a modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
12: Ear receiver, 14: Upper housing, 16: Display unit, 17a, 17b: Soft key, 18: Hinge unit, 20: Jog dial, 21: Call key, 22: Clear key, 23: Power key / end key , 25: lower housing, 26a: left key, 26b: right key, 28: numeric keypad, 33: jog dial, 44: key light emitting unit, 100: mobile phone, 208: control unit, 209: display unit, 211: operation Part, 209 ... display part, 830 ... cursor, 831 to 836 ... ball

Claims (11)

A portable terminal device that can be held with one hand,
A first push-operable dial input unit located on the main operation surface at a position operable with the thumb of the hand holding the mobile terminal device, and arranged at a position substantially equidistant from both sides;
On the back side of the main operation surface, a second push-operable dial input unit that is located at a position operable with the index finger of the hand holding the mobile terminal device and is disposed at a position substantially equidistant from both sides. A portable terminal device comprising: The portable terminal device includes an upper housing and a lower housing connected by a hinge to be openable and closable, and the first push-operable dial input unit is a central upper end portion of a main operation surface of the lower housing. 2. The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the second push-operable dial input unit is disposed at a center of an upper end of the lower housing behind the hinge unit. 3. The said 1st push-operable dial input part has a drum-type rotary body, The said 1st push-operable dial input part has a disk-type rotary body, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Mobile terminal device. A portable terminal device for inputting characters,
A first push-operable dial input unit;
A second push-operable dial input unit;
Display means for displaying a user interface (UI) screen when characters are input by both push-operable dial input units;
Display control means for controlling the display means to update the UI screen in response to the operation of both push-operable dial input units,
The UI screen includes a first character display position for displaying an input candidate character input by a push operation of the first push-operable dial input unit, and positions at front, rear, left, and right of the first character display position. And second to fifth character display positions for displaying four characters adjacent to the front, rear, left and right on the Japanese syllabary,
The display control means sequentially changes the input candidate characters to be displayed at a first character display position on the UI screen in accordance with a rotation operation of the first and second push-operable dial input units, A mobile terminal device, wherein four characters adjacent to the front, rear, left, and right of the changed input candidate character on the Japanese syllabary are assigned to second to fifth character display positions. A plurality of operation keys, each including a numeric keypad, to which a plurality of input candidate characters are assigned,
A plurality of light emitting elements individually provided for these plurality of operation keys,
Key light emission control means for independently controlling the light emission of the operation keys to which the input candidate characters displayed at the first character display position belong in accordance with the rotation operation of the first and second push-operable dial input units. The mobile terminal device according to claim 4, further comprising: The first push-operable dial input unit is located on the main operation surface of the portable terminal device at a position operable with the thumb of the hand holding the portable terminal device, at a position substantially equidistant from both sides. Placed,
The second push-operable dial input unit is disposed at a central portion on the back side of the main operation surface, and is a position operable with an index finger of a hand holding the portable terminal device, and is substantially equidistant from both sides. 5. The portable terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the portable terminal device is arranged at a position. The portable terminal device includes an upper housing and a lower housing connected by a hinge to be openable and closable, and the first push-operable dial input unit is a central upper end portion of a main operation surface of the lower housing. 5. The portable terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the second push-operable dial input unit is disposed at a center of an upper end of the lower housing behind the hinge unit. 6. 5. The portable terminal according to claim 4, wherein the first push-operable dial input unit has a drum-shaped rotating body, and the first push-operable dial input unit has a disk-shaped rotating body. apparatus. The UI screen further has an area for displaying an input candidate phrase group selected based on the input character, and the input candidate is input by rotating one of the first and second push-operable dial input units. The portable terminal device according to claim 4, wherein an input candidate word group is selected from the word group. 5. The portable terminal device according to claim 4, wherein a push operation of the second push-operable dial input unit is assigned to a clear operation of character input. A plurality of operation keys on the operation surface,
A plurality of light emitting elements individually provided for these plurality of operation keys,
A portable terminal device comprising: key light emission control means for independently controlling light emission of each operation key.

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