JP2005173966A - Key input device and mobile terminal device using it - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key input device that allows a user to input desired characters without looking at its display and a mobile terminal device using it. <P>SOLUTION: The mobile terminal device includes keys 2 to each of which a plurality of characters are allocated; a first character display means for displaying, when one of the keys 2 is operated, displaying the first character allocated to the key 2 operated; a reporting means (e.g., a vibrator drive means for driving a vibrator to vibrate a casing 1) for reporting that a predetermined period of time has elapsed without the operation canceled; and a next character display means for displaying the next character allocated to the key 2 operated. When any one of the keys to each of which a plurality of characters are allocated has been continuously operated for a preset period of time, a value holding means is driven every time the preset period of time has elapsed so as to display the next character. As a result, the drive of the reporting means allows the user to know whether the desired character has been displayed and to roughly operate the device without looking at its display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a key input device in which a plurality of characters, numbers, and the like are assigned to one key, and a portable terminal device using the key input device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, mobile phones, PDAs, and other portable terminal devices are often used in which one number and a plurality of characters are assigned to one key. For example, as for the assignment of characters, the numeric key “1” has the letters “a”, the numeric key “2” has the characters “ka”, "A" line, "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, "ya" line, "ra" line, "wa" line respectively In the state where the characters are assigned and the character input mode is set, a desired character, sentence or the like can be input by pressing each of these numeric keys several times.

  And many different input methods are proposed also in the input method. For example, when a key is pressed, the characters assigned to that key are automatically switched and displayed one after the other, and when the desired character is displayed, pressing the same key again displayed it at that time. Characters are confirmed (see, for example, Patent Document 1), and each time a key is pressed, the characters assigned to the key are sequentially switched and displayed, and when the desired character is displayed, the confirmation key is operated. By pressing and holding the same key, the character displayed at that time is fixed (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). Furthermore, if the key is held down, the character assigned to the key is displayed. A number of proposals are proposed, such as one that is automatically switched and displayed, and that the character that was displayed at that time is confirmed when the key is released (for example, see Patent Documents 4 and 5). It has been.

Further, there is also known that when the character display switching is completed, the vibrator vibrates and displays it (see Patent Document 6).
JP 2002-116870 A (page 2-4, FIG. 3) JP 2002-82760 A (page 3-4, FIG. 8) JP 2002-259032 A (page 3-4, FIG. 1) JP 2001-306231 A (page 3, FIG. 1) JP 2002-358154 A (page 4-5, FIG. 1) JP 2002-229716 A (page 2-3, FIG. 2)

  However, all of those described in these patent documents must be operated while looking carefully at the characters displayed in a circular display, and during the input there is no other way to look, There is a problem that eyes and nerves are tired, and there is a problem that it is relatively difficult for a person who is used to increasing the input speed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and provides a key input device capable of inputting desired characters without looking at the display and a portable terminal device using the key input device.

  The key input device of the present invention includes a plurality of keys to which a plurality of characters are respectively assigned, first character display means for displaying a first character assigned to the operated key when these keys are operated, When a predetermined time elapses without canceling the operation, a notification means for informing that and a next character display means for displaying the next character assigned to the operated key are provided.

  With this configuration, if the key is operated continuously for a predetermined time or more, the notification means vibrates and the next character is displayed every time the predetermined time elapses. Whether or not a character is displayed can be detected by the notification of the notification means, and the operation is possible even if the screen is not necessarily looked at.

  Further, the key input device of the present invention includes a plurality of keys to which a plurality of characters are respectively assigned, and a first character display means for displaying a first character assigned to the operated key when these keys are operated. When a predetermined first fixed time elapses without canceling the operation, a notification means for informing that, and after that, when a predetermined second fixed time elapses without further canceling the operation, And a next character display means for driving the informing means and sequentially displaying the next character assigned to the operated key.

  With this configuration, if the key is operated and the state is kept as it is, the first character assigned to the operated key is displayed for a predetermined first predetermined time, and then the notifying means is driven, The first character is displayed for a certain period of time, and when the next second certain time elapses, the notification means vibrates and the next character is displayed in sequence each time, so the first character is of course The time when the next character is also displayed can be easily sensed by driving the notifying means, and the time when the desired character is displayed can be easily recognized and the key operation can be performed without looking at the display. It has the effect that it can be canceled and the character can be determined easily.

  The key input device according to the present invention has a configuration in which the first predetermined time is longer than the second predetermined time.

  With this configuration, even when the first displayed character is input by operating the key, there is a margin beyond a predetermined first predetermined time, and the vibrator is automatically activated after the first fixed time has elapsed. Since it vibrates, the key operation can be canceled in accordance with the vibration and the first displayed character can be confirmed.

  Further, the key input device of the present invention has a determination means for determining when the last character assigned to the key is displayed, and does not cancel the operation in a state where the last character is displayed, in advance. And a first character display means for driving the notification means and displaying the first character assigned to the key when the determined third constant time has elapsed.

  With this configuration, when the last character assigned to the key is displayed, if the key operation is continued as it is, the key is assigned when the third fixed time different from the second fixed time elapses. The first character displayed will be displayed, and it can be easily recognized that the display has been completed once the third fixed time has elapsed, and the desired character cannot be determined in the first cycle. Even in such a case, the desired character can be easily determined in the second or third order.

  In addition, the key input device of the present invention has a configuration in which the predetermined first and third constant times are longer than the second constant time.

  With this configuration, the second and third characters can be sequentially recognized with a margin from the first character, and the desired character can be easily recognized.

  In addition, the key input device of the present invention has a configuration in which the first and third constant times determined in advance are the same and the second constant time is shorter than the first and third constant times.

  With this configuration, the first fixed time when the key is operated is the same as the third fixed time from when the last character is displayed until the first character is displayed. Can be recognized.

  In addition, the key input device of the present invention has a configuration including a character confirming unit that cancels the key operation and confirms the character displayed before that when a predetermined fourth fixed time has elapsed. .

  With this configuration, if the key operation is canceled and left for a fourth fixed time or longer, the character displayed at that time is automatically determined, and the character is displayed without operating a special key. Can be determined.

  In addition, the key input device of the present invention includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the operated key is the same as the previously operated key, and a character determination unit that determines a previously displayed character if it is not the same. It has a configuration.

  With this configuration, if the key operation is canceled and a different key is operated, the previously displayed character will be automatically confirmed, and the next key will be assigned to input the character, etc. Is possible.

  In addition, the key input device of the present invention has a determination means for determining whether or not the operated key is the same as the previously operated key, and displays the next character assigned to the operated key when the operated key is the same. It has the structure provided with the means.

  With this configuration, when a key operation is canceled and the same key is operated one after another until a certain time elapses, each time the key is operated, the character assigned to the key can be sequentially switched to the next one. Has the effect of being able to.

  Further, in the key input device of the present invention, the notifying means is a vibrator driving means for vibrating the casing, a sounding means for generating the same pronunciation as the displayed character, an alarm sound generating means for instantaneously generating a predetermined sound, It has the structure which is any one of these or these combination.

  With this configuration, it is possible to notify a predetermined time with vibration, pronunciation, alarm sound, etc., in the case of vibration, without disturbing other people, and in the case of pronunciation, the same pronunciation as the character itself Therefore, it is possible to detect which character is displayed by its pronunciation itself, and also in the case of an alarm sound, it is possible to easily and intuitively determine what the displayed character is at the interval at which the alarm sound is generated. However, there is an effect that a desired character can be selected and input even if the displayed character is not seen very firmly.

  And the portable terminal device of this invention is equipped with these key input devices, and can confirm and input character input, recognizing with vibration, The effect | action that the input is comparatively easy. Have.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the key input device which can input a desired character, without seeing a display firmly, and a portable terminal device using the same can be provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a mobile terminal device including a key input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal device.

  A key input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is mainly used in a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone as shown in FIG. By the way, the key input device according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the mobile phone but can be used for other terminal devices.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal device has a housing 1, and a key input unit 2 that constitutes a key input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and other input units on the front surface of the housing 1. 3, the display part 4, the microphone, and the sound holes 5 and 6 for receivers are provided.

  The key input unit 2 includes number keys “1” to “0”, a “*” key, and a “#” key. A cloud point etc. are assigned. For example, the numeric key “1” has “A”, “I”, “U”, “O”, and the numeric key “2” has “ka” “ki” “ku” “ke” “ko”. As you can see, each character from "A" line to "Wa" line is assigned to the numeric keys from "1" to "0", respectively, and the "*" key is assigned muddy sound, semi-voiced sound, etc. The number key “0” is assigned not only “Wa” but also “O”, “N”, “,” “.”, And the like.

  Also, although not shown in the figure, “A”, “B”, “C” for the numeric key “2”, “D”, “E”, “F” for the numeric key “3”, respectively. A total of 26 characters are assigned to each of the numeric keys, three or four alphabets. Of course, in the case of the alphabet, uppercase letters and lowercase letters can be input, for example, “A” “B” “C” “a” “b” “c”.

  The input unit 3 other than the key input unit 2 includes a navigation key 3a for selecting and confirming various information, and power on / off, incoming call, outgoing call, telephone directory call, and other various function keys 3b. These keys 3 a and 3 b together with the key input unit 2 constitute an operation unit 32 shown in FIG. 2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the portable terminal device stores a wireless transmission / reception unit 21 capable of wireless communication with the other party through a public wireless telephone line, and the other party's telephone number, e-mail address, memo, and other information. A telephone directory unit 22 for storing, an e-mail storage unit 23 for storing e-mails transmitted to and received from the other party, a microphone 24 for making a call by voice, A voice signal input / output unit 26 connected to the receiver 25, a call signal output unit 27 for outputting a predetermined call signal when a call is made from the other party, and a speaker 28 connected to the call signal output unit 27, respectively. The light emitting diode 29, the vibrator 30, and the key input unit 2 are used to input characters and the like, the vibrator driving unit 31 that drives the vibrator 30 regardless of the ringing tone, and the display unit 4. Operation unit 32 and, and a control unit 33 for controlling these.

  Next, the operation of the key input device and the mobile terminal device using the same according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The mobile terminal device is normally in a telephone mode, and when the key input unit 2 is operated in this state, the operated number is displayed on the display unit 4 and input as it is. Accordingly, when a call is to be made to the other party, the other party's telephone number is directly input using the key input unit 2 or the other party's telephone number is entered from the telephone book unit 22 by operating the navigation key 3a or the function key 3b in advance. If the telephone number displayed on the display unit 4 is operated and the function key 3b for outgoing call is operated in this state, the telephone number displayed on the display unit 4 is transferred to the public radio telephone line via the radio transmission / reception unit 21. If the other party responds, a voice call can be made with the other party through the wireless transmission / reception unit 21 and the voice signal input / output unit 24 using the microphone and the receiver.

  When a call is received from the other party, the call is received by the wireless transmission / reception unit 21, and under the control of the control unit 33, the ringing tone output unit 27 applies the speaker 28, the light emitting diode 29, the vibrator 30, and the like. Predetermined signals are output, and these are respectively driven and called. If a predetermined function key 3b determined in advance in response to the call is operated, a call can be made with the other party to the call.

  When an e-mail is created and transmitted, the e-mail creation mode is set in advance using the navigation key 3a and the function key 3b. Then, in that state, the other party's e-mail address is input using the key input unit 2 or is extracted from the telephone book unit 22, and the e-mail text and title are respectively input to the key input unit. 2 to create.

  By the way, when creating e-mail addresses, e-mail texts, titles, etc., not only numbers but also alphabets, letters, symbols, etc. are required. The alphabet, characters, symbols, and the like assigned to the keys included in the part 2 are also used for creation.

  When creating e-mail addresses, e-mail texts, titles, etc., of course, these addresses, texts, titles, etc. are sequentially displayed on the display unit 4 at the creation stage. Then, if an e-mail address, text, title, etc. are created, and a predetermined transmission operation is performed with the navigation key 3a or the function key 3b in that state, the e-mail previously created by the e-mail partner is transmitted to the wireless transmission / reception unit. The created electronic mail is stored in the electronic mail storage unit 23 under the control of the control unit 33.

  When an electronic mail is transmitted from the other party, the mobile terminal device receives the wireless terminal 21 with priority over these regardless of the telephone mode or the electronic mail creation mode. The received e-mail is stored in the e-mail storage unit 23. When the e-mail is received, a predetermined call signal is output to the call signal output unit 27 based on the received e-mail, and the speaker 28 and the light emitting diode 29 are output. Each of the vibrators 30 is driven to notify that an e-mail has been received.

  By the way, when inputting an e-mail address, text, title, etc., that is, when inputting characters, symbols such as alphabets, hiragana, katakana and kanji, first use the navigation key 3a, function key 3b, etc. To enter the character input mode for inputting those characters and symbols. In the character input mode, when each key is operated using the key input unit 2, the following operation is performed.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the key input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. When the character input mode is set, first, in this state, it is determined whether any key of the key input unit 2 is operated (S301). When any key of the key input unit 2 is operated, it is determined based on the control of the control unit 33 (Y in S301), and in this state, an automatic for automatically sending the character assigned to the key The feed flag is once cleared (S302). Then, it is determined whether the operated key is the same as the previously operated key (S303), and if it is the same key (Y in S303), the next character assigned to the operated key is displayed on the display unit 4. Displayed (S304), and in this state, it is determined whether or not the automatic feed flag is set (S305).

  When the key is operated for the first time, or even if it is not the first time, when the key is released and the key is operated again, the automatic feed flag is cleared here because the process always passes through step S302 as will be described later. Is done. Therefore, in these cases, in the step of determining whether or not the automatic feed flag is set (S305), it is always determined that there is no flag (N in S305), and whether or not a predetermined first predetermined time T1 has elapsed. It becomes the stage (S306) where it is judged whether or not.

  At this stage (S306), if the predetermined first predetermined time T1 has not elapsed (N in S306), the process proceeds to a stage (S309) in which it is determined whether or not the key operation is released. When the predetermined first predetermined time T1 has elapsed (Y in S306), the control unit 33 detects the progress at that time, outputs a predetermined signal to the transducer driving unit 31, and drives the transducer. The unit 31 drives the vibrator 30 for vibrating the housing (S307). Therefore, at this stage (S307), if the case is touched, the case vibrates instantaneously, and it can be sensed by vibration of the case that the first predetermined time T1 has passed. It becomes like this.

  When the vibrator 30 vibrates (S307), the automatic feed flag is set again (S308), and the process proceeds to a step of determining whether the key operation is released (S309). Here, if the key operation is released (Y in S309), the series of operations is terminated, and it again becomes a state of monitoring whether or not the key operation is performed from the start (S301).

  However, if the key operation is not canceled (N in S309), the process returns to the state (S305) for determining whether or not the automatic feed flag is set, and it is determined whether or not the automatic feed flag is set. The automatic feed flag is already set (S308) when the key operation is continuously performed for a predetermined first time T1 (Y in S306). In this case, the automatic feed flag is set. (Y in S305). If it is determined that the automatic feed flag is set (Y in S305), it is next determined at this stage whether or not the last character assigned to the operated key is displayed (S310). ).

  If the last character assigned to the operated key is not displayed (N in S310), it is then determined whether or not a predetermined second predetermined time T2 has passed (S311). . As a result of the determination, if the predetermined second constant time T2 has not elapsed (N in S311), it is determined whether or not the key operation is released at that stage (S309). When the predetermined second constant time T2 has elapsed, the control unit 33 detects the progress at that time, outputs a predetermined signal to the transducer driving unit 31, and the transducer driving unit 31 is Is driven (S312). Therefore, if the case is touched at this stage (S312), the case vibrates instantaneously, and it can be sensed by the vibration of the case that the predetermined second predetermined time T2 has elapsed. It becomes like this. Further, in this case, the next character assigned to the operated key is displayed on the display unit 4 (S313). When the key operation is not canceled (N in 309), this operation is performed. Will be repeated.

  That is, in this case, whenever a predetermined second constant time T2 elapses, the vibrator 30 that vibrates the housing automatically vibrates, and a plurality of characters assigned to the keys are automatically and sequentially The next character is switched and displayed on the display unit 4.

  And when the last character is displayed among the several characters allocated to the key, this is judged based on 33 of a control part (Y of S310), and after that, predetermined 3rd fixed time It is determined whether T3 has elapsed (S314).

  As a result of the determination, if the predetermined third fixed time T3 has not elapsed (N in S314), it is determined whether or not the key operation is released in this state (S309). However, when the predetermined third fixed time has elapsed (Y in S314), the control unit 33 detects it, outputs a predetermined signal to the transducer drive unit 31, and the transducer drive unit 31 The vibrator 30 for vibrating the housing is driven (S315). Therefore, at this stage (S315), if the case is touched, the case vibrates instantaneously, and it is sensed by vibration of the case that the predetermined third fixed time T3 has elapsed. be able to. In this case, the first character assigned to the operated key is displayed on the display unit 4 (S316), and then it is determined whether or not the key operation is released. (S309).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, if the key is operated and the state is maintained as it is, the vibrator vibrates when the first predetermined time T1 elapses, and then, in advance, When the predetermined second predetermined time elapses, the vibrator vibrates every time the predetermined time T2 elapses, and a plurality of characters assigned to the key are sequentially switched to the next character and displayed. When the last character among the plurality of characters assigned to is displayed, the vibrator vibrates when a predetermined third fixed time T3 elapses, and the first character assigned to the key When a character is displayed and a predetermined second predetermined time elapses, the vibrator vibrates every time the predetermined time T2 elapses, and a plurality of characters assigned to the key are sequentially displayed as the next character. The operation of switching to and displaying is repeated It will be.

  Then, when the key operation is canceled (Y in S309) and the key is not operated in the state as it is (N in S301), it is determined whether or not a predetermined fourth fixed time T4 has elapsed. (S317) When a predetermined fourth fixed time T4 has elapsed (Y in S317), the character displayed on the display unit 4 at that time is determined (S318).

  Even when a key operation is performed (Y in S301), if the operated key is different from the previously operated key (N in S303), it is determined whether or not an undetermined character is displayed on the display unit 4. First, a determination is made (S319). If an unconfirmed character is displayed (Y in S319), the character is confirmed (S320), and the first character assigned to the operated key is displayed (S321). Thereafter, the process proceeds to a step (S305) for determining whether or not the automatic feed flag is set, and the series of operations described above are performed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the key operation is released and the state is left as it is for the predetermined fourth fixed time T4, the display unit 4 automatically displays at that time. In addition, if you operate a key that is different from the previously operated key, if there is an unconfirmed character at that time, that character is automatically confirmed, and then the operation The first character assigned to the selected key is displayed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, there is an effect that it is not necessary to prepare separate special keys for determining the displayed characters.

  Specifically, FIG. 4 shows an operation method for inputting, for example, the characters “season”. When inputting the word “season”, it is necessary to first input the character “kisetsu”, confirm it, perform kana-kanji conversion, display the character “season” on the display unit 4, and input it. is there.

  Hereinafter, this input method will be described in more detail.

  When inputting the character “Kisetsu”, first, the character input mode is set by using the navigation key 3a and the function key 3b. In this state, the number key “2” is operated. The “2” numeric keys are assigned the “ka” line characters as “ka” “ki” “ku” “ke” “ko”, so if you operate the “2” numeric key As shown in FIG. 4, first, “ka” as the first character is displayed on the display unit 4. If the state is continued without releasing the key operation, the first constant time T1 is measured, and the vibrator 30 vibrates when the first constant time T1 has elapsed. However, in this case, the display of the display unit 4 is not switched and “ka” is displayed as it is.

  When the first constant time T1 has elapsed and the automatic feed flag has been applied, the second constant time T2 is measured thereafter, and the vibrator 30 vibrates every time the second constant time T2 elapses. The display 4 is sequentially switched to the next character such as “ka” to “ki”, “ki” to “ku”, “ku” to “ke”, and “ke” to “ko”.

  Then, when the last character “ko” assigned to the number key “2” is displayed, a predetermined third fixed time T3 is measured, and the third fixed time T3 has elapsed. The vibrator 30 vibrates, and the first character “ka” assigned to the number key “2” is displayed again on the display unit 4. After that, as described above, the second constant time T2 is measured, and the vibrator 30 vibrates every time the second constant time T2 elapses, and the display on the display unit 4 is “K”. To “ki”, “ki” to “ku”, “ku” to “ke”, “ke” to “ko”, and so on.

  By the way, this time, we want to input the character “Kisetsu”, so when the character “Kis” is displayed, let go of the number key “2” and set a predetermined fourth constant. Whether the time T4 is left or the next “3” numeric key is operated, the character “ka” displayed at that time is first determined. When waiting for a predetermined fourth fixed time, the operation is delayed. In this case, the user releases the numeric key “2” and immediately operates the numeric key “3”.

  If you operate the number key of “3” and continue to operate without starting the operation, the keys will be “sa” “shi” “su” “se” “so” and “sa”. As shown in FIG. 4, the vibrator 30 vibrates at predetermined time intervals and the characters displayed on the display unit 4 are “ From “s” to “shi”, “shi” to “su”, “su” to “se”, and “se” to “so”, the characters are sequentially switched to the next character. Therefore, when the “se” character is displayed, release the hand from the “3” numeric key and leave it for a predetermined fourth predetermined time T4, or operate the next “4” numeric key. Then, the character “SE” displayed at that time is fixed. Also in this case, the operation becomes slow when waiting for a predetermined fourth fixed time, so that the user releases the “3” numeric key and immediately operates the “4” numeric key.

  If you operate the number key of “4” and keep it as it is without disclosing the operation, the key will be “ta” “chi” “tsu” “te” “to” “t” , The characters in the “ta” line are allocated, and as shown in FIG. 4, the vibrator vibrates at predetermined time intervals and is displayed on the display unit 4 by the same operation as described above. Is the next character in order, for example, from "ta" to "chi", "chi" to "tsu", "tsu" to "te", "te" to "to", and "to" to "tsu". Can be switched to. Therefore, when the “T” character is displayed, release the numeric key “4” and leave it for a predetermined fourth fixed time T4 or operate another key. Confirm the displayed “T” character. Also in this case, the operation is delayed when waiting for a predetermined fourth fixed time, so release the numeric key “3” and immediately operate the Kana-Kanji conversion key such as the navigation key 3a or the function key 3b. I will do it.

  When the Kana-Kanji conversion key such as the navigation key 3a or the function key 3b is operated, the character “Tsu” is determined at that stage, and Kana-Kanji conversion is executed based on the character “Kisetsu” that has been determined so far. Kanji characters such as “season”, “existing”, and “mystery” are displayed on the display unit 4. Accordingly, if a desired Chinese character “season” is selected from these Chinese characters, and then another key is operated, the Chinese character “season” is determined and the next character is displayed on the display unit 4. It will be.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, if a key operation is performed and the state is maintained as it is, characters assigned to the key are automatically sequentially switched and displayed, and the vibrator 30 vibrates at the time of the switching. Therefore, it is possible to easily know which character is currently displayed by the vibration of the vibrator, and without nuisance to others, Without having to, you can easily enter the desired character.

  Then, when the key operation is canceled before the predetermined first fixed time T1 elapses and the same key is operated again before the predetermined fourth fixed time T4 elapses, the display unit 4 The displayed character can be switched to the next character one by one each time the key operation is released or operated, and when a different key is operated, the character displayed at that time can be confirmed.

  In the present embodiment, the character displayed on the display unit 4 is not switched when the first predetermined time T1 has elapsed, but the character displayed on the display unit 4 at this stage is not changed. You may make it switch to the character of. In this case, however, it is impossible to input the first character by detecting the vibration, and it is necessary to note that the next character has already been switched when the vibration is detected. When an attempt is made to input the first character by detecting vibration, it may be vibrated first when a key is operated. However, as in the present embodiment, a predetermined time margin (first fixed time) After seeing T1), the vibrator 30 vibrates, and at that time, the first character is still displayed, and when switching to the next character and the next character in order from the next time is actually used Good sense is obtained and it has the effect that it is easy to input.

  In the present embodiment, the first to fourth fixed times T1 to T4 are measured according to the respective situations, and each operation is performed every time those times elapse. These fixed times T1 to T4 may be arbitrarily set as appropriate. For example, the first and third fixed times T1 and T3 are spare time before displaying the first character assigned to the key, and it is a tactile sense whether or not the last character is displayed. Therefore, the first and third constant times T1 and T3 are preferably longer than the second time T2. The first and third constant times T1 and T3 may be different from each other, but may be the same. Rather, it can be said that it is sensually preferable that they are the same.

  In the present embodiment, the first to fourth constant times T1 to T4 may be fixed in advance as default values. However, if possible, it is preferable that each user can be arbitrarily set. desirable. In addition, it is desirable that the first to fourth fixed times T1 to T4 are configured to be automatically set to values according to the user's usage status according to the user's actual usage status.

  In the case where the first to fourth fixed times T1 to T4 are automatically set to values that match the actual usage situation of the user, after the characters on the display unit 4 are displayed, First, a second fixed time T2 is automatically set using an average value, a maximum value, and the like of the time measured by the measuring means. A time longer than that is set as the first and third constant times T1 and T3. The fourth fixed time T4 measures the time from when the key operation is released until the next key operation is performed, and is automatically set to a time longer than that time. By setting in this way, it is possible to operate faster for users who operate faster and later for users who operate later, making it more optimal for each user.

  In the above description, hiragana has been described as an example of characters assigned to keys, but it goes without saying that these may be alphabets, katakana, or a mixture of these.

  In the above embodiment, the vibrator is used to notify when a predetermined time T1 to T3 has elapsed. However, the present invention is not limited to the vibrator, and the pronunciation of the displayed characters is directly pronounced. Means (for example, a voice synthesizer), an alarm sound generating means for generating a predetermined sound, or the like may be used. In short, if the notifying means for notifying predetermined predetermined times T1 to T3 is constituted by one or a plurality of these, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it has comprised so that the character displayed may be switched after alerting | reporting progress of a period, it cannot be overemphasized that you may make it alert | report after the character switches. That is.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention has an effect that a desired character can be input without watching the display firmly, and is useful for a key input device, a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone or a PDA, and the like.

The front view of the portable terminal device which uses the key input device in one embodiment of this invention The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the portable terminal device using the key input device in one embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the key input device in one embodiment of this invention. Schematic explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the key input device in one embodiment of this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 Key input part 3a Navigation key 3b Function key 4 Display part 5 Sound hole for microphones 6 Sound hole for receivers 21 Wireless transmission / reception part 22 Telephone book part 23 E-mail memory | storage part 24 Microphone 25 Receiver 26 Voice signal input / output part 27 Call signal output unit 28 Speaker 29 Light emitting diode 30 Vibrator 31 Vibrator drive unit 32 Operation unit 33 Control unit

Claims (11)

  A plurality of keys to which a plurality of characters are respectively assigned, a first character display means for displaying a first character assigned to the operated key when these keys are operated, and a predetermined without releasing the operation A key input device comprising: a notifying means for notifying when a predetermined time has elapsed; and a next character display means for displaying a next character assigned to the operated key.   A plurality of keys to which a plurality of characters are respectively assigned, a first character display means for displaying a first character assigned to the operated key when these keys are operated, and a predetermined without releasing the operation When the first fixed time has elapsed, the notifying means for informing that, and after that, when the predetermined second fixed time has passed without further releasing the operation, the notifying means is driven and operated every time the predetermined time has passed. A key input device comprising: next character display means for sequentially displaying the next character assigned to the key.   3. The key input device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined first predetermined time is longer than the second predetermined time.   When the last character assigned to the key is displayed, determination means for determining it, and in the state where the last character is displayed, the operation is not canceled and a predetermined third fixed time 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first character display unit that drives the notification unit when the time elapses and displays the first character assigned to the key. Key input device.   5. The key input device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined first and third predetermined times are longer than the second predetermined time, respectively.   5. The key input device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined first and third predetermined times are the same, and the second predetermined time is shorter than the first and third constant times.   The key input according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising character confirming means for canceling the operation and confirming a character displayed before a predetermined fourth fixed time has elapsed. apparatus.   8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not the operated key is the same as the previously operated key; and a character determination unit that determines a previously displayed character when the key is not the same. The key input device described.   8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not the operated key is the same as the previously operated key, and when the key is the same, a unit that displays a next character assigned to the operated key. The key input device according to claim 1.   The informing means is one of a vibrator driving means for vibrating the casing, a sounding means for generating the same sound as the displayed character, an alarm sound generating means for instantaneously generating a predetermined sound, or these The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the key input device is a combination of the above.   The portable terminal device provided with the key input device as described in any one of Claims 1-10.

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