JP2006235836A - Character input method, character input device and portable communication terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a character input method, a character input device and a portable communication terminal for changing an input mode without arranging a mode switching key for switching an input mode, and consequently simplifying a key operation for inputting characters. <P>SOLUTION: An input key 20 for inputting characters is operated for a long time, for example, continuously depressed in a predetermined time(for example, one second) or more, so that an input mode can be changed to a Hiragana(round form of Japanese syllabary) input mode, a Katakana (square form of Japanese syllabary) input mode, an alphabetic input mode or a numerical input mode. That is, it is possible to change the input mode even by any input key 20. Thus, it is not necessary for a user to search an input mode switching key when changing the input mode, and it is possible to simplify the key operation for inputting characters. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention includes a character input method, a character input device, and a character input device that can input kana characters, English characters, symbols, and the like on a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a PHS. The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal.

  In mobile communication terminals such as a mobile phone with built-in phone book and e-mail function, to input a phone number address, e-mail text, etc., use a dial key (numeric keypad) to enter numbers. A character group such as a symbol is assigned corresponding to a plurality of input modes. In order to switch the input mode, a numeric input mode, a kana input mode, an alphabet input mode, or the like is selected by operating a mode switching key while viewing the input mode display on the screen. In each input mode, numbers, kana, English letters, symbols, and the like can be input by operating a dial key (numeric keypad).

As this type of mobile communication terminal, a mobile phone as described in Patent Document 1 is known. This mobile phone has a kana input key switch part, an alphabetic input key switch part, a symbol input switch part, and a numeric input switch as mode switching keys. A desired input mode can be selected by the mode switching key, and kana, alphabetic characters, numbers, symbols, and the like can be input.
JP 2001-331253 A

  However, since the mode switching key of the mobile phone described in Patent Document 1 described above may vary in location and shape depending on the terminal model, for example, when a new mobile phone is purchased or the model is changed. When handling a terminal that is unfamiliar with the operation, such as sometimes, the user may not know the location of the mode switching key even if he / she wants to switch the input mode when inputting characters. In such a case, since the mode switching key must be searched for each time, it is not possible to smoothly input characters.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and can change the input mode without providing a mode switching key for switching the input mode, and can simplify the key operation during character input. An object is to provide a character input method, a character input device, and a portable communication terminal.

  The character input method according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, is applied to a set input mode among a plurality of classification character groups corresponding to a plurality of input modes assigned to an input key. A character input method for selecting a character to be input from a corresponding character group based on the number of times the input key is pressed in less than a predetermined time, wherein the input key is pressed for a predetermined time or more A step of determining whether or not the input key has been pressed and a step of changing from the currently set input mode to another input mode when it is determined that the pressed state of the input key has continued for a predetermined time or more. Features.

  According to such a character input method, the input mode can be changed by performing a so-called long press operation in which an input key for inputting characters is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or longer. That is, since the input mode can be changed by any input key, it is not necessary to search for the input mode switching key when changing the input mode, and the key operation during character input can be simplified. Therefore, even when handling a terminal that is unfamiliar with the operation, such as when a new mobile phone is purchased or when a model is changed, a character input operation can be performed smoothly.

  Further, the present invention has a plurality of input keys to which a plurality of character groups corresponding to a plurality of input modes are respectively assigned, and assigned to the input keys. A character input device that selects a character to be input based on the number of times the input key is pressed within a predetermined time from a character group corresponding to a set input mode. The determination means for determining whether or not the input key pressing state has continued for a predetermined time or more, and when the determination means determines that the input key pressing state has continued for a predetermined time or more, the current selection is performed. It can be realized as a character input device comprising an input mode changing means for changing from the input mode to another input mode.

  According to the character input device configured as described above, as described above, there is no need to search for an input mode switching key when changing the input mode, and the key operation during character input can be simplified.

  In the character input device according to claim 3, when the determination unit determines that the pressed state of the input key has continued for a predetermined time or more, the input mode changing unit performs the period during which the pressed state continues. Accordingly, the input mode is sequentially changed in a predetermined order.

  According to such a configuration, when the input mode is changed, the input mode is sequentially changed in a predetermined order while the input key is pressed, that is, while the long press operation is continued. Therefore, even when there are a large number of input modes, a desired input mode can be selected by operating the input key once, and the operability is improved.

  Further, as in the character input device according to claim 4, by providing a notification means for notifying the user of the set input mode, the input mode is changed by the user pressing and holding the input key. In this case, it is preferable that the user can easily confirm that the input mode has been changed.

  The notification means here may be configured to notify the user by displaying the set input mode on the screen, or may be configured to notify the user by voice. Also good.

  On the other hand, a communication portable terminal according to a fifth aspect includes the character input device according to any one of the second to fourth aspects. Note that the mobile communication terminal mentioned here is a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a PHS, etc., which has a built-in phone book and e-mail function, and has an input function for kana characters, English letters, symbols, and the like. It means a communication terminal device.

  In such a mobile communication terminal, it is desirable to realize many functions without increasing the number of input keys as much as possible in order to reduce the size of the device and improve portability. For this reason, many character groups are often assigned to one input key, and it is necessary to frequently switch input modes when inputting characters. Therefore, by providing such a portable communication terminal with the character input device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the effect of the character input device described above becomes more remarkable.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Configuration of mobile phone 1]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The cellular phone 1 is a small and portable phone using radio. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 1 includes a control unit 10, a communication control unit 11, an antenna 12, a display control unit 13, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 14, an operation key unit 15, a timer unit 16, a voice control unit 17, A speaker 18, a microphone 19 and the like are provided.

  The control unit 10 includes a known microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. The control unit 10 controls each unit of the mobile phone 1 based on a program recorded in the ROM, and executes each process such as an input character selection process to be described later.

  The communication control unit 11 performs wireless communication with the base station via the antenna 12. For example, in the voice call mode, the RF signal received by the antenna 12 is amplified and processing such as frequency conversion processing, analog digital (A / D) conversion processing, spread spectrum processing, etc. is performed on the RF signal. The sound data obtained by these processes is output to the sound control unit 17. Further, when audio data is supplied from the audio control unit 17, the communication control unit 11 performs processing such as A / D conversion processing, frequency conversion processing, and spread spectrum processing on the audio data. The received RF signal is transmitted to the base station via the antenna 12.

The display control unit 13 controls the display on the LCD 14 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 10. Specifically, a text creation screen for creating a text of an e-mail is displayed on the LCD 14.
The operation key unit 15 includes various keys such as an input key 20, a direction key (not shown), and an enter key. The operation key unit 15 detects a user operation on each key, and outputs a signal corresponding to each key to the control unit 10 when the key is pressed or released from the pressed state.

In response to an instruction from the control unit 10, the timer unit 16 measures, for example, a time during which the input key 20 is pressed, and notifies the control unit 10 of the measurement result.
The voice control unit 17 converts voice data supplied from the communication control unit 11 or the like via the control unit 10 into a voice signal, and outputs a voice based on the voice signal from the speaker 18. The voice control unit 17 converts the user's voice collected by the microphone 19 into voice data, and outputs the voice data to the communication control unit 11 and the like via the control unit 10.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the input keys 20 of the operation key unit 15.
As shown in FIG. 2, the input key 20 includes 12 input keys 200 to 211, and is a dial key for inputting a telephone number, characters, and the like. In the present embodiment, as input modes that can be set when inputting characters, there are a kana (Hiragana) input mode, a kana (katakana) input mode, an alphabetic input mode, and a number input mode. The input keys 200 to 209 include: As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of character groups corresponding to each input mode are assigned.

  The input key (“1” key) 201 includes “A” line, which is a classification of “Kana (Hiragana)” or “Kana (Katakana)”, “A, B, C” and “ Each character of “1” which is a classification of “number” is assigned. With the “1” key 201, when the kana input mode is set, the characters “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O” can be input by repeatedly pressing the “1” key 201. Can do. On the other hand, the characters “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O” can be input when the Kana input mode is set, and “A”, “B”, “C” when the alphabet input mode is set. "1" can be input, and when the number input mode is set, the character "1" can be input.

  Similarly, the input key (“2” key) 202 includes a “K” line that is a classification of “Kana” or “Kana”, a “D, E, F”, and a “number” that are classification of “English characters”. Each character of “2”, which is a classification of, is assigned. The input key (“3” key) 203 is assigned the characters “sa”, “G, H, I”, and “3”. The input key (“4” key) 204 is assigned the characters “ta”, “J, K, L”, and “4”. The input key (“5” key) 205 is assigned the characters “NA”, “M, N, O”, and “5”. The input key (“6” key) 206 is assigned the characters “ha”, “P, Q, R”, and “6”. The input key (“7” key) 207 is assigned the characters “MA”, “S, T, U”, and “7”. The input key (“8” key) 208 is assigned the characters “Y”, “U, V, X” and “8”. The input key (“9” key) 209 is assigned the characters “R”, “Y, Z”, and “9”. The input key (“0” key) 200 is assigned the characters “WA, MON” and “0”.

  In addition to the “0” key 200 to “9” key 209, the input key 20 includes a tone key 210 and a sharp key 211. These keys are assigned functions such as designating a line feed or inputting a dakuten or semi-dakuten at the time of writing a sentence.

  The schematic configuration of the mobile phone 1 has been described above. The correspondence between the configuration of the mobile phone 1 in the present embodiment and the configuration described in the claims is as follows. That is, the control unit 10 of the present embodiment corresponds to the determination unit and the input mode change unit in the claims, and the LCD 14 corresponds to the notification unit.

[Description of input character selection processing]
The operation at the time of input character selection processing executed by the control unit 10 of the mobile phone 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 and FIGS.

  When the user gives an instruction to create a sentence, the control unit 10 activates a sentence creation function and displays a predetermined sentence creation screen on the LCD 14. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a text creation screen displayed on the LCD 14. On the text creation screen, a cursor 30 indicating the character input position, an input mode display 31 indicating the currently set input mode, and the like are displayed. In this embodiment, the kana input mode is set as a default when the sentence creation function is activated, and the input mode display 31 at this time is displayed as “Kana”.

  Here, when it is detected that any one of the input keys 20 (hereinafter, the input keys 200 to 211 are collectively referred to as the input key 20 when it is not necessary to individually distinguish them), the input character is detected. The selection process is started (see FIG. 3). First, the time during which the input key 20 is pressed by the timer unit 16 is measured (step 100, hereinafter simply referred to as S100; the same applies hereinafter), and whether or not the input key 20 has been pressed continuously for a predetermined time or more. It is determined (whether or not it has been pressed for a long time) (S110).

  In S110, for example, when the input key 20 is pressed once and released immediately, it is determined that the input key 20 has not been pressed continuously for a predetermined time or more (S110: No), and the process proceeds to S130. In S130, it is determined whether or not the character advance flag is ON. This character advance flag is determined in S230, which will be described later, when the character whose input has not been confirmed is selected on the cursor 30 and the same key as the input key 20 to which this character is assigned is pressed again. (S240) is a flag that stands in case, and is OFF in the default state. When it is determined that the character advance flag is OFF (S130: No), the first character of the character group corresponding to the current input mode is selected from the character group assigned to the pressed input key 20. The selected character is displayed on the cursor 30 displayed on the LCD 14 (S150), and the process proceeds to S160.

  For example, FIG. 6A shows a display example of a text creation screen on the LCD 14 in S150 when the “1” key 201 is pressed. Here, as the input mode, the kana input mode is set as a default, so the first character of the “a” line that is the character group of the “kana” classification assigned to the “1” key 201 is “a”. Is selected and is highlighted on the cursor 30.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S130 (see FIG. 3) that the character advance flag is ON (S130: Yes), that is, in a state where an unconfirmed character is selected on the cursor 30 in S230 described later, If it is determined that the same key as the input key 20 to which this character is assigned is pressed again, and the character advance flag is set in S240, the character in the character group to which the unconfirmed character on this cursor 30 is assigned. The next character after the unconfirmed character is selected, the selected character is displayed on the cursor 30 displayed on the LCD 14 (S170), and the process proceeds to S160.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the character “A” is selected on the cursor 30 in an unconfirmed state, the “1” key 201 to which the character “A” is assigned is displayed. When pressed again (but not long-pressed), the character “I” that is the next character of “A” in the character group of the “A” line is selected, and this character is displayed on the cursor 30. (See FIG. 6C).

  After selecting a character in S150 or S170, if the character advance flag is ON, it is turned OFF (S160), and the process proceeds to S180 (see FIG. 4). Then, in S180, it is determined whether or not an instruction to confirm the input of the selected character is input by pressing a confirmation key (not shown) or the like by the user. If it is determined that an instruction to confirm the input of an unconfirmed character has been input (S180: Yes), the input of an unconfirmed input character is confirmed, and the cursor 30 is moved to the right by one character (S260). ), The process is terminated. On the other hand, when the input confirmation instruction is not input (S180: No), the direction key (not shown) or the like is subsequently pressed, so that the cursor 30 is moved (that is, the character input position is moved). ) Is input (S190).

  If it is determined in S190 that the movement of the cursor 30 has been instructed (S190: Yes), the position of the cursor 30 on the display screen is moved in the instructed direction, displayed on the LCD 14, and the process proceeds to S210. Here, for example, to move the cursor 30 to the right from the state shown in FIG. 6A, a right key (not shown) is pressed once. Then, the cursor 30 moves to the right by one character, and the character input position moves to the right by one character. Then, the character “a” that is highlighted on the cursor 20 is displayed normally, and the display screen on the LCD 14 is in the state shown in FIG. At this time, the previously selected character “A” is in an unconfirmed input state, and an underline is added below this “A” character to indicate that this character is unconfirmed. .

On the other hand, when the movement of the cursor 30 is not instructed (S190: No), the process proceeds to S210 as it is.
In S210, it is determined whether or not the input key 20 has been pressed. If it is determined that the input key 20 has not been pressed (S210: No), the process returns to S180 and it is determined that the input key 20 has been pressed. Next, it is determined whether or not there is a character whose input has not been confirmed on the cursor 30 (S220).

  In S220, when it is determined that there is no unconfirmed input character on the cursor 30 (S220: No), the process returns to S100 as it is and the time during which the input key 20 is pressed by the timer unit 16 is measured. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a confirmed character in the input on the cursor 30 (S220: Yes), the process proceeds to S230.

  In S230, it is determined whether or not the pressed input key 20 is the same input key 20 as the input key 20 to which the input unconfirmed character on the cursor 30 is assigned, and it is determined that the same input key 20 is pressed. (S230: Yes), the character advance flag is turned ON (S240). Then, the process returns to S100, and the timer unit 16 measures the time during which the input key 20 is pressed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S230 that the pressed input key 20 is not the same input key 20 as the input key 20 to which the input unconfirmed character on the cursor 30 is assigned (S230: No), the cursor position is set to 1. Move right by character. Then, the process returns to S100, and the timer unit 16 measures the time during which the input key 20 is pressed.

  In S100, the time during which the input key 20 is pressed by the timer unit 16 is measured, and when it is determined that the input key 20 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) (S110: Yes), that is, When the input key 20 is operated for a long time, the input of the currently selected input unconfirmed character is confirmed, and the input mode is changed from the currently set input mode to the next input mode in a predetermined order. Then, the input mode display 31 on the LCD 14 is switched to the display of the changed input mode (S120).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the pressed state of the input key 20 continues for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) or longer (S140), and when it is determined that the pressed state continues for a predetermined time or longer (S140). : Yes), that is, when the long pressing operation of the input key 20 is continued, the process returns to the process of S120, and again changes to the next input mode. While the pressed state of the input key 20 continues, the processes of S120 and S140 are repeated, and the input mode is sequentially switched in a predetermined order. At this time, the input mode display 31 on the LCD 14 is also sequentially switched and displayed according to the change. If it is determined that the input key 20 has been released from the pressed state (that is, the long press operation has ended) (S140: No), the long press operation is performed from the character group assigned to the input key 20. The first character of the character group corresponding to the input mode set at the end is selected, the selected character is displayed on the cursor 30 displayed on the LCD 14, and the process proceeds to (S150) S160.

  In this embodiment, a kana input mode, a kana input mode, an alphabetic input mode, and a numeric input mode can be set as the input mode, and FIG. The input mode is changed sequentially in the order shown. That is, while the user continues to press the input key 20, the user confirms that the input mode is sequentially changed by the input mode display 31 displayed on the LCD 14, and when the user switches to the desired input mode. The desired input mode can be set by releasing the input key 20.

  For example, from the state shown in FIG. 6A, the user presses the “1” key 201 for a long time, and the input mode display 31 switches from “kana” indicating the kana input mode to “kana” indicating the kana input mode. When the key is released at this point, “A”, which is the first character in the character group corresponding to the Kana input mode assigned to the “1” key 201, is selected and displayed on the cursor 30 (FIG. 7 (a)). At this time, the input of the previously selected character “a” is confirmed.

  Similarly, from the state shown in FIG. 6A, the user presses the “1” key 201 for a long time, and the input mode display 31 is changed from “Kana” to “Kana”, followed by “ When the key is released at the time of switching to “alphabetic”, “A”, which is the first character in the character group corresponding to the alphabetic input mode assigned to the “1” key 201, is selected and displayed on the cursor 30. (See FIG. 7B).

  Similarly, from the state shown in FIG. 6A, the user presses and holds down the “1” key 201, and the input mode display 31 switches from “kana” → “kana” → “alphabet”, followed by numeric input. When the key is released when the mode is switched to “number”, “1” corresponding to the number input mode assigned to the “1” key 201 is selected and displayed on the cursor 30. (See FIG. 7 (c)).

[effect]
According to the mobile phone 1 of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The input mode can be changed by performing a so-called long press operation in which the input key 20 for inputting characters is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or longer. That is, since the input mode can be changed by any of the input keys 20, it is not necessary to search for an input mode switching key when changing the input mode, and the key operation during character input can be simplified. Therefore, even when handling a terminal that is unfamiliar with the operation, such as when the mobile phone 1 is newly purchased or when the model is changed, the character input operation can be performed smoothly.

  (2) When changing the input mode, the input mode is sequentially changed in a predetermined order while the pressed state of the input key 20 is continued, that is, while the long press operation is continued. Even when the input mode exists, a desired input mode can be selected by operating the input key 20 once, and the operability is improved.

  (3) Since the set input mode is displayed on the LCD 14 as the input mode display 31, the user is informed so that the input mode is used when the user switches the input mode by pressing and holding the input key. It is preferable because it can be easily confirmed that the mode has been switched to the input mode desired by the user.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. It is.

  For example, in addition to the input modes of “kana”, “kana”, “alphabet”, and “number” described in the above embodiment, input modes that can input “symbols”, “pictograms”, etc. It may be configured to be settable.

Further, as a means for notifying the user of the set input mode, a configuration for notifying by a sound generated from a speaker or the like may be used in addition to the configuration for displaying on the screen.
In addition, the character input method of the present invention is not limited to the mobile phone as in the above embodiment, but includes, for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a PHS, an electronic notebook, etc. The present invention can be applied to various portable communication terminal devices having input functions such as letters and symbols.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the mobile telephone which is embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the input key of the operation key part of a mobile telephone. It is a flowchart which shows an input character selection process. It is a flowchart which shows an input character selection process. It is a figure which shows the order of switching of an input mode. It is a figure which shows the example of a text preparation screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a text preparation screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Mobile phone, 10 ... Control part, 11 ... Communication control part, 12 ... Antenna, 13 ... Display control part, 14 ... LCD, 15 ... Operation key part, 16 ... Timer part, 17 ... Audio | voice control part, 18 ... Speaker , 19 ... Microphone, 20 ... Input key, 30 ... Cursor, 31 ... Input mode display

Claims (5)

Among the character groups of a plurality of classifications corresponding to the plurality of input modes assigned to the input keys, the character to be input is selected from the character groups corresponding to the set input modes. Is a character input method of selecting based on the number of times the button is pressed in less than a predetermined time,
Determining whether the pressed state of the input key has continued for the predetermined time; and
And a step of changing from the currently set input mode to another input mode when it is determined that the pressed state of the input key has continued for the predetermined time or longer. Corresponding to the input mode set among the character groups assigned to the input keys, each having a plurality of input keys assigned to a plurality of character groups corresponding to the plurality of input modes, respectively. A character input device that selects a character to be input based on the number of times the input key is pressed within a predetermined time from the character group,
Determining means for determining whether or not the pressed state of the input key has continued for the predetermined time;
Input mode changing means for changing from the currently selected input mode to another input mode when the determining means determines that the pressed state of the input key has continued for the predetermined time or longer. Character input device. The character input device according to claim 2,
When the determination unit determines that the pressed state of the input key has been continued for the predetermined time or longer, the input mode changing unit sequentially performs the input mode change unit in a predetermined order according to a period during which the pressed state continues. A character input device characterized by changing an input mode. In the character input device according to claim 2 or claim 3,
A character input device comprising: notification means for notifying a user of the set input mode. A portable communication terminal comprising the character input device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

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