JP2022023367A - Electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide technology that enables appropriate input even by a touch by an indicator.SOLUTION: An electronic device 1 includes: a position detection unit 31 that detects a position touched by an indicator on a display unit 32; a character selection unit that generates position polar coordinate data of the position touched by the indicator and selects a character corresponding to an angle component of the position polar coordinate data from among multiple characters based on the angle component of the position polar coordinate data and corresponding information; and a display control unit 22 that causes the display unit 32 to display the character selected by the character selection unit so that it can be distinguished from other characters.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

This disclosure relates to electronic devices.

Electronic devices such as mobile terminals equipped with touch panels, such as smartphones and tablets, have become widespread. In an electronic device equipped with a touch panel, characters can be input by touching characters, buttons, and the like displayed on the touch panel with a finger or a pen. For such electronic devices, techniques for facilitating input have been proposed.

For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an electronic device that displays a plurality of objects associated with the functions of the electronic device along the outer periphery of the touch panel. According to such an electronic device, operability can be improved.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-148884

However, in the electronic device proposed in Patent Document 1, since a plurality of objects are displayed along the outer periphery of the touch panel, when the number of objects is large, it is necessary to reduce the size of each object. be. As a result, the electronic device has a problem that the user cannot input an object as intended by touching with a finger or the like.

Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of appropriately inputting even in contact with an indicator.

The electronic device according to the present disclosure has a display area and a character input area for selectively inputting a plurality of characters, and at least a part of the character input area is centered on a preset center point. A plurality of angular components that define a display unit divided into a plurality of divided regions along the circumferential direction and the plurality of divided regions, and are a range of a plurality of angular components of a plurality of polar coordinate data with respect to the center point. A storage unit that stores correspondence information in which a range is associated with the plurality of characters, a position detection unit that detects a position of the display unit that is in contact with an indicator, and the position detection unit that detects the position. The polar coordinate data, which is the polar coordinate data of the position in contact with the indicator with respect to the center point, is generated, and based on the angle component of the polar coordinate data and the corresponding information stored in the storage unit. , A character selection unit that selects a character corresponding to the angle component of the position polar coordinate data from the plurality of characters, and a display that displays the character selected by the character selection unit on the display unit so as to be distinguishable from other characters. It is equipped with a control unit.

According to the present disclosure, a character corresponding to the angle component of the position polar coordinate data can be selected from a plurality of characters based on the angle component of the position polar coordinate data and the corresponding information, and the character can be distinguished from other characters. Display on the display. According to such a configuration, appropriate input is possible even when the indicator is in contact with the indicator.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a top view which shows the display screen of the display part which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional example of the touch panel control unit and the display control unit which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a top view which shows the display screen of the display part which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional example of the touch panel control unit and the display control unit which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 2. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 includes a control unit 2, a touch panel 3, a storage unit 4, a communication unit 5, an audio processing unit 6, a speaker 7, and a video processing unit 8.

The control unit 2 is, for example, a microprocessor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing circuit, or the like, and controls the main operation of the electronic device 1.

The touch panel 3 is arranged on the display surface side of the electronic device 1. The electronic device 1 is operated by touching the touch panel 3 with the indicator body. The indicator is, for example, a finger, a pen, or the like. The touch panel 3 includes a position detection unit 31 and a display unit 32.

The position detection unit 31 is arranged on the display screen side of the display unit 32, and detects the position touched by the indicator on the display screen of the display unit 32. The position detection unit 31 may detect the position of the display unit 32 touched by the indicator using a sensor, or may detect it from the pressure applied to the display unit 32. Further, the position detection unit 31 may automatically detect the position touched by the indicator in the display unit 32 at predetermined time intervals, or may detect it based on the instruction from the control unit 2. good.

The position detection unit 31 converts the detected position into xy coordinate data and outputs it to the control unit 2. The xy coordinate data is, for example, data in which the upper and lower sides of the display unit 32 are the x-axis, the left and right sides are the y-axis, and an arbitrary position of the entire display screen of the display unit 32 is represented by the xy coordinate.

The display unit 32 displays an image such as an image.

The control unit 2 includes a touch panel control unit 21 which is a character selection unit and a display control unit 22. The touch panel control unit 21 processes the coordinate data and selects characters based on the xy coordinate data of the position detected by the position detection unit 31 of the touch panel 3. The display control unit 22 processes the video data to be displayed on the display unit 32 of the touch panel 3 based on the characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21. The touch panel control unit 21 and the display control unit 22 are realized as functions of the microprocessor or the like by the microprocessor or the like of the control unit 2 executing a program stored in the storage unit 4.

The storage unit 4 stores (stores) the data used by the control unit 2. For example, the storage unit 4 stores programs such as an OS (operating system) for controlling the electronic device 1, data such as contents, character information, and the like. Further, for example, the storage unit 4 appropriately stores the coordinate data processed by the touch panel control unit 21.

Although not shown, the communication unit 5 wirelessly communicates with an access point such as a base station or the Internet. For example, when the electronic device 1 is a mobile phone, the communication unit 5 communicates with a base station (not shown). Further, for example, when the electronic device 1 is a wireless communication device such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), the communication unit 5 communicates with an access point such as the Internet (not shown). Further, for example, when the electronic device 1 is equipped with Bluetooth (registered trademark), the communication unit 5 communicates with an external Bluetooth device (not shown).

When the communication unit 5 receives the radio signal, it decodes the received radio signal and transmits the decoded signal to the control unit 2. Further, the communication unit 5 modulates the signal output from the control unit 2 and transmits the modulated radio signal to the outside of the electronic device 1.

The voice processing unit 6 decodes the voice data processed by the control unit 2 into a voice signal according to the program stored in the storage unit 4, and outputs the decoded voice signal to the speaker 7.

The speaker 7 outputs voice based on the voice signal output from the voice processing unit 6.

The video processing unit 8 converts the video data processed by the display control unit 22 into a video signal according to the program stored in the storage unit 4, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 32.

The display unit 32 displays a video based on the video signal converted by the video processing unit 8.

The audio data and video data processed by the control unit 2 are, for example, data such as contents acquired from the Internet or the like via the communication unit 5 and stored in the storage unit 4.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a display screen of the display unit 32 according to the first embodiment. When the user operates the electronic device 1 to select the character input screen, the display control unit 22 displays the character input screen on the display screen of the display unit 32 as shown in FIG. 2 (a). The display unit 32 has a display area 40 and a character input area 41 by displaying a character input screen including a display area 40 and a character input area 41.

The display area 40 is provided on the upper side of the character input screen. The display control unit 22 causes the display area 40 to display an image of content or the like acquired from the Internet or the like via the communication unit 5. As will be described below, when the indicator touches the character input area 41, characters may be displayed in the display area 40.

The character input area 41 is provided in the lower portion of the character input screen. Under the control of the display control unit 22, a guideline 42 having a vertical axis and a horizontal axis intersecting each other is displayed in the central portion of the character input area 41. The horizontal axis of the guideline 42 is displayed parallel to the x-axis used for the conversion of the xy coordinate data in the position detection unit 31, and the vertical axis of the guideline 42 is used for the conversion of the xy coordinate data in the position detection unit 31. It is displayed parallel to the y-axis.

In the example of FIG. 2A, in the character input area 41, not only the guideline 42 but also, for example, a "left cursor key" for moving the cursor to the left and a "case conversion" for converting characters from upper to lower or lower to upper case. "Key", "Kana-alphabet conversion key" to switch to one of the input modes such as flat kana input, single kana input, English input and number input, "right cursor key" to move the cursor to the right, in plain kana input or single kana input mode A "conversion key" that converts the entered characters into kanji, a "space key, etc." that opens a space for one character, etc. are also displayed.

The character input area 41 is an area for selectively inputting a plurality of characters. The plurality of characters that can be input in the character input area 41 include a first character group and a second character group. The first character group is a character group representing a major classification item, and is composed of a plurality of first characters. The second character group is a character group representing a sub-category item associated with each character of the plurality of first characters, and is composed of a plurality of second characters. The table showing the constituent contents of the first character group and the second character group, and the information associating the first character group with the second character group are stored in the storage unit 4.

Here, an example of the first character group and the second character group will be described. For example, in the case of hiragana input, the first character group is "a", "ka", "sa", "ta", "na", "ha", "ma", "ya", "ra", "ra". It is composed of a plurality of first characters, "wa". For example, the second character group associated with the first character "a" of the first character group is the "a" line such as "a", "i", "u", "e", "o". It is composed of a plurality of second characters. For example, the second character group associated with the first character "ka" of the first character group is the "ka" line such as "ka", "ki", "ku", "ke", "ko". It is composed of a plurality of second characters. In such an example, the plurality of second characters associated with the first character of the one include the first character of the one.

The touch panel control unit 21 converts the xy coordinate data of the position touched by the indicator detected by the position detection unit 31 in the character input area 41 into polar coordinate data with reference to the center point. That is, the touch panel control unit 21 generates polar coordinate data (hereinafter referred to as “position polar coordinate data”) of the position touched by the indicator detected by the position detection unit 31 in the character input area 41.

Here, in polar coordinate data, the coordinate data of a certain position (a certain point) is the distance r from the center point to a certain position, and the angle θ formed by the straight line connecting the center point and the certain position and the fixed straight line passing through the center point. It is represented by. In the following description, the distance r and the angle θ of the polar coordinate data may be referred to as the r component and the θ component of the polar coordinate data, respectively.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the center point of the polar coordinate data for converting the xy coordinate data of the position detected by the position detection unit 31 into the position polar coordinate data is the horizontal axis of the guideline 42. It is set at the intersection of the vertical axis and the vertical axis. Assuming that the xy coordinate data of the center point is (x0, y0) and the xy coordinate data of the position detected by the position detection unit 31 is (x1, y1), the position polar coordinate data obtained by converting the xy coordinate data. (R1, θ1) are expressed as the following equations (1) and (2).

In addition, arctan represents the inverse function of the tangent of the trigonometric function. However, the equation (1) and the equation (2) are equations when x1 ≠ x0. The position polar coordinate data (r1, θ1) when x1 = x0 and y1> y0 are expressed as the following equations (3) and (4).

Further, the position polar coordinate data (r1, θ1) when x1 = x0 and y1 <y0 are expressed as the following equations (5) and (6).

When x1 = x0 and y1 = y0, the center point (x0, y0) where the horizontal axis and the vertical axis of the guideline 42 intersect and the position (x1, y1) detected by the position detection unit 31 are one. Show that you are doing. In this case, the touch panel control unit 21 does not generate the position polar coordinate data and does not select (determine) the characters described below.

The above case classification, that is, the case classification for converting the xy coordinate data (x1, y1) of the position detected by the position detection unit 31 into the position polar coordinate data is stored in the storage unit 4.

At least a part of the character input area 41 is divided (divided) into a plurality of divided areas along the circumferential direction around the center point (x0, y0) which is the intersection of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis of the guideline 42. ..

The division area is defined by the angle component range, which is the range of the angle component of the polar coordinate data with respect to the center point. That is, the plurality of divided regions are defined by a plurality of angular component ranges which are ranges of a plurality of angular components of the plurality of polar coordinate data with respect to the center point. The polar coordinate data of the divided area is data generated by performing the same conversion as the position polar coordinate data to the xy coordinate data of the divided area, and includes the range of the distance component (r component) and the range of the angle component (θ component). Have. In the following description, the angle component range, which is the range of the angle component of the polar coordinate data of the divided region, may be referred to as “θ component range”.

The plurality of θ component ranges of the plurality of division regions and the plurality of characters including the first character group and the second character group are associated with each other and are associated with each other. Correspondence information in which a plurality of θ component ranges and a plurality of characters are associated with each other is stored in the storage unit 4. In the first embodiment, the correspondence information includes the first correspondence information and the second correspondence information, and the plurality of θ component ranges include a plurality of first θ component ranges (first angle component range) and a plurality of second θ components. Includes a range (second angle component range).

In the first correspondence information, a plurality of first θ component ranges and a plurality of first characters are associated with each other. The first character may be associated with each of all the first θ component ranges, or the first character may be associated with each of several first θ component ranges.

In the second correspondence information, a plurality of second θ component ranges and a plurality of second characters are associated with each other. The second character may be associated with each of the entire second θ component range, or the second character may be associated with each of several second θ component ranges.

Here, when the character input area 41 is touched by the indicator body, the touch panel control unit 21 generates position polar coordinate data. The touch panel control unit 21 selects (determines) a character corresponding to the angle component of the position polar coordinate data from a plurality of characters based on the angle component of the position polar coordinate data and the corresponding information stored in the storage unit 4. In the first embodiment, the touch panel control unit 21 compares the angle component of the position polar coordinate data with the plurality of θ component ranges of the corresponding information, and corresponds to the angle component of the position polar coordinate data among the plurality of θ component ranges. Specify the range of θ components to be used. Then, the touch panel control unit 21 selects a character (first character or second character) associated with the specified θ component range according to the corresponding information. Since the distance component (r component) of the position polar coordinate data is not used in this selection process (determination process), the touch panel control unit 21 does not have to calculate the distance component (r component) of the position polar coordinate data. ..

The display control unit 22 causes the display unit 32 to display the characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21 so as to be distinguishable from other characters. For example, the display control unit 22 displays the characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21 and does not display other characters, so that the selected characters can be displayed on the display unit 32 so as to be distinguishable from the other characters. good. Further, for example, the display control unit 22 distinguishes the selected character from other characters by highlighting the character selected by the touch panel control unit 21 with bold characters or the like and normally displaying other characters as normal characters. It may be displayed on the display unit 32 if possible.

Further, the display control unit 22 may display the characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21 in at least one of the display area 40 and the character input area 41 so as to be distinguishable from other characters. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the display control unit 22 appropriately displays the characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21 in the display area 40 and the character input area 41 so as to be distinguishable from other characters.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a functional example of the touch panel control unit 21 and the display control unit 22 according to the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3A, 10 division areas are defined by dividing the character input area 41 at π / 5 intervals in the circumferential direction around the center point which is the intersection of the guideline 42. The 10 first characters of the first character group "a", "ka", "sa", "ta", "na", ..., "wa" correspond to the 10 division areas. It is attached. In this example, the division interval is π / 5, but the division interval is not limited to this, and it may be a value obtained by dividing 2π, which is the angle of one rotation, by the number of the first characters in the first character group. ..

In the example of FIG. 3A, the θ component “θ1” of the position polar coordinate data generated from (x1, y1) exists within the first θ component range “4π / 10 to 6π / 10”, and 4π. It is assumed that / 10≤θ1 <6π / 10 holds. In this case, the touch panel control unit 21 selects the first character "a" of the first character group associated with the first first θ component range "4π / 10 to 6π / 10" by the first correspondence information. Then, the display control unit 22 corresponds to the first 1st θ component range “4π / 10 to 6π / 10”, and the first character “A” selected by the touch panel control unit 21 corresponds to the first 1st θ component range. It is displayed in the division area of "4π / 10 to 6π / 10".

After the first character "A" is displayed in the character input area 41, the time during which θ1 exists in the first 1st θ component range “4π / 10 to 6π / 10” is stored in advance in the storage unit 4. It is assumed that the touch panel control unit 21 determines that the time is shorter than T1 for 1 hour. Then, it is assumed that the indicator slides in the character input area 41 while touching the character input area 41, and the xy coordinate data indicating the position of the indicator becomes (x2, y2). Similarly, in this case as well, the touch panel control unit 21 generates position polar coordinate data using the equations (1) to (6).

In this case, the θ component “θ2” of the position polar coordinate data generated from (x2, y2) exists in another first θ component range “2π / 10 to 4π / 10”, and 2π / 10 ≦ θ2 <. It is assumed that 4π / 10 holds. In this case, the touch panel control unit 21 selects the first character "ka" of the first character group associated with another first θ component range "2π / 10 to 4π / 10" by the first correspondence information. Then, the display control unit 22 corresponds to another 1st θ component range “2π / 10 to 4π / 10”, and the first character “ka” selected by the touch panel control unit 21 is set to the other 1st θ component range. It is displayed in the division area of "2π / 10 to 4π / 10".

As another example, the θ component “θ2” of the position polar coordinate data generated from (x2, y2) exists in another first θ component range “0 to 2π / 10”, and 0 ≦ θ2 <2π / 10 Suppose that holds. In this case, the touch panel control unit 21 selects another first character "sa" of the first character group associated with another first θ component range "0 to 2π / 10" by the first correspondence information. Then, the display control unit 22 corresponds to another first θ component range “0 to 2π / 10”, and the first character “sa” selected by the touch panel control unit 21 is set to the other first θ component range “0”. It is displayed in the division area of "~ 2π / 10".

The touch panel control unit 21 makes the same selection (determination) for a plurality of second characters in the second character group. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, it is assumed that the indicator does not slide while touching the character input area 41, and the state in which the first character "na" is selected is maintained for the first time T1 or more. That is, it is assumed that the touch panel control unit 21 determines that the time during which the θ component of the position polar coordinate data exists within the first θ component range “-4π / 10 to -2π / 10” is T1 or more for the first time. ..

In this case, the touch panel control unit 21 is the second character group of the "na" line associated with the first character "na" corresponding to the first first θ component range "-4π / 10 to -2π / 10" ( A plurality of second characters) are selected from the storage unit 4. Then, the display control unit 22 displays a plurality of second characters "na", "ni", ..., "No" in the "na" line selected by the touch panel control unit 21 with these second characters and the second correspondence information. In a plurality of division regions of a plurality of second θ component ranges "-4π / 10 to -2π / 10", "-6π / 10 to -4π / 10", ..., "8π / 10 to π" associated with each other. Display each. As a result, a plurality of second characters "na", "ni", ..., "no" are used as a base point from the second θ component range "-4π / 10 to -2π / 10" in which the first character "na" is displayed. Are displayed side by side on the circumference.

After the second characters "na" to "no" are displayed in the character input area 41, the indicator slides in the character input area 41 while touching the character input area 41, and xy coordinates indicating the position of the indicator. It is assumed that the data becomes (x3, y3). Similarly, in this case as well, the touch panel control unit 21 generates position polar coordinate data using the equations (1) to (6).

In this case, the θ component “θ3” of the position polar coordinate data generated from (x3, y3) exists in the second θ component range “-6π / 10 to -4π / 10”, and -6π / 10 ≦ θ3. It is assumed that <-4π / 10 holds. In this case, the touch panel control unit 21 selects the second character "ni" of the second character group associated with the second θ component range "-6π / 10 to -4π / 10" by the second correspondence information.

As another example, the θ component “θ3” of the position polar coordinate data generated from (x3, y3) exists in the second θ component range “-8π / 10 to -6π / 10”, and -8π / 10 ≦. It is assumed that θ3 <-6π / 10 holds. In this case, the touch panel control unit 21 selects the second character "nu" of the second character group associated with the second θ component range "-8π / 10 to -6π / 10" by the second correspondence information.

<Operation>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment when inputting characters. It is assumed that the screen of FIG. 2A, that is, the character input screen is displayed on the display unit 32 of the touch panel 3 due to the operation of the electronic device 1 at the start of FIG.

In step S100, the touch panel control unit 21 acquires xy coordinate data of the position of the indicator touching the touch panel 3 from the position detection unit 31, and generates position polar coordinate data from the xy coordinate data.

In step S101, the touch panel control unit 21 determines whether the θ component of the position polar coordinate data exists within the first θ component range associated with the first character of the first character group by the first correspondence information. Judge whether or not. The first character of the first character group is the first character that serves as a reference when inputting the first character group is started. If it is determined that the θ component exists within the range of the first θ component corresponding to the first character, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is determined that the θ component does not exist within the range of the first θ component corresponding to the first character, the process of step S101 is performed again.

In step S102, the touch panel control unit 21 selects the first character associated with the first θ component range determined to have the θ component and the first correspondence information. The display control unit 22 displays the first character selected by the touch panel control unit 21 in the division area of the first θ component range corresponding to the first character. As a result, the first character is displayed in the character input area 41.

In step S103, the touch panel control unit 21 acquires xy coordinate data of the position of the indicator touching the touch panel 3 from the position detection unit 31, and generates position polar coordinate data from the xy coordinate data.

In step S104, the touch panel control unit 21 determines whether or not the indicator has left the character input area 41. If it is determined that the indicator is not separated from the character input area 41, the process proceeds to step S105, and if it is determined that the indicator is not separated from the character input area 41, the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S105, the touch panel control unit 21 determines whether or not the time during which the θ component of the position polar coordinate data exists within the first θ component range is equal to or longer than the first time T1 stored in advance in the storage unit 4. judge. If it is determined that the time that the θ component exists in the first 1st θ component range is shorter than the 1st time T1, the process proceeds to step S106, and the θ component exists in the 1st 1st θ component range. If it is determined that the time is equal to or longer than the first time T1, the process proceeds to step S107.

In step S106, the display control unit 22 selects the first character associated with the first θ component range in which the θ component of the position polar coordinate data generated in step S103 exists and the first correspondence information, and the first character is concerned. The character is displayed in the division area of the first θ component range corresponding to the first character. After the process of step S106, the process returns to the process of step S103.

In step S107, the touch panel control unit 21 inputs a plurality of second characters associated with the first character corresponding to the first first θ component range in which the θ component is determined to exist for the first time T1 or more in step S105. select. The display control unit 22 puts the plurality of second characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21 into the plurality of division areas of the plurality of second θ component ranges associated with the plurality of second characters by the second correspondence information, respectively. Display. As a result, a plurality of second characters are displayed in the character input area 41.

In step S108, the touch panel control unit 21 acquires xy coordinate data of the position of the indicator touching the touch panel 3 from the position detection unit 31, and generates position polar coordinate data from the xy coordinate data.

In step S109, the touch panel control unit 21 determines whether or not the indicator has left the character input area 41. If it is determined that the indicator body is not separated from the character input area 41, the process returns to the process of step S108. When it is determined that the indicator is separated from the character input area 41, the touch panel control unit 21 associates the position polar coordinate data generated in step S108 with the second θ component range in which the θ component exists by the second correspondence information. The second character is selected, and then the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the display control unit 22 determines that the character (first character or first character) selected by the touch panel control unit 21 immediately before it is determined that the indicator touching the character input area 41 has left the character input area 41. 2 characters) are displayed in the display area 40. When characters are already displayed in the display area 40, the display control unit 22 displays the characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21 immediately before the determination, after the characters already displayed in the display area 40. ..

From the operation of steps S104, S109, and S110 as described above, in the first embodiment, when it is determined that the indicator touches the character input area 41, the display control unit 22 immediately before the determination. The characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21 are not displayed in the display area 40. Further, in the first embodiment, when it is determined that the indicator touching the character input area 41 is separated from the character input area 41, the display control unit 22 is selected by the touch panel control unit 21 immediately before the determination. The displayed characters are displayed in the display area 40.

In step S111, the touch panel control unit 21 determines whether or not the second time T2 stored in advance in the storage unit 4 has elapsed after displaying the characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21 in the display area 40. do. If it is determined that the second time T2 has not elapsed, the process of step S111 is performed again, and if it is determined that the second time T2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S112.

In step S112, the display control unit 22 erases all the characters displayed in the character input area 41 from the character input area 41. The display of the characters displayed in the display area 40 is maintained. When the process of step S112 is completed, the operation of FIG. 4 ends.

5 to 7 are diagrams showing a series of operation examples of the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment when inputting characters. In FIGS. 5 to 7, for convenience of explanation, the characters not displayed on the display unit 32 are shown by dotted lines. Here, an example of inputting the character string "Taro" in hiragana into the display area 40 will be described. In addition, it is assumed that the first character of the first character of the first character group is "a", and the first θ component range corresponding to "a" is 4π / 10 to 6π / 10, which will be described below.

First, the input of "ta" will be described. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the indicator touches the division area of 4π / 10 to 6π / 10 in the upper center portion of the guideline 42 displayed in the character input area 41, the first character input area 41 is reached. The first character "A" of is displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the indicator slides in the character input area 41 while touching the character input area 41, the first character differs depending on the angle of the indicator with respect to the center point. Are displayed in order in the character input area 41. When the indicator reaches the division area of -2π / 10 to 0, the first character "" is displayed in the character input area 41. Here, when the indicator leaves the character input area 41, the first character "ta" is input to the display area 40. When the second time T2 elapses after the character of the first character "ta" is input to the display area 40, the first character "ta" displayed in the character input area 41 is erased.

Next, the input of "ro" will be described. As shown in FIG. 5 (c), when the indicator touches the division area of 4π / 10 to 6π / 10 in the upper center of the guideline 42, the first character "A" is displayed in the character input area 41. Will be done. As shown in FIG. 5 (c), when the indicator slides in the character input area 41 while touching the character input area 41 and reaches the division area of 8π / 10 to π, as shown in FIG. 6 (a). , The first character "ra" is displayed in the character input area 41.

When this state is maintained for the first time T1 or more, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), a plurality of second characters in the "ra" line are arranged at intervals of π / 5 along the circumferential direction with the center point as the center. It is displayed in the character input area 41 as a guide.

When the indicator slides in the character input area 41 while touching the character input area 41, reaches the division area of 0 to 2π / 10, and then leaves the character input area 41, as shown in FIG. 6 (c). , The second character "ro" is input to the display area 40. When the second time T2 elapses after the character of the second character "ro" is input to the display area 40, the second character "ro" displayed in the character input area 41 is erased.

Finally, the input of "U" will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the indicator touches the division area of 4π / 10 to 6π / 10 in the upper center of the guideline 42, the first character “A” is displayed in the character input area 41. Will be done.

When this state is maintained for the first time T1 or more, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), a plurality of second characters in the "A" line are arranged at intervals of π / 5 along the circumferential direction with the center point as the center. It is displayed in the character input area 41 as a guide.

When the indicator slides in the character input area 41 while touching the character input area 41, reaches the division area of 0 to 2π / 10, and then leaves the character input area 41, as shown in FIG. 7 (c). , The second character "U" is input to the display area 40. When the second time T2 elapses after the character of the second character "U" is input to the display area 40, the second character "U" displayed in the character input area 41 is erased. As a result of the above, the character string "Taro" is input to the display area 40.

In the above description, the display control unit 23 can distinguish the selected first character from other first characters by displaying only the first character selected by the touch panel control unit 21 in the character input area 41. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the display control unit 23 highlights the first character selected by the touch panel control unit 21 in bold characters or the like, and normally displays the other first character as normal characters, whereby the selected first character is displayed. It may be displayed so as to be distinguishable from other first characters. Similarly, the display control unit 23 highlights the second character selected by the touch panel control unit 21 in bold characters or the like, and normally displays the other second character as normal characters, whereby the selected second character is displayed. May be displayed so as to be distinguishable from other second characters.

Further, the plurality of characters according to the first embodiment are not limited to hiragana characters, but may be kana characters or alphabets. In the case of the alphabet, there are 26 letters, so for example, the 26 letters of the alphabet are grouped by 3 letters, and the first letter of each group is "A", "D", "G", "J", "M". , "P", "S", "V", "Y" are multiple first characters, and the first character to the last character of each group are associated with the first character. Then, the same character input as above becomes possible. In addition, both uppercase and lowercase letters may be included in the second character group.

<Summary of Embodiment 1>
According to the first embodiment as described above, the storage unit 4 stores the corresponding information in which the plurality of angular component ranges of the plurality of division areas and the plurality of characters are associated with each other. The touch panel control unit 21 generates position polar coordinate data of the position in contact with the indicator, and corresponds to the angle component of the position polar coordinate data among a plurality of characters based on the angle component of the position polar coordinate data and the corresponding information. Select the character you want to use. Then, the display control unit 22 causes the display unit 32 to display the characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21 so as to be distinguishable from other characters. According to such a configuration, since the size of the plurality of division areas can be maintained to a certain size, appropriate input can be performed by the contact of the indicator body, and the operability of the touch panel 3 can be improved. Can be done.

Further, in the first embodiment, the plurality of characters assigned to the character input area 41 include a plurality of first characters and a plurality of second characters associated with each of the plurality of first characters. According to such a configuration, even if there are many characters, the size of the plurality of division areas can be maintained to a certain size, so that appropriate input can be performed by the contact of the indicator, and the touch panel can be used. The operability of 3 can be improved.

Further, in the first embodiment, when it is determined that the indicator body in contact with the character input area 41 is separated from the character input area 41, the display control unit 22 is selected by the touch panel control unit 21 immediately before the determination. The characters are displayed in the display area 40. According to such a configuration, it is possible to determine the characters to be input to the display area 40 with a simple operation.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the display control unit 22 determines that the time during which the angle component of the position polar coordinate data exists within the first angle component range of one is equal to or longer than the preset time, the display control unit 22 determines. Display a plurality of second characters associated with the first character. According to such a configuration, it is possible to switch from the input of a plurality of first characters to the input of a plurality of second characters with a simple operation.

<Embodiment 2>
The block configuration of the electronic device according to the second embodiment is the same as the block configuration (FIG. 1) of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, among the components according to the second embodiment, the same or similar components as those described above will be designated by the same or similar reference numerals, and different components will be mainly described.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a display screen of the display unit 32 according to the second embodiment. The electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment displays a guideline 42 having a vertical axis and a horizontal axis in the character input area 41, whereas the electronic device 1 according to the second embodiment displays the guideline 42 in the character input area 51. Display a plurality of character display units 52. In the second embodiment, the display control unit 22 is arranged on the circumference along the circumferential direction with the center point as the center, and a plurality of first characters or a plurality of second characters are displayed, respectively. The display unit 52 is configured to be displayed in each of a plurality of division areas.

When the user operates the electronic device 1 to select a character input screen, as shown in FIG. 8, the display unit 32 displays the character input screen including the display area 40 and the character input area 51, thereby displaying the display area 40. And a character input area 51.

The character input area 51 is provided in the lower portion of the character input screen. Under the control of the display control unit 22, a plurality of character display units 52 arranged on the circumference are displayed in the central portion of the character input area 51, and the plurality of character display units 52 display a plurality of first character groups. The first character or a plurality of second characters of the second character group are displayed respectively. In the second embodiment, when the character input screen is displayed, the characters of the first character group or the second character group are displayed on each of the plurality of character display units 52.

At least a part of the character input area 51 is divided (divided) into a plurality of division areas along the circumferential direction around the center point (x00, y00), and the plurality of character display units 52 are divided into a plurality of division areas. The entire plurality of character display units 52 are arranged on the circumference.

Similar to the first embodiment, the plurality of division regions are defined by a plurality of θ component ranges which are ranges of a plurality of angular components of the plurality of polar coordinate data with respect to the center point. Further, the plurality of θ component ranges of the plurality of division regions and the plurality of characters are associated with each other (associated with each other). The correspondence information in which the plurality of θ component ranges and the plurality of characters are associated with each other includes the first correspondence information and the second correspondence information, and is stored in the storage unit 4. Each character display unit 52 is displayed in a division area corresponding to the first character or the second character displayed on each character display unit 52.

Similar to the first embodiment, in the first correspondence information, a plurality of first θ component ranges and a plurality of first characters are associated with each other, and in the second correspondence information, a plurality of second θ component ranges and a plurality of first characters are associated with each other. Two characters are associated with each other.

When the character input area 51 is touched by the indicator body, the touch panel control unit 21 generates position polar coordinate data. The touch panel control unit 21 selects (determines) a character corresponding to the angle component of the position polar coordinate data from a plurality of characters based on the angle component of the position polar coordinate data and the corresponding information stored in the storage unit 4. Similar to the first embodiment, the touch panel control unit 21 compares the angle component of the position polar coordinate data with the plurality of θ component ranges of the corresponding information, and finds the angle component of the position polar coordinate data among the plurality of θ component ranges. Specify the corresponding θ component range. Then, the touch panel control unit 21 selects a character (first character or second character) associated with the specified θ component range according to the corresponding information. Since the distance component (r component) of the position polar coordinate data is not used in this selection process (determination process), the touch panel control unit 21 does not have to calculate the distance component (r component) of the position polar coordinate data. ..

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a functional example of the touch panel control unit 21 and the display control unit 22 according to the second embodiment. In the example of FIG. 9A, 10 division areas are defined by dividing the character input area 51 in the circumferential direction around a center point (not shown) at π / 5 intervals. The 10 first characters of the first character group "a", "ka", "sa", "ta", "na", ..., "wa" correspond to the 10 division areas. It is attached. In this example, the division interval is π / 5, but the division interval is not limited to this, and it may be a value obtained by dividing 2π, which is the angle of one rotation, by the number of the first characters in the first character group. ..

In the example of FIG. 9A, the θ component “θ4” of the position polar coordinate data generated from (x4, y4) exists within the first θ component range “4π / 10 to 6π / 10”, and 4π. It is assumed that / 10≤θ4 <6π / 10 holds. In this case, the touch panel control unit 21 selects the first character "a" of the first character group associated with the first first θ component range "4π / 10 to 6π / 10" by the first correspondence information. Then, the display control unit 22 corresponds to the first 1st θ component range “4π / 10 to 6π / 10”, and the first character “A” selected by the touch panel control unit 21 corresponds to the first 1st θ component range. It is displayed in the division area of "4π / 10 to 6π / 10".

The touch panel control unit 21 makes the same selection (determination) for a plurality of second characters in the second character group. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, it is assumed that the indicator does not slide while touching the character input area 51, and the state in which the first character "na" is selected is maintained for the first time T1 or more. That is, it is assumed that the touch panel control unit 21 determines that the time during which the θ component of the position polar coordinate data exists within the first θ component range “-4π / 10 to -2π / 10” is T1 or more for the first time. ..

In this case, the touch panel control unit 21 is the second character group of the "na" line associated with the first character "na" corresponding to the first first θ component range "-4π / 10 to -2π / 10" ( A plurality of second characters) are selected from the storage unit 4. Then, the display control unit 22 displays a plurality of second characters "na", "ni", ..., "No" in the "na" line selected by the touch panel control unit 21 with these second characters and the second correspondence information. In a plurality of division regions of a plurality of second θ component ranges "-4π / 10 to -2π / 10", "-6π / 10 to -4π / 10", ..., "8π / 10 to π" associated with each other. Display each. As a result, a plurality of second characters "na", "ni", ..., "no" are used as a base point from the second θ component range "-4π / 10 to -2π / 10" in which the first character "na" is displayed. Are displayed side by side on the circumference.

After the second characters "na" to "no" are displayed in the character input area 51, the indicator slides in the character input area 51 while touching the character input area 51, and xy coordinates indicating the position of the indicator. It is assumed that the data becomes (x5, y5). Similarly, in this case as well, the touch panel control unit 21 generates position polar coordinate data using the equations (1) to (6).

In this case, the θ component “θ5” of the position polar coordinate data generated from (x5, y5) exists in the second θ component range “-6π / 10 to -4π / 10”, and -6π / 10 ≦ θ5. It is assumed that <-4π / 10 holds. In this case, the touch panel control unit 21 selects the second character "ni" of the second character group associated with the second θ component range "-6π / 10 to -4π / 10" by the second correspondence information.

As another example, the θ component “θ5” of the position polar coordinate data generated from (x5, y5) exists in the second θ component range “-8π / 10 to -6π / 10”, and -8π / 10 ≦. It is assumed that θ5 <-6π / 10 holds. In this case, the touch panel control unit 21 selects the second character "nu" of the second character group associated with the second θ component range "-8π / 10 to -6π / 10" by the second correspondence information.

<Operation>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device 1 according to the second embodiment when inputting characters. Since the electronic device 1 is operated at the start of FIG. 10, the screen of FIG. 8A, that is, the character input screen is displayed on the display unit 32 of the touch panel 3, and a plurality of characters are displayed on the plurality of character display units 52. It is assumed that the first character of is displayed.

In step S200, the touch panel control unit 21 acquires xy coordinate data of the position of the indicator touching the touch panel 3 from the position detection unit 31, and generates position polar coordinate data from the xy coordinate data.

In step S201, the touch panel control unit 21 determines whether or not the indicator has left the character input area 51. If it is determined that the indicator is not separated from the character input area 51, the process proceeds to step S202. When it is determined that the indicator is separated from the character input area 51, the touch panel control unit 21 associates the position polar coordinate data generated in step S201 with the first θ component range in which the θ component exists by the first correspondence information. The first character is selected, and then the process proceeds to step S206.

In step S202, the touch panel control unit 21 determines whether or not the time during which the θ component of the position polar coordinate data exists within the first θ component range is equal to or longer than the first time T1 stored in advance in the storage unit 4. judge. If it is determined that the time that the θ component exists in the first 1st θ component range is shorter than the 1st time T1, the process returns to step S200, and the θ component exists in the 1st 1st θ component range. If it is determined that the time is equal to or longer than the first time T1, the process proceeds to step S203.

In step S203, the touch panel control unit 21 inputs a plurality of second characters associated with the first character corresponding to the first first θ component range in which the θ component is determined to exist for the first time T1 or more in step S202. select. The display control unit 22 puts the plurality of second characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21 into the plurality of division areas of the plurality of second θ component ranges associated with the plurality of second characters by the second correspondence information, respectively. Display. As a result, the plurality of first characters displayed on the plurality of character display units 52 are switched to the plurality of second characters.

In step S204, the touch panel control unit 21 acquires xy coordinate data of the position of the indicator touching the touch panel 3 from the position detection unit 31, and generates position polar coordinate data from the xy coordinate data.

In step S205, the touch panel control unit 21 determines whether or not the indicator has left the character input area 51. If it is determined that the indicator is not separated from the character input area 51, the process returns to the process of step S204. When it is determined that the indicator is separated from the character input area 51, the touch panel control unit 21 associates the position polar coordinate data generated in step S204 with the second θ component range in which the θ component exists by the second correspondence information. The second character is selected, and then the process proceeds to step S206.

In step S206, the display control unit 22 determines that the character (first character or first character) selected by the touch panel control unit 21 immediately before it is determined that the indicator touching the character input area 51 has left the character input area 51. 2 characters) are displayed in the display area 40. When characters are already displayed in the display area 40, the display control unit 22 displays the characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21 immediately before the determination, after the characters already displayed in the display area 40. ..

In step S207, the display control unit 22 determines whether or not a plurality of first characters are displayed on the character display unit 52. When it is determined that a plurality of first characters are displayed on the character display unit 52, the operation of FIG. 10 is terminated, and it is determined that the plurality of first characters are not displayed on the character display unit 52. In that case, the process proceeds to step S208.

In step S208, the touch panel control unit 21 determines whether or not the second time T2 previously stored in the storage unit 4 has elapsed after displaying the characters selected by the touch panel control unit 21 in the display area 40. do. If it is determined that the second time T2 has not elapsed, the process of step S208 is performed again, and if it is determined that the second time T2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S209.

In step S209, when a plurality of second characters are displayed on the plurality of character display units 52, the display control unit 22 switches the plurality of second characters to the plurality of first characters. When the process of step S209 is completed, the operation of FIG. 10 ends.

11 to 13 are diagrams showing a series of operation examples of the electronic device 1 according to the second embodiment when inputting characters. Here, an example of inputting the character string "Taro" in hiragana into the display area 40 will be described.

First, the input of "ta" will be described. As shown in FIG. 11A, in the character input area 51 of the character input screen, a plurality of character display units 52 for displaying a plurality of first characters are displayed on the circumference.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the indicator leaves the character input area 51 after touching the division area of -2π / 10 to 0 in which the first character "ta" is displayed in the character input area 51. , The first character "ta" is input to the display area 40.

Next, the input of "ro" will be described. As shown in FIG. 11C, the indicator touches the 8π / 10 to π division area in which the first character “ra” is displayed in the character input area 51. When this state is maintained for the first time T1 or more, as shown in FIG. 12A, the plurality of first characters displayed on the plurality of character display units 52 are the plurality of second characters in the “ra” line. Can be switched to. As a result, the plurality of second characters in the "ra" line are displayed in the character input area 51 as guides at intervals of π / 5 along the circumferential direction with the center point as the center.

When the indicator slides in the character input area 51 while touching the character input area 51, reaches the division area of 0 to 2π / 10, and then leaves the character input area 51, as shown in FIG. 12 (b). , The second character "ro" is input to the display area 40. When the second time T2 elapses after the second character "ro" is input to the display area 40, as shown in FIG. 12 (c), the "ra" line displayed on the plurality of character display units 52 The plurality of second characters are switched to the plurality of first characters.

Finally, the input of "U" will be described. The indicator touches the division area of 4π / 10 to 6π / 10 in which the first character “A” is displayed in the character input area 51. When this state is maintained for the first time T1 or more, as shown in FIG. 13A, the plurality of first characters displayed on the plurality of character display units 52 are the plurality of second characters in the "A" line. Can be switched to. As a result, the plurality of second characters in the "A" line are displayed in the character input area 51 as guides at intervals of π / 5 along the circumferential direction with the center point as the center.

When the indicator slides in the character input area 51 while touching the character input area 51, reaches the division area of 0 to 2π / 10, and then leaves the character input area 51, as shown in FIG. 13 (b). , The second character "U" is input to the display area 40. When the second time T2 elapses after the second character "U" is input to the display area 40, the plurality of second characters of the "A" line displayed on the plurality of character display units 52 are plural. Switch to the first character. As a result of the above, the character string "Taro" is input to the display area 40.

In the above description, the display control unit 23 is selected by highlighting the first character selected by the touch panel control unit 21 in bold characters or the like and normally displaying the other first characters in normal characters. The first character may be displayed so as to be distinguishable from the other first characters. Similarly, the display control unit 23 highlights the second character selected by the touch panel control unit 21 in bold characters or the like, and normally displays the other second character as normal characters, whereby the selected second character is displayed. May be displayed so as to be distinguishable from other second characters.

Further, the plurality of characters according to the second embodiment are not limited to hiragana characters, but may be kana characters or alphabets. In the case of the alphabet, there are 26 letters, so for example, the 26 letters of the alphabet are grouped by 3 letters, and the first letter of each group is "A", "D", "G", "J", "M". , "P", "S", "V", "Y" are multiple first characters, and the first character to the last character of each group are associated with the first character. Then, the same character input as above becomes possible. In addition, both uppercase and lowercase letters may be included in the second character group.

<Summary of Embodiment 2>
According to the second embodiment as described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment is obtained. Further, according to the second embodiment, since the positions of the plurality of first characters and the plurality of second characters are easily understood by the user by providing the plurality of character display units 52 on the circumference, operability is improved. Can be improved.

It is possible to freely combine each embodiment and each modification, and appropriately modify or omit each embodiment and each modification.

1 Electronic device, 4 Storage unit, 21 Touch panel control unit, 22 Display control unit, 31 Position detection unit, 32 Display unit, 40 Display area, 41, 51 character input area, 42 guideline, 52 character display unit.

Claims (7)

It has a display area and a character input area for selectively inputting a plurality of characters, and at least a part of the character input area is divided into a plurality of sections along the circumferential direction about a preset center point. The display section divided into areas and
The plurality of division areas are defined, and the correspondence information in which the plurality of angle component ranges, which are the ranges of the plurality of angle components of the plurality of polar coordinate data with respect to the center point, and the plurality of characters are associated with each other is stored. Memory and
A position detection unit that detects the position of the display unit in contact with the indicator, and a position detection unit.
Generates polar coordinate data that is polar coordinate data with reference to the center point of the position in contact with the indicator detected by the position detection unit, and stores the angle component of the position polar coordinate data and the storage unit. A character selection unit that selects a character corresponding to the angle component of the position polar coordinate data among the plurality of characters based on the corresponding information.
An electronic device including a display control unit that displays a character selected by the character selection unit on the display unit so as to be distinguishable from other characters. The electronic device according to claim 1.
The display control unit
When it is determined that the indicator is in contact with the character input area, the character selected by the character selection unit immediately before the determination is not displayed in the display area, but is in contact with the character input area. An electronic device that displays a character selected by the character selection unit in the display area immediately before the determination when it is determined that the indicator body has been separated from the character input area. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2.
The plurality of characters are
Multiple first letters and
Includes a plurality of second characters associated with at least one of the plurality of first characters.
The correspondence information is
The first correspondence information in which the plurality of first angle component ranges included in the plurality of angle component ranges and the plurality of first characters are associated with each other.
An electronic device including a plurality of second angle component ranges included in the plurality of angle component ranges and second correspondence information in which the plurality of second characters are associated with each other. The electronic device according to claim 3.
The display control unit
When it is determined that the time in which the angle component of the position polar coordinate data exists in one of the first angle component ranges is longer than or equal to a preset time, the said one corresponding to the first angle component range. The plurality of second characters associated with the first character and selected by the character selection unit are displayed in the plurality of division areas of the plurality of second angle component ranges corresponding to the plurality of second characters. Let, electronic equipment. The electronic device according to claim 3 or 4.
The display control unit
An electronic device for displaying a guideline having a vertical axis and a horizontal axis intersecting each other at the center point in the character input area. The electronic device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.
The display control unit
When it is determined that the angle component of the position polar coordinate data exists within the first angle component range of one, the first character selected by the character selection unit corresponds to the first angle component range of the first. Is displayed in the division area of the first angle component range, and after the first character is displayed in the division area, the angle component of the position polar coordinate data is within another first angle component range. When it is determined to exist, the first character selected by the character selection unit corresponds to the other first angle component range, and is displayed in the division area of the other first angle component range. Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 3 or 4.
The display control unit
A plurality of character display units arranged along the circumferential direction with the center point as the center and displaying the plurality of first characters or the plurality of second characters are displayed in the plurality of division areas, respectively. machine.

Images