JP3071772B2 - Key input device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key input device for inputting Japanese and English, and more particularly, to a portable telephone (P).
HS), an electronic organizer, a wristwatch, a key input device capable of performing an input operation with a small word processor (word processor), a personal computer (PC), or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a mobile phone having a built-in telephone directory function, a key (button) for inputting a telephone number is provided with a character input function in order to input an address or the like of the telephone number.

In a conventional mobile phone, Japanese (Katakana)
, "A" row, "K" row, "Sa" row, ..., "La" row, "Wang" and "Wang" in the Japanese syllabary arrangement Characters were set. Then, for example, in the key set in the “A” line, pressing once will cause the “A”
However, when pressed twice, "i" is input, when pressed three times, "u" is input, when pressed four times, "e" is input, and when pressed five times, "o" is input.

In order to input English, “ABC”, “DEF”, “GHI”, “J
KL ”,“ MNO ”,“ PQRS ”,“ TUV ”,“ W
XYZ "is set, and each character is selectively input by the number of times each key is pressed.

[0005]

However, in such a conventional character arrangement, the number of times the key is pressed is set irrespective of the frequency of appearance of the character. On average, it is necessary to press the key about three to four times, and there is a problem that the input operation is complicated. Particularly, in Japanese, the use of the prompting sound "tsu" or the long sounding "-" is high. For example, when inputting the prompting sound "tsu", the key set in the "ta" line is pressed three times to enter " After issuing "TSU", it is necessary to further input by pressing a lowercase key, and input is troublesome, and the input operation is more complicated, so that the character input efficiency is reduced.

[0006] Such a problem is not limited to a mobile phone, but a clock having a telephone directory function and a schedule function, various electronic organizers, a small personal computer, a numeric keypad, and the like require 12 to 15 keys to reduce the size. There was a similar problem when the number was reduced to about one.

An object of the present invention is to provide a key capable of easily inputting a long tone "-" or a prompting sound "tsu" frequently when inputting Japanese even when the number of keys is small, thereby improving the character input efficiency. An input device is provided.

[0008]

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The alphabets representing vowels are "A", "I", "U", and "E". ,
Key input detecting means 101 including at least five keys 21 to 25 in which character keys for inputting "O" are individually set, and detecting how many times these keys are continuously pressed.
And key input processing means 102 for outputting a character key in accordance with the number of times a key has been pressed, and one of the five vowel keys 21 to 25 in which vowels are set is a long vowel key 21. A second character key for inputting "-" is set as a set long vowel key, and key input processing means 1
02 outputs the vowel set in the long tone setting vowel key 21 when the long tone setting vowel key 21 is pressed once,
If the long sound setting vowel key 21 is continuously pressed twice, a long sound "-" is output. If the long sound setting vowel key 21 is continuously pressed three times, the long sound setting vowel key 21 is output. The set vowel and the long vowel "-" are output in the order of "vowel + long vowel".

In such a key input device, a second character key for inputting a long vowel "-" is set as one of the five vowel keys in which vowels are set, and this long vowel is set. When the key is pressed twice consecutively, the long key "-" can be output by the key input processing means, so that the long key "-" frequently used in Japanese input can be easily input, and the character input efficiency is improved. Become like Similarly, when the long vowel key is hit three times in succession, the vowel and the long vowel "-" are output by the key input processing means in the order of "vowel + long vowel", which is frequently used in Japanese input, and the character input efficiency is improved. Will be further improved.

The invention according to claim 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 2, an alphabet "A", "I", "U", "E", "O" representing a vowel is inputted. Key input means 101 for detecting how many times the keys have been hit, and key input detecting means 101 for detecting how many times the keys have been hit. Key input processing means 1 for outputting character keys
02, and one vowel key 21 of the five vowel keys 21 to 25 in which vowels are set is a long vowel setting vowel key in which a second character key for inputting a long vowel "-" is set. When the long sound setting vowel key 21 is pressed once, the key input processing means 102 outputs the vowel set in the long sound setting vowel key 21, and the long sound setting vowel key 21 is continuously pressed twice. In this case, two consecutive vowels set in the long sound setting vowel key 21 are output as "vowel + vowel". If the long sound setting vowel key 21 is continuously pressed three times, a long sound is output. The vowel set to the set vowel key 21 and the long vowel "-" are output in the order of "vowel + long vowel".

In such a key input device, a second character key for inputting a long sound "-" is set as one of the five vowel keys in which vowels are set, and this long vowel setting vowel is set. When the key is pressed three times in succession, the key input processing means outputs the vowel and the long vowel "-" in the order of "vowel + long vowel", which is frequently used in Japanese input, so that the character input efficiency is improved. Become. Note that the processing when the long vowel key is hit twice consecutively is different from that of the first aspect of the invention. However, these processings are performed when two consecutive vowels of the vowel key for which the long sound is set are input. Any one of the inventions may be selected in consideration of the frequency of the invention.

Further, the key input processing means 102 outputs the long tone setting vowel key 2 after any one of the four vowel keys 22 to 25 other than the long tone setting vowel key 21 is pressed.
When 1 is pressed once, the vowel set to the vowel key and the vowel set to the long vowel key 21 are output in the order of "vowel + vowel set to the long vowel key 21". And four vowel keys 22 other than the long vowel key 21
When the long vowel key 21 is pressed twice consecutively after any one of the keys to 25 has been pressed, the vowel set for the vowel key and the long vowel “-” are replaced by “vowel + long vowel”. When the long vowel key 21 is pressed three times successively after any one of the four vowel keys 22 to 25 other than the long vowel key 21 is pressed. Output the vowel set to the vowel key, the vowel set to the long vowel key 21 and the long vowel "-" in the order of "vowel set to the vowel + long vowel key 21 + vowel". It is preferable that it is comprised.

Even in such a case, after any one of the four vowel keys other than the long vowel key is pressed,
By tapping the long sound setting vowel key twice or three times, a character including the long sound "-" is easily output, and the character input efficiency is improved.

Further, the key input device 2 includes five keys 21 to 25 in which vowels are set,
A plurality of consonant keys 26 in which characters representing one consonant are set
When the long-vowel setting vowel key 21 is pressed once after the consonant key is pressed, the key input processing means 102 sets the consonant set as the consonant key and the long-vowel setting vowel key 21 The set vowel is output in the order of "consonant + vowel", and when the long tone setting vowel key 21 is pressed twice successively after the consonant key is pressed, the consonant set for the consonant key is output. , The vowel set in the long tone setting vowel key 21 is output in the order of "consonant + vowel + vowel", and when the long tone setting vowel key 21 is hit three times successively after the consonant key is hit. It is desirable that the consonant set in the consonant key and the vowel and the long sound "-" set in the long sound setting vowel key 21 are output in the order of "consonant + vowel + long sound".

For example, if "A" is a long vowel key, a desired consonant key is pressed to select "W", and then "A" is pressed once to obtain "W + A". Wow "
Is entered. Also, at this time, if "A" is continuously pressed twice, "W + A + A" is input and "Wow" is input. Furthermore, when "A" is hit three times in succession, "W +
"A +-" and "Wow" is input.

As described above, after the consonant key is pressed, the key for setting the long vowel key is pressed only three times to obtain “consonant + vowel”.
In addition to the Japanese input in the Roman alphabet input, long letters "-" can be added to this character, and characters including long sounds can be easily input, so that character input efficiency will be improved from this point as well Become. In particular, in normal Japanese input, a long vowel "-" does not come after a consonant, and a vowel always comes after a consonant. In consideration of this point, when the long sound setting vowel key is pressed twice consecutively after another vowel,
While the long sound "-" is input, when the long sound setting vowel key is pressed twice consecutively after the consonant, the setting is made so that "consonant + vowel + vowel" is output. Therefore, character input utilizing a special character by Roman character input can be performed, and the character input efficiency in Japanese input can be improved.

When the long vowel key 21 is pressed four times in succession, the key input processing means 102 compares the vowel set in the long vowel key 21 with the long vowel "-". When the long vowel key 21 is hit five times in succession, the vowel set in the long vowel key 21 and the long vowel "-" are output as "long vowel + vowel". It may be configured to output in the order of “vowel + long sound”.

For example, if "A" is the long vowel setting vowel key 21, "A" follows another vowel key (for example, "U").
If "long tone + vowel" is output when four consecutive keystrokes are input, for example, "TUAAAAUT
"O" indicates "TU-AUTO", that is, "two-out", and characters including long sounds can be easily output. If "A" + "vowel + long" are to be output when "A" is repeatedly pressed five times after another vowel key (for example, "O"), for example, "OAAAAARU""OA
-RU ", that is," OR ", and characters including two long sounds and a long vowel can be easily output.

Therefore, after pressing the long vowel key 21 twice, the Enter key 58 is pressed to confirm the input of the long vowel "-", and then the long vowel key 21 is pressed once again to input the "vowel". Go, or set the long vowel key 21
This eliminates the need for a complicated operation of inputting "vowel + long tone" by pressing twice, enables high-speed and continuous input processing, and improves input operability.

Further, when the long vowel key 21 is hit four times in succession, the key input processing means 102 converts the vowel set in the long vowel key 21 and the long "-" You may be comprised so that it may output in order of "vowel + long tone + vowel."

For example, if "A" is the long vowel setting vowel key 21, "vowel + long tone + vowel" is output when "A" is hit four times successively after another consonant key. If it is, for example, "KAAAKUSYON" becomes "KA-AKUSYON", that is, "car action", characters including long sounds can be easily output, high-speed and continuous input processing can be performed, and input operability can be improved.

The invention according to claim 8 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in the drawings, alphabets "A", "I", "U", "E" and "O" representing vowels are inputted. Key input means 101 for detecting how many times the keys have been hit, and key input detecting means 101 for detecting how many times the keys have been hit. Key input processing means 1 for outputting a converted character key
02, and one vowel key 24 of the five vowel keys 21 to 25 in which vowels are set is a vowel setting vowel key in which a second character key for inputting a prompt "tsu" is set. The key input processing means 102 outputs the vowel set in the prompt sound setting vowel key 24 when the prompt sound setting vowel key 24 is pressed once, and the prompt sound setting vowel key 24 is continuously pressed twice. When the key is pressed three times in succession, the vowel set in the key setting vowel key 24 and the vowel "tsu" are output. It is characterized in that it is configured to output in the order of "vowel + prompting sound".

In such a key input device, a second character key for inputting the prompt "tsu" is set as one of the five vowel keys to which the vowels are set, and this prompt vowel is set. When the key is pressed twice consecutively, the key input processing means can output the prompt "tsu", so that the input of the frequently used prompt "tsu" in Japanese input is facilitated, and the character input efficiency is improved. Become like Similarly, when the prompting sound setting vowel key is pressed three times in succession, the vowel and the prompting sound "tsu" are output by the key input processing means in the order of "vowel + prompting sound" which is frequently used in Japanese input, and the character input efficiency is increased. Will be further improved.

The ninth aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the vowels are represented by alphabets "A", "I", "U", "E", and "O", Key input means 101 for detecting how many times the keys have been hit, and key input detecting means 101 for detecting how many times the keys have been hit. Key input processing means 1 for outputting a converted character key
02, and one vowel key 24 of the five vowel keys 21 to 25 in which vowels are set is a vowel setting vowel key in which a second character key for inputting a prompt "tsu" is set. The key input processing means 102 outputs the vowel set in the prompt sound setting vowel key 24 when the prompt sound setting vowel key 24 is pressed once, and the prompt sound setting vowel key 24 is continuously pressed twice. In this case, two vowels set in the prompting sound setting vowel key are continuously output as "vowel + vowel", and if the prompting sound setting vowel key 24 is continuously pressed three times, the prompting sound is output. The vowel set to the set vowel key 24 and the prompting sound "tsu" are configured to be output in the order of "vowel + prompting sound".

In such a key input device, a second character key for inputting the prompt "tsu" is set to one of the five vowel keys to which the vowels are set, and this prompt vowel is set. When the key is hit three times in succession, the key input processing means outputs the vowel and the prompt "tsu" in the order of "vowel + prompt", which is frequently used in Japanese input, to improve the character input efficiency. Become. Note that the processing when the prompting vowel key is pressed twice consecutively is different from that of the invention described in claim 8, but these are different in that two consecutive vowels of the vowel key for which the prompting is set are input. Any one of the inventions may be selected in consideration of the frequency of the invention.

The key input processing means 102 includes four vowel keys 21 to 23 and 25 other than the prompting sound setting vowel key 24.
When the prompt setting vowel key 24 is pressed once after any one of the keys is pressed, the vowel set for the vowel key and the vowel set for the prompt setting vowel key 24 are referred to as “vowels”. + Vowel set in vowel setting vowel key 24 ”, and after any one of the four vowel keys 21 to 23 and 25 other than the vowel setting vowel key 24 is pressed, the vowel setting vowel When the key 24 is hit twice in succession, the vowel set as the vowel key and the vowel "tsu" are output in the order of "vowel + prompt", and the vowel setting vowel key 24 is output.
If any of the four vowel keys 21 to 23, 25 other than is pressed three times after the key is set, the vowel set as the vowel key is It is preferable that the vowel set to the vowel setting vowel key 24 and the vowel “tsu” be output in the order of “vowel + vowel set to the vowel setting vowel key 24 + prompt”.

Even in such a case, after pressing any one of the four vowel keys other than the prompting sound setting vowel key,
By hitting the prompt sound setting vowel key twice or three times, a character including the prompt sound "tsu" is easily output, so that the character input efficiency is improved.

Further, the key input device 2 includes five keys 21 to 25 in which vowels are set,
A plurality of consonant keys 26 in which characters representing one consonant are set
If the consonant key is depressed once and the consonant set vowel key 24 is depressed once, the key input processing means 102 sets the consonant set for the consonant key and the consonant set vowel key 24 The set vowel is output in the order of “consonant + vowel”, and if the consonant key vowel key 24 is pressed twice successively after the consonant key is pressed, the consonant set for the consonant key is output. And the vowel set in the consonant setting vowel key 24 is output in the order of "consonant + vowel + vowel". It is preferable that the consonant set in the consonant key and the vowel set in the consonant setting vowel key 24 and the consonant “tsu” be output in the order of “consonant + vowel + prompt”.

At this time, if the consonant key vowel key 24 is pressed four times successively after the consonant key is pressed, the consonant set for the consonant key and the vowel set for the consonant set vowel key 24 And the consonant “tsu” may be set to be output in the order of “consonant + vowel + vowel + prompt”.

For example, when "E" is used as the prompting vowel key, any consonant key is pressed to select "N", and then "E" is pressed once to obtain "N + E". Yeah. "
Is entered. Also, at this time, if "E" is continuously pressed twice, "N + E + E" is input and "Hee" is input. Further, when "E" is hit three times in succession, "N +
"N +" is input as "E +". In addition, when the process at the time of the four-time tap is also set, if the "E" is hit four times in succession, "N + E + E +" is input and "Nee" is input.

As described above, after the consonant key is pressed, the consonant setting vowel key is pressed only three times to obtain “consonant + vowel”.
In addition to inputting Japanese characters in the Roman alphabet input, a prompt sound "tsu" can be attached to this character, and characters including the prompt sound can be easily input, so that the character input efficiency is also improved from this point Become. In particular, in a normal Japanese input, a consonant does not come with a prompting sound "tsu", and a vowel always comes after a consonant. In consideration of this point, when the prompt sound setting vowel key is pressed twice consecutively after another vowel,
While the consonant "tsu" is input, if a consonant setting vowel key is pressed twice consecutively after the consonant, "consonant + vowel + vowel" is set to be output. Therefore, character input utilizing a special character by Roman character input can be performed, and the character input efficiency in Japanese input can be improved. When the consonant key is pressed and the prompting vowel key is pressed four times, the consonant + vowel + vowel +
If it is set to be input in the order of "prompt", characters including "vowel + prompt" can be more easily input, and the character input efficiency can be further improved.

A second character key for inputting a long sound "-" or a prompt sound "tsu" is a key 2 on which "A" or "E" is set.
It is preferably set to 1, 24. When Japanese is input in Roman characters, the continuous input of "A" and "E" such as "A + A" and "E + E" means that other vowels "I", "U", "O" Less than. For this reason,
If the long key "-" and the prompting sound "tsu" are set as the second character keys for the keys to which "A" and "E" are set, respectively, "A" and "E" are input in Japanese characters in Roman characters. By pressing the set key twice, for example, it is possible to set the key input processing means to output a long tone "-" or a prompt "tsu", and a long tone "-" frequently used in Japanese input. This facilitates the input of the sound and the prompt "tsu", thereby improving the character input efficiency.

The key input processing means 102 outputs "N"
When the consonant key 30 to which is set is pressed once,
If "N" is output and the consonant key 30 to which "N" is set is hit twice consecutively, "n" is output,
When the consonant key 30 to which "N" is set is hit three times in succession, it is preferable that "n" and "N" are output in the order of "n + N". As described above, in Japanese input in Roman characters, by using a consonant key set to “N” as a key for inputting a repellent “n”, operability such as input operation is improved, and character input efficiency is improved. Will be improved. In particular, in the case where three keystrokes are made, in consideration of the fact that Roman character input is not output in the order of "N + n", the setting is made so that "n + N" is output. Characters can be easily input, and the character input efficiency can be further improved.

The letters representing the 21 consonants of the alphabet may be set on a plurality of keys, but it is particularly preferable to set three consonants on 7 keys. Letters representing 21 consonants of the alphabet are assigned to 7 keys.
If individual keys are set, the number of times each key is typed is input, and if each key is hit up to three times, any character can be input and the operability can be improved. In addition, since each consonant is set equally for each key, the balance of the key tapping operation is improved, and the character input efficiency is improved. In addition, since the number of keys does not need to be increased so much, the size of the key input device can be reduced.

As a key input device, a main key area 20 provided with five vowel keys and a plurality of consonant keys, and a plurality of keys arranged on the upper, right and lower sides of the main key area 20 are provided. It is preferable to include a U-shaped function key area 50 including function keys. The function keys 51 to 62,
Since 551 to 560 can be arranged, the finger can be easily moved from the main key to each function key, and the operability can be further improved.

At this time, one of the function keys 560 among the plurality of function keys includes a shift function for inputting a character or a function set in a shift state of each key, and a conversion function for converting undetermined characters into kana-kanji characters. A function and a space input function for inputting a space are set, and in the shift function, another vowel key, a consonant key, or a function key is pressed within a certain period of time after the function key is pressed and started to be pressed. Before the input characters are confirmed in the Japanese input mode, the conversion function works when the function key is pressed and released alone, and the space input function presses the function key alone. It is preferable that the setting is made so as to work in the event of a failure. Since one function key can be set with three functions of a shift function, a conversion function, and a space input function, the number of keys can be reduced and the operability can be improved accordingly.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is used as a key input device 2 of a mobile phone 1 as shown in FIG. The mobile phone 1 has a microphone 3 and a speaker 4
And the liquid crystal display 5 are provided,
Key input device (key input unit) 2 on which a plurality of keys are arranged
Is provided.

The key input section 2 is provided with a total of 24 keys arranged in up and down 6 rows and 4 rows, and a main key area 20 substantially at the center of the key input section 2 as shown in FIG. ,
A total of twelve main keys 21 to 32 are arranged in upper and lower four rows and three rows, and twelve function keys 51 are provided in a function key area 50 provided in a U shape around the main key area 20.
To 62 are arranged. Characters and functions are set in the main keys 21 to 32 and the function keys 51 to 62.

Main keys 21 to 32 and function keys 51 to 6
2, each character and function are set. That is, character keys such as alphabets used for Japanese or English input in Roman characters are set at the key tops of the main keys 21 to 32.

Here, the arrangement of the character keys on the main keys 21 to 32 is such that a vowel key is set on the upper side and a vowel key on the lower side is combined with the vowel key in Roman alphabet input so as to be "ka line". ~ Consonant keys for inputting "Wa" are arranged.

One of the features of the present invention is that, in contrast to the conventional Japanese input on a mobile phone based on the Japanese syllabary arrangement of kana characters, Roman input is adopted. Since the Roman character input has a smaller number of characters than the 50 kana characters, the key input device 2 and the like having a small number of keys are easier to operate than the case where 50 kana characters are set for each key. With the widespread use of personal computers, most users who input Japanese use Roman characters, so there is an advantage that it is easy to work on.

Further, in the input of Roman characters, the appearance frequency of each character has regularity, the frequency of vowels is the highest, and consonants then appear almost in the order of the 50th tone of "K, S, T, N ...".
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vowel keys are set collectively on the upper main keys 21 to 25, and the consonant keys are arranged on the lower keys 26 to 32 in descending order of frequency. In addition, the order is easy to hit.

More specifically, each of the keys 21 to 25 has "A", "I",
“U”, “E”, and “O” are arranged as the first character keys. This arrangement includes left to right and first to second
As you go down the steps, "A", "I", "U", "E",
The letter "O" is set in consideration of the ease of remembering the character.

On the other hand, each of the keys 27 to 32 has, as a first character key, "K", "S",
The consonant keys “T”, “N”, “H”, and “R” are arranged, and the key 26 is arranged with a consonant key “Y”.
These arrays contain "ka" rows, "sa" rows, "ta" rows,
The "na" line, the "ha" line, the "ra" line, and the "ya" line are arranged so that the consonants are arranged in the order of akasatana. Further, on the keys 32 and 26, consonant keys "M" and "W" are arranged as second character keys. This arrangement is such that the remaining “ma” and “wa” rows are arranged.

On the keys 27 to 29 and 31, consonant keys "G", "Z", "D" and "B" are arranged as second character keys. That is, the "ga" line,
Consonants "G" to input "za" line, "da" line, "ba" line,
"Z", "D", and "B" are Kiyone "ka" lines, "sa" lines,
"K", "S", to input "ta" line, "ha" line,
The tone is set so as to correspond to “T” and “H”, and the tone is arranged so as to correspond to the muddy tone.

In the key 31 to which "H" and "B" for inputting "ha" line and "ba" line, "P" for inputting "@" line as a third character key is set. "Is set, and the input of the" @ "line can be performed easily and with good operability.

The key 30 to which "N" for inputting the "na" line is set is a sound-repellent "n" in Roman alphabet input.
It is also used as a key for inputting.

Further, the vowel keys 21 and 24 to which "A" and "E" are set are long vowels "-" and "-" as the second character keys.
The prompting sound “tsu” is a set long tone setting vowel key and a prompting sound setting vowel key, respectively.

In the keys 26 to 29, "X", "F", "J", and "V" are set as third character keys, respectively. In the key 30, "C" is set as a second character key in the English input mode, and "Q" is set as a third character key. Also, key 32
, “L” is set as the third character key.

Therefore, regarding the 26 letters of the alphabet, five keys 2 out of 12 main keys 21 to 32 are used.
Vowels "A", "I", "U", "E",
“O” is set alone, and the other keys 26 to 32 are set with three other 21 characters. Specifically, the key 26 is “YWX”, the key 27 is “KGF”, and the key 28
"SZJ", key 29 "TDV" and key 30 "N
CQ ", key 31 is" HBP ", key 32 is" RML "
Are set respectively.

Each of the keys 21 to 32 has, as a numerical arrangement, a numerical value "1" for the key 21, a numerical value "2" for the key 22, a numerical value "3" for the key 23,
The numeral "4" is assigned to 4, the numeral "5" is assigned to the key 25, and the key 26
, The number "7" in the key 27, the number "8" in the key 28, the number "9" in the key 29, the symbol "*" in the key 30, and the number "0" in the key 31. Is set so that the symbol "#" is set to the key 32 so that a telephone operation can be performed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, various functions set for telephone and character input are set in the function keys 51 to 62. When a plurality of functions are set in each of the keys 51 to 62, the key 5
The number of times 1 to 62 are pressed, the F (function) key 51
Each function can be selected by pressing in the function mode by pressing.

As the key 51, a power key and an F (function) key are set. That is, the key 51
The power can be turned on / off by, for example, pressing the key alone and releasing it after a predetermined time elapses. By pressing the key 51 twice within the predetermined time, the mode shifts to the function mode.
When the user presses 7 to 62, the functions described above the keys 57 to 62, namely, "memory", "call", and "manner"
Phone functions such as "Cancel", "Half size", "Lower case"
, Etc., for character input.
Note that when the keys 51 to 32 are pressed after the keys 51 are pressed twice and the numbers "01" to "12" are pressed, "F01" to "F
The function function set to “12” may be set to be executed so that inputs of F01 to F12 can be made in the same manner as a personal computer.

Keys 52 to 54 are used to make and receive calls,
Various telephone functions such as history display and input clearing are set.

Each of the keys 60 to 62 has a function of switching an input mode. In this embodiment, since the mobile phone 1 is used, the basic input mode when the power is turned on is set to the numeric input mode. By pressing each of the keys 60 to 62, the “hiragana (kana kanji) input mode” It is set so that it can be switched to various input modes such as “Katakana input mode”, “English character input mode”, “Numeric input mode”, and “Symbol input mode”.

Switching from another mode to the hiragana input mode is performed by pressing the key 61. Switching between the hiragana input mode and the katakana input mode is also performed by pressing the key 61. That is, in a mode other than the hiragana input mode and the katakana input mode, pressing the key 61 once switches the mode to the hiragana input mode. Each time the key 61 is pressed, the mode alternately switches to the hiragana input mode and the katakana input mode.

Switching from another mode to the alphabet input mode is performed by pressing the key 62. Switching between the alphabet input mode and the numeric input mode is also performed by pressing the key 62.

Switching from another mode to the symbol input mode is performed by pressing the key 60. When the symbol key 60 is pressed once, a list of symbols is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5, and the mode is set to the symbol input mode. When the key 60 is subsequently pressed, the next list is advanced. When the previous candidate key 57 is pressed, the previous list is returned. In addition, in the symbol list displayed on the liquid crystal display 5, a number is displayed corresponding to each symbol, and by inputting this number with the keys 21 to 32,
The corresponding symbol is selected. If a key input other than the numeric keys 21 to 32 is performed, the key input becomes invalid, and returns to the initial state (numeric input mode). The symbol input mode is also canceled by pressing the symbol key 60 again after selecting the symbol.

Further, switching between lowercase and uppercase alphabetic characters is performed by turning on / off the "lowercase" function by pressing the key 62 in the function mode.
Switching between full-width and half-width is performed by turning on / off the “half-width” function by pressing the key 61 in the function mode.

Each of the keys 55 and 56 is provided with a right and left feed key (cursor key).
When the key is pressed once, the cursor position is moved one character at a time to the left or right of the line. If the key is kept pressed, the cursor can be moved continuously.

When the key 55 is depressed after the function key 51 is depressed to enter the function mode, a line head moving function is executed, and the cursor position is moved to the left end of the line. On the other hand, key 5
When key 6 is pressed, the end of line function is executed, and the cursor position is moved to the right end of the line.

The key 57 is used to convert the input character
A function is set in which the character converted as a candidate during conversion (when it is not determined) is changed back to the previous converted character and the previous candidate is selected. Characters and the like that appear as candidates during conversion to katakana and the like are displayed backward. Further, if the key 57 is depressed in a state where there is no undetermined character, each time the key 57 is depressed once, the cursor position set at present is set to the same position one line before to set the mode to the upward movement mode. . For this reason, key 5
If you keep pressing 7, you can move continuously.

The conversion key 58 is provided with a conversion function for converting the input Japanese into kanji or the like, and a first keystroke causes the first candidate character for the input character to appear. When the key 58 is further pressed, a next candidate appears. When all the conversion candidates are output by continuing to press the key 58, the state returns to the input state.

When the key 58 is depressed in a state where there is no undecided character, a downward moving function is executed, and each time the key 58 is depressed once, the currently set cursor position is one line down. Moved to position. At this time, key 5
If you keep typing 8, you can move continuously.

The key 59 is provided with a conversion confirmation function. When a candidate converted by the conversion key 58 is determined, or when a character is determined without conversion, for example, when an alphabetic character is directly input. Used. This allows
At the time of inputting alphabetical characters, each character set to the same key can be individually input by pressing the enter key 59 in between. Thus, when the key 59 is pressed once, the input character is determined, and the cursor is moved. Further, after the enter key is confirmed by pressing the enter key 59, when the key 59 is depressed again, a line feed is started.

Next, an input processing function in the key input device 2 having the above-described key arrangement will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG. First, the keys 21 to 32, 51
The key input detection means 101 detects whether or not the key has been pressed. For example, a fixed cycle (for example, 1 to 10 m
In s), a timer interrupt is performed, and keys 21 to 32, 51 to 6
It is only necessary to check the I / O port and the like assigned to No. 2 to determine whether there is a key input.

When it is determined that there is no key input, the timer interrupt is repeated in a fixed cycle and the key input is waited. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a key input, the key input processing means 102 performs an input process. When an input mode switching operation is performed by tapping the keys 60 to 62, the mode switching unit 103 is operated, and the key input processing unit 102 is operated.
Are appropriately switched and set.

The key input processing means 102 performs processing so that predetermined characters, numbers, and the like are output according to the set input mode and the input key. Then, the output characters and numerals are displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 via the screen control unit 104.

The output processing of characters and numbers in the key input processing means 102 will be described below. When the Japanese input mode is set, characters (hiragana) corresponding to the key input operation are output and displayed on the liquid crystal display 5, as shown in FIG.

First, of the five vowel keys 21 to 25,
Vowel keys 22, 23, 2 with no prolonged or vocal sounds
The input processing in the Japanese input mode when the number 5 is included will be described. Vowel keys 22, 2
When keys 3 and 25 are pressed alone, a single key press outputs vowels "i", "u", and "o", and two consecutive keystrokes output two identical vowels. When the key is pressed three times in succession, the state returns to the state in which the key is pressed once (initial state).

After hitting the other vowel keys 21 to 25,
When any one of the vowel keys 22, 23, and 25 is pressed, the vowels set in the vowel keys 21 to 25 are output in the order of input. For example, after pressing the key 21, the key 22
Is input once, the vowel “A” set to the key 21 and the vowel “I” set to the key 22 are changed to “A +
"I" is output in the order of "I", and when the key 22 is pressed twice after the key 21 is pressed, the vowel "A" set for the key 21 and the vowel "I" set for the key 22 are changed to " A +
"A" is output in the order of "I + I". Note that key 2
When key 22 is pressed three times consecutively after key 1 is pressed,
The state returns to the state in which the key 22 is pressed once ("A + I"). The same applies to the keys 23 and 25.

When one of the vowel keys 22, 23, 25 is pressed once after the other consonant keys 26 to 32, "consonant + vowel" is input, and the vowel keys 22, 23,
When the user presses the key 25 twice, "consonant + vowel + vowel" is input. For example, after the key 27 is depressed once and “K” is selected, when the key 22 is depressed once, “K” is selected.
+ I ”is input and“ ki ”is output. Further, if the vowel key 22 is pressed twice consecutively after the key 27 is pressed once, "K + I + I" is input and "kii" is output. Similarly, after hitting key 27, key 2
When keys 3 and 25 are respectively pressed twice consecutively, "ku" and "ko" are output.

When any one of the vowel keys 22, 23, and 25 is pressed three times after the consonant keys 26 to 32 are pressed, the initial state, that is, the vowel key is pressed once. Return to the input of "consonant + vowel".

Next, input processing including the long sound setting vowel key 21 and the prompting sound setting vowel key 24 will be described.
FIG. 5 shows output characters corresponding to key inputs including the long sound setting vowel key 21. Key 2 next to character keys
When the key 1 is pressed alone, when the key is pressed once, the vowel "A" set in the key 21 is input and output as "a".

On the other hand, when the key 21 is continuously pressed twice, a long sound "-" as a second character key is output. When the key 21 is hit three times in succession, the vowel "A" and the long sound "-" set in the key 21 are input in the order of "A +-" and output as "A-". Further, when the key 21 is hit four times in succession, the state returns to the state where the key 21 is hit once.

Also, when the key 21 is struck one to three times next to the other vowel keys 22 to 25, "a", a long tone "-", " A +-"
Is input following other vowels. That is, vowel key 2
For example, the key 22 of any one of the keys 2 to 25
Key 21 and then key 21 once, key 22
And the vowel "A" set on the key 21 are input in the order of "I + A" and output as "Oh". Further, by hitting the key 21 twice after the key 22 is hit, the vowel "I" and the long tone "-" set in the key 22 are input in the order of "I +-". -"Is output. Further, by hitting the key 21 three times successively after hitting the key 22, the vowel "I" set for the key 22, the vowel "A" and the long tone "-" set for the key 21 are changed. It is input in the order of "I + A +-" and is output as "Oh." Further, if the key 21 is hit four times successively after the key 22 is hit, the key 2
The state returns to the state in which 1 is pressed once (the state in which "Ia" is input in "I + A").

On the other hand, following the consonant keys 26 to 32, the key 21
Is input one to three times, an input process is performed in consideration of the fact that the input is a "consonant + vowel" in Japanese Roman alphabet input. That is, the consonant keys 26 to
When the key 21 is depressed once after 32, "consonant + A" is input and the character in the "a" stage is output. Also, key 2
When "1" is pressed twice, "consonant + A + A" is input, and the character of "A" stage + "A" is output. In addition, key 2
When "1" is pressed three times, "consonant + A + long sound" is input, and the character of "A" stage + long sound "-" is output.

For example, if the key 26 is hit twice and the consonant "W" is input and then the key 21 is hit once,
“W + A” is input and “wa” is output. When the key 21 is repeatedly pressed twice after inputting the consonant "W", "W + A + A" is input and "Wow" is output. Further, if the key 21 is repeatedly pressed three times after the input of the consonant "W", "W + A +-" is input and "Wow" is output. After inputting the consonant, key 21
Is pressed four times in succession, the state returns to the state in which the key 21 is pressed once ("consonant + A").

FIG. 6 shows output characters corresponding to key inputs including the prompt sound setting vowel key 24. When the key 24 is depressed alone next to the character key, when the key is depressed once, the vowel "E" set in the key 24 is input and "e" is output.

On the other hand, when the key 24 is hit twice in succession, a second character key, a prompt sound "tsu" is output. When the key 24 is hit three times in succession, the vowel "E" and the prompt "tsu" set in the key 24 are input in the order of "E + tsu" and output as "eh". Further, when the key 24 is pressed four times in succession, the state returns to the state where the key 24 is pressed once.

Also, when the key 24 is pressed one to three times after the other vowel keys 21 to 23 and 25, as in the case where the key 24 is input alone, "e" and the prompting sound "tsu" , “E + tsu” are input following the other vowels. That is, for example, when one of the vowel keys 21 to 23, 25 is pressed, for example, the key 23 is pressed, and then the key 24 is pressed once, the vowel “U” set in the key 23 and the key 24 are set. The input vowel "E" is input in the order of "U + E" and output as "U". Further, by hitting the key 23 twice after the key 23 is hit, the vowel "U" set for the key 23 and the prompting sound "tsu" are input in the order of "U + tsu". "Uh" is output. Also, key 23
After the key is pressed, the key 24 is repeatedly pressed three times, so that the vowel "U" set in the key 23, the vowel "E" set in the key 24, and the prompting sound "tsu" become "U + E +
Is input in the order of "tsu" and output as "ue". Further, if the key 24 is pressed four times successively after the key 23 is pressed, the state returns to the state where the key 24 is pressed once ("U + E" is input).

On the other hand, following the consonant keys 26 to 32, the key 24
Is input one to four times, in the input of Japanese Roman characters, an input process is basically performed in consideration of the fact that the input is a "consonant + vowel". That is, the consonant keys 26 to
When the key 24 is depressed once after 32, "consonant + E" is input and the character in the "e" stage is output. Also, key 2
When key 4 is pressed twice, "consonant + E + E" is input, and the character of "e" stage + "e" is output. In addition, key 2
When "1" is hit three times, "consonant + E + prompt" is input, and the letter of "e" stage + prompt "tsu" is output.

For example, after the key 30 is depressed and the consonant “N” is input, if the key 24 is depressed once, “N + E” is obtained.
Is input and "ne" is output. Also, after the consonant "N" is input, if the key 24 is repeatedly pressed twice, "N"
+ E + E ”is input and“ hey ”is output. Further, if the key 24 is pressed three times successively after the consonant "N" is input, "N + E +" is input and "N" is output.

Further, after inputting the consonant "N", the key 2
When "4" is continuously pressed four times, "N + E + E + tsu" is input and "nee" is output. After the consonant is input, if the key 24 is repeatedly pressed five times, the key 24
Returns to the state in which the key is pressed once (“consonant + E”).

The first to third characters set in the consonant keys 26 to 32 are, as described above, the respective keys 26 to 32.
It can be selected by the number of times of pressing. That is, each key 26
-32 once, the first character keys "W", "K",
"S", "T", "N", "H", "R" are input,
If you hit the key twice, the second character key "W"
When "G", "Z", "D", "C", "B", and "M" are input and three consecutive keys are pressed, the third character keys "X", "F", "J" , "V", "Q", "P",
"L" is input.

Therefore, the keys 26 to 32 are operated once or twice.
After hitting the key continuously and selecting the first or second character key, the vowels of the keys 21 to 25 are pressed to enter "?"
Each character in the row to the "wa" row is output. Also, keys 27-
Press 29 and 31 twice to get “G”, “Z”, “D”,
After selecting "B", the vowels of the keys 21 to 25 are depressed to output the dull sounds in the rows "GA", "ZA", "DA", and "BA". Further, after the key 31 is depressed three times to select the third character key “P”, the vowels of the keys 21 to 25 are depressed, thereby “ぱ”, “ぴ”, “ぷ”, “ぺ ",
Each character of "@" is output. When the keys 26 to 32 are hit four times in succession, the state returns to the state where the keys 26 to 32 are hit once.

By pressing “Y” of the key 26 between the consonant and the vowel, a repetitive sound is output. For example, key 27,
When keys 26 and 21 are pressed one by one in sequence, "K + Y + A" is output as "Kyu". If the keys 26 and 25 are sequentially pressed once after the key 27 is pressed twice, "G +
“Y + O” outputs “Gyo”.

Further, in the Japanese input mode, by pressing the consonant key 30 to which "N" has been set once, the "N"
Is output, and by continuously pressing the key 30 twice,
“N” is output, and by hitting the key 30 three times in succession, “N” and “N” are output in the order of “N + N”. By hitting the key 30 four times in succession, the state in which the key 30 is hit once is returned. However, if the key 30 is hit once, "N" is basically input, but if a key other than a vowel is input after the key 30, "n" is output. It has become.

As described above, in the Japanese input mode, the second or third character key of the key 30 "C",
“Q” is disabled. Therefore, “Cha”, “Chu”, and “Cho” are keys 29, 2 respectively.
The keys "6" and "21" are input once, and "ch" is output in the order of "T + Y + A". The keys 29, 26 and 23 are input once and "chi" is output in the order of "T + Y + U". 2
Keys 9, 26, and 25 are set once so that "cho" is output in the order of "T + Y + O".

After the keys 26 or 32 are depressed three times to select "X" or "L", the keys 21 to 32 are pressed.
By typing 25 vowels, lowercase letters “ぁ”, “ぃ”,
“ぅ”, “ぇ”, and “ぉ” are output. Similarly, key 2
After hitting keys 6 or 32 three times to select "X" or "L", hit keys 29 and 23 in sequence and input "XTU" or "LTU" to output "tsu". If "XYA" or "LYA" is input by inputting keys 26 and 21 in order, "@" is output, and key 2 is output.
Enter “XYU” or “LYU” by typing keys 6 and 23 in order.
, "ゅ" is output, and keys 26 and 25 are sequentially pressed, and if "XYO" or "LYO" is input, "yo" is output, and key 26 is pressed twice, followed by key If "21" is entered and "XWA" or "LWA" is input, "@" is output.

Also, as shown in FIG. 7, after the function key 51 is pressed twice, the numbers "01" to "12" are pressed with the keys 21 to 32 to obtain "F01" to "F1".
The function function set to "2" is executed.

Conventionally, in the case of inputting a hiragana with a Japanese syllabary arrangement in a cellular phone, a character is determined by hitting a cursor key for each character and performing a feed operation.
In the present embodiment, since the Roman alphabet input in which the keys are basically pressed in the order of “consonant + vowel” is adopted, the time when the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed (and the keys 21, 24, 3
The character can be determined at the time when 0 is pressed twice), and the sending operation is not required.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example in which Hiragana is input as Japanese input has been described, but Katakana can be input as Japanese input by pressing the key 61 to switch to Katakana input mode. Note that various settings and functions of the key input device 2 in the katakana input mode, output processing in the key input processing means 102, and the like are the same as in the Japanese (hiragana) input mode.

On the other hand, when the English input mode is set, a character (alphabet) corresponding to a key input operation is output as shown in FIG.
Will be displayed. That is, when each of the keys 21 to 25 is hit once, "A" to "O" are output. When the keys are hit twice consecutively, the same character is output twice. When the keys are hit three times consecutively, the key is hit once. Return to the state.

When each of the keys 26 to 32 is pressed once, the first character keys "Y", "K", "S",
“T”, “N”, “H”, “R” are output, and each key 2
When keys 6 to 32 are pressed twice consecutively, the second character keys "W", "G", "Z", "D", "C",
When "B" and "M" are output and each key 26 to 32 is hit three times in succession, the third character key "X",
“F”, “J”, “V”, “Q”, “P”, and “L” are output. Further, when each of the keys 26 to 32 is hit four times in succession, the state returns to the one hit.

In order to input the lowercase letters of the alphabet, the "lowercase" function of the key 62 may be turned on.

In the case of the alphabet, since there is no rule of “consonant + vowel” as in the case of Roman alphabet input, for example, the key 27 is hit once and twice to input “K” and “G”. The input cannot be distinguished between the case and the case where the key 27 is pressed three times to input “F”. Therefore, when inputting the consonant of the same key continuously, the input is performed while the enter key 59 is depressed to fix one character at a time.

For example, when "K" and "G" are successively input, the key 27 is depressed once, then the key 59 is depressed to determine "K", and after that the key 27 is depressed twice, By pressing the key 59, "G" is determined. To continuously input characters set to different keys, key 5
It is set so that the user does not need to press key 9. That is, in order to continuously press “K” and “S”, the key 27 is pressed.
Is pressed once, and then the key 28 is pressed.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. 1) A second character key for inputting a long tone "-" is set to one vowel key 21 of the five vowel keys 21 to 25 in which vowels are set, and a prompt sound "tsu" is input to a key 24. When a second character key to be set is set and the keys 21 and 24 are pressed twice in succession, the key input processing means 102 can output a long sound "-" and a prompt sound "tsu".
It is possible to easily input a long tone "-" and a prompt "tsu" which are frequently used in Japanese input, and improve the character input efficiency. Similarly, when the keys 21 and 24 are each pressed three times in succession, the vowel and long sound "-" or the vowel and the vowel sound "tsu" are frequently input in Japanese input by the key input processing means 102. And "vowel + prompt" in this order, and the character input efficiency can be further improved.

2) Four vowel keys 22 to other than the key 21
By tapping the key 21 two or three times after tapping any one of the keys 25, characters including the long tone "-" can be easily output, and the character input efficiency can be improved. Similarly, key 2
By tapping one of the four vowel keys 21 to 23 and 25 other than 4 and then tapping the key 24 two to three times, a character including the prompt "tsu" can be easily output. Input efficiency can be improved.

3) After hitting the consonant keys 26 to 32,
By hitting the keys 21 and 24 three to four times, a long sound "-" or a vowel "tsu" can be output successively to the character input by the Roman character input of "consonant + vowel". Can be easily input, and the character input efficiency can be improved from this point as well. In particular, considering the characteristic of Japanese Roman alphabet input that a consonant does not come with a long vowel "-" or a vowel "tsu" and that a vowel always comes after a consonant, the key can be placed after another vowel or alone. When keys 21 and 24 are hit twice consecutively, a long tone "-" and a prompt "tsu" are input, whereas key 2 is input after the consonant.
When keys 1 and 24 are hit twice consecutively, "consonant + vowel + vowel" is set to be output, and keys 21 and 24 are set.
When "" is input three times, "consonant + vowel + long tone" and "consonant + vowel + prompting" are input.
Character input efficiency in Japanese input can be improved.

4) After hitting the consonant keys 26 to 32,
When the prompt sound setting vowel key 24 is depressed four times, "consonant + vowel + vowel + prompt" is input without returning to the initial state. For example, the Roman character "consonant + vowel + vowel" is input. Compared with a case where Japanese is input as an input and then a prompt sound "tsu" is separately input, characters including a prompt sound can be easily input, and the character input efficiency can be improved from this point as well.

5) When Japanese is input in Roman alphabet input, the continuous input of "A" and "E" such as "A + A" and "E + E" means that other vowels "I" and "E" U ",
Less than “O”. With this in mind, "A",
The long vowel “-” and the prompting “tsu” are set as the second character keys for the keys 21 and 24 to which “E” is set, respectively, so that the input of the double vowels “II”, “UU”, and “OO” can also be performed. This can be easily performed, and the character input efficiency can be further improved.

6) In Japanese input in Roman characters,
By using the consonant key 30 to which "N" is set as a key for inputting the repellent sound "n", operability such as an input operation can be improved, and character input efficiency can be improved. In particular, in the case where three keystrokes are made, in consideration of the fact that Roman character input is not output in the order of "N + n", the setting is made so that "n + N" is output. Characters can be easily input, and the character input efficiency can be further improved.

7) Since three letters representing the 21 consonants of the alphabet are set for each of the seven keys 26 to 32, the input of each letter is divided by the number of times the keys 26 to 32 are hit. In this case, if each of the keys 26 to 32 is hit a maximum of three times, any character can be input and the operability can be improved.
In addition, since each consonant is equally set to each of the keys 26 to 32, the balance of the key tapping operation is improved, and the character input efficiency is improved.

8) The most frequently used vowels in both Japanese and English, namely "A", "I", "U", "E", "O"
Are set to the independent keys 21 to 25, these characters can be input only by hitting the key once. For this reason,
For vowels other than "A", the number of keystrokes at the time of vowel input can be reduced and operability such as input operation can be improved, as compared with the conventional 50-sound arrangement or English arrangement which cannot be input unless the key is repeatedly pressed.

9) By typing the consonant keys 26 to 32 and then the vowel keys 21 to 25, it is possible to input Japanese in Roman characters. Therefore, when inputting Japanese, twice on average. If a key is pressed, the input can be performed, and the input operability is improved as compared with the conventional Japanese syllabary arrangement which requires an operation of keying 4 to 5 times on average.

10) Vowels "A", "I", "U",
Since “E” and “O” are arranged from the first row to the second row and from left to right, the key positions of each vowel can be easily remembered, and the operability can be further improved.

11) Keys 26 to 32 in which consonants "K" to "W" are set, and keys 2 in which vowels "A" to "O" are set
Since the keys are set separately for 1 to 25, Japanese can be input by inputting Roman letters of "consonant + vowel".
For this reason, when inputting Japanese, it is possible to input by performing the operation of tapping the key twice on average, and it is possible to input four times on average.
The input operability can be improved and the character input efficiency can be improved as compared with the conventional Japanese syllabary arrangement requiring up to five keystrokes. Similarly, in English, consonants and vowels have a high probability of appearing alternately. Therefore, by setting keys separately for consonants and vowels, the number of touches (the number of times a key is pressed) is reduced even during English input. Input operability can be improved.

12) Since the consonants set for the keys 26 to 32 are set so that characters with relatively high frequency can be input with a small number of touches in both Japanese and English, the average number of touches Can be reduced, and the character input efficiency can be further improved.

13) Inputting a voice sound using "G", "Z", "D", and "B", and inputting a consonant using "consonant + Y + vowel". Since the muddy sound and the like are input by a combination of characters according to the input, the key operation can be quickly learned and the input operability can be improved.

14) In the Roman alphabet input, "K" for inputting a "KA" line and "G" for inputting a "GA" line are input by keys 27.
Then, "S" for inputting "sa" row and "Z" for inputting "za" row are used as keys 28, "T" for inputting "ta" row, and "D" for inputting "da" row. Key 29 and "H" for inputting a "ha" line and "B" for inputting a "ba" line are key 3.
Since each is set to 1, it is possible to input a related clear tone and a dull tone by using the same key and changing the number of times the key is pressed. For this reason, the key position for the muddy sound can be easily grasped, the input operation can be easily remembered, and the character input efficiency can be improved.

15) In the Japanese input mode, since Roman character input is employed, the character can be determined when the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed (and the keys 21, 24, and 30 are pressed twice). , No need to do feed operation,
Accordingly, the number of keystrokes can be reduced, and input operability can be improved.

16) Even in the English input mode, by setting consonants and vowels which are likely to appear alternately to different keys, the same key must be continuously pressed when continuously inputting different alphabets. Since the frequency of occurrence of the change can be reduced, the number of feed operations can be reduced, and the input operability can be improved.

17) Since numbers are set in the keys 21 to 32, not only characters but also numbers can be input. Therefore, it is possible to input the address and the telephone number in a telephone directory such as a mobile phone, a wristwatch, and an electronic organizer. That is, with the twelve keys 21 to 32, it is possible to realize three input modes of a number input for inputting a number by telephone or the like, a Japanese input by a Roman character input, and an English input. And a highly versatile key input device.

18) Romaji input and English input can be performed using twelve main keys 21 to 32, which are significantly less than the conventional keyboard, so that the key input device 2 can be downsized, It can be easily applied to a very small device such as a wristwatch and the like, and the position of the key can be easily remembered, can be operated with one hand, and even a beginner can easily learn.

19) In addition, since the function keys 51 to 62 are arranged around the main keys 21 to 32 which are frequently used for character input, the function keys 51 to 6 are provided from the main keys 21 to 32.
2, the finger can be easily moved.
When the home position 26 is used, not only the main keys 21 to 32 but also the function keys 51 to 62 can be easily hit, and the operability can be further improved.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the key input device 5 of the present embodiment
00 is used as an input device connected to a personal computer instead of a mobile phone, and is configured as a ten-key type. In this embodiment, the same or similar components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. Key input device 500
Is used in place of a keyboard connected to a personal computer or the like to input characters and the like.
As in the embodiment, there are provided a key input detecting means 101 for detecting key input and a key input processing means 102 for outputting character keys to the personal computer main body based on the input.

In the key input unit 2 of the key input device 500,
The main key area 20 substantially at the center of the key input device 500
And a total of twelve main keys 21 to 32 arranged in four rows and three rows in the left and right directions, and ten function keys 551 arranged in a function key area 50 provided in a U-shape around the main key area. To 560 are provided.

Main keys 21 to 32 and function keys 551 to 551
In 560, each character and function are set. The arrangement of the character keys in the main keys 21 to 32 is substantially the same as that in the first embodiment. Vowel keys are set in the upper keys 21 to 25, and lower keys 26 to 32 are set in the lower keys 26 to 32. In the Roman alphabet input, consonant keys for inputting "ka line" to "wa line" are arranged in combination with the vowel keys.

More specifically, each of the main keys 21 to 25 has "A" representing a vowel as a character array,
“I”, “U”, “E”, “O” are arranged as the first character keys. On the other hand, each of the main keys 27 to 32 has, as a first character key, a consonant key of “K”, “S”, “T”, “N”, “H”, “R” representing a Japanese consonant. Are arranged, and the key 26 is arranged with a consonant key “Y”. Further, on the keys 32 and 26, consonant keys "M" and "W" are arranged as second character keys.

Each of the keys 27 to 29 and 31 has consonant keys "G", "Z", "D" and "B" arranged as second character keys. Also, the key 31 to which "H" and "B" for inputting "ha" line and "ba" line is set to "P" for inputting "@" line as a third character key. Have been. Further, the key 30 set to “N” for inputting the “na” line is a sound-repellent “n” in Roman alphabet input.
It is also used as a key for inputting.

Vowel key 2 with "A" and "E" set
Numerals 1 and 24 are a long sound setting vowel key and a prompt sound setting vowel key in which a long sound "-" and a prompt sound "tsu" are respectively set as second character keys.

In the keys 26 to 29, "X", "F", "J", and "V" are set as third character keys, respectively. In the key 30, "C" is set as the second character key in the English input mode, and "Q" is set as the third character key. In the key 32, “L” is set as a third character key.

Therefore, the 26 letters of the alphabet are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the vowels "A", "I", "I" are assigned to the five keys 21 to 25 out of the twelve main keys 21 to 32. "U", "E", and "O" are set independently, and the other keys 26 to 32 are set with three other 21 characters. Specifically, “YW
X ”, key 27 as“ KGF ”, key 28 as“ SZJ ”,
"TDV" on key 29, "NCQ" on key 30, key 3
1 is set to “HBP” and the key 32 is set to “RML”.

The numbers “7”, “8”, “9”, which are input when the keys 21 to 32 are pressed in the later-described numerical mode, are placed above the key tops of the main keys 21 to 32, respectively.
"4", "5", "6", "1", "2", "3",
“0”, comma “,”, and period “.” Are set. Further, on the lower side of the key tops of the main keys 21 to 32, various symbols to be input at the time of a symbol input operation described later are set.

More specifically, the symbols “(”, “”, “*”,
“:”, “!”, “￥”, “＠”, “/”, “+”,
".", "," And "." Are respectively set, and the symbols ")", ""","#",";",and"?" ”,“ ＄ ”,
"&", "%", "-", "'", "~", And "=" are set.

On the other hand, the function keys 551 to 560
As shown in FIG. 5, various functions used for switching input modes and inputting characters are set. In input mode,
Broadly speaking, as shown in FIG.
There is a "direct input" for directly inputting alphabets and numbers by pressing ~ 32, and a "Japanese input system" for inputting hiragana, katakana, kanji and the like. Switching between these two inputs is performed by pressing the function key 552 (Kana key) while pressing the function key 559 (Alt key).
By pressing the Alt key 559 and each of the keys 21 to 32 and 551 to 558 at the same time, a symbol set below the key top of each key is input, and various functions are executed. It is set to be able to. Therefore, “Kanji” indicating the function of switching between direct input and the Japanese input system is written below the key top of the key 552. By pressing this key 552 and the Alt key 559 simultaneously, the above input switching is performed. It is designed to show you what you can do.

The direct input includes an "alphabet mode" for inputting alphabets and a "numerical mode" for inputting numbers. These can be switched each time the function key 551 (alphanumeric key) is pressed. . Therefore, the function key 5
“English / number” is written on the 51 key tops.

Switching between lowercase and uppercase letters is performed by pressing the alphanumeric key 551 while holding down the function key 560 (Shift key). Shift key 560
By pressing the Shift key 560 and the keys 21 to 32 and 551 to 558 at the same time as the Alt key 559,
It is set so that a number set above the key top of each key can be input and various functions can be executed. Therefore, “Caps (CapsLock)” indicating switching between lowercase and uppercase letters is written above the key top of the key 551, and the input can be switched by simultaneously pressing this key 551 and the Shift key 560. It is understood.

The input modes in the Japanese input system include a "hiragana mode", a "katakana mode", an "alphabet mode", and a "numeric mode". Switching between these modes is set so as to be performed by the following operation as shown in FIG. Switching from another mode to the hiragana mode is performed by pressing the kana key 552. Switching between Hiragana mode and Katakana mode is also possible with Kana key 5.
Press 52.

Switching from another mode to the alphabet mode is performed by pressing an alphanumeric key 551. Switching between the alphabet mode and the numeric mode is also performed by pressing the alphanumeric key 551. Further, switching between lowercase letters and uppercase letters is performed by pressing the alphanumeric key 551 while pressing the Shift key 560.

Switching between full-width and half-width is performed by pressing the Kana key 552 while pressing the Shift key 560. Therefore, above the key top of the key 552,
"Half-width" is indicated. FIG. 11 summarizes the input modes and the switching between full-width half-width, lowercase, and uppercase in the Japanese input system described above.

Each function key 5 including the functions of the above function keys
As shown in FIG. 12, the input at the time of pressing 51 to 560 is set so as to correspond to the input of various function keys set on a general keyboard. For example, the function key 553 (BS key) is “Back Space”, “Del”,
Used for inputting “Esc”. Also, function keys 554 to
557 is a cursor movement key, "Home", "End",
Functions as keys for "Page Up" and "Page Down".
Function key 558 functions as an "Enter" key. In this case, the cursor movement keys 554 to 557 and BS / Del
The key 553 is set so as to be continuously input when the key is continuously pressed, and the key 553 is input a number of times corresponding to the time for which the key is continuously pressed.
On the other hand, the Enter key 558, the non-conversion key 559, the Space / conversion key 560, and the main keys 21 to 32 are set so that continuous input is not performed even when the key is kept pressed.

The input of characters, numerals, and symbols in the key input device 500 is specifically performed as follows. [Hiragana Mode / Katakana Mode (Japanese Input System)] When the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed in the hiragana mode, the hiragana is input by romaji input. That is, if the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed once, a vowel is input, and if the consonant keys 26 to 32 and the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed, a hiragana by a Roman character input is input as “consonant + vowel”.

At this time, each of the consonant keys 26 to 32 has the first
Three consonants of a character to a third character are respectively set, and these are set to the respective keys 26 to 26 similarly to the first embodiment.
By pressing 32 one to three times, it is possible to select and input. That is, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when pressed once, the character on the left of each keytop is input, when pressed twice, the central character is input, and when pressed three times, the character on the right is input.

In the Katakana mode, the main keys 21 to 3
When 2 is pressed, katakana is input by romaji input as in the hiragana mode.

In the hiragana mode and the katakana mode,
When the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed, the vowel is input.
The long sound setting vowel key 21 and the prompt sound setting vowel key 24
When the button is continuously pressed more than once, as shown in FIG. 15, a long sound and a prompt sound are input according to conditions.

That is, when the long vowel setting vowel key 21 is pressed twice after another vowel, a long vowel "-" is input. on the other hand,
When the long vowel key 21 is pressed alone or twice after a consonant, "AA" is input. Further, when the long vowel setting vowel key 21 is pressed three times in succession, "vowel + long sound", that is, "A-" is input regardless of whether there is no character before, after the vowel, or after the consonant.

On the other hand, when the prompting sound setting vowel key 24 is pressed twice after the other vowels, the prompting sound "tsu" is input. On the other hand, if the prompting sound setting vowel key 24 is pressed alone or twice after the consonant, "EE" is input. Furthermore, when the prompting sound setting vowel key 24 is pressed three times in succession, "vowel + prompting sound", that is, "E" is input regardless of whether there is no character before, after the vowel, or after the consonant.

When each of the keys 21 and 24 is pressed four times, the state returns to the state where the key is pressed once, and thereafter, the input processing when the key is pressed one to three times is repeated according to the number of times of pressing.

Further, the consonant key 30 to which "N" is set
As shown in FIG. 14, as in the first embodiment, "N" is input by pressing the key once, "N" is input by pressing the key twice, and "N" is input by pressing the key three times. "Hmm"
And "N" are input in the order of "n + N". By hitting the key 30 four times in succession, the state in which the key 30 is hit once is returned. Also, key 3
When "0" is hit once, "N" is basically input. When a key other than a vowel is input after the key 30, "n" is input.

When the consonant key 26 to which "Y" is set is pressed three times, "X" is input. If "vowel", "tu" (TU), etc. are input next, As in the first embodiment, the “X” key functions as a lowercase input function, and a lowercase vowel “ぁ ぃ ぅ ぇ ぉ” and a prompt “tsu” are input.
Similarly, when the consonant key 32 to which "R" is set is pressed three times, "L" is input, followed by "vowel" and "T (T
U), "Ya (YA)", "Yu (YU)", "Yo (Y
"O)" is input, the "L" key functions as a lowercase input function, as in the first embodiment, and the lowercase vowel "や", the prompt "tsu", and the lowercase "ゃ ゅ" Is input.

[Alphabetic Mode (Common for Direct Input / Japanese Input System)] In the English mode (common for direct input / Japanese input system), pressing the main keys 21 to 32 causes
As shown in FIG. 17, each alphabet is input. At this time, each time the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed, the alphabet is input one by one. On the other hand, when the consonant keys 26 to 32 are pressed once, the character on the left of each key top is input, when pressed twice, the central character is input, and when pressed three times, the character on the right is input.

When a consonant set to the same key is continuously inputted, a function key (“→” feed key) 555 is used.
Press to separate the input and then press that key.
The repeat key 555 is also set with a repeat function. That is, when the same character continues like "ALL", the first character (L) is determined by the send key 555, and when the feed key 555 is further pressed, the same character as the previously determined character is input. It has become. Thereby, when the same character continues, it can be input by a simple operation.

The uppercase and lowercase letters can be input by switching the input mode first. However, when uppercase letters and lowercase letters are mixed as in a normal English sentence, the operation becomes complicated. For this reason, in the present embodiment, in the alphabet mode, the main keys 21 to 21 are held while pressing the Shift key 560.
By pressing 32, it is possible to switch between uppercase and lowercase and input. In this case, Shift key 56
Each of the main keys 21 to 32 is pressed one to three times while pressing 0, and when the Shift key 560 is released, the input of the alphabet is completed.

[Numerical Mode (Common to Direct Input / Japanese Input System)] In the numeric mode (common to direct input / Japanese input system), when the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 17, the numbers written above the keys 21 to 32 and “,” and “.” Are input. If the key is pressed a plurality of times, each number is input by the number of times the key is pressed. In addition, numbers are often entered in Japanese sentences,
In that case, switching the input mode makes the operation complicated. Therefore, when the Japanese input system is used, the main keys 21 to 21 are held while pressing the Shift key 560.
By pressing 32, the numbers written above each of the keys 21 to 32 and "," and "." Can be input.

However, Shift key 560 and main key 21
The operation of pressing .about.32 is also used for switching between uppercase and lowercase in English, and it is relatively difficult to make the same operation process different depending on each mode. For this reason, Shift key 5
Numeral input using 60 may not be performed. Further, a number may be input by pressing the main keys 21 to 32 while pressing the function key (Enter key) 558. In this case, since it is different from other operations, it can be set as a numeric input operation in each mode.

[Input of Symbol] Input of a symbol is directly input,
By pressing the main keys 21 to 32 while pressing the Alt key 559 in both the Japanese input system, FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a symbol written on the lower left side of each of the keys 21 to 32 is input. By pressing the main keys 21 to 32 twice while pressing the Alt key 559, a symbol written on the lower right of each of the keys 21 to 32 is input. At this time, the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed once or twice while pressing the Alt key 559 in each mode, and the Alt key 559 is pressed.
Is released, the input of the symbol is completed. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the symbols marked with “*” are different from the symbols written on the key input device 500. This is because, in the key input device 500, symbols that can be entered in Japanese full-width characters (such as parentheses "") are described, but there is no corresponding symbol in half-width symbols in English letters and numbers. This is because the setting is made so that different symbols can be input.

In each of the above modes, the main key 21
FIG. 18 summarizes the input processing when -32 is pressed alone, when pressed together with the Shift key 560, and when pressed together with the Alt key 559.

[Conversion / No Conversion / Next Candidate / Previous Candidate] In the Japanese input system, when the Shift key 560 is pressed and released alone before the character or number is determined (before the function key 558 is determined), the Kana-Kanji character The conversion function is activated, and the input characters and numbers are appropriately converted to kanji and kanji. If the Alt key 559 is pressed and released alone before the character or number is determined, the non-conversion function operates and the input character or number is input as it is.

The next candidate at the time of conversion is selected with the Shift key 560 or the down arrow key (function key 557), the previous candidate is selected with the up arrow key (function key 556), and the return key 55 is selected.
Confirm with 8. Since numbers are given to the conversion list candidates, the main key 21 is held while pressing the Shift key 560.
It can also be determined by pressing a number from ~ 32.

As described above, the Shift key 560 can be used together with other keys to input numbers and functions on the upper side of the key top, and can be used by itself when pressed before confirming a character to perform a conversion function. It also has the function of Specifically, Shift in the normal state with no undetermined characters
When the key 560 is pressed and released alone, a space is input. In this case, after pressing the Shift key 560 for a certain period of time, for example, more than 2 seconds, the Shift key 56
If you keep pressing 0, spaces will be input continuously. That is, if another key is pressed within a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) after being pressed with the Shift key 560, the shift function operates. Conversely, if no other key is depressed within a certain period of time, the conversion function operates if there is an undetermined character, and the space input function operates if there is no undetermined character.

[Function Input / Shortcut Input] In a general personal computer or the like, a function key such as “F1, F2, F3... In addition, by pressing the “control (Ctrl) key” and the “character key” at the same time for frequently used functions in each application (for example, Ct
rl + S) A shortcut key set to be executable may be provided.

In order to realize such a function, in the present embodiment, while pressing the Alt key 559 and the Enter key 558 (by selecting the Fn: function key function described below the Enter key 558). , Each main key 21 to
When 32 is pressed, “F” corresponding to the number of each of the keys 21 to 32 is displayed.
1 to F12 "functions. Thus, by assigning a predetermined function to F1 to F12, the function can be easily executed. F10 is Alt key 559 + Enter key 5
58+ "0" key 30, F11 is input with Alt key 559 + Enter key 558+ "," key 31, F12 is Alt key 559 + Enter key 558
+ "." Key 32 is set.

[0156] Shortcut input is performed using the Alt key 5
Hold down 59 and Shift key 560 (Shift key 5
Pressing each of the main keys 21 to 32 selects "Ctrl: Control key function described below 60" and "Ctrl
The function of "+ alphabet" (for example, Ctrl + S) is activated, and various functions can be easily executed. In this case, press the Alt key 5
When the user releases the 59 + Shift key 560, the input is completed.

According to the present embodiment, the first
Similarly to 1) of the embodiment, a second character key for inputting a long sound "-" is set to one vowel key 21 of the five vowel keys 21 to 25 in which vowels are set, and a key 24 is set. When a second character key for inputting a prompt sound "tsu" is set, and the keys 21 and 24 are pressed twice consecutively after another vowel, the key input processing means 102 causes the long sound "-" and the prompt sound "tsu" to be input. ”Can be output, so that it is possible to easily input the long tone“ − ”and the prompting sound“ tsu ”which are frequently used in Japanese input, and improve the character input efficiency. Similarly,
When the keys 21 and 24 are each pressed three times in succession, the key input processing means 102 causes the vowel and long tone "-"
Alternatively, the vowel and the vowel "tsu" can be output in the order of "vowel + long vowel" and "vowel + vowel" in order of frequency in Japanese input, and the character input efficiency can be further improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the same effects as 2), 3), 5) to 19) of the first embodiment can be obtained. 20) In addition, the number of keys can be reduced to 22 numeric keypads, and the keys can be collectively arranged so that various characters and functions necessary for a personal computer can be input. For this reason, letters, numbers, and symbols can be easily input with the same fingering and speed as pressing the numeric keypad, and the key input device can be easily pressed with one hand because the key size is large and does not spread horizontally. Furthermore, since the occupied area of the key input device is smaller than that of a general full-size keyboard and can be operated with one hand, it is possible to operate the document with the left hand and alternately operate with the mouse with the right hand. Therefore, according to the key input device 500 of the present embodiment, the space around the desktop can be saved, and a comfortable input environment can be provided.

The key input device 5 of the present embodiment as described above
The feature of 00 is to accurately grasp the needs of general users. That is, in recent years, desktop personal computers have been designed to select icons and menus on the screen with a mouse.
UI (graphical user interface) is widely adopted. However, letters and numbers are entered on the keyboard. Therefore, a keyboard and a mouse occupy a large area on the desk, and when using the keyboard and the mouse properly, the hand must be moved greatly left and right. On the other hand, many people who use laptop computers on their desks use a numeric keypad or mouse to enter numbers. Notebook keyboards are smaller than full-sized keyboards, but at the expense of operability, especially when entering numbers.

A full-sized keyboard has a large number of keys, and thus has the advantage of being able to use shortcut functions and special functions of the full keyboard (such as special function keys), but ordinary users do not need these functions much.
The needs of most users are to use a keyboard and mouse for easy access and space, leaving room to spread documents. The key input device 500 of the present embodiment is very suitable for such needs.

The alphabetical layout of a general keyboard is as follows.
It follows the arrangement of the old mechanical typewriters with alphabets arranged randomly. For this reason, since vowels and consonants are not separated, in the case of inputting Roman letters, etc., alternate keystroke is not performed with left and right hands, and when comparing a two-handed full keyboard with the key input device 500 operated with one hand,
The two-handed type is not always easy to push and does not necessarily increase the input speed. On the other hand, like a person who can hit a calculator or a numeric keypad very quickly, pressing a few keys using only the dominant hand can perform quick input even if the number of touches is somewhat large, and the key input device 500 can reduce the input speed. It is not inferior to ordinary keyboards.

21) Further, not only a shift function that works when one key is pressed simultaneously with another key (Shift key) 560, but also a conversion function that performs kana-kanji conversion in an undetermined state, and a single function key (Shift key) 560 Since a space input function for inputting a space is provided at this time, the number of keys can be reduced correspondingly, and the operability can be improved. In particular, each of the above functions is automatically switched according to the situation when the Shift key 560 is pressed, so that the operator does not need to select each function, and the operability can be further improved in this respect. .

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the same or corresponding components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the key input device 12 of the personal computer 10 is used. The personal computer 10 includes a mouse 13 and a liquid crystal display 14, and a key input device (key input unit) 12 in which a plurality of keys are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 20, the key input device 12 has twelve main keys 21 to 32 arranged in the upper and lower four columns and three columns arranged in the main key area 20 substantially at the center.
And ten function keys 551 to 560 arranged in a function key area 550 provided in a “U” shape around the main key area 20.

Main keys 21 to 32 and function keys 551 to 551
In 560, each character and function are set as in the second embodiment. That is, each of the main keys 21 to 32
Numerical keys used for inputting numbers are set above the key tops. The standard positions of the key tops of the main keys 21 to 32 are alphabets used for inputting Japanese or Roman characters in Japanese or English. Are set, and a symbol key is set below the key top of each of the main keys 21 to 32.

Here, the arrangement of the character keys of the main keys 21 to 32 is such that vowel keys 21 to 25 are set on the upper side, and the vowel keys 2 for Roman alphabet input are set below the vowel keys 21 to 25.
Consonant keys 26 to 32 for inputting “KA row” to “WA row” by being combined with 1 to 25 are arranged in order from the upper side.

Specifically, as a character arrangement, each of the main keys 21 to 25 has "A", "I",
“U”, “E”, and “O” are arranged as the first character keys. This arrangement includes left to right and first to second
As you go down the steps, "A", "I", "U", "E",
The letter "O" is set in consideration of the ease of remembering the character.

On the other hand, each of the keys 27 to 32 has, as the first character key, "K", "S",
The consonant keys “T”, “N”, “H”, and “R” are arranged, and the key 26 is arranged with a consonant key “Y”.
These arrays contain "ka" rows, "sa" rows, "ta" rows,
The "na" line, the "ha" line, the "ra" line, and the "ya" line are arranged so that the consonants are arranged in the order of akasatana. On the main keys 32 and 26, consonant keys "M" and "W" are arranged as second character keys.
This arrangement is such that the remaining “ma” and “wa” rows are arranged.

The main keys 27 to 29, 31
As the second character keys, “G”, “Z”, “D”,
Each consonant key of "B" is arranged. That is,
The consonants "G", "Z", "D", and "B" that input the "ga" line, "za" line, "da" line, and "ba" line are Kiyone "ka" lines,
"K" to input "sa" line, "ta" line, "ha" line,
The sounds are set so as to correspond to “S”, “T”, and “H”, and are arranged so that the clear sounds correspond to the dull sounds.

[0170] The main key key 31 set with "H" and "B" for inputting the "ha" line and the "ba" line includes:
"P" for inputting "@" line as the third character key
Is set, so that the input of the "@" line can be performed easily and with good operability.

In the case of inputting a Roman character, the key 30 in which "N" for inputting the "na" line is set is a sound-repellent "n".
It is also used as a key for inputting.

Further, the vowel keys 21 and 24 to which "A" and "E" are set are the long letter "-" and "-" as the second character keys.
The prompting sound “tsu” is a set long tone setting vowel key and a prompting sound setting vowel key, respectively.

In the main keys 26 to 29, "X", "F", "J", and "V" are set as third character keys, respectively. In the main key 30, "C" is set as a second character key in the English input mode, and "Q" is set as a third character key. Further, “L” is set in the main key 32 as a third character key.

Therefore, the 26 letters of the alphabet are the same as in the first and second embodiments, and the vowels "A" and "I" are assigned to five of the twelve main keys 21 to 32 out of the twelve main keys 21 to 32. , "U", "E", and "O" are set alone, and the other main keys 26 to 32 are set with three other 21 characters. Specifically, "YWX" is assigned to the main key 26, "KGF" is assigned to the main key 27, "SZJ" is assigned to the main key 28, and "TD" is assigned to the main key 29.
V, "NCQ" for the main key 30, "HBP" for the main key 31, and "RML" for the main key 32, respectively.

Each of the main keys 21 is arranged as a numeric array.
On the upper side of the key tops of No. to No. 32, the numbers “7”, “8”, “9”, “4”, “5”, which are input when each of the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed in the number mode described later, "6",
"1", "2", "3", "0", comma ",", and period "." Are set.

Further, below the key tops of the main keys 21 to 32, various symbols to be input at the time of a symbol input operation described later are set. Specifically, the main key 21
The symbols “(”, “｛”, “”, “<”, “＠”, “￥”,
"!", "-", "/", ".", ".", "," Are respectively set, and symbols ")", "@" are provided in the lower center of the key tops of the main keys 21 to 32. , "", ">",
"*", "&", "?", "+",
"%", ":", ".", "," Are set respectively,
The symbols "'", "", "＾", "２", "#", "＄",
“|”, “=”, “＼”, “;”, “_”, “〜” Are respectively set.

Next, the input processing function of the key input device 12 having the above-described key arrangement will be described. Also in the present embodiment, a key input detecting means 101 and a key input processing means 102 as shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment are provided, and the main keys 21 to 32 and the function keys 51 to 60 are provided.
Is detected, and a predetermined keying signal (characters, numerals, etc.) corresponding to the input key operation is generated.

As shown in FIGS. 21 to 24, the timing of generating the keying signal is as follows: when the main key (character key) or function key is pressed alone (FIGS. 21 and 22), when a plurality of function keys or The main key is divided into four types depending on whether the key is pressed in combination (FIGS. 23 and 24) and the moment when the key is pressed or released.

That is, each operation shown in FIG. 21 is performed by the main keys (character keys) 21 to 32 and the function keys 551 to 557.
Is set to generate a keystroke signal when is pressed alone. When the function keys 553 to 557 are pressed, if the key is pressed for a predetermined time or more, an auto-repeat function is activated, and the function set for the pressed function key is repeated. For example, with the function key 553 (BS key), characters and symbols input on the screen are sequentially and sequentially erased while the key is kept pressed. When the function keys 554 to 557 are continuously pressed for a set time or longer, the cursor moves in the directions indicated by the keys 554 to 557 within the time when the function keys 554 to 557 are kept pressed.

When the main keys (character keys) 21 to 32 in which a plurality of character keys are arranged are continuously pressed, the characters arranged in the character keys are periodically inputted. Note that when characters set to the same key are continuously input, that is, when another character key cannot be input and confirmed, function keys 555 (→) and 558 shown in FIG.
The user may press (Enter key) or 559 (Alt key) to delimit the input and confirm the input. For example, when inputting “zs”, as shown in FIG. 26, after pressing the “S” key 28 twice, pressing the Alt key 559 to confirm the input of “z”, and further pressing the key 28, It is sufficient to input the second "s". When inputting “ss”, as shown in FIG. 27, after pressing the “S” key 28 once, pressing the Alt key 559 to confirm the input of “s”, and pressing the key 28 to
It is sufficient to input the second "s".

Each of the function keys 555, 558, 559
As shown in FIG. 25, in each operating environment in which the key input device 12 is used, a key for which no character / symbol input is set is selected. Therefore, the appropriate function keys 555, 558, and 559 may be used as delimiter keys according to the environment of the personal computer 10 in which the key input device 12 is used.

The three keys (Shift key 560, Alt key 559, and Enter key 558) shown in FIG. 22 do not generate a keystroke signal when the key is pressed alone, but are generated when the key is released. Is set to This is because these keys are often combined with other keys as shown in FIGS.

Each of the operations shown in FIG. 23 is set so that a keystroke signal is generated when a subsequent key is pressed among operations to be performed by combining a plurality of keys. At this time, when the main keys 21 to 32 and the like are pressed alone (the example in FIG. 21).
23 is distinguished from the case where the key is pressed in combination with the other keys in FIG.
When the S key 553, the cursor keys 554 to 557, and the main keys 21 to 32 are combined with other keys (Shift key 560, Alt key 559, Enter key 558), other keys (Shift key 560,
Alt key 559 and Enter key 558) must be pressed first. However, although the pressing order is determined, the order in which the keys are released does not matter.

Each of the operations shown in FIG. 24 is set so that a keystroke signal is generated when two or more keys including the last input key are released among the operations of inputting a combination of a plurality of keys. I have. That is, the characters output from the main keys 21 to 32 in which a plurality of characters are set change depending on the number of times of pressing. For this reason, when the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed, it cannot be determined whether or not the key is subsequently pressed again, so that the input cannot be confirmed. Therefore, when these main keys 21 to 32 are simultaneously pressed in combination with other keys, a tap signal is generated when two or more keys including the main keys 21 to 32 are released. . At this time, the order of releasing the keys does not matter.

Next, a specific input operation in the key input device 12 for performing the above input processing will be described. In the character input mode of the key input device 12, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, "direct input" in which alphabets, numbers, hiragana and katakana are directly input by pressing the main keys 21 to 32, and "Japanese" which enables input of kanji in addition to hiragana, katakana, numbers and alphabets Input system ". Switching between these two inputs is performed by the mode switching unit 103 by pressing the function key 552 (Kana key) while pressing the function key 559 (Alt key).

Note that the Alt key 559 is the Alt key 5
59, main keys 21 to 32, function keys 551 to 55
By pressing 8 simultaneously, a symbol set below the key top of each key can be input, and various functions can be executed. Therefore, “Kanji” representing the function of switching between direct input and the Japanese input system is written below the key top of the function key 552.
It can be understood that the input can be switched by simultaneously pressing the key 52 (the kana key) and the function key 559 (the Alt key).

The input modes in the direct input and Japanese input systems include a "kana mode", a "numeric mode", and an "alphabet mode". Switching between these modes is set by the mode switching means 103 by an operation as shown in FIG. Further, the mode indicators 161 to 163 formed on the surface of the key input device 12 are turned on and off when the respective modes are switched. That is, the indicator lamp (Alpha) 161 lights up in the “alphabet mode”, the indicator lamp (Num Lock) 163 lights up in the “numerical mode”, and the indicator lamp (Caps Lock) 162 in the “capital mode” described later. Lights up.

Switching from another mode to the “Kana mode (Hiragana mode)” is performed by pressing the Kana key 552 once. That is, the kana key 552 is pressed once from the "numerical mode" to the "kana mode". At this time, the indicator light
(Num Lock) 163 goes out. Also, switching from the “alphabet mode” to the “kana mode” requires pressing the kana key 552
Press twice to do. At this time, the indicator light 161 (Alpha) turns off. Note that when the Kana key 552 is pressed in the Kana mode, the mode switches between “Hiragana mode” and “Katakana mode”.

Switching from another mode to the alphabet mode is performed by pressing the alphanumeric key 551 once or twice. That is, switching from the "kana mode" to the "alphabet mode" is performed by pressing the alphanumeric key 551 twice. At this time, the indicator light (Alpha) 1
61 also lights up at the same time. Switching from the "numerical mode" to the "alphabet mode" is performed by pressing the alphanumeric key 551 once. At this time, the indicator light (Num Lock) 163 is turned off, and the indicator light (Alpha) 161 is turned on.

Further, switching from another mode to the numeric mode is performed by pressing the alphanumeric key 551 once. That is, the alphanumeric key 551 is pressed once from the "kana mode" to the "numeric mode". At this time, an indicator light (Num Lock)
163 lights up. Further, from the "alphabet mode" to the "numerical mode", the alphanumeric key 551 is pressed once. At this time, the indicator (Alpha) 161 turns off and the indicator (Num Loc)
k) 163 lights up.

The function key 560 is used to switch between full-width and half-width.
This is performed by pressing the function key 552 (Kana key) while holding down the (Shift key). Therefore, the function key 552
On the upper side of the key top of (Kana key), “half-width” is written.

Switching between lowercase and uppercase letters is performed by pressing the function key 551 (alphanumeric key) while pressing the function key 560 (Shift key). The function key 560 (Shift key) is depressed by pressing the function key 560 (Shift key), the main keys 21 to 32 and the function keys 551 to 558 at the same time, contrary to the function key 559 (Alt key). It is set so that a number set on the upper side of the key top can be input and various functions can be executed. Therefore, “Caps (C)” which indicates switching between lowercase and uppercase letters is displayed above the key top of the function key 551.
apsLock) ", and it can be understood that the input can be switched by simultaneously pressing the function key 551 (alphanumeric key) and the function key 560 (Shift key). Specifically, when the function key 551 (alphanumeric key) is pressed while the function key 560 (Shift key) is pressed in the lowercase mode, the indicator light 162 is turned on, the mode is shifted to the uppercase mode, and the function is performed in the uppercase mode. Key 560 (Shift
When the function key 551 (alphanumeric key) is pressed while holding down the (key), the indicator light 162 turns off and the mode shifts to the English character mode.

FIG. 29 summarizes the above input modes and the switching between full-width half-width, lower-case and upper-case.

The input of characters, numbers, and symbols in the key input device 12 is specifically performed as follows. [Kana mode (Hiragana mode / Katakana mode)] In the Hiragana mode, when the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed, Hiragana is input by inputting Roman characters. That is, if the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed once, a vowel is input, and if the consonant keys 26 to 32 and the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed, “consonant +
A vowel is used to input hiragana characters in Roman characters.

In the katakana mode, the main keys 21 to 3
When 2 is pressed, katakana is input by romaji input as in the hiragana mode.

In the hiragana mode and the katakana mode,
When a vowel key 21 to 25 is pressed, the vowel is input. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, when the vowel keys (I, U, O) 22, 23, and 25 are continuously pressed two or more times, the alphabet (vowel) is continuously input. On the other hand, when the long sound setting vowel key 21 and the prompting sound setting vowel key 24 are continuously pressed twice or more, FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, a long sound and a prompt sound are input according to conditions.

That is, the vowel key (I, U, E, O) 2
2 to 25 and function keys (BS, ←, →) 553 to 555
After the key is pressed, or after the function key 560 (Shift key) and the function key 553 (BS key) are simultaneously pressed, the long tone setting vowel key 21 is continuously pressed twice or more, as shown in FIG. Is entered. Specifically, when the long vowel setting vowel key 21 is pressed twice consecutively after another vowel or the like, a long vowel "-" is input, and when pressed three times in succession, "vowel + long vowel", that is, "a-" Is entered. Further, when the button is pressed four times in a row, “long sound + vowel (−a)” is input, and 5
When the button is pressed twice consecutively, "long sound + vowel + long sound (-a-)" is input. When the button is pressed six times in succession, the state returns to the state where the button is pressed once.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
After typing ~ 32 or entering letters, numbers, and symbols,
Alternatively, in a kana input state after a function key (BS, ←, →) 553-555 or a function key other than “Shift key 560 + BS key 553” is input, a long tone setting vowel key 2
When "1" is pressed twice consecutively, "vowel + vowel (aa)" is input. When it is pressed three consecutive times, "vowel + long sound (a-)" is input. + Long sound + vowel (aa) "is input. When the button is pressed five times in succession, the state returns to the state where the button is pressed once.

As shown in FIG. 36, vowel keys (A, I, U, O) 21 to 23 and 25 and function keys (B
(S, ←, →) After the keys 553 to 555 are pressed, or after the “Shift key 560 + BS key 553” is pressed, pressing the prompt sound setting vowel key 24 twice consecutively results in “ltu
(Converted to a prompt by Roman alphabet input, "tsu") is input. If pressed three times in a row, "eltu (converted to" e ")" is input. Return to the pressed state.

Further, as shown in FIG.
After typing 6 to 32, after inputting alphabetic characters, numbers and symbols, or function keys (BS, ←, →) 553 to 555
In the state of inputting a kana after a function key other than “Shift key 560 + BS key 553” has been input, pressing the prompt sound setting vowel key 24 twice in succession results in “ee (converted to“ e ”)”. Entered and pressed three times in a row, "eltu (" e
"E" (converted to "e") is input, and when pressed four times in succession, "eeltu" (converted to "e") is input.
When the button is pressed five times in succession, the state returns to the state where the button is pressed once.

In FIGS. 30 and 31, the number [5]
To [8] and [19] to [20] are examples in which the long sound setting vowel key 21 and the prompt sound setting vowel key 24 are input after other vowel keys and the like shown in FIGS. ~
[4] and [16] to [18] are shown in FIGS.
In this example, a long sound setting vowel key 21 and a prompt sound setting vowel key 24 are input after a consonant key or the like.

In each of the consonant keys 26 to 32, three consonants of the first to third characters are set, respectively. Pressing each of the keys 26 to 32 one to three times selects and inputs them. Have been able to. That is, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, when pressed once, the character on the left side of each key top becomes
Press twice to enter the center character, and press three times to enter the right character. Further, when the button is pressed four times, the state returns to the state of pressing once (input of characters on the left side).

However, in the kana mode, even if the consonant key 30 to which "N" is set is pressed twice or three times, "C, Q"
Is not input, and as shown in the numbers [13] to [15] in FIG. 33, "n" is input when the key is pressed once, and "nn" is input when the key is pressed twice. Is converted to “n + n” by inputting “nnn” by being pressed three times. When the key 30 is also pressed four times in succession, the state in which the main key 30 is pressed once is returned. When the main key 30 is hit once,
Basically, "n" is input, but if a main key other than a vowel is pressed after the main key 30,
Converted to "n".

Further, in the kana mode, the shift key 56
When 0 is pressed in combination with the main keys 21 to 32, as shown in FIGS. 30 to 33, the mode is temporarily switched to the alphabet mode, and the uppercase alphabet is directly input. At this time, even when the key 30 is pressed one to three times, each alphabet (N, C, Q) is sequentially input similarly to the other keys. When CapsLock is valid (in case of the uppercase mode), the main key 21 is held while pressing the Shift key 560.
Pressing ~ 32 will temporarily switch to alphabet mode,
Lowercase alphabets are entered directly.

When the vowel keys 21 to 25 are continuously pressed two or more times while pressing the Shift key 560, each vowel is continuously input.

When the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed while pressing the Shift key 560, as shown in FIG.
The character key pressed just before the ift key 560 is released is input.

[Alphabet mode] When the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed in the alphabet mode, each alphabet is input as shown in FIGS. At this time, when the vowel keys 21 to 25 are continuously pressed twice or more, the alphabet is repeatedly input.

On the other hand, when the consonant keys 26 to 32 are pressed once, the character on the left of each key top is input, when pressed twice, the central character is input, and when pressed three times, the character on the right is input. When the button is pressed four times, the state returns to the state where the button is pressed once.

[0209] Uppercase and lowercase letters can be input by switching the input mode first. However, when uppercase letters and lowercase letters are mixed as in a normal English sentence, the operation becomes complicated. For this reason, in the present embodiment, in the alphabet mode, by pressing the main keys 21 to 32 while pressing the function key 560 (Shift key), it is possible to switch between uppercase and lowercase characters and input.

Specifically, when Capslock is enabled (upper case mode), the main key 2 is pressed while pressing the Shift key 560.
Press 1-32 to enter lowercase letters, Shift key 56
If the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed without pressing 0, uppercase letters are input. Conversely, when Capslock is disabled (lower case mode), the main keys 21 to 3 are held while pressing the Shift key 560.
When 2 is pressed, uppercase letters are input, and when the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed without pressing the Shift key 560, lowercase letters are input.

[Numerical Mode] In the numeric mode, when the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed, as shown in FIGS. 30 to 33, the numbers written above the respective keys 21 to 32 and ","
”And“. ”Are input. If pressed multiple times,
The number of times each number is pressed is entered.

Note that numerals are often entered in sentences such as Japanese and English, and in that case, switching the input mode makes the operation complicated. For this reason, in the kana mode or the alphabet mode, by pressing the main keys 21 to 32 while pressing the function key 558 (Ener key), the numbers written above the respective keys 21 to 32 and ",", "." You can enter it. At this time, if the main keys 21 to 32 are continuously pressed twice or more while pressing the Enter key 558, each number is continuously input. Also, Enter key 5
When the different main keys 21 to 32 are continuously pressed while pressing 58, the upper numbers of the respective keys 21 to 32,
"," And "." Can be input continuously.

Further, when the key input device 12 of the present invention is used to input data using spreadsheet software, it is possible to easily input four arithmetic symbols (/, *,-, +). It is convenient to have. Therefore, in the key input device 2 of the present embodiment, by operating a jumper switch or the like in the device, each of the cursor keys 554 to 557 can be used as an arithmetic operation symbol in the numeric mode. For example, "/" can be set for the key 554, "*" for the key 555, "-" for the key 556, and "+" for the key 557. Thus, input operability with spreadsheet software and calculator functions can be further improved.

[Input of Symbol] The mode for inputting a symbol is not set, but in any of the kana mode, the alphabet mode and the numeric mode, the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed while pressing the function key 559 (Alt key). That is, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 33, a symbol below the key top of each of the main keys 21 to 32 can be input.

That is, when the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed once while pressing the Alt key 559, the symbol at the lower left of the key top of the key is input. When the main keys 21 to 32 are continuously pressed twice while pressing the Alt key 559, a symbol at the lower center of the key top of the key is input. While holding down the Alt key 559, press the main key 2
When the keys 1 to 32 are continuously pressed three times, the symbol on the lower right side of the key top of the key is input. When the main keys 21 to 32 are continuously pressed four times while pressing the Alt key 559,
The state returns to the state where the key is pressed once.

In each of the above modes, the main key 21
-32 alone, when pressed with Shift key 560, when pressed with Enter key 558, Alt
FIG. 38 summarizes the input processing when pressed together with the key 559.

In the key input device 12, key operations for executing various functions that can be input when using a general keyboard, including the above-described various mode switching operations, are also set. FIGS. 39 and 40 show the correspondence between the function operation on a general keyboard and the function operation on the key input device 12 of the present embodiment. Since the key input device 12 has a small number of keys, the functions of a general keyboard cannot be realized with only a single key. For this reason, in addition to the case where each of the function keys 551 to 560 is pressed alone, various functions are executed even when the function keys 559 (Alt key) and the function key 560 (Shift key) are pressed in combination. Is set to

When each of the function keys 551 to 560 is pressed alone, the function displayed on the key top of each of the keys 551 to 560 operates. For example, the alphanumeric key 551 is pressed when shifting to the numeric mode or when switching between the numeric mode and the alphabet mode, and the kana key 552 is switched to the kana mode (at the time of the numeric mode or the alphabet mode), or between the hiragana mode and the katakana mode. The key is pressed when switching between modes (in the kana mode) ((1) to (4) in FIG. 39). Function keys 554 to 557 are assigned as cursor movement keys ((6) to (9) in FIG. 39).

Further, function keys 553, 558, 559,
560 are input as functions of “Back Space”, “Enter”, “previous candidate”, and “Space / convert” ((5), (10) to (12) in FIG. 39).

[Conversion / Next Candidate / Previous Candidate] Shift key 56
Kana-Kanji conversion by 0 is performed before entering characters or numbers (Enter
The function works when the Shift key 560 is pressed and released alone before the key 558 is determined), and the input characters and numbers are appropriately converted into kanji and kanji. Shift key 5
Pressing 60 selects the next candidate for kana-kanji conversion. If the Alt key 559 is pressed and released alone before the character or number is determined, a candidate before conversion is selected. Each of these candidates is determined by pressing the Enter key 558 or inputting another character key. In addition, since numbers are given to the conversion list candidates, a numeric key (Enter key 5
58 + Main keys 21-32).

The Shift key 560 further has a space input function as described above. Specifically, when directly inputting or when the Shift key 560 is pressed and released alone without any undetermined characters, a space is input. In this case, if the shift key 560 is pressed and then depressed for a certain period of time, for example, more than 2 seconds, a space is continuously input (auto-repeat). That is, if another key is pressed within a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) after the Shift key 560 is pressed, the shift function operates. Conversely, if no other key is pressed within a certain time,
If there is an undetermined character, the conversion function works, and if there is no undetermined character, the space input function works.

When the function keys 551 to 560 are the Alt key 55
9. When pressed in combination with the Shift key 560 or the main keys 21 to 32, the function or symbol displayed above or below the key top is input. For example, function keys 560 (Shift key) are function keys 551 to 553
By pressing in combination with the function displayed on the upper side of the key top (switching Capslock, switching full-width / half-width, De
lete) ((14)-of Fig. 39)
(16)). Furthermore, the function key 560 and the main key 21
When you press in combination with ~ 32, the uppercase letter set for that character key is entered in Kana mode, and the letter in the reverse mode to the uppercase or lowercase mode set in Capslock in Alphabet mode Is entered. That is, if Capslock is valid, lowercase letters are entered with Shift key 560 + Main keys 21-32, and if Capslock is invalid, uppercase letters are entered ((1) in FIG. 39).
3)).

When the function key 559 (Alt key) is pressed in combination with the main keys 21 to 32, a symbol key displayed below the key top is input according to the number of times of tapping (see FIG. 39 (17) to (19)), when pressed in combination with other function keys 551 to 557 and 560, respectively, “Tab”, “Alt + Kanji (on / off of Japanese input system)”, “Esc” , Home, En
It functions as “d”, “Page Up”, “Page Down”, and “Alt” ((20) to (27) in FIG. 40). Note that the “Alt” function using the Alt key 559 + Shift key 560 can be performed by pressing “Alt” alone on a general 106 keyboard.
For example, it can be used to open a Windows (registered trademark) menu.

Further, the function key 559 (Alt key) is
When pressed in combination with the function keys 558 (Enter key) and 560 (Shift key), shortcut functions (“Ctrl” + “character key”, “Al
t "+" Ctrl "+" character key "), function functions (" F1 "to" F12 "), forced termination, and the like ((28) to (31) in FIG. 40).

[Function Input / Shortcut Input] In a general personal computer or the like, a function key such as "F1, F2, F3..." In which various functions are set is provided at the top of the keyboard. In addition, by pressing the “control (Ctrl) key” and the “character key” at the same time for frequently used functions in each application (for example, Ct
rl + S) A shortcut function set to be executable may be provided.

In this embodiment, in order to realize such a function, the function key 559 (Alt key) and the function key 55
While pressing 8 (Enter key) (selecting the Fn: function key function described below the Enter key 558) and pressing each main key 21 to 32, the number of each main key 21 to 32 is changed. Correspondingly, functions "F1 to F12" can be input. This allows
By assigning a predetermined function to F1 to F12, the function can be easily executed. Note that F1 to F
9 is Alt key 559 + Enter key 558 + "1"-
Entered with "9" (keys 21 to 29), F10 is Alt
Key 559 + Enter key 558 + "0" (Main key 3
0), F11 is input by Alt key 559 + Enter key 558+ “,” (main key 31), and F1 is input.
2 is set so as to be input by the Alt key 559 + Enter key 558+ “.” (Main key 32).

[0227] Shortcut input is performed using the function key 5
Hold down the 59 (Alt key) and the function key 560 (Shift key) while holding down the key (Ctr written below the Shift key 560).
l: Select the control key function) and press each of the main keys 21-32 to get "Ctrl + alphabet" (for example, Ctrl +
The function of S) works so that various functions can be easily executed. Alt key 559 + Shift key 560
When each of the main keys 26 to 32 is continuously pressed two or more times while pressing, “Ctrl + English character” in alphabetical characters corresponding to the number of times is input. As described above, the key determination in this case occurs when two or more keys including the character keys are released. Alt key 559 + Shift key 5
If another character key is pressed while pressing 60, the previously pressed character key is ignored.

Furthermore, Alt key 559 + Shift key 56
While pressing 0 + Enter key 558, each main key 21-
Pressing "32" activates the function "Alt + Ctrl + alphabet". Also, Alt key 559 + Shift key 560 + Enter
While pressing key 558, press each main key 26-32
When pressed continuously more than once, "Alt + Ctrl + English" is input in alphabetical characters corresponding to the number of times pressed. Key determination in this case also occurs when two or more keys including character keys are released. Alt key 559 + Shift key 560 +
If you press another character key while pressing the Enter key 558,
Previously pressed character keys are ignored.

According to this embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the long vowel "-"
A second character key for inputting a prompt sound "tsu" is set for the key 24.
If the user presses 1, 24 two to five times consecutively, the key input processing means 102 can output a character string including the long sound "-" and the prompting sound "tsu". "-" And the prompt "tsu" can be input easily, and the character input efficiency can be improved. In particular, the long sound setting vowel key 21 and the prompting sound setting vowel key 24 are input depending on whether they are input after another vowel key or the like, or after a consonant key, that is, the arrangement of character strings in Japanese input. In consideration of the above, the combination of the output character strings is changed, so that the character input efficiency can be further improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the same effects as 2) to 21) of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

22) Further, as shown in FIGS.
When the function keys 551 to 560 and the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed in combination, the key input is determined when each key is pressed or released according to the combination. The input can be definitely determined according to the input operation, and also in this respect, the input operability can be further improved.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes other configurations capable of achieving the object of the present invention, and the following modifications are also included in the present invention.
For example, the key input device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the key input devices 500 and 12 for the mobile phone 1 and the personal computer.
The present invention may be applied to a calculator, an electronic organizer, a portable personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a remote controller for inputting characters and the like on a screen of a TV receiver, changing a channel, a remote controller for an Internet TV, and the like. For example, FIGS.
When the present invention is applied to the calculator 70 as shown in FIG. 7, various function keys 751 to 763 necessary for the calculator 70 are provided around keys 721 to 732 on which characters and numbers are set.
May be used.

At this time, the layout of the character keys of the vowels and consonants of the calculator 70 and the layout of the numeric keys are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. However, as shown in FIG.
As for the notation of the key top of 732, the number is described in the upper row,
The letters are listed below.

Further, each of the function keys 751 to 763 is configured so that each function described on each key, such as a calculator function and a character input function, can be realized. According to the calculator 70 having such a key input device, 1) of each of the embodiments described above.
In addition to the same effects as in (20), a calculator function can be realized.

As shown in FIG. 43, a key input device 8 for inputting characters or the like on the screen of the TV receiver or the like.
00 may be applied to the present invention. In short, the key input device of the present invention can be applied to various devices that require character input such as a calculator 70.
Since numbers and English can be input, it is suitable for an input device of various small information devices.

Further, the key input devices 500 and 12 according to the second and third embodiments are set so as to be able to input Japanese, but as shown in FIG. It may be. This key input device 6
In 00, main keys 21 to 32 and function keys 651 to 660 in which functions for inputting English are set are provided. The main keys 21 to 32 do not have a long tone “-” set on the key 21, do not set the prompting sound “tsu” on the key 24, and have a part of the symbols different (the symbols provided only in the Japanese key code are English). Are changed to the key input devices 500 and 12. In addition, each function key 6
The functions 51 to 660 are the same as the functions of the function keys 551 to 560 of the key input device 500 in the alphabet mode, such as the repeat function of the feed key 665. Also in the case of the key input device 600, the second and third keys are used.
An effect similar to that of the embodiment can be obtained.

The keys to which the long sound “-” and the prompting sound “tsu” are set include the vowel key 21 to which “A” and “E” are set,
For example, any of the other vowel keys 22, 23, and 25 to which "I", "U", and "O" are set may be used. However, it is possible to improve the input operability by setting the long sound "-" and the prompting sound "tsu" to the keys "A" and "E", which are rarely continuously hit in Japanese Roman alphabet input. It is preferred in that respect.

Further, in the above embodiment, the vowel key 21
Although the long character "-" and the prompting sound "tsu" are both set as the second character keys of ~ 25, only one of them is set as the second character key of the vowel keys 21-25. Is also good.

Further, the key 30 is set as a key for inputting the sound-repelling “n”. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
Any of the keys 21 to 29, 31, and 32 other than the key 30 may be set as a key for inputting the sound-repelling “n”. In addition, the number of keystrokes for outputting “n” or “nN” may be set as appropriate. However, tapping the key 30 to which “N” is set twice to input the sound repelling “n” is based on the Roman character input on a conventional general keyboard. It is preferable that the setting be made because the input operability can be improved.

The shape of the key input device on which the main keys and the function keys are arranged is, for example, a fan-like shape in which the keys are arranged along an outer shape in which five fingers of the right hand are open, or a left-handed one. The present invention also includes those which are conscious of the use of, those having a different shape, and those having a shape partially including a curve.

In the above embodiment, the main keys 21 to 32 and the function keys 51 to 60, 551 to 560 are arranged in the same manner as the main keys 21 to 32.
25 is arranged on the upper side, consonant keys 26 to 32 are arranged on the lower side,
Although the function keys 51 to 60 and 551 to 560 surround the periphery of the main keys 21 to 32 in a U-shape, the present invention is not limited to this, and corresponds to the ease of movement of the five fingers of the right hand. Then, for example, the function key 58 (Enter key), the function key 5
9 (Alt key) and a function key 60 (Shift key) are arranged in a line on the lower left side, and the main keys 21 to 32,
The present invention includes those in which the function keys 51 to 60 and 551 to 560 are radially arranged.

Further, the arrangement of the character keys, symbols, and numbers shown on the key tops of the main key keys 21 to 32 and the function keys 51 to 60, 551 to 560 is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment. The keys may be arranged not on the upper side but on the lower side, the left and right ends, and the like, and these may be appropriately set in implementation. Further, the number of main keys and function keys is not limited to the above-described embodiment.
The number of consonant keys may be six or less, eight or more, and the number of function keys may be nine or less or eleven or more.
These may be appropriately set in consideration of the characteristics and size of the input device to which the present invention is applied.

Further, the character keys, symbols, and numbers shown on the key tops of the main key keys 21 to 32 and the function keys 51 to 60 and 551 to 560 are also determined by the language of the model or region where the key is incorporated. More specifically, vowels with umlato used in German, accent marks in French, and the like may be set.

[0244]

As described above, according to the key input device of the present invention, even when the number of keys is small, frequently inputting a long tone "-" or a prompt sound "tsu" can be easily performed when inputting Japanese. And the character input efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a key input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of a main key area of the key input device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an input processing procedure by the key input device of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a key input operation in Japanese input.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a key input operation in Japanese input using a long sound setting vowel key.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a key input operation in Japanese input using a prompt sound setting vowel key.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a key input operation in function input.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a key input operation in English input.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of a main part of a key input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an input mode switching operation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an input mode switching operation including a full-width mode and a half-width mode in the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing functions of a general keyboard corresponding to function keys in the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an input in a kana mode according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an input in a kana mode according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating input of a long sound setting vowel key and a prompt sound setting vowel key in the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an input in an alphabetic mode and a numeric mode in the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating input in an alphabet mode and a number mode in the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a main key input process corresponding to each input mode in the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is an overall view showing a personal computer using a key input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of the key input device of the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the timing of generation of a keying signal in the key input device of the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the timing of generation of a keystroke signal in the key input device of the third embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the timing of generation of a keystroke signal in the key input device of the third embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating timing of generation of a key-stroke signal in the key input device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delimiter key according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a character input confirmation operation when the same key is hit in the third embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a character input confirmation operation when the same key is hit in the third embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an input mode switching operation in the third embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an input mode switching operation including a full-width mode and a half-width mode in the third embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an input operation of a vowel key and an output thereof in each input mode in the third embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an input operation of a vowel key and an output thereof in each input mode in the third embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an input operation of a consonant key and an output thereof in each input mode in the third embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an input operation of a consonant key and an output thereof in each input mode in the third embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating output character codes with respect to the number of times of input of a long tone setting vowel key in the third embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating another example of an output character code with respect to the number of times of input of a long tone setting vowel key in the third embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an output character code with respect to the number of times of input of a prompt sound setting vowel key in the third embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating another example of an output character code with respect to the number of times of input of a prompt sound setting vowel key in the third embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing functions by a combination of a main key and a function key in each mode in the third embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing functions of a general keyboard corresponding to function keys in the third embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing functions of a general keyboard corresponding to function keys in the third embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing a calculator to which a key input device according to a modification of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 42 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of a main part of the key input device of the modified example.

FIG. 43 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of a key input device according to another modification of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of a key input device according to another modification of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cellular phone 2,12,500,600,800 Key input device (key input part) 5,14 Liquid crystal display 20 Main key area 50 Function key area 21-32 Main key 21-25 Vowel key with vowel set 26- 32 a consonant key in which a consonant is set 21 a long sound setting vowel key in which a long sound "-" is set as a second character key 24 a prompt sound setting vowel key in which a prompt sound "tsu" is set as a second character key Input detection means 102 Key input processing means 103 Mode switching means 104 Screen control means 51-62, 551-560, 651-660, 751
~ 763 function keys

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/02 310-320 G06F 3/023 G06F 17/22

Claims (17)

(57) [Claims] 1. A computer system comprising at least five keys each of which is individually set with character keys for inputting alphabets "A", "I", "U", "E", and "O" representing vowels. Key input detecting means for detecting how many times the key has been hit, and key input processing means for outputting a character key in accordance with the number of times the key has been pressed. One of the vowel keys is a long vowel key in which a second character key for inputting a long vowel "-" is set, and the key input processing means determines that the long vowel key is one. When the key is pressed once, the vowel set in the long tone setting vowel key is output. When the long tone setting vowel key is hit twice in succession, a long tone "-" is output. When the set vowel key is hit three times in a row The key input apparatus characterized by being configured to output said set vowel and a long vowel "over" the long sound setting vowel key in the order of "the vowel + long sound". 2. A computer system comprising at least five keys each of which is individually set with character keys for inputting alphabets "A", "I", "U", "E", and "O" representing vowels. Key input detecting means for detecting how many times the key has been hit, and key input processing means for outputting a character key in accordance with the number of times the key has been pressed. One of the vowel keys is a long vowel key in which a second character key for inputting a long vowel "-" is set, and the key input processing means determines that the long vowel key is one. When the key is pressed once, the vowel set in the long sound setting vowel key is output. When the long sound setting vowel key is hit twice in succession, the vowel set in the long sound setting vowel key is output. To "vowel +
If the long vowel key is pressed three times in succession, the vowel set in the long vowel key and the long vowel "-" are output as "vowel + long vowel". The key input device is configured to output in the order of "." 3. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the key input processing unit is configured to press any one of four vowel keys other than the long vowel key. Later, when the long vowel key is pressed once, the vowel set to the vowel key and the vowel set to the long vowel key are combined with the vowel set to the vowel + long vowel key. In the case where the long vowel key is continuously pressed twice after any one of the four vowel keys other than the long vowel key is pressed, The vowel set as the vowel key and the long vowel "-" are output in the order of "vowel + long vowel", and after any one of the four vowel keys other than the long vowel key is pressed, The long vowel key is pressed three times in a row In this case, the vowel set in the vowel key and the vowel and long sound "-" set in the long vowel key are set in the order of "vowel + long sound set in the vowel + long vowel key". A key input device configured to output. 4. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein, in addition to the five keys in which vowels are set,
A plurality of consonant keys in which characters representing the 21 consonants of the alphabet are set are set, and the key input processing means is configured to execute the long consonant setting vowel key once after the consonant key is pressed. The consonant set in the consonant key and the vowel set in the long vowel setting vowel key are output in the order of “consonant + vowel”, and after the consonant key is pressed, the long setting vowel key continues. If the consonant key has been pressed twice, the consonant set in the consonant key and the vowel set in the long vowel setting vowel key are output in the order of "consonant + vowel + vowel". When the prolonged vowel key is pressed three times in succession after being performed, the consonant set for the consonant key and the vowel and prolonged "-" set for the prolonged vowel key are referred to as "consonants". + Vowel + prolonged sound ” Key input apparatus characterized by being configured to. 5. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the key input processing means is configured to execute the long tone setting vowel when the long tone setting vowel key is hit four times in succession. The vowel set to the key and the long vowel "-" are output in the order of "long vowel + vowel". If the long vowel key is pressed five times in succession, it is set to the long vowel key. A key input device configured to output a vowel and a long vowel "-" in the order of "long vowel + vowel + long vowel". 6. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the key input processing means is configured to execute the long tone setting vowel when the long tone setting vowel key is hit four times consecutively. A key input device configured to output a vowel set to a key and a long vowel "-" in the order of "vowel + long vowel + vowel". 7. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the second character key for inputting the long sound “−” is a key for inputting “A” and an input for “E”. A key input device, wherein the key input device is set on one of the keys. 8. At least five keys, each of which is individually set with character keys for inputting alphabets "A", "I", "U", "E" and "O" representing vowels, are provided. Key input detecting means for detecting how many times the key has been hit, and key input processing means for outputting a character key in accordance with the number of times the key has been hit. One vowel key of the vowel keys is a vowel setting vowel key in which a second character key for inputting the vowel "tsu" is set, and the key input processing means determines that the vowel setting vowel key is one. When the key is pressed once, the vowel set in the prompt sound setting vowel key is output, and when the key prompt setting vowel key is pressed twice in succession, a prompt sound “tsu” is output. When the set vowel key is hit three times in a row A key input device, characterized in that it is configured to output said geminate setting vowels and double consonants "Tsu" set in the vowel key in the order of "the vowel + gemination". 9. At least five keys individually set for character keys for inputting alphabets "A", "I", "U", "E" and "O" representing vowels are provided. Key input detecting means for detecting how many times the key has been hit, and key input processing means for outputting a character key in accordance with the number of times the key has been hit. One vowel key of the vowel keys is a vowel setting vowel key in which a second character key for inputting the vowel "tsu" is set, and the key input processing means determines that the vowel setting vowel key is one. When the key is pressed once, the vowel set in the prompt setting vowel key is output. When the key is set twice, the vowel set in the prompt setting vowel key is output. To "vowel +
If the vowel key is pressed three times in succession, the vowel set in the vowel setting vowel key and the vowel "tsu" are output as "vowel + vowel." The key input device is configured to output in the order of "." 10. The key input device according to claim 8, wherein said key input processing means presses any one of four vowel keys other than said prompting sound setting vowel key. When the prompting vowel key is pressed once later, the vowel set to the vowel key and the vowel set to the prompting vowel key are combined with the vowel set to the vowel + prompting vowel key. In the case where the key of the vowel setting key is hit twice consecutively after any one of the four vowel keys other than the key of the key setting vowel key is pressed, The vowel set as the vowel key and the prompting sound "tsu" are output in the order of "vowel + prompting sound", and after any one of the four vowel keys other than the prompting sound setting vowel key is pressed, The vowel key is set three times in succession In this case, the vowel set to the vowel key, and the vowel and the vowel set to the vowel setting vowel key, in the order of "vowel + vowel set to the vowel setting vowel key". A key input device characterized in that the key input device is configured to output the data. 11. The key input device according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of consonants in which characters representing 21 consonants of the alphabet are set in addition to the five keys in which vowels are set. A key is set; and if the consonant key is pressed once and then the consonant setting vowel key is pressed once, the consonant set in the consonant key and the consonant setting vowel key Are output in the order of "consonant + vowel", and if the consonant key is pressed twice successively after the consonant key is pressed, the consonant key is set. The consonant and the vowel set in the consonant setting vowel key are output in the order of "consonant + vowel + vowel", and after the consonant key is pressed, the consonant setting vowel key is continuously pressed three times. Set to the consonant key A key input device configured to output the consonant, the vowel set in the prompting setting vowel key, and the prompting “tsu” in the order of “consonant + vowel + prompting”. 12. The key input device according to claim 11, wherein the key input processing means outputs the consonant key when the consonant key is pressed four times after the consonant key is pressed. The set consonant, the vowel set in the above-mentioned consonant setting vowel key and the consonant “tsu” are referred to as “consonant +
A key input device configured to output in the order of "vowel + vowel + prompt". 13. The key input device according to claim 8, wherein the second character key for inputting the prompt sound “tsu” is a key for inputting “A” and an input for “E”. A key input device, wherein the key input device is set on one of the keys. 14. The key input device according to claim 1, further comprising a consonant key to which “N” is set, and wherein said key input processing means includes a consonant key to which “N” is set. Is output once, and "N" is output when the consonant key to which "N" is set is input twice in succession, and "N" is output. Is input in the order of "n + N" in the order of "n" and "N" when the consonant key set with "" is hit three times in succession. apparatus. 15. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein seven consonant keys on which characters representing 21 consonants of the alphabet are set are provided, and each consonant key is provided with each consonant key. 3. A key input device, wherein three keys are set. 16. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein a main key area in which five vowel keys and a plurality of consonant keys are provided; A key input device comprising: a U-shaped function key area including a plurality of function keys arranged on a lower side. 17. The key input device according to claim 16, wherein one of the plurality of function keys has a shift function for inputting a character or function set to a shift state of each key. A conversion function for performing Kana-Kanji conversion of undetermined characters and a space input function for inputting a space are set, and the shift function is performed in a state where the function key is pressed and within a predetermined time after the start of pressing. The function is performed when a vowel key, a consonant key, or a function key is pressed, and the conversion function is performed when the function key is pressed and released alone before an input character is determined in the Japanese input mode, A key input device, wherein the space input function is set to operate when the function key is pressed alone.