JP4506359B2 - Character input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input device for inputting 50 syllabary characters.

  Conventionally, as a character input device for directly inputting 50-characters “a”, “i”, “u”, “wa”, “o”, and “n”, a 50-sound key in a word processor or a personal computer is used. In addition to the provided keyboard, there is a touch-type keyboard in which keys of 50 sound arrangement are displayed on a touch-panel display screen.

  Further, in an information device with a limited number of keys such as various AV devices and game devices, a 50-sound arrangement table is displayed on a display screen serving as a monitor, and a pointer or cursor on the 50-sound arrangement table is pointed to a pointing device or up / down Each character is designated and input by moving and displaying it by the cursor key operation in the horizontal direction.

  On the other hand, in a portable terminal such as a keyboard having a key of 50 sounds or a mobile phone that cannot have a relatively large display screen for displaying a 50 sound arrangement table, ten keys “1”, “2”,. Assign "9" and "0" to each row of consonants "A", "KA" ... "RA", "WA", and turn the vowels that follow the corresponding consonant and input the desired characters by the number of key operations. A numeric keypad character input device is in practical use.

  However, in this numeric keypad type character input device, not only the numeric keypad is necessary, but also a key corresponding to the character to be input among the consonants assigned to each numeric keypad must be found and operated. For this reason, each time a character is entered, a consonant key corresponding to the character to be input must be found until a blind touch is used to remember where the numeric keypad corresponding to each consonant is located on the mobile terminal. The input operation takes time and is very troublesome.

  Therefore, a dial or trackball is provided on one side of the mobile terminal, and a plurality of push buttons are provided on the other side corresponding thereto, and the dial or the trackball is rotated and the consonant direction is selected by the amount of rotation, A character input device in which selection input in the vowel direction is performed by a combination pattern of simultaneous pressing of a plurality of push buttons is also considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

According to the conventional character input device using the dial or the trackball, the consonant can be selected by the amount of rotation of the dial or the ball, so that it is not necessary to perform time-consuming operations such as searching for and finding the key position. .
JP 2002-342007 A

  However, in the conventional character input device using such a dial or trackball, although the number of times of pressing a button for inputting one character is small, a combination pattern of a plurality of buttons is selected for selecting a vowel direction. For example, there is a problem that a user who is starting to use cannot expect smooth character input.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is not necessary to memorize a particularly troublesome operation pattern, and a character input device capable of inputting a desired character easily and quickly without looking at the hand. The purpose is to provide.

In the character input device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in order to selectively input, for example, characters arranged in 50 sounds, a trackball and a plurality of push buttons are provided adjacent to the periphery of the trackball. When the trackball is rotated, a push button provided on the ball rotation direction side is set as a forward feed selection button, and a push button provided on the opposite side to the rotation direction is set as a reverse feed selection button. Then, a first selection is made to select a row in the consonant direction in which the 50 tones are arranged according to the rotation direction of the trackball, and the forward feed selection button and the reverse feed selection button are set as the ball rotates. A second selection of selecting one character in the vowel direction in the row of the selected consonant by forward or reverse according to the pressing operation of each push button is performed, and the character to be input is selected.

  According to this, a desired character can be more easily and quickly obtained by operating the track ball in the rotation direction and pressing each of the forward feed selection button and the reverse feed selection button set adjacent to the rotation direction side and the reverse direction side. You can select and input.

In the character input device according to claim 2 of the present invention, for example, a trackball and a plurality of push buttons are provided adjacent to the periphery of the trackball in order to selectively input characters arranged in 50 sounds. After detecting the rotation of the trackball, the first push button in which the pressing operation is detected is set as the forward feed selection button, and the other push buttons are set as the reverse feed selection buttons. Then, a first selection is made to select a line in the consonant direction in which the 50 tones are arranged according to the rotation direction of the trackball, and set as a forward feed selection button and a reverse feed selection button by a button operation immediately after the ball rotation. A second selection is made to select one character in the vowel direction in the row of the selected consonant by forward feed or reverse feed according to the pressing operation of each push button, and the character to be input is selected.

  According to this, a desired character can be more easily and quickly obtained by operating the push button of the forward feed selection button and the reverse feed selection button set by the rotation direction operation of the trackball and the adjacent button operation immediately after the rotation direction operation. You can select and input.

According to the character input device of the first aspect of the present invention, the desired character can be operated in the direction of rotation of the trackball and the forward feed selection button and the reverse feed selection button which are set adjacent to the rotation direction side and the reverse direction side. It becomes possible to select and input more easily and quickly by operating each push button.

According to the character input device of the second aspect of the present invention, the forward feed selection button and the reverse feed selection button that are set by the operation of the trackball in the rotation direction and the adjacent button operation immediately after the rotation direction operation are input to the desired character. It becomes possible to select and input more easily and quickly by operating each push button.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of a character input device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The character input device 10 has a small size that can be operated, for example, with the thumb or index finger, and is used by being attached to the side surface of the mobile terminal housing. Is provided with a spherical trackball 11. The trackball 11 can be rotated and pressed.

  Further, a right push button 12, a left push button 13, and a middle push button 14 are provided at positions adjacent to the track ball 11 so as to surround the outer periphery of the track ball 11.

  Further, a mode switching button 15 is provided on the lower left side of the trackball 11 side.

  The mode switching button 15 is a button for switching the input mode of the character input device 10 to any one of “character input mode”, “cursor movement mode”, and “pointing mode”. Each input mode is switched sequentially.

  The mode switching button 15 may have a configuration in which, for example, three color LEDs are incorporated, and the light emission color is switched according to the mode set for switching.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of the character input device 10 according to the first embodiment.

  The rotation operation (rotation direction / rotation angle / rotation amount) associated with the rotation operation of the trackball 11 is detected by the rotation detectors 11x and 11y in the X direction and the Y direction, and this ball rotation detection signal is output to the control device 16. Is done. Further, the pressing operation associated with the pressing operation of the trackball 11 is detected by a ball pressing detection switch 11 a provided on the support portion of the ball 11, and this ball pressing detection signal is output to the control device 16.

  Further, the pressing operation associated with the pressing operation of each of the right push button 12, the left push button 13, and the middle push button 14 is performed by the right switch 12a, the left switch 13a, and the middle push switch provided in the support portions of the buttons 12, 13, and 14, respectively. The button pressing detection signal is output to the control device 16.

  Further, a pressing operation associated with the pressing operation of the mode switching button 15 is detected by a mode selection switch 15 a provided in the support portion of the button 15, and a pressing detection signal of the switching button 15 is output to the control device 17.

  The control device 16 follows a control program stored in advance, based on each rotation detection signal of the trackball 11 and the ball press detection signal and the press detection signals of the right push button 12, the left push button 13, and the middle push button 14, respectively. “Character input signal”, “cursor movement control signal”, “pointer control signal” corresponding to various input modes (“character input mode”, “cursor movement mode”, “pointing mode”) set according to the operation of the mode switching button 15 Is generated and output. In the “character input mode”, for example, character input for designating a character of any one of the 50 sounds selected in response to the rotation and pressing of the trackball 11 and the pressing of the right push button 12, the left push button 13, and the middle push button 14, respectively. Output a signal.

  The control device 16 is in the “character input mode” and outputs a character input signal for designating a character selected in accordance with a user operation as a signal of a character code for simply designating a syllabary character. Alternatively, font data of 50 syllabary characters may be stored in advance and a signal of designated character font data may be output.

  The “character input signal”, “cursor movement control signal”, and “pointer control signal” output from the control device 16 are, for example, a portable terminal body to which the character input device 10 is attached via the serial interface (IF) 17. It outputs to the control apparatus with which 18 electronic circuits are equipped.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an input mode switching process of the character input device 10.

  When the pressing detection signal is output from the mode selection switch 15a to the control device 16 in response to the pressing operation of the mode switching button 15 (step S1), it is determined whether or not the currently set input mode is the pointing mode ( Step S2) When it is determined that the pointing mode is selected, the character input mode is switched (step S3).

  If it is determined in step S2 that the currently set input mode is not the pointing mode, it is determined whether or not the currently set input mode is the character input mode (step S4). If it is determined that the mode is selected, the mode is switched to the cursor movement mode (step S5).

  In step S2 and step S4, if it is determined that the input mode currently being set is neither the pointing mode nor the character input mode, that is, the character input mode, the input mode being set is Switching to the pointing mode is set (step S6).

  The mode switching setting state is displayed and notified by, for example, switching light emission of three color LEDs built in the mode switching button 15.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of assignment of character input operations by a combination of the trackball 11 and the adjacent push buttons 12 to 14 in the character input device 10.

  As shown in FIG. 5E, the straight arrow i indicates the direction of rotation of the trackball 11 on the vertical plane, and the arc-shaped arrow h indicates the direction of rotation of the trackball 11 on the horizontal plane. The arrow j indicates that the trackball 11 and the buttons 12 to 14 are pressed.

  FIG. 4A shows an example of assignment of character input operations by a combination of the trackball 11 and its left and right middle push buttons 12 to 14 when configured as the character input device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Here, 10 consonant sounds “A” in 50 sounds are associated with 10 movements consisting of eight rotations of the trackball 11 in the up / down / left / right diagonal directions, the pressing operation of the trackball 11 and the pressing operation of the intermediate push button 14. Assign the selection of “ka”, “sa”… “wa”. After any consonant is selected, characters in the vowel direction following the selected consonant in association with the pressing operation of any one of the left and right middle push buttons 12 to 14 ("A" in the case of consonant selection "A"). "I", "U", "E", "O") are assigned.

  That is, in the character input device 10 of the first embodiment, the trackball 11 is rotated in the upper left direction, the upward rotation operation, the upper right rotation operation, the left rotation operation, the pressing operation, the right operation. 10 consonants “A”, “KA”, “SA” by rotating in the direction, rotating in the lower left direction, rotating in the lower direction, rotating in the lower right direction, and pressing the middle push button 14. The user selects any one of “WA”, and after selecting the consonant, the character in the vowel direction following the selected consonant is selected by depressing any one of the left and right middle push buttons 12-14.

  FIG. 4B shows an embodiment in which the intermediate push button 14 is not provided in the configuration of the character input device 10 of the first embodiment in FIG. 4A. In this case, the track ball 11 is directed downward. A consonant of either “ya” or “wa” is selected by the rotation operation.

  FIG. 4C shows an embodiment including the trackball 11 and the left and right middle push buttons 12 to 14 adjacent to the outer periphery thereof, like the character input device 10 of the first embodiment in FIG. 4A. Here, one of ten consonants “a”, “ka”, “sa”, and “wa” is selected by rotating the trackball 11 in ten directions.

  FIG. 4D shows an embodiment in which the intermediate push button 14 is not provided, similar to the character input device 10 in FIG. 4B. Here, the consonant “NA” is generated by the rotation of the trackball 11 in the horizontal plane direction. Is selected.

  In each embodiment of the character input device 10 shown in FIGS. 4 (A) to 4 (D), for the selection of five characters in the vowel direction corresponding to the selected consonant after selection of the consonant, left and right middle presses are performed. In addition to the configuration in which the selection is performed by the pressing operation of any of the buttons 12 to 14, the selection may be performed by the further rotation operation of the trackball 11 and the rotation angle thereof.

  Next, the operation of the character input device 10 of the first embodiment having the above configuration will be described in detail.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a character input process in the character input device 10 of the first embodiment.

  The character input operation assignment configuration in the character input device 10 of the first embodiment corresponds to that shown in FIG.

  That is, when the rotation motion of the trackball 11 is detected (step A1), the character input immediately before is determined (step A2), and the ball is rotated based on the rotation detection signals from the rotation detectors 11x and 11y. Direction detection is performed (step A3).

  Then, according to the direction of rotation of the trackball 11, one of the eight consonants of “A”, “KA”, “SA”, “TA”, “MA”, “YA” and “RA” is determined. Then, the inquiry is displayed on a display screen (not shown) of the portable terminal body 18 (step A4).

  On the other hand, when the pressing operation is detected instead of the rotation operation of the trackball 11 (step A1 → A5), the character input immediately before is confirmed (step A6), and the consonant of the “na” line is determined and carried. The inquiry is displayed on a display screen (not shown) of the terminal body 18 (step A7).

  On the other hand, when the pressing operation of the middle push button 14 is detected (step A1 → A5 → A8), neither the rotation operation nor the pressing operation of the trackball 11 is confirmed (step A9), the character input immediately before is confirmed (step A9). The consonant of the “Wa” line is determined and displayed on a display screen (not shown) of the portable terminal body 18 (step A10).

  In this way, after any of the 50 consonant direction rows is selected and determined, the pressing operation of any of the right push button 12, the left push button 13, and the middle push button 14 is detected, and it is determined that there is an operation input of the vowel selection button. When this is done (step A11), it is determined whether any line in the consonant direction has been determined (step A12), and the number of times the button is pressed is measured (step A13).

  Then, one character in the vowel direction in the selected and determined consonant row is determined according to the number of times the button is pressed, and is displayed on the display screen (not shown) of the portable terminal body 18 (step A14). .

  The character input mode is not canceled by the operation of the mode switching button 15 in a state where one character of a desired 50 syllabary character is determined and displayed by the selection determination process of one character in the consonant line → vowel direction (step A15). (No)) In the same manner as described above, the rotation operation of the trackball 11 is detected (step A1), the pressing operation of the trackball 11 is detected (step A5), or the pressing operation of the intermediate push button 14 is detected (step A8). Then, the previous input character displayed and determined is determined (step A2 / A6 / A9), and the consonant for the next character input is determined and displayed (step A3, A4 / A7 / A10).

  Thereafter, by repeating the process in steps A1 to A15 corresponding to the operation of the trackball 11 and the left and right middle push buttons 12 to 14 as described above, desired characters are sequentially input and fixedly displayed.

  When the operation of the mode switching button 15 is detected in a state where a desired character string is input and displayed, if it is determined in step A15 that the character input mode has been canceled, the input inquiry display is finally displayed. After the character is confirmed (step A16), the input mode is switched to the pointing mode (step A17).

  Therefore, according to the character input device 10 of the first embodiment configured as described above, the row of the consonant is determined by the rotation direction of the trackball 11, the pressing operation thereof, and the pressing operation of the middle push button 14, and the subsequent left and right middle presses are performed. Since one character in the vowel direction in the determined consonant row is determined by the pressing operation of the buttons 12 to 14, the user does not need to learn a particularly difficult operation and looks at the hand with one finger from the beginning of use. Even without it, it becomes possible to input a desired character very easily.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a character input process in the character input device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the character input device 10 according to the second embodiment, the character input operation assignment configuration corresponds to the character input device 10 that does not include the intermediate push button 14 shown in FIG.

  In the character input processing (steps B1 to B14) of the second embodiment, the processing of steps B1 to B7 and the processing of steps B8 to B14 are both the character input processing of the first embodiment (FIG. 5). The process is the same as the process of steps A1 to A7 and the process of steps A11 to A17.

  The difference is that when a downward rotation motion of the trackball 11 is detected (step B3), two consecutive consonant lines “YA” and “WA” are selected and displayed (step B4). 6 characters “Ya”, “Yu”, “Y” in each vowel direction of the “Ya” line and “Wa” line, respectively, in accordance with the pressing operation of the left and right buttons 12, 13 and the measurement of the number of times (Steps B 8 to B 10). It is only that one character is selected and determined from “Y”, “Wa”, “O” and “N” (step B11).

  Therefore, according to the character input device 10 of the second embodiment having the above-described configuration, the row of the consonant is determined by the rotation direction of the trackball 11 and the pressing operation thereof, and the pressing operation of the left and right push buttons 12 and 13 thereafter is performed. Since one character in the vowel direction in the determined row of consonants is determined, the user does not need to learn a particularly difficult operation as in the case of the character input device 10 of the first embodiment. It is possible to input a desired character very easily without looking at a book and a hand.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a character input process in the character input device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In the character input device 10 according to the third embodiment, the character input operation assignment configuration corresponds to that in which ten consonant selections are performed by detecting the rotation of the trackball 11 in the ten directions shown in FIG. Yes.

  That is, when the rotational motion of the trackball 11 is detected (step C1), the character input immediately before is determined (step C2), and the ball is rotated based on the rotation detection signals from the rotation detectors 11x and 11y. Direction detection is performed (step C3).

  Then, according to the direction of rotation of the trackball 11, one of the ten consonants of “A”, “KA”, “SA”, “RA”, “WA” rows is determined, and the mobile terminal body 18 is illustrated. The inquiry is displayed on the display screen (step C4).

  At this time, according to the rotation direction of the trackball 11, the arrangement of the push button for selecting the vowel direction character in the row of the selected consonant by the forward feed and the push button for selecting the reverse feed. Among the left and right middle push buttons 12 to 14, the push button arranged on the rotation direction side of the trackball 11 is a forward vowel selection button, and the push button arranged on the opposite side to the rotation direction is reversed. It is set as a feed vowel selection button (step C5).

  That is, in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, for example, rotation in any one of the five directions on the left side of the trackball 11 is detected, and “A” “I” “W” “W” When one of the consonant rows is selected from “R”, “Y”, the left push button 13 is set as a forward vowel selection button, and the right push button 12 is set as a reverse vowel selection button.

  Further, for example, the rotation of any one of the five directions on the right side of the trackball 11 is detected, and one of the consonant rows of “sa” “ta” “na” “na” “ma” is selected. In this case, the right push button 12 is set as a forward feed vowel selection button, and the left push button 13 is set as a reverse feed vowel selection button.

  When it is determined that a pressing operation of the forward-feed vowel selection button set corresponding to the rotation direction of the trackball 11 is detected (step C6), the selection determination is performed every time the button pressing operation is detected. Each character in the vowel direction in the row of consonant sounds is sent and displayed in the forward direction (step C7), and one character that has been forwarded according to the number of button press operations is determined. The inquiry is displayed on a display screen (not shown) of the portable terminal 18 (step C8).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the pressing operation of the reverse vowel selection button set corresponding to the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the trackball 11 is detected (step C9), every time the button pressing operation is detected. Each character in the vowel direction in the selected consonant line is sent in the reverse direction and displayed (step C10), and 1 is sent back in accordance with the number of button press operations. The character is determined and displayed on the display screen (not shown) of the portable terminal body 18 (step C8).

  Consonant line selection according to the rotation direction of the trackball 11, vowel direction using a push button on the same rotation direction side as a forward vowel selection button, and a push button on the opposite side to the same rotation direction as a reverse vowel selection button In the state where one character of the desired 50 syllabary characters is determined and displayed by the selection determination process of one character, the character input mode is not canceled by the operation of the mode switching button 15 (step C11 (No)), and the same as above. When the rotation motion of the trackball 11 is detected (step C1), the previous input character that has been determined and displayed is confirmed (step C2), and the consonant for the next character input is determined and displayed (step C3). , C4).

  Thereafter, the processing in steps C1 to C11 corresponding to the operation of the trackball 11 and the left and right push buttons 12 and 13 corresponding to the rotation direction of the trackball 11 is repeated, so that desired characters are sequentially input. The final display is displayed.

  When the operation of the mode switching button 15 is detected in a state where a desired character string is input and displayed, if it is determined in step C11 that the character input mode has been canceled, the input inquiry display is finally displayed. After the character is confirmed (step C12), the input mode is switched to the pointing mode (step C13).

  Therefore, according to the character input device 10 of the third embodiment having the above-described configuration, after the line of consonant is determined according to the rotation direction of the trackball 11, the left and right push buttons 12 and 13 on the rotation direction side of the trackball 11 are pressed. One character in the vowel direction in the row of the determined consonant is determined by the button pressing operation using the forward vowel selection button as the reverse vowel selection button on the opposite direction side. Without having to learn difficult operations, it is possible to input a desired character very easily without using a finger and looking at the hand from the beginning.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a character input process in the character input device 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The arrangement of character input operations in the character input device 10 of the fourth embodiment corresponds to, for example, selecting ten consonants by detecting the rotation of the trackball 11 shown in FIG.

  That is, when the rotational motion of the trackball 11 is detected (step D1), the character input immediately before is determined (step D2), and the ball is rotated based on the rotation detection signals from the rotation detectors 11x and 11y. Direction detection is performed (step D3).

  Then, according to the direction of rotation of the trackball 11, one of the ten consonants of “A”, “KA”, “SA”, “RA”, “WA” rows is determined, and the mobile terminal body 18 is illustrated. An inquiry is displayed on the display screen (step D4).

  After any of the 50 consonant direction lines is selected and determined in accordance with the rotation operation of the trackball 11, the pressing operation of either the right push button 12 or the left push button 13 is detected. When it is determined that there is an operation input of the vowel selection button (step D5), the right push button 12 (or the left push button 13) input first is the forward vowel selection button and the other push button 13 ( Or, 12) is set as a reverse-feed vowel selection button (step D6).

  That is, in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 4D, for example, after the rotation of the trackball 11 is detected and any consonant row is selected, the vowel corresponding to the selected consonant row is selected. When the right push button 12 is operated to select one character, the right push button 12 is set as a forward vowel selection button, and the other left push button 13 is set as a reverse vowel selection button. The

  Further, for example, after the consonant is selected by detecting the rotation of the trackball 11, when the left push button 13 is first input for selecting a vowel, the left push button 13 is the forward feed vowel selection button and the other right The push button 12 is set as a reverse vowel selection button.

  Then, each time a pressing operation of the set forward feed vowel selection button is detected, each character in the vowel direction in the row of consonants selected and determined by the trackball 11 is sent in the forward direction and displayed. At the same time (step D7 (D9 → D7)), one character that has been forward-fed in response to the number of times the button has been pressed is determined and displayed on a display screen (not shown) of the portable terminal body 18 ( Step D8).

  When it is determined that the pressing operation of the set reverse vowel selection button is detected (step D10), each time the button pressing operation is detected, the selected consonant row is selected. Each character in the vowel direction is sent and displayed in the reverse direction (step D11), and one character that is sent back in response to the number of times the button is pressed is determined, and the portable terminal body 18 is not shown. The inquiry is displayed on the display screen (step D8).

  The vowel sound direction selection according to the direction of rotation of the trackball 11, the left and right push buttons immediately after the consonant selection is a forward vowel selection button, and the other push button is a reverse vowel selection button. In the state in which one character of a desired 50 syllabary character is determined and displayed by the selection determination process, the character input mode is not canceled by the operation of the mode switching button 15 (step D12 (No)), and the trackball is similarly processed. 11 is detected (step D1), the determined and displayed previous input character is confirmed (step D2), and a consonant for the next character input is determined and displayed (steps D3 and D4). .

  Thereafter, by repeating the processes in steps D1 to D12 in accordance with the operation of the trackball 11 and the left and right push buttons 12 and 13 as described above, desired characters are sequentially input and fixedly displayed.

  When the operation of the mode switching button 15 is detected in a state where a desired character string is input and displayed, if it is determined in step D12 that the character input mode has been canceled, the input inquiry display is finally displayed. After the character is confirmed (step D13), the input mode is switched to the pointing mode (step D14).

  Therefore, according to the character input device 10 of the fourth embodiment having the above-described configuration, the left and right push buttons 12 immediately after consonant selection by the rotation operation of the trackball 11 are determined after the consonant line is determined by the rotation direction of the trackball 11. , 13 is a forward vowel selection button, and the other is a reverse vowel selection button, one character in the vowel direction in the determined consonant line is determined by the button pressing operation. There is no need to memorize a particularly difficult operation, and it becomes possible to input a desired character very easily without using a finger and looking at the hand from the beginning.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a character input process in the character input device 10 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  The character input operation assignment configuration in the character input device 10 of the fifth embodiment corresponds to the one in which ten consonant selections are performed by detecting the rotation of the trackball 11 in 10 directions shown in FIG. Yes.

  In the character input device 10 according to the fifth embodiment, not only row selection of ten consonants “a”, “ka”, “sa”, “ra”, “wa” is performed according to the rotation direction of the trackball 11, A vowel is selected according to the rotation angle after the row is selected.

  It should be noted that the character input device 10 in the present embodiment is normally set to the pointing mode and used for moving the pointer on the display screen.

  That is, when the pressing operation of the mode switching button 15 is detected, and the setting state of the operation mode is switched from the pointing mode to the character input mode (step E1), it is determined whether or not the trackball 11 has rotated. A state is reached (step E2).

  Here, when the rotation motion of the trackball 11 is detected by the rotation detectors 11x and 11b (step E2), as shown in FIG. 4C, according to the rotation direction of the trackball 11 detected for rotation. Ten consonants "A", "KA", "SA" ... "Ra" "Wa" rows are selected and displayed, and the selected consonant row is selected according to the rotation angle in the same rotation direction. One character in the vowel direction is selected and displayed (steps E3 and E4).

  In this case, the vowel selection according to the rotation angle of the trackball 11 is selected, for example, by sending characters in the vowel direction every rotation angle of 20 °, that is, the rotation direction of the trackball 11 is rightward. If there is, the “NA” line of the 10 consonants is selected, and the first character “NA” of the “NA” line is up to 20 °, and if it exceeds 20 °, the first character is “NA”. If the two characters “ni” exceed 40 °, the third character “nu” is selected.

  Then, a consonant selection and a vowel selection according to the rotation operation of the trackball 11 are performed, and a pressing operation of any one of the left and right middle push buttons 12 to 14 is detected in a state where a desired one character is displayed. Then, it is determined that the enter key has been input (step E5), and the selected input character is finalized (step E6).

  Thereafter, by repeating the consonant line selection process according to the detection of the rotation direction of the trackball 11 and the vowel selection process according to the rotation angle as described above (steps E2 to E6), the rotation of the trackball 11 is repeated. A desired character is sequentially input and confirmed only by the operation and the determination button operation.

  When it is determined that the character input mode has been canceled by detecting the operation of the mode switching button 15 in a state where the input display of the desired character string is confirmed (step E7), the input mode is changed to the pointing mode. Switching is set (step E8).

  Therefore, according to the character input device 10 of the fifth embodiment having the above-described configuration, the line of the consonant is determined by the rotation direction of the trackball 11, and the vowel direction in the line of the consonant determined by the rotation angle is determined. Since one character is selected and determined, the user does not need to memorize a particularly difficult operation, and the user can easily perform the desired operation only by rotating the trackball 11 with one finger from the beginning and without looking at the hand. You will be able to enter characters.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a character input process in the character input device 10 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the character input device 10 according to the sixth embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment, 10 consonants are detected by detecting the rotation of the trackball 11 in 10 directions as shown in FIG. The one that makes the selection corresponds.

  In the character input device 10 of the sixth embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment, the ten consonants “a”, “ka”, “sa”, “ra”, “wa”, depending on the rotation direction of the trackball 11. The vowel selection is performed in accordance with the rotation angle after the row selection. The set rotation angle of the trackball 11 for sequentially sending the vowel selection characters is set at the time of the ball rotation operation. It is set as the structure variably set according to the rotational speed.

  It should be noted that the character input device 10 in the present embodiment is normally set to the pointing mode and used for moving the pointer on the display screen.

  That is, when the pressing operation of the mode switching button 15 is detected, and the setting state of the operation mode is switched from the pointing mode to the character input mode (Step F1), it is determined whether or not the trackball 11 has rotated. A state is reached (step F2).

  Here, when the rotation operation (rotation direction, rotation angle) of the trackball 11 is detected based on each rotation detection signal from the rotation detectors 11x and 11b (step F2 → F3), the rotation speed is set in advance. It is determined whether the rotation speed is a certain speed or less (step F4).

  If it is determined that the rotation speed associated with the rotation detection of the trackball 11 is a high rotation speed higher than a certain value (step F4 (Yes)), the selected character feed (turning) when selecting a vowel, which will be described later, is performed. The setting angle for performing is set as narrow as 5 ° (step F5).

  If it is determined that the rotational speed associated with the detection of the rotation of the trackball 11 is not a fast rotational speed less than a certain value (step F4 (No)), the selected character is fed (turned) when selecting a vowel, which will be described later. Is set as wide as 20 ° (step F6).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4C, the rows of ten consonants “a”, “ka”, “sa”, “ra”, “wa” are selected in accordance with the rotation direction of the trackball 11 detected for rotation. In addition, one character in the vowel direction for the selected consonant row is selected and displayed according to the rotation angle in the same rotation direction (step F7).

  In this case, the vowel selection according to the rotation angle of the trackball 11 is selected, for example, by sending a character in the vowel direction at every narrow rotation angle of 5 ° when the rotation speed is high, and when the rotation speed is not high, it is 20 ° wide. Since characters in the vowel direction are sent and selected at each rotation angle, fast character selection can be performed by performing a fast operation, and moderate character selection can be performed by performing an operation that is not fast.

  Then, a consonant selection and a vowel selection according to the rotation operation of the trackball 11 are performed, and a pressing operation of any one of the left and right middle push buttons 12 to 14 is detected in a state where a desired one character is displayed. Then, it is determined that the enter key has been input (step F8), and the selected and displayed input character is finalized (step F9).

  After that, by repeating the consonant line selection process according to the detection of the rotation direction of the trackball 11 and the vowel selection process according to the variable set rotation angle according to the rotation speed in the same manner as described above (steps F2 to F9), A desired character is sequentially input and confirmed only by the rotation operation of the trackball 11 and the determination button operation.

  When it is determined that the character input mode has been canceled by detecting the operation of the mode switching button 15 in a state where the input display of the desired character string has been confirmed (step F10), the input mode is changed to the pointing mode. Switching is set (step F11).

  Therefore, according to the character input device 10 of the sixth embodiment having the above-described configuration, the line of the consonant is determined by the rotation direction of the trackball 11 and is determined by the rotation angle variably set according to the rotation speed. Since one character in the vowel direction in the row of consonants is selected and determined, the user does not need to learn a particularly difficult operation, and only with the rotation operation of the trackball 11 from the beginning of use, with one finger and without looking at the hand Even you will be able to enter the desired characters very easily. In addition, fast character selection can be performed by performing a fast ball rotation operation, and character selection can be performed at a reasonable speed by performing a ball rotation operation that is not fast.

  In the sixth embodiment, the variable setting angle for feeding the vowel selection character according to the rotation speed of the trackball 11 is configured in two steps, for example, 5 ° and 20 °. It may be configured to be variably set.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a character input process in the character input device 10 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  In the character input device 10 according to the seventh embodiment, the character input operation is assigned by selecting 10 consonants by detecting the rotation of the trackball 11 in 10 directions shown in FIG. Although vowel selection is performed according to the rotation angle, the left and right middle buttons 12 to 14 are not required because the selection operation of the selected character is performed in common with the mode switching button 15.

  That is, by rotating the trackball 11 while pressing the mode switching button 15, the input characters are selected and displayed by selecting consonants and vowels, and when the mode switching button 15 is released, the input characters are confirmed. First, it is determined whether or not the mode switching button 15 has been pressed (step G1).

  When the pressing operation of the mode switching button 15 is detected (step G1), a standby state for determining whether or not the trackball 11 has rotated is entered (step G2).

  When the rotation motion of the trackball 11 is detected by the rotation detectors 11x and 11b (step G2), for example, as shown in FIG. The consonant “a”, “ka”, “sa”, “ra”, “wa” rows are selected and displayed, and the vowel direction for the row of the selected consonant according to the rotation angle in the same rotation direction Is selected and displayed (steps G3 and G4).

  When the pressing of the mode switching button 15 is continued (step G5 (Yes)), the input character selection display process corresponding to the rotation direction detection and rotation angle detection of the trackball 11 is continued. Is performed (steps G1 to G5).

  Thereafter, when it is determined in step G5 that the pressing of the mode switching button 15 has been released, the selected input character is finalized (step G6).

  Then, by repeatedly selecting an input character by rotating the trackball 11 while pressing the mode switching button 15 and confirming the input character by releasing the mode switching button 15 (steps G1 to G6), A desired character string is input and displayed and confirmed.

  Therefore, according to the character input device 10 of the seventh embodiment having the above-described configuration, a row of consonants is selected depending on the rotation direction of the trackball 11 while the mode switching button 15 is pressed, and the line of the consonant is selected according to the rotation angle. One character in the vowel direction in the row of the selected consonant is selected, and the selected character is confirmed by depressing the mode switching button 15, so that the user does not need to learn a particularly difficult operation and presses the mode switching button 15. By simply rotating the trackball 11, it is possible to input a desired character very easily without looking at the hand from the beginning. In addition, in this case, there is no need to provide a separate input character confirmation button.

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit of the character input device 10 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the configuration of the electronic circuit of the character input device 10 of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the same parts as those of the electronic circuit of the character input device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The description is abbreviate | omitted and attached | subjected.

  In the character input device 10 according to the eighth embodiment, a conductive material is used as the material of the trackball 11, and an electrostatic detector 19 is additionally provided to the trackball 11 of the conductive material. By outputting the electrostatic capacity detection signal from the control device 16 to the control device 16, the presence or absence of human contact with the trackball 11 can be sensed.

  In the character input device 10 according to the eighth embodiment, 10 consonant selections are made by detecting the rotation of the trackball 11 in 10 directions shown in FIG. 4C, and according to the rotation angle after the consonant selection. While selecting a vowel, the selected character is determined by detecting the separation of the hand from the trackball 11.

  It should be noted that the character input device 10 in the present embodiment is normally set to the pointing mode and used for moving the pointer on the display screen.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing character input processing in the character input device 10 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  That is, when the pressing operation of the mode switching button 15 is detected and the operation mode setting state is switched from the pointing mode to the character input mode (step H1), it is determined whether or not the trackball 11 has rotated. A state is reached (step H2).

  Here, when the rotation motion of the trackball 11 is detected by the rotation detectors 11x and 11b (step H2), as shown in FIG. 4C, according to the rotation direction of the trackball 11 detected for rotation. Ten consonants "A", "KA", "SA" ... "Ra" "Wa" rows are selected and displayed, and the selected consonant row is selected according to the rotation angle in the same rotation direction. One character in the vowel direction is selected and displayed (steps H3 and H4).

  Then, consonant selection and vowel selection are performed in accordance with the rotation operation of the trackball 11 and a desired single character is displayed. Based on the change in the capacitance detection signal from the electrostatic detector 19, the track When it is determined that the hand is separated from the ball 11 (step H5), the selected and displayed input character is finalized (step H6).

  After that, the consonant line selection process according to the detection of the rotation direction of the trackball 11, the vowel selection process according to the rotation angle, and the selection process of the selected character by detecting the separation from the trackball 11 are repeated as described above. (Steps H2 to H6), desired characters are sequentially input and confirmed only by the rotation operation of the trackball 11.

  When it is determined that the character input mode has been canceled by detecting the operation of the mode switching button 15 in a state where the input display of the desired character string is confirmed (step H7), the input mode is changed to the pointing mode. Switching is set (step H8).

  Therefore, according to the character input device 10 of the eighth embodiment having the above-described configuration, the line of consonant is determined by the rotation direction of the trackball 11, and the vowel direction in the line of consonant determined by the rotation angle is determined. One character is selected and determined, and the selected character is determined by moving away from the trackball 11, so that the user does not need to learn a particularly difficult operation, and only the rotation operation of the trackball 11 makes it possible to make a fingertip from the beginning. It is possible to input a desired character very easily without looking at a book and a hand. In addition, in this case, there is no need to provide a separate input character confirmation button.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention at the stage of implementation. Further, each of the embodiments includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in each embodiment or some constituent features are combined, the problems described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved. When the effects described in the column of the effect of the invention can be obtained, a configuration in which these constituent elements are deleted or combined can be extracted as an invention.

The front view which shows the external appearance structure of the character input device 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic circuit of the character input device 10 which concerns on the said 1st Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing an input mode switching process of the character input device 10; The figure which shows the example of allocation of the character input operation by the combination of the trackball 11 in the said character input device 10, and its adjacent pushbuttons 12-14. The flowchart which shows the character input process in the character input device 10 of the said 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the character input process in the character input device 10 of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the character input process in the character input device 10 of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the character input process in the character input device 10 of 4th Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the character input process in the character input device 10 of 5th Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the character input process in the character input device 10 of 6th Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the character input process in the character input device 10 of 7th Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic circuit of the character input device 10 which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the character input process in the character input device 10 of 8th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Character input device 11 ... Track ball 11a ... Ball press detection switch 11x, 11y ... Rotation detector 12 ... Right push button 12a ... Right switch 13 ... Left push button 13a ... Left switch 14 ... Middle push button 14a ... Middle switch 15 ... Mode switching button 15a Mode selection switch 16 Control device 17 Serial interface (IF)
18 ... Mobile terminal body 19 ... Static electricity detector

Claims (2)

A character input device for selectively inputting characters arranged in a predetermined sequence,
Trackball,
Rotation direction detecting means for detecting the rotation direction of the trackball;
A plurality of push buttons provided adjacent to the periphery of the trackball;
A button press detecting means for detecting a press operation of each of the plurality of push buttons;
A forward / reverse feed selection in which the push button provided on the rotation direction side of the trackball detected by the rotation direction detecting means is set as a forward feed selection button, and the push button provided on the opposite side to the rotation direction is set as a reverse feed selection button. Button setting means;
Selection of a first direction of the array characters according to the rotation direction of the trackball detected by the rotation direction detection means, and pressing operation of a push button as a forward feed selection button detected by the button press detection means In response to the selection, the selected characters are selected by forward feeding in the second direction, and the second direction of the arranged characters according to the pressing operation of the push button as the reverse feed selection button detected by the button press detecting means. An input character selection means for selecting a character to be input by a combination of the first direction selection and the second direction selection.
A character input device comprising: A character input device for selectively inputting characters arranged in a predetermined sequence,
Trackball,
Rotation direction detecting means for detecting the rotation direction of the trackball;
A plurality of push buttons provided adjacent to the periphery of the trackball;
A button press detecting means for detecting a press operation of each of the plurality of push buttons;
After the rotation direction of the trackball is detected by the rotation direction detection means, the push button first detected by the button press detection means is set as a forward feed selection button, and the other push buttons are set as forward feed selection buttons. Reverse feed selection button setting means,
Selection of a first direction of the array characters according to the rotation direction of the trackball detected by the rotation direction detection means, and pressing operation of a push button as a forward feed selection button detected by the button press detection means In response to the selection, the selected characters are selected by forward feeding in the second direction, and the second direction of the arranged characters according to the pressing operation of the push button as the reverse feed selection button detected by the button press detecting means. An input character selection means for selecting a character to be input by a combination of the first direction selection and the second direction selection.
A character input device comprising:

Images