JP5101082B2 - CHARACTER INPUT DEVICE, ITS CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM, AND INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input device that receives character input from a user, a control method thereof, a program, and an information storage medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a character input device that inputs characters by a toggle operation in order to enable character input with fewer keys than a general personal computer keyboard or the like. In such a character input device, a plurality of characters are associated with each of a plurality of keys. Then, when the user repeats a key operation on any key (hereinafter referred to as a toggle operation), the character input device sequentially switches and selects a plurality of characters associated with the key, and the selected character is displayed on the screen. indicate. As a result, the user can input more types of characters than the number of keys prepared for character input.

  As such a character input device, for example, there is a device such as a mobile phone terminal in which an operation member (button) that can be pressed by the user functions as a key. Further, for example, in a home game machine, a key operation is performed by software by displaying an image representing a plurality of keys on the screen and allowing the user to select one of the images representing these keys by an operation device. In some cases, a function of accepting a message is realized.

  In such a character input device, for example, when a plurality of characters associated with different keys are successively input, the user first performs a toggle operation on the key associated with the first character, and selects the intended character. select. Thereafter, the next character can be continuously input by performing a toggle operation on another key associated with the character to be input next without performing a special operation.

  However, when two or more characters associated with the same key are continuously input, it is not possible to input only by such an operation. For example, when it is desired to continuously input “AB” to a character input device in which a certain key (here, key K1) is associated with three characters “A”, “B”, and “C”. First, the user performs a toggle operation on the key K1 to select “A”. Then, a predetermined operation (for example, an operation with respect to the “decision” key) for confirming “A” is performed, and then a toggle operation with respect to the key K1 is performed again to select “B”. If such a predetermined operation is not necessary, it is determined whether the toggle operation for inputting the first character is ongoing or the toggle operation for inputting the next character is started. It is not possible. Therefore, in such a case, an operation different from normal character input is required, and the operation becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its purposes is a character input device capable of facilitating user operations when inputting characters using a small number of keys, and a control method thereof. It is to provide a program and an information storage medium.

  A character input device according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems is any one of a plurality of key operation accepting means associated with a plurality of characters and accepting a key operation by a user, and the plurality of key operation accepting means. When one key operation accepting unit accepts the key operation one or more times, a plurality of characters associated with the one key operation accepting unit are selected by switching according to the key operation, and the selected character is displayed. A character selection display means for determining, and a determination means for determining whether or not the one key operation accepting means is being selected as a user's continuous operation target. When it is determined that the key operation accepting unit is no longer in the selected state, switching of characters according to the key operation is restricted.

  A control method for a character input device according to the present invention is a control method for a character input device that includes a plurality of key operation accepting units that are associated with a plurality of characters and receive a key operation by a user. When any one of the operation accepting means accepts the key operation one or more times, a plurality of characters associated with the one key operation accepting means are switched and selected according to the key operation. A character selection display step for displaying the selected character, and a determination step for determining whether or not the one key operation accepting unit is being selected as a user's continuous operation target. In the selection display step, when it is determined that the one key operation accepting unit is no longer in the selected state, character selection according to the key operation is performed. Characterized in that to limit the example.

  Further, a program according to the present invention is a program for controlling a computer including a plurality of key operation accepting units each associated with a plurality of characters and accepting a key operation by a user. When any one of the key operation accepting means accepts the key operation one or more times, a plurality of characters associated with the one key operation accepting means are selected by switching according to the key operation, and the selection is made. The character selection display means for displaying the selected character, the determination means for determining whether or not the one key operation accepting means is in a state of being selected as a user's continuous operation target, and the character selection display The means responds to the key operation when it is determined that the one key operation accepting means is no longer in the selected state. Is a program to limit the switching of character. This program may be stored in a computer-readable information storage medium.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of an entertainment system (character input device) according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the entertainment system 10 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 11, a main memory 20, an image processing unit 24, a monitor 26, an input / output processing unit 28, an audio processing unit 30, and a speaker. 32, an optical disk reading unit 34, a hard disk 38, interfaces (I / F) 40 and 44, an operation device 42, a camera unit 46, and a network interface 48.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the MPU 11. As shown in the figure, the MPU 11 includes a main processor 12, sub-processors 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f, 14g, and 14h, a bus 16, a memory controller 18, and an interface (I / F) 22. And comprising.

  The main processor 12 is an operating system stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown), for example, a program and data read from an optical disc 36 such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) -ROM, and a program supplied via a communication network. Based on the data and the like, various information processing is performed, and the sub-processors 14a to 14h are controlled.

  The sub-processors 14a to 14h perform various types of information processing in accordance with instructions from the main processor 12, and each part of the entertainment system 10 is read from the optical disk 36 such as a DVD-ROM or the like via a communication network. Control based on supplied programs and data.

  The bus 16 is used for exchanging addresses and data among the various parts of the entertainment system 10. The main processor 12, the sub processors 14a to 14h, the memory controller 18, and the interface 22 are connected to each other via the bus 16 so as to be able to exchange data.

  The memory controller 18 accesses the main memory 20 in accordance with instructions from the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h. Programs and data read from the optical disk 36 and the hard disk 38 and programs and data supplied via the communication network are written into the main memory 20 as necessary. The main memory 20 is also used for work of the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h.

  An image processing unit 24 and an input / output processing unit 28 are connected to the interface 22. Data exchange between the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14 a to 14 h and the image processing unit 24 or the input / output processing unit 28 is performed via the interface 22.

  The image processing unit 24 includes a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) and a frame buffer. The GPU renders various screens in the frame buffer based on the image data supplied from the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h. The screen formed in the frame buffer is converted into a video signal at a predetermined timing and output to the monitor 26. As the monitor 26, for example, a home television receiver is used.

  Connected to the input / output processing unit 28 are an audio processing unit 30, an optical disk reading unit 34, a hard disk 38, interfaces 40 and 44, and a network interface 48. The input / output processing unit 28 controls data exchange between the main processor 12 and the sub-processors 14a to 14h, the audio processing unit 30, the optical disc reading unit 34, the hard disk 38, the interfaces 40 and 44, and the network interface 48.

  The sound processing unit 30 includes an SPU (Sound Processing Unit) and a sound buffer. The sound buffer stores various audio data such as game music, game sound effects and messages read from the optical disk 36 and the hard disk 38. The SPU reproduces these various audio data and outputs them from the speaker 32. As the speaker 32, for example, a built-in speaker of a home television receiver is used.

  The optical disk reading unit 34 reads programs and data stored on the optical disk 36 in accordance with instructions from the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h. Note that the entertainment system 10 may be configured to be able to read a program or data stored in a computer-readable information storage medium other than the optical disk 36.

  The optical disk 36 is a general optical disk (computer-readable information storage medium) such as a DVD-ROM. The hard disk 38 is a general hard disk device. Various programs and data are stored in the optical disk 36 and the hard disk 38 so as to be readable by a computer.

  The interfaces (I / F) 40 and 44 are interfaces for connecting various peripheral devices such as the operation device 42 and the camera unit 46. For example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface is used as such an interface. For example, a wireless communication interface such as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface may be used.

  The operation device 42 is general-purpose operation input means, and is used by the user to input various operations (for example, game operations). The input / output processing unit 28 scans the state of each unit of the operation device 42 every predetermined time (for example, 1/60 seconds), and supplies an operation signal representing the result to the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h. The main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h determine the content of the operation performed by the user based on the operation signal. The entertainment system 10 is configured so that a plurality of operation devices 42 can be connected, and the main processor 12 and the sub processors 14a to 14h execute various processes based on operation signals input from the operation devices 42. It has become.

  The camera unit 46 includes, for example, a known digital camera, and inputs black and white, grayscale, or color photographed images every predetermined time (for example, 1/60 seconds). The camera unit 46 in the present embodiment is configured to input a captured image as image data in JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format. The camera unit 46 is installed on the monitor 26 with the lens facing the user, for example, and is connected to the interface 44 via a cable. The network interface 48 is connected to the input / output processing unit 28 and a communication network, and relays that the entertainment system 10 performs data communication with other entertainment systems 10 via the communication network.

  Here, an example of the configuration of the operation device 42 in the present embodiment will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the operation device 42 includes gripping portions 50R and 50L. The user grips these gripping portions 50R and 50L with the left and right hands, respectively. A first operation unit 51, a second operation unit 52, and analog operation units 53R and 53L are provided at positions where the user can operate with each thumb while holding the holding units 50R and 50L.

  Here, the first operation section (direction key) 51 is provided with an upward direction key 51a, a downward direction key 51b, a right direction key 51c, and a left direction key 51d. The user can instruct the direction by using these direction instruction keys 51a, 51b, 51c and 51d, and is used, for example, to instruct the moving direction of the cursor image on the screen. In addition, the second operation unit 52 includes a triangular button 52a provided with a triangular (“Δ”)-shaped mark, an X button 52b provided with a cross-shaped (“×”)-shaped mark, and a circle (“◯”). ") O button 52c provided with a shape inscription and a rectangular button 52d provided with a rectangle (" □ ") shape inscription. These buttons 52a, 52b, 52c and 52d execute some processing in relation to the image identified by the cursor image whose direction of movement is indicated by the direction indication keys 51a, 51b, 51c and 51d, for example. Assigned to let you.

  The analog operation parts 53R and 53L can be tilted with the point a as a fulcrum, and can be rotated around the rotation axis b passing through the fulcrum a in such a tilted state. It has become. The analog operation sections 53R and 53L are configured to hold a state (reference position) without an upright tilt as shown in FIG. 3 when the tilt operation is not performed. When the tilt operation is performed while pressing the analog operation unit 53R or the analog operation unit 53L, the coordinate value (x, y) on the xy coordinates corresponding to the tilt amount and the tilt direction with respect to the reference position is detected. Is output as an operation output to the MPU 11 via the interface 40 and the input / output processing unit 28.

  The operation device 42 also includes a start button 54 for instructing the MPU 11 to execute a program, a select button 55 for instructing switching of various modes, and a mode selection switch 56. For example, when a specific mode (analog mode) is selected by the mode selection switch 56, the light emitting diode (LED) 57 is controlled to emit light, and the analog operation units 53R and 53L are in an operating state. When another mode (digital mode) is selected, the light emitting diode 57 is controlled to be turned off, and the analog operation units 53R and 53L are brought into a non-operating state.

  Further, the operating device 42 is provided with a right button 58 and a left button 59 at positions where the gripping portions 50R and 50L can be operated with, for example, the index finger of each hand in a state where the gripping portions 50R and 50L are gripped by the left and right hands. The right button 58 includes a first right button 58R1 and a second right button 58R2 provided side by side in the thickness direction of the operation device 42. Similarly, the left button 59 has a first left button 59L1 and a second left button 59L2.

  Hereinafter, functions realized when the entertainment system 10 having the above-described hardware configuration operates as a character input device that accepts a character input by a user will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the entertainment system 10 is functionally configured to include a character input interface control unit 61, a character selection display unit 63, and a determination unit 64. These functions are realized, for example, when the MPU 11 executes a program. This program may be stored in advance in the ROM or the hard disk 38 in the entertainment system, or may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable information storage medium such as the optical disk 36. Further, it may be provided via a communication network such as the Internet.

  The character input interface control unit 61 displays a character input interface image in which a plurality of predetermined key images are arranged on the monitor 26. Here, each key image is an image representing a physical key, and is associated with one of a plurality of key operation accepting units 62 described later. Furthermore, the character input interface control unit 61 selects any one of a plurality of key images included in the character input interface image in response to an instruction operation on the operation device 42 by the user. Hereinafter, the key image selected according to the user's instruction operation is referred to as a selection key image.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a character input interface image in which a plurality of key images are arranged. In the example of FIG. 5, an input character string display area A1 for displaying a character string input by the user is provided at the top of the character input interface image. Below that, a key image display area A2 in which a plurality of key images are arranged in a predetermined positional relationship and a predicted character string display area A3 are provided. In the predicted character string display area A3, a predicted character string generated according to the input character string displayed in the input character string display area A1 and predicted to be input by the user is displayed. Further below, an input candidate character display area A4 for displaying characters that can be input by a key operation on the currently selected key image is provided.

  A predetermined cursor image Ic indicating that the key image is currently selected is also displayed at the position of any one of the plurality of key images arranged in the key image display area A2. Yes. In the present embodiment, the cursor image Ic is a double framed image surrounding the key image. The cursor image Ic is instructed by the user in the key image display area A2 with respect to the selected key image at the time of the instruction operation in response to the user instruction operation for each direction instruction key provided in the first operation unit 51. Move to the position of the key image arranged in the direction. As a result, the character input interface control unit 61 selects a key image indicated by the cursor image Ic that moves in accordance with the user's instruction operation as a selection key image.

  The character input interface control unit 61 includes a plurality of key operation reception units 62. Here, each key operation reception unit 62 is associated with one of the key images displayed in the key image display area A2, and has a function of receiving a key operation by the user. In the present embodiment, the character input interface control unit 61 includes key operation reception units 62a to 62u respectively associated with any of the 21 key images displayed in the key image display area A2. .

  As a specific example, each key operation reception unit 62 detects a predetermined instruction operation of the user when a key image associated with the key operation reception unit 62 is selected as a selection key image. An instruction operation is accepted as a key operation. Here, the predetermined instruction operation is, for example, an operation of pressing the ○ button 52c, the second right button 58R2, the second left button 59L2, or the like provided in the operation device 42. That is, when the user moves the cursor image Ic with the direction instruction key and selects one of the key images, and further presses the ○ button 52c or the like, the key operation accepting unit 62 associated with the key image is displayed by the user. Accept that a key operation has been performed. The key operation accepting unit 62 may accept an operation of pressing a predetermined button for a predetermined time or more as a key operation.

  Here, at least some of the key operation reception units 62 among the plurality of key operation reception units 62 are respectively associated with a plurality of characters. Specifically, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that ten key operation reception units 62 of the key operation reception units 62a to 62j are respectively associated with a plurality of characters. The key images associated with the key operation accepting units 62a to 62j may be images that display all or part of a plurality of associated characters.

  The character selection display unit 63 displays a character string input by the user in the input character string display area A1 by executing a predetermined process in accordance with the user's key operation received by the key operation reception unit 62. In particular, when the key operation accepting unit 62 associated with a plurality of characters accepts a key operation one or more times, the character selection display unit 63 converts the plurality of characters associated with the key operation accepting unit 62 to this key operation. Accordingly, the selected character is selected and displayed in the input character string display area A1. Hereinafter, a specific example of processing (hereinafter referred to as toggle control processing) executed by the character selection display unit 63 when the key operation reception unit 62 associated with a plurality of characters receives a key operation will be described.

  Here, as a specific example, the key operation accepting unit 62b associated with seven characters “a”, “b”, “c”, “A”, “B”, “C”, and “2” accepts the key operation, and performs toggle control. A case where processing is performed will be described. The key operation accepting unit 62b is associated with the key image I1 disposed in the upper center of the key image display area A2 in the character input interface image illustrated in FIG.

  The entertainment system 10 is assumed to hold an input candidate character table T representing a plurality of characters (input candidate characters) associated with each key operation receiving unit 62 in the main memory 20. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the input candidate character table T. As shown in FIG. When the key operation accepting unit 62b accepts a key operation, the character selection display unit 63 first refers to the input candidate character table T and acquires seven input candidate characters associated with the key operation accepting unit 62b. These characters are displayed side by side in the order stored in the input candidate character table T in the input candidate character display area A4.

  Further, the character selection display unit 63 selects one of these input candidate characters in accordance with the user's key operation, and stores information indicating the selected character (selected character) in a predetermined selected character in the main memory 20. Store in buffer B1. Here, the information stored in the selected character storage buffer B1 is pointer information indicating the position of the selected character in the list of input candidate characters stored in the input candidate character table T, for example.

  The character selection display unit 63 displays the selected character indicated by the information stored in the selected character storage buffer B1 in the input character string display area A1. In this case, the character selection display unit 63 additionally displays the selected character at the caret position in the input character string display area A1 (the position indicating the portion to be added or edited in the input character string). And In addition, in order to indicate that the selected character in this case is not currently confirmed as the input character and may be changed by the toggle control process, a predetermined display that can be distinguished from other confirmed input characters. Displayed in a manner. For example, the selected character is displayed with an underline, blinked, displayed in a color different from the confirmed input character, or displayed as an image having a different background color. Note that the selected character may be displayed in a display mode different from other input candidate characters in the input candidate character display area A4. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a character input interface image displayed on the monitor 26 when the key operation accepting unit 62b accepts a key operation and the character selection display unit 63 starts a toggle control process. In the example of FIG. 7, “a” is the selected character.

  In this state, when the key operation receiving unit 62b further receives a key operation, the character selection display unit 63 updates the information stored in the selected character storage buffer B1, thereby switching the selected character to another input candidate character. . In response to this, the selected character displayed in the input character string display area A1 is also updated to the newly switched character.

  As a specific example, for example, when the user performs a key operation to press the ○ button 52c or the second right button 58R2 while the key image I1 is selected, the character selection display unit 63 displays the selected character as the input candidate character table T. Switch forward according to the order stored in. When a key operation for pressing the second left button 59L2 is performed, the character selection display unit 63 switches the selected character in the reverse direction. Thereby, the user can select an arbitrary character as an input character among a plurality of characters associated with the key operation accepting unit 62b. FIG. 8 shows an example of a character input interface image when the user repeatedly presses the ○ button 52c twice in a state where the character input interface image in the example of FIG. 7 is displayed. In the example of FIG. 8, “c”, which is positioned to the right of two “a” in the input candidate character display area A4, is the selected character.

  Note that the character selection display unit 63 does not necessarily have to switch the selected characters in order according to the order stored in the input candidate character table T. For example, the character selection display unit 63 selects the character stored at the head position in the input candidate character table T regardless of the currently selected character in response to a key operation by the user pressing the second right button 58R2 for a predetermined time or longer. Select as a character. Further, the character stored at the last position in the input candidate character table T is selected as the selected character in response to a key operation in which the user presses the second left button 59L2 for a predetermined time or longer.

  Here, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the character selection display unit 63 restricts switching of the selected character in accordance with the user's key operation, ends the toggle control process, and determines the selected character at that time as the input character. To do. As a specific example, the character selection display unit 63 adds a selected character indicated by information stored in the selected character storage buffer B1 at the end of the toggle control process to a predetermined input character string storage buffer B2 in the main memory 20. . An input character string input by the user is stored in the input character string storage buffer B2, and the input character string stored in the input character string storage buffer B2 is displayed in the input character string display area A1. The condition for the character selection display unit 63 to limit the switching of the selected character and end the toggle control process will be described later.

  The determination unit 64 determines whether or not the key operation reception unit 62 that is the target of the toggle control process is being selected as the user's continuous operation target. As a specific example, the determination unit 64 performs the key operation reception unit 62 while the key image associated with the key operation reception unit 62 that is the target of the toggle control process is continuously selected as the selection key image. Is in a selected state.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the entertainment system 10 stores information indicating a key image selected as a selection key image in a predetermined cursor position storage buffer B3 in the main memory 20. The information stored in the cursor position storage buffer B3 is updated by the character input interface control unit 61 according to the user's operation on the direction instruction key. The determination unit 64 refers to the contents of the cursor position storage buffer B3 to determine whether the key image associated with the key operation reception unit 62 that is the target of the toggle control process is continuously selected as the selection key image. Determine whether or not. When the information stored in the cursor position storage buffer B3 is updated to one indicating another key image as a result of the user pressing one of the direction instruction keys provided on the first operation unit 51, toggle control is performed. It is determined that the key operation receiving unit 62 that is the target of processing is no longer being selected.

  The character selection display unit 63 restricts switching of characters in accordance with the user's key operation when the determination unit 64 determines that the key operation reception unit 62 that is the target of the toggle control process is no longer being selected. Then, the toggle control process ends. When the key operation receiving unit 62b receives the user's key operation again after the toggle control process is once completed, the character selection display unit 63 starts a new toggle control process. That is, the character selection display unit 63 selects any one of the input candidate characters associated with the key operation accepting unit 62b as a new selected character, and stores information indicating the selected character in the selected character storage buffer B1. Then, the selected character is additionally displayed in the input character string display area A1.

  Specifically, the key operation accepting unit 62b associated with the key image I1 is the target of the toggle control process as in the above example, and “c” is selected as the selected character as in the example of FIG. It is assumed that it is displayed in the input character string display area A1. In this case, once another key image is selected as the selection key image by the user operating the direction instruction key, the determination unit 64 determines that the key operation accepting unit 62b is no longer being selected, and this Accordingly, the character selection display unit 63 ends the toggle control process. Then, when the user operates the direction instruction key again, the key image I1 becomes a selection key image, and when the key operation receiving unit 62b receives a key operation such as pressing the ○ button 52c by the user, the character selection display unit 63 A new toggle control process is started. Thus, for example, when the ○ button 52c is pressed, instead of “A” stored as the character next to “c” in the input candidate character table T, the new selected character “a” It is additionally displayed after “c” in the column display area A1.

  As described above, the character selection display unit 63 restricts the switching of the selected character according to the determination result by the determination unit 64, so that after “c” is selected as the selected character, the other key operation accepting unit 62 is not Although the key operation accepting unit 62b continues to accept key operations without accepting key operations, the character selection display unit 63 additionally displays characters associated with the same key operation accepting unit 62b. Thus, the user can continuously input a plurality of characters associated with any one of the key images without selecting another key image and performing a predetermined key operation.

  In this case, the timing at which the character selection display unit 63 finishes the toggle control process and adds the selected character to the input character string storage buffer B2 as a confirmed input character is any of a plurality of examples described below. May be adopted.

  As a first example condition, the character selection display unit 63 immediately adds the selected character to the input character string storage buffer B2 when the key operation receiving unit 62 that is the target of the toggle control process is no longer being selected. It is good to do. In this case, the character selection display unit 63 is limited in the character switching of the display mode of the selected character displayed in the input character string display area A1 at the timing when the selected character is added to the input character string storage buffer B2. You may change to the predetermined display mode which shows that. Here, it is assumed that the display mode indicating that the character switching is limited is the same display mode as that of the confirmed input character already displayed in the input character string display area A1. In this way, the user can easily recognize that another character is input when the key operation on the same key image is executed next, while switching of the selected character is restricted.

  Further, as a second example condition, the character selection display unit 63 is configured such that the key operation receiving unit 62 that is the target of the toggle control process is once in a selected state after being no longer selected. The selected character is added to the input character string storage buffer B2, and the display mode of the selected character displayed in the input character string display area A1 is changed to a display mode indicating that the character switching is limited. Good. For example, in the example in which the key operation accepting unit 62b is the target of the toggle control process, the character selection display is performed when the position of the cursor image Ic moves from the position of the key image I1 and returns to the position of the key image I1 again. Unit 63 changes the display mode of the selected character.

  In the present embodiment, among the key images displayed in the key image display area A2, those associated with a function of switching a selected character from uppercase to lowercase or from lowercase to uppercase (hereinafter referred to as a switching function key image). There is. When the key operation accepting unit 62 associated with such a switching function key image accepts the key operation, the character selection display unit 63 switches the selected character at the time of accepting the operation to another corresponding character. Therefore, in the second condition example, the selected character is immediately determined as the input character after the key operation accepting unit 62 that is the target of the toggle control process is not in the selected state as in the first condition example. Instead, the input operation character 62 is determined again as the input character at the timing when the same key operation receiving unit 62 is selected. Thus, the user can perform an instruction operation to move the cursor image Ic, select a switching function key image, and perform a predetermined key operation to switch between uppercase and lowercase letters.

  FIG. 9 shows that in this second condition example, the cursor image Ic is moved by the user pressing the down direction key 51b from the state where the cursor image Ic is at the position of the key image I1 as shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the character input interface image at the time of moving to the position of another key image. In the example of FIG. 9, the key image positioned immediately below the key image I1 is the selection key image, and the display of the input candidate character display area A4 is switched accordingly. However, in the input character string display area A1, “c” is displayed in a display form indicating that it is a selected character, and has not changed from the state of FIG. In this state, the user moves the cursor image Ic to the position of the switching function key image and performs a key operation such as pressing the ○ button 52c to change the selected character “c” to “C”, which is an uppercase letter. be able to.

  In the state of FIG. 9, when the user performs a key operation such as pressing the ○ button 52c, this key operation is received by a key operation receiving unit 62e different from the key operation receiving unit 62b. In response to this, the character selection display unit 63 adds the selected character “c” to the input character string storage buffer B2, thereby confirming it as the input character. In addition, the display mode of “c” displayed in the input character string display area A1 is changed to a display mode indicating that the input character has been confirmed. Thereby, the character selection display unit 63 can immediately start the toggle control process corresponding to the key operation on the new key operation reception unit 62e.

  Further, from the state shown in FIG. 9, when the cursor image Ic is moved again to the position of the key image I1 in response to the user's operation on the direction instruction key without the key operation receiving unit 62 receiving the key operation, the character selection is performed. The display unit 63 also adds the selected character “c” to the input character string storage buffer B2 and determines it as the input character. In this state, when the key operation receiving unit 62b further receives a key operation by the user, the character selection display unit 63 starts a new toggle control process. In FIG. 10, after a key image other than the key image I1 becomes a selection key image in this way, the key image I1 becomes a selection key image again, and character input when the key operation acceptance unit 62b accepts a key operation. It is a figure which shows the example of an interface image. In the example of FIG. 10, “c” displayed in the input character string display area A1 as the selected character in the example of FIG. 9 changes to a display mode indicating that the input character has been confirmed, and a new toggle is displayed. A new selected character “a” selected by the control process is additionally displayed.

  According to the present embodiment described above, when it is determined that the key operation reception unit 62 that is the target of the toggle control process is no longer being selected as the user's continuous operation target, the key operation reception unit 62 is concerned. By restricting the character switching by accepting the key operation, a special key operation for determining the selected character during the toggle control becomes unnecessary, and the user's operation can be facilitated.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation implementation is possible.

  For example, in the above description, an example in which alphabets are mainly input has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is applicable to inputting characters and symbols used in various linguistic spheres. As a specific example, when inputting Japanese, for example, a key image associated with five characters “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, and “O” is displayed in the key image display area A2. The user can input hiragana and katakana by selecting these key images and performing predetermined key operations. Furthermore, Japanese text can be input by applying a known kana-kanji conversion technique or the like to the input character string input in this way. In this case, instead of the above-described switching function key image for switching between uppercase and lowercase letters, a switching function key image for switching the selected character to a muddy sound or a semi-voiced character may be used.

  In addition, the function of the key operation receiving unit 62 that is realized by software processing in the above description includes a plurality of operation members (buttons, etc.) associated with a plurality of characters, and user operations (buttons) for these. It may be realized by an operation detecting means for detecting a press etc.). In this case, the determination unit 64 determines whether each key operation reception unit 62 is in a selected state, for example, as follows. That is, each button includes a sensor that detects whether or not a user's finger is touching the surface. Then, the determination unit 64 determines that the button is in a selected state while the sensor detects that the user's finger is continuously touching the button. Accordingly, the user inputs the first character by moving the finger and pressing the button once or more while the finger is in contact with the button. After that, once you release your finger from the button and press the same button again, you can continue to select the next character associated with the same button without pressing any other button to confirm the first character. Can be entered.

  Moreover, the key operation reception part 62 may be implement | achieved by the touchscreen by which the some key image area | region was demarcated on the surface. In this case, the key operation accepting unit 62 accepts the user's operation as a key operation when the user's finger touches the corresponding key image area. Then, when the user's finger exists in a predetermined space above the key image area, the determination unit 64 determines that the key operation reception unit 62 corresponding to the key image area is in a selected state. As a result, the user inputs a first character by touching a certain key image area at least once, then releases the finger from the touch panel for a certain distance and touches the same key image area again to You can enter characters.

It is a hardware block diagram of the entertainment system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a detailed block diagram of MPU. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the external appearance of an operation device. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function example of the entertainment system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the character input interface image displayed on a monitor. It is a figure which shows an example of the input candidate character table stored in the main memory. It is a figure which shows an example of the character input interface image displayed on a monitor. It is a figure which shows an example of the character input interface image displayed on a monitor. It is a figure which shows an example of the character input interface image displayed on a monitor. It is a figure which shows an example of the character input interface image displayed on a monitor.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Entertainment System, 11 MPU, 12 Main Processor, 14a-14h Sub-Processor, 16 Bus, 18 Memory Controller, 20 Main Memory, 22, 40, 44 Interface, 24 Image Processing Unit, 26 Monitor, 28 Input / Output Processing Unit, 30 Audio processing unit, 32 speaker, 34 optical disk reading unit, 36 optical disk, 38 hard disk, 42 operation device, 46 camera unit, 48 network interface, 50R, 50L gripping unit, 51 first operation unit, 52 second operation unit, 53R, 53L Analog operation unit, 54 Start button, 55 Select button, 56 Mode selection switch, 57 Light emitting diode, 58 Right button, 59 Left button, 61 Character input interface control unit, 62 key Operation receiving unit, 63 a character selection display unit, 64 determination unit.

Claims (5)

A plurality of key operation accepting means each associated with a plurality of characters and accepting a key operation by a user;
Key image display means for displaying a plurality of key images respectively associated with any of the plurality of key operation accepting means;
Selection means for selecting any of the plurality of key images in accordance with a user's instruction operation;
When any one of the plurality of key operation accepting means accepts the key operation one or more times, a plurality of characters associated with the one key operation accepting means are determined according to the key operation. A character selection display means for switching and selecting, and displaying the selected character;
While the key image associated with the one key operation accepting unit is continuously selected by the selection unit, it is determined that the one key operation accepting unit is being selected as a user's continuous operation target. Determining means for determining that the one key operation accepting means is not in the selected state when another key image is selected by the selecting means;
Including
Each of the key operation accepting means performs the predetermined instruction operation when detecting a user's predetermined instruction operation in a state where the key image associated with the key operation accepting means is selected by the selecting means. Accept as key operation,
The character selection display means restricts the switching of characters according to the key operation when it is determined that the one key operation reception means is no longer in the selected state, and the one key operation reception means When the selected state is entered again after the selected state is lost, the display mode of the selected character is changed to a predetermined display mode indicating that the switching of the character is restricted. Character input device characterized by. The character input device according to claim 1,
The character selection display means is associated with the one key operation accepting means when the one key operation accepting means accepts the key operation again after the character switching according to the key operation is restricted. A character input device, wherein any one of a plurality of characters is selected and additionally displayed. A control method for a character input device, each of which is associated with a plurality of characters and includes a plurality of key operation receiving means for receiving a key operation by a user,
A key image display step for displaying a plurality of key images respectively associated with any of the plurality of key operation accepting means;
A selection step of selecting any of the plurality of key images in accordance with a user's instruction operation;
When any one of the plurality of key operation accepting means accepts the key operation one or more times, a plurality of characters associated with the one key operation accepting means are determined according to the key operation. A character selection display step for switching and selecting and displaying the selected character;
While the key image associated with the one key operation accepting unit is continuously selected by the user's instruction, it is determined that the one key operation accepting unit is being selected as the user's continuous operation target. A determination step of determining that the one key operation accepting unit is no longer in the selected state when another key image is selected by a user instruction;
Including
Each key operation accepting unit accepts the predetermined instruction operation as the key operation when a predetermined instruction operation of the user is detected in a state where the key image associated with the key operation accepting unit is selected. ,
In the character selection display step, when it is determined that the one key operation accepting unit is not in the selected state, the character switching according to the key operation is restricted, and the one key operation accepting unit When the selected state is entered again after the selected state is lost, the display mode of the selected character is changed to a predetermined display mode indicating that the switching of the character is restricted. A method for controlling a character input device. A program for controlling a computer that is associated with a plurality of characters and includes a plurality of key operation accepting units that accept key operations by a user,
Key image display means for displaying a plurality of key images respectively associated with any of the plurality of key operation accepting means on the screen;
Selection means for selecting any of the plurality of key images in accordance with a user instruction operation;
When any one of the plurality of key operation accepting means accepts the key operation one or more times, a plurality of characters associated with the one key operation accepting means are determined according to the key operation. Character selection display means for selecting and displaying the selected character by switching,
While the key image associated with the one key operation accepting unit is continuously selected by the selection unit, it is determined that the one key operation accepting unit is being selected as a user's continuous operation target. Determining means for determining that the one key operation accepting means is no longer in the selected state when another key image is selected by the selecting means;
Function the computer as
Each key operation accepting unit accepts the predetermined instruction operation as the key operation when a predetermined instruction operation of the user is detected in a state where the key image associated with the key operation accepting unit is selected. ,
The character selection display means restricts the switching of characters according to the key operation when it is determined that the one key operation reception means is no longer in the selected state, and the one key operation reception means A program for changing the display mode of the selected character to a predetermined display mode indicating that switching of the character is restricted when the selected state is entered again after the selected state is lost. . A computer-readable information storage medium storing the program according to claim 4 .

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