JP5891540B2 - Character input device, character input method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input device mounted on a mobile device, and in particular, the present invention relates to an input device, method, program, and mobile device that perform labor-saving input operations using a touch panel.

  When creating an electronic file or e-mail with a character input device installed in an electronic device such as a personal computer or portable device, the type of input characters such as `` Hiragana (Japanese) '', `` Alphabet '' and `` Number '' may be changed is there. For this reason, some electronic devices are provided with a character switching key that can change the type of an input character, and a user can input a desired character type by pressing the character switching key.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a flick character input device as one of the methods for inputting characters by changing the character input mode. In the following, character types such as “Hiragana (Japanese)”, “alphabet”, and “number” are referred to as character types, and settings that allow the character input device to input the corresponding character types are referred to as character input modes. That is, the character input mode of the character input device that is set to input the character type “Hiragana” is expressed as “Hiragana input mode”. FIG. 13A is a front view of a portable device equipped with a character input device for flick input, and includes a character switching key 130 for changing the input character mode. From FIG. 13 (b) to FIG. 13 (d), in the hiragana input mode, the character input key "NA" is pressed with the finger, moved to the right, and released to input the hiragana "Ne". Here, the character switching key 130 is touched to switch to the alphabet input mode. Next, as shown in FIGS. 13E to 13G, when the character input key “5” is pressed and the finger is moved upward and released, “L” is input.

  There is Patent Document 1 as a prior patent document relating to such flick input. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228667 allows a character of a desired character type to be input from a plurality of characters of different character types by a single flick operation. An input example disclosed in Patent Document 1 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, the user touches the “5” key with his / her finger and moves upward while touching it to select the character type “uppercase alphabet / numerals (J, K, L, 5)”. The finger can be moved a certain distance while being touched, and “J” can be input. Further, when the finger is moved a certain distance while being touched, “K” can be input. If the “5” key is touched with a finger and moved downward while touching, the character type “Hiragana” is selected. Similarly, if the finger is moved for a certain distance while touching, “NA” can be input. Furthermore, when the finger is moved for a certain distance while being touched, “NI” can be input. As described above, the character input device of Patent Document 1 can input characters of a desired character type from characters of different character types by a single touch panel operation without pressing a character switching key.

JP 2009-86981 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, although characters of a desired character type can be input from characters of different character types by a single touch panel operation, the character input mode is not switched. There is a problem that there is a case that becomes. For example, in FIG. 14, it is assumed that “Ne”, “Ne”, “Ne” are input, and then “L”, “L”, “L” are input. First, when inputting “Ne”, touch the “5” key with your finger and move it down to select “N” for “Nani, Nyu, Neno”. One touch, one direction movement), move a certain distance from “N” to “Ne”, release the finger at the “Ne” position and input. In this case, one touch, one direction of movement, three times a certain distance of movement, and a finger are released once. On the other hand, in order to input “L”, the “5” key is touched with a finger and moved upward while touching, so that “J” of “J, K, L, 5” can be selected ( One touch, one direction movement), move a certain distance from “J” to “L”, and release the finger at the “L” position to input. In this case, one touch, one direction of movement, double character movement for a certain distance, and finger release are performed. Therefore, if you enter “Ne”, “Ne”, “Ne”, and then enter “L”, “L”, “L”, you will have 6 touches, 6 directions of movement, 15 times the fixed distance movement of characters, 6 fingers I will do the separation. On the other hand, if the same thing is done in FIG. 13, when inputting “Ne” first, the “5” key is touched with a finger, and the finger is moved a certain distance from “N” to “Ne”, Release your finger at the “Ne” position and enter. In this case, a single touch, a fixed distance of one character, and a finger are released once. When inputting “L”, the character switching key 130 is touched and released to switch to the alphabet input mode. Next, the “5” key is touched with a finger, the finger is moved a certain distance from “J” to “L”, and the finger is released at the “L” position for input. In this case, two touches, a fixed distance of one character, and a finger are released twice. Therefore, if you input “Ne”, “Ne”, “Ne” and then enter “L”, “L”, “L”, you can touch 7 times, move 6 times a certain distance, and release your finger 7 times. Will do.

  When the character input key is touched to switch the character input mode and the flick input is performed, the operation is simple but it is necessary to touch the character change key. Further, as described above, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to input a character of a desired character type from a character of a different character type by a single touch panel operation without touching the character switching key. There is a problem that the amount of movement increases.

  In the character input device capable of inputting characters of different character types in one character input mode, when the characters of different character types are input, the present invention automatically inputs from the next character input. It is an object of the present invention to provide a character input device that switches to an input character mode of the specified character type.

A character input device according to the present invention includes a display unit that displays characters and a numeric keypad, a touch panel that allows flick input on the display unit, a character input mode switching control unit that switches a plurality of character input modes, and input from character input candidates. An input character setting unit set as a character, a storage unit that stores registered character information that defines characters assigned to flick input of each key of the numeric keypad, and a movement direction that detects a flick direction after the touch panel is touched The character input mode switching control unit switches to the character input mode of the input character when the character of a character type different from the character input mode that has been set is input, and the registered character information Are associated with the flick direction and the character, character input candidates of different character types are assigned, and When the character input mode is switched by the character input mode switching control unit, the flick direction associated with the character of the character type of the character input mode that was set before switching is the character input mode that was set before switching Character input candidates of different character types are assigned so that the flick direction is the same as the flick direction at.

The character input device of the present invention is characterized in that the area on the touch panel where one character is input has a certain distance from the edge of the touch panel. The character input device of the present invention further includes a movement distance detecting unit that detects a flick distance after the touch panel is touched,
The registered character information is associated with a flick distance and a character type, when character input candidates of different character types are assigned and when the character input mode is switched by the character input mode switching control unit. Character input candidates of different character types are assigned so that the distance and the character type correspond to each other. The character input device of the present invention is characterized in that the ratio between the flick distance determined as the set character type and the flick distance determined as a different character type is substantially constant. The display unit of the character input device displays a flick distance of a character input candidate of a set character type shorter than a flick distance of character input candidates of other character types. The display unit of the character input device may display a guide showing the characters that can be input assigned to the touched key when one of the ten keys is touched. The display unit of the character input device according to the present invention is characterized in that one of the characters that can be input displayed on the guide and determined by the input character setting unit is displayed with emphasis over other characters. To do.

The character input method of the present invention stores a display unit that displays characters and a numeric keypad, a touch panel that allows flick input on the display unit, and registered character information that defines characters assigned to the flick input of each key of the numeric keypad. A character input method in a character input device comprising: a character input mode switching control step for switching a plurality of character input modes; an input character setting step for setting an input character from character input candidates; A movement direction detection step of detecting a flick direction after the touch panel is touched, and in the character input mode switching control step, when a character of a character type different from the set character input mode is input, Switch to the character input mode of the input character, and the registered character information is a combination of the flick direction and the character. In addition, when a character input candidate of a different character type is assigned and the character input mode is switched by the character input mode switching control unit, the character of the character type of the character input mode set before switching Character input candidates of different character types are assigned so that the flick direction associated with is the same as the flick direction in the character input mode set before switching .

The program of the present invention stores a display unit that displays characters and a numeric keypad, a touch panel that can be flicked on the display unit, and registered character information that defines characters assigned to the flick input of each key of the numeric keypad. A character input mode switching control step for switching a plurality of character input modes, an input character setting step for setting as an input character from a character input candidate, and after the touch panel is touched And a moving direction detecting step for detecting a flick direction, and in the character input mode switching control step, if a character of a character type different from the set character input mode is input, the character of the input character Switch to input mode, and the registered character information associates the flick direction with the character. When character input candidates of different character types are assigned, and when the character input mode is switched by the character input mode switching control unit, it corresponds to the characters of the character type of the character input mode set before switching Character input candidates of different character types are assigned so that the attached flick direction is the same as the flick direction in the character input mode set before switching .

  According to the character input device of the present invention, it is possible to input characters of different character types in one character input mode, and when the user inputs characters of different character types, the input of the next character is the input of the input character. Since the mode is automatically switched to the character input mode, an effective flick input can be realized.

Schematic configuration diagram of a portable device 100 equipped with the character input device of the present invention. The figure which showed the example of operation of the portable apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1. Processing flow diagram of portable device 100 of the present invention Registered character information installed in the mobile device 100 of the first embodiment Touch panel area information mounted on the mobile device 100 of the first embodiment The figure which showed the example of operation of the portable apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1. Registered character information mounted on the mobile device 100 of the second embodiment Touch panel area information mounted on the mobile device 100 of the second embodiment Explanatory drawing of the touchscreen area | region information mounted in the portable device 100 of Embodiment 3. FIG. Registered character information mounted on the mobile device 100 of the fourth embodiment Touch panel area information mounted on the mobile device 100 of the fourth embodiment Explanatory drawing of the touchscreen area | region information mounted in the portable device 100 of Embodiment 4. Explanatory drawing explaining a prior art. Explanatory drawing explaining prior art patent document 1. FIG.

  In the embodiment of the present specification, the character type such as “Hiragana (Japanese)”, “Alphabet” and “Number” is called a character type, and the character input device can input the corresponding character type in the same manner as the above background art. This setting is called a character input mode. That is, the character input mode of the character input device that is set to input the character type “Hiragana” is expressed as “Hiragana input mode”. In addition to the hiragana, katakana, alphabet, numbers, etc., the character types in this application can be arbitrarily classified as symbols, pictograms, etc., and these half-width, full-width, lowercase letters, capital letters, etc. are also classified as different types. It can be done.

  In the embodiment, a case where the character input device of the present application is mounted on a mobile device will be described as an example. The mobile device is an electronic dictionary in addition to a device having a communication function such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, an information terminal, and an electronic book. And devices that do not have a communication function, such as electronic notebooks. Moreover, this application displays the key for performing the function required in order to input the character and the key for inputting a character on the display part of such a portable apparatus. Keys to enter characters are assigned numbers from 0 to 9 such as hiragana and English, and numeric keys, hiragana, and English can be selectively entered by changing the character type. And keys with assigned sounds, punctuation marks, and so on.

  Unless otherwise specified in the present application, the keys for inputting characters, that is, the keys other than the numeric keypad and the keys to which symbols and punctuation marks are assigned, are referred to as a numeric keypad and distinguished from a so-called full keyboard such as a QWERTY layout. And The function key means a key for executing a function necessary for inputting characters or editing a document, although no characters are assigned, such as “Kana-Kanji conversion”, “Confirm”, and “Clear”.

  The present invention relates to a character input device having a touch panel and capable of flick input. In the flick input of the present application, as in the background art, the touch panel is touched with a finger to display character input candidates, and the input character is selected by releasing the finger as it is or sliding the touch panel and releasing it. In the embodiment, an operation of sliding and moving on the touch panel from a position where the touch panel is touched with a finger is referred to as a flick operation. Further, in this flick operation, a direction in which the touch panel is slid and moved from the position touched with a finger is referred to as a flick direction, and a distance in which the touch panel is slid and moved from the touched position is referred to as a flick distance. The operation of touching the touch panel with a finger and releasing it without moving from the touched position is referred to as “no flick”. Note that the touch panel can be operated not only with a finger but also with a touch pen or the like, and in this embodiment, the expression “operating with a finger” includes operation with a finger.

  The character input device of the present invention can input characters of different character types in one character input mode. For example, in the hiragana input mode, it is possible to input characters having a character type of hiragana and characters having an alphabet. The character input device of the present invention can also switch the character input mode to the mode of the character of the different character type inputted from the next flick operation when the character of the different character type is inputted. For example, if an alphabet is input in the hiragana input mode, the character input mode can be switched to the alphabet input mode from the next flick operation. Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated in detail.

[Embodiment 1]
A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a portable device 100 on which the character input device according to the first embodiment is mounted. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the mobile device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a display unit 101, a touch panel unit 102, a storage unit 103, a control unit 104, and a communication unit 105.

  The display unit 101 is a display device such as an organic EL or a liquid crystal that displays an edit screen for mail, text, etc., a standby screen of a mobile phone, various application windows, and the like. The touch panel 102 is provided on the surface of the display unit 101 and detects a touch by a user's finger and a touched position. The storage unit 103 stores registered character information 103a and touch panel area information 103b as a configuration mainly related to the present embodiment. Details will be described later. Note that the storage unit 103 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk device, and may be built in a portable device or may be externally attached or detached by a memory card or an IC card. In addition to the functions according to the present embodiment, the storage unit 103 has a function as a general storage unit that stores software of each application, user data such as a camera and voice, but a description thereof is omitted.

  The control unit 104 mainly includes a character type detection unit 104a, a character input mode switching control unit 104b, an input character setting unit 104c, a display control unit 104d, a movement direction detection unit 104e, and a movement distance detection unit 104f. Is provided. The control unit 104 has a function as a general control unit in addition to the function according to the present embodiment, but the description thereof is omitted. The character type detection unit 104a detects the character type of the character input by the user's operation. When the character type detected by the character type detection unit 104a is a character type different from the character input mode set in the mobile device 100, the character input mode switching control unit 104b determines the character type detected by the character input mode. Switch to character input mode. For example, when the portable device 100 can input a hiragana and a number in the hiragana mode, when the user inputs a number, the character type of the character input by the character type detection unit 104a is detected as a number, and character input mode switching control is performed. The unit 104b switches the character input mode from the hiragana input mode to the number input mode. The portable device 100 includes a character switching key 208 shown in FIG. 2A, and the user can switch the character input mode by touching the character switching key 208. Also in this case, the character input mode switching control unit 104b performs switching control.

  The input character setting unit 104c determines the character selected by the user from the character input candidates as the input character. The input character setting unit 104c also performs a process of inputting the temporarily determined character as a confirmed character into the document. Note that characters may be converted into katakana or kanji before being confirmed. The display control unit 104d displays character input candidates and conversion candidates and controls other general display units according to the user's flick operation and character conversion operation. The movement direction detection unit 104e detects the flick direction. The movement distance detection unit 104f detects the flick distance. The communication unit 105 includes a wireless communication unit 105a and a wired communication unit 105b. The wireless communication unit 105a transmits and receives wireless signals. The wired communication unit 105b is connected to the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like by wire. Send and receive data. Note that the communication by the communication unit 105 includes not only basic communication connection with a communication base station, server, router, etc., but also transmission / reception of data to / from other portable devices such as infrared communication and home appliances such as a television set. . The functions of the other configurations in FIG. 1 will be described later.

  FIG. 2 sequentially illustrates a state in which character input is executed by the mobile device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a processing flow of character input of the mobile device 100. FIG. 4 is an example of registered character information 103 a stored in the storage unit 103, and FIG. 5 is an example of touch panel area information 103 b stored in the storage unit 103.

  FIG. 3 shows a processing flow for character input of the portable device 100. In FIG. 3, those having S at the head indicate steps. For example, step S303 is step 303. The processing flow of FIG. 3 includes S300 to S315, which are processes related to character input, and S316 to S322, which are processes related to character conversion. First, the processing related to character input will be described.

  When the creation of the mail or the editing of the text file is started (start), the control unit 104 acquires the registered character information 103a corresponding to the set character input mode and the touch panel area information 103b from the storage unit 103, and The character input screen 201 is displayed as shown in FIG. 2A (S300). The character input screen 201 includes an input character display area 202, a numeric keypad 203, and a function key 204. The numeric keypad 203 is configured in an area surrounded by a broken line in FIG. The numeric keypad 203 in FIG. 2A shows a case of 12 keys in which input characters are assigned not only to numbers 0 to 9 but also to “*” and “#”. I will call it. In other words, if an input character is assigned, it is called a numeric keypad regardless of the number of keys. The function keys 204 are not assigned characters, but are distinguished from numeric keys as keys assigned editing functions such as conversion, confirmation, and cursor movement. In the first embodiment, the function keys include a conversion key 205, a confirmation key 206, a clear key 207, a character switching key 208, and the like. Here, the conversion key 205 is a key used for converting hiragana into kanji or katakana, the confirmation key 206 is a determination key for ending character selection or conversion and confirming as an input character, and the clear key 207 is a conversion key. The character switching key 208 is a key for switching the character input mode. Note that the character input mode at the time of starting the character input device may be the mode when the character input device was last ended, or may be started in a specific mode.

  When the user touches the pressed key of the numeric keypad 203 as shown in FIG. 2B, the touch panel 102 detects the touch of the finger 209 (Yes in S301), and the control unit 104 detects the touch of the finger 209 detected by the touch panel 102. The pressed key “2” pressed by the user is detected (S302). The display control unit 104d of the control unit 104 reads the input candidate characters assigned to the pressed key from the registered character information 103a and displays the guide 210 (S303). Here, the character input candidates are “a, b, c, 2”. The guide 210 displays a character that is input when the finger is released and a character that is input when the finger is moved and released as an input candidate character, and the character that is input when the finger is released, that is, the currently selected character is highlighted. This is a character input assist function that visually assists character input by writing.

  The registered character information 103a used by the control unit 104 in the character input processing flow will be described with reference to FIG. 4A shows registered character information when the input mode is the alphabet mode, and FIG. 4B shows registered character information when the number input mode is used. The registered character information 103a defines the numeric keys displayed on the display unit 101 and the characters assigned to the numeric keys. Also, no flick and flick direction are assigned to each character. For example, in FIG. 4A, “d, e, f, 3” is assigned to the press key (3), and “no flick” is assigned to the character “d”, and the characters “e, f” are assigned. 3 ”is assigned the flick direction“ left, top, right ”. Here, “no flick” means that the finger is input when the touch panel touches the touch panel and moves away, and the flick direction “left, top, right” indicates that the finger touches the touch panel. It means that it is input when moving away from each direction (flick direction) of “Left, Up, Right”. In FIG. 2B, “2” of the numeric keypad 203 is touched, and “a”, “b”, and “c” assigned to the pressed key “2” in the registered character information 103a in the alphabet mode of FIG. 4A. “2” is an inputable character. The storage unit 103 stores registered character information 103a corresponding to each character input mode. Note that “no flick” and “flick direction” in FIG. 4 are defined in the touch panel area information 103b as areas on the touch panel.

  In FIG. 4, by defining “no flick” and “left, top, right, right” instead of “no flick” and “left, top, right, bottom”, from the point where the flicking direction is pressed. It is limited only in the upper direction (direction to the character input screen 201). As a result, the user flicks his / her finger so that the finger does not get tired.

  Also, different characters are assigned to the flick direction between the registered character information in the alphabet input mode in FIG. 4A and the registered character information in the number input mode in FIG. There are only “None” and “Right” directions, and the same characters are assigned to the “Left, Up, Right” directions. That is, for example, for the press key (7) in FIG. 4A, the character “p” is assigned to “no flick”, the character “7” is assigned to “right”, and “left, upper, upper right” Are assigned the letters “q, r, s” respectively. On the other hand, the character “7” is assigned to “no flick” and the character “p” is assigned to “right” for the press key (7) of FIG. Are different, and letters “q, r, s” are assigned to “left, upper, upper right”, respectively, which are the same as in FIG. In this way, the registered character information in the alphabet input mode and the registered character information in the number input mode are associated with the character layout by replacing only the characters assigned to the “no flick” and “right” operations. This makes it easier to remember and allows the user to operate much faster without having to look at the guide display. In FIG. 4, “no flick” and “left, upper, upper right, right” are separately classified, but “lower”, “upper left”, “lower right”, and the like can be arbitrarily defined.

  In FIG. 2B, the movement direction detection unit 104e of the control unit 104 acquires the position where the finger touches the touch panel from the touch panel 102, and compares the flick direction with the region defined by the touch panel region information 103b, here. No flick is detected (S304).

  The touch panel area information 103b used by the movement direction detection unit 104e in the character input process flow will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is an example of the touch panel area information 103b, and FIGS. 5B and 5C are diagrams for explaining FIG. 5A. The touch panel area information 103b defines the correspondence between each key of the numeric keypad displayed on the display unit 101, an area recognized as having no flick, and an area recognized as having moved in the flick direction. FIG. 5B illustrates the definition of the area when the pressing key (2) is touched. When the finger touches the pressing key (2) and is within the area 505, the moving direction detection unit 104e recognizes that there is no flick. Here, when the finger is released, the movement direction detection unit 104e recognizes that the finger has moved away without moving. If the finger touches the pressing key (2) and moves without releasing the finger and is within the area 509, the movement direction detection unit 104e recognizes that the finger has moved in the flick direction “right”. Here, when the finger is released, the movement direction detection unit 104e recognizes that the finger has moved to the “right” and released. As described above, the movement direction detection unit 104e of the control unit 104 of the mobile device 100 acquires information such as the coordinates of the finger from the touch panel 102, and whether the touch of the finger is not moving as compared with the touch panel region information 103b. Whether it has moved after touching, or if it has moved, its flick direction is also detected. Further, when the finger leaves the touch panel, the finger touches the touch panel to move away without moving, or after moving away from the touch panel.

  The areas defined in the touch panel area information 103b shown in FIG. 5 are “no flick” and the flick direction “left” [upper] [upper right] [right], but “lower”, “lower right”, etc. It is also possible to define a region. In addition, when the finger is released in the area where the flick direction is not defined, the movement direction detection unit 104e may not detect the movement direction of the finger and may not input the character, or the finger passes last. If the direction of the area is defined, characters corresponding to the direction may be input. For example, in FIG. 5B, when the finger moves to the region where the moving direction is not defined after passing through the region 509, the moving direction detection unit 104 e sets the finger moving direction to “right” corresponding to the region 509. It is also possible to make a determination. Moreover, the shape of each area | region is not limited to FIG. 5, It can implement arbitrarily. For example, a fan shape or a triangle may be used. FIG. 5C shows the definition of the area when the press key (4) is touched. Since it can be understood similarly to FIG.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. The input character setting unit 104c of the control unit 104 compares the detection result “no flick” of the movement direction detection unit 104e in step S304 with the registered character information 103a, and temporarily determines the input character (S306). Here, since the moving direction detection unit 104e detects no flick in step S304, the input character setting unit 104c of the control unit 104 corresponds to “no flick” of the pressed key (2) of the registered character information 103a. The character “a” is provisionally determined as an input character. Next, the guide 210 (character input assist function) highlights the character tentatively determined in step S306, here "a" (S307). Next, when the finger is released as shown in FIG. 2C (Yes in S308), the input character setting unit 104c determines “a” as the input character (S309), and the display control unit 104d deletes the guide (S310). ).

  The character type detection unit 104a of the control unit 104 detects the alphabet that is the character type of the character input in step S309 (S313). Since the character type detected in step S313 is alphabet and is the same as the alphabet that is the character type of the alphabet input mode that has been set previously, the character input mode switching control unit 104b performs switching of the character input mode. No (No in S314). In this state, the mobile device 100 waits for a new operation by the user.

  When the user touches the pressed key “2” of the numeric keypad 203 as shown in FIG. 2D, the touch panel 102 detects the touch of the finger 209 (Yes in S301), and the control unit 104 detects the finger 209 detected by the touch panel 102. The pressed key “2” pressed by the user from the touch is detected (S302). The display control unit 104d of the control unit 104 reads the input candidate characters “a, b, c, 2” assigned to the pressed key from the registered character information 103a and displays the guide 210 (S303). The movement direction detection unit 104e of the control unit 104 acquires the position where the finger touches the touch panel from the touch panel 102, and detects the flick direction, here, no flick compared to the area defined by the touch panel area information 103b (S304). ). The input character setting unit 104c of the control unit 104 compares the detection result of step S304 with the registered character information 103a to temporarily determine the input character “a” (S306). Next, the guide 210 (character input assist function) highlights the character “a” provisionally determined in step S306 (S307).

  If the user flicks rightward without releasing the finger (No in S308) as shown in FIG. 2E, the movement direction detection unit 104e of the control unit 104 indicates the position where the finger is moving on the touch panel 102. The flick direction is detected by comparing with the area defined by the touch panel area information 103b (S304). The input character setting unit 104c of the control unit 104 compares the detection result of step S304 with the registered character information 103a to temporarily determine the input character (S306). Here, in step S304, the movement direction detection unit 104e detects that the finger is moving in the right direction, so the input character setting unit 104c of the control unit 104 uses the pressed key (2) for the registered character information 103a. The character “2” corresponding to the finger flick direction “right” is provisionally determined as the input character. Next, the guide 210 (character input assist function) highlights the character tentatively determined in step S306, here "2" (S307). Next, when the finger is released as shown in FIG. 2 (f) (Yes in S308), the input character setting unit 104c determines “2” as the input character (S309), and the display control unit 104d deletes the guide (S310). ). At this time, it is also possible to perform a pop-up that enlarges and displays the character determined as the input character as in the highlighted display 211 (S311).

  The character type detection unit 104a of the control unit 104 detects a number that is the character type of the character input in step S309 (S313). Since the character type detected in step S313 is a number and is different from the alphabet that is the character type of the alphabet input mode that was previously set, the character input mode switching control unit 104b changes the character input mode ( Yes at S314). Next, the character input mode switching control unit 104b acquires the registered character information (FIG. 4B) for the numeric input mode from the storage unit 103, and switches to the registered character information for the alphabet mode used (S315). This changes the character input mode.

  When the user touches the pressed key on the numeric keypad 203 as shown in FIG. 2G, the touch panel 102 detects the touch of the finger 209 (Yes in S301), and the control unit 104 touches the finger 209 detected by the touch panel 102. The coordinate is acquired, and the pressed key “4” is detected from the registered character information 103a using the acquired coordinate data (S302). The display control unit 104d of the control unit 104 reads input candidate characters assigned to the pressed key, here "4, h, i, g" from the registered character information 103a and displays them on the guide 210 (S303). In FIG. 2G, since the character input mode is switched to the number input mode in step S315, the number “4” is displayed at the center of the guide 210, and the alphabet is displayed at the periphery. Here, since the user does not move the finger, the movement direction detection unit 104e detects that there is no flick (S304), temporarily determines the number “4” as an input character (S306), and “4” is highlighted in the guide 210. (S307). When the finger is released here (Yes in S308), the input character setting unit 104c determines “4” as the input character (S309), deletes the guide (S310), and inputs the already input “2”. The character “4” is added (S312). This state is shown in FIG. The character type detection unit 104a of the control unit 104 detects a number that is the character type of the character input in step S309 (S313). The character input mode switching control unit 104b recognizes that there is no character input mode switching from the detection result of the character type detection unit 104a (No in S314). In this state, the mobile device 100 waits for a new operation by the user.

  Next, the part related to the conversion of the flick input character will be described. Generally, a character input device can convert characters input by a user's key operation. For example, the input hiragana is converted to kanji by a conversion operation, and the input half-width number is converted to a full-width number by a conversion operation.

  The character conversion flow of FIG. 3 will be described by taking the case of the state of FIG. If there is an unconverted character “24” (Yes in S316) and the conversion key 205 is pressed (Yes in S317), the user selects the converted character (S318). Here, the unconverted characters “2” and “4” can be converted into half-width numbers and full-width numbers separately or both at the same time. In this case, all the combinations of conversion candidates of “2” and “4” half-width numbers and full-width numbers may be displayed on the display unit, and the user may select them, or each time the conversion key 205 is pressed, the half-width numbers are displayed. And full-width numbers may be alternately displayed, and the user may select the display by stopping the display switching. When a desired converted character is determined by such processing (Yes in S319), the character determined by the selection processing in step S318 is changed as a converted character (S320). If there is an unconverted character “24” (Yes in S316) and a key other than the conversion key 205 or the enter key 206 is input (No in S317, No in S321), this is a state in which there is an unconverted character “24” Since this is a new character input operation, a guide corresponding to the pressed key is displayed (S303). Since the subsequent processing has already been described, a description thereof will be omitted. If there is no unconverted character (No in S316), if the pressed key is the confirm key 206 (Yes in Step S321), close the character input screen of the mail tool, text editor, etc. (S322) End (end).

  As described above, the mobile device 100 according to the first embodiment is a mobile device capable of inputting characters of a plurality of character types. When a character type different from the character input mode is input, the conversion key 205 is operated. Even if it does not, it is characterized by automatically switching to the character input mode of the input character from the input of the next character.

  In creating a document such as an e-mail or text file, the input character type does not frequently change, and the same character type is often continuously input for a certain number of characters. For example, when creating a mail, a friend's name is entered followed by a telephone number, or when creating a statistical table, items are entered in hiragana or alphabet followed by a numerical value. In such a case, simply entering a different character type with a single flick operation as in the prior art will enter a number in alphabet input mode, and once you select the alphabet, you move without releasing your finger. You must repeat the process of selecting numbers. According to the mobile device 100 of the first embodiment, once a number is input and the mode is switched to the number input mode, it becomes possible to input a number by simply touching and releasing a desired key directly with a finger from the next, so that a character input operation can be performed. There is an effect that it becomes efficient.

[Embodiment 2]
The character input device of the second embodiment is also a character input device capable of inputting a desired type of character from a plurality of character types as in the first embodiment, and when a character of a character type different from the character input mode is input. From the input of the next character, the character input mode of the input character is automatically switched. The character input device according to the first embodiment is a character input device that can input different character types depending on the flick direction in which the user touches the touch panel. On the other hand, the character input device according to the second embodiment is a character input device capable of inputting characters of different character types not only in the flick direction but also in the flick distance. For this reason, the character input device according to the second embodiment stores registered character information and touch panel area information that enable input of different character types depending on the flick distance in the storage unit. Since the information used in the first and second embodiments is different from the information stored in the same storage unit, the portable device 100 in FIG. 1 also executes the character input processing flow in FIG. 3 in the second embodiment. It can be implemented.

  A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 6, 7, and 8. FIG. However, since only the registered character information and the touch panel area information are different from those in the first embodiment as described above, the description of the other elements is omitted. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of character input by the character input device according to the second embodiment, in which the alphabet “S” is input in the hiragana input mode, and the alphabet “H” is subsequently input in the alphabet input mode. Since the alphabet is input in the hiragana input mode, the character input mode is switched to the alphabet input mode from the next input.

  FIG. 7 shows registered character information 103a of the mobile device 100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7A shows registered character information in the hiragana mode, and FIG. 7B shows registered character information in the alphabet mode. As shown in FIG. 7, in the registered character information according to the second embodiment, different character types are assigned to the case where the flick distance is short and the case where the flick distance is long, and in each case where the flick distance is short and long. Different characters are assigned to the flick direction. A character of a different character type may be assigned to the flick direction. When there is no flick, characters of the same character type as when the flick distance is short are assigned.

In FIG. 7, different characters are assigned to the flick direction between the registered character information in the hiragana input mode in FIG. 7 (a) and the registered character information in the alphabet input mode in FIG. 7 (b). Are only in the directions of “no flick” and “down”, and the same characters are assigned to the directions of “left, up, upper right, right”. That is, for example, for the press key (9) in FIG. 7A, the character “ra” is assigned to “no flick”, the character “W” is assigned to “below”, and the flick when the flick distance is short is used. The characters “Ri, Ru, Re” are assigned to the directions “Left, Up, Right”, respectively, and the characters “X, Y, Z, 9” in the flick directions “Left, Up, Right, Right” when the flick distance is long "it is assigned. On the other hand, the letter “W” is assigned to “no flick” and the letter “ra” is assigned to “below” for the pressed key (9) of FIG. Are different, and the characters “X, Y, Z, 9” are assigned to the flick directions “left, top, top right, right” when the flick distance is short, respectively, and the flick directions “left, top” when the flick distance is long , Right ”are assigned the letters“ Ri, Ru, Re ”, respectively, which are the same as in FIG. In other words, “Li, Ru, Re” and “X, Y, Z, 9” have a difference that the moving flick distance is long and short, but the direction is the registered character information in the hiragana input mode and the registered character information in the alphabet input mode. Is the same. In this way, only the characters assigned to the “no flick” and “below” operations are switched between the registered character information in the hiragana input mode and the registered character information in the alphabet input mode. Since it can be memorized, it becomes easier to remember, and the user can definitely operate much faster without looking at the guide display.

  Touch panel area information 103b of the mobile device 100 of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. FIG. 8A shows touch panel area information in the hiragana mode, and FIG. 8B shows touch panel area information in the alphabet input mode. FIG. 8C illustrates an area corresponding to the pressing key (7) in FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8D illustrates an area corresponding to the pressing key (4) in FIG. 8B. It is illustrated. The touch panel area information 103b of the mobile device 100 according to the second embodiment includes each key of the numeric keypad displayed on the display unit 101, an area recognized as having no flick, and an area recognized as having moved in each flick direction and flick distance. The correspondence of is defined. Correspondence between the flick operation and each area of the touch panel area information can be understood in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted and only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, different areas are defined in the hiragana input mode and the alphabet input mode. For example, in hiragana input mode, if the flick distance is short, the flick direction is defined as “left, top, right, bottom”, but in alphabet input mode, it is defined as “left, top, top right, right, bottom”. Yes. In the first embodiment, since the common touch panel area information is used for each character input mode, when starting the creation of a mail or the editing of a text file (started in FIG. 3), the control unit 104 Regardless of the character mode, one touch panel area information 103b is acquired from the storage unit 103, but in the second embodiment, touch panel area information 103b corresponding to the set character input mode is acquired from the storage unit 103.

  In each area of the touch panel according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, an area determined to have no flick is formed in a square shape. If this quadrangle is the same shape as the pressed key, it will be easier for the user to visually understand. On the other hand, when the area of the pressed key is small, it is easier to operate if the quadrangle is enlarged in a similar manner. An area determined to have a short flick distance is an area formed by forming an outer edge of the area in a circle and excluding an area determined to move away from the circle without touching and moving. The area that is determined to have a long flick distance is formed by forming a circle in the outer edge, surrounds the area that is determined to have no flick and the area that is determined to have a short flick distance, and the area that is determined to have no flick and the flick distance. It is set as an area excluding the case where it is determined that is short. Here, the radius of the circle is not limited to that shown in FIG. 8 and can be arbitrarily changed.

  In FIG. 6A, the finger touches the area 860 in FIG. 8C. The touch panel 102 detects a touch (Yes in S301 in FIG. 3), and the control unit 104 detects a press key “7” pressed by the user (S302). The display control unit 104d of the control unit 104 reads the input candidate characters assigned to the pressed key from the registered character information 103a and displays a guide (S303). Here, the input candidate characters are “ma, mi, mu, me, momo, P, Q, R, S, 7”.

  When the flick operation is performed as shown in FIG. 6B, the movement direction detection unit 104e of the control unit 104 acquires the position where the finger is moving from the touch panel 102, and compares it with the area defined by the touch panel area information 103b. Then, the flick direction is detected as “upper right” (S304), and the moving distance detection unit 104f detects the flick distance, and here, the flick distance is detected as “long” (S305 in FIG. 3). Note that the position of the finger in FIG. 6B is within the area 868 in FIG. 8C. The input character setting unit 104c of the control unit 104 compares the detection result of step S304 with the registered character information 103a to temporarily determine the input character (S306). Here, in step S304, the movement direction detection unit 104e detects that the finger is moving in the upper right direction, and in step S305, the movement distance detection unit 104f detects that the finger has moved a long flick distance. Therefore, the input character setting unit 104c of the control unit 104 inputs the character “S” corresponding to the flick direction “upper right” and the flick distance “long” of the press key (7) of the registered character information 103a in FIG. Temporarily determined as a character. Next, the guide 210 highlights “S” (S307).

  When the finger is released as shown in FIG. 6C (Yes in S308), the input character setting unit 104c determines “S” as the input character (S309). The character type detection unit 104a of the control unit 104 detects the alphabet that is the character type of the character input in step S309 (S313). Since the character type detected in step S313 is alphabetic and is different from the hiragana character type of the previously set hiragana input mode, the character input mode switching control unit 104b switches the character input mode (S314). Yes). Next, the character input mode switching control unit 104b acquires the registered character information for the alphabet input mode (FIG. 7B) from the storage unit 103, and switches to the registered character information for the hiragana input mode used (S315). . In the second embodiment, in step S315, the character input mode switching control unit 104b acquires the touch panel area information 103b (FIG. 8B) of the alphabet input mode from the storage unit 103, and the hiragana input mode touch panel used. Switch to area information 103b. In this way, the character input mode is switched.

  In FIG. 6D to FIG. 6F, the letter “H” is obtained by pressing the key (4) in the alphabet input mode, moving the finger to the left, and releasing the finger in the area 951 in FIG. 8D. Is shown. The procedure is the same as that shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (c), and a description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, alphabets and numbers can be input at the same flick distance, but only alphabets may be input.

  As described above, the mobile device 100 according to the second embodiment is a mobile device capable of inputting characters of a plurality of character types, and the user touches the touch panel with a finger and does not flick or the flick distance is short. When you release your finger at a distance, you can enter characters in the character type of the character input mode that are set in advance on the mobile device 100. When you release your finger at a long flick distance, the character type of the character that is different from the character type of the character input mode Can be entered. When the flick distance is long, the character input mode of the input character type is newly set as the character input mode of the mobile device 100 from the next character input, and the user touches the touch panel with a finger and starts from the touched position. The character of the character type in the newly set character input mode can be input by releasing it without moving or moving it for a short distance and releasing it.

  In the configuration in which different character types can be input only depending on the flick direction as in the first embodiment, if the number of input character candidates is increased, the angle assigned to each character becomes narrower, which may be difficult to operate. By configuring as in the second embodiment, many input character candidates can be handled in an easy-to-operate state.

  Also, there is an effect obtained by switching the character input mode as in the first embodiment. When entering a friend's name and then entering a phone number while composing an email, first enter the name in hiragana mode with a short flick distance, and then perform a long flick distance flick operation and enter a number. Switch to number input mode and continue to enter the phone number. After switching to the number input mode, it becomes possible to input numbers within a short flick distance. In the case of the conventional technology that switches the character input mode by pressing the conversion key, the normal character input device is equipped with multiple modes such as hiragana, katakana, uppercase alphabet, lowercase alphabet, and so on. However, since it is necessary to search for a desired mode, the efficiency is low. Further, in the case of the prior art in which it is possible to input numbers in the hiragana mode without pressing the conversion key, the flick distance becomes long and the operability is deteriorated. By configuring as in the second embodiment, it is not necessary to press the conversion key, and character input can be performed with a short flick distance, so that efficient character input can be realized.

[Embodiment 3]
The third embodiment is a modification of the character input device according to the second embodiment. The character input device according to the third embodiment is an embodiment regarding the shape of each region defined by touch panel region information. FIG. 9 illustrates touch panel area information according to the third embodiment. In the second embodiment, the area of the touch panel is configured as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D. In FIG. 8C, the flick direction in the case of a short flick distance is defined as “left, top, right, down”. In FIG. 8D, the flick direction in the case of a short flick distance is defined as “left, top, top right. , Right, down ". In the third embodiment, the modification of FIG. 8C is configured as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9D, and the modification of FIG. 8D is illustrated in FIGS. Configure as shown in e).

  FIG. 9A illustrates an example of the shape of each area of the touch panel area information of the mobile device 100 according to the third embodiment. The region determined to have a short flick distance is a region surrounded by the inside of the circle indicated by 92 and the outside of the region 860 as in FIG. 8C. On the other hand, the region determined to have a long flick distance is a region other than the circle indicated by 92. This eliminates the area where touch panel touch detection is not performed as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C are another examples of the shape of each area of the touch panel area information of the mobile device 100 according to the third embodiment, and the touch panel area where one character is input is located at the edge of the touch panel. When located, the touch panel region is configured to have a certain distance from the edge of the touch panel. FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C are examples in the case where the touch panel area into which one character is input is an area that is determined to have a long flick distance. FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C will be described. An area that is determined to have a long flick distance is a rectangle composed of the edge of the touch panel (indicated by 91 in the figure) and the edge of the input key area (indicated by 94 in the figure), and a fixed distance from the rectangle (indicated by the figure). It is assumed that the area is between the square (indicated by 93 in the figure) formed on the inner side only (indicated by middle d). On the other hand, the region determined to have a short flick distance is a region between a region determined to have no flick and a region determined to have a long flick distance. For the sake of understanding, the regions 866 and 868 are extracted in FIG. 9B and the region 958 is extracted in FIG. 9C. With this configuration, it is easy to use because the width of the area determined to have a long flick distance is the same regardless of which key of the numeric keypad is touched. In addition, if the area where the flick distance is determined to be long is configured at the end of the mobile device or the end of the input key area, the user has only to operate roughly toward the end, so that there is an effect that the operation becomes easy.

  FIG. 9D and FIG. 9E are other examples of the shape of each area of the touch panel area information of the mobile device 100 of the third embodiment. The outer peripheries of areas determined to have a long flick distance are indicated by 91 and 94 in the figure, the outer peripheries of areas determined to have a short flick distance are indicated by 95 in the figure, and the areas determined to have no flick are indicated by squares. Yes. Here, the distance between each side of the outer periphery of the area determined to have a long flick distance and each side of the outer periphery of the area determined to have a short flick distance facing each side is determined to be short. It is characterized in that the ratio of the distance between each side of the outer periphery of the area to be detected and each side of the area determined to have no flick facing each side is made constant. The distance ratio is illustrated as x1: y1 in FIG. 9D and x2: y2 in FIG. 9E. Note that a character type set in the mobile device 100 is assigned to an area where the flick distance is determined to be short, and a character type different from the character type set in the mobile device 100 is assigned to an area where the flick distance is determined to be long. , And the ratio of the flick distance determined as the set character type and the flick distance determined as a different character type can be configured to be constant. Even if configured as described above, the portable device 100 that is easy to operate can be realized.

[Embodiment 4]
The fourth embodiment is a modification of the character input device according to the second embodiment. The character input device according to the second embodiment can input characters of two different character types by recognizing the flick distance in two stages. The character input device of the fourth embodiment inputs a desired character from characters of three different character types by a single flick operation by recognizing the flick distance in three stages of “short”, “medium”, and “long”. It is possible. FIG. 10 shows the character registration information 103a included in the portable device 100 for recognizing the flick distance in three stages, and FIG. 11 shows the touch panel area information 103b. FIG. 10A shows registered character information in the hiragana input mode. When there is no flick and the flick distance is short, hiragana is input, when the flick distance is medium, alphabets are input, and when the flick distance is long, numbers are input. . FIG. 11A shows the touch panel area information 103b in the hiragana mode. FIG. 12 shows an area corresponding to the pressed key (7) in FIG. In addition, the shape of each area | region shown in FIG. 12 is an example, and can be implemented arbitrarily. In particular, it becomes easier to perform a flick operation by devising the shape of the area when the pressed key is at the center and at the end of the touch panel. FIG. 10 (b) and FIG. 10 (c) are information at the time of registration in the numeric input mode and the alphabet input mode, respectively.

  Also, registered character information in the hiragana input mode of FIG. 10 (a), registered character information in the number input mode of FIG. 10 (b), and registered character information in the alphabet input mode of FIG. 10 (c). In the flick direction of the finger, different characters are assigned only to the “no flick” and “down” directions, and the same character is assigned to the “left, top, top right, right” directions. Assigned.

  For example, for the press key (9) in FIG. 10A, the characters “ra” are assigned to “no flick”, the characters “w” and “9” are assigned to “lower”, and the flick distance is short. When the flicking direction is “left, top, right”, the letters “ri, ru, re” are assigned respectively, and when the flick distance is medium, the letters “x, y” are respectively displayed in the flicking direction “left, top, top right, right” , Z, 9 ”are assigned, and“ =, blank (undefined),; ”are assigned to the flick directions“ left, top, right ”when the flick distance is long.

  On the other hand, the character “9” is assigned to “no flick” and the characters “ra” and “w” are assigned to “down” for the pressed key (9) in FIG. Unlike (a), when the flick distance is short, the flick direction “left, top, right” is assigned with “=, blank (undefined),;”, and the flick direction is medium. The characters “Ri, Ru, Re” are assigned to “Left, Top, Right”, respectively, and “x, y, z, 9” are respectively in the flick directions “Left, Top, Right, Right” when the flick distance is long These are the same as those in FIG. 10 (a).

  In addition, the character “w” is assigned to “no flick” and the characters “ra” and the character “9” are assigned to “below” for the pressed key (9) in FIG. 10 (a) is different from FIG. 10 (b). When the flick distance is short, “x, y, z, 9” is assigned to the flick directions “left, top, top right, right”, respectively. The characters “=, blank (undefined),;” are assigned to the flick directions “Left, Up, Right” in the middle, respectively. , Ru, Re "are assigned, and these are the same as in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). Here, a blank (no definition) indicates that there is no character assignment.

  In other words, “Ri, Ru, Re”, “x, y, z, 9”, “=, blank (undefined),;” has a difference in the flick distance, but the direction is the registered character information and numbers in Hiragana input mode. The registered character information in the input mode is the same as the registered character information in the alphabet input mode. In this way, only the characters assigned to the “no flick” and “below” operations are switched between the registered character information in the hiragana input mode, the registered character information in the number input mode, and the registered character information in the alphabet input mode. As a result, the character arrangement can be stored in association with each other, so that it is easy to remember, and the user can operate much faster without doubt without looking at the guide display.

  The mobile device 100 of the fourth embodiment configures the character registration information 103a and the touch panel area information 103b described above, and executes the flow of FIG. Since the configuration and flow of the mobile device 100 according to the fourth embodiment have already been described, a description thereof will be omitted.

According to the mobile device 100 of the fourth embodiment, after the touch panel is touched, the character input when there is no flick and the character input when the flick distance is short are set to the same character type, and this is the first character type. The character type is set to the character input mode, and the character input mode is set to the character input mode, and the character input by the flick operation having a flick distance longer than the flick distance at which the first character type is input from the position where the finger touches the touch panel. the second and character type, than the distance the finger has a second character type from a position touching the touch panel is input, the character input by the flick operation of long flick distance a third character type, these The character type of the character input from the first to third character types becomes the character input mode in the next character input. This enables character input in the switched character input mode from the next time. Further, if the classification of the flick distance based on the character registration information 103a and the touch panel area information 103b is further divided, it becomes possible to select and input characters of different character types.

  It should be noted that a program for realizing the function of each part of the portable device 100 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium is read into a computer system and executed to execute the function of each part. It may be realized. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Furthermore, the program is held for a certain period of time like a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Including things.

  The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient. The program may be provided through the Internet.

  The character input device and the character input method according to the present invention can be applied to a character input device used for creating a document such as an electronic mail on a mobile phone.

91, 92, 93, 94, 95 Area range 100 Mobile device 101 Display unit 102 Touch panel 103 Storage unit 103a Registered character information 103b Touch panel region information 104 Control unit 104a Character type detection unit 104b Character input mode switching control unit 104c Input character setting unit 104d Display control unit 104e Movement direction detection unit 104f Movement distance detection unit 105 Communication unit 105a Wireless communication unit 105b Wired communication unit 201 Character input screen 202 Input character display area 203 Numeric keypad 204 Function key 205 Conversion key 206 Confirmation key 207 Clear key 208 Character Switch key 209 Finger 13, 210 Guide 211 Highlight 500-559, 800-1300 Area 1400 Character input screen 1401 Input character display area 1402 Guidance display area 1 403 Area for displaying input characters 1404 Cursor area 1405-1409 area

Claims (10)

A display for displaying characters and numeric keys;
A touch panel capable of flick input on the display unit;
A character input mode switching control unit for switching a plurality of character input modes;
An input character setting part to be set as an input character from character input candidates;
A storage unit for storing registered character information defining characters assigned to flick input of each key of the numeric keypad;
A movement direction detection unit that detects a flick direction after the touch panel is touched;
With
The character input mode switching control unit switches to the character input mode of the input character when a character of a character type different from the set character input mode is input,
When the registered character information is associated with a flick direction and a character, character input candidates of different character types are allocated, and the character input mode is switched by the character input mode switching control unit, before the switching Character input candidates of different character types so that the flick direction associated with the character of the character input mode that was set to the same flick direction as the character input mode that was set before switching Is assigned to the character input device.   The character input device according to claim 1, wherein an area on the touch panel to which one character is input has a certain distance from the edge of the touch panel. After the touch panel is touched, it further includes a movement distance detection unit that detects a flick distance,
The registered character information is associated with a flick distance and a character type, when character input candidates of different character types are assigned and when the character input mode is switched by the character input mode switching control unit. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein character input candidates of different character types are assigned so that the distance and the character type correspond to each other .   The character input device according to claim 3, wherein a ratio between the flick distance determined to be the set character type and the flick distance determined to be a different character type is substantially constant. The display unit
The character input device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a flick distance of a character input candidate of a set character type is displayed shorter than a flick distance of character input candidates of other character types.   6. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein, when one of the ten keys is touched, the display unit displays a guide indicating characters that can be input assigned to the touched key. The character input device according to claim 1.   7. The display unit according to claim 6, wherein one character determined by the input character setting unit among the inputable characters displayed on the guide is highlighted with respect to other characters. Character input device.   The character input device according to claim 7, wherein the display unit performs a pop-up display of characters determined as the input characters by the input character setting unit. A display unit that displays characters and a numeric keypad, a touch panel that allows flick input on the display unit, and a storage unit that stores registered character information defining characters assigned to the flick input of each key of the numeric keypad. A character input method using a character input device,
  A character input mode switching control step for switching a plurality of character input modes;
  An input character setting step for setting an input character from character input candidates;

  A moving direction detecting step of detecting a flick direction after the touch panel is touched;
  With
  In the character input mode switching control step, when a character of a character type different from the set character input mode is input, the character input mode is switched to the character input mode of the input character,
  When the registered character information is associated with a flick direction and a character, character input candidates of different character types are allocated, and the character input mode is switched by the character input mode switching control unit, before the switching Character input candidates of different character types so that the flick direction associated with the character of the character input mode that was set to the same flick direction as the character input mode that was set before switching A character input method characterized by being assigned. A display unit that displays characters and a numeric keypad, a touch panel that allows flick input on the display unit, and a storage unit that stores registered character information defining characters assigned to the flick input of each key of the numeric keypad. In the computer of the character input device,
  A character input mode switching control step for switching a plurality of character input modes;
  An input character setting step for setting an input character from character input candidates;

  A moving direction detecting step of detecting a flick direction after the touch panel is touched;
  And execute
  In the character input mode switching control step, when a character of a character type different from the set character input mode is input, the character input mode is switched to the character input mode of the input character,
  When the registered character information is associated with a flick direction and a character, character input candidates of different character types are allocated, and the character input mode is switched by the character input mode switching control unit, before the switching Character input candidates of different character types so that the flick direction associated with the character of the character input mode that was set to the same flick direction as the character input mode that was set before switching A program characterized by being assigned.