KR20090068857A - Character input device and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a character input apparatus and a method thereof, wherein the character input apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit comprises: a first direction input moving to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position with respect to the reference position within a predetermined input radius; The input unit is independently provided with a second direction input for selecting any one of a plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input unit itself; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And extracting from the memory unit a first character allocated to the first direction indicating position where the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character allocated to the second direction indicating position where the second direction input is detected. And a control unit.

As a result, each character can be accurately input according to the user's intention while minimizing the space required for the character input.

Description

Character input device and its method {CHARACTER INPUT DEVICE AND ITS METHOD}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character input device and a method thereof, and in particular, by allowing the first direction input and the second direction input to be simultaneously or sequentially performed in one input unit, the number of characters that can be input in one operation in a minimum input space. The present invention relates to a character input device and a method thereof capable of maximizing and simultaneously inputting one or more phonemes in one operation.

Recently, with the development of software, semiconductor technology, and information processing technology, information devices are becoming smaller and smaller, and the input of characters in various information devices is also increasingly important.

However, many problems have been revealed in the input of various characters or commands in such information devices.

For example, an input device such as a keyboard used in a personal computer (PC) or a notebook (NoteBook) has a limitation in reducing its size, which makes it difficult to miniaturize these information devices.

In addition, the touch screen method used in the PDA (Personal Data Assistant) or the keypad method used in the mobile phone has an inconvenience in that the input speed is low and the wrong input is often made.

In order to input letters, numbers or symbols at a higher speed in the above-described information devices such as PCs, laptops, PDAs or mobile phones, so-called 1 operation 1 phoneme input is performed in which one phoneme (character) is input in one input operation. There is a need.

In the case where the operation 1 phoneme input is for Korean, the buttons or input keys for inputting 24 or more characters need to be arranged in the information apparatus.

If the target language is English, Japanese, or other foreign languages, more buttons or input keys may need to be added than in Korean.

In addition, as the performance of the desktop PC is increasingly realized in the portable terminal, the portable terminal must be able to perform all input functions of the keyboard, such as various command keys (enter, space, shift key, etc.), Fzl, and symbols, as well as character input. The situation is reaching.

However, the conventional input device used in various information devices is a method of assigning a letter to each input key and tapping or pressing with a finger.

Therefore, in a personal portable information terminal such as a mobile phone having a relatively small space for arranging input keys, it is difficult to arrange more than 24 input keys of a finger size. This has been the reason why keyboards have never been miniaturized so far.

Particularly, in the case of a mobile phone, it is inevitable that a plurality of characters are repeatedly arranged in one button since all Korean characters are inputted with 24 or more characters with 12 buttons.

Therefore, the repeated input phenomenon of repeatedly inputting twice and three times to input one character (phoneme) occurs frequently, so that the input time is long and there are many typos.

In addition, the input method itself is very complicated and takes a long time to get used to it.

In order to solve this problem, a character input method for inputting a combination of predetermined characters, such as 'Cheonjiin', has been proposed.

However, the above-mentioned method has the advantage of reducing the number of input buttons for allocating characters because the desired characters are generated by combining the basic characters, but the input buttons must be repeatedly pressed until the desired characters are combined. As a result, the input time was longer.

Particularly, in the above-described input device, after moving and selecting a finger to a predetermined input key to which a mode switching function is assigned, the user switches to an input key to which a corresponding letter is assigned and inputs the character or inputs a predetermined input key. You could change the selection position by repeatedly inputting several times, change the selection position, and then enter the desired character by selecting the input key to which the character is assigned again.

Therefore, there is a problem that the input operation is many and complicated to input the desired character, as well as the input speed is lowered and the input accuracy is lowered.

On the other hand, in each of the input devices described above, when a predetermined character is inputted, a predictor input method in which a word or phrase starting with the character is displayed is used.

For example, in English input, typing 's' displays multiple words starting with 's', say, sound, ..., etc., and the user scrolls instead of typing the remaining characters. It is to select and enter the desired word through.

However, in the conventional so-called 'predictive character input method', in order to select one of the predictive characters (ie, words or sentences) displayed on the display unit, in the case of the touch screen method, a desired predictor is moved by moving the position of a finger. In the case of the input key method, the predictor was inevitably selected by changing the selection position by clicking the input key several times.

By the way, the predictive character input through the conventional input device is to change the individual input key performing operation for selecting the corresponding character into a scrolling operation in which one of the presented predictors must be selected to achieve a drastic reduction in the input operation or the number of operations. There is a lack.

That is, even when using the predictive character input developed for easy input of words or sentences, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform fast and accurate input as much as one other one phoneme.

In addition, technologies such as a keyboard that can be rolled around or a virtual laser keyboard that detects the position of a finger and inputs it when a user performs an operation such as projecting an image of the keyboard keyboard on the floor and inputting the keyboard with a finger thereon are also used. It has been proposed.

However, this type of input device has a problem that it is always inconvenient to carry and carry, and can be input only in a state placed on the floor, there is a problem that it is not applicable to a personal portable information terminal that needs to be input by hand while moving.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a new input unit in which the first direction input and the second direction input are performed separately or in combination, thereby minimizing the space required for the input of characters and the like, and all the desired characters in one input operation. By inputting quickly and accurately, and by maximizing the number of keyboards that can be arranged in a given space through the multi-stage input function and the configuration of bees, all the input functions of the keyboard keyboard and the mouse input function used in the desktop PC can be quickly and quickly used in the portable terminal. It is to provide a character input device that can be conveniently performed.

Further, in addition to the first direction input and the second direction input, a signal processing method for inputting only the characters detected as the first input and the last input during the circumferential movement input of the input unit, or the first direction input, the second direction input, and the center. The present invention provides a character input device capable of inputting three or more phonemes in one continuous input operation by adding or combining various input methods such as a combination with a part or an order with an input.

In addition, it increases the input capacity as much as possible to increase the amount of characters that can be input, and enter text editing commands such as enter, space, etc. necessary for the entire character input, and character input for easy input of numbers, symbols, special keys, etc. To provide a device.

In addition, new data can be inputted by combining two or more of the first direction input, the second direction input, and the center input with each other. Furthermore, different data can be input by changing the order of some or all of the combined input operations. The present invention provides a character input device and a method of controlling the input capacity freely.

Character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; The input unit 10 and the-input unit 10 provided on the base 110 are arranged in a plurality of first radially spaced apart from the reference position S from the reference position S within the predetermined input radius 111. The first direction input M moving to any one of the direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,..., And a plurality of second direction indicating positions P ₁ radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself. A second direction input (P) for selecting any one of P ₂ ,. A first sensing unit 61 sensing a movement of the input unit 10; A second sensing unit 63 sensing a second direction input P; And a second direction indication position P in which a first character or a second direction input P, which is assigned to the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,..., In which movement of the input unit 10 is detected. _And a control unit 51 which extracts and executes the second character allocated to ₁ , P ₂ , ..) from the memory unit 55.

The first direction input M slides the input unit 10 from the reference position S toward the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., or moves the input unit 10 in the first direction. It may be performed by tilting toward any one of the indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,.

The second direction input P is performed by tilting the input unit 10 toward any one of the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... It can be performed by selecting the pressing portion 11 provided in correspondence with P ₁ , P ₂ , ..).

Here, one or more of the first direction input (M) or the second direction input (P) may be provided to enable two or more stages multi-stage input.

The input unit 10 may select the central input key 13 provided at the center of the input unit 10 or move the entire input unit 10 up and down with respect to the base 110 to perform the central input (C). The input C may also be provided to enable two or more stages of multi-stage input.

On the other hand, the combination of any one of the first direction input (M) or the second direction input (P) and the central input (C) to input the new data assigned to the input operation, unlike the characters originally assigned to each direction indication position Central combination input (CM, CP) can be provided to perform.

Alternatively, the direction combination inputs MP and PM for inputting new data may be provided by performing the other while the first direction input M or the second direction input P is performed first. Can be.

Meanwhile, in each of the above examples, the input unit 10 may be input to the base 110 by providing two or more input units 10.

The character input device 1 may be mounted directly on an external device and used, but may be detachable by providing a transceiver (not shown) for transmitting and receiving data with the external device.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; Two input units 10 provided in the base 110-each of the input units 10 are four first direction indicating positions M radially spaced from each reference position S about the reference position S. ₁ , M ₂ ,... The first direction input M moving to any one of the _two , and four second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , radially spaced from the input unit 10 itself. A second direction input (P) for selecting any one of.) Is capable of being performed in two or more stages, respectively; A first sensing unit 61 sensing the first direction input M; A second sensing unit 63 sensing a second direction input P; And a second direction indication position P in which a first character or a second direction input P, which is assigned to the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,..., In which movement of the input unit 10 is detected. _And a control unit 51 for extracting the second character allocated to ₁ , P ₂ , ..) from the memory unit 55.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; Two input units 10 provided in the base 110-each of the input units 10 are eight first direction indicating positions M ₁ radially spaced from each reference position S about the reference position S. , M ₂ ,... The first direction input (M) moving to any one of, and four second direction indicating positions (P ₁ , P ₂ , .. radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself). A second direction input P for selecting any one of A first sensing unit 61 sensing the first direction input M; A second sensing unit 63 sensing a second direction input P; And a second direction indication position P in which a first character or a second direction input P, which is assigned to the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,..., In which movement of the input unit 10 is detected. _And a control unit 51 for extracting the second character allocated to ₁ , P ₂ , ..) from the memory unit 55.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; Two input units 10 provided on the base 110-each of the input units 10 are four first direction indicating positions M ₁ radially spaced from each reference position S about the reference position S. , M ₂ ,... The first direction input M moving to any one of, and eight second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself. A second direction input P for selecting any one of A first sensing unit 61 sensing the first direction input M; A second sensing unit 63 sensing a second direction input P; And a first character assigned to the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... Where the movement of the input unit 10 is detected, or a second direction indicating position at which the second direction input P is detected. And a control unit 51 for extracting the second character allocated to P ₁ , P ₂ ,... From the memory unit 55.

Here, one or more of the first direction input (M) or the second direction input (P) may be provided to perform two or more stages multi-stage input.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; The input unit 10 provided in the base 110-the input unit 10 are arranged in a plurality of first directions radially spaced from the reference position S from the reference position S within the predetermined input radius 111. The first direction input M which is slid to any one of the instruction positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And a plurality of second direction instruction positions P ₁ , which are radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself. A second direction input P for selecting any one of the pressing parts 11 provided in the input part 10 corresponding to P ₂ ,. A first sensing unit 61 sensing a movement of the input unit 10; A second sensing unit 63 sensing a selection of the pressing unit 11; And a first character assigned to the first direction indicating position M ₁ , M ₂ , ... or the second direction based on the detection result of the first sensing unit 61 and the second sensing unit 63. And a controller 51 for extracting and inputting the second character allocated to the instruction positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... From the memory unit 55.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; The input unit 10 provided in the base 110-the input unit 10 are arranged in a plurality of first directions radially spaced from the reference position S from the reference position S within the predetermined input radius 111. The first direction input M which is slid to any one of the instruction positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And a plurality of second direction instruction positions P ₁ , which are radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself. A second direction input P inclined toward any one of P ₂ , ..) is provided to be independently performed; A first sensing unit 61 sensing a movement of the input unit 10; A second sensing unit 63 which detects tilt of the input unit 10; And a first character assigned to the first direction indicating position M ₁ , M ₂ , ... or the second direction based on the detection result of the first sensing unit 61 and the second sensing unit 63. And a controller 51 for extracting and inputting the second character allocated to the instruction positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... From the memory unit 55.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; The input unit 10 provided in the base 110-the input unit 10 are arranged in a plurality of first directions radially spaced from the reference position S from the reference position S within the predetermined input radius 111. The first direction input M which is slid to any one of the instruction positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And a plurality of second direction instruction positions P ₁ , which are radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself. A second direction input P, in which the entire input unit 10 is tilted toward one of P ₂ ,. A support part 25 provided between the input part 10 and the base 110 to slide simultaneously with the input part 10 and to support the tilting movement of the input part 10; A first sensing unit 61 sensing a movement of the input unit 10; A second sensing unit 63 sensing tilt movement of the input unit 10; And a first character assigned to the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) or the corresponding second based on the detection result of the first sensing unit 61 and the second sensing unit 63. And a control unit 51 for extracting and inputting the second character allocated to the direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... From the memory unit 55.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; The input unit 10 provided in the base 110-the input unit 10 includes a plurality of first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ , radially spaced from the reference position S about the reference position S. ... one of the first direction input (M) is performed to tilt the entire input unit 10 is tilted to any one of ... and a plurality of second direction indicating position (P) radially spaced on the input unit 10 itself ₂ , the second direction input P inclined toward any one of ₁ , P ₂ ,. A support part 25 provided between the base 110 and the input part 10 to support tilt movement of the input part 10; A first sensing unit 61 sensing a movement of the input unit 10; A second sensing unit 63 of the inclination of the input unit 10; And a first character assigned to the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) or the corresponding second based on the detection result of the first sensing unit 61 and the second sensing unit 63. And a control unit 51 for extracting and inputting the second character allocated to the direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... From the memory unit 55.

On the other hand, the object is, according to the present invention, moved to any one of the plurality of first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) radially spaced about a reference position within a predetermined input radius Each of the first direction input M and the second direction input P for selecting any one of the plurality of second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,.. In the character input method of the character input apparatus having the input unit 10 provided to be performed independently, a first character for each of the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...), the second direction A step S1 of storing a character set in which the second character is separately assigned and assigned to each of the instruction positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... Sensing (S2) the first direction input (M) or the second direction input (P); Extracting a first character or a second character corresponding to the direction indication position from the character set based on the detection signal (S3); It is also achieved by a character input method comprising a; step (S4) of processing the input of the extracted first or second character.

According to the character input apparatus according to the present invention having the above-described structure, it is possible to accurately input each character according to the user's intention while minimizing the space required for character input.

In addition, by combining the direction movement input and the direction pressing input, one or more phonemes can be input in one input operation, thereby enabling rapid character input.

In addition, since the input space can be minimized and the product can be miniaturized and slimmed, it can be applied to various portable electronic devices such as PDAs, notebooks, and portable mobile communication terminals.

In addition, the present invention can be used by various modifications to the multi-stage input form, the bee input form, the center input and the direction input (same as the first direction input or the second direction input or less) to the combination input form in the same or in sequence, New characters, symbols, numbers, etc. can be entered, so the input capacity can be expanded without restriction.

Therefore, even in a small device such as a portable terminal, since the input interface can input one operation and one phoneme like a keyboard, it is possible to input at least 24 signals such as 24 Korean characters and 26 alphabet characters in one operation.

Hereinafter, a configuration and an embodiment of the character input device 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for each input operation.

First direction input (M)

In the present specification, the first direction input M refers to a plurality of first direction indication positions M ₁ and M in which the input unit 10 is radially spaced about the reference position S from the reference position S. FIG. ₂ , ... are moved to any one of the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) is to enter the characters.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the combination of the input unit 10 and the base 110 according to the present invention shown in FIG.

Referring to the drawings, a reference position S (see FIG. 2) is provided at one side of the input radius 111 provided in the base 110, and a plurality of first direction indication positions are radially centered on the reference position S. M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) are spaced apart.

In addition, the base 110 is provided with a first sensing unit 61 that senses a movement of the input unit 10 corresponding to each of the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,...

Therefore, when the input unit 10 moves from the reference position S toward the predetermined first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,..., The first sensing unit (. Based on the detection signal of 61, the controller 51 extracts and inputs, from the memory unit 55, the first character assigned to the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,...

The first detecting unit 61 may be provided in various kinds, for example, may be provided as a pressure sensor, an optical sensor or a touch sensor, and may be provided as a touch pad or a touch screen provided in the entire input radius 111. It may be provided, or may be provided in a track pointer method.

Here, the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) can be provided in various numbers as necessary, as shown in Figure 3, eight (M ₁ ~ M ₈ ) may be provided, may be provided in four, may be provided in six.

The first direction input M may be performed in various ways. For example, the first direction input position is determined from a state in which the input unit 10 is located at the reference position S (see (a) of FIG. 4). Sliding toward (M ₅ ) (or horizontal movement, see (b) of Figure 4) can be performed.

Here, the sliding or horizontal movement is not limited to the exact horizontal to the bottom surface of the base 110, the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) from the reference position (S) It includes all possible angles and directions towards.

In this case, when the input unit 10 performs the first direction input M, the input unit 10 may move radially around the reference position S, as shown in FIG. 5C. It may also be performed while sliding in the circumferential direction about the reference position (S) within the radius (111).

5 is for inputting the 'height' in the Korean character input, the input unit 10 is the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) to which "" is assigned from the reference position (S). After sliding toward (refer to (b) of FIG. 5), it shows moving to the circumferential direction and inputting '' (see (c) of FIG. 5).

Here, the input of the second direction input P and the vowel character '' will be described later.

In the above example, when the input unit 10 is moved in the circumferential direction, the input unit 10 may be detected by the plurality of first sensing units 61, in which case the control unit 51 finally detects the movement of the input unit 10. Only the detection signal of the first detection unit 61 may be effectively determined.

For example, when the input unit 10 returns to the reference position S, a reset signal is generated so that only the detection signal of the first sensing unit 61 generated immediately before the generation of the reset signal is valid. Can be judged.

Alternatively, when a signal of the same kind due to the input operation of the input unit 10 is turned off, only the last signal among the same kind of detection signals generated successively may be determined.

That is, after the input unit 10 is moved in the circumferential direction to generate a plurality of detection signals belonging to the first direction input M, the center input C or the second is successively (that is, without returning to the reference position S). When generating a different type of detection signal by performing the two-way input P, only the first direction input M immediately before switching to the center input C or the second direction input P is effectively input. .

In the latter case, there is an advantage that a valid signal can be determined from a plurality of detection signals even when the input unit 10 does not return to the reference position S to generate a reset signal. have.

Alternatively, various function commands may be input by circumferential movement of the input unit 10. For example, when the input unit 10 is circumferentially moved in the counterclockwise direction, a cancel command is performed. You can also make this input.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, a support part 25 provided between the input part 10 and the base 110 to support the movement of the input part 10 may be further provided.

On the other hand, the first direction input (M) is inclined toward any one of the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) as shown in (b) of FIG. It can also be done.

In this case, the input unit 10 may further include a support 25 for supporting the spaced apart from the base 110 by a predetermined height.

Here, the operation form of the input unit 10 for the first direction input (M) is not limited to the above-described form, the input unit 10 is made of a material that can be partially or entirely deformed by external pressure during the input operation It may be to detect the deformation direction of the input unit 10.

Alternatively, the first direction input M may be performed by providing a sensing unit (for example, a touch pad or a touch screen) that detects movement of a finger instead of providing the input unit 10.

Meanwhile, a guide part 40 provided on the base 110 to guide the movement of the input part 10 may be further provided.

When the input unit 10 moves, the guide unit 40 moves in the correct direction intended by the user, so that an accurate input is made without interference when the first direction input M is performed.

Guide portion 40 may be provided in various kinds, for example, a predetermined shape toward the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) from the reference position (S) to the base 110 It may be provided with a linear guide formed of a groove.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, a disk-shaped groove corresponding to the input radius 111 is formed in the base 110 to limit the moving distance in the radial direction of the input unit 10 and at the same time the input unit 10. Can guide the movement in the circumferential direction.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, it may be provided as a concave groove corresponding to each of the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,.

In this case, the input unit 10 is provided in a shape corresponding to the guide unit 40, so that when the user performs the first direction input (M), as shown in FIG. Even if 10) is moved in an incorrect direction, it may be moved along the guide portion 40 to a predetermined first direction indicating position M ₁ , M ₂ ,...

Here, the guide portion 40 may be provided with a variety of materials, for example, may be provided with an elastic material.

On the other hand, the first direction input (M) may be provided to enable two or more stages multi-stage input according to the difference in the moving distance of the input unit 10 or the strength of the moving pressure.

That is, when the first direction input M is performed through the horizontal movement (or sliding) of the input unit 10 as shown in FIG. 3, the first direction indication positions M ₁ from the reference position S _1. Two or more first sensing units 61 may be sequentially provided on a movement path of the input unit 10 facing M ₂ ,.

Alternatively, the contact portions 27a and 27b protruding from the input unit 10 or the elastic member 21 provided below the input unit 10 to be different in length toward the first sensing unit 61 may be provided. .

6 and 7 (c), the relatively long first contact portion 27a and the relatively short second contact portion 27b along the edge of the elastic member 21 provided below the input portion 10 are provided. The first sensing parts 61a and 61b may be provided on one side of the base 110 corresponding to the contact parts 27a and 27b.

Accordingly, when the input unit 10 is moved one step in a predetermined direction, the first contact part 27a contacts the first sensing part 61a first, and when the second step is performed, the first sensing part is moved up to the second contact part 27b. It contacts the part 61b.

Here, the first contact portion 27a and the second contact portion 27b may be provided to be sequentially crossed along the edge of the input portion 10 or the elastic member 21, as shown in (c) of FIG. .

The elastic member 21 includes a conductive material and is connected to the ground terminal 64 of the central processing unit (CPU) to transmit a ground signal to the contact portions 27a and 27b.

Alternatively, when performed by tilting the input unit 10, one or more optical sensors for detecting the tilt of the input unit 10 or the support unit 25 may be provided according to the tilt angle.

Here, the method of the first sensing unit 61 for detecting the two-stage input is not limited to the above-described example, and various modifications are possible.

An example of a signal processing method of the controller 51 at the time of multi-stage input will be described.

For example, in the case of performing the second stage input in the case of the first stage input M of the second stage, the first stage input is performed first, and the controller 51 performs the first direction input M of the first stage. After that, it is possible to determine whether the second stage input is performed by waiting for whether the second stage first direction input M is performed within a predetermined waiting time.

Preferably, the control unit 51 processes the first stage input without waiting for the waiting time once the first direction input M of the first stage is performed, but the first stage input when the second stage input is performed within the waiting time. Can be canceled and changed to 2-stage input. In this case, it is possible to prevent the input from being delayed during the waiting time.

Alternatively, whether the first stage input is released instead of whether the predetermined time has elapsed (for example, whether the first stage input M is performed and then returned to the reference position S, or the first stage input detection signal is It is also possible to determine whether or not the first stage input is changed according to the case of turning off.

That is, the final input decision is made when the first stage input is released.

In this way, input processing is performed as soon as 1st stage input is performed, and input decision is made when releasing 1st stage input, but proceeds further without releasing 1st stage input regardless of waiting time, When it is executed, 1st stage input is canceled and it is changed to 2nd stage input.

In the above signal processing method, when the first stage input is processed due to an incorrect input when performing the second stage input, the second stage input is directly performed in the state of the first stage input processing without canceling the first stage input. Further, the first stage input may be changed to a two stage input, thereby enabling faster input processing.

As described above, when a predetermined input signal is detected, the input processing is performed immediately, but when the input is released, so that the final input decision is made, when the first direction input M or the second direction input P is wrong, When input is performed, input can be easily corrected to the desired input before the final input decision is made without having to delete the input contents and perform the input again.

Alternatively, when the first sensing unit 61 or the second sensing unit 63 is provided as a pressure sensor, it may be determined as the maximum pressure value generated within the waiting time.

Alternatively, the first sensing unit 61 may distinguish the first stage input and the second stage input based on the sensing time when the first sensing unit 61 detects the input unit 10.

For example, if the detection time is less than 0.5 seconds, it can be determined as a single stage input, and if it exceeds 0.5 seconds, it can be determined as a two stage input.

In the case of the pressure sensor, as described above, when the first stage input is performed, the input processing is performed immediately, and when the first stage input is released, the input is determined. If detected, the first stage input can be canceled and the second stage input can be determined.

Here, with respect to the signal processing of the controller 51 for the multi-stage input described above, in addition to the first direction input M, the second direction input P, the center input C, the direction combination input MP, PM, and the center Note that the same can be applied to combination input (CM, CP).

As described above, when the first direction input M is configured in multiple stages, the number of characters (or the number of characters that can be input through the first direction input M) increases accordingly.

Therefore, when a large number of characters are to be input through the first direction input M, the number of first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... Can be solved through the multi-stage input without any increase. The optimal input environment can be realized by appropriately adjusting the number of first direction indicating positions (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and multi-step input.

On the other hand, when two first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... Are overlapped with each other when the first direction input M is selected, for example, the input unit 10 has two first direction indications. When the movement of the input unit 10 is simultaneously detected by two first sensing units 61 by moving to the middle region of the positions M ₁ and M ₂ , interference between the input signals may occur.

In this case, the controller 51 may effectively determine only the first detection signal generated from the plurality of detection signals.

That is, the first input signal is effectively input processed, and the input signal is input before the first signal is released (for example, before performing the first direction input M and returning to the reference position S) or within a predetermined time. Other signals can be ignored.

Alternatively, all signal values that can be detected due to interference can be processed in a database. For example, when a detection signal is generated in one, two, or three first sensing units 61 at a predetermined position, a predetermined signal may be detected by making a database of input values for each case. When the database outputs the input value.

When the first detection unit 61 is provided as a pressure sensor, only the detection position showing the maximum pressure value can be effectively determined.

The input unit 10 may be provided in various shapes.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a disc shape may be provided, or a polygonal plate shape may be provided, and as shown in FIG. 9, each first direction indication position M ₁ , M ₂ , It may be provided in a shape in which the side protrudes in the ...) direction.

Alternatively, as shown in (c) of FIG. 9, the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... May be provided in a cross shape.

In this case, a button-shaped protrusion 52a may be formed on the upper surface of the input unit 10 corresponding to each of the second direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,...

The input unit 10 may be made of various materials, for example, may be made of an elastic material.

There is no limitation on the moving radius of the input unit 10 during the first direction input M. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 25, the movement within the moving radius of the finger placed on the input unit 10 on the input unit 10 is not limited. It can be arranged to be possible.

As illustrated in (a) of FIG. 11, the upper surface of the input unit 10 may include a non-slip 54 to prevent a finger contacting the input unit 10 during the first direction input M from slipping. .

The non-slip unit 54 may be provided in various kinds, for example, may form irregularities on the upper surface of the input unit 10, or may form a concave groove in the center of the input unit 10.

Alternatively, both of the above may be provided.

Alternatively, as illustrated in (b) or (c) of FIG. 11, the input unit 10 has protrusions 52b and 52c provided at one side of the upper end to facilitate gripping and manipulation of the finger during the second direction input P. May be

On the other hand, as shown in (d) of FIG. 11, the input unit 10 protrudes from the center of the upper surface to smoothly manipulate the input unit 10 when the first direction input M or the second direction input P is performed. It may further include a protrusion 53 for letting.

The protrusion 53 is intended to facilitate input even when using the character input device 1 according to the present invention on a table or the ground, when using not only a thumb but also a finger such as an index finger or a middle finger.

The protrusion 53 may be provided in various shapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 11D, the protrusion 53 may be provided in a ring shape, or may be provided in a convex or concave shape.

On the other hand, further comprising an operation rod 56, one end of which is inserted into the protrusion 53, the protrusion 53 is inserted into the protrusion 53 by providing the engaging portion 57 into which the operation rod is inserted. It is also possible to operate the input unit 10 with one step.

Second direction input (P)

In the present specification, the second direction input P corresponds to the second direction input P by selecting any one of a plurality of second direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself. It is assumed that the second character assigned to the second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) is input.

That is, the first direction input M is performed while the entire input unit 10 moves toward the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... Arranged outside the input unit 10. The two-way input P selects the second direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. disposed on the input unit 10 itself, so that horizontal movement (or sliding) or tilt movement of the entire input unit 10 is performed. Not performed.

The second direction input P may be performed in various ways. For example, as illustrated in (c) of FIG. 4, the input unit 10 may include the second direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ , and the like. Can be performed by tilting towards any of the.

In this case, the lower portion of the input unit 10 and the base 110 may further include a support 25 for supporting the input unit 10 to be tilted in any radial direction from an initial horizontal state.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the second direction input P may include any one of the pressing parts 11 provided in the input unit 10 corresponding to the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... It may also be done by selecting one.

Here, the pressing unit 11 is any type that can independently select each of the second direction indicating positions (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) to the input unit 10 (excluding the tilt of the input unit 10 itself). Include.

For example, the input unit 10 may be a push button or a push switch separately provided corresponding to each of the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .., respectively. It may be a pressing position in which only the second sensing unit 63 is provided corresponding to the two-direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,...

On the other hand, the second direction input (P) can also be circumferential input like the first direction input (M), the input function and signal processing associated with the circumferential input is the same as the first direction input (M).

Here, the input unit 10 may be provided in various sizes. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 25, when the pressing unit 11 is provided on the input unit 10, the input unit 10 may include an input unit ( 10 may be provided to a size to select each pressing portion 11 in a state where the finger is placed. .

Similarly, even when the second direction input P is performed by tilting the input unit 10, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), a finger is placed in a state where one finger is in contact with the input unit 10. It is preferable that the inclined input unit 10 be tilted to the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,...

The second sensing unit 63 may be provided in various ways according to the form in which the second direction input P is performed.

For example, when the second direction input P is performed by tilting the input unit 10, a step of sequentially contacting the base 110 according to the tilt of the input unit 10 at the lower edge of the input unit 10 is performed. It may be provided as a contact sensor for detecting the contact of the input unit 10 and the base 110 in the step or the base 110, or may be provided as an optical sensor for detecting the inclination of the input unit 10.

Alternatively, when the second direction input P is performed by each pressing unit 11 provided in the input unit 10, the second direction input P may be provided as a contact sensor, a push switch, a pressure sensor, or the like provided below the pressing unit 11. Can be.

On the other hand, the second direction input (P) may be provided to enable two or more stages multi-stage input.

For example, the multi-stage input may be separately input according to the inclination point of the input unit 10 or the difference in the pressing intensity or the pressing distance of the pressing unit 11.

Referring to FIG. 4E, when the second direction input P is provided in two stages, for example, a step is formed along the lower edge of the input unit 10, and the first stage is inclined by one stage. The lower second sensing unit 63a may be in contact with the base 110, and the second sensing unit 63b may be in contact with the base 110 by tilting the second stage.

Alternatively, as shown in (a) of FIG. 7, the elastic member 21 provided below the input unit 10 or the input unit 10 itself protrudes at different lengths toward the second sensing units 63a and 63b. The third contact portion 27c or the fourth contact portion 27d can be provided.

In this case, the relatively long third contact portion 27c first contacts the second sensing portion 63a according to the degree of inclination of the input portion 10, and then the second contact portion 27b detects the second sensing portion when the second stage is input. It contacts the part 63b.

Here, the contact portions 27a and 27b may be provided as conductive members having elasticity.

Here, the method described above in the first direction input M may be similarly applied to the signal processing in the controller 51 when the second direction input P of the multi-stage is performed.

On the other hand, each second direction indication location by detecting the approach or contact to the _{(P 1, P 2, ..} ) the second direction indicating positions _{(P 1, P 2, ..} ) for inputting the other characters in the duplicate assignment The touch input may be provided to be performed.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the finger approaches or contacts the upper end or each pressing part 11 of each input part 10 corresponding to each of the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... The touch sensing unit 67 may be provided.

For example, in FIG. 8, the letter 'A' is input by contact with a predetermined second direction indicating position P ₂ , and the letter 'B' is tilted by the tilting toward the second direction indicating position P2. It is input.

Therefore, the number of characters that can be allocated to the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. through the touch input can be increased, and the number of characters that can be assigned to the second direction input P in multiple stages can be increased. Character can be assigned.

Here, the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and the second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) may be provided in various numbers, for example, 4 to 12 It may be provided in any one of the directions.

Here, it is preferable that the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and the second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ ,. This is because when the number of input directions that can be operated exceeds eight, the distance between each direction indicating position becomes narrow, which may lower the input accuracy.

In this case, with respect to the number of insufficient direction indicating positions, by combining the central input (C) described later, or by providing the input unit 10 in two left and right directions, it is possible to implement the optimum input conditions while arranging all the characters necessary for input. .

Also, the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. may be provided in the same number or in different numbers. .

The first direction input M and the second direction input P are combined Example

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments in which the first direction input M and the second direction input P are combined in the character input device 1 according to the present invention will be described.

First, as a first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the first direction input M is provided by the input unit 10 from the reference position S to the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... Sliding toward) is performed, the second direction input (P) selects the pressing portion 11 provided corresponding to each of the second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) on the top of the input unit 10. Is performed.

In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first sensing unit 61 for sensing the first direction input M may be provided in the lower base 110 of the input unit 10. As shown in (a) and (b), it may be provided in the edge side base 110 of the input unit 10.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 10A, the second direction input P is provided with contact portions 27c and 27d at the lower portion of the input portion 10 and presses the pressing portion 11 to press the second sensing portion. By contacting 63.

In this case, by providing the contact portions 27c and 27d with different lengths, the third contact portion 27c is provided at the second direction input P at the first stage and the fourth direction is input at the second direction input P at the second stage. The contact part 27d can be made to contact.

On the other hand, the lower portion of the central input key 13, the fifth contact portion 27e in contact with the third sensing unit 65a at the first center input C, and the third sensing at the central input C at the second stage. The sixth contact portion 27f in contact with the portion 65b protrudes with different lengths.

In addition, at the outer circumference of the input unit 10, an elastic return member 58 is provided to return the input unit 10 to the reference position S after the first direction input M is performed.

6 and 7 show a character input device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the drawings, the first direction input M is performed while the input unit 10 slides from the reference position S toward the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,..., And the second direction. The input P is performed while the input unit 10 is inclined toward one of the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. from the horizontal position.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the first direction input M includes contact portions 27a and 27b protruding along the edge of the input unit 10 or the elastic member 21 and the base 110 corresponding thereto. ) By the first sensing units 61a and 61b.

In this case, as described above, two or more stages of multistage input may be performed by varying the protruding lengths of the contact portions 27a and 27b.

On the other hand, for the second direction input (P), a support portion 25 for supporting the input unit 10 to be tiltable may be further provided. Of course, the support 25 may be provided in various kinds.

Alternatively, a sliding support 25 ′ supporting the sliding of the input unit 10 may be provided.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 7B, a return member 58 is provided below the input unit 10 to return the input unit 10 to its original position after the second direction input P is performed.

The return member 58 is provided on the elastic member 21 (or the input unit 10) and the PCB substrate 113 to be applied to both input operations of sliding and tilting the input unit 10.

Alternatively, the input unit 10 itself may be provided with an elastic material without providing the support 25, as well as an elastic body that is deformable between the input unit 10 and the base 110 may be tilted. This may be possible.

In this case, the second sensing units 63a and 63b may be contacted even when the input unit 10 performs the second direction input P in the predetermined direction while the input unit 10 performs the first direction input M in the predetermined direction. It has a predetermined shape and size (area) so as to be sensed by 27c and 27d.

10 (c) shows another embodiment of the present embodiment.

Referring to the drawings, an elastic member 40 for forming a pressing space is provided between the input unit 10 and the base 110, and sensing units 61, 63, and 65 are provided below the elastic member 40. It can also be.

At this time, the inner surface of the elastic member 40 is provided with contact portions (27a to 27f) protruding with different lengths toward the sensing unit (61, 63, 65) can perform a multi-stage input.

A conductive member 23 is interposed between the contact portions 27a and 27b and the elastic member 40, one end of the conductive member 43 is connected to the ground terminal 64, and the other end thereof is the contact portion 27a to 27f. Is connected to, the detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 60 through the contact portion (27a to 27f).

Thus, for example, when the first direction input M1 of one stage is performed, the outer contact portion 27a contacts the metal dome 58 to generate the first stage direction input signal. At this time, since the contact portions 27a are in contact with the edge of the metal dome 24, the metal dome 24 maintains its original shape.

Next, when the first stage input M2 is performed in two stages, the metal dome 24 is deformed while the inner contact portion 27b is lowered to contact the first sensing unit 61b to generate two stage direction input signals. do.

In this process, since the metal dome 24 is deformed to give a feeling of click, the user can easily distinguish between the first stage input and the second stage input.

In the character input device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the first direction input M has the first direction input position M ₁ , M ₂ , ... Sliding toward) is performed, and the second direction input P is performed by tilting toward the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,.

Here, 'tilt movement' means that the entire input unit 10 is inclined toward a predetermined direction (or at the same time as the support unit 25) as shown on the left side of FIG.

On the other hand, 'tilt' means that the input unit 10 is inclined with respect to the support 25, as shown on the right side of FIG.

Here, although not the aforementioned 'tilt movement', as shown in FIG. 8, the first direction input M is performed by sliding, and the second direction input P is also performed by tilting the input unit 10. May be

Alternatively, in addition to the first direction input M being performed by sliding and the second direction input P being performed by the tilt movement, the input unit 10 may be tilted in place.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the input unit 10 may be provided to protrude and accommodate in and out of the base 110.

Therefore, the volume can be minimized by accommodating the input unit 10 into the base 110, and an easy operation is possible when protruding the input unit 10.

10B shows a character input device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the first direction input M is performed by 'tilt movement' of the input unit 10 (see left drawing), and the second direction input P is performed by tilting the input unit 10. (See right drawing).

The input part 10 is supported by the support part 25, and the support part 25 includes an elastic material, and the input part 10 is tilted to the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... Makes this possible.

Tilt movement of the input unit 10 is performed by the edge of the input unit 10 is in contact with the first sensing unit 61 provided in the base 110.

On the other hand, the second sensing unit 63 for sensing the second direction input (P) by the inclination of the input unit 10 is disposed on the PCB substrate 113 corresponding to the lower portion of the input unit 10.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the first direction input M or the second direction input P may have the same number of direction indicating positions or may have different number of direction indicating positions.

In addition, one or more of the first direction input M or the second direction input P may be provided to enable multi-stage input.

For example, the first direction input M may be provided as a first stage input, and the second direction input P may be provided as a two stage input. In this case, the consonant letters may be input by the second direction input P, and the vowels may be input by the first direction input P.

This is because the number of consonants is higher in number and frequency of use than most vowels in most national characters, and the second direction input P may be easier than the first direction input M when inputting multiple stages. Because there is.

As described above, the character input device 1 according to the present invention can input fast and accurate characters by combining the first direction input M and the second direction input P having different input operations. .

This is because the consonants and vowels can be input separately according to each input operation in the input of almost all national characters in which consonants and vowels are repeatedly mixed and arranged.

Furthermore, since the first direction input M and the second direction input P are not bound between each input operation (that is, to perform one input operation necessarily another input operation, etc.) a plurality of inputs By performing the operations in succession, they can be performed as if they were a single input operation.

For example, referring to FIG. 25, an input example of the character input apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described. When an alphabetic character 'CAR' is to be input, the second direction indicating position to which the consonant 'C' is assigned ( After tilting the input unit 10 (or selecting the pressing unit 11) toward P ₇ ), the input unit 10 is moved toward the first direction indicating position M ₁ to which the vowel 'A' is assigned. Next, the input unit 10 may be inclined again toward the second direction indicating position P ₂ to which the consonant 'R' is assigned. Here, the three operations described above may be performed sequentially with the same or slight difference, so that a word composed of a plurality of letters may be input like a continuous operation.

In addition, the character input device 1 according to the present invention can be various combinations in addition to the above-described embodiment.

For example, the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and the second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) are provided with 4 to 8, respectively, the first direction input ( A case where one or more of M) or the second direction input P is provided to enable multi-stage input is as follows.

First, the first direction input M has eight first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And is provided to enable two-stage input, and the second direction input P has eight first directions. It has two direction indication positions (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) and can be provided as a single stage input.

In this case, a total of 24 characters can be inputted by 16 by the first direction input M and 8 by the second direction input P. FIG.

On the contrary, the second direction input P has eight second direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. and is provided as two stage inputs, and the first direction input M has eight first direction instructions. In the case of having a position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and having a single input, a total of 24 characters can be input.

On the other hand, if the first direction input (M) and the second direction input (P) is provided in two stages each having eight direction indicating positions, respectively, a total of 32 characters can be input, 16 for each direction input.

Of course, even if four directions are provided, 24 or 32 characters can be input.

For example, the first direction input M is provided as two stage inputs with four first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... When the first direction input M is provided with two direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .., eight characters are input by the first direction input M and four characters are input by the second direction input P. If it is possible to provide it as a bee, a total of 24 characters can be input.

On the contrary, the second direction input P is composed of four second direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .., and two-stage input, and the first direction input M is four first direction indication positions. (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and 1-stage input, if you make a punishment, you can enter a total of 24 characters.

Of course, if the first direction input (M) and the second direction input (P) is composed of four direction indicating positions and two stages, respectively, it is possible to input a total of 32 characters.

Each of the above-described embodiments has described a basic form in which the first direction input M and the second direction input P are combined in the character input device 1 according to the present invention. As well as possible, modification of the shape, size, material, etc. of each component is possible without limitation.

Hereinafter, additional configurations and various modifications that may be included in the above-described basic form will be described in detail.

Each configuration to be described later can be applied alone as well as two or more may be applied at the same time, in this case it is noted that various combinations are possible.

Center input (C)

In the present specification, the central input C refers to a central input key 13 provided in the center of the input unit 10 separately from the first direction input M or the second direction input P, or the input unit 10. ) Is to be performed while lifting itself up and down.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the central input C may include a central input key 13 selectable at the center of the input unit 10 and a third sensing unit sensing selection of the central input key 13. 65 may be performed.

Alternatively, as shown in (d) of FIG. 4, the central input C is provided such that the entire input unit 10 is movable up and down with respect to the base 110, and the input unit 10 or the base 110 is moved. Any one of the above may detect the vertical movement of the input unit 10.

Here, only one of the above-described two types of central input C may be provided, but of course, may be provided at the same time.

On the other hand, the center input (C) is of course possible to input two or more stages according to the pressing distance or pressing strength of the center input key 13, or the lifting distance of the input unit 10 itself.

Meanwhile, a touch input for inputting another character allocated to the central input key 13 may be performed by sensing an approach or a contact with the central input key 13.

In this case, the central input key 13 is provided with a central touch sensing unit 61a for sensing the approach or contact of a finger.

Here, when the central touch detection unit 61a is provided, the control unit 51 ignores the detection result of the touch detection unit 67 when the contact of the finger is detected by the central input key detection unit 69 for a predetermined time or more. The touch input may not be performed.

Center combination input CM , CP )

In the present specification, the central combined inputs CM and CP are assumed to be performed simultaneously with either the first direction input M or the second direction input P.

For example, when performing the first direction input M as shown in FIG. 4B, while the center input key 13 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed, the input unit 10 is moved to a predetermined first direction indication position ( While moving toward M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., or while performing the second direction input P as shown in (c) of FIG. 4, hold down the input unit 10 while pressing the center input key 13. Tilt toward a predetermined second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ ,...).

FIG. 12A is a conceptual diagram for describing an input method of the central combined input CM and CP.

For example, a case in which the first direction input M and the center input C are combined will be described with reference to the drawings. In the process of moving the input unit 10 to a predetermined first direction indication position M ₁ , When the input C is moved, the central combination input CM ₁ is performed, whereas when only the input unit 10 is moved without performing the central input C, the first direction input M ₁ is performed.

Here, the center combination input CM and CP may be applied to the case where at least one of the first direction input M, the second direction input P, or the center input C is provided with two or more stage multi-stage inputs.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the first direction input M is provided in two stages, the first direction input M1 ₁ and the central input C in one stage are combined. the central input combination (CM1 ₁₎ and the first direction input of the second stage (M2 ₁₎ and a central combined input of central input (C) is a combination of a two-stage (CM2 ₂₎ is possible.

On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 18, the first direction input M is configured in one stage and the center inputs C1 and C2 are configured in two stages, thereby forming the center of the first direction input M ₁ and the first stage. input (C1) by the central combination input of the combined first stage (C1M ₁₎ and a second direction input (M ₁₎ a central combination type of the two-stage central input (C2) the combined second stage of the (C2M ₁₎ is It may be possible to arrange.

Therefore, when the central combination input CM, CP is provided to perform, the first direction indication position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and the second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) Since the characters can be assigned to each other in duplicate, the input capacity (the number of characters that can be input) can be increased without additional configuration.

In the above two cases, the central combination input CM and CP may be combined with the second direction input P instead of the first direction input M.

That is, the central combination input CM and CP may be combined without limitation the first direction input M and the second direction input P of all types described above and the above-described central input C of all types.

The contents of the central trillion has already been claimed in claim 11, and the difference according to the combination order of the central tributaries has been newly added in claim 58, and has been explained by adding FIG. 12 (b).

On the other hand, new characters (or data) may be changed by changing the order of some or all of the input operations combined when the center input C and the first direction input M or the center input C and the second direction input P are combined. ) Can also be entered.

That is, after performing the center input (C) first, performing either the first direction input (M) or the second direction input (P), and the first direction input (M) or the second direction input (P) Performing any one of the first and performing the central input (C) is distinguished from each other to input different characters or data.

For example, referring to FIG. 12B, the center combination input CM ₁ indicates that the first direction input M ₁ is performed after the center input C is performed first (see arrow). The combination input CM ₁ ′ indicates that the first direction input M ₁ is performed first, followed by the center input C (see arrow).

In this case, even when the same first direction input M and the center input C are combined, each signal can be distinguished according to the combination order, so the input capacitance is doubled.

Similarly, the central combined input CP ₁ is the second direction input P ₁ is performed while the central input C is performed _first , and the central combined input CP ₁ ′ is the second direction input P _2. In this case, the central input C is performed.

The above two cases will be described in more detail as follows.

First, when the direction input is performed after the center input C is performed, for example, '' is inputted by the first direction input M (or the same as the second direction input P or less). After performing the center input C, the first direction input M may be performed to input ''.

Alternatively, while '' is input by the first direction input M, '' may be input by performing the first direction input M after performing the central input C.

That is, basic consonants or vowels are arranged in each of the first direction inputs M or the second direction inputs P, and sound, burst sounds, and excitation sounds for each basic consonant are divided by the central combination inputs CM and CP. You can arrange vowels and so on for easy input by association.

In this case, as described above, the input capacitance also increases accordingly, for example, the first direction input M has eight first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... If the second direction input P has eight second direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,..., The center input C and the first direction input M or the second direction input ( Further eight characters can be input by the central combination input (CM, CP) by any combination of P), so a total of 24 characters can be assigned.

Here, if the central combination input (CM, CP) is provided with two of the central input (C) and the first direction input (M) and the central input (C) and the second direction input (P), a total of 32 characters can be assigned Of course.

Meanwhile, the first direction input M and the second direction input P each have four direction indicating positions, and the center input C is the first direction input M or the second direction input P. In combination with one, if four additional central combination inputs (CM, CP) are possible, a total of twelve characters may be input. In the case of a beekeeper, a total of twenty four characters may be input.

Similarly, when the central input C is combined with both the first direction input M and the second direction input P, 16 characters can be input for each character input device 1, and the case is provided with a bee. If so, a total of 36 characters will be available.

The input capacities according to the center combined inputs CM and CP described above are provided in the same number by first performing the first direction input M or the second direction input P and then performing the center input C later. It can be obvious.

Therefore, if the order of the center combined input (CM, CP) is also considered, the input capacity can be doubled again.

That is, the first direction input M and the second direction input P each have four direction indicating positions, and the central input C is connected to the first direction input M and the second direction input P, respectively. In the case of the combination, if the combination order is considered, 24 characters can be input in one character input device 1, and if a bee is provided in total, 48 characters can be input.

Direction combination input MP , PM )

In the present specification, the direction combination input MP or PM refers to the input operation when one of the first direction input M and the second direction input P is performed in succession while the other is performed in succession. It is assumed that the third character assigned to is input.

That is, as shown in (b) of FIG. 4, the direction combination inputs MP and PM perform the first direction input M first, that is, the input unit 10 receives the first direction indication position M. FIG. In the state of moving to the second direction input (P) as shown in (c) of FIG. 4 is performed, or vice versa.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for describing a method of inputting direction combination inputs MP and PM.

FIG. 13A illustrates a case in which the second direction input P is successively performed while the first direction input M is first performed, and the direction combination input M ₁ P ₁ is the input unit 10. Indicates a case where the second direction input P is performed to the second direction indication position P ₁ while the is moved to the first direction direction position M ₁ .

On the contrary, FIG. 13B illustrates a case in which the first direction input M is successively performed while the second direction input P is first performed, and the direction combination input P ₁ M ₁ is the second direction indicating position. (P ₁₎ to indicate a second direction input (P) of claim 1 in a state of performing a direction instruction position (M ₁₎ in the first direction when the input (M) is performed.

In the case where the first direction input M is performed while the second direction input P is performed first, the first sensing unit 61 is shown in FIG. It may be disposed around the second sensing unit 63 corresponding to).

Here, the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... Can be combined in all directions.

That is, as shown in FIG. 13A, the second direction input P is input to the second direction indication position P ₄ while the input unit 10 is moved to the first direction indication position M ₂ . If this is done, the direction combination input M ₂ P ₄ is performed.

As described above, the direction combination inputs M ₁ P _{1 and} P ₁ M ₁ may have different characters according to the order of the first direction input M and the second direction input P which are combined. However, the same characters may be input regardless of the combination order.

That is, the same character may be input by the direction combination input M ₁ P ₁ and the direction combination input P ₁ M ₁ .

On the other hand, if the direction combination input (MP, PM) is not provided possible, even if the first direction input (M) and the second direction input (P) is performed at the same time, each input is of course performed independently.

That is, in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, when a second direction input P for inputting '' and a first direction input M for inputting '' are simultaneously performed, a combination of new characters is input. The Korean character 'no' is input by each input operation.

On the other hand, when one or more of the first direction input (M) and the second direction input (P) is provided to enable two or more stages multi-stage input, the direction combination input (MP, PM) by the number of combinations corresponding thereto It can be generated to maximize the input capacity.

Therefore, it is preferable to input characters having 50 or more phonemes, such as Chinese characters or Japanese characters, through the direction combination input MP and PM.

The maximization of the input capacity will be described in more detail below.

The first direction input M (or equal to or less than the second direction input P) has eight first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., and each first direction indication position M _1. , M ₂ , ...), if four direction combination inputs (MP, PM), that is, four second direction inputs (P) are possible, a total of 32 characters can be input.

Alternatively, the second direction input P (or equal to or less than the first direction input M) has eight second direction indicating positions, and 8 at each second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. A total of 64 characters can be input if the two direction combination inputs MP and PM, that is, the eight first direction inputs M are possible.

On the other hand, the first direction input M (or the second direction input P) has four first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., and each first direction indication position M _1. If four second direction inputs P (or first direction inputs M) are possible at, M ₂ ,..., Each of the first direction inputs M and the second direction inputs P Since eight can be used alone and 16 can be inputted by direction combination input (MP, PM), a total of 24 characters can be input.

Alternatively, if four second direction inputs P are possible for every four first direction inputs M, and four first direction inputs M are possible for every four second direction inputs P, A total of 32 characters can be input for each of 16 characters only by the direction combination inputs (MP, PM), and eight can be input by the single input of each of the first direction input M and the second direction input P. Character input becomes possible.

Alternatively, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the first direction input M or the second direction input P is configured as two-stage input, or the character input device 1 is provided with a bee, the input is performed. The capacity is doubled in total.

Here, the above-described center input C, the center combination input CM, CP, and the direction combination input MP, PM may be freely combined in addition to the first direction input M and the second direction input P as necessary. Of course, it is also possible to change the number of direction indicating positions in each input without limitation.

Directional direction input (MCM, MCP, PCM, PCP)

In the present specification, a direction-oriented direction input (MCM ..) refers to a combination of a direction input, a center input (C), and a direction input in order to form a new input signal.

Here, the direction input means the first direction input (M) and the second direction input (P), the direction direction direction input (MCM, ...) can be various combinations.

That is, the first direction input M, the center input C, and the first direction input M may be combined to form one direction central direction input MCM. The input C and the second direction input P may be combined to form another direction center direction input MCP.

Similarly, the second direction input P, the center input C, and the first direction input M are combined to form the direction central direction input PCM, and the second direction input P and the center input C are combined. The second direction input P may be combined to form a direction direction direction input PCP.

Of course, one or more of the first direction input (M), the second direction input (P) or the center input (C) constituting this direction may be provided in multiple stages. It can also be provided as a punishment.

On the other hand, when the central input (C) is performed during the direction of the central direction input (MCM, ...), the character display unit is displayed after the character input by the first direction input (M) or the second direction input (P) 72 may be displayed on the display 130.

Here, the character display unit 72 is displayed when the central input C is performed, but the character table displayed on the character display unit 72 may be changed by the direction input performed first.

That is, the assigned character table differs depending on whether the first direction input is the first direction input M or the second direction input P, and the same first direction input M or second direction input ( Even within P), the assigned character table varies according to the direction indication position where the direction input is performed.

On the other hand, the character display unit 72 is provided by the character display unit 72 and the two-step central input (C) displayed by the central input (C) of the first stage, if the central input (C) is provided in two or more stages. The displayed character display unit 72 is displayed differently.

Accordingly, when the user performs the direction center direction input (MCM, ...), the user can input the character to be finally input in the order of combining with reference to the character display unit 72.

Various characters may be input by the direction central direction input (MCM, ...). For example, the direction central direction input (MCM, ...) is the second direction input (P), the center input (C). ) And the first direction input M may be sequentially performed, a number or a symbol may be input by the final first direction input M. FIG.

Alternatively, referring to FIG. 35, an infinitive, past, plural, or progressive form of a character inputted by the direction central direction input (MCM, ...) may be selected.

Referring to the drawings, for example, when trying to input an irregular form while continuously inputting a character through the character input device 1 according to the present invention, the first direction input from the reference position S to the 12 o'clock direction ( After performing the M ₁ ) and performing the central input C, the negative direction 'n't' may be input at a time when the motor returns to the reference position S through the first direction input M ′ ₁ .

Similarly, when the first direction input M ₂ , the center input C, and the first direction input M ' ₂ to the reference position S are input in the 3 o'clock direction, the past type' ed 'is input at once.

More specifically, when the above-mentioned direction direction direction input (MCM, ...) is performed after inputting the letter 'd', 'don't' and 'did' are displayed on the character display unit 72 during the central input C. ',' do ',' doing ', etc. are activated and displayed, and the desired character is input by the direction input in the corresponding direction.

Predictive Character Input Method

Hereinafter, the predictive character input method will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 36 to 38.

In the present specification, when a user inputs a part of a desired character, a word or sentence starting with the corresponding letter is automatically searched and displayed on the character display unit 72, and the user selects one of them. It is a method of accurately inputting a desired word or sentence while reducing the number of input operations.

In the character input device 1 according to the present invention, the predictive character input method performs character input at the reference position S (ie, equal to or less than the first direction input M or the second direction input P). In the state of entering or returning to the reference position (S) after completing the input, when the center input (C) is performed, the predictive text is activated based on the last input text, and the user enters the first direction (M). Or by selecting the predictive character through the second direction input P or the direction combination input MP, PM.

Herein, the activation of the predictive character through the central input C will be described in more detail. First, referring to FIG. 36A, first, the first direction input M or the second direction input P is performed. After inputting the letter 't' and selecting the center input C, the display unit 130 activates 'that', 'this', 'there', and 'them' for each direction indicating position.

At this time, the user inputs a desired word at a time by performing the first direction input M or the second direction input P in the direction in which the word to be input is activated.

In this case, the activated word or sentence may generally be displayed from the highest frequency of use, or may be adjusted and displayed according to the frequency of use of the user stored in each terminal.

Alternatively, when four or more words or sentences are activated, the number of direction indicating positions may be increased or the center input C may be configured in multiple stages to change and activate the activated character display unit 72.

Such predictive character input can be applied not only to the alphabet input mode but also to the Korean alphabet mode. FIG. 36 (b) shows an example of activating the predictive character by selecting the central input C after inputting the Korean character ''. 36 (c) shows that the predictive character is activated by selecting the central input C after inputting the Hangul character ''.

On the other hand, Figure 37 shows an example in which the activation of the predictive character can select and input the first direction input (M) and the second direction input (P) at the same time for each direction indication position.

That is, after inputting the letter 's' through the character input device 1 of the present invention, selecting the central input (C) activates the predictive character table as shown in the figure.

In this case, a word relatively close to the reference position S for each direction indicating position indicates a word input by the second direction input P in the corresponding direction, and a word farther away is the first direction input M. Indicates a word entered by

Therefore, when the second direction input P ₁ is performed in the 12 o'clock direction after the center input C is selected, the word 'star' is input, and the first direction input is performed in the 12 o'clock direction after the central input C is selected. When M ₁ ) is executed, the word 'stay' is entered.

Similarly, when the second direction input P ₂ toward the 3 o'clock direction is performed after the central input C is selected, the word 'start' is input.

Meanwhile, the predictive character input method may be performed not only by the above-described combination of the center input C and the direction input but also by the combination of the direction input and the direction input.

Referring to FIG. 38, when the letter 'b' is input and the center input C is selected, the predicted character mode is switched. However, the predictive character table is not yet activated on the display 130.

The predictive character table is activated for each second direction indication position P ₁ , P ₂ , .. only after performing the first direction input M ₁ in the 12 o'clock direction.

That is, the letter 'best' is input through the step of performing the first direction input M _{1 in the} 12 o'clock direction and the second direction input P ₁ in the 12 o'clock direction.

Similarly, in the above example, when the prediction character table is activated, when the second direction input P ₂ is performed in the 3 o'clock direction, the word 'buy' is input.

Here, the prediction character input by the direction combination input may be performed by first performing the second direction input P, and then performing the first direction input M in the corresponding direction after the prediction character table is activated.

Therefore, as described above, when activating the predictive character through the center input C and inputting the predictive character through either the first direction input M or the second direction input P, each direction input is 4. In the case of having two direction indicating positions, a total of 16 characters can be input to the left and right by eight in one input unit 10.

Alternatively, when there are many predictive characters, 16 characters may be input to one input unit 10 if the predictive character is performed through the aforementioned direction combination input (MP, PM), and 32 characters may be input to the left and right. .

Directional rotation input (R)

In the present specification, the direction rotation input (R) means that the input unit 10 inputs the assigned character or data while rotating itself in the left and right direction about the reference position on the base 110.

Rotation of the input unit 10 may be implemented in various ways. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14A, the first support unit 25a and the second unit which allow the support unit 25 to move relative to each other may be used. It can divide and provide by the support part 25b.

Here, the first support portion 25a may be fixed, and the second support portion 25b may rotate in the direction of the first support portion 25a, or vice versa.

Rotation sensing parts 68a and 68b are provided between the 1st support part 25a and the 2nd support part 25b in a rotation direction, respectively.

Accordingly, when the input unit 10 is rotated in the right direction R1, the first support unit 25a rotates to detect the rotation in the rotation detecting unit 68b, and when the input unit 10 is rotated in the left direction R2, the first support unit 25a rotates. The sensing unit 68a detects rotation.

Alternatively, as shown in (b) of FIG. 14, the rotation protrusion 77 is formed on one side of the input unit 10, and the left and right sides of the rotation protrusion 77 are respectively rotated in the direction of the rotation distance of the rotation protrusion 77. The rotation sensing units 68c, 68d, 68e, and 68f sequentially arranged may be provided.

The left and right rotation of the input unit 10 can be rotated in two stages according to the rotation distance (or rotation angle). That is, when the input unit 10 is rotated one stage to the right, the first rotation detection unit 68c on the right side of the input unit 10 rotates. When the first rotation is sensed, and the second rotation detection unit 68d on the right side detects the second rotation when the second rotation detection unit 68 rotates the input unit 10 further to the right.

On the other hand, in each case described above, the input unit 10 may have various rotation angles as needed, for example, as shown in (a) or (b) of FIG. Of course, it may be rotated more than one rotation (360 degrees).

In addition, in the direction rotation of the input unit 10, the same data may be input to all the pressing units 11, but different data may be input to each pressing unit 11 in combination with each pressing unit 11. have.

Array of characters

In the present specification, the term "character" means a character having a narrow meaning according to each language such as Korean character, English character or Japanese character.

However, data that can be input in the character input device according to the present invention is not limited to the above characters, and may include various function commands such as numbers, symbols or enters, spaces, and cancellations.

In addition, in the present specification, a "vowel" in the case of a foreign language corresponds to a Korean vowel, or when the alphabet of the foreign language is divided into two types according to linguistic classification criteria, it is assumed to belong to a relatively small number of alphabet groups.

In the character input device 1 according to the present invention, the above-described first direction input M, second direction input P, center input C, center combined input CM, CP or direction combined input MP , PM), there is no particular limitation on the way of placing characters.

However, for more efficient character input, it is possible to arrange characters in the following manner.

First, in arranging the characters of each country, input of consonant characters and vowel characters may be input by different input operations.

For example, the consonant characters may be input by the first direction input M, and the vowel characters may be input by the second direction input P, or vice versa.

this is. Since the user can immediately associate a character input for each input operation, there is an advantage that the user can easily become familiar with the character input apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

15 is a table showing an example of arrangement of characters of each country according to the above-described embodiment.

Referring to the drawings, consonants of characters of each country may be arranged in the first direction input M of two stages, and vowel characters of characters of each country may be arranged of the second direction input P of two stages.

At this time, the consonants and vowels are basically divided into the first direction indicating positions (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and the second direction indicating positions (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..), but in the case of Korean characters The vowels ',' are arranged at the first direction indication positions (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...), or in the case of the alphabet consonants 'V, Z' are the second direction indication positions (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) Of course, they may be assigned to different direction indication positions as necessary.

In this case, in addition to the vowel, the second direction command position P ₁ , P ₂ ,.

In addition, in the case of the alphabet, a continuous character with a high frequency of use, for example, 'CH' or 'ING', may be assigned to one direction indicating position.

Here, in addition to the vowels 'A, E, I, O, U' of the alphabet, 'W, X, Y' has the same effect as vowels and is defined herein as a vowel.

Meanwhile, a mode change window may be assigned to the central input C1 at the first stage, and a mouse mode switching function may be assigned to the central input C2 at the second stage.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 16, four second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. are provided, and second direction input P is provided to enable input in two stages. In this case, when arranging the alphabet, 'A, X', 'E, I', 'W, Y', 'O, U' are assigned to the second direction indication positions (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..), Each of the above-mentioned characters assigned by the second direction input P of the first and second stages may be distinguished and input.

That is, 'E (P1 ₂ )' may be input by the second direction input P in one stage, and 'I (P2 ₂ )' may be input in the second direction input P in the second stage. .

Alternatively, when arranging Korean characters, as shown in (b) of FIG. 16, ',', ',', ',', ',' are repeatedly allocated to the second direction input P, and 1 Each of the characters allocated by the second direction input of the stage and the second stage may be distinguished from each other.

Of course, contrary to that shown in Fig. 16, the first direction input M has four first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... The vowel character can also be entered by M).

In the case of arranging letters of similar shape as described above in the alphabet and Korean, the shape of the vowel character is associated with the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,.

In particular, in the case of Hangul, if the vowels are arranged in the east (), the west (), the south (), and the north () as described above, the shape of the vowel is reminiscent of the direction so that the user can easily become familiar with it.

Alternatively, in the alphabetical arrangement, similar characters may be arranged in a bundle.

For example, 'b, d', 'p, q', 'i, j', 'm, w', 'u, v', 'k, x', 'c, o', 'a, e assign two characters to the same direction indication position, such as', 's, z', 'l, r', 'f, t', 'n, h', 'y, g', The input may be distinguished from each other by two multi-stage inputs.

Alternatively, any one of the two bundled letters may be assigned to the first direction input M, and the other may be assigned to the second direction input P.

Meanwhile, any one of a number, a symbol, various function commands or a mode change may be performed by either the first direction input M or the second direction input P, and by the central input C Various function commands, such as switching the input mode or pressing enter or OK, may be performed.

In this case, the call mode may be performed as a call / end button.

On the other hand, the character input device 1 according to the present invention may perform the function of a mouse which is an input device by using the input unit 10, in this case, the first direction input (M) of the input unit 10 in the mouse input mode ), The pointer can be moved by the second direction input P or the center input C and the second direction input P by the left / right button or scroll function of the mouse.

In this case, in the second direction input P, the input unit 10 may be divided into two ends so that the left portion corresponds to the left mouse button and the right portion corresponds to the right mouse button. The left portion may correspond to the left mouse button, the right portion to the right mouse button, and the upper and lower portions correspond to the mouse wheel by dividing into four 'X' shapes.

In this case, when the first direction input M is performed while the second direction input P in the direction corresponding to the left mouse button is performed, dragging or dragging is possible as in the mouse. The signal processing associated with this can be used as the signal processing method in a mouse generally used.

Alternatively, when the first direction input M is performed in multiple stages, the movement speed of the mouse pointer may be adjusted step by step.

Here, the above-described conversion to the mouse mode may be performed using a separate mode switch key 121, but may also be performed through the input unit 10. For example, the input unit 10 may be moved in the circumferential direction. In this case, the input mode may be switched by performing the central input C of one or two stages or performing the first direction input M in two stages.

When the central input C is performed, an input mode change window for moving to other modes is displayed, and the user can move to various modes through the first direction input M or the second direction input P. FIG.

Alternatively, various modes, for example, Korean input mode, alphabet input mode, numeric input mode, and symbol input mode through the first direction input M or the second direction input P while the central input C is performed. You can select the mouse mode. That is, while the center input C is maintained, the respective input modes are displayed in the character display unit 72 or the keyboard display unit 74 instead of the characters originally assigned to the direction indication positions.

31 to 33 illustrate examples of keyboard layouts when the input unit 10 is provided with two left and right sides.

First, FIG. 31 shows an example in which the first direction input M and the second direction input P each have eight direction indicating positions, and are composed of two stage inputs.

Here, 'N' or 'M' in the center is the central input (C), the outermost two lines are made by the first and second direction inputs (M) of 1,2 stages, and the middle two lines are the 1,2 stages. Represents the data input by the second direction input P of.

The characters are arranged in one stage of the first direction input M and one stage of the second direction input P of each input unit 10.

FIG. 31A shows a basic input window in which data of 26 characters, 10 numbers, 12 F keys, 10 function keys, 4 direction keys, 2 changeover keys, and 64 data are all arranged. .

Symbols or other low frequency keys may be arranged in a Next window which is converted by selecting an N key provided in the center of the left keyboard display 74 (see FIG. 31B).

Alternatively, the direction keys may be arranged in the second direction input P, the F keys may be arranged in the next window, and the symbols may be arranged in the basic input window.

On the other hand, when the 'M' key provided in the center of the right keyboard display unit 74 'is selected, the screen changes to the mouse input window shown in FIG.

Here, the next window and the mouse input window may be used as the central combined input (CM, CP), for example, if the finger is released after performing the central combined input (CM, CP) in a predetermined input window immediately before the input window You can also return to.

On the other hand, in the case of using the above-described central sensing function in the character input device 1 according to the present invention, each character distinguished by the input method can be displayed separately.

That is, a in FIGS. 32 and 33 shows a character input when the second direction input P is performed while the finger is in contact with the central input key 13, and b in FIGS. It shows the character that is input when only the two-way input (P) is performed.

In this case, since the input capacity allocated to the second direction input P is doubled, 16 characters per input unit 10 and a total of 32 characters can be arranged.

  Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 31, the maximum number of data that can be arranged in one keyboard display unit 74 is 16 by the second direction input M of two stages and the second direction of two stages. 16 by input (P), 16 by combination of central input key (13) and second direction input (P), and 2 by central input (C) of two stages. Data arrays are possible, and in the case of two sets, a total of 100 data arrays are possible.

Therefore, you can arrange all the keyboards of the currently used keyboard in one window without the next window.

32 and 33 show an example of keyboard display in a small device such as the portable mobile communication terminal 100.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 32 illustrates a case in which the first direction input M and the second direction input P each have eight direction indicating positions and are configured in one stage. FIG. 33 shows four direction indicating positions. And a case consisting of two stages.

Here, the outer line of FIG. 32 and the outer two lines of FIG. 33 are input by the second direction input P, and the inner line of FIG. 32 and the inner two lines of FIG. 33 are input by the first direction input M. FIG. 32 and 33 indicate data input when each second direction input P is performed without placing a hand on the input unit 10.

In particular, in FIGS. 32 and 33 (a), the left side represents the mouse input window, the right side represents the basic input window, (b) the alphabet input window, the left side of (c) the numeric input window, and the right side the basic input window. Display the window.

Thus, in both embodiments, when the 'alphabet' key of the right keyboard display portion 74 'in (a) is selected, both are changed as in (b).

At this time, if the arrow on the center is selected on the left side of (b), it is converted to the mouse mode of (a), and when the 'B' key on the right side is selected, it is converted to the basic input window.

Alternatively, when the 'number' key of the right keyboard display unit 74 'of (a) is selected, the right keyboard display unit 74 is fixed and only the left keyboard display unit 74' may be converted into a mouse input window. .

32 and 33 are arranged so that letters, numbers, F keys, symbols, etc. can be inputted through mode change, unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

Therefore, in this case, the first direction input M and the second direction input P can be configured in one stage, or the number of direction indication positions can be reduced to four.

Meanwhile, when the terminal 100 is turned on, the mouse input window may be initially displayed on one side and the basic input window may be displayed on the other side.

In this state, you can switch to the alphabet input window or the number input window by selecting the desired mode through the default input window.

At this time, the input window on the left side can be used to change the mode through the central input (C) to be used as a mouse input window in any mode, the right side can be returned to the default input window.

Of course, in each of the input windows, the central combination input (CM, CP) to perform a mouse function at any time in a predetermined mode or to perform a mode change in the right input window.

2 suits

Character input device 1 according to the present invention may be provided in the base 110 or more.

19 is an operation diagram illustrating an example of an input in a state in which two left and right input units 10 and 10 'are provided on the base 110 of the portable mobile communication terminal 100.

In this case, the two input units 10 and 10 'may be provided in the same configuration or may be provided in different configurations.

That is, the input unit 10 on the left side is provided with the first direction input M, the second direction input P, and the center input C, and the input unit 10 'on the right side has the first direction input M. In addition to the second direction input P and the central input C, the central combined input CM and CP or the combined direction input MP and PM may be provided.

In addition, the number of direction indicating positions may be different from each other, and either side may be provided to enable two-stage input.

21 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of each input unit 10, 10 'when the input units 10, 10' are provided in duplicate.

Referring to FIG. 21A, each of the input units 10 and 10 ′ includes a first direction input M of two stages and a second direction input P of two stages, the first direction indicating position ( M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And eight second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,.

Accordingly, the number of characters that can be input through the input units 10 and 10 'is 16 through the first direction input M and 16 through the second direction input P, except for the central input C. A total of 32 pieces are provided, and since the input units 10 and 10 'are provided with two left and right, the total number of characters that can be input is 64.

This is an input capacity remaining even after arranging 24 Korean characters and 26 alphabetic characters. Therefore, one operation and one phoneme can be input, and a symbol, a number, or various function commands may be additionally input to the remaining direction indication position.

Therefore, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. can be directly input without changing a mode, thereby enabling rapid character input.

For example, a character is input by the second direction input P of two stages of each of the two input units 10 and 10 ', and the mouse pointer is moved and enters by the first direction input M. FIG. Function commands such as space, cancel, etc., mode change, direction indication input, etc. can be performed. Through the direction indication input, cursor movement, menu movement, channel / volume adjustment, and the like can be performed.

Here, the first direction input (M) may be composed of only one stage input, as shown in (a) of FIG. 21, when configured as a two-stage input, numbers, symbols, etc. may be further arranged Of course.

On the contrary, a character is input by the first direction input M of two stages of each of the two input units 10 and 10 ', and a function command, a mode change, and a direction command input are input by the second direction input P. Or the like.

Alternatively, when the two input units 10 and 10 'have eight first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And eight second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... The letters may be arranged in only one stage of the first direction input M and one stage of the second direction input P.

Alternatively, as shown in (b) of FIG. 21, the two input units 10 and 10 ′ are respectively the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And the second direction indicating positions P _1. In the case of having 4, P ₂ , ..), characters may be arranged in the first direction input M of the multi-stage and the second direction input P of the multi-stage.

Alternatively, any one input unit 10 inputs a character, and the other input unit 10 'performs the above-described movement of a mouse pointer, a function command, a mode change, a direction command input, or a number. Alternatively, an input such as a symbol may be performed.

In this case, text input and mouse can be used at the same time, and the effect of using both the keyboard and mouse at the same time on a desktop computer can be obtained. There is an advantage that can be performed in the terminal.

Even in the above-described case, when one or more of the first direction input M or the second direction input P is configured in two stages, the numbers, symbols, etc. may be further inputted.

FIG. 22 is a conceptual view illustrating the configuration of the input units 10 and 10 'according to another embodiment, and each illustrates only one of two input units 10 and 10' having the same configuration.

First, in FIG. 22A, the first direction input M has eight first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And the second direction input P has four It has a second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..).

On the contrary, in the case of FIG. 22B, the first direction input M has four first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And the second direction input P has eight first direction input positions. It has two direction indication positions (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..).

Therefore, in each embodiment, since the total number of characters that can be input through one input unit 10 is 12, a total of 24 characters may be input through two input units 10 and 10 '.

Here, if one of the first direction input M and the second direction input P is configured as a two-stage input, the number of allocated characters can be further increased.

In this case, the first direction input M has eight first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., and the second direction input P has six second direction indication positions P _1. , P ₂ , ..).

That is, when the first direction input M is configured in two stages in FIG. 22A, a total of 20 characters can be assigned to one input unit 10, and the second direction input P is configured in two stages. In this case, a total of 16 characters can be allocated.

When the input unit 10 is provided in the base 110 in duplicates, the characters assigned to each of the input units 10 and 10 'and the input operation may be arranged in various ways.

For example, a vowel character may be assigned to only one of the two input units 10 and 10 ', or the first direction input M or the second direction input performed by each of the input units 10 and 10'. The vowel may be divided and assigned to any of (P).

On the other hand, when the mouse mode is switched, the movement of the pointer may be performed by one of the two input units 10, and the manipulation of the pointer may be performed by the other.

Etc

The input unit 10 may have a return function that automatically returns to the reference position S after the first direction input M or the second direction input P is performed.

The return function may be implemented in various ways. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first direction input M may be provided by providing an elastic member 21 between the input unit 10 and the base 110. After that, the input unit 10 may be returned to the reference position S. FIG.

Alternatively, in the case of the input unit 10 shown in FIG. 6, the support unit 25 may be provided as an elastic member. Alternatively, in the case of the second direction input P, the input unit 10 may be provided with an elastic material.

In addition to the return function, the above-described elastic member 21 may be configured to separately input each input when the first direction input M is performed in multiple stages.

That is, as shown in FIG. 23, when the first direction input M is provided in two stages, the elastic members 21 are provided in two having different elastic moduli (see 21a and 21b of FIG. 23). Can be.

Therefore, the plurality of elastic members 21 may be provided in different materials or shapes.

Here, the elastic modulus of each elastic member 21 is arranged in order to gradually increase as it moves away from the input unit 10 (that is, k _21a <k _21b ), so that the elastic modulus at the interface between the first stage input and the second stage input It is desirable to feel the resistance according to the difference.

Therefore, in order to perform the two-stage input according to the difference in the elastic modulus, a larger force is required than in the one-stage input, so that the user can distinguish the one-stage input and the two-stage input.

On the other hand, the above-described method can be equally applied to the second direction input (P).

Here, the support ring 22 may be further provided between the elastic members 21a and 21b.

On the other hand, when one or more of the first direction input (M), the second direction input (P) or the center input (C) is performed, click means for giving a feeling of click may be further provided.

The click means may be applied to a variety of known types, for example, in the case of the first direction input (M) by providing a projection on the movement path of the input unit 10 to deliver a feeling of click when the input unit 10 passes. Can be.

The click means may be applied to each input operation as a whole, or may be applied to only some of them. For example, when the first direction input (M), the second direction input (P) or the center input (C) is provided to enable the multi-stage input, the user feels that the click feeling is generated only when the second stage input is performed. It is possible to distinguish between single input and two input.

Referring to FIG. 2, one side of the base 110 further includes one or more of a mode switch key 121 for switching an input mode or a function key 123 for inputting a function command such as enter, cancel, or cursor. Can be.

Here, the above-described mode switch key 121 or function key 123 may be provided in a touch sensing method.

On the other hand, the other side of the base 110 may be provided with a display 130 for displaying the input command extracted by the controller 51.

At this time, as shown in (a) of FIG. 19, the display unit 130 may be provided with a keyboard display unit 74 on which input contents according to a user's input operation or characters allocated in a selected input mode are displayed. .

Meanwhile, the keyboard display 74 may be provided at one side of the base 110 adjacent to the input unit 10, as shown in FIG. 19B.

Here, as shown in FIG. 20, the display 130 may be detachably provided to the base 110.

That is, the character input device 1 according to the present invention may be detachably provided to the main body of the external device on which the display unit 130 is mounted. In this case, the character input device 1 may be connected to the external device by wire or wireless. It may be further provided, the transmission and reception unit for transmitting and receiving the data extracted by the control unit 51 may further include.

Thereby, the character input device 1 according to the present invention can also be used as a remote control for remote control of a computer or a television. In this case, either the first direction input M or the second direction input P can be used. You can change channel or adjust volume.

In particular, in the case of a digital TV capable of bi-directional communication, it is very efficient because a text input for searching or storing a program can be performed in addition to the above-described general remote control function.

Alternatively, numerical input or various mode changes may be performed by the first direction input M, and channel or volume control may be performed by the second direction input P. FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 16, either the base 110 or the input unit 10, each of the first direction indicating position corresponding to each of the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) The first letter display unit 72a on which the first letter assigned to (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) is displayed and each second direction corresponding to each of the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. A second character display unit 72b may be further provided on which the second character assigned to the direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ...

In the case where two or more characters are duplicated, the first character display unit 72a and the second character display unit 72b may be displayed by changing the input characters according to the input mode.

For example, by providing the first character display unit 72a or the second character display unit 72b with an LCD window, only Korean characters are displayed when inputting Korean characters, and only English characters are displayed when inputting English characters. can do.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, the reference position (S) may further include a reference position detection unit 66 for detecting that the input unit 10 is located at the reference position (S).

The reference position detecting unit 66 detects that the input unit 10 is located at the reference position S, and the detection signal of the reference position detecting unit 66 may be used as a reset signal for input of a character or the like.

Referring to FIG. 24, a rotation wheel 76 may be further provided adjacent to the input radius 111 of the base 110 to perform scroll, volume control, or search functions according to the input mode of the input unit 10. have.

Alternatively, instead of the rotary wheel 76, a circular band-shaped sensing means for performing a function such as scrolling or a plurality of sensing means arranged in a circle around the input unit 10 may be provided.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 26 to 28, by allowing the input unit 10 to be detachable or movable with respect to the base 110, the user can freely change the input position.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 26, when the character input device 1 according to the present invention is mounted on the portable mobile communication terminal 100, the connection member 80 such as a string of various materials is mounted on the input unit 10. By connecting using), the input unit 10 may be placed on the touch screen 130 'and the like only when data is input.

In this case, the touch screen 130 ′ is provided with a reference position detecting unit 66, and when the contact of the input unit 10 or the support unit 25 is detected, the touch screen 130 ′ may be automatically switched to the input mode.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 27, the main body 81 having a band shape and the main body 81 are provided on the main body 81 and the input unit 10 can perform the first direction input M and the second direction input P. FIG. To provide a connecting member 80 including a receiving portion 82 which is easily received and a moving support portion 83 that is coupled to the slide groove 85 provided on the base 110 at both ends of the main body 81 and slides. It may be.

In this case, while the connecting member 80 moves along the base 110, the input unit 10 moves to the input position.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 28, the input unit 10 may be accommodated in the main body 81 of the flip type to be moved to the input position while being rotated by the hinge 86.

Here, in each case described above, the first sensing unit 61 and the second sensing unit 63 for detecting the movement of the input unit 10 may be provided on the touch screen 130 ′.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 30, the second sensing unit 63 changes its position according to the movement of the input unit 10 so that the input unit 10 is referred to in the state where the first direction input M is performed. The second direction input P can be performed in place without having to return to the position S. FIG.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30, the first keyboard display unit 74a on which characters input by the first direction input M and the second direction input P are displayed on the touch screen 130 ′ is displayed. And a second keyboard display unit 74b, in which case, as shown in FIG. 29, the second keyboard display unit 74b may move along with the movement of the input unit 10.

1 is a block diagram of a character input apparatus according to the present invention;

2 is a perspective view of a portable mobile communication terminal equipped with a character input device according to the present invention;

3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a character input apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is an operation diagram showing each input operation at the first direction input, the second direction input and the center input in the input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention,

5 is an operation diagram showing the radial movement and the circumferential movement of the input of the present invention,

6 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a character input apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a cross-sectional view of main parts of the character input apparatus shown in FIG. 6;

8 is a perspective view of an input unit according to another embodiment of the present invention;

9 is a plan view showing an input unit and a guide unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

10 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an input unit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

11 is a perspective view of an input unit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a central combined input of the present invention;

13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a direction combination input of the present invention and a plan view of the input unit;

14 is a plan view of the support for explaining the direction of rotation input of the present invention;

15 is a table showing an embodiment of a character array of each country allocated to each input operation in the character input apparatus according to the present invention;

16 to 18 are main parts of a character input device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

19 is a perspective view of a portable terminal provided with two left and right input portions of the present invention;

20 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state in which the text input device of the present invention is attached to or detached from a portable terminal;

21 and 22 are conceptual views illustrating various combination examples of each input operation when two input units of the present invention are provided;

23 is a main view showing the input portion and the elastic member of the present invention,

24 is a plan view showing that the rotary wheel is provided around the input of the present invention,

25 is a use state diagram showing an example of a character input through the input unit in the character input apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

26 to 28 are views illustrating a coupling relationship between an input unit and a base according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

29 to 33 are plan views illustrating keyboard displays according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

34 is a flowchart of a character input method according to the present invention;

35 to 38 are conceptual views illustrating a method of inputting a predicted character during character input according to the present invention.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

1: Character input device 10, 10 ': input unit

11: pressing part 13: center input key

15: side pressing part 21: elastic member

22: support ring 23: conductive member

24: metal dome 25: support

27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e, 27f: contact portion

40: guide part 51: control part

52a, 52b, 52c: protrusion 53: protrusion

54: non-slip unit 55: memory unit

56: operating rod 57: coupling portion

58: return member 61: the first detection unit

63: second sensing unit 64: ground terminal

65: third detection unit 66: reference position detection unit

67: touch detection unit 68: rotation detection unit

72: character display portion 74: keyboard display portion

76: rotating wheel 77: rotating projection

80: connecting member 81: main body

82: accommodating part 83: moving support part

85: slide groove 86: hinge portion

100: portable mobile communication terminal

110: base 111: input radius

113: PCB board 121: mode switching key

123: function keys

Claims (82)

Base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit comprises: a first direction input moving to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position with respect to the reference position within a predetermined input radius; Second direction inputs for selecting any one of a plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input unit itself are provided so as to be independently performed; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And A controller which extracts and executes a first character assigned to the first direction indication position from which the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position from which the second direction input is detected from the memory unit; Character input device comprising a. The method of claim 1, Character input device, characterized in that the central input is performed to select the center input key provided in the center of the input unit or the input unit is performed by one or more methods of lifting the base. The method of claim 2, The central input is a character input device, characterized in that the multi-stage input of two or more stages are provided. The method of claim 1, And the second direction input is input such that the input unit is inclined toward any one of the plurality of second direction indicating positions. The method of claim 1, And the second direction input selects and inputs any one of pressing parts provided corresponding to the second direction indication positions to the input unit. The method of claim 1, And the first direction input is performed while the input unit slides from the reference position toward each of the first direction indication positions. The method of claim 1, And the first direction input is performed while the input unit is tilted toward one of the first direction indication positions. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The second direction input is a character input device characterized in that it is possible to input two or more stages by any one of the difference between the degree of tilt of the input unit, the pressing strength of the pressing portion or the pressing distance. The method of claim 8, The first direction input is a character input device, characterized in that the multi-stage input can be provided in two or more stages according to the difference in the moving distance of the input unit or the strength of the moving pressure. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The first direction input is a character input device, characterized in that the multi-stage input of two or more stages is provided according to the difference in the moving distance of the input unit, the degree of tilt movement or the strength of the moving pressure. The method according to claim 2 or 3, Characters characterized in that new data different from the character originally assigned to each direction indication position is inputted by a central combination input in which the center input is performed simultaneously with either the first direction input or the second direction input. Input device. The method of claim 1, And a vowel character is assigned to only one of the first direction indication position and the second direction indication position. The method of claim 1, At least one of the first direction input and the second direction input is performed while the input unit is moved in the circumferential direction with respect to the reference position within the input radius. The method according to claim 1 or 13, Character input device provided in the base, further comprising a guide for guiding the movement of the input unit. The method of claim 14, And the guide part includes a plurality of linear guides for guiding the input part to be radially moved from the reference position toward each of the first direction indication positions. The method of claim 14, The base is provided with a disk-shaped groove corresponding to the input radius, limiting the movement distance in the radial direction of the input unit, and at the same time guides the movement in the circumferential direction of the input unit. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And a click means for giving a feeling of click when one or more of the first direction input, the second direction input, or the center input is performed. The method of claim 14, Character guide device characterized in that the guide portion is provided with an elastic material. The method of claim 10, Between the input unit and the base, each having a different modulus of elasticity and provided with a number corresponding to the multi-stage input, and sequentially disposed so that the elastic modulus gradually increases from the input portion toward each first direction indicating position. Character input device, characterized in that the first direction input further comprises a plurality of elastic members that are separated by each step according to the difference in the elastic modulus to enable input. The method of claim 1, And the first direction indicating position and the second direction indicating position are each provided in one of four to twelve input directions. The method of claim 20, And the first direction indicating position and the second direction indicating position are provided in different numbers. The method of claim 1, Character input device, characterized in that the input unit is provided with an elastic material. The method of claim 1, Character input device, characterized in that the non-slip unit is provided on the upper surface of the input unit. The method of claim 1, And a reference position detecting unit provided at the reference position to detect that the input unit is located at the reference position. The method of claim 2, Character input device characterized in that for switching the input mode or various function commands are performed by the central input. The method of claim 1, One side of the base is a character input device characterized in that one or more of the mode switching key for switching the input mode or a function key for inputting a function command, such as enter, cancel, cursor. The method of claim 1, And a display unit for displaying the input command extracted by the control unit. The method of claim 27, And the display unit is detachably provided at the base. The method of claim 27, And the display unit is provided with a keyboard display unit which displays input contents according to a user's input operation or assigned characters in a selected input mode. The method of claim 1, The input unit is a character input device, characterized in that the self-rotation is provided in the left and right direction about the reference position on the base. The method of claim 1, Character input device, characterized in that the input unit is provided with two or more in the base. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or 31, At least one of the upper end of each input unit corresponding to each of the second direction indicating positions or each pressing unit or at least one of the central input keys is provided with a touch sensing unit for sensing the approach or contact of a finger. Character input device characterized in that the touch input is provided in addition to the input. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or 31, The touch sensor may further include a center touch sensing unit provided at the center of the input unit to sense a touch of a finger. Character input device characterized in that the input is not performed. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or 31, It is provided in the center of the input unit further comprises a central touch detection unit for detecting the touch of the finger, The controller may be configured to simultaneously receive a central touch detection signal by a touch of a finger to the center touch detection unit and a detection signal of the second detection unit according to the second direction input, and to detect the second detection unit. Character input device, characterized in that to input a different character to distinguish the case where only the signal is received. The method of claim 31, wherein Character input device characterized in that the character input is performed by any one of the two input unit, the mouse function is performed by the other. 36. The method of claim 1, 31 or 35, In the mouse input mode, the mouse pointer is moved by the first direction input, and the mouse left / right button or scroll operation is performed by the second direction input or the center input and the second direction input. Character input device characterized in that. The method of claim 31, wherein In the mouse input mode, the pointer input is performed by one of the two input units, and the mouse left / right button or scroll operation is performed by the other input unit. The method of claim 31, wherein Character input device, characterized in that the vowel character is assigned to only one side of the two input unit. The method of claim 31, wherein Each input unit is capable of inputting two or more stages in a second direction input, and inputs characters by a second direction input of each input unit, and moves a mouse pointer and direction by a first direction input of each input unit. Character input apparatus characterized by performing an instruction, a function command or a mode change. The method of claim 1, And a button-shaped protrusion corresponding to each of the second direction indicating positions at an upper end of the input unit. The method of claim 1, Character input device further comprises a transceiver for transmitting and receiving the data extracted by the controller to the external device provided to be connected to the external device by wire or wireless. The method of claim 1, And the input unit has a return function to automatically return to the reference position after performing the first direction input or the second direction input. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Any one of the first direction input or the second direction input may have two direction inputs having four direction indication positions, and a vowel character is assigned to each direction indication position. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Any one of the base or the input unit may include: a first character display unit displaying a first character assigned to each of the first direction indicating positions corresponding to the first direction indicating position; And a second character display unit displaying a second character assigned to each of the second direction indication positions in correspondence with each of the second direction indication positions. The method of claim 44, And the first text display unit and the second text display unit change the displayed text according to an input mode when two or more characters are duplicated. The method of claim 1, Characterized in that the direction combination input to input the third character assigned to the input operation is performed when any one of the first direction input or the second direction input is performed in succession after the other is performed Character input device. 47. The method of claim 46 wherein The direction combination input is a character input device, characterized in that different characters are input in accordance with the order of the first direction input and the second direction input to be combined. The method of claim 1, And a protrusion protruding from the center of the input unit to smoothly manipulate the input unit when the first direction input or the second direction input is performed. The method of claim 48, Further comprising a manipulation rod that is inserted into one end of the protrusion, Character input device, characterized in that the protrusion is provided with a coupling portion for inserting the operating rod. The method of claim 1, The input unit is a character input device, characterized in that one or more projections are provided at the edge of the top to facilitate the gripping and manipulation of the finger. The method of claim 1, The first sensing unit and the second sensing unit are provided over the input radius and provided with one of a touch pad or a touch screen in which the reference position sensing unit is disposed on one side. The input unit further includes a support unit which is in contact with the reference input sensing unit, wherein the input unit is mounted on the input radius during character input, so that the first direction input and the second direction input are performed. The method of claim 51, Character input device characterized in that the connection member for connecting the input unit to the base provided with the input radius is further provided. The method of claim 52, wherein The connecting member, A main body having a belt shape, a receiving part provided in the main body, the first receiving part capable of receiving the first direction input and the second direction input; Character input device further comprises a connection member including a support. The method of claim 52, wherein The connecting member, A main body, an accommodating part provided in the main body to receive the first direction input and the second direction input, and the hinge pivoting the input part on the input radius by rotating the main body relative to the base. Character input apparatus comprising a unit. The method of claim 51, The first detection unit and the second detection unit is provided with a touch screen, The touch screen may include a first keyboard display unit displaying characters allocated to each of the first direction indicating positions on the outside of the input unit around the reference position, or a second character displaying characters allocated to each of the second direction indicating positions. Character input device characterized in that one or more of the keyboard display unit is displayed. The method of claim 1, 51 or 55, The second sensing unit and the second character display unit may move along the input unit when the first direction input is performed so that the second direction input is successively performed while the first direction input is performed. Character input device. The method of claim 1 or 31, And a character display unit on one side of the base adjacent to the input unit to display input contents according to a user's input operation or a character assigned in a selected input mode. The method of claim 11, The center combination input is one of a first direction input or a second direction input after a center input is performed first, and the center input after one of the first direction input or the second direction input is first performed. Characterized input device, characterized in that is performed is distinguished from each other and different characters are input. The method of claim 2, A new character is inputted by a direction-oriented direction input in which any one of the first direction input or the second direction input, the center input, and one of the first direction input or the second direction input is sequentially combined. Character input device characterized in that. The method of claim 59, The direction input direction is a character input device, characterized in that the second direction input (P), the center input (C), and the first direction input (M) is configured by sequentially combining. The method of claim 60, Character input device characterized in that a number or a symbol is input by the direction direction direction input. The method of claim 59, When the central input is performed, when the central input is performed, a character display unit displaying characters inputted by the first direction input or the second direction input to be successively performed on the display unit provided in the base is displayed. Device. 63. The method of any of claims 59-62, And at least one of the first direction input, the second direction input, or the center input constituting the direction central direction input is provided in two or more stages. Base; Two input units provided on the base-each input unit includes: a first direction input moving to any one of four first direction indicating positions radially spaced from each reference position about the reference position, and the input unit itself Second direction inputs for selecting any one of the four second direction indication positions radially spaced at each other are operable to be provided in multiple stages or more; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And And a controller configured to extract, from a memory unit, a first character assigned to the first direction indication position where the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position where the second direction input is detected. Character input device. Base; Two input units provided on the base-each input unit includes: a first direction input moving from one reference position to one of eight first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position, and the input unit itself; A second direction input for selecting one of the four second direction indication positions radially spaced at is provided operable; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And And a controller configured to extract, from a memory unit, a first character assigned to the first direction indication position where the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position where the second direction input is detected. Character input device. Base; Two input units provided on the base-each input unit includes: a first direction input moving to any one of four first direction indicating positions radially spaced from each reference position about the reference position, and the input unit itself A second direction input for selecting any one of the eight second direction indication positions radially spaced at is provided operable; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And And a controller configured to extract, from a memory unit, a first character assigned to the first direction indication position where the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position where the second direction input is detected. Character input device. 67. The method of claim 65 or 66, At least one of the first direction input and the second direction input is characterized in that the two or more stages multi-stage input is provided to perform. Base; Two input units provided on the base-each input unit includes: a first direction input moving from one reference position to one of eight first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position, and the input unit itself; Second direction inputs for selecting any one of eight second direction indication positions radially spaced at each other are provided independently of each other; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And And a controller configured to extract, from a memory unit, a first character assigned to the first direction indication position where the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position where the second direction input is detected. Character input device. The method of claim 68, At least one of the first direction input and the second direction input is characterized in that the two or more stages multi-stage input is provided to perform. Base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit includes: a first direction input sliding to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position about the reference position within a predetermined input radius; A second direction input for selecting any one of the pressing parts provided in the input unit corresponding to a plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input unit itself is provided to be independently performed; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing a selection of the pressing unit; And A controller for extracting and inputting a first character allocated to the first direction indicating position or a second character allocated to the second direction indicating position from the memory unit based on the detection result of the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit; Character input device comprising a. Base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit comprises: a first direction input sliding to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position with respect to the reference position within a predetermined input radius; Second direction inputs inclined toward any one of a plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input unit itself are provided to be independently performed; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit which detects tilt of the input unit; And A controller for extracting and inputting a first character allocated to the first direction indicating position or a second character allocated to the second direction indicating position from the memory unit based on the detection result of the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit; Character input device comprising a. Base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit includes: a first direction input sliding to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position about the reference position within a predetermined input radius; A second direction input in which the entire input part is tilted and moved toward one of the plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input part itself is provided to be independently performed; A support part provided between the input part and the base and simultaneously sliding with the input part to support a tilt movement of the input part; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing a tilt movement of the input unit; And A controller for extracting and inputting a first character assigned to the first direction indicating position or a second character assigned to the second direction indicating position from the memory unit based on the detection result of the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit; Character input device comprising a. Base; Input unit provided in the base-The input unit, the first direction input to the tilting movement is performed in which the entire input unit is tilted to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position with respect to the reference position And a second direction input inclined toward any one of a plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input unit itself; A support part provided between the base and the input part to support a tilt movement of the input part; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit which detects tilt of the input unit; And A controller for extracting and inputting a first character allocated to the first direction indicating position or a second character allocated to the second direction indicating position from the memory unit based on the detection result of the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit; Character input device comprising a. The method of any one of claims 71-73, wherein At least one of the first direction input and the second direction input is characterized in that the two or more stages multi-stage input is provided to perform. Base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit comprises: a first direction input moving to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position with respect to the reference position within a predetermined input radius; A second direction input for selecting any one of a plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input unit itself is provided independently of each other with one finger on the top of the input unit; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And A controller which extracts and executes a first character assigned to the first direction indication position from which the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position from which the second direction input is detected from the memory unit; Input device comprising; 76. The method of claim 75, In the mouse input mode, the mouse pointer is moved by the first direction input, and the mouse left / right button or scroll operation is performed by the second direction input or the center input and the second direction input. Input device characterized in that. A base; A first direction input provided in the base and moving to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced about the reference position from a reference position within a predetermined input radius, and radially to the input unit itself; An input unit configured to independently perform second direction inputs for selecting any one of a plurality of spaced apart second direction indication positions; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; A controller which extracts and executes a first character assigned to the first direction indication position from which the movement of the input unit is detected, and a second character assigned to the second direction indication position from which the second direction input is detected from the memory unit; Including; The input unit may be configured to perform a central input selected from a central input key provided at the center of the input unit, or the input unit may be performed by one or more methods of elevating the base. And inputting new data different from characters originally assigned to each direction indicating position by a central combination input performed simultaneously with any one of the direction inputs. Base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit comprises: a first direction input moving to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position with respect to the reference position within a predetermined input radius; A second direction input for selecting any one of a plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input unit itself, and the first direction input or the second direction input is sequentially A direction combination input in which one is performed is provided to be independently performed; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And A first character assigned to the first direction indication position where the movement of the input unit is detected, a second character assigned to the second direction indication position where the second direction input is detected, or a third assigned to the direction combination input; And a controller which extracts and executes characters from the memory unit. Base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit comprises: a first direction input moving to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position with respect to the reference position within a predetermined input radius; maryeondoem radially spaced possible to perform a plurality of second direction indicating positions in which the second direction input, one or more multi-stage input of the one or more two-stage select input of which is disposed on its own; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And A controller which extracts and executes a first character assigned to the first direction indication position from which the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position from which the second direction input is detected from the memory unit; Input device comprising; Base; Two input units provided on the base, each input unit comprising: a first direction input moving to any one of a plurality of first direction indicating positions radially spaced about the reference position from a reference position within a predetermined input radius; And a second direction input for selecting any one of a plurality of second direction indication positions radially spaced apart from the input unit itself; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And A controller which extracts and executes a first character assigned to the first direction indication position from which the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position from which the second direction input is detected from the memory unit; Input device comprising; Base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit comprises: a first direction input moving to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position with respect to the reference position within a predetermined input radius; Second direction inputs for selecting any one of a plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input unit itself are provided so as to be independently performed; A guide unit for guiding the movement of the input unit; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And A controller which extracts and executes a first character assigned to the first direction indication position from which the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position from which the second direction input is detected from the memory unit; Input device comprising; A first direction input moving to any one of a plurality of first direction indicating positions radially spaced about a reference position within a predetermined input radius, and a plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced thereon; In the character input method of the character input apparatus having an input unit provided to be independently performed each second direction input for selecting any one of:  Storing a character set in which a first character is separately assigned to each of the first direction indication positions and a second character is separately assigned to each of the second direction indication positions; Detecting the first direction input or the second direction input; Extracting a first character or a second character corresponding to the direction indication position from the character set based on the detection signal; Characterized input method comprising a; processing the input of the extracted first character or second character.

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