RU2450318C2 - Apparatus for inputting symbols and method of using said apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: information technology.

SUBSTANCE: apparatus for inputting symbols comprises: a base, a manipulator key located on the base with possibility of independent input on two coordinates, wherein the first coordinate is input by moving the manipulator key from the original position to any of a plurality of denotive positions spread on a circle about the original position within the given input region, and the second coordinate is input by selecting from the plurality of denotive positions spread on a circle on the manipulator key itself, a first sensor for reading movement of the manipulator key, a second sensor for reading the second coordinate input, a controller for retrieving and inputting the first or second symbol from the memory unit, wherein the first symbol is assigned the denotive position of the first coordinate in which movement of the manipulator key is read, and the second symbol is assigned the denotive position of the second coordinate in which the second coordinate input is read.

EFFECT: error-free input of symbols by a user and minimisation of space required for inputting symbols.

41 cl, 34 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a character input device and a method for its use, and in particular, to a character input device and a method for its use, which allow to input the largest number of characters at a time with minimum input area sizes, and also allow one or more to be entered quickly and accurately. phonemes in one go by simultaneously or sequentially inputting two coordinates with one key-manipulator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the development of software and semiconductor technology, as well as information processing technology, information processing devices tend to miniaturization. Thus, in various information processing devices, the significance of character input is gradually increasing.

However, such information processing devices encounter many problems when entering various characters or commands.

For example, since an input device, such as the keyboard used in a personal computer (PC) or laptop, cannot be arbitrarily reduced in size, it is difficult to reduce the size of the information processing devices.

In addition, the touch screens used in personal digital assistants (PDAs), keyboards of cell phones have a low input speed or contribute to errors, which creates a lot of inconvenience.

To accelerate the input of characters and numbers in information processing devices, such as the aforementioned PC, laptop, PCP, or cell phone, it is necessary to enter one phoneme (symbol) at a time.

To enter the characters of the Korean national alphabet Hangul, with the calculation of one operation on the phoneme, the information processing device must have buttons or enter keys for entering more than twenty-four characters.

When entering characters in the English, Japanese, or other foreign alphabet, you may need significantly more buttons or enter keys than entering characters for the Hangul alphabet.

Since the portable terminal is gradually mastering the functions of the desktop PC, it is necessary that it imitates the entire functional set of the keyboard, including various control keys (enter, space, switch case, and others), function keys, non-alphabetic characters, and so on, in addition to the function of entering characters.

However, in conventional input devices used in various information processing devices, the characters assigned to each key are entered by pressing these keys with your fingers.

Moreover, in a portable personal communicator, such as a cell phone, where the area with the input keys is relatively limited in size, it is difficult to arrange more than twenty-four keys the size of a finger. For this reason, miniaturization of the keyboard has so far been a difficult task.

In particular, in the case of a cell phone, since it is necessary to enter more than twenty-four characters of the Hangul alphabet using, in general, twelve buttons, a series of characters will inevitably have to be superimposed with one button superimposed.

Therefore, to enter one character (phoneme), you must repeatedly press one button two or three times. As a result, input time increases and typos occur more often.

Further, since this method of introducing characters is very complex, it takes a long time for the user to fully master this method.

To solve the above problems with respect to the characters of the Hangul alphabet, methods for entering characters by combining characters from a certain set, for example, the Chi Yin Chen system, have been proposed.

In a similar way, since the required characters are composed of basic characters, the number of input buttons to which characters are assigned is reduced. However, since it is necessary to repeatedly press the input buttons until the desired combination of characters is obtained, the input time does not decrease.

In addition, devices have been proposed, such as a portable roll-up keyboard or a virtual laser keyboard, where input is made by projecting the keyboard image onto a flat area and then reading out the positions of the fingers when the user performs an operation, such as pressing the keyboard keys with fingers on the image.

However, this type of input device is inconvenient, since it is always necessary to carry it with you. Also, it can be used only when the input device is placed on level ground, therefore, such an input device is not suitable for use in a portable personal communicator, where the user can make input on the go, holding the device with his hand / hands.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Technical problem

Thus, the present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and one of the objectives of the present invention is to create a character input device with a new type of manipulator key for independent or combined input of the first and second coordinates, such that the required area for inputting characters and other data is minimal, and at the same time, all the necessary characters are entered quickly and accurately in one go, and at the same time the maximum number of keys that can be assigned in a given area by register input and paired configurations, so that all input operations performed using the keyboard and mouse used in desktop PCs can also be quickly and easily performed on a portable terminal.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a character input device that can enter one or more phonemes in one go by adding various input methods or combinations thereof, in addition to entering the first and second coordinates.

Technical solution

According to the present invention, the above and other objectives can be achieved using the device 1 character input, which contains:

- base 110;

- a key-manipulator 10, placed at the base 110 with the possibility of independent input M of the first coordinate and input P of the second coordinate, and input M is performed by moving the key-manipulator from the initial position S to any of the many meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first the coordinates spaced around the circumference from the initial position S within the specified input region 11, and the input P of the second coordinate is performed by selecting any of the many significant positions P1, P2, ..., the second coordinate spaced around the circumference in the key-manipulator 10;

- a first sensor 61 for sensing the movement of the manipulator key 10;

- a second sensor 63 for reading the input P of the second coordinate;

and a controller 51 for extracting and entering the first or second character from the memory unit 55, the first character being assigned to each of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first coordinate at which the movement of the manipulator key 10 is read, and the second character assigned to each of the significant positions P1, P2, ..., the second coordinate, in which the input P of the second coordinate is read.

Entering M of the first coordinate can be done by sliding the manipulator key 10 from the initial position S to any significant position M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate.

The input M of the first coordinate can be performed by tilting-sliding the manipulator key 10 in the direction of any of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate.

Entering P of the second coordinate can be performed by tilting the manipulator key 10 to any of the plurality of significant positions P1, P2, ... of the second coordinate.

Entering P the second coordinate can be performed by selecting any of the push keys 11 located on the key 10 and corresponding to each significant position P1, P2, .... second coordinate.

The input M and / or P may be register with two or more registers.

The central input C can be made by selecting the central input key 13 located in the center of the key 10, and / or raising and lowering the key 10 relative to the base 110.

The central input C may be register with two or more registers.

In this case, new data that is different from the one originally assigned to each significant position of the character can be entered by the central combined input CM and CP, in which the central input C is performed simultaneously with the input M of the first coordinate or the input P of the second coordinate.

The coordinate-combined input of MP and PM to enter the third character assigned to such an input operation can be performed by sequentially inputting in two different coordinates.

In each of the above exemplary embodiments, two or more of the manipulator keys 10 may be located on the base 110.

The inventive symbol input device 1 may further comprise means for receiving and transmitting data connected to the external device by a wired and / or wireless method, with the possibility of connecting / disconnecting the symbol input device 1 to / from an external device.

In one embodiment, the proposed character input device 1 comprises

- base 110;

- two key manipulators 10 located at the base 110 with the ability to perform input M and P as register with two or more registers, and the input M is performed by moving the key manipulator 10 from its original position S to any of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first coordinate spaced around the circumference from the initial position S, and the input P of the second coordinate is performed by selecting any of the four significant positions P1, P2, ..., the second coordinate spaced around the circumference in the key 10;

- a first sensor 61 for reading the input M of the first coordinate;

- a second sensor 63 for reading the input P of the second coordinate;

- and a controller 51 for extracting the first or second character from the memory unit 55, the first character being assigned to the significant position M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first coordinate in which the movement of the manipulator key 10 is read, and the second character is assigned to the meaningful position P1, P2 , ..., the second coordinate at which the input P of the second coordinate is read.

According to another embodiment, the proposed character input device 1 comprises

- base 110;

- two manipulator keys 10 located at the base 110 with the possibility of entering M and P, the input M being carried out by moving the manipulator key 10 from the corresponding initial position S to any of the eight significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first coordinate, spaced around the circumference from the initial position S, and the input P of the second coordinate is performed by selecting any of the four significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ..., the second coordinate spaced around the circumference in the key-manipulator 10;

- a first sensor 61 for reading the input M of the first coordinate;

- a second sensor 63 for reading the input P of the second coordinate;

- and a controller 51 for extracting the first or second character from the memory unit 55, the first character being assigned to the significant position M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first coordinate in which the movement of the manipulator key 10 is read, and the second character is assigned to the meaningful position P ₁ , P ₂ , ..., the second coordinate at which the input P of the second coordinate is read.

In yet another embodiment, the proposed character input device 1 comprises

- base 110;

- two key manipulators 10 located at the base 110 with the ability to perform input M and P, and the input M is performed by moving the key manipulator 10 from its original position S to any of the four significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first coordinate, spaced around the circumference from the initial position S, and the input P of the second coordinate is performed by selecting any of the eight significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ..., the second coordinate spaced around the circumference in the key-manipulator 10;

- a first sensor 61 for reading the input M of the first coordinate;

- a second sensor 63 for reading the input P of the second coordinate;

- and a controller 51 for extracting the first or second character from the memory unit 55, the first character being assigned to the significant position M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first coordinate in which the movement of the manipulator key 10 is read, and the second character is assigned to the meaningful position P ₁ , P ₂ , ..., the second coordinate at which the input P of the second coordinate is read.

In this case, the input M and / or P can be register with two or more registers.

In yet another embodiment, the proposed character input device 1 comprises

- base 110;

- a key-manipulator 10, placed at the base 110 with the possibility of independent input M of the first coordinate and input P of the second coordinate, and the input M is performed by sliding the key-manipulator 10 from the initial position S to any of the many meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., spaced around the circumference from the initial position S within the specified input area, and the input P of the second coordinate is performed by selecting any of the push keys 11 located at the manipulator key 10 and corresponding to the set of significant positions P1, P ₂ , ..., the second coordinate, different circled around in the key-manipulator 10;

- a first sensor 61 for sensing the movement of the manipulator key 10;

- a second sensor 63 for sensing the selection of the pressure key 11;

and a controller 51 for extracting from the memory unit 55 and inputting a first character assigned to the corresponding position of the first coordinate and a second character assigned to the corresponding position of the second coordinate, based on the reading results of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 63.

According to another embodiment, the proposed symbol input device 1 comprises

- base 110;

- a key-manipulator 10, placed at the base 110 with the possibility of independent input M of the first coordinate and input P of the second coordinate, and the input M is performed by sliding the key-manipulator 10 from the initial position S to any of the many meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first coordinate spaced around the circumference from the initial position S within the specified input area, and the input P of the second coordinate is performed by tilting the manipulator key 10 to any of the plurality of significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ..., the second coordinate spaced circumferentially in the manipulator 10;

- a first sensor 61 for sensing the movement of the manipulator key 10;

- a second sensor 63 for sensing the tilt of the key 10;

and a controller 51 for extracting from the memory unit 55 and inputting a first character assigned to the corresponding position of the first coordinate, a second character assigned to the corresponding position of the second coordinate, based on the reading results of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 63.

In yet another embodiment, the proposed character input device 1 comprises

- base 110;

- a key-manipulator 10, placed at the base 110 with the possibility of independent input M of the first coordinate and input P of the second coordinate, and the input M is performed by sliding the key-manipulator 10 from the initial position S to any of the many meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first coordinate spaced around the circumference from the initial position S within the specified input area, and the input P of the second coordinate is performed by tilting-sliding the manipulator key 10 in its entirety to any of the set of significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ..., the second coordinate spaced circles in the key-manipulator 10;

- a support located between the key-manipulator 10 and the base 110, sliding simultaneously with the key-manipulator 10 and supporting its tilt-slip movement;

- a first sensor 61 for sensing the movement of the manipulator key 10;

- the second sensor 63 for reading the tilt-slip key-manipulator 10;

and a controller 51 for extracting from the memory unit 55 and inputting a first character assigned to the corresponding position of the first coordinate, a second character assigned to the corresponding position of the second coordinate, based on the reading results of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 63.

In a further embodiment, the proposed character input device 1 comprises

- base 110;

- a key-manipulator 10, placed at the base 110 with the possibility of independent input M of the first coordinate and input P of the second coordinate, and the input M is performed by tilting-sliding the key-manipulator 10 as a whole from the initial position S to any of the many significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first coordinate spaced around the circumference from the initial position S, and the input P of the second coordinate is performed by tilting the manipulator key 10 towards any of the many significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ..., the second coordinate spaced around the circumference in the key e-manipulator 10;

- a support located between the key-manipulator 10 and the base 110 and supporting its tilt-slip movement;

- a first sensor 61 for reading a tilt-slide of the key-manipulator 10;

- a second sensor 63 for sensing the tilt of the key 10;

and a controller 51 for extracting from the memory unit 55 and inputting a first character assigned to the corresponding position of the first coordinate, a second character assigned to the corresponding position of the second coordinate, based on the reading results of the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 63.

To achieve the above objectives, a method for inputting characters by device 1 with independent input of M of the first coordinate and input of M of the second coordinate is proposed, the input of M being carried out by moving the manipulator key 10 to any of the many meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., of the first coordinate spaced a circle centered on the source position S within the predetermined input area and the second coordinate input P is performed selecting any of a plurality of most significant positions P _1, P _2, ..., the second coordinate spaced circumferentially in the key-manipulation torus 10, the method comprising the steps of:

- saving in the block 55 of the memory a character set in which the first characters are separately assigned to each significant position M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first coordinate, and the second characters are separately assigned to each significant position P ₁ , P ₂ , ..., the second coordinate;

- reading input M and input P;

- extracting the first character or the second character corresponding to some significant position from the set of characters based on the read signal;

- processing and input of the extracted first or second character.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the inventive character input device.

Figure 2 shows in perspective a portable portable communicator containing the inventive character input device.

Figure 3 shows in perspective and in section a character input device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates the action of the key-manipulator in the operations of entering the first coordinate, second coordinate and central input in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates the radial movement of the manipulator key and its circumferential movement.

6 shows in perspective and in section a character input device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

7 shows a sectional view of the main part of the character input device shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a manipulator key in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 shows a top view illustrating a manipulator key and a guide in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

10 shows a perspective view and a sectional view of a manipulator key in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

11 shows a perspective view of a manipulator key in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

12 illustrates the concept of a central combined input in the present invention.

13 illustrates the concept of coordinate-combined input and a top view of the inventive key manipulator.

Fig. 14 shows a plan view of a support as an explanation of rotational motion input in the present invention.

Fig. 15 shows a table in which an example of assigning characters of different languages to various input operations in the inventive character input device is given.

16-18 show views of the main parts of a character input device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of a portable terminal in which the paired inventive manipulator keys are made on the right and left.

FIG. 20 is a separate perspective view of an embodiment in which the inventive character input device is attached / disconnected to / from a portable terminal.

Figures 21 and 22 illustrate the concept of various examples of working with a combination input when the inventive key manipulators are made in a paired version.

Fig.23 shows a view of the main part illustrating the inventive key-manipulator and an elastic gasket.

Fig shows a top view of a disk located rotatably around the inventive key-manipulator.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example in which characters are entered by a key in a character input device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 26-28 are operational views showing interconnections between a manipulator key and a base in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 29-33 show top views of a keypad indicator in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 34 shows a flowchart of a character input method in accordance with the present invention.

Principle of operation of the invention

The following is a detailed description of the structures and embodiments of the proposed device 1 input characters for input operations and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Entering M first coordinate

In this application, entering M of the first coordinate means that the key 10 moves to any of the plurality of significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., the first coordinate spaced around the circumference from the initial position S, and the input characters are assigned to each of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate.

Figure 3 shows a joint sectional view of the inventive key-manipulator 10 and the base 110 shown in figure 2.

According to these figures, the initial position S (see FIG. 2) is located on the side of the input region 111 on the base 110. The plurality of positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... are spaced circumferentially from the initial position S.

At the base 110, there is a first sensor 61 for sensing the movement of the key 10 associated with each of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate.

Accordingly, when the manipulator key 10 is moved from the initial position S to any of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, the controller 51 extracts from the memory unit 55 the first character assigned to the corresponding position M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., and enters the first character based on the signal of the first sensor 61, which senses the movement of the key 10.

As the first sensor 61, various types of sensors can be used. That is, the first sensor 61 may be, for example, a pressure sensor, an optical or contact sensor. Alternatively, the first sensor 61 may be, for example, a touch panel or a touch screen configured throughout the input area 111 and operating in a trajectory tracking manner.

If necessary, a different number of significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate can be made. This number may be eight positions M ₁ -M ₈ , as shown in figure 3, however, there may be four or six.

Entering M of the first coordinate can be performed in various ways. For example, input M can be made by sliding or horizontal movement (see Fig. 4 (b)) of the manipulator key 10 from the initial position S (see Fig. 4 (a)) to a predetermined position M ₅ (see Fig. 4 ( b)).

Sliding or horizontal movement is not limited to strictly horizontal movement relative to the bottom surface of the base 110, but includes all possible angles and directions from the initial position S to the meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , .... first coordinate. In this case, the key 10 can enter M by moving in the radial direction from the starting position S, as well as sliding along the circumference from the starting position S within the input region 111, as shown in FIG. 5 (c).

алфавита хангыль (один слог). Для ввода

ключ-манипулятор 10 перемещают скольжением от исходного положения S к значащим положениям M₁, M₂, … первой координаты, которым присвоен символ

(см. фиг.5(b)), a затем по окружности для ввода символа

(см. фиг.5(с)).5 illustrates an example in which character group input is performed.

Hangul alphabet (one syllable). To enter

the manipulator key 10 is moved by sliding from the initial position S to the meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate to which the symbol is assigned

(see FIG. 5 (b)), then a circle to enter a character

(see Fig. 5 (c)).

рассмотрен ниже.Enter P second coordinate and enter vowel character

reviewed below.

In the above example, when the manipulator key 10 is moved around the circumference, its movement is detected by the plurality of first sensors 61. In this case, the controller 51 considers only the signal from the first sensors 61 that registers the movement of the manipulator key 10 to be the last one.

For example, when the key 10 is returned to the initial position S, a rebound signal may be generated, then the controller 51 may determine that only the read signal from the first sensor 61 that is received immediately before the rebound signal is valid.

Alternatively, when the same type of signals are generated during the operation of the manipulator key 10, the controller 51 can determine that only the last signal in the sequence of the same type of read signals is valid.

That is, when a plurality of read signals related to the input M of the first coordinate are formed in the process of the peripheral movement of the manipulator key 10, and sequentially, i.e. without returning to the initial position S, the central input C or the second coordinate P input is generated, generating signals of a different type, only the value of the first coordinate M, read immediately before the signals of the central input C or input P of the second coordinate, is valid.

In the latter case, despite the fact that when the key 10 is returned to the initial position S, the end signal is not generated, the active signal can be recognized among the plurality of read signals.

Alternatively, moving the manipulator key 10 in a circle can be used to enter various functional commands. For example, moving the manipulator key 10 in a circle counterclockwise can be regarded as a cancel command, and moving the manipulator key 10 in a circle clockwise can be regarded as a space command.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, between the key 10, and the base 110, there may be a support 25 for moving the key 10.

Alternatively, the input M can be made by tilting the input key 10 in the direction of any of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, as shown in FIG. 10 (b).

In this case, there may further be a support 25 which supports the manipulator key 10 at a predetermined height above the base 110.

The principle of operation of the key 10 when entering the first coordinate M is not limited to the above options. The key manipulator 10 can be made of material partially or completely deformed by external pressure, so that the deformation of the key manipulator 10 can be read as a coordinate during the input operation.

Alternatively, a sensor, for example, a touch panel, or a touch screen, can be used to record the movement of a finger instead of the above key-manipulator 10, and thus the first coordinate M can be entered.

In addition, based on 110, there may additionally be a guide 40 that guides the movement of the manipulator key 10. The guide 40 allows the manipulator key 10 to be moved in the exact direction that the user is planning, so that when you enter M the first coordinate, the correct input is made without any or interference.

Guide 40 can be of various types. For example, the guide 40 may be straight in the form of a groove of a certain shape on the base 110, the guide extending from the initial position S to each of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 2, where, on the base 110, a disk-shaped recess is made corresponding to the input region 111, which limits the travel distance of the key 10 in the radial direction and, at the same time, directs the movement of the key 10 around the circle .

Another option is shown in Fig.9: the guide may be a curly groove, the bends of which correspond to each of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate.

In this case, the manipulator key 10 can be made in the form corresponding to the guide 40. Thus, as shown in Fig. 9 (b), when the manipulator key 10 inputs M of the first coordinate, although the user moves it in an inaccurate direction, the key 10 can move to any of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , .... the first coordinate along the guide 40. The guide 40 may be made of various materials, for example, from an elastic material.

Further, the input M of the first coordinate can be performed as a register with two or more registers, depending on the difference in the distance of movement of the key-manipulator 10 or the pressing force when moving it.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, in case the M input of the first coordinate is performed by horizontal movement (or sliding) of the manipulator key 10, on the path of the manipulator key 10 from the initial position S to each of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, two or more of the first sensors 61 may be made.

Alternatively, in the key-manipulator 10 or in the elastic substrate 21 located under the key-manipulator 10, additional contact protrusions 27a and 27b can be made, which protrude to a different length in the direction of the first sensor 61.

According to Fig.6 and 7 (c), along the rim of the elastic substrate 21 located under the key-manipulator 10, there is a first, relatively long, contact protrusion 27a and a second, relatively short, contact protrusion 27b, and on the base side 110, in the return in order, the first sensors 61a and 61b are arranged so that they can touch the respective contact protrusions 27a and 27b.

Thus, when the key 10 moves in a certain direction by the distance of the first register, first the first contact protrusion 27a comes into contact with the first sensor 61a, and then, when the key 10 moves forward by the distance of the second register, the second contact protrusion 27b enters contact with the first sensor 61b.

As shown in FIG. 7 (c), the first contact protrusions 27a and the second contact protrusions 27b may be alternated with a manipulator key 10 or a rim of an elastic substrate 21. The elastic substrate 21 contains conductive material and is connected to the terminal 64 of the CPU bus (CPU), so that the contact protrusions 27a and 27b have a common bus potential.

Alternatively, if the input of the first coordinate M is made by tilting the manipulator key 10, one or more optical sensors may be provided to read the deviation of the manipulator key 10 or support 25, depending on the angle of inclination.

The method of using the first sensor 61 to recognize and read register input is not limited to the above examples and may have various variations.

The following is a description of an exemplary method of processing the signal by the controller 51 in the case of register input.

For example, when the first coordinate M is entered in the second register, the first register is first entered. Further, after completing the input M in the first register, the controller 51 waits for the input M to be completed in the second register within a predetermined time in order to recognize whether the input is in the second register.

When an input M is executed in the first register, it is preferable that the controller 51 processes such input without waiting. However, if the input in the second register occurs within the timeout period, the controller 51 can cancel the input of the first register and convert it to the input of the second register. Thus, input lag during the wait time is prevented.

Alternatively, the controller 51 may use a change in the first coordinate (for example, returning the key 10 to the initial position S after completing the input M of the first coordinate, or terminating the input signal of the first register) as a condition for completing the input of the first register instead of the specified waiting time.

That is, when the input operation of the first register is completed, the input is considered final.

Accordingly, the input of the first register is processed immediately, and upon completion of the input operation is considered final. However, regardless of the waiting time, if the input operation of the first register is performed continuously in one position, the second register is entered. In this case, the input of the first register is canceled and replaced by the input of the second register.

In the above signal processing method, if the input of the first register during the input operation of the second register was erroneous, after the input of the first register is canceled, the second register is immediately entered from the position for entering the first register, without the need for sequential input of two registers, so the input of the first register is replaced to enter the second register, which speeds up the input operation.

As stated above, when any input signal is read, it is processed immediately, however, the input is considered final only when the input operation ends. In this case, if the input M or P is made incorrectly, the erroneous input can be corrected to the desired one before the input is recognized as final, without having to re-enter after erasing the processed input, which simplifies the input.

Alternatively, when a pressure sensor is used as the first sensor 61 or the second sensor 63, the final input is determined based on the maximum pressure created within the waiting time. Or, the first and second register can be distinguished by the time during which the first sensor 61 receives a signal from the key-manipulator 10.

For example, if the signal duration is less than 0.5 s, the input can be recognized as a first register, and if the signal duration is more than 0.5 s, the input can be recognized as a second register.

As described above, even in the case of using a pressure sensor, the input of the first register is processed immediately, and at the end of the input operation it is considered final, but if the value corresponding to the input of the second register is additionally read before the input of the first register is completed, the input of the first register is canceled and the input is considered final second register.

The above-described work with the signals of the controller 51 for register input, in addition to input M, can be applied in the same way for input P, central input C, combined inputs MP and PM, as well as for centrally combined input CM and CP.

It follows from the above that when registering the first coordinate M first, the number of assigned characters (or the number of characters that can be entered using the first coordinate) increases proportionally. Therefore, if you want to enter many characters by entering M of the first coordinate, such characters can be entered in different registers with a reasonable number of significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate. As a result, it is possible to create optimal conditions for input by appropriate selection of the number of significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate and the number of registers.

When two significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... are simultaneously occupied during M input of the first coordinate, for example, when the key 10 is moved to an intermediate position between two significant positions M ₁ and M ₂ , and such a movement of the key 10 is simultaneously read the first two sensors 61, interference may occur between the input signals.

In this case, the controller 51 can be regarded as valid only the first of the many received read signals.

That is, the first input signal is actually processed and input, while other signals that arrived within the specified time or before the first signal ceases to be supplied (for example, before the manipulator key finishes entering the first coordinate and returns to its original position) are ignored.

Alternatively, all signal values that can be read with mutual interference can be stored and processed. For example, when the read signals come from the first sensors 61, which may be one, two or three at some positions, the signal values are stored for output and processing the corresponding data when reading any signals.

If the first sensor 61 is a pressure sensor, only the signal from the maximum pressure region is considered valid.

The key manipulator 10 may take various forms. For example, it may have a disk shape, as shown in FIG. 2, however, it may have a polygonal shape, or a shape with protrusions toward each of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, as shown in FIG. 9.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 (c), in the presence of four significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate, the manipulator key 10 may have a cross-shaped shape. In this case, on the upper surface of the manipulator key 10, there may be a protruding part 52a in the form of a button for each of the significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate.

The key manipulator 10 to be made of various materials, for example from an elastic material.

When you enter M of the first coordinate, the area of movement of the key-manipulator 10 is not limited. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 25, the key 10 has the ability to move within reach of the fingers placed on it.

As shown in FIG. 11 (a), anti-slip means 54 may be provided on the upper surface of the manipulator key 10, which prevents the finger from slipping off when touching the manipulator key 10 when the first coordinate M is input.

The anti-slip agent 54 may be of various types. For example, the means 54 may be in the form of protrusions and recesses on the upper surface of the manipulator key 10, or concavity in the middle of the manipulator key 10, or in the form of a combination of the above protrusions, recesses, and concavity.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11 (b) or 11 (c), to facilitate the fingers working with the input key 10 when entering the second coordinate P, protrusions 52b and 52c from the upper end of the key 10 can be made.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), to facilitate operation with the manipulator key 10 when entering the first coordinate M or entering the second coordinate P, the input key 10 may further have a protrusion 53 in the middle of the upper surface of the manipulator key 10 .

The protrusion 53 serves to facilitate input when the inventive character input device 1 is located and used on a table or other surface, or when the index or middle finger is used with the thumb.

The protrusion 53 may take various forms. For example, the protrusion 53 may be in the form of a ring, as shown in FIG. 11 (d), as well as a convex or concave shape.

In this case, the manipulator key 10 is equipped with a rod 56, one end of which is inserted into the connector 57 of the protrusion 53. That is, the manipulator key 10 can be operated by the rod 56 inserted into the protrusion 53.

Enter P second coordinate

In this application, entering P of the second coordinate means that any of the plurality of significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ..., the second coordinate that are spaced around the circumference in the key 10 itself is selected, and the second character assigned to the corresponding significant position P is entered ₁ , P ₂ , ....

That is, the input of the first coordinate M is performed by moving the manipulator key 10 entirely to the meaningful positions M, M ₂ , ... located outside the manipulator key 10, and the input of the second coordinate P is performed without horizontal movement (or sliding) or tilt-slip of the manipulator key 10 entirely, but by selecting the significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... located in the key-manipulator 10 itself.

Entering P the second coordinate can be performed in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), input P can be performed by tilting the key 10 to any of the significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ....

In this case, the character input device may further comprise a support 25 supporting the manipulator key 10, which can be tilted from the initial horizontal state in the direction of any portion.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the input P of the second coordinate can be performed by selectively pressing any of the push keys 11 made in the key 10 and corresponding to the significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate.

The pressure key 11 may have any shape that does not imply the inclination of the key-manipulator 10, but provides the ability to independently select each of the significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... in the key-manipulator 10.

For example, the push key 11 may be a separate push button or switch in the key 10 for each of the positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .... Otherwise, the push key 11 may be a push switch for which there is one second sensor 63 at the upper end or inside the manipulator key 10 for each of the significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate.

Meanwhile, the input P of the second coordinate can be made in a circular motion, as well as the input M of the first coordinate. The input function and signal processing at the district input are the same as those used when entering the M first coordinate.

The key manipulator 10 may have various sizes. As shown in FIG. 25, if the push key 11 is formed at the upper end of the manipulator key 10, it is desirable that the manipulator key 10 be sized to allow each of the push keys 11 to be selected with fingers placed on the manipulator key 10.

Similarly, even when the input P of the second coordinate is performed by tilting the manipulator key 10, it is desirable that it be sized to tilt it to each of the positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... by tilting a single finger touching the manipulator key 10.

Depending on the method of making the input P of the second coordinate, various second sensors 63 may be used.

For example, if the input P is performed by tilting the key 10, at its lower rim steps can be made that come into contact with the base 110 sequentially as the key 10 is tilted.

In this case, the second sensor 63 can be performed as a contact sensor designed to detect contact between the key-manipulator 10 and the base 110, or as an optical sensor designed to detect the inclination of the key-manipulator 10, and the contact sensor or optical sensor can be performed on the steps of the base 110.

Alternatively, when entering P by push-buttons 11 located in the key 10, the second sensor 63 can be made in the form of a contact sensor, push switch or pressure sensor on the lower side of each of the push-buttons 11.

Meanwhile, the input P of the second coordinate may be register with two or more registers. For example, input P can distinguish registers by the angle of inclination of the key-manipulator 10, the difference in the strength of pressing or the depth of pressing of the key 11.

As shown in figure 4 (e), if the input P has two registers, for example, steps are performed along the lower rim of the manipulator key 10, while the lower second sensor 63 comes into contact with the base 110 when the first register is tilted, and the upper second sensor 63 comes into contact with base 110 when the second register is tilted.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 (a), a third contact protrusion 27c or a fourth contact protrusion 27d, which protrude at different lengths, can be made in the elastic substrate 21 located under the key-manipulator 10, or in the key-manipulator 10 itself. direction of sensors 63a and 63b. In this case, as the manipulator key 10 is tilted, first the third, relatively long, contact protrusion 27c makes contact with the second sensor 63a, and then the fourth contact protrusion 27d makes contact with the second sensor 63b to enter the second register.

Contact ledges 27a and 27b may be made of elastic conductive materials.

Regarding the processing of the signal by the controller 51 when registering the second coordinate P, the above-described input method M of the first coordinate can be used in a similar way.

Meanwhile, it is possible to use touch input, in which the approach or touch of the significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate is recognized for entering various characters assigned with superposition of the corresponding significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ....

In this case, as shown in Fig. 8, at the upper end of the manipulator key 10 or at each of the push keys 11 corresponding to each of the significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ..., a sensor sensor 67 can be made.

For example, FIG. 8 shows that the symbol “A” is entered by touching a certain significant position P _{2 of the} second coordinate, and the symbol “B” is entered by tilting the input key 10 to the corresponding position P ₂ .

Thus, it is possible to increase the number of characters that can be assigned to the meaningful positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... by touch input. Further, with register input P of the second coordinate, it is possible to assign even more characters. The number of significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate and significant positions of P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate can be, for example, in the range of four to twelve.

It is desirable that the number of significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate and significant positions of P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate does not exceed eight. This is because if the user can use the fingers to move the manipulator key in more than eight directions, the input accuracy may be impaired due to the small distance between the significant positions of the corresponding coordinate.

In this case, in relation to the insufficient number of significant provisions, it is possible to share the central input C, which is described below, or the paired manipulator keys 10 can be located on the right and left, so as to accommodate all the necessary characters and achieve optimal input conditions.

In addition, the number of significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate and significant positions of P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate may be the same or different from one another.

Options for combined input M of the first coordinate and input P of the second coordinate

The following describes example options for combining input M of the first coordinate and input P of the second coordinate in the inventive character input device.

In the first embodiment, the input M of the first coordinate is performed by sliding the manipulator key 10 from the initial position S to the meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, and the input P of the second coordinate is made by selecting the key 11 located on the upper end of the manipulator key 10, in accordance with each of the significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... the second coordinate, as shown in figure 3.

In this case, the first sensor 61 for reading the input M of the first coordinate can be performed on the base 110 under the key-manipulator 10, as shown in figure 3, or on the basis of 110 on the rim of the key-manipulator 10, as shown in figure 4 (a ) and 4 (b). As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the input of the second coordinate P can be made by means of the contact protrusions 27c and 27b located on the lower part of the manipulator key 10, by pressing the key 11 to bring these protrusions into contact with the second sensor 63.

In this case, the contact protrusions 27c and 27d have different lengths, so that the third contact protrusion 27c makes contact when entering P of the first register, and the fourth contact protrusion 27d comes into contact when entering P of the second register.

In this case, the fifth contact protrusion 27e, which comes into contact with the third sensor 65a with the central input C in the first register, and the sixth contact protrusion 27f, which comes into contact with the third sensor 65b with the central input C in the second register, protrude down to a different length from the key 13 central entry.

Further, the outer rim of the manipulator key 10 has a return member 58 of elastic material for returning the manipulator key 10 to the initial position S after completing the input M of the first coordinate.

6 and 7 show the proposed character input device 1 in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. According to these drawings, the input of the first coordinate M is performed by sliding the manipulator key 10 from the initial position S to the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, and the input P of the second coordinate is performed by tilting the manipulator key 10 from a horizontal position to any of the positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate.

As shown in Fig. 7 (c), the input M is made by contact protrusions 27a and 27b protruding from the manipulator key 10 or the rim of the elastic substrate 21, with the first sensors 61a and 61b corresponding to the contact protrusions 27a and 27b at the base 110.

As described above, register input with two or more registers can be made due to the different lengths of the contact protrusions 27a and 27b.

The character input device 1 may further comprise a support 25 supporting a manipulator key 10, which can be tilted to perform input P of a second coordinate.

The support 25 may be of various types. Can also be used support 25, made with the possibility of sliding in conjunction with the key-manipulator 10.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 7 (b), below the key-manipulator 10 there is a return member 58, which returns the key-manipulator 10 to its original position after entering the second coordinate P,

The return member 58 is located on the elastic substrate 21 (or on the key-manipulator 10) and the base 113 of the printed circuit board in such a way as to ensure both sliding and tilt of the key-manipulator 10.

Alternatively, the key-manipulator 10 itself can be made of elastic material, without support 25, or a deformable elastic material can be placed between the key-manipulator 10 and the base 110, which allows the key-manipulator 10 to be tilted.

In this case, despite the fact that the manipulator key 10 inputs the second coordinate P in some direction from the position where the first coordinate M was completed in some direction, the second sensors 63a and 63b have a given shape and size (area) such to read it with the contact protrusions 27c and 27d.

10 (c) shows another example in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

According to figure 10 (c), between the key-manipulator 10 and the base 110 can be placed elastic gasket 40, creating space for pressure, and the sensors 61, 63 and 65 can be made from the bottom of the elastic gasket 40.

In this case, on the inner side of the elastic strip 40, contact protrusions 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d and 27f can be formed, protruding to a different length towards the respective sensors 61, 63, 65, which allows register input.

A conductor 23 is placed between the contact protrusions 27a, 27b and the elastic gasket 40. One end of the conductor 23 is connected to the common bus connector 64 and the other end is connected to the contact protrusions 27a-27f, so that a read signal is transmitted to the controller 60 through the contact protrusions 27a-27f.

For example, when M1 is entered in the first register, the outer contact protrusion 27a touches the metal arch 58 and generates a coordinate input signal in the first register. Moreover, since the contact protrusion 27a touches the edge of the metal arch 24, the latter retains its original shape.

Further, when M2 of the second register is inputted, the inner contact protrusion 27b lowers and deforms the metal arch 24 to touch the first sensor 61b, as a result of which the input signal of the coordinate of the second register is generated.

In the process of deformation of the metal arch 24, a tactile click simulation can be made so that the user can easily distinguish between the input of the first and second register.

In the proposed symbol input device 1 according to the third embodiment, the input M of the first coordinate is performed by sliding the manipulator key 10 from the initial position S to the meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, and the input P of the second coordinate is performed by tilting-sliding the manipulator key 10 to the significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate.

The term “tilt-slip” means that the manipulator key 10 as a whole is tilted and moved (together with the support 25) to a predetermined direction, as shown on the left in FIG. 10 (b).

However, the term “tilt” means that the key 10 is tilted relative to the support 25, as shown on the right in FIG. 10 (b).

As shown in FIG. 8, the input M of the first coordinate can be made by sliding the key 10, and the input P of the second coordinate can be made by tilting the key 10, although not in the above sense of tilt-slip.

Alternatively, the input M of the first coordinate is performed by sliding, the input P of the second coordinate is performed by tilt-slip, and in addition, the key-manipulator 10 is installed with the possibility of tilt in its current position.

In each of the above exemplary embodiments, the key-manipulator 10 can be enclosed in the base 110, while protruding from it.

Thus, the placement of the key-manipulator 10 in the base 110 allows to reduce the size, and the protruding outward position of the key-manipulator 10 simplifies the work with him.

10 (b) illustrates a character input device 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In accordance with FIG. 10 (b), the input of the first coordinate M is performed by tilting-sliding the manipulator key 10 (see the left in FIG. 10 (b)), and the input of the second coordinate P is performed by tilting down the manipulator key 10 (see right in FIG. 10 (b)).

The manipulator key 10 is supported by a support 25 containing elastic material, which allows the inclination of the manipulator key 10 to each of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate.

The rim of the key 10 touches the first sensor 61 located at the base 110 when the key-manipulator 10 is tilted and slid.

The second sensor 63, which reads the input P of the second coordinate by tilting the manipulator key 10, is located on the base 113 of the printed circuit board (PCB) corresponding to the lower part of the manipulator key 10.

In each of the above exemplary embodiments, input M of the first coordinate or input P of the second coordinate can have the same or different number of significant positions.

Further, the input of the first coordinate M and / or the input P of the second coordinate can be register.

For example, input M of the first coordinate may have a single register, and input P of the second coordinate may have two registers. In this case, consonants can be entered as the second coordinate P, and vowels can be entered as the first coordinate M.

This is due to the fact that in most national alphabets the number and frequency of use of consonants is slightly higher than the number and frequency of use of vowel characters, while entering the second coordinate P is relatively easier to enter the first coordinate M with several input registers.

As described above, the proposed device 1 character input allows you to quickly and accurately enter characters by combining input M of the first coordinate and input P of the second coordinate, the input motility of which is different. This is due to the ability to enter characters by distinguishing between consonants and vowels depending on the input operation when entering almost all national alphabets, which are characterized by the alternation of vowels and consonants.

In addition, since the input M of the first coordinate and the input P of the second coordinate are not bound by any restrictions (such, for example, that in order to perform any input operation, essentially another input operation must be performed, etc.) between the corresponding input operations, many input operations are performed continuously as a single operation.

In connection with Fig.25 below is an example of input using the proposed device 1 character input. When the user needs to enter the letters “CAR”, he can tilt the key 10 to position P ₂ (or select the key 11), which has the consonant “C”, and then move the key 10 to position M1, which is assigned a vowel "BUT". Then the user again tilts the key 10 to the position P ₂ , which is assigned the consonant "R". Since these three operations can be performed simultaneously or sequentially with a small interval, a given word of several characters can be entered in almost one continuous operation.

In each of the above embodiments, a basic form is considered combining the input M of the first coordinate and the input P of the second coordinate in the proposed character input device 1. However, additional combinations of various configurations are possible without limitation in relation to a different shape, size, material, etc. each configuration.

Further detailed configurations and various modified examples that may be included in the above basic form are discussed in detail.

Each of the configurations described below can be used independently, or two or more configurations can be used simultaneously. In this case, various combinations are possible.

Central input C

In the present application, the central input C is understood to be the input made by the central input key 13 located in the center of the manipulator key 10, or by moving the manipulator key 10 up and down, in contrast to the input M of the first coordinate or the input P of the second coordinate.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the central input C may be produced by a central input key 13 configured to select a manipulator key 10 in the center and a third sensor 65 for sensing the selection of the central key 13.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4 (d), the central input C is carried out by moving the manipulator key 10 completely up and down with respect to the base 110, while the up and down movement of the manipulator key 10 can be registered both in the key 10 and in the base 110.

The central input C can be made in both or in any of the above forms.

On the other hand, the central input C may be register, i.e. have two or more registers, depending on the depth or strength of pressing the central key 13, or the depth of lowering and raising the key-manipulator 10.

Touch input of other characters assigned with the overlay of the central key 13, can be performed by reading the proximity to the central key 13 or touch it. In this case, the central input key 18 is provided with a central touch sensor 61a for sensing the proximity of the finger or its touch.

In the case of a sensor 61a, when a finger touch is detected by the central input button sensor 69 for a predetermined time, the controller 51 can ignore the signal of the sensor sensor 67, thereby preventing touch input.

Central combined input SM and SR

In the present application, the centrally combined input of CM and CP means the execution of the central input C simultaneously with the input of M of the first coordinate or the input of P of the second coordinate.

For example, in the process of entering M of the first coordinate, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the manipulator key 10 is moved to certain positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... with the central key 13 pressed, which is shown in FIG. 3, or in the process input P the second coordinate, as shown in figure 4 (c), tilt the manipulator key 10 to some positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... with the pressed key 13.

12 illustrates the concept of a centrally combined input of CM and CP.

The following is an example of combining an input M of a first coordinate and a central input C with reference to FIG. When input C is performed while moving the manipulator key 10 to some significant position M _{1 of the} first coordinate, a combined input CM ₁ takes place. However, when moving only the key-manipulator 10 without performing input C, M _{1 of the} first coordinate is entered.

The centrally combined input CM and CP can also be used for the case in which at least one of input M, input P and central input C has two or more registers.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the input M of the first coordinate has two registers, the following can be performed:

- the centrally combined input CM1 _{1 of the} first register, in which the input M1 _{1 of the} first register and the central input C are combined,

- and the central combined input CM2 _{2 of the} second register, in which the input M2 _{1 of the} second register and the central input C are combined.

In another case, as shown in Fig. 18, the input M of the first coordinate has one register, and the central input C1 and C2 has two registers, so that it is possible:

- the centrally combined input C1M1 _{1 of the} first register, in which the input M ₁ and the central input C1 of the first register are combined,

- and the centrally combined input C2M1 _{1 of the} second register, in which the input M ₁ and the central input C2 of the second register are combined.

Accordingly, if centrally combined inputs CM and CP can be performed, then, since characters can be assigned superimposed to positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... and positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ..., the input capacity (the number of characters that can be introduced) increases without any additional configurations.

Naturally, in the above two cases, the centrally combined input of SM and CP, instead of entering M of the first coordinate, can be combined with entering P of the second coordinate.

That is, the centrally combined input CM and CP can be performed by combining the input M of the first coordinate and the input P of the second coordinate in all the above forms with the central input C in all of the above forms, without limitation.

Coordinate-combined input of MP and RM

In this application, a coordinate-combined input of MP and PM is understood to mean such input, at which any of the coordinates M and P, and then another coordinate, is first entered, and the third character assigned to this input operation is entered into the device.

That is, the coordinate-combined input of MP and PM means that in a situation where the first coordinate M is inputted first, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), that is, the input key 10 is moved to the meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, input P is performed as shown in Fig. 4 (c), and vice versa.

13 illustrates the concept of a coordinate-combined input of MP and PM.

13 (a) shows a case where input P is performed after input M made first. Coordinate-combined input M ₁ P ₁ means that the input P of the second coordinate is performed to the significant position P _{1 of the} second coordinate from the state when the key 10 is moved to the significant position M _{1 of the} first coordinate.

On the contrary, FIG. 13 (b) shows that the input M of the first coordinate is executed from the state when the input P of the second coordinate is first executed. The combined input P ₁ M ₁ means that the input M of the first coordinate is performed to the significant position M _{1 of the} first coordinate from the state when the input P is made to the meaningful position P _{1 of the} second coordinate.

When the input M is performed after the input P made by the first, the first sensor 61 may be located around the second sensor 63 corresponding to each of the push keys 11, as shown in Fig. 14 (c).

The significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate and the significant positions of P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate can be combined in all coordinates.

That is, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), if the input P is made to the meaningful position P _{4 of the} second coordinate from the state when the manipulator key is moved to the meaningful position M _{2 of the} second coordinate, the combined input M ₂ P ₄ is performed.

As stated above, with coordinate-combined inputs M ₁ P ₁ and P ₁ M ₁ , various characters can be entered depending on the input order of the coordinates to be combined, however, the same character can be entered regardless of the combination order.

That is, the same characters can be entered by the coordinate-combined input M ₁ P ₁ and the coordinate-combined input P ₁ M ₁ .

Meanwhile, if the coordinate-combined input of MP and PM is not implemented, even though input P and input M are performed simultaneously, each input is made independently of the other.

, и ввод М первой координаты, соответствующий символу

, выполнены одновременно, будет произведен ввод символа хангыль

, а не нового комбинированного символа.That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, when the input P of the second coordinate corresponding to the symbol

, and input M of the first coordinate corresponding to the character

executed simultaneously, the Hangul symbol will be entered

, not a new combined character.

On the other hand, when at least one of the coordinates M and P has a register input with two or more registers, the number of combinations of coordinate-combined input MP and PM increases accordingly, which increases the input capacity.

Therefore, it is preferable that the input of characters belonging to alphabets of fifty or more phonemes, for example, characters of the Chinese or Japanese language, be performed by the coordinate-combined input of MP and PM.

Note that the aforementioned central input C, central combined input CM and coordinate combined input MP and PM, if necessary, can be freely combined with input M and input P, and the number of significant positions of each coordinate can be arbitrarily changed.

Rotary Input R

In the present application, a rotary input R is understood to mean the input of assigned symbols or data by right and left rotation of the manipulator key 10 itself, centered on the initial position on the basis of 110.

The rotation of the key-manipulator 10 can be implemented in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 (a), the support 25 can be divided into a first support 25a and a second support 25b with the possibility of movement relative to each other.

The first support 25a may be secured, and the second support 25b may rotate in the direction of the first support 25a, and vice versa.

The rotation sensors 68a and 68b for both directions are respectively located between the first support 25a and the second support 25b.

Accordingly, when the manipulator key 10 is rotated R1 to the right, the first support 25a is rotated so that this rotation reads the sensor 68b, and when the manipulator key 10 is rotated R2 to the left, the sensor 68a reads its rotation.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 (b), a rotary protrusion 77 may be formed on the side of the manipulator key 10, and rotation sensors 68c, 68d, 68e and 68f may be sequentially arranged in the direction of rotation of the protrusion 77 on the right and left sides .

The indicated rotation of the manipulator key 10 to the right and left can have two registers depending on the circular movement (or rotation angle).

That is, when the manipulator key 10 is rotated to the right in the first register, the sensor 68c located first to the right reads the rotation of the first register, and when the manipulator key 10 is rotated further to the right in the second register, the sensor 68d located to the second from the right reads rotation of the second register.

On the other hand, in each of the cases described above, the manipulator key 10, if necessary, can have different limiting angles of rotation. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 (a) or 14 (b), the manipulator key 10 may be able to rotate a certain angle or 360 ° or more.

Also, by rotating the manipulator key 10, it is possible to input the same data in all the push keys 11, however, different data can be entered for each push key 11 selectively combined with each push key 11.

Binding characters to input operations

In this application, the term symbol (s) is understood in the narrow sense as a symbol of the alphabet of a certain language, such as, for example, Hangul alphabet symbols, English or Japanese language symbols.

The data that can be entered using the inventive character input device is not limited to characters in the above sense, but may include various functional commands, for example, numbers, special characters or keys for entering, space, cancel, etc.

Further, in this application, a vowel in the case of a foreign language is understood to mean a symbol whose pronunciation corresponds to a vowel of the Hangul alphabet, or belongs to a smaller alphabetical group, if the alphabet of such a foreign language is divided into two types of characters in accordance with the standards of linguistic classification .

The inventive character input device 1 is not limited to any particular way of binding characters to the above-mentioned input M of the first coordinate, input P of the second coordinate, central input C, centrally combined input CM and CP or coordinate-combined input MP and PM.

However, for more efficient input of characters, they can be linked as follows.

For symbols of a certain national alphabet, consonants and vowels can be entered through various input operations.

For example, to enter consonants, input of the first coordinate M may be involved, and for vowels, input of the second coordinate P, or vice versa.

The advantage of this approach is that since the user can easily establish a connection between the input characters and input operations, he can easily get used to the proposed device 1 input characters.

The table in FIG. 15 illustrates an example of character binding of a number of languages in accordance with the above exemplary embodiments.

According to Fig. 15, consonants for each of these languages can be tied to entering M of the first coordinate in two registers, and vowels can be tied to entering P of the second coordinate in two registers.

In this case, consonants and vowels are tied essentially separately to the meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate and meaningful positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate, but, if necessary, they can be tied to meaningful positions different coordinates.

и

могут быть привязаны к значащим положениям M₁, M₂, … первой координаты, или, из английского алфавита, согласные «V» и «Z» могут быть присвоены значащим положениям Р₁, Р₂, … второй координаты.For example, from among the characters Hangul, vowels

and

can be attached to the meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, or, from the English alphabet, the consonants "V" and "Z" can be assigned to the meaningful positions of P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate.

In this case, in addition to the vowels, the meaningful positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... the second coordinate can be assigned functional commands, such as input, space, step back, ESC, etc.

Further, in the English alphabet, high-frequency sequences of characters, such as “CH”, “ING” and others, can be assigned to the significant position of one of the coordinates. In this application, since “W, X, Y” are functionally equivalent to vowels, they are considered vowels, in addition to the vowels “A, E, I, Q, U” of the English alphabet.

In addition, the layout switching function can be assigned to the central input C1 in the first register, and the function of switching to the mouse simulation mode can be assigned to the central input C2 in the second register.

As shown in Fig. 16 (a), in the presence of four significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... the second coordinate and two registers, the characters "A, X", "E, I", "W, Y" and "O, U "are assigned to the meaningful positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... the second coordinate when the alphabet is attached, and the characters assigned with the overlay differ by entering P in the first and second register, respectively.

That is, to enter “E” (P1 ₂ ), the second coordinate P is entered in the first register, and to enter “I” (P2 ₂ ) the second coordinate P is entered in the second register.

и

могут быть присвоены с наложением вводу Р второй координаты таким образом, что символы различаются по вводу второй координаты в первом и втором регистре соответственно.Further, when binding Hangul alphabet symbols, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), groups of symbols

and

can be assigned superimposed to the input P of the second coordinate so that the characters differ in the input of the second coordinate in the first and second register, respectively.

In contrast to that illustrated in FIG. 16, the input M of the first coordinate has two registers and four significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... so that you can use the input M of the first coordinate to enter vowels.

In case the anchor symbols have a similar shape, as described above for the English and Korean alphabet, i.e. Hangul, the form of the vowel symbol is associated with one of the significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate, so that they become easily recognizable to the user.

и

, привязаны соответственно по сторонам света, как описано выше, форма символов-гласных ассоциируется с направлениями на север, юг, запад и восток, так что они становятся легко узнаваемыми для пользователя.Namely, for the Hangul alphabet, when vowels

and

are tied respectively to the cardinal points, as described above, the shape of the vowel symbols is associated with directions to the north, south, west and east, so that they become easily recognizable to the user.

Alternatively, in the English alphabet, character binding can be done by grouping characters of a similar shape.

For example, pairs of characters, such as “b, d”, “p, q”, “i, j”, “m, w”, “u, v”, “k, x”, “c, o”, “ a, e ”,“ s, z ”,“ I, r ”,“ f, t ”,“ n, h ”or“ y, g ”can be assigned superimposed to one significant position, and at the same time differ in input into first and second register.

Alternatively, either of the two paired characters can be assigned to the input M of the first coordinate, and the second to the input P of the second coordinate.

On the other hand, numbers, symbols, various functional commands and mode switching can be done by entering M of the first coordinate or entering P of the second coordinate, and other functional commands, such as switching the input mode, input, OK, and others, can be given through the central input C.

In phone mode, they can be heard by the call / end button.

On the other hand, the proposed character input device 1 can simulate the operation of an input device such as a mouse by means of a manipulator key 10. In this case, in the mouse simulation mode, the cursor can be moved by entering M of the first coordinate, and the right and left buttons and scroll - by entering P of the second coordinate or by central input C and input P. Moreover, to enter P of the second coordinate, the manipulator key 10 can be divided vertically into two parts, so that the left part can correspond to the left mouse button, and the right Part - right mouse button. Alternatively, the manipulator key 10 can be divided into four parts in an X-shape, so that the left part can correspond to the left mouse button, the right part to the right mouse button, and the upper and lower parts to the mouse scroll wheel.

In this case, if you enter M of the first coordinate along with P of the second coordinate corresponding to the left mouse button, the “drag and drop” operation can be performed in the usual way for the mouse.

The signal processing method commonly used in the mouse can be used to appropriately process the signal in the character input device 1 unchanged.

Alternatively, when the input M of the first coordinate has several registers, the speed of the mouse pointer can be controlled in steps.

The aforementioned switching to the mouse simulation mode can be performed by a separate mode switching key 121, or by using the key 10. For example, the mode can be switched by the circular movement of the key 10, the central input C in the first or second register, or the input M of the first coordinate in second register.

When making a central input C, an input mode switching indicator is displayed, capable of switching to other modes, so that such a transition to other modes can be performed by entering M of the first coordinate or entering P of the second coordinate.

Alternatively, various modes, for example, the Hangul character input mode, the English alphabet, numbers, special characters and the mouse simulation mode, can be selected by entering the M first coordinate or entering the second coordinate P while simultaneously executing the central input C. That is, until completion central input C, the corresponding input mode is displayed — instead of the characters originally assigned to the meaningful positions — by the character display 72 or a keypad 74.

Figures 31-33 show examples of keyboard layouts when there are paired manipulator keys 10 on the right and left.

Fig shows an example in which the input M and P of each of the coordinates has eight significant positions and two registers.

The characters “N” or “M” in the center indicate data input by entering C, the two outer lines indicate data input by M in the first and second registers, and the two lines in the center indicate data input by entering P in the first and second registers.

The characters are tied to the first input register M of the first coordinate and the first input register P of the second coordinate of each of the manipulator keys 10.

Fig. 31 (a) shows a “basic” input layout in which a total of sixty-four data is presented, including twenty-six letters, ten digits, twelve F-keys, ten function keys, four direction keys, two keys switching modes.

Special characters or other keys with a low frequency of use can be associated in the “next” layout, the transition to which is made by selecting the “N” key in the center of the left keyboard indicator 74 (see Fig. 31 (b)).

Alternatively, direction keys may be tied to the input P of the second coordinate, or F-keys may be tied in the “next” layout, and special characters may be tied in the “main” layout.

On the other hand, if the “M” key is selected in the center of the right keyboard indicator 74 ', the main input layout is replaced by the mouse simulation layout shown in Fig. 31 (c).

The “next” layout and layout of mouse simulations can be used in the order of centrally combined input of CM and CP, for example, when a user removes a finger after performing centrally combined input of CM and CP in some input layout, it can be returned to the previous input layout.

Meanwhile, if the proposed character input device 1 has the aforementioned central sensor, characters that differ in the input method can be displayed separately.

Thus, the symbol “α” in FIGS. 32 and 33 shows the characters assigned to such an input P of the second coordinate, at which the finger touches the central input key 13, and the symbol “β” in FIGS. 32 and 33 shows the characters entered when entering the second P coordinates separately.

In this case, since the input capacity P of the second coordinate is doubled, that is, up to sixteen characters per one key-manipulator 10, a total of thirty-two characters can be assigned.

Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 31, the amount of data that can be placed as much as possible in one keypad 74 can be fifty for one key 10, including:

- sixteen to enter the M first coordinate with two registers,

- sixteen to enter the P second coordinate with two registers,

sixteen for combining the center key 13 and entering P of the second coordinate,

- and two for central input C with two registers.

Therefore, with paired manipulator keys, a total of one hundred data elements can be bound.

Accordingly, all the keys of the current keyboard can be located in one layout, which eliminates the "next" layout.

Figures 32 and 33 show an example of keyboard display means in a small-sized device, such as a portable portable communicator 100.

In Fig. 32, both the input M of the first coordinate and the input P of the second coordinate have eight significant positions with one register, and in Fig. 33 the input M of the first coordinate and the input P of the second coordinate have four significant positions with two registers.

The outer row in FIG. 32 and the two outer rows in FIG. 33 show the data input by entering the second coordinate P, the inner row in FIG. 32 and the two inner lines in FIG. 33 show the data input by entering the M first coordinate, the key enclosed in an oval in FIGS. 32 and 33 (see the “P” symbol) shows data input so that the input of the second coordinate P is made without overlaying the finger on the manipulator key 10.

Namely, on the left side of FIGS. 32 (a) and 33 (a), a mouse simulation layout is shown, and the main input layout is shown on the right side.

Figures 32b and 33b show the layout for the English alphabet, the left side of Figs 32c and 33c shows the layout for entering numbers, and the right side of the same figures shows the main layout of the input.

In both cases in FIGS. 32 (a) and 33 (a), when the alphabet key in the right keyboard indicator 74 ′ is selected, both sides change as shown in FIGS. 32b and 33b. Moreover, when the arrow key is selected in the center of the left side in FIGS. 32b and 33b, switching to the mouse simulation mode shown in FIGS. 32a and 33a is performed. When you select the "B" key on the right side, you switch to the main input layout.

Alternatively, in FIGS. 32 (a) and 33 (a), if a numeric key is selected on the right keyboard indicator 74, the right keyboard indicator 74 is locked, and only the left keyboard indicator 74 'can be switched to the layout of the mouse simulation mode.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 32 and 33, in contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 31, the signs, numbers, F-keys, special characters and others are tied in such a way that they are entered with switching modes. Accordingly, in this case, the input M of the first coordinate and the input P of the second coordinate can have one register, or the number of significant positions can be reduced to four.

Further, when the power of the terminal 100 is turned on, the mouse simulation layout may initially be displayed on one side and the main input layout on the other side.

From this state, switching to the alphabetical layout or the layout of the input of numbers can be performed by selecting the desired mode in the main layout of the input.

At the same time, the left input layout can switch the mode by the central input C so that it can be used as a mouse simulation layout in any mode, and the return to the main input layout can be performed on the right.

Naturally, any of the input layouts at any time can perform the function of simulating a mouse in a given mode using the centrally combined input of CM and CP, or the mode switching can be performed on the right input layout.

Pairing Keys

Based on 110, two or more of the claimed symbol input devices 1 may be performed.

FIG. 19 shows an operational view of an exemplary embodiment in which there are two manipulator keys 10 and 10 ′ on the right and left on the base 110 of the portable portable communicator 100.

In this case, two manipulator keys 10 and 10 'may have the same or different configuration.

That is, the left key 10 can enter the first coordinate M, input P the second coordinate and the central input C, and the right key 10 'can perform the centrally combined input CM and CP, or the coordinate-combined input MP or PM, in addition to input M of the first coordinate, input P of the second coordinate and central input C.

Further, the number of significant positions of the manipulator keys 10 and 10 ′ may vary. Any of the keys 10 and 10 'can perform input with two registers.

The example in Fig. 21 illustrates the concept of the operation of each of the manipulator keys 10 and 10 'when they are paired. In Fig. 21 (a), each of the manipulator keys 10 and 10 ′ inputs M of the first coordinate and input P of the second coordinate with two registers in each coordinate, and there are, respectively, eight significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate and eight significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... the second coordinate.

Therefore, the number of characters that can be entered using the key keys 10 and 10 'is a total of thirty-two characters, including sixteen characters for entering M of the first coordinate, and sixteen for entering P of the second coordinate, but not counting central input C.

Since there are two key keys 10 and 10 'on the left and right, the total number of characters that can be entered is sixty-four.

Since this input capacity is sufficient to arrange all twenty-four Hangul characters and twenty-six letters of the English alphabet, it is possible to input each phoneme in one go, and special characters, numbers, or various functional commands and the like can be additionally assigned to other significant positions.

Accordingly, since characters, numbers, special characters, etc. can be entered directly, without switching modes, a high input speed is achievable.

For example, you can enter characters with both manipulator keys 10 and 10 'by entering the P second coordinate in two registers, and moving the mouse pointer, issuing functional commands such as input, space, cancel and others, switching modes, entering directions, and the like , can be performed by entering M of the first coordinate. Moving the cursor, navigating through the menus, adjusting channels / volume, etc., can be done by entering directions. Entering M of the first coordinate can have only one register. However, as shown in FIG. 21 (a), if the input M of the first coordinate has two registers, digits, special characters and the like can be additionally attached to it.

Conversely, character input can be performed by entering M of the first coordinate at two registers by means of two manipulator keys 10 and 10 ', and giving functional commands, switching modes, entering directions, and the like can be done by entering P of the second coordinate.

Alternatively, if each of the two manipulator keys 10 and 10 'has eight significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... the first coordinate and eight significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... the second coordinate, then the characters can only be attached to the input M and enter P in the first register.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 21 (a), if each of the two input keys 10 and 10 'has four meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... the first coordinate and four meaningful positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... the second coordinate , characters can be tied to input M and input P in several registers.

Alternatively, characters can be entered with one of the manipulator keys 10, while moving the mouse pointer, issuing functional commands, switching modes, entering directions, and the like can be done with the second manipulator key 10 ', or you can use it to enter numbers, special characters etc.

In this case, since you can enter characters at the same time using the mouse, you can implement the functional equivalent of simultaneously using the keyboard and mouse in a desktop computer. Accordingly, even on a small-sized terminal, you can perform various tasks, as well as participate in games and other activities that involve complex operations while using the keyboard and mouse.

In the aforementioned case, when the input M of the first coordinate and / or the input P of the second coordinate has two registers, additional digits, special characters and the like can be linked.

FIG. 22 illustrates a concept of operation of manipulator keys 10 and 10 ′ in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 22 (a) and 22 (b), only one of the two manipulator keys 10 and 10 ′ is shown having the same configuration.

On Fig (a) shows that the input M has eight meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, and the input P has four meaningful positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate. In contrast, FIG. 22 (b) shows that the input M has four meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, and the input P has eight meaningful positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate.

Accordingly, in both embodiments, since the number of characters that can be entered using the key 10 is a total of twelve, a total of twenty-four characters can be entered using the two key keys 10 and 10 ′.

Moreover, if the input M of the first coordinate and / or the input P of the second coordinate has two registers, the number of assigned characters can be further increased.

In this case, the input M may have eight meaningful positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, and the input P may have six meaningful positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate.

That is, FIG. 22 (a) shows that if an input M has two registers, then a total of twenty characters can be assigned to one key 10, and if an input P has two registers, the total number of characters to be assigned can be sixteen.

When paired manipulator keys 10 are executed based on 110, the characters assigned to each of the manipulator keys 10 and 10 ′ and each input operation can be associated with coordinates in various ways. For example, vowel characters can only be assigned to one side of two manipulator keys 10 and 10 ', or they can be separately assigned to the input of one of the coordinates performed by each of the manipulator keys 10 and 10'.

On the other hand, when switching to the mouse simulation mode, the movement of the mouse pointer can be performed by one of the two manipulator keys 10 and 10 ', and work with it by the second manipulator key.

Other

The manipulator key 10 may have a function of automatically returning to the initial position S after entering the first coordinate M or entering the second coordinate P. The return function can be implemented in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, an elastic substrate 21 can be placed between the manipulator key 10 and the base 110 so that the manipulator key 10 can return to its original position S after entering the first coordinate M.

Alternatively, in the key-manipulator 10 of FIG. 6, the support 25 can be made elastic. Or, in relation to the input of the second coordinate, the manipulator key 10 itself may be made of elastic material.

In addition to the return function, the elastic substrate 21 can serve to distinguish input operations when the input M has several registers. That is, as shown in FIG. 23, if the input M has several registers, two elastic substrates 21 (positions 21a and 21b in FIG. 23) with different elastic coefficients can be made.

Accordingly, the plurality of elastic substrates 21 may be made of various materials or of various shapes.

Preferably, the elastic substrates 21 are arranged in series so that their coefficient of elasticity gradually increases in proportion to the distance between the next elastic substrate 21 and the manipulator key 10 (i.e., K _21a <K _21b ), thereby allowing the user to feel the resistance force on the boundary surface between the first and the second register, due to the difference in the coefficient of elasticity.

Accordingly, since the force required to complete the input of the second register is greater than the force required to enter the first register, due to the difference in the coefficient of elasticity, the user can distinguish the input of the first and second register.

On the other hand, the above method can similarly be used to enter the P second coordinate.

An additional support ring 22 may additionally be formed between the elastic substrates 21 and 21b. On the other hand, when performing the input M of the first coordinate and / or the input P of the second coordinate and / or the central input C, a tactile click simulation may be provided.

It is possible to use a tactile click simulator of known types. For example, when you enter M the first coordinate on the path of the manipulator key 10, a protrusion can be made, so that when a manipulator key passes through it, you feel a click.

A tactile click simulator can be used in all or some of the input operations. For example, if the input M of the first coordinate, the input P of the second coordinate, or the central input C have several registers, a click simulation can occur only when entering the second register, and thus the user can distinguish between the input of the first and second register.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the side of the base 110, there may further be one or more mode keys 121 for switching an input mode, or a function key 123 for entering functional commands such as entering, canceling, moving the cursor, etc.

The above mode switch key 121 or function key 123 may be touch sensitive.

In addition, on the other side of the base 110, a display device 130 may be provided for displaying input commands retrieved by the controller 51.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 19 (a), the display device 130 may be performed with a keyboard indicator 74 for displaying an input layout in accordance with an input operation performed by a user or characters designated in a selected input mode.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19 (b), the keypad indicator 74 may be formed on the side of the base 110 adjacent to the key 10.

The display device 130 may be configured to attach or detach from the base 110, as shown in FIG.

That is, the proposed character input device 1 may be configured to attach or detach from the housing of an external device on which the display device 130 is installed.

In this case, the character input device 1 may further comprise a data transmit-receive unit connected to the external device by a wired and / or wireless method for receiving and transmitting data extracted by the controller 51 to / from the external device.

Accordingly, the proposed character input device 1 can be used as a remote control for controlling a computer or television. In this case, channel switching or volume control and so on can be performed by entering M of the first coordinate or entering P of the second coordinate.

In particular, the character input device 1 is very effective in an interactive digital TV, since it can be used to enter characters for searching or recording a program, in addition to the above general remote control functions.

Alternatively, entering numbers or switching modes can be done by entering M of the first coordinate, and switching channels or adjusting the volume level can be done by entering P of the second coordinate.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, both the base 110 and the manipulator key 10 may be configured with a first character indicator 72a to display the first characters assigned to each of the significant positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... of the first coordinate, and a second symbol indicator 72b for displaying second symbols assigned to each of the significant positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ... of the second coordinate.

When two or more characters are assigned superimposed, the first character indicator 72a and the second character indicator 72b can change and display characters in accordance with the input mode.

For example, the first character indicator 72a or the second character indicator 72b may be represented by an LCD display, allowing only Hangul characters to be displayed when entering Hangul characters and only English characters when entering English characters.

On the other hand, as shown in figure 2, it is possible to add a sensor 66 of the initial position at the initial position S, which determines the location of the key-manipulator 10 at the initial position S.

The sensor 66 of the initial position determines the fact that the key-manipulator 10 is located at the initial position S, while its signal can be used as a hang-up signal when entering characters and other things.

In accordance with Fig. 24, it is possible to rotate the disk 76 adjacent to the input region 111 of the base 110 and perform the functions of scrolling, adjusting the volume level or searching in accordance with the input mode of the key 10.

Alternatively, instead of the disk 76, it is possible to perform a sensor in the form of an annular strip that performs the function of scrolling and the like, or a plurality of sensors located around the manipulator key 10.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 26-28, the key 10 may be configured to attach and detach from the base 110, or move to or from it, thereby allowing the user to freely change the input position.

For example, as shown in FIG. 26, when the proposed character input device 1 is installed on a portable personal communicator 100, the manipulator key 10 is connected to the communicator 100 by a connector 80, for example, a tape of various materials, thereby allowing the user to place and use the manipulator key 10 on the touch screen 130 'or in another position only during data entry.

In this case, the touch screen 130 'is made with a sensor 66 of the initial position, so that upon registration of the contact of the key-manipulator 10 or support 25 can automatically be switched to the input mode.

In the embodiment of FIG. 27, the connector 80 may comprise a housing 81 in the form of a strap, a clip 82 located at the housing 81, in which a manipulator key 10 is enclosed so that an input M of a first coordinate and an input P of a second coordinate can be made, and a movable a support 83 located at both ends of the housing 81 and connected to the grooves 85 in the base 110, in which this support is slidable.

In this case, the connector 80 has the ability to move along the base 110 so that the key 10 can be moved to the input position.

In the embodiment of FIG. 28, the manipulator key 10 may be enclosed in a flap type housing 81, so that the hinge device 86 allows the manipulator key 10 to be rotated to move it to the input position.

In each of the above cases, the first sensor 61 and the second sensor 63 for sensing the movement of the key 10 can be located on the touch screen 130 '.

Moreover, as shown in Fig. 30, the position of the second sensor 63 changes as the key 10 is moved, so that from the position where the first coordinate M is entered, the key 10 can enter the second coordinate P without returning to the original position S.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the touch screen 130 ′ may have a first keyboard indicator 74a and a second keyboard indicator 74b for displaying characters inputted by input M of the first coordinate and input P of the second coordinate. In this case, as shown in FIG. 29, the second keypad indicator 74b can move when the key 10 is moved.

Industrial applicability

By means of the inventive character input device of the design described above, it is possible to minimize the space required for character input and to ensure error-free input of any character desired by the user.

In addition, it is possible to enter one or more phonemes in one go by combining input by moving in a certain direction and input by pressing, which allows quick input of such characters.

Further, it is possible to minimize the input space, which reduces the size of the products. Therefore, the inventive character input device can be used with various portable electronic devices, for example, with a handheld computer, laptop, portable portable communicator and the like.

Claims (41)

1. A character input device comprising:
- base
- a key-manipulator located on the base with the possibility of independent input in two coordinates in a position in which one finger is on the key-manipulator, and the first coordinate is entered by moving the manipulator key from its original position to any of the many significant positions spaced around the circumference relative to the starting position within the specified input area, and the second coordinate is entered by selecting from a variety of significant positions spaced around the circumference of the key-manipulator,
- the first sensor designed to read the input of the first coordinate,
- a second sensor designed to read the input of the second coordinate,
- a controller designed to extract and enter the first or second data from the memory unit, the first data being assigned to the significant position of the first coordinate, in which the movement of the manipulator key is read, and the second data is assigned to the significant position of the second coordinate, in which the input of the second coordinate is read,
characterized in that the input of the first coordinate and the input of the second coordinate is performed with the possibility of entering relative to any coordinate from the plurality of coordinates from the position in which another input is performed, so that the first data in accordance with the input of the first coordinate and the second data in accordance with the input the second coordinate is entered in the indicated order or simultaneously. 2. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that a central input is additionally provided by pressing the enter key located in the center of the manipulator key, or raising and lowering the manipulator key relative to the base. 3. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the input of the second coordinate is performed by tilting or tilting-shifting the manipulator key towards any of the plurality of significant positions of the second coordinate, or by selecting any of the push keys provided on the manipulator key, respectively meaningful positions of the second coordinate. 4. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the input of the first coordinate is performed by sliding the manipulator key from the initial position towards one of the significant positions of the first coordinate or by tilting-shifting the manipulator key towards one of the significant positions of the first coordinate . 5. The character input device according to claim 2, characterized in that the central input is performed simultaneously with the input of either the first or second coordinate, and data other than the data originally assigned to the significant position is entered. 6. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the input of the first coordinate and the input of the second coordinate are performed by circular movement of the manipulator key around the initial position within the input area. 7. The character input device according to claim 6, characterized in that the final read signal is recognized as an input command when a plurality of read signals are input by the circumferential movement of the key. 8. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a display device for displaying input commands extracted by the controller. 9. The character input device of claim 8, wherein the display device displays data according to the selected input mode and further has a keyboard indicator for displaying data input in accordance with an input operation performed by a user. 10. The character input device of claim 8, wherein the display device is configured to attach to and disconnect from the base. 11. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the manipulator key is mounted for rotation to the right and left with the center in the initial position on the base. 12. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that on the basis of two or more key-manipulators are provided. 13. A character input device according to any one of claims 2, 3 or 12, characterized in that a touch sensor is provided that detects an approach or touch by fingers and is located on one or more of each of the manipulator keys or each push key corresponding to a significant position of the second coordinate, or the central input key. 14. The character input device according to item 13, characterized in that it further comprises a central touch sensor that detects touch by fingers, which is located in the center of the manipulator key, and if the touch of the finger is detected by the touch sensor for more than a predetermined time, the controller ignores touch sensor readings, thus avoiding touch input. 15. The character input device according to claim 2 or 12, characterized in that the input of various data is performed along the same path depending on the difference in the distance of movement of the manipulator key when entering the first coordinate, entering the second coordinate or central input, or when the first sensor, the second sensor and the central input sensor are provided in the form of pressure sensors, while the input of various data is performed depending on the difference in the pressing force of the manipulator key when entering the first coordinate, entering the second coordinate or central ode. 16. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the manipulator key has the function of automatically returning it to its original position after entering the first or second coordinate. 17. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that when sequentially performing two acts of input at different coordinates, it is possible to coordinate-combined input of third data assigned for sequential execution of input. 18. The character input device according to claim 17, characterized in that the coordinate-combined input provides the input of various data depending on the sequence of the input acts of the first and second coordinates to be combined. 19. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a working rod, one end of which is inserted into the manipulator key, the connector into which the working rod is inserted, is formed in the manipulator key. 20. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sensor and the second sensor are either a touch panel or a touch screen provided in the input area. 21. The character input device according to claim 20, characterized in that the manipulator key is located in the input area for inputting the first and second coordinates. 22. The character input device according to item 21, wherein the manipulator key further comprises a support coming in contact with the input area, and when the touch panel or touch screen registers the contact of the manipulator key or support in the input area, the controller switches into input mode. 23. The character input device according to item 21, characterized in that the position of the second sensor changes as the manipulator key or finger moves, while it is possible to sequentially enter the second coordinate from the position where the first coordinate is entered. 24. The character input device according to claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises a connector for attaching the manipulator key to the base. 25. The character input device of claim 24, wherein the connector comprises:
bar-shaped case,
a receiver provided at the housing and enclosing a manipulator key so that it has the ability to enter the first and second coordinates,
a movable support provided at both ends of the housing and attached to the base with the possibility of sliding. 26. The character input device of claim 24, wherein the connector comprises:
case
a receiver provided at the housing and enclosing the manipulator key so that it has the ability to enter the first and second coordinates, and a hinge on which the housing rotates relative to the base to place the manipulator key in the input area. 27. The character input device according to item 21, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are made in the form of a touch screen outside the key-manipulator, and the touch screen reproduces one or more first keyboard indicator to display data assigned to the significant positions of the first coordinate, or a second keyboard indicator for displaying data assigned to the meaningful positions of the second coordinate. 28. The character input device according to claim 27, characterized in that the second keyboard indicator is moved together with the manipulator key during input of the first coordinate in such a way that sequential execution of the input of the second coordinate is possible from the input position of the first coordinate. 29. The character input device according to claim 1 or 12, characterized in that on the base side there is further provided a character display means displaying data according to the selected input mode and inputting data in accordance with an input operation performed by the user. 30. The character input device according to claim 17, characterized in that the input of various data is performed along the same path depending on the difference in the distance of movement of the manipulator key when entering the first coordinate or entering the second coordinate or in the case when the first sensor and second sensor provided in the form of pressure sensors, while the input of various data is performed depending on the difference in the strength of pressing the manipulator key when entering the first coordinate or entering the second coordinate. 31. The character input device according to claim 1 or 12, characterized in that for each of the two coordinates there are from four to twelve significant positions. 32. The character input device of claim 31, wherein the number of significant positions of the first coordinate is different from the number of significant positions of the second coordinate. 33. The character input device according to claim 1 or 12, characterized in that it provides the ability to enter the first coordinate and enter the second coordinate in two or more registers. 34. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sensor is made around each significant position of the second coordinate so that it is possible to enter the first coordinate from the position at which the second coordinate is entered. 35. The character input device according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 12, characterized in that the mouse pointer is moved by entering the first coordinate, and the operations of the right / left mouse buttons or scrolling are reproduced by entering a second coordinate or central input and entering a second coordinate. 36. The character input device according to claim 35, characterized in that if two manipulator keys are provided, the mouse pointer is moved by either of the two manipulator keys, and the left / right mouse button or scroll operations are reproduced by the other manipulator key. 37. The character input device according to claim 35, characterized in that if two manipulator keys are provided, one or more input of the first coordinate and input of the second coordinate is performed with the possibility of register input in two or more registers, so that the character input is performed by one input of the coordinates of each manipulator key, and moving the mouse pointer, indicating the direction, issuing functional commands or changing the mode are performed by another input of the coordinates of each manipulator key. 38. The character input device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that it further comprises a guide provided at the base and designed to direct the movement of the key. 39. The character input device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a protrusion in the manipulator key, designed to facilitate operation when entering the first and second coordinates. 40. The character input device according to Claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises, between the manipulator key and the base, a plurality of elastic substrates with different elastic deformation coefficients in an amount corresponding to the number of input registers and sequentially arranged so that the coefficient of elastic deformation is progressive increases in the direction from the manipulator key to the significant positions of the first coordinate, which makes it possible to distinguish when entering the first coordinate the corresponding steps corresponding to different elastic deformation factors. 41. A character input device according to any one of claims 2, 3, 5-12, characterized in that it further comprises a central touch sensor provided at the center of the manipulator key, recognizing finger contact, the controller distinguishes between:
a case where the central touch signal generated by touching the finger of the central touch sensor and the second sensor signal corresponding to the input of the second coordinate are received simultaneously,
and a case in which only a read signal from the second sensor is received, while in these cases, various data are input.

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