WO2011057586A1

WO2011057586A1 - Method and apparatus for character input using direction operation

Info

Publication number: WO2011057586A1
Application number: PCT/CN2010/078750
Authority: WO
Inventors: 张岩; 王坚; 曹镇
Original assignee: 北京搜狗科技发展有限公司
Priority date: 2009-11-16
Filing date: 2010-11-15
Publication date: 2011-05-19
Also published as: CN102063250A; CN102063250B

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for character input using direction operation are disclosed in the present invention. Said method includes: predefining multiple direction operations for an input device; receiving a direction operation sequence inputted by a user, wherein the direction operation sequence includes more than two consecutive direction operations; outputting a character corresponding to said direction operation sequence. The direction operations can be enabled with a stick. The stick is composed of a central stick, several margin sensors, and a down sensor located below the central stick. The central stick is also assembled with a pressure-sensitive switch, which enables the connected or disconnected status of the central stick with each margin sensor or the down sensor. The input method of the input device provided by this invention presents the advantages of user convenience and higher input efficiency.

Description

Method and device for inputting characters by using direction operation

The present invention relates to the field of input methods, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for inputting characters using directional operations.

The present invention claims the priority of the patent application filed on Jan. 16, 2009, filed on Jan. 16, 2009.

Background technique

In the modern information society, computer systems and related peripheral devices have become widely accepted and become an indispensable part of life. When people interact with various types of information devices, it is inevitable to input various kinds of information, such as operation instructions and data information. The most basic function of an input device is to convert various forms of information into a form suitable for processing by a computer system. The keyboard is the most traditional and most common input device for computers, and has been accompanied by the development of human-computer interaction technology.

Generally, a plurality of buttons are provided on the keyboard, and each button or a combination of buttons represents different input information. Usually, there is a lot of input information. For example, for mobile phones, computers, etc., it is often necessary to input various letters, numbers, pinyin, and strokes, so a large number of buttons need to be set on the keyboard. In some cases, the input device is limited in size and cannot be too large. For example, the keyboard of a mobile phone or a remote controller, in this case, the button is required to be as small as possible, but the button is too small and is not conducive to the user's operation. Further, the input mode of the keyboard usually requires two-hand operation and is inconvenient to use; in addition, the user needs to select multiple buttons in different positions to achieve input, and the input efficiency is low.

Taking mobile phones as an example, mobile phones are the most commonly used electronic devices in modern society. People often use their mobile phones to communicate and do other things.

Calling and texting are the most common applications for mobile phones. Texting in China, especially the majority of low-income people, is preferred. You must enter text when you text. At present, the input text in the mobile phone mainly has key input, handwriting input and voice input. The navigation keys on the phone, also known as the phone joystick, are only used to input up and down direction commands.

Since the joystick of the mobile phone is only controlled by the thumb, and the action amplitude is small, the operation is very convenient. Can you find a way to use the joystick to complete the text input work?

In summary, a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently by those skilled in the art is: How to provide an input method for an input device, facilitate user operation, and improve input efficiency.

Summary of the invention

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for inputting characters by using a direction operation to facilitate user operations and improve input efficiency.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention discloses a method for inputting characters by using a direction operation, which uses a rocker device to realize a directional operation, and the rocker device is composed of a center pole and an edge sensing point, and a lower sensing point located below the center pole. a pressure sensitive switch is also mounted in the center rod; wherein, when the center rod is received The switch is turned on in the vertical direction, otherwise the switch is turned off; the rocker device senses and communicates with the lower sensing point without being laterally outward, and is disconnected from the edge sensing point; The edge sensing point in the direction is sensed and connected, and is disconnected from the lower sensing point and the other edge sensing point, thereby forming a state in which the center rod is in communication or disconnection with each edge sensing point and the lower sensing point.

Preferably, the event of connecting the center rod to the lower sensing point is taken as the starting and ending point, and the sequence of the connecting event between the center rod and the edge sensing point is input as a basis of one input.

Preferably, the connected event sequence is binned into a combination of the first event and the last event of the connected event sequence, or a combination of the first event, the second event, and the last event.

Preferably, all the event combinations are divided into the same number according to the correspondence between the first event and the edge sensing point, and each group is sorted by the second event and the last event, thereby obtaining a group of each connected event sequence. Number and serial number within the group.

Preferably, the input attributes of the various characters are associated with the sequence of connected events, and the characters are input by creating a sequence of connected events in the rocker device; the input attributes of the characters include Chinese pinyin, strokes, English letters , Japanese pseudonym, other foreign characters.

Preferably, the connected event sequence is stepped from the edge sensing point corresponding to the first event to the sensing point of the second event and the last event. The goal is twice as large as the original, thus corresponding to twice the text input attribute.

In addition, the present invention also discloses: a method for inputting characters by using a direction operation, comprising: receiving a direction operation sequence input by a user; and the direction operation sequence includes two or more consecutive direction operations;

A character corresponding to the sequence of the direction operations is output.

Preferably, the directional operation comprises: directional shaking of the rocker or the handle, directional sliding on the touch screen, and pressing of the directional button.

Preferably, the input device has an initial position, and the input device is offset from the initial position by the direction operation; then the input device is more than two consecutively input by the user during the offset initial position to the recovery initial position. The directional operation constitutes the directional operation sequence; wherein the operation of returning to the initial position does not count toward the directional operation sequence.

Preferably, the input device is provided with an initial area, and the touch point is offset from the initial area by the direction operation; then the user operates the directional operation sequence by moving two or more consecutive directions of the touch point input.

Preferably, the input device is further provided with at least two peripheral areas, the direction operation including sliding of the user touch point from one peripheral area to the other peripheral area.

Preferably, the input device is pre-configured with a sequence triggering operation; then, between two consecutive sequence triggering operations, the operation of each direction input by the user sequentially constitutes the sequence of the direction operation; or, before the sequence triggering operation The operations of the various directions input by the user sequentially constitute the sequence of the direction operations; or, during the execution of the sequence triggering operation, the operations of the directions input by the user sequentially constitute the direction operation Sequence.

Preferably, the method further comprises: displaying candidate characters between consecutive two or more directional operations; and for the displayed candidate characters, the user inputs a subsequent directional operation.

Preferably, the method further comprises: receiving a function operation of the user; and in combination with the function operation, outputting a character corresponding to the sequence of the direction operations.

Preferably, the function operation is: pressing a preset function button; or pressing a rocker or a handle; or, touching a preset function area.

Preferably, the characters include: pinyin, strokes, numbers, foreign characters or candidates.

Correspondingly, the present invention also discloses an apparatus for inputting characters by using a direction operation, the apparatus being provided in an input device, comprising:

An operation receiving module, configured to receive a direction operation sequence input by the user; the direction operation sequence includes two or more consecutive direction operations;

And a character output module, configured to output a character corresponding to the direction operation sequence according to the direction operation sequence received by the operation receiving module.

Preferably, the input device is pre-configured with a sequence triggering operation; then, between two consecutive sequence triggering operations, the operation of each direction input by the user sequentially constitutes the sequence of the direction operation; or, before the sequence triggering operation The operations of the various directions input by the user sequentially constitute the sequence of the direction operations; or, during the execution of the sequence triggering operation, the operations of the various directions input by the user sequentially constitute the sequence of the direction operations.

Preferably, the device further comprises: a presentation unit, configured to display candidate characters between consecutive two or more directional operations; and then, for the presented candidate characters, the user inputs a subsequent directional operation.

Preferably, the operation receiving module is further configured to receive a function operation of the user; and the character output module operates in conjunction with the function to output a character corresponding to the sequence of the direction operations.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for inputting characters by using a direction operation is further disclosed. The body may include: the input device is pre-configured with an initial area and a peripheral area; receiving an operation of the user input from the initial area and sliding over the peripheral area; and outputting a corresponding character based on a sequence formed by the sliding passing area.

Preferably, the sequence includes each region involved in the process of sliding from the initial region and back to the initial region from the initial region; or, the sequence includes starting from the initial region, sliding over the peripheral region, and then stopping the sliding Various areas.

Preferably, the method may further include: displaying or enlarging the output characters corresponding to the current operation.

Correspondingly, the present invention further provides an apparatus for inputting characters by using a direction operation, which may specifically include: an input device pre-set with an initial area and a peripheral area; and a receiving module, configured to receive a user input from the initial area, and slide over Operation of the peripheral area; an output module for outputting a corresponding character based on a sequence formed by the sliding passing area.

Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

The invention can output characters corresponding to the direction operation sequence according to the direction operation sequence input by the user. Since the input device can be a joystick, a handle, a touch screen or a direction button, compared with the input mode of the keyboard, a large number of buttons are not required, which saves space resources of the interface and satisfies the requirement of miniaturization of the input device, so as to be suitable for Portable device. Moreover, the joystick, the handle, the touch screen or the direction button can be operated by one hand or single finger operation, and the user does not need to press each button distributed at a plurality of positions, and only needs to operate within a certain area, and the action range is small. It is convenient for users to use and improves user input efficiency.

Further, the direction operation sequence may further include: a function operation. In addition to the direction operation sequence consisting of simple direction operations, adding function operations to the direction operation sequence can output more characters. In addition, the output characters can be: Pinyin, strokes, numbers, foreign characters, or candidates. Item, meets a variety of input needs.

Take the joystick input as an example. Usually, the joystick on the mobile phone is only used to input the up, down, left and right directions. It is used to up or down the selected options in the list page, or to move the cursor up and down or left and right while editing the SMS, or enter When you turn pages in the alternate options or left or right, select an option. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the joystick is used as a tool, and the characters in various languages can be easily input by recording the up, down, left, and right directions of the rocker and the four oblique states, and corresponding to the text input.

DRAWINGS

1 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for inputting characters by using a direction operation according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of operation in twelve directions according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a schematic diagram of operation in eight directions according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a structural diagram showing an embodiment of an apparatus for inputting characters by using a direction operation according to the present invention.

detailed description

The present invention will be further described in detail with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments. First of all, the present invention provides an embodiment of a method of inputting characters using a joystick device in a mobile communication terminal. Usually, the joystick on a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone is only used to input upper, lower, left, and right directions, and is used to up-and-down the selected options in the list page, or to move the cursor up, down, left, and right while editing a short message, or When inputting, turn pages in the alternate options or left and right to select alternatives. In the embodiment of the present invention, the rocker device is used as an input tool, and the state of the upper, lower, left and right and the plurality of oblique directions of the rocker are recorded, and the input attribute of the rocker is associated with the input attribute of the character, thereby inputting various language characters.

The mobile communication terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a rocker device, and the rocker device is composed of a center pole and an edge sensing point, and a lower sensing point located below the center pole, and a pressure sensitive element is also installed in the center pole. switch.

Wherein, when the center rod is subjected to the pressure in the vertical direction, the pressure sensitive switch is turned on, and when the center rod is not subjected to the pressure in the vertical direction, the pressure sensitive switch is turned off. Specifically, when the vertical pressure on the center rocker is less than a certain value, the pressure sensitive switch is in a closed state; when the vertical pressure reaches or exceeds a certain value, the pressure sensitive switch is in a connected state.

Further, the center rod of the rocker device senses and communicates with the lower sensing point without being laterally outwardly, and is disconnected from the edge sensing point; the central rod can be in the direction of the outward force when receiving the lateral outward force The edge sensing points sense and connect, and are disconnected from the lower sensing points and other edge sensing points. That is to say, the rocker device can generally support the connection or disconnection state with the edge sensing points in a plurality of edge directions, and has an intermediate standing state. For example, when eight edge directions are supported, the connected or disconnected states of the upper, upper left, left, lower left, lower, lower right, right, and upper right directions may be included. There are edge contacts or sensing points in the eight directions, and the center rod can respectively contact, sense or leave the sensing points to achieve communication or disconnection in eight directions. In this way, by connecting or disconnecting the center rods with different edge sensing points and in the intermediate standing state, different sequence of events are generated, which in turn correspond to different text input meanings.

When no external force is applied to the center rod of the rocker device, that is, when the center rod is in communication with the lower sensing point, the center rod is in the intermediate standing state, so the center rod and the edge between any two consecutive intermediate standing states will be The connected event sequence of the sensing point serves as the basis for an input. That is, when the center rod is in communication with the lower sensing point (the center rod is in the initial position), as the starting point of the connected event sequence, when the central rod is connected to the edge sensing point, the first connected event as the connected event sequence Then, the central rod is connected to the edge sensing point, and the second connected event or more connected events are counted in turn. Thereafter, when the center rod is again in communication with the lower sensing point (the center rod returns to the initial position by the reset operation), as a termination point of the connected event sequence, the connection event between the center rod and the edge sensing point between the starting point and the ending point is , in turn, constitute a sequence of connected events.

The above sequence of connected events can have various combinations. The two standing states can be infinitely and arbitrarily induced with eight edge directions, but in order to achieve operation of the cartridge and high speed input, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sequence of connected events can be compressed into The combination of the first event and the last event of the connected event sequence; or, only the first, second, and last connected events can be considered, and the second event is only used to determine that the joystick is at the edge sensing point Whether the movement is clockwise or counterclockwise.

Further, the connected event sequence is gradually stepped from the edge sensing point corresponding to the first event. The second event and the sensing point of the last event.

In this way, the connection events of multiple sets of rockers can be given according to the sensing condition of the center rocker and the edge sensing point. Corresponding to the input attribute of the various characters and the sequence of connected events, the text is input by creating a sequence of connected events in the rocker device; the input attributes of the text include Chinese pinyin, phonetic, strokes, parts, English Letters, Japanese ^ _ names, other foreign characters, such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Thai, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Hindi, Bengali, 僧加罗文, etc.

Below, an example is given in English, Pinyin, strokes, and parts:

Table 1 English

As shown in Table 1, the correspondence between the sequence of connected events and English is shown. In this embodiment, a total

"Upper, top right, right, bottom right, bottom, bottom left, left, top left" Eight edge sensing points, when the center rod is subjected to the side outward force, senses the edge sensing point in the direction to form a connected event. Each event connected sequence is divided into eight groups according to the correspondence between the first event and the edge sensing point, and each group is sorted by the second event and the last event, thereby obtaining the group number and the group within each connected event sequence. Serial number. In the "direction" column, "once" represents the first event, the sequence number in the group is one, indicating the connection event with the edge sensing points in the respective directions; "shun one" represents the second event, and the serial number in the group is Second, indicating a clockwise turn on the basis of the first event, the connected event of the edge sensing point adjacent to the first event; "reverse one" represents the third event, and the serial number in the group is three, indicating that in the second event Based on the counterclockwise turn, the connected event of the edge sensing point adjacent to the second event. E.g:

When the event connected sequence is: "up", that is, when the center rod is connected to the edge sensing point at the "up" position, the corresponding English "A" is output;

When the event connected sequence is: "Up, turn one", because the "upper" clockwise adjacent to the "upper" edge sensing point, that is, the center bar in turn with the "upper" and "upper right" positions When the point is connected, the corresponding output is English "B";

When the event connected sequence is: "up, turn one, reverse one", because the "upper" clockwise direction is the "upper right" edge sensing point, and the "upper right" counterclockwise direction is "upper" "The edge sensing point, that is, the center rod is sequentially connected to the edge sensing points at the "upper", "upper right", and "upper" positions, corresponding to the output of English "C".

Table 2 Pinyin

Direction up, right, right, down, left, left, left, left Once BDGJZ Zh Y ou Shun PTK 0 C Ch W ong

Shun M N H X S Sh R iong

Shun F L a 0 e i u V

Reversal a i an ans ao ei en ens er

Reversal ie in ing iu ue/ ve ui un/ vn uo

Reversal ia ian iang iao ua ua i uan uang

As shown in Table 2, the correspondence between the connected event sequence and the pinyin is shown. In this embodiment, there are eight edge sensing points of "up, top right, right, bottom right, bottom, bottom left, left, top left". In the "direction" column, "once" represents the first event, the sequence number in the group is one, indicating the connection event with the edge sensing points in the respective directions; "shun one" represents the second event, and the serial number in the group is Second, indicating a clockwise turn on the basis of the first event, the connected event of the edge sensing point adjacent to the first event; "Shun 2" represents the third event, the serial number in the group is three, indicating the second event On the basis of a clockwise turn, the connection event of the edge sensing point adjacent to the second event; and so on. For example, "reverse three" represents the seventh event, and the sequence number in the group is seven, indicating a counterclockwise turn based on the sixth event, and a connected event of the edge sensing point adjacent to the sixth event. E.g:

When the event connection sequence is: "Right, turn one, turn two, turn three, reverse one, reverse two", the center pole is followed by "right", "bottom right", "lower", "lower left". The edge sensing point at the position of the "lower right" is connected, and the corresponding English output "ing".

Table 3 strokes and parts

As shown in Table 3, the correspondence between the sequence of connected events and the strokes and components is shown. In this embodiment, there are eight edge sensing points of "up, top right, right, bottom right, bottom, bottom left, left, and left". In the "direction" column, "once" represents the first event, the sequence number in the group is one, indicating the connection event with the edge sensing points in the respective directions; "shun one" represents the second event, and the serial number in the group is Second, indicating a clockwise turn on the basis of the first event, the connected event of the edge sensing point adjacent to the first event; "Shun 2" represents the third event, the serial number in the group is three, indicating the second event On the basis of a clockwise turn, with The connected event of the edge sensing point adjacent to the second event; and so on. For example, "reverse two" represents the fifth event, and the sequence number in the group is five, indicating a counterclockwise turn based on the fourth event, and a connected event of the edge sensing point adjacent to the fifth event. E.g:

When the event connected sequence is: "Down, turn one, turn two, reverse one, reverse two", the center pole is in turn with "down", "lower left", "left", "lower left" and "lower" positions. The edge sensing points are connected, and the corresponding output component is "folded five strokes".

The present invention does not specifically limit the number of edge sensing points (or edge contacts), generally four to twelve, and the above embodiments are described by the most preferred eight points, and other numbers of edge sensing points. The character input method is similar to the above embodiment, and details are not described herein again.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the difference in the open and closed states of the pressure sensitive switch in the center rod causes the number of corresponding connected event sequences to become twice the original, that is, when the pressure sensitive switch is turned off, each The connected event sequence corresponds to different text input attributes. When the pressure sensitive switch is turned on, the original connected event sequence can correspond to a new different text input attribute, so that the opening and closing state of the pressure sensitive switch can be doubled. Text input properties.

In the embodiment of the present invention, Chinese, English, and any other foreign language input can be easily realized by pushing the center rocker in various directions such as up, down, left, and right, and rotating left and right. The rocker type input method can be controlled with only a thumb or one hand compared to the keyboard input, and the action range is small, and the operation cylinder is single and convenient. In fact, it can be understood as a center pole when it is placed in the center and can be moved and rotated around. The point touched by the edge of the sensing area can be understood as the edge sensing point; that is, the center rod and the edge sensing point can also be realized in a virtual manner. For example, the center pole can be equivalent to the touch track on the touch screen.

In the above embodiment, we regard the connection between the center rod and the edge sensing point as a one-direction operation. In other implementations, it is not necessary to achieve an edge, as long as the direction operation can be detected. For example on the touch screen implementation.

In addition, the counterclockwise and clockwise operations used in the above embodiments are more suitable for the input of the joystick, and are only for explanation, but for a device such as a touch screen, it can be operated as a trajectory such as a diagonal line or a straight line, because for the touch screen. In terms of identification technology, the identification of operations in all directions can be achieved.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the trigger point for monitoring whether the input operation is triggered by the connection of the center rod and the lower sensing point, or mainly for detecting the center rod leaving the initial position and returning to the initial position, but It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that it is also feasible to identify the initial position or to identify triggering operations in other ways. For example, for a touch screen, a pressure sensitive switch can be used, or a capacitive touch screen or a resistive touch screen can be used, and these touch screens can recognize the operation of leaving the initial position and returning to the initial position. Meanwhile, in the above embodiment, the center lever and the edge sensing point are turned on to recognize the directional operation, and those skilled in the art are also familiar with the other methods of recognizing the directional operation. For example, in a touch screen, the direction operation can be determined by means of touch point trajectory recognition.

That is to say, the pressure sensitive switch referred to in the present invention should be extended to understand various implementations capable of recognizing the directional operation.

In the above embodiment, when the center rod is sequentially connected to the edge sensing points at the "up" and "upper right" positions, the corresponding English "B" is output; when extended to the touch screen, the user touch point can slide from the center initial area. Go to the "Up" area, and then slide to the "Upper Right" area, corresponding to the output of English "B"; that is, the above embodiment realizes the recognition of the direction operation by turning on the sensing point, and in the touch screen implementation, the touch point can be The movement of different areas to identify the direction of operation. The operation of the user touching the point back to the initial area can be regarded as a reset operation, and does not count toward the direction operation sequence.

In the above application environment of the mobile terminal rocker, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is given. The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the flow chart.

Referring to FIG. 1, a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for inputting characters by using a direction operation according to the present invention is shown, including:

Step 101: preset multiple direction operations on the input device.

The input device according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a game device, a mobile device (such as a mobile phone, a PDA, a digital camera, a remote controller, etc.), a joystick, a touch screen, and the input device may also be added to a device such as a car steering wheel. .

First, the input device is preset to operate in various directions, and the direction operation may be a rocking of a rocker or a handle, or a sliding on a touch screen, or a pressing of a direction button, and shaking in different directions, Sliding or pressing of buttons in different directions corresponds to different directions of operation.

Generally, four to twelve directions can be set for the input device. In the preferred embodiment, eight directions can be set, that is, "upper, upper right, right, lower right, lower, lower left, left, upper left" directions. operating. Of course, the present invention does not need to limit the number of directions.

Step 102: Receive a sequence of direction operations input by a user; the sequence of direction operations includes two or more consecutive directions (two or more of which are generally understood, including two);

When the user needs to input characters, the operation in all directions is performed, and the operation in each direction sequentially constitutes the sequence of the direction operation. Specifically, depending on different input devices, the direction operation sequence mainly has three types of configuration modes, which will be separately described in the following description.

Step 103: Output a character corresponding to the sequence of the direction operations.

In the case of a single operation, each direction of the operation sequence corresponds to one character, and when the direction operation sequence is acquired, the character corresponding to the direction operation sequence is output.

The characters can be: pinyin, strokes, numbers, English letters, Japanese kana, other foreign characters such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, etc. Further, the character may also be a candidate, and when there are multiple candidates for output, the first candidate may be selected and output through the direction operation sequence of the input device. For example, when the user inputs the pinyin "zi", a plurality of text candidates such as "sub;word;self;purple;purple" are displayed for the user to input and select, and the user can input the corresponding direction operation sequence through the input device, Choose to output the first few candidates. For example, the input direction operation sequence "upper direction operation → upper right direction operation" can output the first candidate; input direction operation sequence "right direction operation _→ lower right direction operation", can output the second candidate; input direction operation The sequence "down direction operation → lower left direction operation" can output the third candidate, and so on.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the user can simultaneously input characters using two input devices of the joystick, the handle, the touch screen, and the direction buttons (of course, more than two are also applicable to the present invention). For example, you can use two joysticks or other input devices at the same time, input each by left and right hands. The direction operation, the input of the direction operation sequence is realized. For another example, an input device can be operated with one hand to output the character "z""i"; the other hand operates another input device to select a candidate for outputting "zi". The invention can operate the plurality of input devices at the same time, the input mode is flexible and diverse, and the two-hand operation improves the input efficiency.

A method for inputting characters by using a direction operation according to an embodiment of the present invention may output a character corresponding to the direction operation sequence according to a direction operation sequence input by a user. Since the input device can be a joystick, a handle, a touch screen or a direction button, compared with the input mode using the keyboard, a large number of buttons are not required, which saves space resources of the interface, and the volume of the input device can be set as small as possible. Suitable for portable devices. Moreover, the joystick, the handle, the touch screen or the direction button can be operated by one hand or single finger operation, and the user does not need to press each button distributed at a plurality of positions, and only needs to operate within a certain area, and the action range is small. It is convenient for users to use and improves user input efficiency.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises: receiving a single direction operation and a reset operation input by the user; then outputting a character corresponding to the single direction operation. That is to say, in addition to the directional operation sequence formed by the plurality of directional operations, when the user inputs a single direction operation, corresponding character output can also be corresponding.

The input method described in the embodiment of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with a single direction operation and a direction operation sequence. As shown in Figure 2, it is a schematic diagram with twelve directions of operation. The operations in the directions corresponding to points 1 to 12 are: "up, top right, top right, right, bottom right, bottom right, bottom, bottom left, bottom left, left, top left, top left".

For example, if the user wants to enter "chi", it can be obtained in three operations, each operation being a sequence of directions or a single direction. The rocker is used as an input device for example:

First time: Shake the joystick from the initial position to the point "b", input the position to the point "b" in the up direction; then rock the joystick in the direction of the point "c" and input the upper right direction to the point" Position of c"; After reaching the point "c", input the reset operation, return to the initial position by the point "c", and output the character "c" according to the direction operation sequence "upper direction operation → upper right direction operation";

Second time: Shake the joystick from the initial position to the point "h", input the downward direction to point "h"; after reaching the point "h", input the reset operation, return to the initial position by the point "h", then Operate the "downward direction" output character "h" according to a single direction;

Third time: Shake the joystick from the initial position to the point "h", input the position to the point "h" in the down direction; then rock the joystick in the direction of the point "i" and enter the lower right direction to the point" The position of i "; after reaching the point "i", input the reset operation, returning to the initial position by the point "i", and outputting the character "i" according to the direction operation sequence "downward operation→lower right direction operation";

Then, by operating the sequence in the above three directions, the output of "ch i " can be obtained.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the user inputs the direction operation sequence, the corresponding candidate is displayed between the direction operations; then the user can input the subsequent direction operation according to the presented candidate to complete the sequence of the direction operation. Input. For example, when the user enters the first direction operation "downward operation", the corresponding prompt item (candidate character) is displayed as: "reset operation (h), "down right direction operation (i)", "down left direction" Operation (g) ", then the user wants to enter the character "g", depending on what is displayed Option, enter the second direction operation "lower left direction operation" again, and then input "reset operation", output the character "g".

During the input process, the user does not need to memorize the sequence of direction operations corresponding to each character, but enters the subsequent direction operation according to the displayed candidate after each input of one or more directions, thereby realizing a complete sequence of operation operations. Input, input method is intelligent.

Further, after the user inputs the character "z" "i", the candidate characters "sub", "word", "self" and "purple" may be displayed. If the user wants to select a candidate character, the corresponding direction operation may be input.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include: receiving a function operation input by the user, and combining the function operation, outputting a character corresponding to the current direction operation sequence. Compared with the direction operation sequence composed of simple direction operation, adding function operations in the direction operation sequence can realize more characters output, and the number of output characters is twice or two of the direction operation sequence without function operation. More than double. For example, in the input process of "c" in the above embodiment, in addition to the direction operation, the user also inputs a function operation, the output is no longer "c", for example, the lowercase letter "c" can be changed to the uppercase letter "C".

Further, the function operation is: pressing a preset function button; or pressing a rocker or a handle; or, touching a preset function area.

Specifically, the function operation may be input before the input direction is operated; the function operation may also be input after the input direction operation; and the function operation may also be input during the input direction operation. In the process of inputting the input direction, inputting the function operation may be: inputting the function operation during the input process; or inputting the function operation while inputting the first direction operation; or, inputting the last one Enter the function operation while the direction is operating, and so on. When inputting the same sequential operation in all directions, the different input modes of the function operation also correspond to different character outputs.

Taking the touch screen as an example, the user touches a preset function area before the input direction operation, and then inputs the "up direction operation, upper right direction operation" operation direction, and outputs "C"; if the user inputs "upper operation, "Upper right operation" After the two directions are operated, when the preset function area is touched, the Arabic data "3" is output; if the user inputs the "upper operation, upper right operation" in the two directions, the preset function is touched. Area, then output the brush "cross-fold";

For another example, a menu list can be provided after performing a certain function operation, giving the user more choices. In addition, the function operation may be performed before or at the same time as the execution direction operation, for example, if an uppercase letter of a letter is required in the input process (not all uppercase is switched), the uppercase key may be pressed at the same time, and the letter becomes an uppercase letter output. Then stop pressing the function button to restore the subsequent input to the lowercase state. The function operation can also be performed after the direction operation is performed. For example, after the user completes the character or letter, the function operation can be performed, and the letter (or all letters previously input) can be switched to the upper or lower case or the character can be switched to the full-width half-angle state.

It is to be understood that the output of the characters in the embodiments of the present invention is only exemplified, and the characters corresponding to the operation in each direction and the sequence of the direction operations can be flexibly set, which is not limited in the present invention.

Specifically, depending on the input device, the direction sequence of operations will have different implementations, which are described below.

the first sort:

In an embodiment of the invention, the input device has an initial position, and the directional operation causes the The input device has an offset from the initial position; the operation of the input device to return to the initial position is a reset operation, and the reset operation does not count toward the direction operation sequence; the user inputs various directions during the input device twice in the initial position The operations sequentially constitute the sequence of directional operations. The input device may be a rocker or a handle, and in the case where no external force is applied thereto, it is the initial position of the input device.

Referring to Fig. 3, there is shown a schematic diagram of operation in a plurality of directions according to an embodiment of the present invention. The direction of the arrow indicates the direction of operation by the user; wherein, Fig. 3) is a schematic diagram of the operation for the direction of the joystick or the handle. For the input device, eight directions are pre-set, wherein points 1 to 8 respectively represent the positions of the input devices after the direction operation, corresponding to upper, upper right, right, lower right, lower, lower left, left, upper left "Direction operation. Point "0" represents the initial position of the input device.

When the user performs the directional operation, for example, by "upward direction operation", the joystick or the handle reaches a specific position of the point "1", which is offset from the initial position point "0". After that, the user performs the operation in all directions to make the input device at a different point. For example, if the "upper right direction operation" is performed from the position of the point "1", the joystick or the handle reaches the specific position of the point "2"; when the "right direction operation" is performed from the position of the point "2", the joystick Or the handle reaches a specific position at point "3". When any point, such as point "3", returns to point "0", the operation at this time is a reset operation. The input device operates in the "0" position for two consecutive times, and the operation of each direction input by the user sequentially constitutes the sequence of the directional operation. As described above, the "upper direction operation → upper right direction operation → right direction operation" sequentially constitutes one direction operation sequence, that is, signals for three directions of operation are sequentially triggered.

It should be noted that, in the directional operation sequence, the directional operation means that the input device is operated at a specific position corresponding to the directional operation by the directional operation.

Taking the direction operation sequence "upper direction operation → upper right direction operation → right direction operation" as an example, wherein the "upper right direction operation" does not mean the operation in the upper right direction on the basis of the previous direction operation (upward direction operation) , but means that the input device is located at the position "2" corresponding to the "upper right direction operation" by the "upper right direction operation". Similarly, the "right-direction operation" does not mean that the operation in the right direction is performed on the basis of the operation in the previous direction (the operation in the upper right direction), but the operation of the input device is located in the "right direction". "The corresponding point is at the position of 3". However, such a record is merely for convenience of explanation. The "upper right direction operation" is based on the initial position. In practical applications, the specific direction can also be defined as a change from the previous operation direction, for example, "upper right direction operation" " means the operation in the upper right direction in the previous operating direction. These definitional explanations do not affect the essence of the direction operation.

Of course, in the corresponding input character, the above direction operation sequence "upper direction operation → upper right direction operation → right direction operation" can be binned or abstracted as "upward direction operation → clockwise to "3" point position", for example, for example , the direction operation sequence "upper direction operation → upper right direction operation → right direction operation → lower right direction operation → lower direction operation" is cylinderized or abstracted as "upward direction operation → clockwise to "5" point position". That is, the directional operation sequence of the present invention can be understood as a sequential connection of signals on a direction-by-direction basis, and can also include a logical abstraction of signals in a certain number of directions, which is not limited by the present invention.

In some embodiments of the present invention, for the input device, the clockwise counterclockwise direction operation can be directly set (as long as the hardware can recognize;), based on the trigger of the hardware signal, the "on" can be directly obtained. Direction operation → clockwise operation of the direction operation sequence. For example, the upper direction operation outputs the letter A, "upper direction operation → clockwise operation" sequence output letter B, up direction operation → counterclockwise operation" sequence output letter C.

At the same time, it should be noted that the present invention does not exclude continuous execution of operations in the same direction. For example, first push the joystick or the handle up to the "1" position, and then retract and then push up again to reach the "1" position. "Upper direction operation → Up direction operation" sequence, etc.

The second category:

In another embodiment of the present invention, the input device has an initial area, the direction operation causes the touch point to be offset from the initial area; the operation of returning the touch point to the initial area is a reset operation, and the reset operation does not count toward the direction operation sequence Then, the touch point on the input device is located twice in the initial region, and the operation of each direction input by the user sequentially constitutes the sequence of the direction operation. The input device includes: a touch screen, and the initial area may be a certain preset area on the touch screen.

Of course, in some embodiments of the present invention, there may be no reset operation for the touch operation, and the user may construct a sequence of direction operations by moving two or more consecutive directions of the touch point input. For the sake of explanation only, the case of the reset operation is still described in the following example.

Referring to Figure 3 (b) is a schematic diagram of the operation in the direction of the touch screen. Similar to the joystick or the handle, for the input device, eight directions are pre-set, wherein 1 to 8 respectively represent the area where the touch point is located after the sliding direction operation, corresponding to upper, upper right, right, lower right, lower , lower left, left, upper left "direction operation. Area" 0" represents the initial area of the input device.

When the user performs a directional operation, for example, sliding to the left by "left direction operation", the touch point is offset from the initial area to the position of the area "7". After that, the user sequentially performs various directional operations such that the touch points are located at different regional positions. For example, when the "lower left direction operation" is performed from the position of the area "7", the movement reaches the specific position of the area "6"; when the "downward direction operation" is performed from the position of the area "6", the movement reaches the area "5 "The specific location." When any area, such as the area "5", returns to the area "0", the operation at this time is a reset operation. During the time when the touch point is located twice in the area "0" position, the operation of each direction input by the user sequentially constitutes the sequence of the direction operation. The "left direction operation → lower left direction operation → lower direction operation" as described above sequentially constitutes one direction operation sequence.

In the following, the manner of acquiring the first and second types of operation sequences is further explained: For the joystick, the handle or the touch screen, the method of obtaining the direction operation may be: calculating the directions by using the initial position (or region) as the center. The position of the operation target point is rotated around the initial position (or area) to obtain a corresponding operation direction.

For example, for the rocker, based on the vertical direction, when the rocker is placed at a position of "1" above the initial position by the direction operation, the operation is "upward" according to the angle with the vertical direction of 0 degrees. Operation"; When the input device is rotated from the position of the point "1" around the initial position point "0" by 45 degrees clockwise, when the point "2" is reached, the operation is "upper right" according to the angle of 45 degrees with the vertical direction. Direction operation". Correspondingly, when the joystick is rotated 45 degrees counterclockwise from the position of the point "3" around the initial position point "0", the same point "2" is reached, and the operation is also called "upper right direction operation".

In addition, for the joystick, handle or touch screen, the method of obtaining the direction operation can also be: The position of the one-direction operation is the reference, and the corresponding operation direction is obtained by calculating the rotation angle of the position of the operation target point in each direction around the previous direction. That is, it is not necessary to recognize the operation direction by turning on the edge sensing point.

For example, for the touch screen, when the touch point is located at the position of the area "1" above the initial area by the direction operation, the operation is "upward direction operation"; when the direction of the touch is made by the direction operation, the position of the touch point is 67 by the area "1" When sliding in the direction of 5 degrees, when the area "2" is reached, it is known that the operation is "upper right direction operation" according to the angle.

Or, by using the existing touch screen recognition technology, it is possible to recognize that the touch point is slid from the area "1" to the area "2", and the sliding operation between the areas can be determined that the direction operation is "upper right direction operation" (of course, here The upper right definition is for the initial area, and is only used for explanation, and those skilled in the art can also define it as other direction names.

Or, with the existing touch screen recognition technology, the "upper right direction operation" can also be obtained by the recognition of the touch track, that is, based on the touch track. Since the recognition of the touch track in the prior art has been matured, it will not be described here.

It can be understood that when the input device is a touch screen, since the touch point is located at a specific area corresponding to the direction operation by the direction operation instead of a certain position point, the above rotation angle may have a preset deviation. Float up and down.

For determining the start and end of a sequence of directional operations, it may be based on the initial region, i.e., starting from the initial region, and when returning to the initial region, it is recorded as a sequence of directional operations. Of course, for the touch screen, starting from the initial area, when the user touches the touch screen away from the touch screen (for example, when the user's finger is raised, the operation is suspended), the direction operation between the two is recorded as one direction operation sequence. . The determination of the end of the direction operation sequence is not limited to the user touching the touch screen away from the touch screen, but also the touch screen and the joystick. Obviously, long press of the touch screen or joystick can open more menu selections, providing users with more choices, such as long press on the touch screen after the user performs the direction operation, providing punctuation input, case switching, candidates for the user. Various options such as turning pages.

The third category:

In another embodiment of the present invention, the input device is pre-configured with a sequence triggering operation; then, between two consecutive sequence triggering operations, the operations of the various directions input by the user sequentially constitute the sequence of the direction operations; or Before the sequence triggering operation, the operations of the various directions input by the user sequentially constitute the sequence of the direction operations; or, during the execution of the sequence triggering operation, the operations of the various directions input by the user sequentially constitute the sequence of the direction operations. That is, the sequence trigger operation is mainly used to clarify that the user needs to use the direction operation sequence for character input.

The input device may be a direction button, and correspondingly, the sequence triggering operation may be pressing a preset sequence trigger button. Refer to Figure 3 (c) for a schematic diagram of the direction operation for the direction buttons. For the input device, eight directions are pre-configured, wherein 1 to 8 respectively represent eight direction buttons. For the direction button, the direction operation is to directly press the corresponding direction button. In addition, the input device may also be a rocker, a handle, and the corresponding sequence triggering operation may be pressing a rocker or a handle. Further, the input device may also be a touch screen. Correspondingly, the sequence triggering operation may be touching a preset sequence. Trigger area. When the user presses the joystick, the direction key, and the touch screen for a certain time in one position, it can be determined that the sequence trigger operation is performed.

Taking the joystick as an example, the user presses the rocker once before the input direction operation, and presses the rocker once after the input direction operation, and the direction operation input between the two rocker presses sequentially constitutes the direction operation sequence. Alternatively, the user only presses the rocker once after the input direction operation, and the direction operation input before the rocker is pressed sequentially constitutes the direction operation sequence. Alternatively, the operation of each direction in which the user inputs during the pressing of the joystick sequentially constitutes the sequence of direction operations. Since the application of the touch screen is becoming more and more extensive, the present invention will be described below with reference to an application example of the present invention on a touch screen.

Referring to FIG. 3d, an initial area 301 and four peripheral areas 302, 303, 304, 305 are set on the touch screen, and the direction operations performed on these areas can output corresponding characters. Of course, the present invention emphasizes continuous Two or more (including two) directions of operation.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in order to facilitate the identification of the sliding between the regions, a boundary detecting line may be disposed between the regions. Referring to FIG. 3e, the circle of the initial region 301 is its outer boundary; the peripheral region 302 and the peripheral region 303 A detection line 3011 is disposed therebetween. When the sliding track intersects the detection line, the peripheral area 302, the peripheral area 303 or the peripheral area 303, the peripheral area 302 during the direction operation can be determined by the intersection condition.

In the case where the detection line is set, each of the peripheral areas may even be open, and the outer area of the initial area 301 is a peripheral area, and then the boundary detection lines are used to determine the sliding direction of the touch points between the respective peripheral areas. For example, in FIG. 3e, a peripheral region 302 is defined between the detection lines 3014 and 3011, a peripheral region 303 is defined between the detection lines 3011 and 3012, and a peripheral region 304 is defined between the detection lines 3012 and 3013, and the detection line 3013 and A peripheral area 305 is defined between 3014.

In fact, in a specific application, as long as the direction operation can be recognized, the specific identification mode is related to the hardware recognition capability of the input device itself, and the specific direction operation determination and which corresponding character is input are the algorithms in the corresponding application scenario. definite. The present invention cannot be enumerated, and the applicative extensions by those skilled in the art based on the core idea of the present invention are all within the scope of the present invention.

There are many ways to divide the area. An example is given below. Referring to Figure 3f, the center circle is the initial area 301 (which can be understood as the center rod position). In this embodiment, four areas are divided into four areas (302, 303, 304, 305, four). Area, there may be two, three or more areas in actual use), four line segments are the edge of the area, and each line segment is provided with a plurality of edge sensing points for sensing whether the user has an action through the edge line segment ( Of course, there is a sensing point for the recognition of each touch point on the touch screen, and it is not necessary to set it on a dedicated line segment; it is possible to recognize the sliding operation of the touch track between the areas)

The two sides of each edge segment (excluding the central circle area) are two different areas, and different letters and symbols are marked on each side of each edge line segment. These letter symbols are from the center circle as the starting point along the edge line segment. Extending outwardly, when the user wants to input a, the area is drawn from the center circle to the area where a is located (302), and continues to traverse the edge line segment where a is located and enters the edge line segment adjacent to a. Another area ( 303 ), at this time, if the character a is pre-defined to cross an area output, the character a can be output by returning the center circle in the area. If the character b is defined in advance and needs to be crossed by two regions, after the user first traverses the edge segment, it is necessary to continue to cross the adjacent next edge segment to enter the next region and return to the center circle to output the character b.

Wherein, the arrangement order of the plurality of letters and symbols sequentially indicated on the edge line segment represents that the letter needs to be output after crossing several edge line segments, and the corresponding letter or the finger may be output after crossing the touch screen or the center rod after the specified number of edge line segments are satisfied. Characters do not have to be returned to the center circle for output.

In addition, after crossing an edge segment, if you need to cross the edge segment again, you can continue to wear back the edge segment that you have just crossed.

Specifically, based on the character example shown in FIG. 3f, if the user inputs the following operation, the direction operation sequence: the initial area 301 - the peripheral area 302 - the peripheral area 303 - the initial area 301, the corresponding output character "a" ;

Direction operation sequence: initial area 301 - peripheral area 302 - peripheral area 303 - peripheral area 304 - initial area 301, corresponding to the output character "b";

Direction operation sequence: initial area 301 - peripheral area 302 - peripheral area 303 - peripheral area 304 - peripheral area 305 - initial area 301, corresponding to the output character "c";

Direction operation sequence: initial area 301 - peripheral area 303 - peripheral area 302 - initial area 301, corresponding to the output character "d";

Among them, " " indicates the sliding of the user's touch point between the areas.

Of course, in the example of Fig. 3f, it is also possible to set a scheme of dedicated sensing points on the line segment. If the user wants to output the letter e, first start from the center circle, enter the area where e is located ( 303 ), and then contact the edge sensing point where the letter e is located to output the letter e. Or, if the user pre-outputs the letter e, first starts from the center circle, and swipes along the edge line segment marked with the letter e, and at the position of the sensing point swiping to the letter e, the area where the letter e is located (303) ) swipe to leave the edge segment and output the letter e. Summarizing the above example, the present invention provides an embodiment of a method for inputting characters by using a direction operation, which may specifically include: an input device pre-set with an initial area and a peripheral area; receiving a user input from the initial area, sliding over the periphery The operation of the area; the corresponding character is output based on the sequence formed by the sliding past area.

Wherein, the sequence includes each region involved in the process of sliding from the initial region and back to the initial region; or the sequence includes starting from the initial region, sliding over the peripheral region, and then stopping the sliding Various areas. Preferably, the suspending sliding comprises a lifting operation or a long pressing operation, that is, an abort operation that can be identified. Preferably, in order to assist the user input, the output characters corresponding to the current operation may also be displayed or enlarged. The specific presentation or enlargement presentation operation may be given in the direction of the user's operation, or may be given based on the user's functional operation.

Correspondingly, the present invention also provides an apparatus embodiment for inputting characters by using a direction operation, which may include: an input device pre-configured with an initial area and a peripheral area; and a receiving module for receiving The operation of the user input from the initial area, sliding over the peripheral area; and, the output module, for outputting the corresponding character based on the sequence formed by the sliding passing area.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a structural diagram of an embodiment of an apparatus for inputting characters by using a direction operation. The apparatus is provided in an input device, and the input device is pre-configured with a plurality of directional operations, including: operation receiving a module 401, configured to receive a direction operation sequence input by a user; the direction operation sequence includes two or more direction operations in sequence;

The character output module 402 is configured to output a character corresponding to the direction operation sequence according to the direction operation sequence received by the operation receiving module.

The input device according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a game device, a mobile device (such as a mobile phone, a PDA, a digital camera, a remote controller, etc.), a joystick, a touch screen, and the input device may also be added to a device such as a car steering wheel. . Further, the directional operation includes: rocking of the rocker or the handle, sliding on the touch screen, and pressing of the directional button.

Specifically, according to different input devices, the direction operation sequence mainly has three types of configuration manners: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the input device has an initial position, and the input device is offset from the initial position by the direction operation; The operation of returning the input device to the initial position is a reset operation, and the reset operation does not count into the direction operation sequence; then, during the time when the input device is located twice in the initial position, the operation of each direction input by the user sequentially constitutes the direction operation sequence. The input device may be a device that can be operated in a direction such as a joystick, a touch screen or a handle, and in the case where no external force is applied thereto, it is the initial position of the input device. When the touch screen is an input device, the initial position may be a specific area (initial area) of the touch screen, or may be any touch position that the user first presses on the touch screen after the sequence of operations is triggered (so that the user can use it more conveniently, so that the initial position can be As the user needs to adjust, of course, the invention is not limited thereto, and other rules may be defined in advance.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the input device is provided with an initial area, and the touch point is offset from the initial area by the direction operation; the operation of returning the touch point to the initial area is a reset operation, and the reset operation is not counted in the direction The sequence of operations; then the touch points on the input device are located twice in the initial region, and the operations in the various directions input by the user sequentially constitute the sequence of directional operations. The input device includes: a touch screen. Wherein, the input device is further provided with at least two peripheral areas, and the direction operation comprises sliding the user touch point from one peripheral area to another peripheral area.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the input device is pre-set with a sequence triggering operation; then, between two consecutive sequence triggering operations, the various direction operations input by the user sequentially constitute the sequence of directional operations; or Before the sequence triggering operation, the operations of the various directions input by the user sequentially constitute the sequence of the direction operations; or, during the execution of the sequence triggering operation, the operations of the directions input by the user sequentially constitute the sequence of the direction operations. . The input device can be a direction button, a joystick, a handle, or a touch screen.

The above content has been described in detail in the method embodiment, and will not be described again.

Further, the operation receiving module is further configured to receive a single direction operation and a reset operation input by the user; then the character output module outputs a character corresponding to the single direction operation. That is, in addition to the direction operation sequence, there is a corresponding character output for the user to input a single direction operation. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it may further include: a functional operation. Compared with the direction operation sequence composed of simple direction operations, adding a function operation to the direction operation sequence can realize output of more characters.

Further, the function operation is: pressing a preset function button; or pressing a rocker or a handle; or, touching a preset function area. Specifically, the function operation may be input before the input direction is operated; the function operation may also be input after the input direction operation; and the function operation may also be input during the input direction operation.

Preferably, the characters may be: pinyin, strokes, numbers, English letters, Japanese kana characters, other foreign characters, such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and the like. In addition, the character may also be a candidate, and when there are multiple candidates for output, the first candidate may be selected and output through the direction operation sequence of the input device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a presentation unit for presenting candidate characters between successive two or more directional operations; and then for the presented candidate characters, the user input operates in a subsequent direction.

The various embodiments in the present specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment is mainly described as being different from the other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the respective embodiments may be referred to each other. For the device embodiment, since it is basically similar to the method embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method embodiment.

The foregoing detailed description of the method and apparatus for inputting characters by using the direction provided by the present invention is only for helping to understand the method of the present invention and its core idea; meanwhile, for those skilled in the art, based on The present invention is not limited by the scope of the present invention.

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Claims

Rights request

1. A method of inputting characters by using a direction operation, characterized in that a direction operation is performed using a rocker device,

The rocker device is composed of a center pole and an edge sensing point, and a lower sensing point located below the center pole, wherein the center pole is further provided with a pressure sensitive switch;

The switch is turned on when the center rod is subjected to the vertical direction pressure, otherwise the switch is turned off; the rocker device senses and communicates with the lower sensing point without being laterally outward, and is disconnected from the edge sensing point; When the force is outward, it is inductively connected to the edge sensing point in the direction, and is disconnected from the lower sensing point and the other edge sensing point, thereby forming a state in which the center rod is connected or not connected to each edge sensing point and the lower sensing point.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein:

The event of connecting the center rod to the lower sensing point in any two consecutive times is used as the starting and ending point, and the sequence of connected events of the center rod and the edge sensing point is input as the basis of one input.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein

The connected event sequence is binned into a combination of the first event and the last event of the connected event sequence, or a combination of the first event, the second event, and the last event.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein

All event combinations are divided into the same number according to the correspondence between the first event and the edge sensing point, and each group is sorted by the second event and the last event, thereby obtaining the group number and group of each connected event sequence. Internal serial number.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein

Corresponding to the input attribute of the various characters and the sequence of connected events, inputting a character by creating a sequence of connected events in the rocker device; the input attributes of the text include Chinese pinyin, strokes, English letters, Japanese Kana, other foreign characters.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein

The connected event sequence is stepwise from the edge sensing point corresponding to the first event to the sensing point of the second event and the last event.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein it is twice as large as the original, and thus corresponds to twice the text input attribute.

8. A method for inputting characters by using a direction operation, comprising:

Presetting multiple directions for the input device; Receiving a sequence of direction operations input by the user; the sequence of direction operations includes two consecutive directions of operations;

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the directional operation comprises: directional shaking of the rocker or handle, directional sliding on the touch screen, and pressing of the directional button.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein:

The input device has an initial position, and the input device is offset from the initial position by a direction operation;

Then, during the shifting of the initial position to the restoration of the initial position, the user inputs two or more consecutive directional operations to constitute the directional operation sequence; wherein the operation of returning to the initial position does not count toward the directional operation sequence.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein:

The input device is provided with an initial area, and the touch point is offset from the initial area by the direction operation;

Then, the user constructs the sequence of the direction operations by successive two or more directional operations of moving the touch point input.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein:

The input device is further provided with at least two peripheral areas, the direction operation including sliding of the user touch point from one peripheral area to another peripheral area.

1 3. The method of claim 9 wherein:

The input device is pre-configured with a sequence triggering operation;

Then, between two consecutive sequence triggering operations, the operations of the various directions input by the user sequentially form the sequence of the direction operations;

Or, before the sequence triggering operation, the operation of each direction input by the user sequentially constitutes the sequence of the direction operations;

Alternatively, during the execution of the sequence triggering operation, the operations of the various directions input by the user sequentially constitute the sequence of the direction operations.

14. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:

Showing candidate characters between consecutive two or more directional operations;

For the candidate characters presented, the user enters the subsequent direction operation.

The method according to claim 8, further comprising:

Receiving user function operations; Then, in conjunction with the function operation, characters corresponding to the sequence of the direction operations are output.

The method according to claim 15, wherein the function operation is: pressing a preset function button;

Or, press the rocker or handle;

Or, touch a preset function area.

17. The method of claim 8 wherein:

The characters include: pinyin, strokes, numbers, foreign characters, or candidates.

18. An apparatus for inputting characters by using a direction operation, wherein the apparatus is disposed in an input device, and includes:

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the directional operation comprises: directional shaking of the rocker or handle, directional sliding on the touch screen, and pressing of the directional button.

20. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein:

21. Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein:

The input device is provided with an initial area, and the touch point is offset from the initial area by the direction operation; then the user operates the sequence of the two directions or more by moving the touch point input.

22. Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein:

23. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein:

The input device is pre-configured with a sequence triggering operation;

Then, between two consecutive sequence triggering operations, the operations of the various directions input by the user sequentially constitute the sequence of the direction operations; Or, before the sequence triggering operation, the operation of each direction input by the user sequentially constitutes the sequence of the direction operation;

The device according to claim 18, further comprising:

a presentation unit for presenting candidate characters between consecutive two or more directional operations; and then for the presented candidate characters, the user inputs a subsequent directional operation.

25. Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein:

The operation receiving module is further configured to receive a function operation of the user;

Then, the character output module operates in conjunction with the function to output a character corresponding to the sequence of the direction operations.

The device of claim 25, wherein the function is: pressing a preset function button;

Or, press the rocker or handle;

Or, touch a preset function area.

27. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein:

28, A method for inputting characters by using a direction operation, comprising: the input device is pre-configured with an initial area and a peripheral area;

Receiving an operation of the user input from the initial area and sliding over the peripheral area;

The corresponding character is output based on the sequence formed by the sliding past area.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein

The sequence includes various regions involved in the process of sliding from the initial region to the initial region starting from the initial region;

Alternatively, the sequence includes sliding from the initial region, sliding over the peripheral region, and then aborting the various regions involved in the sliding.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising:

Shows or enlarges the output characters corresponding to the current operation.

31. A device for inputting characters by using a direction operation, comprising: an input device pre-configured with an initial area and a peripheral area;

a receiving module, configured to receive an operation of the user input from the initial region and sliding over the peripheral region;

The output module is configured to output a corresponding character based on a sequence formed by the sliding passing region.