WO2023248323A1

WO2023248323A1 - Character input method, character input program, and character input device

Info

Publication number: WO2023248323A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/024646
Authority: WO
Inventors: 雄介山内
Original assignee: 雄介山内
Priority date: 2022-06-21
Filing date: 2022-06-21
Publication date: 2023-12-28

Abstract

In the prior art, during character input using a character input device such as a keyboard, there are many keys used for inputting and it is necessary to press the keys by moving the fingers to locations that are far away from each other. Therefore, the keys are difficult to press and it is time consuming to perform the character input. A character input method according to the present invention comprises: an information allocation step for allocating group information, which includes attribute information and detail information corresponding to the attribute information, to character keys of a character input device; an information display step for depressing a first character key to which the attribute information is allocated so as to display the group information in a prescribed area of a display device; and an information selection step for operating the first character key so as to display the group information while operating a location information input device toward a direction in which detail information to be selected is displayed so as to select one piece of the group information.

Description

Character input method, character input program, and character input device

The present invention relates to a character input method, a character input program, and a character input device.

Kana character input, Romaji input, toggle input, and flick input have long been known as Japanese kana input methods.
Furthermore, when converting kana to kanji, it is known to press the space key successively and select the kanji that corresponds to the kana reading.

Kana character input has the advantage of being able to type the kana characters exactly as they are written, but it takes time to memorize and learn the key arrangement because it uses over 40 keys, and the 4-level kana keyboard Because the keys are arranged in an array, it is necessary to move the fingers far away from the so-called home position to hit the keys, which has the disadvantage of making it difficult to hit the keys.

On the other hand, in Romaji input, the user has to convert kana characters into Romaji characters in their head before inputting them, which puts a lot of effort into inputting them, and the user has to press multiple keys to type one kana character. It is often troublesome, and cannot be used by young children who have not memorized the Roman alphabet, and it requires more than 20 keys, although fewer than kana character input, so it is difficult to memorize and learn the key arrangement. The disadvantage was that it took time.

Furthermore, an input method called toggle input has been known for some time. Toggle input is a character input method in which multiple characters are assigned to one key, and the characters to be input are switched by repeatedly hitting the key. Although this method has the advantage that the number of keys is relatively small and the arrangement is easy to remember, it is generally used that multiple letters are assigned to one numeric key and selection is made by the number of times the keys are pressed in the order of numbers. For example, if you want to select a character placed in the 5th row, such as "O" in the A row, you will need to press the key 5 times, which requires a large number of keystrokes to reach the desired character. Become. Furthermore, when characters belonging to the same line of the kana 50 syllabary characters are inputted consecutively, it is necessary to press the [→] key each time, which has the disadvantage that it takes a lot of time to input the characters.

Furthermore, an input method called flick input has been known for some time. Flick input means that there are other rows of rows of rows arranged like a numeric keypad on the touchpad in a cross shape, etc. around the rows of rows of rows. In this method, the kana characters in the four rows are arranged latently, and characters are entered by sliding the finger in the direction of the desired character while pressing the kana key in the next row. Flick input has the advantage that there are fewer keys and the arrangement is easier to remember, but the start and end points of each press must be within a certain narrow range, so it is difficult to set the start and end points within accurate ranges. The disadvantage was that fingering was required and input was troublesome.

Previously, when converting Japanese kana to kanji, the user had to press the space key from among the candidates displayed in a straight line downwards on the window of the display unit 4. The mainstream method was to select by pressing the space key, but since the characters are displayed in a straight line facing downwards, it lacks visibility and it is difficult to see the desired character. method, it has the disadvantage that it requires a large number of keystrokes to reach the desired character.　

The character input method according to the present invention includes an information assignment step of assigning group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information to character keys of a character input device, and pressing a first character key to which attribute information is assigned. an information display step of displaying group information in a predetermined area of the display device, and operating the first character key to display the group information while moving the position information input device in the direction in which detailed information to be selected is displayed. and an information selection step of selecting one of the group information by operating the information.

With the character input method according to the present invention, characters can be input using a relatively small number of keys on the keyboard compared to kana input and romaji input. In addition, compared to toggle input, the number of keystrokes required to input characters is relatively small, and unlike flick input, it is not required to move the finger to a specific narrow area on the touch panel, so it is relatively easy to use. You can input characters with simple finger movements.

The character input method according to the present invention may further include a group information determining step in which selected group information is determined when the first character key is released. This allows the selected group information to be determined when the first character key is released.

Further, in the character input method according to the present invention, in the information selection step, when selecting one of the group information, the area of detailed information displayed is configured to move each time the position information input device is operated. It may also be characterized by the fact that Since the area of detailed information displayed is configured to move each time the position information input device is operated, group information can be easily selected.

In the character input method according to the present invention, the information allocation step includes an attribute information allocation step of allocating the attribute information to the character keys of the character input device, and a detailed information allocation step of allocating the detailed information corresponding to the character keys to which the attribute information is allocated. The method may be characterized by having an information allocation step.

The character input program according to the present invention includes an information assignment process of assigning group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information to character keys of a character input device, and pressing a first character key to which attribute information is assigned. and displaying the group information in a predetermined area of the display device, and operating the first character key to display the group information while moving the position information input device in the direction in which detailed information to be selected is displayed. is operated to select one piece of group information.

Furthermore, the character input program according to the present invention may further include a group information determination process in which selected group information is determined when the first character key is released.

A character input device according to the present invention includes a storage device for storing group information including attribute information assigned to character keys of the character input device and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information, and a storage device for displaying the group information in a predetermined area. and a calculation unit that selects predetermined attribute information or detailed information from the group information. When the first character key of the character input control device is pressed, the group information is read from the storage device, the group information is displayed on the display device, and the position information input device is moved in the direction in which detailed information to be selected is displayed. The present invention is characterized in that it is configured such that one piece of group information is selected by operating .

Furthermore, the character input device according to the present invention is characterized in that when selecting one piece of group information, the area of detailed information displayed moves each time the position information input device is operated. You can also use it as

With this method, input can be performed using a relatively small number of keys on the keyboard compared to kana input and romaji input. In addition, compared to toggle input, the number of keystrokes required to input characters is relatively small, and unlike flick input, it is not required to move the finger to a specific narrow area on the touch panel, so it is relatively easy to use. You can input characters with simple finger movements.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a perspective view of the electronic computer 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a plan view of the keyboard 2 and touch pad 3 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overhead view when fingers are placed on the keyboard 2 and touch pad 3. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic computer 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting "na line" ("na", "ni", "nu") according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting "na line" ("ne" and "no") according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the guide display of the attribute information "na" according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a guide display in which the attribute information "na" is displayed in reverse video according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a diagram showing the display section 4 on which the guide display of the attribute information "na" according to the first embodiment is displayed. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting "ta" ("ta", "chi", "tsu") according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting "ta line" ("te" and "to") according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the guide display of the attribute information "ta" according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a guide display in which the attribute information "ta" is displayed in reverse video according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a guide display in which detailed information "chi" is displayed in reverse video according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a guide display in which detailed information "tsu" is displayed in reverse video according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting "ma line" ("ma", "mi", "mu") according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting "ma line" ("me" and "mo") according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the guide display of the attribute information "ma" according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting "ka" ("ka", "ki", "ku") according to the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting a "ka line" ("ke" and "ko") according to the first embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the guide display of the attribute information "ka" according to the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the display section 4 on which the guide display of the attribute information "ka" according to the first embodiment is displayed. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of inputting "wa row" according to the first embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the guide display of the attribute information "wa" according to the first embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the guide display when the character group of "Adan" is made into detailed information in the first embodiment. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a plan view showing the keyboard 8 and touch pad 3 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a plan view showing the keyboard 9 and touch pad 3 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting "ka" ("ka", "ki", "ku") according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting "ka line" ("ke" and "ko") according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the guide display of the attribute information "ka" according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining guide display in the form of a single vertical character of the attribute information "ka" according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting the "ra line" ("ra", "ri", "ru") according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting the "ra line" ("re" and "ro") according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining the guide display of the attribute information "ra" according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of inputting "wa row" according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining the guide display of the attribute information "wa" according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart of kanji conversion input for "Natsu" ("Natsu", "Summer", "Natsu") according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart of kanji conversion input for "Natsu" ("Ki" "Natsu") according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining the guide display of the attribute information "Natsu" according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a plan view of a character input control device of a dedicated machine for this input method. FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting a "ta line" ("ta", "chi", "tsu") according to the first embodiment in a format selected by pressing and releasing. FIG. 42 is a diagram for explaining a flowchart for inputting "ta line" ("te" and "to") according to the first embodiment in a format in which selection is made by pressing and releasing. FIG. 43 is a plan view showing the keyboard 50 and touch pad 3 in which the attribute information key is arranged one step before the home position. FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an overhead view when fingers are placed on the keyboard 50 and touch pad 3. FIG. 45 is a diagram showing an overhead view of the keyboard 51 and the touch pad 3 when characters are input with the left hand simultaneously while working with the mouse with the right hand. FIG. 46 is a diagram for explaining a diagram showing the display section 4 in which the guide display of the attribute information "ka" according to the first embodiment is displayed in a region other than the region corresponding to the cursor. FIG. 47 is a diagram for explaining a diagram showing the display unit 4 that displays attribute information in a list on the screen. FIG. 48 is a diagram for explaining a diagram showing the display section 4 when a list of guide displays is displayed in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 49 is a diagram for explaining a table showing the relationship between the row selection key of each line, which is attribute information, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, in the first embodiment. FIG. 50 is a diagram for explaining a table showing an example of the relationship between the row selection key of each row, which is attribute information, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, in the second embodiment. FIG. 51 is a diagram for explaining a table showing an example of the relationship between row selection keys of each group, which are attribute information, and characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, in the third embodiment. FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining a table showing an example of the relationship between the row selection key of each line, which is attribute information, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 53 is a diagram for explaining a guide display of the attribute information "ka" in the form of a single vertical character (rectangular shape) (when the attribute information is arranged at the top row) according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 54 shows the row selection keys for each row and the attribute information when the guide display is in the form of a vertical character (rectangular shape) (and when the attribute information is arranged at the top row) in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a table showing relationships between characters, which is detailed information displayed in an area. FIG. 55 is a flowchart for inputting a “ka line” when the guide display is in the form of a vertical character (rectangular shape) (and when the attribute information is placed at the top) in the fourth embodiment. ”, “ko”, “ke”). FIG. 56 is a flowchart for inputting a “ka line” (“ka line”) when the guide display is in the form of a vertical character (rectangular shape) (and when the attribute information is arranged at the top row) in the fourth embodiment. ”, “ku”). FIG. 57 shows a guide display of the attribute information "ka" when the guide display is in the form of a single vertical character (rectangular shape) (and when the attribute information is arranged at the top row) in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a diagram showing a display section 4. FIG.

[First embodiment]
Next, an embodiment of a character input method will be described with reference to the drawings, using the computer 1 as an example.

Note that in the following description, the "display section" refers to a display panel such as a liquid crystal screen, and has a function of displaying information such as characters output from the processing means.

Furthermore, the position information input device is an input device that specifies an input position or coordinates on the device. In this method, the positional information input device (described below using a touchpad as an example) inputs the vertical and horizontal (or diagonal) directions and number of swipes (pressing the touchpad and moving your finger in a certain direction). It only needs to be something that can be sensed, so it can even be small. It is desirable that the touchpad be in a position where it can be operated with the thumb when the finger is placed at the home position of the keyboard.

In addition, the "position information" transmitted from the position information input device includes the position information of the position where the pressing operation started, the position information of the position where it ended, and the position information on the trajectory drawn by the pressing position when the pressing position changes. In addition to location information, pressing time information can also be used as an element for character identification.

In addition, "attribute information" is information for classifying characters into several groups, such as a group (row) for classification by consonants of kana characters, a group (row) for classification by vowels in the kana syllabary ( If it is an alphabet, it is a group when the letters of the alphabet are divided into several groups, if it is a kanji, it is a group of kanji that corresponds to the same kana reading in Japanese (including those with okrigana), or in Chinese. This is information for classifying a word into a group of Chinese characters corresponding to Pinyin. For example, the characters ``na'', ``ni'', ``nu'', ``ne'', and ``no'' in the ``na'' line are grouped into one group, and the ``attribute information'' is set to ``na''. Or, for example, put the characters ``Summer'', ``Nashi'', ``Kaai'', ``Katsu'', ``Natsu'', ``Natsu'', ``Natsu'', ``Natsu'', ``Shichito'', ``Nagitsu'', and ``Natsu'' into one group. The "attribute information" is "Natsu".

In addition, "detailed information" is information that distinguishes between characters in a group with the same attribute, such as one character in the same line of kana characters, or one character in the same group in the case of alphabets. , in the case of Kanji, it is one character or word in a group of Kanji characters corresponding to the same Japanese kana reading, or one character or word in a group of Kanji characters corresponding to Pinyin in Chinese. For example, they are "a", "i", "u", "e", and "o" of the attribute information "a". Or, for example, the attribute information "Natsu" includes "Summer", "Natsu", "Kai", "Katsu", "Natsu", "Natsu", "Natsu", "Natsu", "Shichito", "Nagitsu", and "Natsu".

Further, the character input method according to the present embodiment or a program for executing the character input method can be executed on a character input device (including forms such as a computer and a mobile terminal device). Here, the electronic computer refers to a computer such as a so-called personal computer, regardless of whether it is a notebook type (laptop type) or a desktop type. Furthermore, the term "mobile terminal device" refers to a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like.

Further, the character input control device (hereinafter explained using a keyboard as an example) may be any other type of device as long as it can input attribute information.

In addition, as a position information input device for selecting detailed information, it is not limited to a touch pad, but other types of pointing devices such as trackballs, track points, etc. can be used as long as they can sense the direction and number of finger movements. Detailed information areas and detailed information such as an α area group, a β area group, a γ area group, a δ area group, an ε area group, and a ζ area group, which will be described later, may be selected using a device.

First, a character input method according to the first embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a computer 1 according to an embodiment of this method. Note that, as shown in FIG. 1, front, rear, top, bottom, left and right directions are defined. As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic computer 1 includes a character input control device (keyboard 2), a position information input device (touch pad 3), a display section 4, a control section (CPU 5), and a storage section (memory 6 and HDD 7) (other formats of storage media may be used). The computer 1 may be provided with a communication section. A program and various data for executing this method may be distributed from a storage medium included in the host computer to the storage unit (memory 6 and HDD 7) via a network.

FIG. 2 shows the keyboard 2 and touch pad 3 of the computer 1. On the keyboard 2, attribute information keys are arranged consecutively in a horizontal row in the row where the home positions of the eight fingers excluding the thumb are located, and each key displays one character "a", "ka", "sa", "ta", " Kana, which represents each attribute information, is drawn as ``na'', ``ha'', ``ma'', ``ya'', ``ra'', and ``wa''. To explain in detail, the keyboard 22 has a key corresponding to the so-called "A" in the QWERTY layout, a "row selection key", a key corresponding to "S" in the QWERTY layout, a "row selection key", and a key corresponding to "D" in the QWERTY layout. The ``Sa line selection key'' is the key that corresponds to ``F'' in the QWERTY layout, the ``na line selection key'' is the key that corresponds to ``G'' in the QWERTY layout, and the ``na line selection key'' is the key that corresponds to ``H'' in the QWERTY layout. The key is "line selection key", the key corresponding to "J" in QWERTY layout is "ma row selection key", the key corresponding to "K" in QWERTY layout is "ya row selection key", and the key corresponding to "K" in QWERTY layout is "L" in QWERTY layout. The key corresponding to "L" in the QWERTY layout is the "R row selection key", and the key to the right of the "L" key in the QWERTY layout is the "W row selection key". Each key corresponds to the row selection key, ``a'', ``ka'', ``sa'', ``ta'', ``na'', ``ha'', ``ma'', ``ya'', ``ra'', ``wa'', one key per key. Hiragana is drawn for each letter. The positions of the voiced sound key, semi-voiced sound key, space key, enter key, shift key, alt key, etc. are the same as in the conventional JIS layout keyboard 2.

When the touch pad 3 is placed at the home position of the keyboard 2 (i.e., the home position identification projections generally provided on the keys corresponding to "F" and "J" in the QWERTY layout of the keyboard 2), It is placed in a position where you can perform a swipe operation with your thumb (when you place your index finger and eight fingers other than your thumb in a row horizontally) (Figure 3). The touch pad 3 may be integrated with the keyboard 2, or may be placed as a separate component at an appropriate position and communicate with the CPU 5 wirelessly or by wire.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic computer 1. As shown in FIG. The computer 1 includes a character input control device (keyboard 2), a position information input device (touch pad 3), a display section 4, a control section (CPU 5), a storage section (memory 6 and HDD 7) (other formats may also be a storage medium). A communication section or the like may be added.

An input operation when inputting a character using such a computer 1 will be explained with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case of inputting the hiragana ``Natsumikan''.

5 and 6 are flowcharts of inputting the "na" line according to the first embodiment. Activating the input program, the user first specifies the row in the kana 50-syllabary table (distinguishing kana by consonant), which is the attribute information of the character "na" that the user wants to input. Specifically, the user presses the "line selection key" on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 5, step S3). Then, information about the row selection key press is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 receives this.

The CPU 5 identifies the row of one character in the kana 50-on table from the row selection key information. In this example, since the key pressed was the "Na line selection key", the first character is identified as "Na line".

When the row selection key is pressed, the CPU 5 displays attribute information and a guide indicating detailed information of the attribute on the display section 4 of the computer 1 at the area corresponding to the cursor, that is, at the area where the character is to be input. The display (FIG. 7) is displayed (FIG. 9) (FIG. 5, step S4). The guide display is a display that represents detailed information belonging to the specified attribute based on specified attribute information, and displays characters that are specified when an operation is performed according to the guide display. As shown in FIG. 7, the guide display has a convex shape rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, and attribute information is displayed on the protrusion and detailed information of the attribute is displayed on the base of the convex shape. Unlike the fourth embodiment described below, detailed information is expanded not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction. It can be expanded to either the left or right, but when inputting horizontal text that is written from left to right, it is generally recommended to Expands to the right. In the case of inputting vertically written text written from top to bottom, detailed information may be expanded horizontally and downward.

To explain in detail, in the guide display, one area is provided for one character of detailed information on each line, as shown in FIG. The area is set up in four directions: vertically and horizontally, and from the starting point, the area where the characters of attribute information are displayed (hereinafter referred to as the attribute information area), the upper direction is the α area group, and the lower direction is the β area group. . The α region group and the β region group extend to the right.

The α area group extends to the right of the upper stage of the attribute information area which is the starting point, and α1 area and α2 area are provided in the order of proximity to the attribute information area. The β area group extends to the right of the lower part of the attribute information area which is the starting point, and the β1 area and β2 area are provided in the order of proximity to the attribute information area. The attribute information area contains the character ``Adan'' (50 syllabary) as attribute information, the α1 area contains the character ``idan'' (50 syllabary) as detailed information, and the α2 area contains ``udan'' (50 syllabary) as detailed information. '' characters are displayed in the β1 area as detailed information, the characters ``edan'' in the 50 syllables are displayed, and in the β2 area, the characters ``odan'' in the 50 syllabary character are displayed as detailed information. An example of the relationship between the row selection key of each row, which is attribute information, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, in the first embodiment is as shown in the table of FIG. Group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information is stored in storage devices such as the hard disk drive 6 and memory 7 of the computer 1.

In this example, the attribute information "na" is displayed on the protrusion, and the detailed information of the attribute "ni", "nu", "ne", and "no" are displayed on the convex base. The detailed information "ni" is displayed in the α1 area, "nu" is displayed in the α2 area, the area "ne" is displayed in the β1 area, and "no" is displayed in the β2 area. (Strictly speaking, the displayed "na" is attribute information indicating that it is a group of na lines, and also serves as detailed information about "na", which is the first character of the na line. .The same applies to other characters of ``Adan''.)

The characters of the selected attribute information and detailed information may be highlighted, such as by changing the color, by displaying the background and characters in black and white, or by making them bold. Alternatively, the selected area may be highlighted by changing its color. FIG. 8 is a diagram of a guide display in which the selected attribute information "na" is displayed in reverse black and white. Further, the guide display may have other shapes as long as attribute information and detailed information are displayed. The number of regions in the α region group and the β region group is not limited to two, and may be increased or decreased. Further, areas such as a γ area, a δ area group, etc. may be added around the α area group and the β area.

Next, the user determines the stage (distinguishing kana by vowel) in the kana 50-on table, which is detailed information of the character to be input. When the user presses the attribute information key, the next character, which is the attribute information, is selected on the guide display at the beginning of the display. In this example, "na", which is the attribute information of the row (and is also the character 1, which is the detailed information of the row), is selected (FIG. 5, step S4). When the user presses the ``NA'' key (FIG. 5, step S3), information about the ``NA'' selection key depression is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 receives this information. As a result, the CPU 5 determines that "na" (here, as detailed information) has been specified, and the CPU 5 transmits the specified character to the display section as character information. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character "na". It will now go into standby mode. When selecting other characters in the detailed information of the ``na'' line, swipe the touch pad 3, but here, when you want to input ``na'', it is already the attribute information of the ``na'' line at the beginning of the guide display ( At the same time, ``na'' (the first character which is the detailed information of the ``Na'' line) is selected, so proceed to input the next character. By pressing one of the attribute information keys again, "na" is specified and input (FIG. 5, step S6). At this point, it is in a standby state. If you want to type "nana", you would have to press the "na line selection key" three times. When the character is specified and input is completed, the guide display corresponding to the cursor disappears.

In this example, after "na", the user inputs the kana "tsu". FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts of inputting "TA row" according to the first embodiment. (The user presses the ``ta line selection key'' on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 10, step S3). Then, by the same process as described above, the attribute information ``ra'' is displayed on the convex protrusion. A guide display (Fig. 12) is displayed at the base of the mold, showing detailed information of the attribute, such as "chi", "tsu", "te", and "to".Detailed information "chi", "tsu", "te" "To" is displayed horizontally in the upper row as "chi" and "tsu", and horizontally in the lower row as "te" and "to" based on the attribute information "ta".The selected attribute The information "ta" may be highlighted by changing the color, displaying the background and text with black and white reversed, or being bolded. Figure 13 shows that the selected attribute information "ta" is displayed with black and white reversed. FIG.

Next, the user determines a character that is detailed information. When selecting the character "tsu", the user slides (swipes) the finger backward while pressing the touch pad 3 with a finger or the like while the guide is displayed (FIG. 10, step S7). Then, the positional information of the positions where the pressing operation starts and ends is transmitted from the touch pad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), and the CPU 5 receives this.

The CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the press start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the press release point. The CPU 5 compares the magnitude of the absolute value of x3 and the absolute value of y3, and if |x3|<|y3|, the value of y3 is adopted, and if |y3|<|x3|, the value of x3 is adopted. . If x3<0, the CPU 5 selects detailed information of the area to the left of the currently selected area; if 0<x3, selects detailed information of the area to the right of the currently selected area; and y3<0. If so, the detailed information of the area below the currently selected area is selected, and if 0<y3, the detailed information of the area adjacent above the currently selected area is selected.

If a plurality of detailed information areas exist in the selected direction, the detailed information of the area whose contact surface with the currently selected area is larger is selected. If the sizes of the contact surfaces are the same, the smaller value of |x3| and |y3| is used in conjunction with If <0, the detailed information of the area to the left of the currently selected area, if 0<x3, the detailed information of the area to the right of the currently selected area, if y3<0, the current If 0<y3, the detailed information of the area adjacent to the bottom of the currently selected area is selected, and the detailed information of the area adjacent to the top of the currently selected area is selected.

If there is no area in the selected direction, the selection of detailed information does not move and the detailed information that was selected before the swipe continues to be selected. If the area does not exist in the selected direction, other detailed information or attribute information may be selected.

Since the user is swiping his finger to the right on the touch pad 3 this time, |y3|<|x3|, and the CPU 5 selects the value of x3. This time, the user is swiping his finger to the right on the touch pad 3 (FIG. 10, step S7), so x3 is 0<x. Therefore, the CPU 5 selects the α1 area which is the first area of the detailed information α area group of the area to the right of the currently selected attribute information area, or the β1 area which is the first area of the detailed information β area group. Either one should be selected, but the size of the contact surface between the attribute information area and the α1 area is equal to the size of the contact surface between the attribute information area and the β1 area. Therefore, secondarily, y3, which is the smaller value of |x3| and |y3|, is used in conjunction with the Select (FIG. 10, step S8). The selected detailed information "chi" may be highlighted by changing its color, displaying the background and text in black and white, or making it bold. FIG. 14 is a guide display in which the selected detailed information "chi" is displayed in reverse black and white.

The user further slides (swipes) his or her finger to the right while pressing the top of the touch pad 3 (FIG. 10, step S11). As described above, the CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the press start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the press end point. do. With the second swipe, if |y3|<|x3| and x3 is 0<x, the CPU 5 selects the γ2 region “tsu”, which is the second region of the β region group (FIG. 10, step S12). do. FIG. 15 is a diagram of a guide display in which the selected detailed information "tsu" is displayed in reverse black and white.

Information on the selection of "Tsu" is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 receives this. Thereby, the CPU 5 determines that "tsu" has been selected, and the CPU 5 transmits the specified character to the display section 4 as character information. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character (FIG. 10, step S14).

Next, input the kana for "mi". 16 and 17 are flowcharts of inputting the "ma" line according to the first embodiment. The user presses the "line selection key" on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 16, step S3). Then, by the same process as above, the attribute information "ma" is written on the convex protrusion, and the detailed information of the attribute "mi", "mu", "me", and "mo" is written on the base of the convex shape. The displayed guide display (FIG. 18) is displayed (FIG. 16, step S4). "Mi" is displayed in the α1 area, "mu" in the α2 area, "me" in the β1 area, and "mo" in the β2 area. Group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information is stored in storage devices such as the hard disk drive 6 and memory 7 of the computer 1.

Next, the user determines a character that is detailed information. To select the character "mi", the user slides (swipes) the finger to the rear right while pressing the touch pad 3 with the finger or the like while the guide is being displayed. Then, the position information of the position where the pressing operation starts and ends is transmitted from the touch pad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), and the CPU 5 receives this (FIG. 16, step S7). .

The CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the press start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the press release point. If |y3|<|x3|, and x3 is 0<x, and y3 is y<0, the CPU 5 displays the detailed information of the row displayed in the α1 area, which is the first area of the α area group. "Mi" is selected (FIG. 16, step S8).

Information on the selection of "Mi" is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 receives this. As a result, the CPU 5 determines that "mi" has been selected, and the CPU 5 transmits the specified character to the display section 4 as character information. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character "mi" (FIG. 16, step S10).

Next, the user inputs the kana "ka". 19 and 20 are flowcharts for inputting a line according to the first embodiment. The user presses the line selection key on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 19, step S3). Then, through the same process as above, the attribute information "ka" is placed on the convex protrusion, and the detailed information of the attribute "ki", "ku", "ke", and "ko" is placed on the base of the convex shape. The displayed guide display (FIG. 21) is displayed on the display section 4 (FIG. 22). "Ka" is displayed in the α1 area, "ki" is displayed in the α2 area, "ku" is displayed in the β1 area, and "ke" is displayed in the β2 area. The characters of the selected attribute information and detailed information may be highlighted, such as by changing the color, by displaying the background and characters in black and white, or by making them bold. Alternatively, the selected area may be highlighted by changing its color. Group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information is stored in storage devices such as the hard disk drive 6 and memory 7 of the computer 1.

By pressing the ``ka line selection key'', the information for selecting ``ka'', which is the attribute information of the ``ka'' line (at the same time, the first character which is the detailed information of the ``ka'' line), is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 Receive this. As a result, the CPU 5 determines that "ka" (here, as detailed information) has been selected, and the CPU 5 transmits the selected character to the display section 4 as character information. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character "ka" (FIG. 19, step S4). It will now go into standby mode. When selecting another character in the detailed information of the KA line, swipe the touch pad 3, but here, when you want to input ``KA'', the attribute information of the ``KA line'' is already displayed at the beginning of the guide display. Since a certain "ka" (which is also the first character that is the detailed information of the "ka line") is selected, proceed to input the next character. By pressing one of the attribute information keys again, "ka" is specified (FIG. 19, step S6).

Next, input the kana "n". FIG. 23 is a flowchart of inputting the "wa" line according to the first embodiment. The user presses the "row selection key" on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 23, step S3). Then, through the same process as described above, a guide display (with the attribute information "wa" displayed on the convex protrusion and "wo" and "n" indicating detailed information of the attribute on the base of the convex shape) is created. Figure 24) is displayed. The detailed information "wo" and "n" are displayed in two directions, up and down, with the attribute information "wa" as a reference, divided into "wo" and "n". Group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information is stored in storage devices such as the hard disk drive 6 and memory 7 of the computer 1.

Next, the user determines a character that is detailed information. To select the character "n", the user slides (swipes) the finger to the rear right while pressing the touch pad 3 with the finger or the like while the guide is being displayed (FIG. 23, step S7). Then, the positional information of the positions where the pressing operation starts and ends is transmitted from the touch pad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), and the CPU 5 receives this.

The CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the pressing start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the pressing end point. If |y3|<|x3|, and x3 is 0<x, and y3 is y<0, the CPU 5 displays the detailed information of row W displayed in the α1 area, which is the first area of the α area group. "N" is selected (FIG. 23, step S11).

Information on the selection of "N" is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 receives this. As a result, the CPU 5 determines that "n" has been selected, and the CPU 5 transmits the specified character to the display section 4 as character information. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character "n" (FIG. 23, step S13).

The input of voiced sounds, semi-voiced sounds, persistent sounds, and consonants may be done in the same way as conventional kana input. A voiced sound or a semi-voiced sound is input by pressing the voiced sound key or the semi-voiced sound key after displaying the clear sound (in this method, kana other than the voiced sound, semi-voiced sound, persistent sound, or consonant sound is called a clear sound). To input the ``suji'' sound, press the ``ya line selection key'' at the same time as the shift key, and input ``ya'', ``yu'', and ``yo'' by swiping in the appropriate forward/backward direction and number of times. To input a consonant, press the ``ta line selection key'' at the same time as the shift key, and input ``tsu'' by swiping an appropriate number of times in the forward/backward direction. As in the second embodiment described below, the ``ga line selection key'', ``za line selection key'', ``da line selection key'', ``consonant selection key'', ``ba line selection key'', ``pa line selection key'', and ``suji selection key'' are used. ” may be provided and input. Punctuation marks may be entered by pressing the period key or comma key in the same way as conventional kana input, but for example, if the punctuation mark is used as detailed information of the attribute information "wa", the guide display when pressing the wa line key is α2. You may display "," in the area and "." in the β2 area and input by swiping in an appropriate number of times in the forward/backward direction.

After entering a kana character, the system waits for the next character to be entered. It is also possible to enter a kanji conversion routine by pressing the space key or the like, or to enter an alphabet input mode by pressing the "half-width/full-width kanji" key, which may be the same as in the conventional electronic computer 1. When converting kanji, the fifth embodiment described below may be used. If the input is completed, the input program is terminated.

With this configuration, the user can display all the clear sounds by pressing 10 keys and swiping up to two times in the front, back, left, and right directions. Since only 10 keys are used for inputting clear sounds, the user can input easily with very little finger movement. In addition, since only 10 keys are used for inputting clear sounds, the user can easily memorize and learn the key arrangement and can easily perform touch typing. Further, since only 10 keys are used for inputting clear sounds, the keyboard 2 can be made smaller.

In the first embodiment, the detailed information area of the guide display is expanded in four directions (up, down, left and right), and a large amount of detailed information can be displayed in a list. Therefore, if you increase the number of detailed information linked to attribute information and make the 50 syllables "a", "i", "u", "e", and "o" as attribute information in the guide display, and the characters in each row as detailed information, (FIG. 25), it is also possible to input the Kiyone of all kana using five attribute information keys.

[Second embodiment]
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the keyboard 8 of the electronic computer 1. In addition to the row selection keys of the first embodiment, the keyboard 8 of the computer 1 has a "row selection key" which corresponds to the "X" key in the so-called QWERTY layout, and a "ga row selection key" which corresponds to the "C" key in the QWERTY layout. The "za row selection key" is the key that corresponds to "V" in the QWERTY layout, the "da row selection key" is the key that corresponds to "B" in the QWERTY layout, and the "consonant selection key" is the key that corresponds to "N" in the QWERTY layout. The "Ba row selection key" is placed on the key corresponding to "M" in the QWERTY layout, and the "Sound selection key" is placed on the key to the right of the key corresponding to "M" in the QWERTY layout. There is. Each key has one hiragana character drawn on it, corresponding to the row selection key: ``ga'', ``za'', ``da'', ``tsu'', ``ba'', ``pa'', ``ya''.

When the touch pad 3 is placed at the home position of the keyboard 8 (i.e., the home position identification protrusion generally provided on the keys corresponding to "F" and "J" in the QWERTY layout of the keyboard 8), It is placed in a position that allows you to swipe with your thumb when you place your index finger and eight fingers other than your thumb in a row horizontally. The touch pad 3 may be integrated with the keyboard 8, or may be placed as a separate component at an appropriate position and communicate with the CPU 5 wirelessly or by wire.

The user goes through the same process as the clear sound selection in the first embodiment, selects the input character by pressing each row selection key and swiping the touch pad 3, and selects the input character by releasing the shift key to select a voiced sound, a semi-voiced sound, a consonant sound, a consonant sound, etc. Identify. An example of the relationship between the row selection key of each row, which is attribute information, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, in the second embodiment is as shown in the table of FIG.

In the second embodiment, there are more keys arranged than in the first embodiment, but even so, only 17 keys are used for inputting kana, so the number of keys used is smaller than for inputting Roman characters. This allows users to easily memorize and learn the key arrangement, making it easy to touch-type. In addition, users can enter all kana (clear, voiced, semi-voiced, consonant, and persistent) by pressing the line selection key once and swiping up to two times, allowing them to quickly reach the desired character. Further, since only 17 keys are used for inputting kana, the keyboard 8 can be made smaller.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the keyboard 9 of the electronic computer 1. On the keyboard 9, attribute information keys are arranged consecutively in a horizontal row in the row where the home positions of eight fingers excluding the thumb are located, and each key has one character "A", "D", "G", "J", " The letters M, P, S, V, Y, and ., which are each attribute information, are drawn. To explain in detail, the key corresponding to "A" in the QWERTY layout is the "A group selection key", the key corresponding to "S" in the QWERTY layout is the "D group selection key", and the key corresponding to "D" in the QWERTY layout is the "G group selection key". The "G group selection key" corresponds to the "F" key in the QWERTY layout, the "M group selection key" corresponds to the "G" key in the QWERTY layout, and the "P group selection key" corresponds to the "H" key in the QWERTY layout. The "selection key" is the key corresponding to "J" in the QWERTY layout, the "S group selection key" is the key corresponding to "K" in the QWERTY layout, the "V group selection key" is the key corresponding to "K" in the QWERTY layout, and the "Y" is the key corresponding to "L" in the QWERTY layout. The ``Group Selection Key'' is placed on the key to the right of the ``L'' key in the QWERTY layout. Each key has ``A'', ``D'', ``G'', ``J'', ``M'', ``P'', ``S'', ``V'', ``Y'', and ``.'' corresponding to each line selection key. The alphabet is drawn letter by letter. The alphabet consists of groups of three letters in ABC order, such as "ABC", "DEF", "GHI", etc., and the user goes through the same process as selecting kana on the 50 syllabary, and by pressing each group selection key and swiping the touch pad 3. Select input characters. An example of the relationship between the row selection keys of each group, which are attribute information, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, in the third embodiment is as shown in the table of FIG. Group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information is stored in storage devices such as the hard disk drive 6 and memory 7 of the computer 1.

When the touch pad 3 is placed at the home position of the keyboard 9 (i.e., the home position identification projections generally provided on the keys corresponding to "F" and "J" in the QWERTY layout of the keyboard 9), It is placed in a position that allows you to swipe with your thumb when you place your index finger and eight fingers other than your thumb in a row horizontally. The touch pad 3 may be integrated with the keyboard 9, or may be placed as a separate component at an appropriate position and communicate with the CPU 5 wirelessly or by wire.

The user selects input characters by pressing each line selection key and swiping the touch pad 3 and inputs alphabets through a process similar to the kana selection.

The basis for creating alphabet groups may be in other formats and is not limited to the ABC order.

With this configuration, all alphabets, commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation marks can be displayed with just 10 keystrokes and one swipe up or down, making input easy with minimal finger movement. can. Additionally, since only 10 keys are used for input, the user can easily memorize and learn the key arrangement and can easily perform touch typing. Further, since only ten keys are used to input alphabets, commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation marks, the keyboard 9 can be made smaller.

[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the keyboard 2 of the electronic computer 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic computer 1. As shown in FIG. The keyboard 2 and functional configuration are the same as in the first embodiment. The keyboard 8 according to the second embodiment may also be used.

An input operation when inputting a character using such a computer 1 will be explained with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case where the hiragana "Karin" is input.

FIGS. 28 and 29 are flowcharts of inputting "ka line" according to the fourth embodiment. The user first specifies the row in the kana 50-syllabary table (distinguishing kana by consonant), which is the attribute information of the character "ka" that the user wants to input. Specifically, the user presses the "row selection key" on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 28, step S3). Then, information about the row selection key presses is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 receives this.

The CPU 5 specifies the row of one character in the kana 50-syllabary table from the row selection key information. In this example, since the key pressed was the "ka line selection key", the first character is identified as the "ka line".

When the row selection key is pressed, the CPU 5 displays attribute information and a guide display (FIG. 30) showing detailed information of the attribute on the display unit 4 of the computer 1 in the area corresponding to the cursor. (FIG. 28, step S4). The guide display is a display that represents detailed information belonging to the specified attribute based on specified attribute information, and displays characters that are specified when an operation is performed according to the guide display. As shown in FIG. 31, the guide display has a convex shape rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, and attribute information is displayed on the protrusion and detailed information of the attribute is displayed on the base of the convex shape.

To explain in detail, in the guide display, one area is provided for one character of detailed information on each line, as shown in FIG. Unlike the first embodiment, the area is divided into two directions, upper and lower, and from the starting point, the area where the characters of attribute information are displayed (hereinafter referred to as the attribute information area), the upper direction is the ε area group, and the lower direction is the ε area group. Let it be the ζ region group.

The α area group extends upward from the attribute information area which is the starting point, and the ε1 area and the ε2 area are provided in order of proximity. The ζ area group extends downward from the attribute information area which is the starting point, and ζ1 area and ζ2 area are provided in order of proximity. The attribute information area contains the character ``Adan'' (50 sounds) as attribute information, the ε1 area contains the character ``Udan'' (50 sounds) as detailed information, and the ε2 area contains the character ``Idan'' (50 sounds) as detailed information. '' characters are displayed in the ζ1 area as detailed information, the characters ``Udan'' with the Japanese 50 sounds are displayed, and in the ζ2 area, the characters ``Edan'' with the Japanese 50 sounds are displayed as detailed information. In the fourth embodiment, the relationship between the row selection key of each line, which is attribute information, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, is as shown in the table of FIG. Group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information is stored in storage devices such as the hard disk drive 6 and memory 7 of the computer 1.

In this example, the attribute information "ka" is displayed on the protrusion, and the detailed information of the attribute "ki", "ku", "ke", and "ko" are displayed on the convex base. Detailed information "ki" is displayed in the ε2 area, "ku" is displayed in the ε1 area, "ke" is displayed in the ζ1 area, and "ko" is displayed in the ζ2 area. (Strictly speaking, the displayed "ka" is attribute information indicating that it is a group of rows, and also serves as detailed information for "ka", which is the first character of the row. (The same applies to the other characters in the next row.) The guide display may be in the form of a single vertical character (FIG. 31).

The text of the selected attribute information and detailed information may be displayed in a highlighted manner, such as by changing its color, by displaying the background and text in black and white, or by being bold or underlined. Alternatively, the selected area may be highlighted by changing its color. Further, the guide display may have other shapes as long as attribute information and detailed information are displayed. The number of regions in the ε region group and the ζ region group is not limited to two, and may be increased or decreased.

Next, the user determines the stage (distinguishing kana by vowel) in the kana 50-on table, which is detailed information of the character to be input. When the user presses the attribute information key, the next character, which is the attribute information, is selected on the guide display at the beginning of the display. In this example, "ka" which is the attribute information of the line (and is also the character 1 which is the detailed information of the line) is selected (FIG. 28, step S4). When the user presses the ``row'' key (FIG. 28, step S3), information about the ``row selection key'' is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 receives this. As a result, the CPU 5 determines that "ka" (here, detailed information) has been specified, and the CPU 5 transmits the specified character to the display section as character information. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character "ka". It will now go into standby mode. When selecting another character in the detailed information of the KA line, swipe the touch pad 3, but here, when you want to input ``KA'', it is already the attribute information of the NI line at the beginning of the guide display ( At the same time, the first character (Ka), which is the detailed information of the line, is selected, so proceed to input the next character. By pressing one of the attribute information keys again, "ka" is specified and input (FIG. 28, step S6).

In this example, we will also input the kana "ri". FIGS. 32 and 33 are flowcharts of inputting the "ra line" according to the fourth embodiment. The user presses the "ra line selection key" on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 29, step S3). Then, through the same process as above, the attribute information "ra" is placed on the convex protrusion, and the detailed information of the attribute "ri", "ru", "re", and "ro" is placed on the base of the convex shape. The displayed guide display (FIG. 34) is displayed (FIG. 32, step S4). The detailed information ``ri'', ``ru'', ``re'', and ``ro'' are displayed divided into ``ri'', ``ru'', ``re'', and ``ro'' in two directions, up and down, based on the attribute information ``ra''. The selected attribute information "ra" may be highlighted by changing its color, displaying the background and text in black and white, or making it bold.

Next, the user determines a character that is detailed information. When selecting the character "ri", the user slides (swipes) the finger backward while pressing the touch pad 3 with the finger or the like while the guide is being displayed (FIG. 32, step S7). Then, the positional information of the positions where the pressing operation starts and ends is transmitted from the touch pad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), and the CPU 5 receives this.

The CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the press start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the press release point. If y3 is 0<y, the CPU 5 selects detailed information "ru" for the row displayed in the ε1 area, which is the first area of the ε area group (FIG. 32, Step 8). The selected detailed information "ru" may be highlighted by changing its color, displaying the background and text in black and white, or making it bold.

The user further slides (swipes) his or her finger backwards on the touch pad 3 (FIG. 32, step 11). As described above, the CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the press start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the press release point. do. By the second swipe, if y3 is 0<y, the CPU 5 selects the ε2 area "ri" which is the second area of the ε area group (FIG. 32, step 14).

When the user presses any attribute information key or the like again, "ri" is specified and input.

In this example, we will continue to input the kana "n". FIG. 35 is a flowchart of inputting "wa row" according to the fourth embodiment. The user presses the "row selection key" on the keyboard (FIG. 35, step S3). Then, through the same process as described above, a guide display (with the attribute information "wa" displayed on the convex protrusion and "wo" and "n" indicating detailed information of the attribute on the base of the convex shape) is created. Figure 36) is displayed. The detailed information "wo" and "n" are displayed separately in two directions, up and down, as "wo" and "n" based on the attribute information "wa". Group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information is stored in storage devices such as the hard disk drive 6 and memory 7 of the computer 1.

Next, the user determines a character that is detailed information. To select the character "n", the user slides (swipes) the finger forward while pressing the touch pad 3 with the finger or the like while the guide is being displayed. Then, the position information of the position where the pressing operation started is transmitted from the touch pad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x1, y1), and the CPU 5 receives this. When the user releases the pressure on the touch pad 3 (takes off the finger) at an arbitrary location, the position information of the position where the pressing operation ended is sent from the touch pad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x2, y2), and the CPU 5 Receive this.

The CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the press start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the press release point. If y3 is y<0, the CPU 5 selects the row row detailed information "N" displayed in the ζ1 area, which is the first area of the ζ area group (FIG. 35, step S11). The CPU 5 transmits the specified characters to the display unit 4 as character information. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character "n".

After entering a kana character, the system waits for the next character to be entered. It is also possible to enter a kanji conversion routine by pressing the space key or the like, or to enter an alphabet input mode by pressing the "half-width/full-width kanji" key, which may be the same as in the conventional electronic computer 1. When converting kanji, the fifth embodiment described later may be used.

In the fourth embodiment, the position information used for detailed information selection is not limited to whether 0 < y or y < 0, but can also be determined by swiping the finger left or right and determining whether 0 < x. Each region of the ε region group and the ζ region group may be selected based on whether x<0.

In the fourth embodiment, when the guide display is in the form of a single vertical character (rectangular shape), attribute information may be placed at the top (FIG. 53). In this case, the ε area group extends upward from the bottom of the guide display, and ε1 area and ε2 area are provided in order from the bottom. The ζ area group extends downward from the attribute information area which is the starting point, and ζ1 area and ζ2 area are provided in the order of proximity to the attribute information area. As described above, when the attribute information area is selected, the user swipes to select the ε1 area if y3 is 0<y, and selects the ζ1 area if y<0. When the user continues to swipe, if y3 is 0<y, the area above the currently selected area is selected, and if y3 is y<0, the area below the currently selected area is selected. I'm going to go. An example of the relationship between the line selection key of each line that is attribute information and the character that is detailed information displayed in each area when the guide display is in the form of one vertical character (rectangular shape) in the fourth embodiment is The table becomes as shown in FIG. 54. 55 and 56 are flowcharts of inputting "ka line" in the same case. FIG. 57 shows the guide display of the attribute information "ka" (when the attribute information is placed at the top row) when the guide display is in the form of a vertical character (rectangular shape) in the fourth embodiment. 2 is a diagram showing a display section 4. FIG. The characters of the selected attribute information and detailed information may be highlighted, such as by changing the color, by displaying the background and characters in black and white, or by making them bold. Alternatively, the selected area may be highlighted by changing its color. Further, the entire guide display may be sequentially moved so that the currently selected detailed information is always located on the currently input character string.

In the fourth embodiment, the ε region and the ζ region expand in only two directions, and the information on the movement of the finger on the touch pad 3 is simplified in two directions. Therefore, the user is not required to make precise fingerings, and can swipe extremely quickly. Instead, the detailed information area expands linearly in only two directions, so compared to the first embodiment where the detailed information area expands flatly in four directions, it takes more swipes to reach the desired character. There is a possibility that the number of Therefore, this embodiment is more effective when the number of detailed information is not large and there is no need to display a lot of detailed information in a list.

To input a voiced sound or a semi-voiced sound, press the voiced sound key or the semi-voiced sound key after the clear sound is displayed. To input a persistent sound, press the ``ya line selection key'' at the same time as the shift key. To input a consonant sound, press the ``ta line selection key'' at the same time as the shift key. ” and swipe in the appropriate forward/backward direction and number of times. As in the second embodiment, there are "ga line selection key", "za line selection key", "da line selection key", "consonant selection key", "ba line selection key", "pa line selection key", and "suji selection key". may be provided.

With this configuration, the user can display all the clear sounds by pressing 10 keys and swiping up to two times in the forward/backward direction. Since only 10 keys are used for inputting clear sounds, the user can input easily with very little finger movement. In addition, since only 10 keys are used for inputting clear sounds, the user can easily memorize and learn the key arrangement and can easily perform touch typing. Furthermore, since only 10 keys are used for inputting clear sounds, it is possible to downsize the keyboard.

[Fifth embodiment]
In the first, second and fourth embodiments described above, embodiments for inputting Japanese kana have been shown. After entering a kana character, the system waits for the next character to be entered. Alternatively, the kanji conversion routine may be entered by pressing or pressing (pressing and releasing) the space key. When entering the kanji conversion routine, you can convert kanji using the conversion method of the previous Japanese input method, but by using the kana character word as attribute information and the kanji group corresponding to the reading as detailed information, According to the fifth embodiment, it is also possible to convert kana to kanji.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the keyboard 2 of the electronic computer 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic computer 1. As shown in FIG. The keyboard 2 and functional configuration are the same as in the first embodiment. The keyboard 8 according to the second embodiment may also be used. In the fifth embodiment, a space key or the like is used as a "conversion attribute information key". The "conversion attribute information key" is a key that sends to the CPU 5 the information that the kanji conversion routine has been entered from the kana character input routine, and also sends the information of the kana characters that are in the standby state when the key is pressed to the CPU 5 as attribute information. Send. In other words, it is both a kanji conversion key and an attribute information key. The "conversion attribute information key" may be assigned to a key other than the space key.

The input operation when converting kana to kanji using such electronic computer 1 will be explained with reference to the drawings, taking as an example the case of converting hiragana ``natsu'' into kanji ``natsu''.

FIGS. 37 and 38 are flowcharts of kanji conversion input for "natsu" according to the fifth embodiment. The user first inputs the kana ``natsu'', which is the attribute information of the kanji ``natsu'' that he or she wants to input, using any method such as in the first embodiment (FIG. 37, step S2). Kana characters are in a standby state. Next, the user presses the "conversion attribute information key" such as the space key on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 37, step S3). Then, the keystroke information is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 receives it. When a ``conversion attribute information key'' such as the space key is pressed while a kana character is in a standby state, the kanji conversion routine is entered by pressing the key. The CPU 5 identifies the kana currently displayed in the standby state from the information in the memory 7 when the conversion attribute information key was pressed. In this example, the kana character that was displayed in the standby state when the conversion attribute information key was pressed is "natsu", so the word for one is identified as "natsu". In the fifth embodiment, this "natsu" becomes the attribute information, and the corresponding kanji notation, such as "summer", "捺" [kai], "detsu", "natsu", etc., becomes the detailed information.

When the row selection key is pressed, the CPU 5 displays attribute information and a guide display (FIG. 39) showing detailed information of the attribute on the display section 4 of the computer 1 at the area corresponding to the cursor. . The guide display is a display that represents detailed information belonging to the specified attribute based on specified attribute information, and displays characters that are specified when an operation is performed according to the guide display. As shown in FIG. 39, the guide display has a convex shape rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, and attribute information is displayed on the protrusion and detailed information of the attribute is displayed on the base of the convex shape. Detailed information is expanded vertically and horizontally. It can be expanded to either the left or right, but when inputting horizontal text that is written from left to right, it is generally recommended to Expands to the right. In the case of inputting vertically written text written from top to bottom, detailed information may be expanded horizontally and downward.

The α area group extends to the right of the upper row of the attribute information area, which is the starting point, and is provided with an α1 area, an α2 area, and an α3 area in the order of proximity to the attribute information area. The β area group extends to the right of the lower part of the attribute information area which is the starting point, and the β1 area, β2 area, and β3 area are provided in the order of proximity to the attribute information area. The γ area group extends to the right above the α area group, and includes γ1 area, γ2 area, and γ3 area in order of proximity to the attribute information area. The δ area group extends to the right below the β area group, and δ1 areas and δ2 areas are provided in the order of proximity to the attribute information area. The number of region groups and regions may be increased or decreased as appropriate depending on the number of detailed information. The character ``Natsu'' in kana is displayed as attribute information in the attribute information area, and various kanji characters corresponding to the readings of ``Natsu'' are displayed in each detailed information area.

In this example, the protruding part has the attribute information "Natsu", and the convex base part has the detailed information of the attribute "Summer", "Nishi", "Kaisaku", "Otsu", "Natsu", "Natsu", " Natsu,” “Natsu,” “Shichito,” “Nagitsu,” and “Natsu” are displayed. Detailed information “Natsu” is in the α1 area, “Natsu” is in the α2 area, “Shichito” is in the α3 area, “Ni” is in the β1 area, “Natsu” is in the β2 area, and “Nagitsu” is in the β3 area. , "Kai" is displayed in the γ1 area, "Natsu" is displayed in the γ2 area, "Natsu" is displayed in the γ3 area, "Kotsu" is displayed in the δ1 area, and "Natsu" is displayed in the δ2 area.

The characters of the selected attribute information and detailed information may be highlighted, such as by changing the color, by displaying the background and characters in black and white, or by making them bold. Alternatively, the selected area may be highlighted by changing its color. Further, the guide display may have other shapes as long as attribute information and detailed information are displayed.

Next, the user selects a kanji character to input detailed information. To select the word "summer," the user slides (swipes) his or her finger backwards while pressing the touch pad 3 while the guide is being displayed. Then, the position information of the position where the pressing operation started is transmitted from the touch pad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x1, y1), and the CPU 5 receives this. When the user releases the pressure on the touch pad 3 (takes off the finger) at an arbitrary location, the position information of the position where the pressing operation ended is sent from the touch pad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x2, y2), and the CPU 5 Receive this.

The CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the press start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the press release point. The CPU 5 compares the magnitude of the absolute value of x3 and the absolute value of y3, and if |x3|<|y3|, the value of y3 is adopted, and if |y3|<|x3|, the value of x3 is adopted. . If x3<0, the CPU 5 selects the detailed information of the area to the left of the currently selected area; if 0<x3, the CPU 5 selects the detailed information of the area to the right of the currently selected area; and if y3<0, the CPU 5 If so, the detailed information of the area below the currently selected area is selected, and if 0<y3, the detailed information of the area adjacent above the currently selected area is selected.

If a plurality of detailed information areas exist in the selected direction, the detailed information of the area whose contact surface with the currently selected area is larger is selected. If the sizes of the contact surfaces are the same, the smaller value of |x3| and |y3| is used in conjunction with If <0, set the detailed information of the area to the left of the currently selected area. If 0<x3, set the detailed information of the area to the right of the currently selected area. If y3<0, set the detailed information of the area to the right of the currently selected area. If 0<y3, the detailed information of the area adjacent to and above the currently selected area is selected.

If there is no area in the selected direction, the selection of detailed information does not move and the detailed information that was selected before the swipe continues to be selected. If no area exists in the selected direction, other detailed information such as a diagonal area of the guide display may be selected, or attribute information may be selected.

Since the user is swiping his finger to the right on the touch pad 3 this time, |y3|<|x3|, and the CPU 5 selects the value of x3. This time, the user is swiping his finger to the right on the touch pad 3, so x3 is 0<x. Therefore, the CPU 5 selects the α1 area which is the first area of the detailed information α area group of the area to the right of the currently selected attribute information area, or the β1 area which is the first area of the detailed information β area group. Either one should be selected, but the size of the contact surface between the attribute information area and the α1 area is equal to the size of the contact surface between the attribute information area and the β1 area. Therefore, secondarily, y3, which is the smaller value of |x3| and |y3|, is used in conjunction with Select (FIG. 37, step S10). The selected detailed information "Summer" may be highlighted by changing its color, displaying the background and text in black and white, or making it bold. Here, if you swipe up, if |x3|<|y3| and 0<y, it will be "Kawai", and if you swipe right, if |y3|<|x3| and 0<x, it will be "Natsu". However, if you swipe downward and |x3|<|y3| and y<0, "printing" will be selected, but this is omitted in the flow diagram 37 because it covers a wide range of options. Furthermore, since there is a large amount of detailed information in the example of the fifth embodiment, detailed information other than "Natsu", "Natsu", "Natsu", and "Natsu" is omitted in FIGS. 37 and 38. .

When the user presses a confirmation key such as the enter key or the "→" key when "Summer", which is the detailed information of the attribute information "Natsu", is selected, the pressed key information is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, The CPU 5 receives this (FIG. 37, step S9). As a result, the CPU 5 determines that "summer" has been specified, and the CPU 5 transmits the specified characters to the display section 4 as character information. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character.

In each of the above embodiments, if there is a large amount of detailed information listed in the guide display, or if the desired detailed information is located diagonally to the currently selected detailed information, it may be inconvenient to swipe up, down, left, or right. be. For example, when the guide display of FIG. 39 is displayed, it is assumed that the detailed information "Kanji" is currently selected, and the target detailed information is "Nato". In this case, select by swiping sequentially "Nashi" → "Natsu" → "Kaisu" → "Natsu" → "Natsu", or "Nashi" → "Natsu" → "Nagitsu" → "Natsu" → "Nato", etc. If you do this, it will take a total of four swipes, which can be inconvenient. Therefore, for example, if one of the shift keys is set as a "diagonal progression key" and the "diagonal progression key" is pressed and swiped at the same time, the selection can be made to progress diagonally like the "corners" in Japanese chess. While pressing the "diagonal progression key", the above x3 and y3 are upper right if 0<x and 0<y, lower right if 0<x and 0<y, upper left if x<0 and 0<y, and x< If 0 and 0<y, the detailed information of the area at the lower left position is selected.If a "diagonal advance key" is provided, by swiping the touch pad 3 twice to the upper right, "Summer" → "Natsu" → "Natsu" can be selected, and the desired detailed information can be selected more efficiently.

This method uses regularly arranged combinations of vowels and consonants like the 50 sounds in Japanese (such as Hangul's anti-cut table and Thai's kokai) to create a group of appropriate attribute information and detailed information. You can also input each foreign language by creating a .

In addition, in the fifth embodiment, an appropriate kanji is selected using a hiragana character group as attribute information and a corresponding kanji group as detailed information. By setting it as information, it is also possible to input Chinese characters. When inputting Chinese using this method, after inputting Pinyin using the same method as the current Chinese Pinyin input, or using the third embodiment described above, press the "conversion attribute information key" such as the space key ( Enter the detailed information selection mode by pressing + releasing), select the appropriate detailed information by swiping the touch pad 3, then press (press + release) a confirmation key such as the Enter key or "→" key, or enter the next Pinyin input. The detailed information is confirmed. The detailed information selection mode may be entered by pressing a "conversion attribute information key" such as a space key, and after selecting appropriate detailed information by swiping the touch pad 3, it may be confirmed by releasing the "conversion attribute information key."

In addition, by applying each of the above embodiments, appropriate Zhuyin symbols are used as attribute information, attribute information keys for each Zhuyin symbol are arranged on the keyboard, and the Chinese character group corresponding to the Zhuyin symbol is used as detailed information. It is also possible to input words.

The arrangement of the attribute information selection keys in each embodiment is merely an example, and is not limited to the above arrangement, and other arrangements may be made. Further, the keyboard 2 is not limited to the JIS layout keyboard 2, but may be a US keyboard or other types of keyboards as long as attribute information can be entered. Furthermore, the arrangement of the keys in which the space key is used as the detailed information selection key in the fifth embodiment is merely an example, and is not limited to the above arrangement, and other arrangements may be made.

This input method can be implemented with a general-purpose keyboard such as a JIS keyboard, a US keyboard, or another format, but it is also possible to use a character input control device dedicated to this input method. FIG. 40 is an example of a character input control device for a dedicated machine. It is much smaller than previous keyboards, allowing you to enter text without taking up space on your desk.

The direction in which the detailed information area is developed on the display section 4 is not limited to the upper, lower, left, and right directions, but may be in other directions such as diagonally. (If diagonal, as in the case where the diagonal advance key is pressed, x3 and y3 are upper right if 0<x and 0<y, lower right if 0<x and 0<y, and lower right if x<0 and If 0<y, the detailed information of the upper left area is selected; if x<0 and 0<y, the detailed information of the area at the lower left position is selected.)

In each of the first to fourth embodiments described above, when selecting detailed information, a guide is displayed by pressing (pressing + releasing) the "attribute information key", and a guide is displayed by swiping the touch pad 3 while it is displayed. Even if detailed information is specified by pressing the "attribute information key" again (press + release) after selecting detailed information, as another method of specifying, a guide will be displayed by pressing the attribute information key, The user may select appropriate detailed information by swiping the touch pad 3 while holding down the "attribute information key" and then specify it by releasing the attribute information key. 41 and 42 are flowcharts for inputting two lines of characters using the guide display of Form 1 in this method.

In the fifth embodiment, when converting kana to kanji, when the kana characters are in the standby state, the detailed information selection mode is entered by pressing (pressing + releasing) a conversion key such as the space key, and the touch pad 3 is pressed. After selecting the appropriate detailed information by swiping, the characters of the detailed information are confirmed by pressing (pressing + releasing) a confirmation key such as the enter key or the "→" key, but When the "information key" is pressed, the user enters the detailed information selection mode by pressing the key, and after selecting the appropriate detailed information by swiping the touch pad 3 while holding the key, the user can confirm by releasing the "conversion attribute information key". Good too. The same thing applies when converting pinyin to Chinese characters.

In the first, second, fourth, and fifth embodiments described above, the distance between the keys on the keyboard and the touch pad 3 is long, or the hands of a child or child are small and the eight fingers other than the thumb are placed at the home position. If your thumb cannot reach the touch pad 3 or it is difficult to operate it, you can place the attribute information keys on the keyboard 50 one step forward from the home position as shown in FIGS. The key corresponding to "X" in the QWERTY layout is the "A row selection key", the key corresponding to "X" in the QWERTY layout is the "Row selection key", the key corresponding to "C" in the QWERTY layout is the "S row selection key", the key corresponding to "C" in the QWERTY layout is the "S row selection key", and the key corresponding to "C" in the QWERTY layout is The key corresponding to "V" in the QWERTY layout is the "TA row selection key", the key corresponding to "B" in the QWERTY layout is the "NA row selection key", the key corresponding to "N" in the QWERTY layout is the "HA row selection key", and the key corresponding to "N" in the QWERTY layout is the "HA row selection key". The key corresponding to "M" is the "Ma row selection key", the key corresponding to "," in the QWERTY layout is the "ya row selection key", the key corresponding to "." in the QWERTY layout is the "ra row selection key", and the key corresponding to the "." A "row selection key" may be placed on the key corresponding to "/". In that case, in the second embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned keys, the key corresponding to the so-called "S" in the QWERTY layout is a "row selection key", and the key corresponding to "D" in the QWERTY layout is a "row selection key". " is the key that corresponds to "F" in the QWERTY layout, the "Da line selection key" is the key that corresponds to "G" in the QWERTY layout, the "consonant selection key" is the key that corresponds to "H" in the QWERTY layout, the "B row selection key" is " is arranged in the key corresponding to "J" in the QWERTY arrangement, and a "pa line selection key" is arranged in the key corresponding to "K" in the QWERTY arrangement. Each key corresponds to the row selection key, ``a'', ``ka'', ``sa'', ``ta'', ``na'', ``ha'', ``ma'', ``ya'', ``ra'', ``wa'', one key per key. Hiragana is drawn for each letter. When combined with the second embodiment, in addition to the above, one key for each row selection key is "ga", "za", "da", "tsu", "ba", "pa", "ya". It may be possible to draw one hiragana character for each character.

While the guide display is being displayed, the mouse pointer function of the touch pad 3 may be stopped. Alternatively, the mouse pointer function may be operated using a mouse separately connected to the computer 1.

When operating the mouse pointer function using a mouse separately connected to the computer 1, as shown in FIG. The key corresponding to "S" in the QWERTY layout is the "row selection key", the key corresponding to "D" in the QWERTY layout is the "row selection key", the key corresponding to "F" in the QWERTY layout is the "row selection key", and the key corresponding to "F" in the QWERTY layout is the "row selection key". The key corresponding to "G" is the "na line selection key", the key corresponding to "Z" is the "ha line selection key", the key corresponding to "X" in the QWERTY layout is the "ma line selection key", the key corresponding to the QWERTY layout is "C The key corresponding to "V" in the QWERTY layout has the "R row selection key", the key corresponding to "V" in the QWERTY layout has the "R row selection key", the key corresponding to "B" in the QWERTY layout has the "W row selection key", etc. By arranging range attribute information keys that can be operated with one hand (further, voiced sound keys, semi-voiced sound keys, period keys, and comma keys may be arranged around them), users can easily input characters with one hand. You can operate the mouse while working by holding the mouse with one hand while simultaneously inputting text with the other hand.

The location where the guide display is displayed is not limited to the area corresponding to the cursor, but may be any other location on the display unit 4 (FIG. 46). In that case, the characters of the area currently selected in the guide display may be displayed on the cursor. In addition, attribute information is displayed in a list on the screen so that you can check the currently pressed or pressed key on the screen (Figure 47).The attribute information of the currently pressed or pressed key can be recognized by highlighting it. You can leave it there. In addition, when inputting kana, this method can be used even by people who do not memorize the 50 syllabaries, such as those whose native language is not Japanese, or even if a group of detailed information is set in an unusual classification. The attribute information and detailed information of each key may be displayed in a list so that the currently selected area can be recognized by highlighting the key. FIG. 48 is a diagram of the display section 4 when a list of guide displays is displayed in the fourth embodiment.

Appropriate values and criteria for the x, y, etc. mentioned above should be selected. In addition to the pressed position, the number of times the finger is pressed, and the direction of movement, the information used for judgment criteria includes appropriate information such as moving distance, pressing time, and the shape of the trajectory drawn by the pressed position when moving the finger while pressing. can be used. For example, the information on the swipe motion may be replaced by information such as the position and number of tap motions on the touch pad.

In this way, in this method, by using an input method that combines a keyboard and a touch pad, it is possible to select a large number of characters with one key. Only 10 keys are required to select a kana other than a consonant. If eight of these keys are located at the so-called home position of the keyboard, the user will not have to move his or her fingers far from the home position, and will be able to input characters with extremely minimal finger movement. Allows for faster typing. It also makes it easier to learn touch typing (also known as blind touch) because there are fewer keys to remember the placement of.

In addition, this method uses the 50 syllables that most Japanese speakers have memorized when inputting kana, so unlike Romaji input, even young children who do not memorize Romaji can easily input Kana. You can input kana.

Further, in this method, for example, in the first embodiment described below, the user can display all the clear sounds by pressing 10 keys and swiping up to two times in the forward, backward, leftward, and rightward directions. Since only 10 keys are used for clear sound input, the user can easily memorize and learn the key arrangement and can easily perform touch typing. Furthermore, since only 10 keys are used for inputting clear sounds, it is possible to downsize the keyboard.　

Additionally, unlike toggle input, this method does not require the same key on the keyboard to be pressed continuously, making input easy. In addition, character information, which is detailed information, is arranged in four or two directions starting from attribute information, so unlike toggle input where detailed information can only be selected in one direction, it takes a long time to reach the desired character. , the number of touch pad swipe operations can be significantly reduced compared to toggle input, allowing for efficient character selection. Also, characters that are detailed information are selected by selecting characters on the guide display, and specified by pressing other attribute information keys, so unlike toggle input, characters belonging to the same detailed information group are input consecutively. The user does not need to press the [→] key even in the case of an error, and can easily input characters.

In addition, in this method, the position information of the start and end positions of the swipe is simplified, and 4 minutes in the four directions of 0<y, y<0, 0<x, x<0, or 0<y, y<0 To divide into two directions, when selecting characters that are detailed information, select detailed information in four directions (up, down, left, right) from the starting point area during guide display, or select detailed information in two directions (up and down). With one swipe of the touch pad, the user can select four characters from above, below, left, or right, or two characters from above or below. In the case of inputting kana characters, the user can ultimately select all the kanji in the ~wa line with one line selection keystroke and two or less simple swipes. If line selection keys for voiced, semi-voiced, and sulky sounds are also provided, as in the second form described below, the user can quickly select all kana by pressing the line selection key once and swiping up to two times. You can select the desired character.

In addition, in this method, the positional information of the position where the swipe starts and ends is simplified into four directions: 0<y, y<0, 0<x, x<0, or in the 0<y, y<0 direction. To simplify things in two ways, the user can use any swipeable location on the touchpad as the starting and ending point for a swipe. Therefore, unlike flick input, the user is not required to perform accurate fingering to keep the start and end positions within a specific narrow range. Since the user simply moves and swipes his/her finger on the surface of the touch pad only in the forward/backward (left/right) direction, selections can be made with simple finger movements, and extremely high-speed fingering is possible.

Furthermore, in this method, the touch pad can be made small as long as it can simply recognize the direction and number of swipes.

In addition, in this method, the thumb movement for kana input is simply a swipe by moving the finger approximately horizontally on the surface of the touchpad in a forward/backward (left/right) direction. This code corresponds to the direction of the thumb joint when both hands are placed, allowing the user to comfortably select kana characters using natural finger movements that do not put strain on the joints.

Furthermore, with this method, even when converting Japanese kana to kanji, the conversion candidates are displayed flatly in four directions, such as up, down, left, and right on the guide display, so many conversion candidate characters can be displayed. It has the advantage that it can be displayed in a list, and it is easy to input without having to press the space key on the keyboard many times in succession until the desired character is selected.

As described above, in this method, characters can be inputted efficiently and comfortably by using an input method that combines a character input control device such as a keyboard, a position information input device such as a touch pad, and a guide display.

1 Computer 2, 8, 9, 50, 51 Keyboard 3 Touchpad 4 Display 5 CPU
6 Hard disk drive 7 Memory 10, 11 Guide display 20, 30, 40 Attribute information area 21 α1 area 22 α2 area 23 β1 area 24 β2 area 31 ε1 area 32 ε2 area 33 ζ1 area 34 ζ2 area

Claims

an information assignment step of assigning group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information to character keys of a character input device;
an information display step of displaying group information in a predetermined area of a display device by pressing a first character key to which attribute information is assigned;
an information selection step of operating the first character key to display the group information and operating the position information input device in the direction in which detailed information to be selected is displayed to select one of the group information; A character input method characterized by comprising:
The character input method according to claim 1, further comprising a group information determining step of determining selected group information when the first character key is released.
2. In the information selection step, the detailed information area displayed is configured to move each time the position information input device is operated when selecting one of the group information. Or the character input method described in 2.
The information allocation step includes an attribute information allocation step of allocating the attribute information to character keys of a character input device, and a detailed information allocation step of allocating detailed information corresponding to the character keys to which the attribute information is allocated. The character input method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
an information assignment process that assigns group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information to character keys of a character input device;
an information display process of displaying group information in a predetermined area of a display device by pressing a first character key to which attribute information is assigned;
an information selection process of selecting one of the group information by operating the first character key to display the group information and operating the position information input device in the direction in which the detailed information to be selected is displayed; Character input program to run.
6. The character input program according to claim 5, further comprising a group information determining process in which selected group information is determined when the first character key is released.
a storage device that stores group information including attribute information assigned to character keys of a character input device and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information;
a display device for displaying the group information in a predetermined area;
a calculation unit that selects predetermined attribute information or detailed information from the group information;
When the first character key of the character input control device is pressed, the group information is read from the storage device, the group information is displayed on the display device, and the position information input device is moved in the direction in which detailed information to be selected is displayed. A character input device characterized in that the character input device is configured to select one piece of group information by operating the character input device.
8. The character input device according to claim 7, wherein the character input device is configured such that the displayed detailed information area moves each time the position information input device is operated when selecting one piece of group information. .