JP2001184155A - Key input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key input device which can be miniaturized while maintaining operability. SOLUTION: The key input device is provided with a main key area 20 arranging at least twelve main keys 21-32 consisting of four rows and three columns, a cursor key 54 and a mode key 56. The cursor key 54 is formed like a rhombus and constituted of a cursor key provided with a key switch part for commanding the vertical and horizontal movement of a cursor at four corner parts. The mode key 56 is formed like a rhombus and constituted of a mode key provided with a key switch part for commanding the switching to respectively different input modes at the four corner parts.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key input device for inputting Japanese and English. More specifically, the present invention relates to a key input device capable of performing an input operation with a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a PHS, an electronic organizer, a wristwatch, a small word processor (word processor), a personal computer (PC), or the like.

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART In recent years, information devices such as personal computers have been widely used in companies and homes. As such information devices, desktop and notebook personal computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) are generally used.

[0003] When characters are input with these information devices, a keyboard is usually used. In this keyboard input, an input using an alphabet is widely used. That is, since the input using 26 letters of the alphabet has a small number of keys to remember and can easily perform a blind touch, not only English input but also Japanese input is widely used as Roman input.

The conventional keyboard has a problem that it is difficult to reduce the size of the keyboard because 80 or more keys are arranged in a complicated manner. In addition, there is also a problem that it is difficult to master a large number of keys using both hands.

[0005] For this reason, as described in Japanese Patent Application No. 11-11987, for example, the present applicant has disclosed a main key area provided with twelve main keys in four rows and three columns and four rows in the upper and lower directions. A small keyboard having a U-shaped function key area including a plurality of function keys arranged on the upper, right, and lower sides of the key area has been proposed.

In this small keyboard, for example, when operating with the right hand, the three keys in the left and right rows of the main key area are pressed with the index finger, the middle finger and the ring finger, respectively, and the function key on the right side of the main key area is pressed with the little finger. It is designed to enable efficient input operations by pressing the function keys below the area with your thumb.

[0007] In this small-sized keyboard, the main key, which is frequently input, is pressed by a relatively easy-to-move finger such as the index finger, the middle finger, and the ring finger, and the less frequently used function keys are pressed by the small finger, so that efficient input operation is performed. Was completed.

[0008]

However, when characters or the like are actually input on the above-described keyboard, in addition to the twelve main keys of four rows in the upper and lower rows and three columns in the left and right, kana (Kana) and English University A mode key for inputting (English small), numbers, symbols, etc., and a cursor key for moving the cursor up, down, left, and right are required.

For this reason, the number of keys as a whole increases, which is a factor that limits the size of the keyboard. Therefore, if the size of each key is reduced, it is possible to reduce the size of the keyboard. However, in this case, it is difficult to accurately touch each key with a finger, resulting in impaired operability.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a key input device that can be downsized while maintaining operability.

[0011]

The key input device of the present invention employs the following configuration to achieve the above object. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the drawings. The key input device according to claim 1, further comprising: a main key area 20 provided with at least 12 main keys 21 to 32 in up and down four rows and three rows and a mode key 56;
Is characterized by being constituted by one mode key switchable to a plurality of types of input modes. According to this key input device, since the mode key 56 is constituted by one mode key that can be switched to a plurality of types of input modes, the number of keys can be reduced as a whole.
Therefore, the size can be reduced without changing the size of each key. That is, downsizing can be achieved while maintaining operability.

A key input device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to the first aspect, wherein
Is formed in a rhombus shape, and has key switch portions 56A to 56D at four corners thereof. Each of the key switch portions 56A to 56D has a kana mode, an alphabet mode, a numeric mode, and a symbol mode set therein. It is characterized by being. Here, the alphabet mode includes at least one of a lower case mode and an upper case mode. Also,
The kana mode may include a katakana mode in addition to the open mode. According to this key input device,
With one mode key 56, it is possible to switch between four modes: a kana mode, an alphabetic mode, a numeric mode, and a symbol mode. Moreover, when switching modes, it is only necessary to press the diamond-shaped corner of the mode key, that is, any one of the corners corresponding to the desired mode.
The operation can be performed simply and quickly rather than changing the mode by simultaneously operating a plurality of keys.

A key input device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to the first or second aspect, in which a cursor is positioned above or below the mode key 56 by left, right,
One cursor key 54 for instructing up and down movement is arranged, and this cursor key 54 is formed in a rhombus, and is a key switch for instructing the cursor to move left, right, up and down at four corners thereof. It is characterized by including the parts 54A to 54D. According to this key input device, in addition to the mode key, the cursor key 54 is also constituted by one key, so that the number of keys can be reduced as a whole. Therefore, without changing the size of each key,
Downsizing is achieved. That is, downsizing can be achieved while maintaining operability. Moreover, when the cursor is moved, it is only necessary to press the diamond-shaped corner of the cursor key, that is, any one of the corners corresponding to the desired moving direction, so that the operation can be performed quickly.

A key input device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to the third aspect, wherein:
4 and the mode key 56 are arranged on the left side of the main key area 20. According to this key input device, each row of the main keys 21 to 32, which are frequently touched, is operated by the index finger, the middle finger, and the ring finger, and the cursor key 54 and the mode key arranged on the left side of the main keys 21 to 32 are arranged. An input operation can be performed by tapping the key 56 with the index finger or the left hand. Therefore, while typing characters by tapping the main keys 21 to 32 with the index finger, the middle finger, and the ring finger, the index finger can be moved slightly to the left, or the cursor key 54 and the mode key 56 can be operated with the left hand. The input operation can be performed efficiently. In particular, if the mode key 56 is operated with the left hand, the mode key 56 and the main keys 21 to 32 can be simultaneously operated.

The key input device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the key input device according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein a plurality of function keys 51 to 59 including the cursor key 54 and the mode key 56 are provided on the main input device. It is arranged in a C-shaped function key area along the upper, left and lower sides of the key area 20. According to this key input device, since the function keys 51 to 59 are arranged on the upper, left, and lower sides of the main key area 20, each row of the main keys 21 to 32, which are frequently touched, is operated with the index finger, the middle finger, and the ring finger. The function keys 51 to 56, 59 on the upper and left sides of the main keys 21 to 32 are depressed with the index finger, the middle finger, or the left hand, and the lower keys 57, 58 are depressed with the thumb. It can be performed. Therefore, all keys 21 to 32, 51 to 59 can be operated without using the little finger, and input operability, especially for beginners who are not accustomed to using the little finger, can be improved.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (Overall Configuration) This embodiment is an example in which the key input device of the present invention is applied to a portable information terminal 1 as shown in FIGS. The portable information terminal 1 is connected to, for example, a cellular phone or a PHS, and transmits input information through the portable information terminal 1 or stores and displays received information. And a disc-shaped lid 4 provided on the rear wall via a hinge 3 so as to be openable and closable. A key input device 5 is provided on the main body 2, and a liquid crystal screen 6 is provided on the inner surface of the lid 4.

The key input device 5 includes a rectangular main key area 20 provided on the right side of the main body 2, and a function key area 50 formed along the upper, left and lower sides of the main key area 20. It has. That is, a C-shaped function key area 50 is provided along the upper, left, and lower sides of the main key area 20. In the main key area 20, at least twelve main keys 21 to 32 in four rows and three rows are arranged. In the function key area 50, nine function keys 51 to 59 are arranged.

(Structure of Main Keys 21 to 32) Each character, symbol and function are set in the main keys 21 to 32. That is, on the key surface (key top) of each of the main keys 21 to 32, a character key such as an alphabet used for Japanese input or Roman input, which is input when each key 21 to 32 is pressed alone, is used. Is set. Here, the arrangement of the character keys in the main keys 21 to 32 is such that a vowel key is set on the upper side and a vowel key is set on the lower side.
In the Roman alphabet input, consonant keys for inputting "ka line" to "wa line" are arranged in combination with the vowel keys.

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
1 to 25 are first character keys which are input when the key is pressed once, such as "A", "I", "U", "E", "O" representing a vowel as a character array. It is arranged as. The sequence is "A", "I", "U", from left to right and from stage 1 to stage 2.
The characters are set so as to be "E" and "O" in consideration of ease of remembering the characters.

Each of the other keys 27 to 32 is
As the first character key that is input when the user hits the key once, "K", "S", "T", "N", which represent Japanese consonants,
"H" and "R" consonant keys are arranged.
Consonant keys "Y" are arranged. These arrays are
"Ka" row, "sa" row, "ta" row, "na" row, "ha" row,
The setting is made so that the consonants of the "Ra" line and the "Ya" line are arranged almost in the order of Akasatana. Further, on the keys 32 and 26, consonant keys of "M" and "W" are arranged as second character keys which are input when the keys are hit twice consecutively. This arrangement is such that the remaining “ma” and “wa” rows are arranged.

The keys 27 to 29 and 31 include "G", "Z", "D" and "B" as second character keys which are input when the key is hit twice consecutively. Are arranged. That is, the "ga" line, the "za" line,
Consonants "G", "Z", which input "da" line and "ba" line
"D" and "B" are Kiyone "ka" lines, "sa" lines, "ta"
Enter the row, “ha” row “K”, “S”, “T”,
The sound is set so as to correspond to “H” and arranged so that the clear sound and the dull sound correspond to each other.

In the key 31 to which "H" and "B" for inputting "ha" line and "ba" line, "P" for inputting "@" line as a third character key is set. "Is set, and the input of the" @ "line can be performed easily and with good operability. The key 30 to which "N" for inputting the "na" line is set is also used as a key for inputting a sound-repellent "n" in Roman character input.

Further, the vowel keys 21 and 24 to which "A" and "E" are set are long vowels "-" and "-" as second character keys.
The prompting sound “tsu” is a set long tone setting vowel key and a prompting sound setting vowel key, respectively. In addition, “X”, “F”, “J”, and “V” are set in the keys 26 to 29 as third character keys that are input when the keys are hit three times in succession. I have. In the key 30, "C" is set as a second character key in the English input mode, and "Q" is set as a third character key. Further, “L” is set to the key 32 as a third character key.

Therefore, regarding the 26 letters of the alphabet, five keys 2 out of 12 main keys 21 to 32 are used.
Vowels "A", "I", "U", "E",
“O” is set alone, and the other keys 26 to 32 are set with three other 21 characters. Specifically, the key 26 is “YWX”, the key 27 is “KGF”, and the key 28
"SZJ", key 29 "TDV" and key 30 "N
CQ ", key 31 is" HBP ", key 32 is" RML "
Are set respectively.

Above the key top of each of the main keys 21 to 32 (above the symbol indicating the character or function at the time of the single input), various symbols to be input in accordance with the number of times pressed in a symbol mode described later. Is set. In particular,
"() '" For key 21, "$" for key 22, key 2
3, “<＾>”, key 24 “<> ｀”, key 25 “[] tilde symbol”, key 26 “/% |”, key 27
To “− + =”, “＠ * #” to key 28, and “￥
& ＄ ”, key 30:“ • :; ”, key 31:“, _
~? "And".!? "Are set in the key 32, respectively.

At the upper left position of the main keys 21 to 32 (upper left position of the main keys 21 to 32), various numbers and symbols input in the number mode are set. Specifically, the numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”,
“5”, “6”, “7”, “8”, “9”, “0”, comma “,”, and period “.” Are set, respectively. Note that these numbers and symbols are set so as to be input when each of the main keys 21 to 32 is pressed once in the numeric mode.

(Configuration of Function Keys 51 to 59) Function Key 5
In 1 to 59, various functions used at the time of input mode switching and character input are set. That is, on the key tops of the function keys 51 to 59, symbols indicating functions to be input when those keys are pressed alone are written. Specifically, it is as follows.

The key 51 is provided with a backspace function for deleting the character to the left of the cursor with "retreat" written on its surface. When this key 51 is kept pressed, auto repeat is activated, and a plurality of characters can be continuously deleted.
“Menu” is written on the surface of the key 52. When this key 52 is pressed, a menu is displayed on the screen 6, and any menu can be selected by the number of the character key. The key 53 has a function of canceling an instruction, with "Return" written on its surface.

The key 54 is set as a cursor key. The key 55 has a half-width / full-width mode switching function for switching between a half-width mode and a full-width mode with “half / full size” written on its surface. The key 55 is also provided with a power ON / OFF function.
/ OFF ". The key 56 is set as a mode key.

The key 57 has a function of converting an undetermined character (kana) into a kanji or the like with "Space / Conversion" written on its surface. When the key 57 is repeatedly pressed, the next candidate is displayed. Also,
When the key 57 is depressed in a state where there is no undetermined character, a blank (space) is input.
That is, the space input function is set. In this case, if the key 57 is pressed for a certain period of time, for example, more than 2 seconds, the space is continuously input (auto-repeat).

The key 58 has "Execute" written on its surface, and is set with functions for determining the input character, executing an instruction, inputting a line feed, and the like. The key 59 has "Small" on its surface, and depending on the number of times the character is pressed, converts the previously input character to lowercase, or changes the previously input character to a clouded point "@". And a function to add a semi-turbidity point “゜” are set.

(Details of Cursor Key 54) As shown in FIG. 5, the cursor key 54 is formed in a rhombus shape, and has key switch parts 54A to 54A at four corners on the left, right, upper and lower sides.
54D. On the surface of each of the key switches 54A to 54D, a symbol indicating the moving direction of the cursor is written.

(Details of Mode Key 56) Mode Key 56
Is formed in a diamond shape as shown in FIG.
Key switch parts 56A to 56 at the four corners of right, top and left
D. Characters such as "Kana", "English small", "Numerical" and "Symbol" are written on the surface of each of the key switch portions 56A to 56D. However, the character "English large" is written in the lower right position of the key switch section 56B. The mode is switched according to the operation of these kana keys (key switch unit 56A), English small keys (key switch unit 56B), numeric keys (key switch unit 56C), and symbol keys (key switch unit 56D).

I) Kana / Kana mode Pressing the kana key (key switch section 56A) once switches the mode to the "kana (hirakana) mode". In the “kana (hirakana) mode”, pressing the kana key (key switch section 56A) once switches the mode to the “kana (katakana) mode”. ii) English small / English large mode When the English small key (key switch section 54B) is pressed once, the mode is switched to “English small letter mode”. In the "lowercase mode", pressing the small key (key switch section 54B) once switches the mode to the "uppercase mode". iii) Numeric mode Pressing the numeric key (key switch section 54C) once switches to the "numerical mode". iv) Symbol mode Pressing the symbol key (key switch unit 54D) once switches to the “symbol mode”.

(Key Input Processing) The input processing function of the key input device 5 having the above-described key arrangement will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. First, the keys 21 to 23
The key input detecting means 101 detects whether or not keys 2, 51 to 59 have been hit. For example, a fixed cycle (for example, 1 to
10ms), a timer interrupt is performed, and each key 21-32, 5
It checks the I / O ports and the like assigned to 1 to 59 to see if there is any key input.

When it is determined that there is no key input, the timer interrupt is repeated at a constant cycle and the key input is waited. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a key input, the key input processing means 102 performs an input process. When the mode key 56 is depressed to switch the input mode, the mode switching means 103 is activated, and the key input processing means 102
Are appropriately switched and set.

The key input processing means 102 performs processing so that predetermined characters, numerals, and the like are output according to the set input mode and the input key. Then, the output characters and numbers are displayed on the liquid crystal screen 6 via the screen control unit 104.

(Input of Characters, Numbers and Symbols) i) Kana / Kana Mode In the Hiragana mode, pressing the main keys 21 to 32
Hiragana is input by inputting Roman characters. That is,
When the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed once, a vowel is input. When the consonant keys 26 to 32 and the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed, a hiragana by a Roman character input is input as “consonant + vowel”.
When you press the main keys 21 to 32 in Katakana mode,
As in the hiragana mode, katakana is input by romaji input.

In the hiragana mode and the katakana mode,
When a vowel key 21 to 25 is pressed, the vowel is input. At this time, if the vowel keys (I, U, O) 22, 23, and 25 are continuously pressed twice or more, the alphabet (vowel) is continuously input. On the other hand, when the long sound setting vowel key 21 and the prompting sound setting vowel key 24 are continuously pressed two or more times,
A long sound and a prompt sound are input according to conditions.

In the hiragana mode and the katakana mode, when the key 59 is pressed, the character entered immediately before is converted to lower case in accordance with the number of times the key 59 is pressed.
Alternatively, a voiced point “゛” or a semi-voiced point “゜” is added to the character input immediately before. Specifically, "ka" line, "sa"
Line, or any character in the “ta” line (ie, “ka”
"Ki""ku""ke""ko""sa""shi""su""se"
After one of the characters “SO”, “TA”, “CHI”, “TU”, “TE”, “TO”) is input and the key 59 is pressed once, the immediately preceding character is converted to lower case, When pressed twice, the character entered immediately before is added with a cloud mark “゛”. When pressed three times, the character returns to the original character. For example, if the key 59 is pressed once after "ka" is input, it is converted to lowercase "ka", and when it is pressed twice, a cloud point "@" is added and becomes "ga", and is pressed three times. And return to the original character "ka". Also, for example, if the key 59 is pressed once after “ke” is input, it is converted to a lowercase “ke”.
Is added and becomes "ge", and when pressed three times, returns to the original character "ke". Further, after any character on the “ha” line is input (that is, any character of “ha”, “hi”, “fu”, “he”, or “ho”), if key 59 is pressed once, When the character is input twice, the voiced character "゛" is added. When the character is pressed twice, the semi-voiced character "゜" is added to the character input immediately before.
Press once to return to the original character. For example, if the key 59 is pressed once after "ha" is input, a clouded point "゛" is added to "ba", and when it is pressed twice, a semi-voiced point "゜" is added to "ぱ". When it is pressed three times, it returns to the original character "ha". In addition, "A""I""U""E""O""Ya"
After one of "Yu", "Yo" and "Wa" is entered, key 5
When 9 is pressed once, the character entered immediately before is converted to lower case, and when pressed twice, the character returns to the original character. For example,
After the key "A" is input, if the key 59 is pressed once, the character is converted into a lowercase "@", and if the key 59 is pressed twice, it returns to the original character "A".

Ii) Alphabet mode When the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed in the alphabet mode, each alphabet is input. At this time, the vowel keys 21 and 2
Pressing 5 twice or more in succession will repeatedly input that alphabet. On the other hand, each consonant key 26-32
Pressing twice will input the character on the left side of each key top, pressing twice will input the character at the center, and pressing the key three times will input the character on the right side. When the button is pressed four times, the state returns to the state where the button is pressed once. Note that lowercase and uppercase letters are input by switching the input mode first.

Iii) Numeric mode In the numeric mode, when the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed, the numbers "1" and "2" written on the upper left of each key 21 to 32 are displayed.
"3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8", "9", "0", "," and "." Are input. If the key is pressed multiple times, the numbers, commas, and periods are input as many times as the key is pressed.

Iv) Symbol mode In the symbol mode, when the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed, the symbols "(", "@", "", "<" written on the upper left of the key top of each key 21 to 32 are displayed. , "[", "/",
“−”, “＠”, “￥”, “•”, “,” and “.” Are input, respectively. If you press twice, the main keys 21-
The symbols ")", "$", "", ">", "]", "%",
“+”, “*”, “&”, “:”, “_”, And “!” Are input, respectively. When pressed three times in succession, the main key 21
The symbols “'”, “”, “＾”, “｀”, “tilde symbol”,
"│", "=", "#", "＄", ";", "~",
"?" Is input.

(Effects of Embodiment) 1) In the key input device 5, the cursor key 54 and the mode key 56 are each constituted by one diamond-shaped key, so that the number of keys can be reduced as a whole. Therefore, the size can be reduced without changing the size of each key. That is, downsizing can be achieved while maintaining operability.

2) One mode key 56 can be used to switch between "kana (kana) mode", "english small (english large) mode", "numerical mode" and "symbol mode". And when switching modes,
Since it is only necessary to press the key switch units 56A to 56D provided at any corners corresponding to the desired mode,
The operation is simpler and faster than switching the mode by simultaneously operating a plurality of keys.

3) Since the plurality of function keys 51 to 59 are arranged in the C-shaped function key area 50 along the upper side, the left side, and the lower side of the main key area 20, the main key 21 having a high frequency of tapping is provided. The index finger, middle finger,
Operate with the ring finger, and use the main keys 21 to 32
Each of the function keys 51 to 56, 59 on the upper side and the left side can be input with an index finger or a left hand, and the lower keys 57, 58 can be input with a thumb. Therefore, all the keys can be operated without using the little finger, and the input operability can be improved especially for a beginner who is not accustomed to using the little finger.

4) Since the cursor key 54 and the mode key 56 are arranged on the left side of the main key area 20, each row of the main keys 21 to 32, which are frequently pressed, is operated with the index finger, the middle finger and the ring finger. Since the cursor key 54 and the mode key 56 can be operated by slightly moving the index finger to the left or the left hand, the input operation can be performed efficiently.

5) Conversion / space key 57 and execution key 5
8 is located below the main keys 21 to 32, that is, the main key 21 is pressed by the index finger, the middle finger, and the ring finger.
Since it is arranged in a position where the thumb can be easily touched when the user touches keys 32 to 32, for example, at the time of inputting Japanese, the index key, the middle finger, and the third finger key the main keys 21 to 32 to input characters. By pressing the conversion / space key 57 and the execution key 58 with the thumb while inputting, the kana-kanji conversion operation can be easily performed, and the operability particularly in Japanese input can be improved.

6) Character keys (main keys) 21 to 32
Are arranged in three rows and can be touched with three fingers, the index finger, the middle finger, and the third finger, and each finger can slightly move from the home position to hit the corresponding key 21 to 32. For this reason, even a beginner can easily learn the key position, and can quickly perform the key input operation by blind touch.

7) For a key on which a plurality of characters and symbols are set, the characters and symbols are written on the surface of the key.
By pressing the key one to three times, a desired character or symbol can be easily input. Therefore, the input keys can be easily grasped, and the input operability can be further improved.

8) Romaji input and English input can be performed using twelve main keys 21 to 32, which are significantly less than the conventional keyboard, so that the key input device 5 can be downsized, It can be easily applied to a very small device such as a wristwatch and the like, and the position of the key can be easily remembered, can be operated with one hand, and even a beginner can easily learn.

(Modifications) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes other configurations capable of achieving the object of the present invention, and includes the following modifications. It is. For example, the key input device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and may include the function keys 51 to 51.
The key arrangement of 59 and the character keys 21 to 32 may be changed in each key area 20 and 50. For example, the mode key 56
Cursor keys 54 may be arranged below.

Further, the key input device 5 of the embodiment is
Although the setting has been made so that Japanese input can be performed, a key input device that performs only English input may be used. In this case, main keys 21 to 32 and function keys to which English input functions are set may be provided. Furthermore, each main key key 2
The arrangement of character keys, symbols, and numbers shown in the key tops of the function keys 51 to 59 and the function keys 51 to 59 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the vowel keys 21 to 25 are not on the upper side but on the lower side or on the left and right. It may be arranged on the end side or the like. Further, the number of function keys is not limited to nine as in the above-described embodiment, but may be eight or less, or ten or more, and these may be appropriately set in implementation.

The type and use of the key input device of the present invention are not limited to personal digital assistants (PDAs), but also input devices for personal computers, notebook personal computers, mobile personal computers, mobile phones, PHS, electronic notebooks, etc. For use as key input devices for information processing devices such as calculators, calculators, and pen-touch keyboards, as key input devices built into measuring devices and control devices, and as home appliances such as Internet TV remote controllers. Is also good.

[0055]

According to the key input device of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. According to the key input device of the first aspect, since the mode key is constituted by one mode key that can be switched to a plurality of types of input modes, the number of keys can be reduced as a whole. Therefore, the size can be reduced without changing the size of each key. That is, downsizing can be achieved while maintaining operability.

According to the key input device of the second aspect,
With one mode key, Kana mode, English mode,
It is possible to switch between four modes: a number mode and a symbol mode. In addition, when switching modes, it is only necessary to press the diamond-shaped corner of the mode key, that is, any one of the corners corresponding to the desired mode. The operation is simple and quick.

According to the key input device of the third aspect,
In addition to the mode key, the cursor key is also constituted by one key, so that the number of keys can be reduced as a whole. Therefore, without changing the size of each key,
Downsizing is achieved. That is, downsizing can be achieved while maintaining operability. Moreover, when the cursor is moved, it is only necessary to press the diamond-shaped corner of the cursor key, that is, any one of the corners corresponding to the desired moving direction, so that the operation can be performed quickly.

According to the key input device of the fourth aspect,
Each row of the main key that is frequently touched is operated with the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the cursor key and the mode key arranged on the left side of the main key are input with the index finger or the left hand. it can. For this reason, while typing the character by tapping the main key with the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, the index finger can be moved slightly to the left, or the cursor key or the mode key can be operated with the left hand,
Efficient input operation. In particular, if the mode key is operated with the left hand, the mode key and the main key can be operated simultaneously.

According to the key input device of the fifth aspect,
The function keys are located above, to the left of, and below the main key area, so that the rows of main keys that are frequently touched can be operated with the index, middle, and ring fingers, and the function keys above and to the left of the main keys Can be input with the index finger, the middle finger, or the left hand, and the lower key can be touched with the thumb. Therefore, all the keys can be operated without using the little finger, and the input operability can be improved especially for a beginner who is not accustomed to using the little finger.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a portable information terminal using a key input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the same embodiment with the lid closed.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the same embodiment with the lid closed.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing a main key of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing a cursor key of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a mode of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the key input device in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Personal digital assistant 5 Key input device 20 Main key area 21-32 Main key 50 Function key area 51-59 Function key 54A-54D Key switch part 56A-56D Key switch part

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Kazuko Matsumoto F-term in NTT Mobile Communication Network Co., Ltd. 2-1-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 5B020 AA02 AA03 CC12 DD11 FF14

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A mode key comprising: a main key area provided with at least 12 main keys arranged in at least four rows and three rows and left and right, and one mode switchable to a plurality of types of input modes. A key input device comprising a key. 2. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the mode key is formed in a diamond shape, and has key switches at four corners thereof, and each key switch has a kana mode. A key input device, wherein an alphabet mode, a number mode, and a symbol mode are set. 3. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein a cursor is placed on the upper or lower part of the mode key by moving the cursor left, right, or right.
One cursor key for instructing to move up and down is arranged. The cursor key is formed in a diamond shape, and a key switch unit for instructing the cursor to move left, right, up and down at four corners thereof. A key input device comprising: a key input device; 4. The key input device according to claim 3, wherein the cursor key and the mode key are arranged on a left side of the main key area. 5. The key input device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of function keys including the cursor key and the mode key are C-shaped along an upper side, a left side, and a lower side of the main key area. A key input device, wherein the key input device is disposed in a function key area.