JP2001331253A - Key inputting device and portable telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key inputting device capable of easily inputting symbols, characters, and numbers in a key inputting device in which the number of keys is small. SOLUTION: This key inputting device 5 is provided with a main key area 20 in which at least 12 main keys 21-32 across vertical four rows and horizontal three columns are arranged and a mode key 54 in which at least three key switch parts are arranged. In this case, characters, numbers, and symbols to be inputted when each main key 21-32 is depressed are shown on the surface of each main key, and each key switch part of the mode key 54 is constituted of a key switch part 54A for inputting Japanese syllabary, a key switch part 54B for inputting alphabets, a key switch part 54D for inputting numbers, and a key switch 54C for inputting symbols so that the input mode of the main key can be switched. The relative positions of each key switch part is made to correspond to the relative positions of the characters, number, and symbols shown on the main keys.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a key input device for inputting Japanese and English and a portable telephone. More specifically, a key input device capable of performing input operations with a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a PHS, an electronic organizer, a wristwatch, a small word processor (word processor), a personal computer (PC), and the like, and the key input device The present invention relates to a mobile phone having:

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When inputting characters with an information device such as an ordinary personal computer, a keyboard is usually used. This conventional keyboard has over 80 keys. For this reason, numbers, letters, symbols, etc. can be set separately for each key, and numbers, letters, symbols, etc., are mixed, such as e-mail input and address input when browsing the Internet homepage. Even in this case, input can be made relatively easily by pressing each key.

[0003] In recent years, even small information devices such as mobile phones have been equipped with a function of transmitting and receiving e-mails and a function of browsing Internet homepages. In a small device such as a mobile phone, as many as 80 keys cannot be arranged like a keyboard. For this reason, for example, in a mobile phone, numbers, kana, and alphabets are set to about 12 keys provided for inputting a telephone number, and a switching key for switching an input mode is sequentially pressed, and a mode display on a screen is displayed. The mode is switched to a number input mode, a kana input mode, and an alphabet input mode to input numbers and characters.

[0004] For this reason, in a mobile phone, a numeral, a kana ("a, ka, sa, ta, na, hana, ma, ya, ra," Wow ... "),
The alphabet (ABCD ...) is written.

[0005]

However, the symbols are only some of the symbols, for example, punctuation marks "." And punctuation marks ",", and many other symbols are displayed on the screen. The user had to select from a menu to be entered and could not easily input. In particular, when a mobile phone is used for telephone calls, these symbols need not be entered, but when entering an e-mail using a mobile phone or entering an address for browsing a homepage, enter these symbols. In some cases, and there is a problem in that if symbol input is difficult, operability is reduced. For this reason, there has been a demand for a key input device capable of easily inputting not only characters and numbers but also symbols in a device having a small number of keys, for example, a mobile phone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a key input device and a portable telephone which can easily input symbols, characters and numbers in a key input device and a portable telephone having a small number of keys.

[0007]

A key input device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
And a mode switching key 54 having at least three key switches, wherein the main keys 21 to 32 are provided.
On the front surface, three types of symbols, characters, numbers and symbols, which are input when the key is pressed, are written. The three key switch units of the mode switching key 54 respectively set the input mode of the main key, A key switch for character input to be set in a character input mode, a key switch for numeric input 54D to be set to a numeric input mode, and a key switch for symbol input 54C to be set to a symbol input mode are provided. The relative position of each key switch unit in which the mode is set is set corresponding to the relative position of characters, numbers and symbols described on the main key.

According to the key input device 5, symbols are set and displayed on each of the main keys 21 to 32 in addition to characters and numerals, and the input mode of the main keys is changed by the mode switching key 54.
Since it is switched by the input of the key switch part of
Switch between letters, numbers, and symbols for easy input. Therefore, even if the number of keys is small, symbols can be set for each key, so that many symbols can be easily input. In addition, since the relative position of each key switch portion of the mode switching key 54 corresponds to the relative position of letters, numbers, and symbols written on the surface of each main key, switching operation by the mode switching key is intuitive. In addition, the switching operability can be improved easily and easily. Furthermore, each input mode is set for each key switch that can be input independently,
Since each input mode is set so that it can be switched directly, compared to a conventional mobile phone, pressing one key a predetermined number of times and checking the mode display displayed on the screen while setting the input mode Therefore, the switching operation is simplified, and it is not necessary to check the screen display or the like, so that the operability can be improved.

In the present invention, the fact that the relative position of each key switch portion corresponds to the relative position of letters, numbers and symbols on the surface of each main key is not limited to the case where they completely match. It is only necessary that the user of the key input device 5 has a positional relationship capable of grasping the notation on the main keys 21 to 32 and the position of the key switch unit of the mode switching key 54 in a corresponding manner. For example, in the main key, when a character is disposed on the right side of a number and directly below a symbol, the key switch for character input is on the right side of the key switch for number input, and It is only necessary to be below the key switch unit, and it is not necessary to be arranged immediately below the key switch unit for inputting symbols.

The character input key switch of the mode switching key is a kana input key switch 54A for setting the main key input mode to the kana input mode.
And the key switch unit 54B for inputting alphabetic characters, which is set to the alphabetic input mode. If the key switch for character input and the key switch for alphabetical input are provided independently as key switch for character input, Kana input and alphabet input can be performed by directly inputting each key switch. Switching can be performed easily, and input operability can be further improved.

The mode switching key 54 is provided at four positions where the angle with respect to the center of the mode switching key differs by 90 degrees, the kana input key switch portion 54A, the alphabet input key switch portion 54B, and the symbol input key. Switch part 5
It is preferable that the 4C and the numeric input key switch unit 54D are respectively set. Here, various shapes such as a circle, an ellipse, a rhombus, and a rectangle can be used as the mode switching key. Then, in such a mode switching key, the four key switch units are connected to four positions in which the angle with respect to the center of the mode switching key differs by 90 degrees, for example, above the center of the mode switching key (12:00 on the timepiece). Direction), right side (3 o'clock direction), bottom side (6 o'clock direction)
Hour direction), left side (9 o'clock direction)
If the positions are set at 90-degree intervals with respect to the center of the key, each key switch can be easily input and separated, and the mode switching operation can be easily performed.

The mode switching key 54 is formed in a rhombus shape, and has four corners at which the key switch unit for inputting a kana, the key switch unit for inputting an alphabetic character, the key switch unit for inputting a symbol, and the key switch for inputting a numeral. It is preferable that each section is set. As a mode switching key,
As described above, the shape may be a circle or an ellipse, but if it is formed in a rhombus and each key switch is set at its four corners, the position of the key switch can be easily grasped and the operation can be facilitated. Further, the size of the mode switching key can be made relatively small while the input operability is maintained, and the mode switching key can be easily incorporated into a small device such as a mobile phone. Further, as the mode switching key, each key switch unit may be composed of physically independent keys, that is, three or more keys, but if the mode switching key 54 is composed of one key, The number of keys can be reduced as compared with the case where keys for switching each mode are individually provided.
Therefore, miniaturization can be achieved without changing the size of each key. That is, downsizing can be achieved while maintaining operability.

Here, a number is written on the left side of the surface (key top) of the main keys 21 to 32, a symbol is written on the upper side, and a character is written on the lower side. , A key switch unit 54 for inputting a numeral on the left end side
D is set, and the symbol input key switch 54C is
Is set on the lower side, and one of the key switch sections for the kana input key switch section 54A and the alphabet input key section 54B is set on the lower side, and the other of the kana input key switch section and the alphabet input key switch section is set on the right side. Preferably, a key switch section is set. Like a mobile phone,
In the case where 12 main keys are provided in four rows and three rows in the left and right directions, the main keys can be compactly formed if they are formed in a horizontally long shape. In such a horizontally long main key, if a number is written on the left side, the number can be relatively large, and the key can be set to a key suitable for a mobile phone or the like that has a large number of numeric inputs in normal use.

Here, the four key switches 54A to 54D of the mode switching key 54 are also provided with cursor key functions for moving a cursor up, down, left and right, respectively. It is preferable to provide a mode key 55 for switching to one of the setting function and the cursor key function. At this time, for example, when the mode key is pressed once or twice after the mode key is pressed (pressed and released), each input mode is selected and locked, and otherwise, the cursor key function operates. It may be set as follows.

In a conventional portable telephone, the cursor keys are usually set as character keys, and it is troublesome to operate the cursor function while characters or the like are being input. On the other hand, if a cursor key function is incorporated in the mode switching key 54 as in the present invention, the cursor function can be easily operated even during character input, and operability can be improved. Further, by incorporating a cursor key function into the mode switching key, an increase in the number of keys can be suppressed. For example, the key arrangement space can be reduced as compared with a case where a single cursor key is provided separately from the mode switching key. For this reason, in the present invention, in particular, it can be easily incorporated into a small device such as a mobile phone.

When the input mode of the main key is set to the "kana input mode", when one kana character having a lowercase letter is input after the mode key 55 is pressed and released. It is preferable that the setting is made such that the lowercase letter of the kana character is input. For example,
When the main key 21 is depressed after the mode key 55 is pressed, a lowercase "@" of "a" is input instead of the normal "a". Other lowercase letters "ぃ, ぅ, ぇ, ぉ,
ゃ, ゅ, 、, 、, ヵ, 、, 」” is the same. On this occasion,
When one lowercase character is input, the mode automatically returns to the original kana input mode, that is, a one-time input method in which the lowercase input function operates only on the kana character input next to the mode key 55 is adopted. Then, the operation of returning to the original mode becomes unnecessary, and the operability can be improved.

If the mode key 55 has a function of inputting the entered kana character as the lowercase character, the lowercase character can be easily input, and an independent key for the lowercase character input mode is arranged. No need,
Since the increase in the number of keys can be suppressed, it is particularly suitable for a small device such as a mobile phone.

Further, the input mode of the main key is
When each of the main keys is pressed while pressing the mode key 55 when the mode is set to either the kana input mode or the numeric input mode, the English character set for the main key is corresponding to the number of times of keying. Preferably, it is set to be input.

With this setting, it is not necessary to use the mode switching key 54 to switch the input mode when temporarily inputting English characters or the like during kana input or numeric input. English characters can be input by simple operation. At this time, whether uppercase letters or lowercase letters are input may be appropriately set in an initial setting or the like, but usually, uppercase letters may be input.

Further, when the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed while pressing the mode key 55 in the alphabet input mode, uppercase letters are input in the lowercase mode, and lowercase letters are input in the uppercase mode. You may set so that it may be input. With this setting, input operability can be improved even when only one character is input in uppercase or lowercase.

When the mode key 55 is depressed once after the main keys 21 to 32 are depressed, the number of times the main key is depressed is determined and the corresponding characters and symbols are output. Immediately after the mode key is pressed,
When the mode key is repeatedly pressed one or more times, it is preferable that a repeat input for repeatedly inputting the determined character or symbol as many times as the number of times the mode key is pressed functions. In this case, characters and symbols set to the same key can be easily and continuously input. For example, when continuously inputting the same character such as “www”, only pressing the mode key the number of times is repeated. Well, the input efficiency can be greatly improved.

It is preferable that the mode switching key 54 is arranged above the main key area 20. With such an arrangement, the main keys 21 to 32 and the mode switching key 54 can be easily arranged on a vertically long device like the mobile phone 1 and each key can be set relatively large, so that input operability can be improved. Can be improved.

The key input device includes at least twelve main keys 21 to 32, and five keys 21 to 25 out of the twelve main keys 21 to 32 are alphabets representing vowels. A "," I "," U ",
Character keys to be input in the character input mode of "E" and "O" are individually set, and the other seven keys 26 to 32 each include a character representing another 21 consonants of the alphabet in three keys.
It is preferable that the number is set individually. At this time,
The two keys 21 to 32 are arranged in four rows vertically and three rows horizontally.
Character keys for inputting "A", "I", and "U" are sequentially set from the left to the three keys 21 to 23 in the uppermost row, and the two keys 24 and 25 from the left in the second row from the top are set. It is preferable that character keys for inputting "E" and "O" are set in order from the left. If the vowels are arranged in such an order, the key positions can be easily remembered, and the operability can be further improved.

According to this key input device, the most frequently used vowels in both Japanese and English, namely "A", "I",
Since "U", "E", and "O" are set as independent keys, these characters can be input by pressing the key once.
For this reason, the number of keystrokes at the time of vowel input can be reduced, operability is improved, and high-speed input is also possible. Also, since the other 21 letters of the alphabet are arranged in three on each of the seven keys 26 to 32, it is possible to input 26 letters of the alphabet with a very small number of keys such as 12 keys. The key input device 5 excellent in portability can be formed. further,
Each of the seven keys to which consonant keys are set has three characters, so if each character is divided by the number of times each key is pressed, pressing each key up to three times Any character can be entered to improve operability, and since each consonant is evenly arranged on each key, the balance of keystroke operations can be improved and operability can be further improved.

The seven keys to which the consonants are set include “KGF”, “SZJ”, “TDV”, and “NC”, respectively.
It is preferable that combinations of character keys input in the character input mode of "Q", "HBP", "RML", and "YWX" are set. According to this key input device, consonants “K, S, T,” for inputting the “ka” line to the “wa” line by being combined with the vowel key in Roman alphabet input.
N, H, M, Y, R, W "for the first or second key
Since it can be set as a character key, it is possible to input a consonant of a clear tone, which is frequently input next to a vowel, by a simple operation, and the operability can be further improved. Further, the "K" key for inputting the "K" line, the "G" key for inputting the "ga" line of the voiced sound, and the "S" key for the "S" key for inputting the "Sa" line.
Press the "Z" key to enter a row, "T" to enter a "ta" row
The key "D" is entered for the key "D", and the key "H" is entered for the "H" key. The key "B" is entered for the "Ba" line. It can be entered using the same key (for example, by changing the number of times the key is pressed). Therefore, the input operation of the muddy sound can be easily remembered, and the input operation can be performed at high speed.

The twelve main keys in four rows and three rows in the upper and lower rows are "1", "2", "3", "4", "5",
"6", "7", "8", "9", "*", "0",
It is preferable that numbers and symbols to be input in the number input mode of “#” are set. According to this key input device, numeric keys from “0” to “9”, “*”,
Since the symbol “#” is provided, it is possible to easily perform an operation of inputting numerical data, an operation of inputting a telephone number into a telephone directory such as a mobile phone, a wristwatch, an electronic organizer, and making a telephone call. . In particular, since the main keys are arranged in four rows in the upper and lower rows and three rows in the left and right rows, “1”, “2”, “3”,
"4", "5", "6", "7", "8", "9",
If the numbers such as “*”, “0”, and “#” are set, the arrangement is the same as that of the push buttons in various telephones such as a mobile telephone, and it can be easily applied to telephones and faxes.

It is preferable that each of the main keys 21 to 32 is set with three symbols to be input in the symbol input mode. For example, the upper and lower four-stage left and right three-row
The two main keys are "() '", "｛｝", ""
＾ ”, <> ｀,“ [] tilde symbol, “/% │”, “− +
= ”,“ ＠ * # ”,“ ￥ & ＄ ”,“ • :; ”,“ __ ”,“.! ”
? It is preferable that three symbols are set in the symbol input mode. According to such a key input device, for each of the twelve main keys 21 to 32,
Since three types of symbols are set, for example, each key 21 to
Pressing 32 once will input the left symbol, pressing twice will input the center symbol, pressing 3 times will input the right symbol, and a total of 36 symbols can be input with 12 keys.

Therefore, it is possible to input many symbols with a small number of keys, and to input almost all the symbols that can be input with a full keyboard used in a normal personal computer even with only 12 keys. Can be. Then, in the key input device of the present invention, in addition to the symbols, the numbers “0 to 9”,
Since all characters (alphabet) can be entered, 12
Even if there are only a few keys, it can be used like a full keyboard.

Further, a portable telephone according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned key input device. In a mobile phone, the number of keys is set to be small in order to enhance portability and operability. By incorporating the key input device of the present invention into such a mobile phone, it is possible to have the same function as a full keyboard with a small number of keys. For this reason, when entering an address etc. with a mobile phone,
In a mobile phone having an Internet browser function and an e-mail function, when inputting an e-mail or an address, each character, number, and symbol can be input in the same manner as a normal full keyboard, and the same operation can be performed.

At this time, of the main keys, one of the keys 30 marked with “*” and the keys 32 marked with “#”, which are input in the numeric input mode, are provided in the character input mode. It is preferable that "," which can be input is set, and "." Which can be input in the character input mode is set to the other key.

In a mobile phone, it is necessary to be able to input "*" and "#" in addition to the ten numbers 0-9. However, "*" and "#" are not so frequent when characters are input. Therefore, at the time of character input, the keys 30, 3 in which these “*” and “#” are set
2. In addition to the characters, ", (comma)", ". (Period)"
Can be input, the operability of character input is improved, and a function equivalent to a full keyboard can be provided with a small key layout. When inputting a kana, a reading point “,” and a period “.” May be input instead of “, (comma)” and “. (Period)”.

[0032]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (Overall Configuration) This embodiment is used as a key input device 5 of a mobile phone 1 as shown in FIG. The mobile phone 1 includes a microphone 2, a speaker 3, and a liquid crystal display 4, and a key input device (key input unit) 5 in which a plurality of keys are arranged.

The key input device 5 has a main key area 20 provided below the portable telephone 1 and a function key area 50 provided above the main key area 20. In the main key area 20, as shown in FIG.
2 are arranged. In the function key area 50, nine function keys 51 to 59 are arranged.

(Structure of Main Keys 21 to 32) The main keys 21 to 32 are formed in a horizontally long and substantially elliptical shape, and each character, numeral and symbol are set. 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 on the main keys 21 to 32 is such that a vowel key is set on the upper side and a vowel key on the lower side is combined with the vowel key in Roman alphabet input. ~ Consonant keys for inputting "Wa" are arranged. In the present embodiment, Roman character input is adopted as Japanese input. Since the Roman character input has a smaller number of characters than the 50 kana characters, the key input device 5 or the like having a small number of keys is easier to operate than the case where 50 kana characters are set for each key. With the widespread use of personal computers, most users who input Japanese use Roman characters, so there is an advantage that it is easy to work on.

Further, in the input of Roman characters, the appearance frequency of each character has a regularity, the frequency of vowels is the highest, and consonants then appear almost in the order of the Japanese syllabary "K, S, T, N ...".
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vowel keys are set collectively on the upper main keys 21 to 25, and the consonant keys are arranged on the lower keys 26 to 32 in descending order of frequency. In addition, the order is easy to hit.

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 the "ha" line and the "ba" line, "P" for inputting the "@" 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, for 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 the like at the time of the single input), various symbols to be input in accordance with the number of times of pressing in the symbol mode described later are set. Have been. Specifically, key 2
1 is “() ′”, key 22 is “｛｝”, key 23 is “” ＾ ”, key 24 is“ <> ｀ ”, and key 25 is“ [] ”.
“Tilde symbol”, “/% │” on key 26 and “−%” on key 27
+ = ”,“ ＠ * # ”on the key 28,“ ￥ & ”on the key 29
＄ ”, the key 30 is“ • :; ”, the key 31 is“, _ ~ ”
“.!?” Is set in the key 32, respectively.

On the left side of the key tops of the main keys 21 to 32 (left side positions of the characters and numbers), various numbers and symbols to be input in the number input mode are set. Specifically, the numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”,
"5", "6", "7", "8", "9", "*",
Numerals and symbols used in telephones “0” and “#” are set, respectively. Note that these numbers and symbols are used for each of the main keys 21 to 3 in the number input mode.
It is set so that it is input when key 2 is pressed once.

Further, "*" of the main keys 30 and 32,
Below the “#” symbol, “,” and “.” That are input in the character input mode (Kana and English characters) are written and set. The input operation of “,” and “.” May be set as appropriate for execution. For example, for each key 30, 32,
Since three consonants (characters) are set, normally, it is sufficient to set so that "," and "." Are input when the key is hit four times in succession. Furthermore, in the kana input mode, in consideration of the characteristics of Japanese Roman alphabet input, for example, when the conversion key is pressed immediately after the keys 30 and 32 are pressed, the keys are changed to “,” and “.”. The input may be determined.

(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.

Function keys 51 to 53 arranged above the main keys 21 to 32 and having the same shape and size as those of the main keys 21 to 32 are used to set various functions to be used by the mobile phone. ing. More specifically, the function key 51 is provided with a symbol indicating the state where the handset is taken off by telephone on the surface of the function key 51, and a function for making and receiving a call is set. In addition, the function key 52 is written with “clear” on its surface, and has a function of sequentially clearing the input characters and the like when numbers, characters, symbols, and the like are input. Further, the function key 53 is provided with a symbol indicating a state where the receiver is hooked up by telephone on the surface thereof, and a function of hanging up the telephone is set.

Above each of the function keys 51 to 53, there are provided a mode switching key 54 formed in a flat rhombus shape, and five function keys 55 to 59 arranged around the mode switching key 54. Among these function keys 55 to 59, the mode key 55 used for switching the input mode is constituted by the mode switching key 54 together with the mode switching key 54.

(Details of Mode Switching Key 54) The mode switching key 54 is formed in a diamond shape as shown in FIG.
A key switch section 54 is provided at the four corners below, right, top, and left.
A to 54D. Each key switch unit 54A to 54D
On the surface of the "kana", "letters", "symbols", "numbers"
Is written.

A function for switching the input mode to the kana input is set in the kana input key switch section 54A in which "kana" is described. Similarly, the function of switching to the alphabet input mode is provided in the key switch unit for alphabetical input 54B in which "alphabet" is described, and the function of switching to the symbol input mode is provided in the key switch unit for symbol input 54C in which "symbol" is described. , A function for switching to the numeric input mode is set in the numeric input key switch unit 54D in which “numeric” is written.

More specifically, each input mode (fixed mode)
Can be switched by the following operation. i) Kana input mode By pressing the mode key 55 and then pressing the kana input key switch section 54A once, the mode is switched to the "kana (hirakana) mode". Also, after pressing the mode key 55,
When the key switch 54A for kana input is pressed twice, the mode is switched to the “kana (katakana) mode”. When the mode is already set to the "hirakana mode", the mode key 55 is pressed and the key switch unit 54A for inputting the kana is set to one.
Just press it twice to switch to "Kana (Katakana) mode". ii) Alphabet input mode When the mode key 55 is pressed and then the key switch 54B for alphabet input is pressed once, the mode is switched to the "lowercase mode". When the key switch section 54B for inputting alphabetic characters is pressed twice after pressing the mode key 55, the mode is switched to the "alphabet capital mode". In addition, "Alphabet mode" is already
In the state of, the mode is switched to the "upper case mode" only by pressing the mode key 55 and then pressing the alphabet input key switch section 54B once. iii) Numerical input mode After pressing the mode key 55, the numeric input key switch 54D is pressed once to switch to the "numeric input mode". iv) Symbol input mode When the key switch 54C for symbol input is pressed once after pressing the mode key 55, the mode is switched to the "symbol input mode".

Table 1 summarizes the above operations.

[0053]

[Table 1]

These key input key switch units 54
A, key switch unit 54B for alphabetical character input, key switch unit 54C for symbol input, and key switch unit 54 for numeric input
The relative position of D is set in accordance with the relative positions of the characters, symbols, and numbers written on the main keys 21 to 32. That is, in each of the main keys 21 to 32, the symbol is written on the right side of the numeral and above the character. In response to this, a key switch unit 5 for inputting symbols is provided.
4C is a key switch unit 54A for character input, which is on the right side of the key switch unit 54D for numeric input and is a key switch unit for character input, and a key switch unit 54B for alphabetical character input.
It is arranged above.

Similarly, in each of the main keys 21 to 32, the numeral is written on the left side of the character and the symbol.
Are key switch units for symbol input 54C and key switch units for character input 54A
It is arranged on the left side of the key switch unit 54B for inputting alphabetical characters.

Further, in each of the main keys 21 to 32, the characters are written on the right side of the numerals and below the symbols, and corresponding to this, the key switch for character input is a kana input key. The switch section 54A and the alphabetical input key switch section 54B are arranged on the right side of the numeric input key switch section 54D and below the symbol input key switch section 54C.

On the surface of each of the key switches 54A to 54D of the mode switching key 54, a symbol "▲" indicating the moving direction of the cursor is written adjacent to the character indicating each of the input modes. , Mode switching key 54
Is also provided with a function as a cursor key. Specifically, when the key switch unit 54A for kana input is pressed alone without pressing the mode key 55, the cursor moves downward. When the key switch unit 54C is pressed alone, the cursor moves up, and when the key switch unit 54D for numerical input is pressed alone, the cursor moves left.

Accordingly, the key input device 5 switches one mode switching key (cursor mode switching key) 54 and the input of each of the key switches 54A to 54D of the mode switching key 54 to the cursor movement mode and the input mode setting mode. And a mode key 55 for switching the mode. The four key switches 54A to 54D of the mode switching key 54 move the cursor left, right, up, and down in a cursor movement mode (when the mode switching key 54 is input alone). When the mode switch key 54 is pressed after the mode key 55 is pressed, the input mode of the main keys 21 to 32 is switched to four different input modes. It will be set.

The mode key 55 also has the following three functions used in the kana input mode and the alphabet input mode. The first function is a one-time input function of lowercase letters and punctuation. That is, in the kana input mode, when the character keys 21 to 32 are pressed after pressing and releasing the mode key 55, lowercase letters and punctuation marks of kana can be easily input.

That is, when the key 21 is pressed once after the mode key 55 is pressed and released, a small vowel "@" is input.
Similarly, after pressing and releasing the mode key 55,
Pressing each of the keys 22 to 25 once will produce a small vowel "ぃ, ぅ,
ぇ, ぉ ”is input. Further, after pressing the mode key 55 and pressing "Y = YA (key 26 + key 21)" and inputting one character, the lowercase character "@"
Is entered. Similarly, when the character "Y, yo, ka, ke, tsu, wa" is input after the mode key 55 is pressed, the lowercase letter "@, yo, ka, ka, tsu, wa" is input. When the keys 30 to 32 are pressed after the mode key 55 is pressed,
The middle point “•”, the reading point “,”, and the period “.” Set in the symbols of the keys 30 to 32 are input.

Table 2 summarizes these one-time input operations. In Table 2, each key is represented by a number set for the key.

[0062]

[Table 2]

The one-time input function is a function for automatically returning to the original kana mode when one lowercase letter or punctuation is input after the mode key 55 is pressed.

The second function is a shift function of uppercase letters for inputting uppercase letters in the kana, alphabetic and numeric modes. In other words, there are cases where you want to temporarily enter alphabetic characters when entering the kana mode or the number mode, or when you want to enter only one letter such as the beginning of a sentence or a noun in the lowercase mode. In this case, it is a function to directly enter uppercase letters.

In the shift input function, when each of the keys 21 to 32 is pressed one to three times while pressing the mode key 55 in the kana mode, the number mode, or the lower case mode, a corresponding upper case character is displayed in accordance with the number of times of keying. Entered directly. When the mode key 55 is released, the mode returns to the original mode. In addition, in the uppercase mode, each key 21 to 3 is pressed while pressing the mode key 55.
When 2 is pressed 1 to 3 times, the corresponding lowercase alphabet is directly input according to the number of times of keying.

A third function is a function of separating alphabetic characters and symbols and a function of repeating identical characters and symbols. That is,
If a single key has more than one letter or symbol,
The letters and symbols set for the same key may be entered consecutively. In this case, it is necessary to confirm the key input once. Therefore, when the mode key 55 is pressed once after the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed a predetermined number of times, the number of times the main key is pressed is determined and the corresponding character or symbol is output, and then the same key is pressed. By pressing a predetermined number of times, characters and symbols set to the same key can be continuously input. For example, in the case of continuously inputting "TD", after the key 29 is pressed once, the mode key 55 is pressed once to determine "T", and then the key 29 is pressed twice again to input "D". Should be input.

When the mode key is repeatedly pressed once or more immediately after the mode key 55 is pressed, the determined character or symbol is repeatedly input by the number of times the mode key is pressed. The input is set to work. For example, when inputting "www",
When the mode key 55 is pressed once after pressing the key 26 twice, “w” is determined. However, when the mode key 55 is pressed once (to be pressed twice in total), it becomes “ww” and is pressed twice. (Total 3
Twice) and "www" is input. That is, [6]
When [6] [mode] [mode] is input, "ww" is input, and [6] [6] [mode] [mode] [mode]
Is input, "www" is input. Therefore, when the same character is continuously input after the character is input, the input can be performed by pressing the mode key 55 as many times as the number of times.

The mode key 55 is also provided with a mail button function. For example, when the mode key 55 is pressed twice independently and continuously to execute the mail button function, a mail menu is displayed on the screen. It has been made possible to receive and send mail. In order to indicate the mail button function, a symbol representing a mail is written adjacent to the mode key 55.

At the lower right of the mode switching key 54, a function key 56 with "manner" written on its key top is arranged. When the manner button 56 is pressed, the mode is switched from the normal mode to the manner mode. ing. Also,
The function key 56 is also provided with a telephone directory function which is executed when the function key 56 is hit twice, for example, and a symbol indicating the telephone directory function is written adjacent to the function key 56. Have been.

At the upper left of the mode switching key 54, a function key 57 having a symbol "!" When the function key 57 is pressed, the browser browsing function for browsing the Internet homepage is set to operate. On the upper right of the mode switching key 54, a function key 58 with "Menu" written on its key top
Is arranged. When this function key 58 is pressed, the screen 4
Are set to display various menus. Above the mode switching key 54, a function key 59 having a symbol in the form of a black circle "●" is displayed on the key top. The function key 59 is set as a decision button when a selection item of the displayed menu is selected by the mode switching key (cursor key) 54.

In this embodiment, the mode switching key 5
The key switch unit 54A of No. 4 is also provided with a kana-kanji conversion function for converting an undetermined character input in the kana input mode into a kanji.

(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.

If 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. The mode switching key 54
When the input mode is switched by pressing
The mode switching means 103 is activated, and the key input processing means 1
The input mode 02 is switched and set as appropriate.

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 4 via the screen control unit 104.

(Input of Characters, Numbers, and Symbols) Input of characters, numbers, and symbols in the key input device 5 will be described with reference to FIG. i) Kana / Kana mode In 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.

The vowel keys (I, U, O) 22 and 2
When 3, 25 is pressed twice or more consecutively, the alphabet (vowel) is continuously input. On the other hand, when the long tone setting vowel key 21 and the prompting tone setting vowel key 24 are pressed twice or more consecutively, a long tone and a prompting sound are input according to the conditions.

That is, the vowel key (I, U, E, O) 2
2 to 25, a function key (backward key) 51, a cursor left key (key switch unit 54A), and a cursor right key (key switch unit 54B) are pressed (in the case of FIG. 4).
When the long tone setting vowel key 21 is pressed twice or more consecutively, the input is performed as follows. When the long tone setting vowel key 21 is pressed twice consecutively after other vowels or the like, a long tone "-" is input and 3
When pressed continuously, "vowel + long sound", that is, "a-" is input. Further, when the button is pressed four times in a row, “long sound + vowel (−a)” is input.
"Long sound (-a-)" is input. When the button is pressed six times in succession, the state returns to the state where the button is pressed once.

On the other hand, in other cases (case of FIG. 4)
When the long tone setting vowel key 21 is depressed twice in succession, the following is input. Press the long vowel key 21
Pressing twice consecutively inputs "vowel + vowel (aa)", pressing 3 times continuously inputs "vowel + long (a-)", pressing 4 times consecutively causes "vowel + long sound". + Vowel (aa) "is input. When the button is pressed five times in succession, the state returns to the state where the button is pressed once.

The vowel keys (I, U, E, O) 22 to
25, the function key (backward key) 51, the cursor left key (key switch section 54A), and the cursor right key (key switch section 54B) are pressed (in the case of FIG. 4), Pressing the key continuously will input "tsu", pressing it three times in succession will input "e", and pressing it four times in succession will return to the state where it was pressed once.

On the other hand, in other cases (FIG. 4)
, When the consonant setting vowel key 24 is pressed twice consecutively, "ee (converted to" e ")" is input, and when it is pressed three consecutive times, "e" is input, and four consecutive times Then, when pressed, "ee" (converted to "e") is input. When the button is pressed five times in succession, the state returns to the state where the button is pressed once.

Each of the consonant keys 26 to 32 is set with three consonants of the first character to the third character, respectively. Have been able to. That is, if pressed once, the character on the left side of each key top will be pressed twice, and the central character will be 3
Press twice to enter the characters on the right. In addition, 4
When pressed once, state pressed once (input of characters on left side)
Return to

However, in the kana mode, even if the consonant key 30 to which "N" is set is pressed twice or three times, "C, Q"
Is not input, "n" is input by tapping once, and "nn" is input by pressing twice, and "n" is input.
Is converted to "n + n" by inputting "nnn" three times. When the key 30 is also pressed four times in succession, the state in which the main key 30 is pressed once is returned. When the main key 30 is pressed once, "n" is basically input. When a main key other than a vowel is pressed after the main key 30, "n" is input. Is converted.

In the hiragana mode and the katakana mode, after the mode key 55 is pressed, each vowel key 21 to 25 is pressed, or "Y, Y, Y, Y, K, K, T,
"Wa", one-time input works, and the lowercase letter is entered. When the keys 30 to 32 are pressed after the mode key 55 is pressed, the one-time input is activated, and the middle point ".", The reading point ",", and the period "." When one lowercase letter or punctuation is input, the mode returns to the original kana mode.

Further, when each of the main keys 21 to 32 is pressed one to three times while holding down the mode key 55, the shift input function is activated, and the corresponding uppercase alphabet is directly input. When the mode key 55 is released, the mode returns to the original mode.

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 the lowercase and uppercase characters are input by switching the input mode first, but if the shift input function is operated by pressing the keys 21 to 32 while pressing the mode key 55, the lowercase and uppercase characters are set in the lowercase mode. Uppercase letters are entered, and lowercase letters are entered in uppercase mode.

Iii) Numerical mode In the numeric mode, when the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed, the numerals "1" and "2" written on the left side of the surface of each key 21 to 32 are displayed.
"3""4""5""6""7""8""9""0" and "*", "#" are input. When the key is pressed a plurality of times, each number, “*”, and “#” are input by the number of times the key is pressed. Also in this numeric mode, when each of the main keys 21 to 32 is pressed one to three times while pressing the mode key 55,
The shift input function is activated, and the corresponding capital letter is directly input.

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.

When the alphabets and symbols set in the same keys 21 to 32 are continuously input, as described above,
After the main keys 21 to 32 have been hit a predetermined number of times, the mode key 55 is pressed once to delimit the input.
The number of keystrokes 1 to 32 is determined, corresponding characters and symbols are output, and then the same keys 21 to 32 are pressed a predetermined number of times.

When the mode key 55 is pressed once or more immediately after the main keys 21 to 32 are input and the mode key 55 is pressed, the input characters and symbols are Repeat input, which is repeated for the number of times the key is pressed, functions. For this reason, when inputting the same character continuously after inputting the character, the mode key 5
The user can input by pressing 5 times.

(Effects of Embodiment) (1) In the key input device 5, the main keys 21 to 32 are
In addition to letters and numbers, symbols are also set and described, and the inputs of the main keys 21 to 32 are switched by the inputs of the key switches 54A to 54D of the mode switching key 54.
Switch between letters, numbers, and symbols for easy input. Therefore, even if the number of keys is small, symbols can be set to each of the keys 21 to 32, so that many symbols can be easily input. In particular, in the present embodiment, Roman characters are used for Japanese input, so there is no need to write three types of kana, alphabets, and numbers on the surface of the main keys 21 to 32 unlike a conventional mobile phone. Instead of "kana" and "alphabet", only the alphabet may be described. Therefore, each main key 2
In addition to numbers and alphabets, symbols can be additionally written on the key tops 1 to 32. If three symbols are set on the key tops of the main keys 21 to 32 as in the present embodiment, , 36 symbols can be easily input.
In addition, characters and symbols are set in twelve main keys 21 to 32 in three rows and four rows.
The key layout is very easy to understand because it matches the key of a normal mobile phone composed of a number of numeric keys, and speedy character input can be easily performed.

(2) The relative positions of the key switches 54A to 54D of the mode switching key 54 are
Since it corresponds to the relative position of the letters, numbers and symbols written on the surface of 2, the switching operation by the mode switching key 54 can be intuitively and easily grasped, and the switching operability can be improved.

(3) The mode switching key 54 is
Since it is composed of one key, the number of keys can be reduced as a whole as compared with a case where keys for switching each mode are individually provided. Therefore, the size can be reduced without changing the size of each key. That is, downsizing can be achieved while maintaining operability. In addition, each key switch section 54 is provided at four corners of the mode switching key 54 formed in a diamond shape.
A to 54D, the key switch unit 54A
The position of ~ 54D can be easily grasped, and the operation can be facilitated.
Further, while maintaining the input operability of the mode switching key 54, the size thereof can be made relatively small, and the mode switching key 54 can be easily incorporated into a small device such as the mobile phone 1.

(4) The mode switching key 54 incorporates not only an input mode switching function but also a cursor moving function, and the mode switching key 54 is also used as a cursor key. The number of keys can be reduced as compared with the above, and the key can be more easily incorporated into a small device such as the mobile phone 1. Therefore, it is possible to easily and easily input characters, numbers, and symbols equivalent in number to the keyboard of a personal computer without increasing the number of keys of a conventional mobile phone. For this reason, even if the number of keys is small,
Input can be performed in the same manner as a keyboard, and functions equivalent to those of a full keyboard can be provided. Therefore, each letter and number,
Symbols can be input reliably and easily, such as inputting e-mail using a mobile phone or PDA, entering an address for browsing the Internet homepage, searching for various information on the homepage, Even when input of characters and symbols is required, such as when purchasing a service, it is possible to reliably respond.

(5) Four key switches 54A to 54D
, So you can directly and easily switch between “Kana (kana) mode”, “alphabet (small / english) mode”, “numerical mode” and “symbol mode”. As compared with the method of pressing a specific key several times and switching while watching the mode display on the screen as described above, the mode switching operation is greatly simplified, and the input operability can be further improved. In addition, since the hiragana mode and the katakana mode and the lowercase mode and the uppercase mode can be switched only by changing the number of times the key switches 54A and 54B are pressed, the mode switching operation can be further simplified.

(6) Since the plurality of function keys 51 to 59 are arranged above the main key area 20, the main keys 21 to 32, which are frequently pressed, can be arranged in the lower area where the thumb can be easily pressed. Input operability can be improved. Moreover,
Since the function keys 51 to 59 and the main key area 20 are arranged vertically, the keys as a whole form a vertically long area, which is suitable for being incorporated into the mobile phone 1 which is mostly in a vertically long shape. Key layout can be realized.

(7) The mode key 55 is provided with a one-time input function of lowercase letters and punctuation marks, and after pressing and releasing the mode key 55, inputting a predetermined character or pressing any of the keys 30 to 32 enables the keypad to be used. Easily enter lowercase letters and punctuation. In addition, attention is paid to the fact that two or more lowercase letters and punctuation marks are rarely input consecutively, and the one-time input function automatically returns to the original kana mode when one lowercase letter or punctuation mark is input. Thus, input operability can be further improved.

(8) The mode key 55 is provided with an English character shift input function for directly inputting English characters by inputting simultaneously with the other main keys 21 to 32 in the kana mode or the number mode. Even when English characters are temporarily input during input, simple operations are sufficient and operability can be improved. In addition, in uppercase mode or lowercase mode,
By simultaneously inputting the mode key 55 with the keys 21 to 32 for the name, lowercase or uppercase letters can be easily input, and operability such as when only one uppercase letter is input during inputting an English sentence can be improved.

(9) Since the mode key 55 is provided with a function of inputting alphabetical characters and symbols, characters and symbols set in the same key can be easily and continuously input. In addition, since the mode key 55 has a repeat function of continuously inputting the same characters and symbols, the input operability when inputting the same characters and symbols continuously can be greatly improved.

(10) The most frequently used vowels in both Japanese and English, namely "A", "I", "U", "E", "O"
Are set to the independent keys 21 to 25, these characters can be input by pressing the key once. For this reason, the number of times of keying in frequently used vowel input can be reduced. Therefore, input operability can be improved, and high-speed input can be performed. Further, the vowels "A", "I", "U", "E",
Since “O” is arranged from the first row to the second row and from left to right, it is easy to remember the key position of each vowel and operability can be further improved.

(11) Also, since the other 21 letters of the alphabet are arranged three by seven on the keys 26 to 32, the alphabet 2 can be formed with a very small number of keys such as twelve.
It is possible to form the key input device 5 which can input six characters, is small and has excellent portability. Furthermore, since three characters are arranged on each of the seven keys to which consonant keys are set, when each character is input by the number of times each key is pressed, each key is pressed up to three times. When pressed, any character can be input to improve operability, and since each consonant is evenly arranged on each key, the keying operation can be well balanced and operability can be further improved.

(12) The keys are set separately for keys 26 to 32 in which consonants "K" to "W" are set and main keys 21 to 25 in which vowels "A" to "O" are set. Because
Japanese can be input by inputting Roman letters of "consonant + vowel". For this reason, when inputting Japanese, it is possible to input by performing an operation of pressing a key twice on average. For example, “A” line to “W” line are set for ten keys, and each key is set. The input operability can be improved and a high-speed input can be performed as compared with the Japanese syllabary arrangement in which each character is pressed by pressing 1 to 5 times.

(13) The vowel key 21 is set to a second character key for inputting a long tone "-", and the key 24 is set to a second character key for inputting a prompt sound "tsu". When key 24 is continuously pressed two to five times, key input processing means 102
Can output a character string that includes the long sound "-" and the prompting sound "tsu", which makes it easy to input the frequently used long sounding "-" and the prompting sound "tsu" in Japanese input, and improves the character input efficiency. Can be improved. In particular, the long sound setting vowel key 21 and the prompting sound setting vowel key 24 are input depending on whether they are input after another vowel key or the like, or after a consonant key, that is, the arrangement of character strings in Japanese input. In consideration of the above, the combination of the output character strings is changed, so that the character input efficiency can be further improved.

(14) Input a turbid sound using “G”, “Z”, “D”, and “B”; input a sound-repelling “n” by pressing “N” twice; + Y + vowels ", and the input of muddy and the like by the combination of characters similar to the Roman alphabet input on the conventional general keyboard, so that the key operation can be quickly learned and the operability is also improved. You can improve and input at high speed.

(15) Further, in the input of Roman characters,
"K" to input "K" line and "G" to input "G" line
To the main key 26, “S” to enter the “sa” row and “Z” to enter the “the” row to the main key 27, “T” to enter the row, and “T” to enter the row "D" is set to the main key 28, "H" for inputting a row C and "B" for inputting a row are set to the key 30, respectively. It can be input by changing the number of presses. For this reason, the key position for the muddy sound can be easily grasped, the input operation can be easily remembered, and the input can be performed at high speed.

(16) Key 2 in which a plurality of characters and symbols are set
Nos. 1 to 32 have the characters and symbols written on the surface of the keys, and the desired characters and symbols can be easily input by pressing the keys 21 to 32 one to three times. Therefore, the input keys can be easily grasped, and the input operability can be further improved. In particular, each symbol corresponds to each key 21-32.
Since each of the three keys is arranged in the same manner as in the case of the consonant, the keying operation can be well-balanced and the operability can be further improved. Furthermore, since numbers are written on the left side of the surface of the horizontally long main keys 21 to 32, symbols are written on the upper side, and letters are written on the lower side, the numbers can be expressed relatively large, so that normal use is possible. In this case, the key can be set to a key suitable for the mobile phone 1 having a high ratio of numeric input.

(17) In addition to characters, ", (comma)" and ". (Period)" are added to the keys 30, 32 to which "*" and "#" are set when using a telephone with a mobile phone. Since it is possible to input, ",",
"." Can be easily input, the operability at the time of input can be improved, and a function equivalent to a full keyboard can be provided with a small key layout.

(18) Romaji input and English input can be performed using twelve main keys 21 to 32, which are significantly less than those of a conventional keyboard, so that the key input device 5 can be reduced in size and a mobile phone can be used. 1. It can be easily applied to a very small device such as a wristwatch, etc., and it is easy to learn the position of the key, 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 that can achieve the object of the present invention, and the following modifications are also included in the present invention. . 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 5.
9 and the key arrangement of the character keys 21 to 32 are also assigned to each key area 2.
It may be changed within 0,50. For example, in the embodiment, the vowel "A, I, U, E, O" is stored in the main key area 2
Although the upper two keys 21 to 25 are set to 0, the keys may be arranged in the middle two keys or the lower two keys, and each consonant may be set to the remaining keys. Furthermore, the vowel "A, I, U, E,
"O" is the key 21, 24 in the left column of the main key area 20.
The keys may be set to the keys of the left and center columns, the keys of the center and right columns, and the keys of the left and right columns, for example, by setting them to keys 27 and 30 and the center column.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Are not set to “,” and “.”, And these commas and periods are replaced with the symbols “,” and “.” Set in the keys 31 and 32.
May be used to input.

The number, shape, and set functions of the function keys 51 to 59 are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment, and may be set as appropriate according to the device in which the key input device 5 of the present invention is incorporated.

Furthermore, the shape of the mode switching key 54 is not limited to a rhombus, but may be circular, elliptical, rectangular, rectangular, triangular,
It may be a square or the like, and may be set as appropriate for implementation. In the above embodiment, the integrated mode switching key 5
Although 4 is used, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, each key switch unit 54A to 54D may use a mode switching key composed of four physically independent keys.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mode switching key 54 is provided with the two character input key switch units of the kana input key switch unit 54A and the alphabet input key switch unit 54B. When a dedicated key input device 5 is used, or when a key input device 5 is used only for kana input, only one character input key switch unit may be provided. In short, in the present invention, the mode switching key 54 only needs to include at least three key switch units of a character input key switch unit, a numeric input key switch unit, and a symbol input key switch unit. .

The positions of the key switches 54A to 54D in the mode switching key 54 are not limited to the arrangement in the above-described embodiment, but may be determined according to the positional relationship between the characters, numerals and symbols written on the main keys 21 to 32. Just set it. Furthermore, even if the key top notation of the main keys 21 to 32 is the same as in the above embodiment, the key switch unit 5 for kana input is used.
The positions of 4A and the alphabetical input key switch 54B may be reversed.

In the above-described embodiment, the cursor moving function is incorporated in the mode switching key 54. However, the cursor moving function may be eliminated, or even if a cursor key different from the mode switching key 54 is provided, A cursor movement function may be incorporated. At this time, as a cursor key,
Like the mode switching key 54, the key may be formed in a flat rhombus, a circle, or the like and provided with four key switches.
It may be composed of two different keys. in this case,
The mode key 55 is not always necessary, but may be left in order to realize a one-time input function such as a small letter.

Main key area 20 and function key area 5
The positional relationship of 0 is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be appropriately set according to the device into which the key input device 5 is incorporated. For example, the function key area 50 in which the mode switching key 54 and the like are arranged may be arranged below the main key area 20. The key area 50, that is, the mode switching key 54 may be set.

In the above embodiment, the mode key 55 has a function of switching the mode switching key 54 between an input mode setting function and a cursor key function, a one-time input function for lowercase letters, a shift input function for English characters, and an alphabetical character. , The function of separating symbols, the function of repeating the same character and the symbol, etc., are set. However, it is not always necessary to provide all of these functions, and they may be appropriately selected and set for implementation. Further, the input method of each function by the mode key 55 is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be replaced as appropriate. For example, a setting may be made such that when the mode switching key 54 is pressed alone, the input mode switching function operates, and when the mode switching key 54 is pressed together with the mode key 55, the cursor key function operates. Furthermore, when the character keys 21 to 32 are pressed while pressing the mode key 55, lowercase letters and punctuation marks are input, and when the keys 21 to 32 are pressed and released after pressing the mode key 55, English characters are input. And the function at the time of shift input may be exchanged. In short, (a) after pressing the mode key 55 once, the key 21
Each function that operates at the time of one-time input when the user presses ~ 32, (b) shift input when the keys 21 to 32 are simultaneously pressed with the mode key 55, and (c) the individual input of the mode key 55,
What is necessary is just to set suitably in implementation.

The keys to which the long sound “-” and the prompting sound “tsu” are set are the vowel keys 21 to which “A” and “E” are set.
For example, any of the other vowel keys 22, 23, and 25 to which "I", "U", and "O" are set may be used. However, it is possible to improve the input operability by setting the long sound "-" and the prompting sound "tsu" to the keys "A" and "E", which are rarely continuously hit in Japanese Roman alphabet input. It is preferred in that respect.

Further, in the above embodiment, the vowel key 21
Although the long character "-" and the prompting sound "tsu" are both set as the second character keys of ~ 25, only one of them is set as the second character key of the vowel keys 21-25. Is also good.

Further, the key 30 is set as a key for inputting the sound repelling "n". However, the present invention is not limited to this.
Any of the keys 21 to 29, 31, and 32 other than the key 30 may be set as a key for inputting the sound-repelling “n”. In addition, the number of keystrokes for outputting “n” or “nN” may be set as appropriate. However, tapping the key 30 to which “N” is set twice to input the sound repelling “n” is based on the Roman character input on a conventional general keyboard. It is preferable that the setting be made because the input operability can be improved.

The arrangement of each character, numeral, and symbol on the keys 21 to 32 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, when the key input device of the present invention is incorporated in a numeric keyboard, the numbers may be set in the order of “0, 1, 2, 3,... Further, the character arrangement is not limited to the arrangement of vowels and consonants, but may be set to "ABC, DEF ..." as in a conventional mobile phone.
Further, the combination arrangement of the symbols is not limited to that of the above embodiment, but arrows, abbreviations, unit symbols, academic symbols, pictograms, etc. may be appropriately arranged, and these are also used for the key input device of the present invention. What is necessary is just to set suitably.

The type and use of the key input device of the present invention are not limited to portable telephones, but are limited to portable information terminals (P
DA), input devices for personal computers, notebook computers, mobile personal computers, PHS, electronic notebooks, calculators, and key input devices for information processing devices such as pen-touch keyboards, and built into measuring and control devices The key input device may be used for home appliances such as an Internet TV remote controller. Note that the key input device is not limited to a normal key input device in which physical keys are actually provided as in the above-described embodiment, and a key portion displayed on the liquid crystal screen is touched with a pen, a finger, or the like. The input device may be a screen touch type input device.

For example, like a mobile phone 100 shown in FIG. 7, a screen touch type in which keys 21 to 32 and the like are displayed on a liquid crystal screen 4 and these keys 21 to 32 are touched and input with a finger or a pen or the like. The present invention can also be applied to a key input device 6 including the following keys. In the mobile phone 100, the mode switching key 54, the mode key 55, the function key 56, the function key 5
7 and the like are constituted by physical keys arranged on the lower side of the liquid crystal screen 4, but these keys 54 to 57 may also be displayed on the liquid crystal screen 4. It is not necessary to provide all of these keys 54 to 57, and it is sufficient that at least the mode switching key 54 is provided as a physical key or a screen display key.

Further, the present invention is not limited to a key input device having twelve main keys, but can be widely applied to a key input device having eleven or less main keys and a key input device having thirteen or more main keys. . In short, at least 1
The present invention can be applied to any key input device in which letters, numbers, and symbols are set for one main key. Therefore, the key input device of the present invention is not limited to the one provided with five vowel keys in which vowels are independently set, but includes a mixture of vowels and consonants, or one to four vowels. The present invention can be applied to various key input devices such as the one set to.

[0124]

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, in addition to characters and numerals, symbols are set and displayed on each main key, and the input of the main key is switched by the input of the key switch unit of the mode switching key. You can easily switch between letters, numbers and symbols. Therefore, even if the number of keys is small, symbols can be set for each key, so that many symbols can be easily input. In addition, the relative position of each key switch part of the mode switching key is based on the letters, numbers,
Since it corresponds to the relative position of the symbol, the switching operation by the mode switching key can be intuitively and easily grasped, and the switching operability can be improved. Further, according to this key input device, since the mode switching key is constituted by one key, the number of keys can be reduced as compared with a case where each mode switching key is provided individually. Therefore, miniaturization can be achieved 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,
As a key switch for character input, a key switch for kana input and a key switch for alphabet input are provided independently, so by directly inputting each key switch, kana input and alphabet input can be performed. Switching can be performed easily, and input operability can be further improved.

According to the key input device of the third aspect,
In the mode switching key, the four key switch sections are set at four different positions at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the center of the mode switching key. Can be easily performed.

According to the key input device of the fourth aspect,
A mode switching key 54 is formed in a rhombus shape, and the key switch unit for kana input, the key switch unit for alphabetical character input, the key switch unit for symbol input, and the key switch unit for numeric input are set at four corners thereof. Therefore, the position of the key switch unit can be easily grasped, and the operation can be facilitated. Further, the size of the mode switching key can be made relatively small while the input operability is maintained, and the mode switching key can be easily incorporated into a small device such as a mobile phone.

According to the key input device of the fifth aspect,
Since numbers are written on the left side of the main key surface, symbols are written on the upper side, and letters are written on the lower side,
In the horizontally long main key, the number can be represented relatively large, and can be set as a key suitable for a cellular phone or the like in which the ratio of numeric input is large in normal use.

According to the key input device of the sixth aspect,
Since the mode switching key also incorporates a cursor key function, the cursor function can be easily operated even during character input, thereby improving operability, suppressing an increase in the number of keys, and reducing the key arrangement space. Therefore, it can be easily incorporated into a small device such as a mobile phone.

According to the key input device of the seventh aspect,
Suitable for small devices such as mobile phones, as it allows easy entry of lowercase Kana characters, and eliminates the need to arrange separate keys for lowercase input mode, thus reducing the number of keys. .

According to the key input device of the eighth aspect,
It is not necessary to switch modes when temporarily inputting English characters while performing kana input or numeric input, and it is possible to input English characters with a simple operation.

According to the key input device of the ninth aspect,
Characters and symbols set to the same key can be easily and continuously input. For example, when continuously inputting the same character such as "www", it is only necessary to press the mode key for the number of times to be repeated. Efficiency can be improved.

According to the key input device of the tenth aspect, the vowels most frequently used in both Japanese and English, that is, "A", "I", "U", "E", and "O" are independent. Because of the key settings, these characters can be entered with a single key press. For this reason, the number of keystrokes at the time of vowel input can be reduced, operability is improved, and high-speed input is also possible. In addition, since the other 21 letters of the alphabet are arranged on three keys by seven keys, 26 letters of the alphabet can be input with a very small number of keys such as 12 keys.
The key input device 5 which is small and excellent in portability can be formed. Furthermore, since three characters are arranged on each of the seven keys to which consonant keys are set, when each character is input by the number of times each key is pressed, each key is pressed up to three times. When pressed, any character can be input to improve operability, and since each consonant is evenly arranged on each key, the keying operation can be well balanced and operability can be further improved.

According to the key input device of the eleventh aspect, since three types of symbols are set for each of the twelve main keys 21 to 32, many symbols can be input with a small number of keys. It is possible to input, and even with only 12 keys, almost all of the symbols that can be input with a full keyboard used in a normal personal computer can be input, and can be used in the same manner as a full keyboard.

According to the portable telephone according to the twelfth aspect,
Although it has a small number of keys, it can have the same function as a full keyboard, and when entering an address or the like with a mobile phone, or when entering an e-mail or address, each character similar to a normal full keyboard, Numbers and symbols can be entered, and similar operations can be realized.

According to the portable telephone according to the thirteenth aspect,
Since "," and "." Can be input with keys for inputting "*" and "#", the operability of character input can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a main part of the key input device of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the key input device in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a function of a main key in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a mobile phone according to a modification of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a mobile phone according to a modification of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a mobile phone according to another modification of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,100 Mobile phone 5,6 Key input device 20 Main key area 21-32 Main key 50 Function key area 51-59 Function key 54 Mode switching key 54A Kana input key switch 54B Alphabet input key switch 54C Symbol input Key switch unit 54D Numerical input key switch unit 101 Key input detection unit 102 Key input processing unit 103 Mode switching unit 104 Screen control unit

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) H04M 1/247 1/725

Claims (13)

[Claims] A plurality of main keys; and a mode switching key having at least three key switches. Characters input when the keys are pressed are provided on a surface of each of the main keys. Three kinds of symbols of numbers and symbols are described. The three key switch portions of the mode switching key are respectively a character input key switch portion for setting an input mode of a main key to a character input mode, and a numeric input mode. It consists of a key switch unit for setting a numeric input and a key switch unit for setting a symbol in a symbol input mode, and the relative position of each key switch unit in which each input mode is set is indicated on the main key. A key input device set in correspondence with the relative positions of characters, numbers and symbols. 2. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the character input key switch unit of the mode switching key sets a main key input mode to a kana input mode. A key input device, wherein the key input device is set by a key switch unit for inputting an alphabetic character for setting an alphabetic character input mode. 3. The key input device according to claim 2, wherein the mode switching key is provided at four positions where the angle with respect to the center of the mode switching key differs by 90 degrees at each of the key switches for kana input and alphabet input. A key input device in which a key switch unit, a numeric input key switch unit, and a symbol input key switch unit are respectively set. 4. The key input device according to claim 3, wherein the mode switching key is formed in a diamond shape, and
A key input device, wherein the key switch unit for kana input, the key switch unit for alphabetical character input, the key switch unit for numeric input, and the key switch unit for symbol input are respectively set at two corners. 5. The key input device according to claim 2, wherein a number is written on a left side of a surface of the main key, a symbol is written on an upper side, and a character is written on a lower side. The mode switching key has a key switch for numeric input on the left end side, a key switch for symbol input on the upper side, and a key switch for alphabetical input and a key switch for alphabetical input on the lower side. A key input device, wherein one key switch portion is set, and the other key switch portion of a kana input key switch portion and an alphabet input key switch portion is set on the right side. 6. The key input device according to claim 2, wherein a cursor key function for moving a cursor up, down, left, and right is set in each of the four key switches of the mode switching key. A key input device further comprising a mode key for switching a function of the mode switching key to one of an input mode setting function and a cursor key function. 7. The key input device according to claim 6, wherein when the input mode of the main key is set to a kana input mode, after the mode key is pressed and released,
A key input device characterized in that when a kana character having a lowercase character is input, the kana lowercase character is set to be input. 8. The key input device according to claim 6, wherein when the input mode of the main key is set to one of a kana input mode and a numeric input mode, each key is pressed while pressing the mode key. A key input device characterized in that when a main key is pressed, an English character set on the main key is input corresponding to the number of times of key press. 9. The key input device according to claim 6, wherein when the mode key is pressed once after the main key is pressed, the number of times of tapping of the main key is determined. And output the corresponding character and symbol, and immediately after the mode key is pressed,
If the key is pressed more than once, the determined character,
A key input device characterized in that a repeat input for repeatedly inputting a symbol for the number of times the mode key is pressed functions. 10. The key input device according to claim 1, further comprising at least twelve main keys.
Five of the two main keys have alphabets “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”,
Character keys to be input in the character input mode of “O” are individually set, and the other seven keys have the other two keys of the alphabet.
A key input device, wherein three characters each representing one consonant are set for each key. 11. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein each main key is set with three symbols to be input in a symbol input mode. apparatus. 12. A mobile phone comprising the key input device according to claim 1. 13. The mobile phone according to claim 12, wherein, of the main keys, one of a key indicated by “*” and a key indicated by “#” is inputted in a number input mode. Is set in the character input mode, and "." In the other key is set in the character input mode.