JP2002082760A - Portable communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that the power consumption of a display part and operation key LEDs are large since the frequency of key operation is large, the operability is bad, and the time of the input operation is long when character information is inputted to transmit the character information by conventional portable communication equipment. SOLUTION: This portable communication equipment has a function for conversion carried out by pressing the same key for a specific time or longer after only a lower-case character for an English letter or only a non-voiced sound for a KANA (Japanese syllabary) is inputted. Namely, conversion from the lower-case character to the upper-case character can be performed by pressing the key for the specific time or longer and a sonant mark and a 'p'-sound mark can be added. The frequency of key operation therefore decreases, the operability is improved, and the operation time becomes short, so that the power consumption can be reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable communication device having a character input function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a portable communication device in which the number of operation keys is limited for miniaturization, there is, for example, a portable telephone. As shown in FIG. 1, a general configuration of a mobile phone is composed of an operation key (2) for operating the mobile phone (1), a microphone (3) for inputting a voice call, and a digital signal for inputting a voice signal. A voice input unit (4) for converting a signal or the like into a predetermined signal form, a CPU (5) for converting input information input from an operation key or a microphone into a form capable of being transmitted, transmission information, reception information, and control information A data storage unit (6) for storing information and the like, a display unit (7) for displaying visible information such as character information or image information to be transmitted or received, and a transmission unit (8) for transmitting information to be transmitted. An antenna (9) for transmitting and receiving information through a wireless line, a receiving unit (10) for converting information received from the antenna (9) into a form that can be processed by the CPU (5), and a CPU (5). Voice output of received voice information Physical voice output unit (11), and de speaker (12) for audio output. When creating and transmitting a mail on the mobile phone, character information is input using the operation keys (1) of the mobile phone. The prior art relating to such character information input is described below.

As a first prior art, a plurality of characters are arranged on one key, and the characters arranged are displayed on the display unit (7) each time the key is pressed once. While the character to be input is displayed, pressing the key for fixing the character or another key for inputting the next character fixes the displayed character.

[0004] Specifically, in the case of English character input, for example, "a", "b", "c", "A", "B", "C"
Assuming that six characters are arranged, every time the key "1" is pressed, the characters "a", "b", "c", "A", "B", "C" The display changes. Therefore, for example, in order to input "A", the key is pressed by pressing the key "1" four times.

In the case of a hiragana input, as shown in FIG. 2, a voiced point, a semi-voiced sound, a long sound, and the like are arranged at a key different from that of the clear sound after the character in the "wa" line. For example, when "ba" is input, the key "6" is pressed once to input "ha", and the key "0" is pressed five times to input "#".

On the other hand, as a second prior art, a portable terminal in which the number of operations of input keys is reduced is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-759.
93 is shown. In this portable terminal, as shown in FIG. 3, each line of the clear tone of the Japanese syllabary characters and the additional symbols (such as the voiced dots) that can be used for the clear tone of each line are arranged on one key. Therefore, there is no need to operate another key after inputting one character of the Hiragana clear tone as in the first related art.

Specifically, for example, when "ba" is input,
By inputting "ha" and pressing the same key "6" six times, "#" is displayed and "ba" can be input.

[0008]

As described above, in the prior art, for example, in the case of inputting English characters, if uppercase and lowercase characters are mixed, the number of operations is large and the operability is poor.

[0009] Also, in the case of Hiragana or Katakana input, when inputting frequently used lower case characters (ゃ, ゅ, 、, っ), or additional characters including voiced or semi-voiced characters (ga, za, da, ba, etc.), In addition, after inputting a clear tone, additional characters, such as a clouded point and a semi-voiced point, must be input, resulting in a problem that the number of operations is large and operability is poor. In the above-mentioned second prior art, which is one of the solutions to this problem, although the number of operations can be slightly reduced,
The number of operations is still large, and the operability has not been greatly improved.

[0010] Furthermore, the problem that the number of operations is large causes a problem that the operation time becomes long. As the operation time becomes longer, the power consumption of the LED that turns on the LCD backlight and the operation key unit of the display unit of the mobile phone that is turned on each time an input is performed increases. For this reason, there is a problem in that battery consumption is increased, and continuous standby time and continuous talk time are reduced.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an operation key portion for inputting character information, a plurality of operation buttons constituting the operation key portion, and the operation key portion. A display unit for displaying information input by operating the unit, a plurality of characters are arranged on the plurality of operation buttons, and a character to be input is determined by the number of times the operation buttons are operated A mobile communication device, wherein an additional symbol is added to the character or the character is converted by depressing a button operated for inputting the character for a predetermined time or more.

Also, kana characters are arranged on the operation buttons,
The portable communication device is characterized in that a voiced point or a semi-voiced point is added to the input character by depressing the operation button for a predetermined time or more.

On the other hand, kana characters are arranged on the operation buttons,
The portable communication device is characterized in that the input character is converted to lower case by pressing the operation button for a predetermined time or more.

Further, the portable communication device is characterized in that lowercase letters of the alphabet are arranged on the operation buttons, and the operation buttons are converted into uppercase letters by pressing the operation buttons for a predetermined time or more.

[0015] Further, a portable communication device is characterized in that uppercase letters of English characters are arranged on the operation buttons, and the operation buttons are converted into lowercase letters by keeping the operation buttons pressed for a predetermined time.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

The configuration of the portable telephone according to the present invention is as shown in FIG. Here, the CPU (5), which is a feature of the present invention, is used.
The input algorithm processed in step will be described.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the input algorithm. First, the operation key (1) containing the character to be displayed is pressed (step 81), and the character arranged first in the pressed key is displayed on the display section (7) (step 8).
2). If the displayed character is not the character to be input (step 83), the same key is pressed again (step 8).
4). This means that the key including the character to be displayed has been pressed twice, and the character arranged at the second position of the pressed key is displayed on the display section (7) (step 84).

The above steps 82 to 84 are repeated, and when the character to be input is displayed on the display section (7) (step 83), the display is continued (step 85). Then, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to add a difference in small letters or a cloud point (step 86). If the result of the determination is positive, the same key as described above is further depressed for a predetermined period of time (step 87), thereby converting uppercase and lowercase letters and adding a cloud point. The characters converted in this way are displayed on the display unit (7). Steps 85 to 87 are repeated until the displayed character matches the character to be input.

If the character to be input matches the character displayed on the display section (7), the character is determined (step 88). If there are more characters to be input, the process returns to step 81 and returns from step 81 to step 89.
This algorithm is terminated when all the characters to be input are completed (step 89).

More specifically, for example, in the case of inputting English characters, English characters are arranged on each operation key as shown in FIG. By pressing the operation key for a predetermined time or more, conversion from lowercase to uppercase as shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Here, lowercase letters are placed on each operation key, and conversion from lowercase letters to uppercase letters is indicated by pressing down for more than a predetermined time.However, uppercase letters are placed on each operation key, and uppercase letters are converted to lowercase letters by pressing down more than a predetermined time. May be converted.

More specifically, when inputting "Shuji", first press the "7" key (step 81),
As shown in (1), "p" is displayed on the display section (7) (step 82). Therefore, when the "7" key is pressed again (step 84), "q" is displayed on the display section (7) (step 82), and the "7" key is pressed again (step 8).
4) and "r" are displayed on the display section (7) (step 8).
2) Press the "7" key again (step 84)
And "s" are displayed on the display section (7) (step 82).
That is, by pressing the "7" key four times, "s" is displayed on the display section (7) as shown in FIG. 9 (2).

Next, since the character to be input is "S",
By depressing the "7" key for a predetermined time or more (step 87), "s" is converted to "S", and "S" is displayed on the display section (7) as shown in FIG. 9 (3). Pressing the "4" key to input the next character "h" or pressing a key (for example, an arrow key or the like) for fixing the character confirms the input of "S" (step 88).

Further, the "4" key is pressed (step 8).
As shown in FIG. 9D, “g” is displayed as the second character on 1) and the display unit (7) (step 82). Furthermore "4"
By pressing the key (step 84), "h" is displayed on the display section (7) as the second character as shown in FIG. 9 (5) (step 82). Since "h" may be a lowercase letter (step 86), "h" is determined in the same manner as described above.

Further, the "8" key is pressed (step 8).
As shown in FIG. 9 (6), "t" is displayed as the third character on 1) and the display unit (7) (step 82). Furthermore "8"
By pressing the key (step 84), "u" is displayed on the display section (7) as the third character as shown in FIG. 9 (7) (step 82). Since "u" may be a lowercase letter (step 86), "u" is determined in the same manner as described above.

Next, the "5" key is pressed (step 81).
The display unit (7) displays "j" as the fourth character as shown in FIG. 9 (8) (step 82). Since "j" may be a lowercase letter (step 86), "j" is determined in the same manner as above.

Further, the "4" key is pressed (step 8).
As shown in FIG. 9 (9), "g" is displayed at the fifth character in 1) and the display section (7) (step 82). Furthermore "4"
By pressing the key (step 84), "h" is displayed on the display section (7) as the fifth character as shown in FIG. 9 (5) (step 82). Further, by pressing the "4" key (step 84), as shown in FIG.
"I" is displayed on the display section (7) as the second character (step 82). "I" can be a lowercase letter (step 8
6) Determine "i" in the same manner as above.

In this way, "Shuji" is displayed on the display section (7), and the input is completed.

On the other hand, in the case of, for example, hiragana input, a clear sound of hiragana is arranged on each operation key as shown in FIG.
By depressing the operation key for a predetermined time or more, conversion from uppercase letters to lowercase letters as shown in FIG.

More specifically, when inputting "Shuuji", the user first presses the "3" key (step 81).
As shown in (1), "sa" is displayed on the display section (7) (step 82). Therefore, when the "3" key is pressed again (step 84), "shi" is displayed on the display section (7) as shown in FIG. 10 (2) (step 82). By pressing the “8” key to input the next character “ゅ” or pressing a key for confirming the character (for example, an arrow key),
Is determined (step 88).

Further, the "8" key is pressed (step 8).
As shown in FIG. 10 (3), 2)
"Ya" is displayed as the character (step 82). By further pressing the "8" key (step 84),
As shown in (4), "Y" is displayed on the display section (7) as the second character (step 82).

Since the next character to be entered is "@", "8"
By depressing the key for a predetermined time or more (step 87), “Y” is converted to “ゅ”, and “ゅ” is displayed as the second character on the display unit (7) as shown in FIG. 10 (5). . "ゅ" is determined in the same manner as above.

Further, the "1" key is pressed (step 8).
As shown in FIG. 10 (6), 3)
"A" is displayed as the character (step 82). By further pressing the "1" key (step 84), "i" is displayed on the display section (7) as the third character (step 82). By further pressing the "1" key (step 84), "u" is displayed on the display section (7) as the third character as shown in FIG. 10 (7) (step 82). "U" is determined in the same manner as above.

Next, the "3" key is pressed (step 81).
In the display section (7), "sa" is displayed as the fourth character as shown in FIG. 10 (8) (step 82). By further pressing the "3" key (step 84), "shi" is displayed on the display section (7) as the fourth character as shown in FIG. 10 (9) (step 82).

The next character to be entered is "ji", so "3"
By depressing the key for a predetermined time or more (step 87), "shi" is converted to "ji", and "ji" is displayed as the fourth character on the display unit (7) as shown in FIG. . "Ji"
Is determined in the same manner as described above.

[0036] In this way, "Suji" is displayed on the display section (7), and the input is completed.

As further specific examples, for example, "ba" or "ぱ"
Is input by pressing the "6" key in the same manner as described above to display "ha" on the display section (7). Further, if the "6" key is depressed for a predetermined time or more, as shown in FIG. Is converted to "ba". If the "6" key is pressed for more than a predetermined time,
“BA” is converted to “ぱ”. That is, press the “6” key and “ha”
Is displayed on the display (7), and the "6" key is
If it is depressed twice or more for a predetermined time, it is converted to “ba”, and if it is pressed twice or more for a predetermined time, it is converted to “ぱ”.

The above input algorithm in the case of hiragana can be applied as it is as a katakana input algorithm.

The arrangement of the input characters on the operation key (1) shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 is merely an example, and the arrangement method of the input characters may be any arrangement.

Further, the input method according to the present invention and the conventional input method may coexist so that both input algorithms can be used. In this case, a method that allows the input algorithm to be selected as a setting function of the input method and a method that uses both input algorithms at the same time are possible. If you use both algorithms at the same time,
For example, to input "A" in English character input, press the "2" key four times as in the past, or press the "2" key once and then press the key for a predetermined time or more. Lowering may be performed. That is, both uppercase and lowercase letters are arranged on the operation keys, and at the same time, uppercase and lowercase letters can be converted. In the case of Hiragana or Katakana input, for example, when inputting "ぱ", as shown in FIG. 2, a method of pressing "6" once, pressing "0" four times, and pressing "6" once. Both methods of depressing the same key twice or more for a predetermined time after pressing are possible. That is, the character arrangement as shown in FIG. 2 can be performed, and the conversion shown in FIG. 7 can be performed. It is also clear that the character arrangement of FIG. 3 can be used instead of the character arrangement of FIG.

In the conversion shown in FIG. 7, when two types of conversions are possible as in the case of "tsu" and a row, the conversion order is as follows.
It is not limited to the order of FIG.

Further, in the present embodiment, uppercase and lowercase conversion can be performed by pressing the operation key for a predetermined time or more.
Although the method of adding a cloud point and a semi-voice point has been described, the method of the present invention is not limited to pressing the operation key for a predetermined time or more, and any method can be used as long as an equivalent effect can be obtained. You can use the method.

[0043]

According to the portable communication device of the present invention, when inputting characters, English text, e-mail text,
The number of operations is reduced and the operability is improved in creating mixed-case sentences such as e-mail addresses as compared with the conventional method. In addition, there is no need to press other keys when inputting the voiced characters, semi-voiced characters, and small letters, which are frequently used in Hiragana and Katakana. improves.

Further, the time required for character input can be reduced by reducing the number of operations. For this reason, the lighting time of the backlight of the display unit such as a liquid crystal display panel or the like, which is turned on each time a key is pressed, and the lighting time of the dial LED are shortened, and the current consumption can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile phone according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a conventional first hiragana key arrangement.

FIG. 3 shows a conventional second hiragana key arrangement.

FIG. 4 is a key layout of English characters according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conversion table of English characters according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a key arrangement of a hiragana according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a hiragana conversion table according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a screen of an embodiment of the English character input method of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a screen of an embodiment of a kana character input method according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 mobile phone 2 operation keys 3 microphone 4 voice input unit 5 CPU 6 data storage unit 7 display unit 8 transmission unit 9 antenna 10 reception unit 11 voice output unit 12 speaker

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04M 1/00 1/725 (72) Inventor Shuji Kawasaki 2-5-5 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka F-term (reference) in Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. 5B020 AA04 DD02 FF12 FF13 5K027 AA11 BB02 EE11 FF22 HH00 MM04 MM17 5K067 AA34 AA43 BB04 EE02 FF02 FF23 HH21

Claims (5)

[Claims] An operation key unit for inputting character information, a plurality of operation buttons constituting the operation key unit, and a display unit for displaying information input by operating the operation key unit. A plurality of characters are arranged on the plurality of operation buttons, and the character to be input is determined by the number of times the operation button is operated. By pressing down for more than a predetermined time, an additional symbol is added to the above character,
A portable communication device for converting the characters. 2. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein a kana character is arranged on the operation button, and a depressed point or a semi-dense point is added to the input character by depressing the operation button for a predetermined time or more. Communication equipment. 3. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein a kana character is arranged on the operation button, and the input character is converted to lower case by pressing the operation button for a predetermined time or more. Communication equipment. 4. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein lowercase letters of the alphabet are arranged on the operation buttons, and the operation buttons are converted to uppercase letters by pressing the operation buttons for a predetermined time or more. 5. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein uppercase letters of English characters are arranged on the operation buttons, and the operation buttons are depressed for a predetermined time to convert the operation buttons to lowercase letters.