JP2002189553A - Portable terminal and character input method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce troublesome user operations when switching a character input method corresponding to the utilization environment of a portable terminal. SOLUTION: A plurality of character code conversion means 108 and 109 convert a key code which is the identification code of a character key inputted from a character input means 101 for receiving character input from a user to a character code which is the identification code of a character and determine the conversion result. An automatic switch-over decision means 110 decides a new character input method from the conversion result determined by the character code conversion means 108 and 109. A key code storage means 104 stores the inputted key code until the establishment of the character is instructed and an input method switch-over means 106 switches the character input method. When the switch-over of the character input method is instructed, an input method switch-over control means 107 instructs switch-over to the input method switch-over means 106 and then instructs the retransmission of the stored key code to the key code storage means 104.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a portable terminal, and more particularly to a character input function of the portable terminal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-160687 discloses a portable terminal which can be operated by either a handwriting input means built in the portable terminal or an external input means such as a keyboard. A method for automatically switching the character input between and is described.
However, according to this conventional technique, the character input method is not switched based on whether the conversion of the input character code is successful or not.

[0003]

Conventionally, in a portable terminal in which a plurality of character input methods can be selected, when a character input is started by an incorrect input method, the character input is performed by deleting the character that has been partially input once. After switching methods, I had to re-enter.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable terminal with a keyboard in which another input method is assigned to a part of the key of the keyboard, and to perform a troublesome user operation when switching the character input method according to the use environment of the portable terminal. An object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal which can be reduced and which is easy to use and a character input method thereof.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A portable terminal according to the present invention is a portable terminal equipped with a keyboard in which different input methods are assigned to some of the keys of the keyboard. A plurality of character code conversion means for converting the key code, which is the identification code of the character key, to the character code, which is the identification code of the character, and determining whether the conversion is successful. Automatic switching determination means for determining a character input method, wherein the character code conversion means determines whether or not the conversion is successful, based on whether or not a character code corresponding to the input key code exists at the time of conversion from the key code to the character code. And a conversion table for performing the conversion.

In the portable terminal of the present invention, in a portable terminal with a keyboard in which another input method is assigned to a part of a key of the keyboard, identification of a character key input from a character input means for receiving a character input from a user. A plurality of character code conversion means for converting a key code, which is a code, into a character code, which is a character identification code, and determining the success or failure of the conversion; and determining a new character input method from the conversion success or failure determined by the character code conversion means. Automatic switching determination means for performing character determination processing, character determination control means for performing character determination processing, key code storage means for storing a key code input until the character determination control means instructs character determination, and switching between character input methods. Input method switching means, and after instructing the input method switching means to switch the character input method, And an input method switching control means for instructing re-transmission of the stored in the key code to the key code storage means.

[0007] The portable terminal of the present invention is a character determination designating means for receiving a character determination specification from a user, a character input means for receiving a character input from a user, and an input for receiving a specification of an input method from the user. Method specifying means, character determination control means for performing character determination processing in accordance with an instruction from the character determination specification means, key code storage means for storing a key code which is an identification code of a character key, and specification of the input method specification means A manual switching determining means for determining whether or not to execute input method switching, and a conversion table for converting a key code to a character code which is a character identification code, and a plurality of characters for determining whether the conversion is successful Code conversion means, input method switching means for transmitting a key code to the selected character code conversion means, and input method switching for changing input method. Control means, automatic switching determination means for determining whether or not to execute switching of the input method based on the success or failure of the conversion of the character code conversion means, and temporarily storing the character code and outputting it according to a determination instruction from the character determination control means Character output control means for transmitting the character font to the means, and output means for outputting the character font to the display, furthermore, input speed measurement means for calculating the input speed of the character and outputting the result, Automatic switching validity determination means for determining whether or not automatic input method switching is valid based on the character input speed calculated by the input speed measurement means, and wherein the character determination control means determines the input speed measurement means. A key input notification is performed, the key code storage means performs a character key input notification to the input speed measuring means, and the automatic switching determination means performs the automatic switching validity determination. It may be configured to control the execution of the automatic switching by an instruction from.

[0008] The portable terminal of the present invention is a character determination designating means for receiving a character specification from a user, a character input means for receiving a character input from the user, and an input for receiving a specification of an input method from the user. Method specifying means, character determination control means for performing character determination processing in accordance with an instruction from the character determination specification means, key code storage means for storing a key code which is an identification code of a character key, and specification of the input method specification means A manual switching determining means for determining whether or not to execute input method switching, and a conversion table for converting a key code to a character code which is a character identification code, and a plurality of characters for determining whether the conversion is successful Code conversion means, input method switching means for transmitting a key code to the selected character code conversion means, and input method switching for changing input method. Control means, automatic switching determination means for determining whether or not to execute switching of the input method based on the success or failure of the conversion of the character code conversion means, and temporarily storing the character code and outputting it according to a determination instruction from the character determination control means Character output control means for transmitting the character font to the means, and output means for outputting the character font to the display device, and further includes an instruction for a calibration function for changing the key arrangement to a position where the user can easily press the key font. And a calibration control unit for executing calibration from the key code received from the key code storage unit. The key code storage unit converts the key code received from the character input unit into the calibration code. The character code conversion means transfers the Results may be configured to rewrite the conversion table to receive.

A character input method for a portable terminal according to the present invention is a character input method for a portable terminal with a keyboard in which another input method is assigned to some of the keys of the keyboard. Is converted to a character code that is a character identification code, the conversion success or failure is determined, a new character input method is determined from the determined conversion success or failure, and when the key code is converted to the character code, the input key code is determined. The conversion success / failure was determined based on whether or not the corresponding character code exists in the conversion table, and the input key code was stored in the key code storage unit until the instruction to confirm the character was given, and the switching of the character input method was instructed. Sometimes, after instructing this switching, the key code storage means is instructed to retransmit the stored key code.

A character input method for a portable terminal according to the present invention is a character input method for a portable terminal with a keyboard, in which another input method is assigned to a part of a key of a keyboard. Is converted to a character code that is a character identification code, the conversion success or failure is determined, a new character input method is determined from the determined conversion success or failure, and when the key code is converted to the character code, the input key code is determined. The conversion success / failure determination may be performed based on whether or not the corresponding character code exists in the conversion table, and the validity / invalidity of the automatic switching determination to a new character input method may be determined based on the user's skill level of using the portable terminal. The use skill of the mobile terminal is determined by measuring the character input speed of the user.

The character input method for a portable terminal according to the present invention is a character input method for a portable terminal equipped with a keyboard, in which another input method is assigned to a part of a key of a keyboard. Is converted to a character code that is a character identification code, the conversion success or failure is determined, a new character input method is determined from the determined conversion success or failure, and when the key code is converted to the character code, the input key code is determined. Whether the conversion is successful or not is determined based on whether or not the corresponding character code exists in the conversion table, and a predetermined key is pressed to change to a predetermined key arrangement.

According to the present invention, the character code conversion means includes:
When the character code corresponding to the key code received from the input method switching means does not exist in the conversion table, the conversion failure is transmitted to the automatic switching determination means. When the character code corresponding to the key code exists in the conversion table, the conversion success is transmitted to the automatic switching determination means and the corresponding character code is transmitted to the character output control means. The automatic switching determining means, upon receiving the conversion failure from the character code converting means, determines a new input method from the currently selected input method, and instructs the input method switching control means to control switching to the new input method. Upon receiving the instruction, the input method switching control unit instructs the input method switching unit to switch the input method, and then instructs the key code storage unit to retransmit the stored key code. As a result, it is possible to switch to a new character input method based on the success or failure of the conversion of the input character, and to convert the input key code to the character code again by the newly switched character code conversion means.

Therefore, when the present invention is implemented to improve operability such as simply switching the input method only by holding the portable terminal, the user may erroneously recognize the switch or sensor for specifying the input method due to erroneous recognition. Even if a character is entered using the input method that was previously entered, the user can continue to enter characters using the input method desired by the user without deleting the characters that have been entered so far, and automatically enter the correct input method. It is possible to provide a mobile terminal that can be switched to a mobile terminal with improved convenience for the user.

[0014]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, a portable terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a character confirmation designating means 100 for receiving a character confirmation designation from a user, and a character input for accepting a character input from a user. Means 101, an input method designating means 102 for receiving a designation of an input method from a user,
Character determination control means 103 for performing character determination processing in accordance with an instruction from character determination specification means 100, key code storage means 104 for storing a character key identification code (hereinafter referred to as key code), and designation of input method specification means And a conversion table for converting a key code into a character identification code (hereinafter, referred to as a character code), and determines whether the conversion is successful or not. A plurality of character code conversion means 108,
109, an input method switching means 106 for transmitting a key code to the selected character code means, an input method switching control means 107 for performing input method change processing, and an input method based on the success or failure of the character code conversion means 108, 109. Automatic switching determination means 110 for determining whether or not to perform switching,
A character output control unit 111 for temporarily storing a character code and transmitting a character font to an output unit in accordance with a determination instruction from the character determination control unit, and an output unit 112 for outputting the character font to a display such as an LCD.

In this embodiment, the character input method is set to "two-handed Roman character input method", "left-hand mobile phone kana input method", and "right-hand pager input method". FIG. 2A is a table that defines a switching rule of an input method of the automatic switching determination unit 110. The item of the input method before switching 200 is a character input method before switching. The item of the input method after switching 201 is a character input method after switching.

In the example of this table, 202 indicating the switching from the "two-hand Roman character input method" to the "left-hand mobile phone Kana input method", and the "left-hand mobile phone Kana input method"
2 to switch from "Latin alphabet input method for both hands"
03 is set. As for the “right-hand pager input method”, as shown at 204, no switching destination is set.

FIG. 2B is a table in which the switching rules of the input method possessed by the manual switching determination means 105 are defined. The items of the left switch 300 and the right switch 301 are switch states of the input method designating unit 102 that receives designation of an input method from a user. The item of the input method 302 sets a character input method for four combinations of two switches. Here, both switches are O
When FF or both are ON, like 303 and 306,
Set "two-hand Roman character input method" and set "Left-hand mobile phone kana input method" as 304 when left switch ON and right switch OFF, and like 305 when left switch OFF and right switch ON. "Right hand pager input method" is set. In the present embodiment, a portable terminal including the devices having the above functions will be described as an example.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an appearance and a keyboard layout when the portable terminal 400 of the present invention is realized in the form of a single book. The keyboard is JIS (Japan In)
(dustrial Standard: Japanese Industrial Standard)
It has a two-handed key array such as an array or a QWERTY array, and assigns a one-handed character input key array such as a mobile phone or a pager to a part of the character keys.

Referring to FIG. 4, the input method designating means 2
The two switches 401 and 402 are provided at a location where the index finger of the left hand hits when the portable terminal 400 is held with the left hand, and at a location where the index finger of the right hand touches when holding the mobile terminal 400 with the right hand. This allows the user to use the input method for the left hand when holding it in the left hand without being aware of switching the character input method, the input method for the right hand when holding it in the right hand, and the input method for both hands when holding it in both hands. The input method can be easily switched.

The confirmation key of the character confirmation designating means includes two-hand 403, left-hand 404, and right-hand 4
Change the location that works with 05. The character keys of the character input means include a range 406 used for character input in the case of the “two-handed Roman alphabet input method”, a range 407 used in the case of the “left-hand mobile phone kana input method”, and a “right-hand pager input method”. The range 408 used in “method” is shared.

Next, the configuration of the device in the portable terminal of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. A ROM 500 controls a basic input / output (BIOS) for controlling input / output devices.
output system), an operating system (OS), and applications operating on the OS. The RAM 501 is a memory area for operating an operating system (OS). CP
U502 manages the execution of various programs stored in the RAM 501 and the ROM 500.

The character input device 503 is a character key for a user to input characters. The character confirmation designation device 504 is a confirmation key for instructing the confirmation of the character being input by the user.
The input method designation device 505 is a switch for instructing the user to switch the character input method. The output device 506 is an LCD (liquid crystal) for displaying the input characters.
al display). The power supply control device 507 supplies power to the entire portable terminal.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 and the conversion tables of FIGS.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when a character is input from the character input means. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the instruction input means instructs to switch the input method. FIG. 8 is a table for explaining a method of determining the success or failure of conversion in the “left-hand mobile phone kana input method”. FIG. 9 is a table for explaining a method of determining the success or failure of conversion in the “two-handed Roman alphabet input method”.

When the user presses a character key on the keyboard,
The character input means transmits the key code of the pressed key to the key code storage means. The key code storage unit that has received the key code stores the key code (step 602:
The key code is transmitted to the input method switching means together with S602 (abbreviated as S602). The input method switching unit that has received the key code transmits the key code to the selected character code conversion unit (S603).

Here, it is assumed that the selected character code conversion means is the "left-hand mobile phone kana input method" in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The mobile phone pseudonym input is performed by inputting the item of the key code 800 and the number of consecutive hits (the number of times of continuous pressing) 8
This is a method of specifying Kana characters with 01. However, in this example, voiced sounds, semi-voiced sounds, sound repelling, prompting sounds, and the like are omitted to simplify the description. In the character conversion, if the input key code is 802 indicating the alphabet "S" and the number of consecutive hits is 803 indicating the first time, the character code to be converted is changed to the kana character "na".
And If the alphabet "S" is continuously input, the character code to be converted is set to the kana character "d" with the number of consecutive hits as the second. As described above, in the character conversion success / failure determination (S604), when there is a character code corresponding to the key code, the conversion is determined to be successful, and the conversion success is transmitted to the automatic switching determination unit.

If the conversion is successful, the character code is transmitted to the character output control means. The character output control unit that has received the character code stores the character code as the character code before the determination. Then, all means return to the idle state (S60)
7).

Next, when a new character key is pressed, the key code is stored in the same manner as described above (S602).
The key code is transmitted to the character code conversion means selected by the input method switching means (S603). Here, when the input key code is the letter “U” of the alphabet, it is determined whether the character conversion of the “left-hand mobile phone Kana input method” is successful or not (S604).
Indicates that the conversion failed because there is no character code corresponding to the key code, and transmits the conversion failure to the automatic switching determination means.

When the automatic switching decision unit receives the conversion failure,
A character input method to be newly switched from the currently selected character input method is determined (S605), and an input method switching control unit is instructed to perform switching control to the determined input method. In the case of this embodiment, when the input method before switching is “left-hand mobile phone kana input method” from 203 in FIG. 2A, the new character input method is “two-handed Roman character input method”.
Becomes

The input method switching control means, which has received the switching control instruction, issues a switching instruction to the input method switching means and then instructs the key code storage means to retransmit the key code. The input method switching unit that receives the switching instruction switches to the designated character code conversion unit. Further, the key code storage unit that has received the retransmission instruction transmits the stored key code to the input method switching unit (S601).

In the present embodiment, the key codes stored in the key code storage means are "S" and "U", so that the key codes transmitted to the input method switching means are also "S" and "U". The input method switching unit that has received the key code transmits the key code to the newly switched “two-handed Roman character input method” character code conversion unit (S603). here,
The newly switched character code conversion means is a “two-handed Roman character input method”. The operation in this case will be described with reference to FIG.

The "two-handed Roman character method" is a method in which the item of the first key code 900 is a consonant and the second key code 9
This is a method of designating a kana character using item 01 as a vowel. However, in this example, voiced sounds, semi-voiced sounds, sound repelling, prompting sounds, and the like are omitted to simplify the description. The character code conversion means waits for the input of a key code until the number of input key codes reaches a number necessary for conversion when converting from a plurality of key codes to a character code as in "two-handed Roman character input method" .

The success / failure determination of the character conversion (S604) is based on the input alphabet "S" 902 and "U" 903.
Is present in the conversion table, the conversion success is transmitted to the automatic switching determination means as conversion success. The character code converted here is
The key codes “S” and “U” are kana characters “su”. If the conversion is successful, the character code is transmitted to the character output control means. The character output control unit that has received the character code stores the character code as the character code before the determination. If the conversion failure is again received by the automatic switching determination means, the process returns to the original "left-hand mobile phone kana input method" (S
606) to an idle state (S607).

Next, the character confirmation keys 403, 404, 4
05 is pressed, the character confirmation designating means
The key code of the pressed confirmation key is transmitted to the character confirmation control means. The character confirmation control unit that has received the key code of the confirmation key instructs the key code storage unit to discard the key code and instructs the character output control unit to confirm the character. The key code storage means instructed to discard the key code deletes the stored key code. The character output control means instructed to determine the character transmits a character font corresponding to the stored character code before determination to the output means, and deletes the character code before determination.

Next, the input method changeover switches 401 and 402 are input from the input method designating means during the input of the character.
The operation when the state is changed will be described with reference to a flowchart.

A change in the state of a switch that accepts an input method switching instruction from a user (from ON to OFF or OF)
The input method designating means that has detected the change from F to ON)
The new switch state is transmitted to the manual switching determination means. The manual switching determination unit that has received the new switch state determines a character input method for switching from the received switch state (S701).

In this embodiment, the input method is determined according to FIG. If the left switch is ON and the right switch is OFF after the change, the state becomes the “left-hand mobile phone Kana input method” 304. However, if the input method has been switched to the input method to be switched while the character key is being input (in this example, “left-hand mobile phone kana input method”), the system returns to the idle state without switching the input method. (S706). At other times, the manual switching means instructs the input method switching control means to switch the input method.

The input method switching control means instructed to switch the input method gives the switching instruction to the input method switching means and then instructs the key code storage means to retransmit the key code. The input method switching unit that has received the input method switching switches to the designated character code conversion unit. The key code storage means instructed to retransmit the key code,
Retransmit the key code to the input method switching means (S70
2). The input method switching unit that has received the key code transmits the key code to the newly switched character code conversion unit (S703).

Processing by character code conversion means (S704)
Is the same as the process (S604) in FIG. 6 described above. Thereafter, when the automatic switching determination unit receives a switching failure from the character code conversion unit, it instructs the input method switching control unit to switch to the original input method. When the automatic switching determination unit receives the successful switching from the character code conversion unit, the automatic switching determination unit enters an idle state as it is (S706).

The character code conversion means may be configured to be added or deleted by a user or a program of the portable terminal regardless of the operation state of the portable terminal, and the number of registrations is not limited. The switching rule table (FIG. 2A) in the automatic switching determining means and the switching rule table (FIG. 2B) in the manual switching determining means may be set by the user of the portable terminal.

The switch of the input method designating means may be a sensor or the like if the designation can be received from the user, and the number of switches is not limited. Although the information transmitted by the character determination designating means is a key code, when the character determination designating means is realized by a switch, a sensor, or the like, only the energized state (ON or OFF) of the signal line may be used.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, in addition to the configuration of FIG. 1, an input speed measuring unit 1001 for measuring a character input speed, and an automatic switching enabled for determining whether or not an automatic input method switching function is enabled based on the character input speed. Determining means 1003; input speed measuring means 1001;
Determination control means 1000 for notifying the user of a determination key input
And a key code storage unit 1002 for notifying a character key input to the input speed measuring unit 1001 and an automatic switching determining unit 1004 for controlling execution of automatic switching based on an instruction from the automatic switching validity determining unit 1003. .

In the first embodiment described above, the purpose is to reduce the burden of user operation by automatically switching the character input method according to the usage environment of the portable terminal. The character code conversion means is switched on the assumption that the user's character input is correct. Therefore, if a person who is not good at character input or a novice presses a character key incorrectly, the function of the first embodiment is effective. Does not work.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the portable terminal is started to be used with the automatic switching method of the input method disabled at first, and the switching of the input method of the first embodiment is started when the user is used to input to some extent. Applied when enabling a function.

The operation of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

The key code storage means notifies the input speed measurement means that an input has occurred each time a key code is sent from the character input means. The input speed measurement unit notified of the occurrence of the input determines whether or not the timer has already been started (S1101). If not started, the timer is started (S1102) and the character input counter is initialized. The value is set to 1 (S1103), and the process returns to the idle state (S110).
5). If the timer is already running, the character input counter is incremented (S1104). The above operation is performed for all input character keys.

Next, when the user presses the character confirmation key, the character confirmation designation means transmits the key code of the confirmation key to the character confirmation control means. The character confirmation control unit that has received the key code of the confirmation key notifies the input speed measurement unit that the confirmation key has been input. The input speed measurement unit notified of the input of the enter key confirms whether the timer is running (S11).
07) If it is stopped, it returns to the idle state as it is (S
1112) If the timer is running, the timer is stopped (S110).
8) The key code input speed is calculated and the result is notified to the automatic switching validity determination means.

Here, as an example of how to determine the character input speed,
If it is defined as 60 [seconds] × character input counter / (timer stop time [second] −timer start time [second]), the key code input speed in one minute can be calculated. The character switching validity determination unit that has received the character input speed determines whether or not a validity threshold for validating the input method switching is exceeded (S1).
110). Then, if the character input speed exceeds the valid threshold, a valid instruction of the input method switching function is transmitted to the automatic switching determining means.

The automatic switching determination means, which has received the instruction to enable the input method switching function, executes the switching of the input method using the success or failure of the conversion from the character code conversion means. In the present embodiment, the input speed is measured without distinguishing all character input methods, but the character input speed may be measured for each input method. Further, in the present embodiment, the character input speed is measured, but the ratio of the determined number of characters to the number of characters input by the user may be measured.

As described above, it is possible to provide a portable terminal which enables the switching of the character code conversion means when the user is used to the input of the portable terminal.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Here, keyboard calibration is defined as changing the key layout to a position where the user can easily press it.

In FIG. 12, in addition to the configuration of FIG. 1, a new calibration designating unit 1200 for receiving a calibration function instruction and a calibration determining unit 1202 for executing calibration from a key code received from a key code storage unit. Key code storage means 1201 for transferring the key code received from the character input means to the calibration determination means 1202
The difference is that character code conversion means 1203 and 1204 for receiving the result of calibration and rewriting the conversion table are provided.

In the above-described first embodiment, a plurality of character conversion procedures are fixedly assigned to the same character key. However, as shown in FIG. 13, the size of the user's hand is large. Is hard to press the last character key 1300 at the time of one-hand input. In the third embodiment, the conversion table of the character code conversion means can be changed by using the result of performing the keyboard calibration first. The input method when holding the object with both hands is only two-hand input. Here, only the calibration at the time of inputting the character for the left hand will be described. In the case of the right hand, the same processing can be realized only by reversing the left and right positions.

The calibration designating means that detects that the calibration start key 1305 has been pressed notifies the calibration determining means of the start of calibration. Upon receiving the start of the calibration, the calibration determining unit waits for an input of a predetermined key code from the key code storage unit.

In the portable terminal of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the finger pressing the character key when holding the portable terminal with one hand is always the thumb. At this time, the calibration method is performed by allowing the user to input the farthest character that can be pressed without difficulty at the top of the character keys with the thumb while holding the portable terminal with the left hand. If the character is to the left of “T” shown at 1301, it is determined that the hand is small, and the initial key arrangement 1
302 is not changed.

If the pressed character is "Y" (1303), each character code conversion means is instructed to move one column to the right from the initial key layout. In the case of "U", each character code conversion unit is notified so as to move two cases to the right from the initial key layout. Each character code conversion that has received the column movement instruction changes the key code in the conversion table. If the key arrangement set in the present embodiment is the “left-hand mobile phone keypad input method”, the corresponding key code 803 item in the conversion table of FIG. 8 is changed.

As described above, a portable terminal capable of changing the key layout to a position where the user can easily input data according to the size of the user's hand is provided. In the third embodiment, the calibration designating means is implemented as a key (1305), but may be performed by a software menu or detection at the time of initial power-on.

[0060]

As described above, according to the present invention, a switch is provided for improving operability such as easily switching the input method depending on how to hold a portable terminal, that is, holding it with the left hand or right hand. In addition, the frequency of misrecognition of the sensor or the sensor becomes high, and the input of characters may be started by an input method not desired by the user. In such a case, the user can automatically switch to the correct input method by continuously inputting characters according to the input procedure desired by the user without deleting the characters input by the user until then. A portable terminal with improved convenience can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a table defining a switching destination of a character input method determined based on the success or failure of character code conversion in the embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a table defining the switching destination of the character input method according to the instruction from the user in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a keyboard layout according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a device configuration of the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a character input operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of a determination instruction during character input according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a table for explaining a “left-hand mobile phone kana input method” according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a table for explaining a “two-handed Roman alphabet input method” according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a keyboard arrangement according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 character determination specifying means 101 character input means 102 input method specification means 103, 1000 character determination control means 104, 1002, 1201 key code storage means 105 manual switching determination means 106 input method switching means 107 input method switching control means 108, 109 characters Code conversion means 110, 1004 Automatic switching determination means 111 Character output control means 112 Output means 400 Mobile terminal 401, 402 Switch 403, 404, 405 Determination key 500 ROM 501 RAM 502 CPU 503 Character input device 504 Character determination designation device 505 Input method Designating device 506 Output device 507 Power control device 1001 Input speed measuring means 1003 Automatic switching validity determining means 1200 Calibration specifying means 1202 Calibration determining means 130 Start key

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A portable terminal equipped with a keyboard in which another input method is assigned to a part of a key of a keyboard, wherein a key code which is an identification code of a character key input from character input means for receiving a character input from a user. A plurality of character code conversion means for converting to a character code which is a character identification code and determining the success or failure of the conversion; and an automatic switching determination means for determining a new character input method from the conversion success or failure determined by the character code conversion means. A mobile terminal comprising: 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said character code conversion means has a conversion table for determining whether or not there is a character code corresponding to the input key code at the time of conversion from the key code to the character code. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A character determination control means for performing character determination processing, a key code storage means for storing a key code input until the character determination control means instructs character determination,
Input method switching means for switching the character input method, and input for instructing the input method switching means to switch when the character input method is switched, and instructing the key code storage means to retransmit the stored key code to the key code storage means. 3. The portable terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a method switching control unit. 4. A character confirmation designating means for receiving a character confirmation designation from a user, a character input means for receiving a character input from a user, and an input method designation means for receiving a designation of an input method from a user. Character confirmation control means for performing character confirmation processing according to an instruction of the character confirmation designating means;
Key code storage means for storing a key code which is an identification code of a character key; manual switching determination means for determining whether or not to execute switching of an input method based on designation of the input method designating means; A plurality of character code conversion means having a conversion table for converting to a character code that is an identification code and determining the success or failure of the conversion, an input method switching means for transmitting a key code to the selected character code conversion means, Input method switching control means for performing input method change processing, automatic switching determination means for determining whether to execute input method switching based on the success or failure of the conversion of the character code conversion means, and temporarily storing character codes. Character output control means for transmitting a character font to an output means in accordance with a determination instruction from the character determination control means, and output means for outputting the character font to a display Mobile terminal, characterized in that it comprises. 5. An input speed measuring means for calculating a character input speed and outputting the result, and judging whether or not automatic input method switching is valid based on the character input speed calculated by said input speed measuring means. Automatic switching validity determination means, the character confirmation control means performs a confirmation key input notification to the input speed measurement means, the key code storage means performs a character key input notification to the input speed measurement means, 4. The automatic switching determining means controls execution of automatic switching according to an instruction from the automatic switching validity determining means.
Or the mobile terminal according to 4. 6. A calibration designating means for receiving an instruction of a calibration function for changing a key arrangement to a position where a user can easily press the key arrangement, and a calibration control means for executing calibration from a key code received from the key code storage means. The key code storage means transfers the key code received from the character input means to the calibration determination means, and the character code conversion means receives the calibration result and rewrites the conversion table. The mobile terminal according to claim 3 or 4, wherein 7. A character input method in a portable terminal equipped with a keyboard in which another input method is assigned to some of the keys of the keyboard, wherein the key code which is the identification code of the input character key is replaced with the character code which is the identification code of the character. A character input method for a portable terminal, comprising: determining whether the conversion is successful; determining whether the conversion is successful; and determining a new character input method based on the determined success or failure. 8. When converting a key code into a character code,
8. The character input method according to claim 7, wherein the conversion success / failure is determined based on whether a character code corresponding to the input key code exists in the conversion table. 9. A key code input means is stored in a key code storage means until a character determination is instructed, and said instruction is given to said key code storage means when said instruction is given. 9. The character input method for a portable terminal according to claim 7, wherein retransmission of the stored key code is instructed. 10. The character input method for a portable terminal according to claim 7, wherein the validity / invalidity of the decision to automatically switch to a new character input method is determined based on the user's skill in using the portable terminal. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the use skill of the portable terminal is determined by measuring a character input speed of the user.
0. A character input method in the portable terminal according to 0. 12. Pressing a predetermined key,
8. The character input method in a portable terminal according to claim 7, wherein the key arrangement is changed to a predetermined key arrangement.