JP2002215306A - Method of inputting character or the like by ten-keys, and the ten-keys - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily input various characters, character strings or the like by using at least eleven keys, composed of 0 to 9 and #, and a few conversion and functional keys. SOLUTION: Eleven pieces of numbers 0 to 9 and #, are arranged on one of coordinate axes, and eleven pieces of numbers 0 to 9 and # are arranged on the other coordinate axis, and characters, numbers, symbols and the like are allocated on 121 regions which serve as the intersections of the coordinate axes. The number of one of the coordinate axes is tapped as a first stroke, then the number of the other coordinate axis is stroked as a second stroke, and then the characters, the character string and the like are inputted by a conversion key. Further double stroke can act for the conversion key by allocating the conversion key on the region of *.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of converting various characters or character strings using a numeric keypad including at least 0 to 9 and ♯, * and a few conversion keys and function keys provided in a telephone or the like. The present invention relates to a method of inputting characters and the like using a numeric keypad, which can be easily and quickly input and has a small number of keys, so that it is easy to perform a blind touch. In particular, a mobile information processing device such as a mobile phone can input characters and the like or a character string using a numeric keypad, and thus has substantially the same functions as a personal computer.

According to the character input method of the present invention, a single character or a character string can be input by using only a few keystrokes by using two keys, so that the arrangement of keys and characters can be simplified. The present invention relates to a method of inputting characters and the like that can be remembered by the user and a numeric keypad. Since mobile devices and terminal devices other than mobile phones are required to be small, character input using numeric keys is required. In addition,
In this specification, “characters” means alphabets, katakana, hiragana, kana, other character strings composed of foreign languages and kanji, numbers, punctuation marks, symbols, and the like.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 15 is a diagram showing numbers of respective numeric keys provided in a conventional telephone or the like and character information corresponding to the numbers. In FIG. 15, the ten keys are composed of at least twelve “0, 1, 2, 3,..., 9”, “*” and “♯”. FIG. 15 omits a plurality of function keys.

The numeric keypad on a telephone is
"A line", "ka line", ..., "8", "ya line", "9", "ra line", "0", "wa, wo, n" in order from "1".
Is assigned. In the alphabet, as shown in FIG. 15, three to four characters from the numeral "2" are assigned to one key. Therefore, if you want to type one character, "Oh, ka, sa, ta, ..., wa" needs to be done only once, but "oh, ko, so, ..., ro" I had to hit the same key five times. Similarly, the letter "C" or "F" in the alphabet will hit the same key three times.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a conventional kana code table for inputting a kana by typing a two-digit number. In FIG. 16, the kana code table includes “11 to 1”.
5 "," 21 to 25 ", ...," 91 to 9 "
5 "," 01 to 05 "," A, I, U, D, E ",
"Ka, Ki, Ku, Ke, Ko", ..., "La, Li, Le, Le,
“B”, “W, ヲ, N,“ ° ”are simply assigned respectively. Characters and the like are input by hitting these two-digit numbers.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a conventional alphanumeric code table for inputting an alphabet by striking a two-digit number. In FIG. 17, the alphanumeric code table includes “16 to 19, 10” and “26 to 2”.
, "A, B, C, D, E", "F, G, H, I, J",.
.., “1 to 5” and “6 to 0” are simply assigned. Then, the alphabets and numbers are input by striking these two-digit numbers.

FIG. 18 shows the numeric keypad of FIG. 15 in the same manner as FIG. 16 and FIG. 16 and 17
Is a list developed by NTT for pagers, and is a method of inputting with two digits. FIG.
The code table shown in FIG. 1 is a method used in a current mobile phone. The code tables shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 have a high input speed, but need to rely on storage because the correspondence between letters and numbers is not established. Also, the code table of FIG. 18 can be input as displayed on the numeric keypad, so that it is easy to learn, but there is a problem that the input speed is lower than the former.

[0008]

As the size of portable telephones and mobile devices has been reduced, the portable telephones and mobile devices have substantially the same functions as personal computers, and the Internet and e-mail have become available. The Internet and e-mail can obtain character information and image information. Conversely, when sending an e-mail from a mobile phone or the like, or when accessing desired information via the Internet, it is necessary to input characters and the like.

However, in the conventional method of inputting characters and the like on the numeric keypad, when one character is hit, it is necessary to hit it once to a maximum of five to six times. In addition, in the conventional input method for characters and the like, the fifth character shown in FIG. 15 does not need to be input while counting the number of strokes, such as "O, ko, so, ..., ro". There was a problem that should not be.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides at least “0, 1, 2, 3,..., 9, *,
By combining the first stroke and the second stroke from among “♯”, one character, a number, a symbol can be struck, or a method of inputting a character or the like with a ten key capable of performing conversion, a function, and the like can be provided. The purpose is to provide.
That is, the present invention provides at least “0, 1, 2, 3,.
···, 9, ♯, ”taken on the vertical and horizontal axes, 11 × 11
121 places, 11 * 12 with 12 "*", 12
By assigning an arbitrary character, symbol, or the like to the area of 11 × 12, 12 × 12,..., The position where the character or the like is assigned can be easily remembered, and can be input quickly, and the blind can be input. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of inputting characters and the like using a ten-key that is easy to touch and a ten-key.

Further, the numeric keypad of the present invention can perform conversion or function keying by two strokes, and provides a fast, simple, small-sized input device for characters and the like despite the small number of keys. The purpose is to: In addition, the present invention provides many characters,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of inputting characters and the like using a numeric keypad and a numeric keypad, which can easily and quickly input a character string including numbers, symbols, and the like.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of inputting a character or the like by using a numeric keypad, wherein at least numerals 0 to 9 and ♯ or * are arranged on one coordinate axis and at least one is arranged on the other coordinate axis. Numbers 0 to 9 and ♯ or * are arranged, and letters, numbers, symbols, etc. are assigned to the intersections of the respective coordinate axes, and the number or ♯ or * of one coordinate axis is assigned to the first stroke, and the other is assigned to the other. By typing the number of the coordinate axis of ♯ or ♯ or * as the second stroke,
Numbers, kana, alphabets, punctuation, symbols, and the like assigned to the area are input, and desired characters, numbers, symbols, and the like are selected by selecting one of a conversion key, a non-conversion key, and a function key. Alternatively, a character string or the like is output.

(Second Invention) In the method for inputting a character or the like using the numeric keypad according to the second invention, at least one numeral 0 is set on one coordinate axis.
-9 or ♯ or * are arranged, and at least the numerals 0-9 and ♯ or * are arranged on the other coordinate axis, and letters, numbers, symbols, etc. are assigned to the area where the respective coordinate axes intersect. "1 (A),"
"I", "u", "e", "o"), "1" key for "A" line, and "2" key for "KA" line. , The key "3" for the number "3",
The key of the number “4” is “ta (ta) line”, the key of the number “5” is “na (na) line”, and the key of the number “6” is “ha (c)
Row ", number" 7 "key" ma (ma) row ", number" 8 "
Key is assigned to “ya (ya) row”, the number “9” key is assigned to “ra (la) row”, and the number “0” key is assigned to “wa (wa) row”. In the first stroke, a numeral, Δ, or * is given, and the numeral or Δ on the other coordinate axis is entered.
Alternatively, after typing * as the second stroke, by selecting one of the conversion key, the non-conversion key, and the function key,
It is characterized in that numbers, kana, punctuation, symbols, etc., or character strings, etc., assigned to the area are output.

(Third invention) According to the third invention, a method of inputting a character or the like by using a numeric keypad is such that at least one numeral 0 is set on one coordinate axis.
-9 or ♯ or * are arranged, and at least the numerals 0-9 and ♯ or * are arranged on the other coordinate axis, and letters, numbers, symbols, etc. are assigned to the area where the respective coordinate axes intersect. "A, B, C" on the key of "2", "D, E, F" on the key of the number "3", "G, H, I" on the key of the number "4", and the key of the number "5""J, K, L",
"M, N, O" for the key of the number "6", "P, Q, R, S" for the key of the number "7", "T, U," for the key of the number "8"
"W, X, Y, Z" are respectively assigned to the keys of "V" and the numeral "9", and the numeral or ♯ or * of the one coordinate axis is the first stroke, and the numeral or ♯ or * of the other coordinate axis is used as the first stroke. Is input as the second stroke, and by selecting one of the conversion key, the non-conversion key, and the function key, the numbers, alphabets, punctuation marks, symbols, etc. assigned to the area are output. It is characterized by that.

(Fourth invention) In the method of inputting characters and the like using the numeric keypad of the fourth invention, numerals 0 to 9 and ♯ and * are arranged on one coordinate axis, and numerals 0 to 9 are arranged on the other coordinate axis.
, ♯, and * are arranged, and characters, numbers, symbols, conversions, functions, and the like are assigned to areas that are intersections of the respective coordinate axes.
By inputting the numeral of the other or one of the coordinate axes, ♯ as the second stroke, the characters, numerals, symbols, etc. assigned to the area are input, and then inputting * in the first stroke, By inputting a number in two strokes, a conversion or a function assigned to the area is started.

(Fifth invention) In the method of inputting characters and the like using the numeric keypad of the fifth invention, numerals 0 to 9 and ♯ and * are arranged on one coordinate axis, and numerals 0 to 9 are arranged on the other coordinate axis.
, ♯, and * are arranged, and characters, numbers, symbols, conversions, functions, and the like are assigned to areas that are intersections of the respective coordinate axes.
By inputting the numeral of the other or one of the coordinate axes, ♯ as the second stroke, the characters, numerals, symbols, etc. assigned to the area are input, and then inputting * in the first stroke, By typing numbers in two strokes, you can convert from hiragana to katakana, uppercase to lowercase, uppercase to lowercase, kanji conversion, kanji conversion, half-width conversion, deletion, restoration,
It is characterized in that one of two-touch Japanese input and one-touch numeric input can be converted, or the opposite can be converted.

(Sixth invention) The character input method using the numeric keypad according to the sixth invention is characterized in that "-, S, Z" is assigned to the numeral "1" on the numeric keypad.

(Seventh invention) The method of inputting characters and the like using the numeric keypad according to the seventh invention is characterized in that when a numeral as a first stroke is inputted,
The fact that the number is the first stroke can be displayed on the display screen.

(Eighth Invention) The method of inputting characters and the like using the numeric keypad according to the eighth invention is the first stroke "0" or "8 and 9".
A punctuation mark or the like is assigned to the second stroke “8 and 9” or “0”.

(Ninth Invention) According to the ninth invention, a method of inputting a character or the like by using the ten-key pad is such that the number "0 (X), 1 (I), 2 (II),
(III), 4 (IV), 5 (V), 6 (VI), 7
(VII), 8 (VIII), 9 (IX) ”or“ 0 ”, and in the second stroke,“ 0 ”or the number“ 0 ”
(X), 1 (I), 2 (II), 3 (III), 4 (I
V), 5 (V), 6 (VI), 7 (VII), 8 (VI
II), 9 (IX) "to output the number.

(Tenth invention) In the tenth invention, a method of inputting characters or the like by using the ten-key pad is such that, in the first stroke, small letters "a (a), a (a), c (a),
D (e), o (o), tsu (tsu), ya (ya), yu (yu),
"Yo (Yo)" or "6", and in the second stroke, "6" or lowercase letters "A (A), I (I), U (U), D (E), E (E), T (O) The lower-case letters are output by hitting "tsu), ya (ya), yu (yu), yo (yo)".

(Eleventh invention) In the eleventh invention, the method of inputting a character or the like using the numeric keypad is such that the alphabetical character "-(hyphen), A (a), D
(D), G (g), J (j), M (m), P (p), T
(T), W (w), sp (blank) ”or“ 7 ”, and“ 7 ”or“ − (hyphen), A
(A), D (d), G (g), J (j), M (m), P
(P), T (t), W (w), sp (blank) "to output one of the alphabetic characters.

(Twelfth Invention) In the method of inputting characters and the like using the ten-key pad according to the twelfth invention, the alphabetical characters "S (s), B (b), E (e), H
(H), K (k), N (n), Q (q), U (u), X
(X) ”or“ 8 ”, and in the second stroke,“ 8 ”or the alphabetical characters“ S (s), B (b), E (e), H (h), K
(K), N (n), Q (q), U (u), X (x) "to output the alphabetic characters and the like.

(Thirteenth Invention) In the method for inputting characters and the like using the ten-key pad according to the thirteenth invention, the alphabetical characters "Z (z), C (c), F (f), I"
(I), L (l), O (o), R (r), V (v), Y
(Y) ”or“ 9 ”, and in the second stroke,“ 9 ”or alphabetic characters“ Z (z), C (c), F (f), I (i), L
(L), O (o), R (r), V (v), Y (y) "to output any of the alphabetic characters and the like.

(Fourteenth Invention) In the fourteenth invention, the method of inputting characters or the like by using the ten-key pad is such that the character is displayed on the ten-key pad by striking ♯ with the first stroke and hitting the symbol or the like displayed on the ten-key with the second stroke. The entered symbol or the like is input.

(Fifteenth invention) In the fifteenth invention, the method of inputting characters or the like by using the ten-key pad is such that a symbol or the like displayed on the ten-key pad is hit by a first stroke, and a ♯ is hit by a second stroke to display on the ten-key pad. The entered symbol or the like is input.

(Sixteenth Invention) According to the sixteenth invention, in the method of inputting characters and the like using the numeric keypad, characters, numbers, symbols, conversions, functions, and the like assigned to coordinates are transmitted as digital signals to the information processing apparatus main body by electromagnetic waves. Input of characters or the like is started.

(Seventeenth Invention) A method for inputting characters and the like using the ten keys of the seventeenth invention is characterized in that the ten keys are provided in the mobile information processing apparatus.

(Eighteenth Invention) In the eighteenth invention, a method of inputting a character or the like by using the ten keys is characterized in that the ten keys are provided in a fixed information processing device.

(Nineteenth Invention) The ten-key of the nineteenth invention is as follows.
It consists of at least the numbers 0 to 9 and the ♯ and * keys, and the keys of the numbers “1 to 5” are “A (a),
"I", "u", "e", "o"), "1" key for "A" line, and "2" key for "KA" line. , The key "3" for the number "3",
The key of the number “4” is “ta (ta) line”, the key of the number “5” is “na (na) line”, and the key of the number “6” is “ha (c)
Row ", number" 7 "key" ma (ma) row ", number" 8 "
Key is assigned to “ya (ya) line”, number “9” key to “ra (la) line”, number “0” key to “wa (wa) line”, and numbers “2, 3” , A semi-voiced point “°”, etc. are respectively assigned to the keys, “−, S, Z” is assigned to the key of the number “1”, “A, B, C” is assigned to the key of the number “2”, "D, E, F" on the key of the number "3",
“G, H, I” is assigned to the key of the number “4”, “J, K, L” is assigned to the key of the number “5”, and “M, N,
"O", "P, Q, R, S" on the key of the number "7", "T, U, V" on the key of the number "8", and "W, X, Y, Z" on the key of the number "9""Are respectively assigned.

(Twentieth invention) The ten-key of the twentieth invention is as follows.
At least the functions assigned to the numbers 0 to 9 and ♯, software for converting characters, numbers, symbols, character strings, and the like are incorporated in the ROM.

(Twenty-First Invention) The ten-key of the twenty-first invention is as follows.
The keys are arranged in a line in parallel with the display device.

(Twenty-second invention) The ten-key of the twenty-second invention is as follows.
The keys are arranged in two rows in parallel on the display device.

(Twenty-third invention) The ten-key of the twenty-third invention is as follows.
Information including a personal computer, a fixed telephone, a cordless telephone, a mobile telephone, a mobile device, a terminal device, an amusement machine, an electronic dictionary, a system notebook, an electronic book, an electronic notebook, etc., having a display device whose numeric keypad is formed of a liquid crystal or electroluminescence. It is characterized by being used in a processing device.

(Twenty-fourth invention) The ten-key of the twenty-fourth invention is as follows.
The key is a part of a controller of a digital television, a game machine, or an electronic device.

(Twenty-fifth invention) The ten-key of the twenty-fifth invention is as follows.
Keys for inputting letters, numbers, symbols, conversions, functions, etc. are CR
It is a virtual keyboard formed on a display screen such as T or a liquid crystal display device.

(Twenty-Sixth Invention) The ten-key of the twenty-sixth invention is as follows.
A virtual keyboard formed on a display screen such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display device can be changed in size or moved in position.

(Twenty-Seventh Invention) The ten-key of the twenty-seventh invention is as follows.
In a numeric keypad or a key of a controller, an area where the finger touches the finger is smaller than the width of the finger, and a distance between the keys is close to the width of the finger.

(Twenty-eighth invention) The ten-key of the twenty-eighth invention is as follows.
A key for inputting letters, numbers, symbols, etc., the area of the key touching the finger is smaller than the width of the finger, and the interval between the keys is provided as a space close to the width of the finger; and a solar cell provided in the space. And at least the following.

[0040]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (First Invention) In a first invention, at least eleven numbers 0 to 9 and ♯ are arranged on the Y axis and the X axis, and, for example, 121 areas are provided at intersections of these. , Letters, numbers, symbols, etc. When inputting characters etc., the number or ♯ on the one coordinate axis is the first stroke,
By typing the numeral or ♯ on the other coordinate axis as the second stroke, the numeral, kana, alphabet, punctuation, symbols, etc. assigned to the area are input.

The first invention has a conversion key, a non-conversion key, or a function key in addition to the numeric keypad. By selecting any one of the conversion key, the non-conversion key, and the function key after inputting a character or the like, a desired character, numeral, symbol, or the like, or a character string is converted and output. The conversion key,
The conversion by the non-conversion key or the function key can use the conversion software of each information device maker as it is, without using a special one, so that an inexpensive information processing device is manufactured.

For example, in an input mode for characters and the like,
The operator can perform two strokes, the first stroke and the second stroke,
Numbers, letters, symbols, etc. can be entered. In the first invention, since the number of keys is small, the key arrangement can be easily remembered and the blind touch can be easily performed. Further, in the first invention, it is possible to input the same characters and the like or character strings as those of the full keyboard despite the small number of keys.

(Second Invention) The numeric keypad according to the second invention is composed of a number "1" to "5" and "A (A), I (I), U (U), E (E), O (O)". , The key of the number “1” is “A (a) line”, the key of the number “2” is “K (a) line”,
The key of the number “3” is “sa (sa) line”, the key of the number “4” is “ta (ta) line”, and the key of the number “5” is “na (na)”.
Row ", the key of the number" 6 "is" ha (c) row ", the number" 7 "
Key "ma (ma) line", number "8" key "ya (ya) line", number "9" key "ra (la) line" and number "0" key "w". (W) line ”is assigned to each.

The second invention is characterized in that after inputting the number or ♯ on the one coordinate axis as a first stroke and inputting the number or ♯ on the other coordinate axis as a second stroke, any of a conversion key, a non-conversion key, and a function key Or choose. In the selection, numbers, kana, punctuation, symbols, and the like are converted into a desired character string and output. The assignment of characters and the like to the keys is partially shared with conventional mobile phones. for that reason,
According to the second invention, even if the model of the mobile phone is changed, the input of characters and the like can be easily remembered by the ten-key common to some.

(Third invention) The numeric keypad of the third invention is composed of the keys "A, B, C" for the key "2", the keys "D, E, F" for the key "3", and the key "4" for the number "4". Keys "G, H, I",
"J, K, L" for the key of the number "5", "M, N, O" for the key of the number "6", and "P, Q, R," for the key of the number "7"
"T", "U", "V", "9"
Are assigned “W, X, Y, Z”.

The assignment of alphabets to the keys is made substantially common to portable telephones all over the world.
Use of a conversion key, a non-conversion key, a function key, and the like is the same as in the first and second inventions. In the third invention, the alphabet is displayed by hitting the alphabet displayed on the numeric keypad in the first stroke and by typing 7 to 9 in the second stroke. In the third invention, in the case of exclusive use of the alphabet, the second stroke can be set to any number other than 7 to 9.

(Fourth invention) The fourth invention is characterized in that the XY coordinate axes have *
The first to third inventions are characterized in that
Different from the invention. The area where the number “*” intersects with a number is provided with a conversion and other functions. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, before or after inputting a character or the like by the first and second strokes, the character is input by a double stroke of “*” and a number.
Convert the stroked character. Conversion or function,
Since "*" is used for the first stroke, it can be distinguished from other characters and the like, so that there is no need to end conversion or the like.

(Fifth invention) The fifth invention is, for example, the first invention
By typing “*” on the vertical axis and numbers on the horizontal axis, you can change from hiragana to katakana, from uppercase to lowercase,
Uppercase to lowercase, kanji conversion, kanji conversion, half-width conversion, deletion, restoration, two-touch Japanese input, one-touch numeric-only input, etc., or the opposite can be converted. Since the conversion etc. of the fifth invention requires two strokes, it takes more time to input than one having a dedicated conversion key or the like. However, there is an advantage that a conventional ten key can be used as it is. In the fourth invention and the fifth invention, either the X-axis or the Y-axis can be selected for the first hit or the second hit.

(Sixth Invention) In the numeric keypad of the sixth invention, "S" and "Z" are assigned to the numeral "1" without assigning four characters to one numeral in the alphabet assignment. However, the sixth invention leaves "S" and "Z" in the numbers "7" and "9" for convenience when used by a person familiar with the conventional mobile phone. That is, the user of the numeric keypad can use one that is easy to use, or both.

(Seventh invention) The method for inputting characters and the like using the ten-key pad according to the seventh invention is described below.
The first stroke is displayed on the display screen by changing the shape or color of the input numbers, shading or marking, or making the frames black or white. The operator can easily input a sentence because the operator can distinguish whether the number he or she has hit is the first hit or the second hit.

(Eighth Invention) In the eighth invention, punctuation and the like are assigned by a combination of the first stroke "0" and the second stroke "8 and 9". In addition, the assignment of the cloud point and the semi-voice point is a combination of the first stroke “0” and the second stroke “2 and 3”. Further, the assignment of long sounds and the like is a combination of the first stroke “0” and the second stroke “4”. 8th
Allocation of punctuation marks and the like according to the invention can express almost all sentences in Japanese kana characters. The punctuation marks and the like of the eighth invention include things other than the above symbols.

(Ninth Invention) The ninth invention is the assignment of numbers, and in the first stroke, the numbers "0 (X), 1 (I), 2 (II), 3 (III) displayed on the numeric keypad. ),
4 (IV), 5 (V), 6 (VI), 7 (VII), 8
(VIII), 9 (IX) ", and hitting" 0 "in the second stroke, the number is output. In the telephone mode, a telephone number is entered by pressing a number, but when entering a number in a character string, the first and second strokes are entered.
You need to hit. This is because, in principle, the input of characters and the like of the present invention using the numeric keypad is constituted by the first and second strokes. To convert Arabic numbers into numbers in parentheses, you can easily change them by pressing the conversion key or by pressing * and the number twice.

(Tenth invention) The tenth invention is a method of inputting lowercase letters, and in the first stroke, lowercase letters "a (a), a (a), c (a), d (a) displayed on a ten-key pad. D), o (o), tsu (tsu), ya (ya), yu (yu), yo (yo) "and hit" 6 "in the second stroke to output the lowercase letters. The method for inputting characters and the like according to the present invention is capable of completely expressing sentences in Japanese kana characters. To convert the lowercase characters of Katakana to lowercase characters of Hiragana, you can easily change them by pressing the conversion key or by pressing * and a number twice.

(Eleventh invention) The eleventh invention is a method for inputting alphabetic characters. In the first stroke, for example, "-(hyphen), A" on the left side of the alphabetic characters displayed on the numeric keypad is used.
(A), D (d), G (g), J (j), M (m), P
(P), T (t), W (w), sp (blank) "
By hitting "7" in the second stroke, one of the alphabetic characters is output. Conversion between lower case and upper case can be achieved by a conversion key or a combination of “*” and a number. To convert uppercase letters to lowercase letters, you can easily change them by pressing the conversion key or by pressing * and a number twice.

(Twelfth Invention) A twelfth invention is a method for inputting alphabetic characters. In the first stroke, for example, of the alphabetic characters displayed on the numeric keypad, the middle alphabetical characters "S (s), B"
(B), E (e), H (h), K (k), N (n), Q
(Q), U (u), X (x) "and hitting" 8 "in the second stroke outputs any of the alphabetic characters. To convert between lowercase and uppercase, use the conversion key or "*"
Can be achieved by a combination of and numbers.

(Thirteenth Invention) A thirteenth invention is a method for manufacturing
This is a method of inputting the remaining alphabetic characters other than the eleventh invention and the twelfth invention. For example, of the alphabetic characters displayed on the numeric keypad, the alphabetic characters “Z (z), C (c), F (f), I
(I), L (l), O (o), R (r), V (v), Y
(Y) "and hitting" 9 "in the second stroke outputs any of the alphabetic characters and the like. In the eleventh to thirteenth inventions, the relationship between keys and alphabets may be such that a horizontal arrangement is a vertical arrangement, or an upper arrangement is a middle arrangement or a lower arrangement.
In the eleventh invention to the thirteenth invention, the arrangement of alphabets on the keyboard can be arbitrarily changed.
The conversion between uppercase and lowercase is the same as in the eleventh to thirteenth inventions. In the eighth invention to the thirteenth invention, the first hit and the second hit can be reversed.

(Fourteenth Invention) In the fourteenth invention, each symbol and the like can be input even by using a numeric keypad. For example, the symbol displayed on the numeric keypad is input by hitting a symbol in the first stroke and typing the symbol on the left or upper row displayed on the numeric keypad in the second stroke.

(Fifteenth Invention) A fifteenth invention is a method for inputting symbols and the like using a numeric keypad. For example, hit the right or lower symbol displayed on the numeric keypad with the first stroke,
By hitting ♯ in the second stroke, the symbol displayed on the numeric keypad is input. The fourteenth invention and the fifteenth invention are:
By hitting $ on the first stroke or the second stroke, it is possible to input all the symbols that can be struck on the full keyboard even with the ten keys. The arrangement of symbols and the like in the fourteenth invention and the fifteenth invention can be arbitrarily changed.

(Sixteenth Invention) The sixteenth invention uses electromagnetic waves so that it is not necessary to connect the numeric keypad and the information processing device with a cable. Characters, numbers, symbols, conversions, functions, and the like struck by the ten keys are transmitted as digital signals to the information processing apparatus main body by electromagnetic waves, and input or functions of the characters and the like are started. According to a sixteenth aspect, even when the information processing apparatus main body and the numeric keypad are located at positions slightly apart from each other,
This is very convenient because characters can be entered. Further, the future information processing apparatus will not be connected to the numeric keypad by a line.

(Seventeenth Invention) The seventeenth invention is directed to a laptop personal computer, a cordless telephone, a portable telephone, a terminal device, an electronic dictionary, a system notebook, an electronic book,
An electronic organizer or the like is provided in a mobile information processing apparatus. Since these mobile information processing devices do not need to be equipped with a full keyboard, they can be inexpensive and small.

(Eighteenth Invention) The eighteenth invention is provided in a fixed information processing device such as a desktop personal computer, a digital television controller, a game machine controller, a karaoke set controller, and the like. Since the numeric keypad of the present invention has performance comparable to that of a full keyboard, it can be applied not only to various electronic devices and the like, but also has an advantage that it is small and easy to use.

(Nineteenth Invention) According to a nineteenth invention, the keys of the numerals "1 to 5" are "A (A), I (A), U (U), E (E), O (O)" The key of "1" is "A"
Row ", number" 2 "key" ka (f) row ", number" 3 "
Key is “sa (sa) line”, number “4” key is “ta (ta) line”, number “5” key is “na (na) line”, and number “6” key is “ha (C) line ", the key of the number" 7 "is" ma (ma) line ", the key of the number" 8 "is" ya (ya) line ",
The key of the numeral “9” is assigned “ra (la) line”, and the key of the numeral “0” is assigned “wa (wa) line”, and the numerals “2, 3” are clouded dots “″” or semi-voiced dots “°”. Etc. are respectively assigned, and “−, S, Z” is assigned to the number “1” key, “A, B, C” is assigned to the number “2” key, and “D, E,” is assigned to the number “3” key.
"F,""G, H, I" and the number "5"
Key "J, K, L" and number "6" key "M,
“N, O”, “P, Q, R, S” on the key of the number “7”, “T, U, V” on the key of the number “8”, and “W, X, Y” on the key of the number “9” , Z ”are respectively assigned. Most of the numeric keys assigned in this manner are common to the world, so that the operation of the numeric keys can be easily learned.

(Twenty Invention) The twentieth invention is characterized in that at least the characters 0 to 9 and the characters, numbers, symbols, etc. respectively assigned to ♯ and * are input in two strokes, and Software for converting to a character string or performing a desired function is incorporated in at least one ROM. Characters, numbers, symbols, and the like output by two strokes can be converted into kana-kanji mixed sentences using off-the-shelf software provided by each company.

(Twenty-first invention) In the twenty-first invention, a vertically long display device is conventionally made horizontally long in order to make a display device large and to make character strings and the like easy to read. That is, in the twenty-first invention, the numeric keys are arranged in parallel along the lower side of the horizontally long display device and in a line.

(Twenty-second invention) In the twenty-second invention, in order to make the display device large and to make the character string easy to read, the twenty-second invention is configured to be wider than the conventional one. That is, the twenty-second invention is
Numeric keys are arranged in parallel in two rows along the bottom of the horizontally long display device.

(Twenty-third Invention) The ten-key of the twenty-third invention is as follows.
All information including personal computers, fixed phones, cordless phones, mobile phones, mobile devices, terminal devices, amusement machines, electronic dictionaries, system notebooks, electronic books, electronic notebooks, etc., having a display device made of liquid crystal or electroluminescence, etc. Used for processing equipment. By using the numeric keypad of the present invention, these keys can be made inexpensive and small.

(Twenty-fourth Invention) The ten-key of the twenty-fourth invention is as follows.
1 attached to the controller of digital television
Use two keys as numeric keys. The key of the terminal in digital television can also be used for channel switching,
Characters and the like can be easily sent bidirectionally. This numeric keypad can be easily achieved by reading 10 → 0, 11 → ♯, 12 → *. In addition, the numeric keypad can be used as an input device of an electronic device or a terminal device, or a numeric keypad of a controller of a game machine or the like.

(Twenty-fifth invention) The ten-key of the twenty-fifth invention is as follows.
This is a virtual keyboard formed on a display screen such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display device. The virtual keyboard is
Characters, numbers, symbols, conversion keys, and the like are input by pressing a key on a display screen of a CRT or a liquid crystal display device with a finger, clicking, touching a pen, or the like. The ten-key pad according to the twenty-fifth aspect does not require a keyboard, and thus is suitable for a portable small-sized information processing apparatus.

(Twenty-Sixth Invention) The ten-key of the twenty-sixth invention is as follows.
A virtual keyboard is formed on a display screen such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display device, and can be changed in size and moved in position. The virtual keyboard can input characters and the like by pressing with a pen or by clicking in addition to pressing with a finger. Therefore, by changing the size and position of the virtual keyboard, it becomes a more convenient information processing device.

(Twenty-Seventh Invention) The size of the ten-key or controller key in the twenty-seventh invention is considerably smaller than that of a normal key so that two keys are not pressed at the same time even if a finger presses a slightly different place. It is sized. That is, the key has an area where the key touches the finger is smaller than the width of the finger, and the distance between the keys is close to the width of the finger. Since the key is much smaller than the conventional key, characters and the like can be displayed in the space between the keys.

(28th Invention) The key of the 28th invention is the second key.
Similarly to the seventh invention, a space for touching a finger of a key for inputting a character, a number, a symbol, or the like with a finger is smaller than the width of the finger, and a space between the keys is close to the width of the finger. And the 28th
In the invention, a solar cell is provided in the provided space. For example, in the case of a numeric keypad, the solar cell is
Several units can be arranged between the numeric keys, and serve as a main power supply or an auxiliary power supply for the information processing apparatus.

[0072]

[Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example in which the characters and the like of the present invention and a conversion key are assigned to a numeric keypad of a telephone. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a figure for explaining arrangement of all characters and all symbols arranged in 21 places. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the rules of arranging characters in a matrix in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of inputting characters and the like by a combination of the first and second strokes of the numeric keypad according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, for one key, for example, a plurality of characters, symbols, and the like are assigned to a region surrounded by a line. In FIG. 2, for example, eleven numbers 1 to 0 and ♯ are arranged on the Y axis, and numbers 1 to 0 are arranged on the X axis.
And 11 are arranged respectively, and a pseudonym or a character, a number, a symbol, an alphabet, or the like is assigned to an intersecting region. A conversion key, a kanji conversion key, a non-conversion key, and a similar conversion key are provided below each numeric keypad.

That is, in this embodiment, characters or symbols are allocated to 11 × 11 121 areas. For example, the keys of the numbers "1 to 5" are "A (A), I (I), U (U), E (E), O (O)",
The key of the number "1" is "A (A) line", the key of the number "2" is "KA (KA) line", and the key of the number "3" is "SA (sa)".
Row ", number" 4 "key" ta (ta) row ", number" 5 "
Key of "na (na) line", number "6" key of "ha (c) line", number "7" key of "ma (ma) line", and number "8" key of "ya" (Y) row ", the key of the number" 9 "is assigned to the" ra (la) row ", and the key of the number" 0 "is assigned to the" wa (wa) row ".

This embodiment has a conversion key, a kanji conversion key, a non-conversion key, a similar conversion key, and the like, in addition to the numeric keypad. In order to select characters and the like arranged in a matrix, the operator sets the number or ♯ of one of the X and Y axes as the first stroke and the number or ♯ of the other coordinate axis as the second stroke. Drive in. The operator inputs the desired character or the like by two strokes, and then selects one of the conversion key, the kanji conversion key, the non-conversion key, and the same type of conversion key, so that the number assigned to the area is changed. , Kana, punctuation marks, symbols, etc., or character strings, etc. are output. The conversion and the like can be performed for each character or for each clause in the same manner as in a normal word processor. The input of the conversion key or the like can be performed before the input of characters or the like.

The alphabet is represented by "-, S, Z" for the numeral "1" on the numeric keypad, and "A," for the numeral "2" key.
B, C "," D, E, F "on the key of the number" 3 "," G, H, I "on the key of the number" 4 "," J, K, L "on the key of the number" 5 ", "M, N, O"
“P, Q, R, S” is assigned to the key of the numeral “7”, “T, U, V” is assigned to the key of the numeral “8”, and “W, X,
"Y, Z" are respectively assigned. The alphabet can be input by two strokes, the first stroke "1 to 9 and 0" and the second stroke "7 to 9".

The numbers are the first stroke “1 to 9 and 0”, the second stroke
The input can be made by two strokes of “0”. Symbols and the like can be input by two strokes, the first stroke “1 to 9 and 0” and the second stroke “♯”. The remaining symbols etc. are the first stroke “♯”, the second stroke “1 to 9 and 0”
Can be entered with two strokes. The input of characters, symbols, and the like can be performed simply and quickly simply by learning the arrangement of the characters, symbols, and the like in FIG.

The operator sets the number or の on one coordinate axis to the first stroke and sets the number or ♯ on the other coordinate axis to the second stroke.
After typing as a hit, select one of the conversion keys, kanji conversion keys, non-conversion keys, same type conversion keys, etc., and the numbers, alphabets, punctuation marks, symbols, etc. assigned to the relevant area, or character strings, etc. Is output.

In FIG. 1, a kanji conversion key is a key for converting kana or alphabet input into kanji. The non-conversion key outputs the hiragana, uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols assigned to the numeric keys as they are. The same kind of conversion key converts hiragana to katakana, uppercase to lowercase,
Convert numbers to Roman numerals and display symbols to similar symbols.
The conversion key can be assigned to another conversion or a special conversion.

As can be seen from the assignment table of the numeric keypad of FIG. 1 and the characters and the like of FIG. 2, the numeric keypad number “0” on the Y axis and the numeric keypad numbers “2” and “3” on the X axis.
Is assigned a cloud point “″” or a semi-voice point “°”. Punctuation marks “,” and “.” Are assigned to the numeric keypad “0” on the Y axis and the numeric keys “8” and “9” on the X axis. The arrangement of the cloud point, semi-voice point, and punctuation mark can be arbitrarily changed. Also, the arrangement of the symbols and the like can be arbitrarily changed to a position where main characters are vacant.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an area where characters and the like are arranged in a matrix in FIG. In FIG. 3, kana can be input by the first stroke “1 to 9 and 0” and the second stroke “1 to 5”. The input of lowercase letters can be performed by the first stroke “1 to 9 and 0” and the second stroke “6”. The special kana “ヲ” and “ン” are the first stroke “0”
In the second stroke “5, 6”.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the first hit and the second hit in the embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 4
The method of inputting characters and the like will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the first stroke “A, ka, sa, ta, na, ha, ma
The numbers "1 to 9" to which "Ya, la, wa" are assigned
"0" and the second shot, "a, i, u, d, o," are allotted to the numbers "1 to 5" to obtain all the pseudonyms other than "n". Characters are entered.

From Hiragana to Katakana, uppercase to lowercase, uppercase to lowercase, kanji conversion, kanaga conversion, half-width conversion, deletion, restoration, two-touch Japanese input and one-touch numeric input, etc., simply press the conversion key. Can be easily converted.

The symbols "(", "<", """,
"~", "", "=", "%", "'""
The eleventh input of “*” and “♯” means that the first shot is “♯”
At the second stroke, the symbol on the lower left side displayed on each key is hit.

The symbols ")",
">", "", ":", "/", "&", "＠",
The eleven inputs of “?”, “!”, “￥”, and “♯” are performed by pressing the lower right symbol (or the center) displayed on the key in the first stroke, and “♯” in the second stroke. Hit. By using the conversion key, the symbols shown below the X-axis “の 下” and the Y-axis “♯” in FIG. 2 can be input.

FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of characters and the like and "0" to "9".
It is for easily understanding the outline of the 121 areas formed by the combination of the character and "@", and the combination of the arrangement of characters and the numbers in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be easily remembered. The arrangement of symbols and the like can be arbitrarily changed.

FIG. 5 shows a mobile phone, a portable information processing apparatus, a terminal device, an electronic dictionary, an electronic organizer, etc. according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing an example in which characters and the like are assigned to a keyboard. Although the assignment of numbers and characters in FIG. 5 is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, the arrangement can be arbitrarily changed according to the purpose of the electronic device. In FIG. 5, an electronic device 51 includes keys arranged in a line and a display device 52 made of a horizontally long liquid crystal or electroluminescence.

In some cases, the numeric keypad in the electronic device 51 may be only an alphabet or a pseudonym, and characters, symbols, and the like as shown in FIG. 5 are not necessarily displayed. When the keys shown in FIG. 5 are used, the display screen can be made horizontally long, so that even relatively long sentences can be easily input and read. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 shows twelve keys, it is arbitrarily provided with several function keys.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another example in which characters and the like are assigned to the keyboard of the portable telephone according to the embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the characters, symbols, and the like in FIG. 1 are displayed for the assignment of numbers and characters in FIG. In FIG. 6, the mobile phone includes a display device 61, a keyboard 62, a character display unit 63, and selection keys 64 and 64 '.
, A microphone 65, and a speaker 66 (65, 66
Are exaggerated from the actual ones). The mobile phone of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 uses the select key 64 to select any one of day, English, and a symbol, and then presses a number key with a first stroke and a character or the like to which the number is assigned with a second stroke. Is selected with the selection key 64 '.
Further, the mobile phone is provided with a conversion key (not shown), thereby enabling kana-kanji conversion.

The keyboard shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 can be used as a full keyboard in portable information processing apparatuses such as portable telephones, terminal equipment, electronic dictionaries, electronic organizers, and the like. That is, the keyboard is located at the same position as a normal alphabet. Although not shown, the size of the keyboard can be extremely small. A lot of space is generated between the keys, characters and the like can be written, and a solar cell can be arranged to be used as a main power supply or an auxiliary power supply. As the terminal device, many characters and the like can be easily input by a key in a controller having a channel switch in digital television,
The interactive nature of digital television is utilized.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a keyboard of a portable telephone according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the mobile phone shown in FIG. 7, assigned characters and the like are omitted. The present invention has a regular character assignment and can be easily remembered. Therefore, when purchasing the second unit, even if the keyboard is exactly the same as the current fixed telephone, it can be used sufficiently. Not only can be manufactured, but also can be manufactured in a small size.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example in which ten keys are arranged in two rows in a portable information processing apparatus, a terminal device, an electronic dictionary, an electronic organizer and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 differs from FIGS. 5 to 7 in that the keys are two-stage. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is easy to input characters and the like with one hand even when applied to a mobile phone (microphone, speaker, and function keys are omitted), and has a long length such as e-mail. Even text is easy to read. Further, the example shown in FIG.
In the case of an electronic dictionary, an electronic organizer, or the like that does not require complete sentences, input can be performed easily and quickly.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another example in which ten keys are arranged in two rows in a portable information processing apparatus, a terminal device, an electronic dictionary, an electronic organizer, etc. according to an embodiment of the present invention. The characters in FIG. 9 are representative “a” to “wa”.
Although only the alphabet is described, characters and symbols in FIG. 1 may or may not be displayed. The electronic device 91 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 includes a display device 92, a virtual keyboard 93 in the display device 92, and an area 94 in which assigned characters are displayed.
It is composed of The virtual keyboard 93 is publicly known or well-known, and can input characters and the like also by touching a pen with a finger other than a finger or clicking a cursor or the like.

The virtual keyboard shown in FIG. 9 allows the size of a key to be touched by a finger, a pen touch, or a click to be arbitrarily set, or the key arrangement can be moved to an arbitrary position on a display screen. . The virtual keyboard does not need to be provided with a special keyboard in the information processing apparatus, and thus is a small device, and can easily input characters and the like.

According to the present invention, a word processor function (not shown) is provided by a ROM or the like, and by providing a non-conversion key and a conversion key, a kana-kanji mixed sentence can be easily created. The key of the present invention is a telephone,
When applied to a mobile phone, a portable information processing device, an electronic dictionary, an electronic organizer, and the like, it has other functions, for example, a telephone, a transmission / reception function, a microphone, a speaker, and the like. An off-the-shelf word processor can be used. The distinction between the first stroke and the second stroke is that when the number of the first stroke is input, the color of the number is changed to gray, shaded,
This can be done by changing the font.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example in which characters and the like and functions of the present invention are assigned to numeric keys. FIG.
11 is a diagram for explaining an example in which characters and the like and functions shown in FIG. 10 are allocated to a 12 × 12 area in the embodiment of the present invention. Note that, in FIG. 11, the “*” portion on the X axis is omitted. Normally, a sufficient number of characters and the like can be input without this field. The assignment of the alphabets shown in FIG. 10 is different from that of FIG. 1, but can be the same as shown in FIG.

As can be seen from the numeric keypad of FIG. 10 and the assignment table of characters and the like in FIG. 11, the upper middle part of the numeric key “1 to 5” has “A, I, U, D,
"O" is placed. The upper left side of the numeric key “1” is “A line”, the upper left side of the number “2” key is “Ka row”, the upper left side of the number “3” key. On the left side of the upper row of the key of "sa row" and the number "4", there is a key of "na row" and the number "6" on the left side of the upper row of the key of the number "5" In the upper left of the column, "ha row", the upper left of the numeral "7" key is "ma row", and the upper left of the numeral "8" key is "ya row", the numeral " On the left side of the upper row of the key of “9”, “ra line” is replaced with the number “0”.
On the left side of the upper row of the keys of “1”, “Wa” is arranged.

The numbers "1, 2, 3" and "7, 8, 9" assigned to the keys by the kana or the alphabet can be arranged in the opposite positions. Such an arrangement would be the same as a telephone key and a word processor or personal computer key.

In FIG. 10, for example, in the numeric keypad of numbers “1 to 9, 0”, “−, K, S, T, N, H, M, Y, R, W” are displayed in the left area in the middle row.
Is arranged. In addition, the numeric keys “1 to 5” in the middle area in the middle row include “A, I, U,
E, O "are arranged. “B, C, D, F” are arranged in the other areas on the middle side in the middle tier. Furthermore, in the numeric keypad of the numbers “1 to 9”,
On the right side in the middle row, "G, J, L, P, Q, V,
X, Z, and SP "are respectively assigned. As for the alphabet, the left, middle, and right sides can be changed to upper, middle, and lower rows, or the arrangement of the other alphabets can be arbitrarily changed.

The assignment of symbols and the like shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, it can be substantially the same as the embodiment in FIG. 1, but can be arranged differently. Figure 1
At 0, the difference from the embodiment of FIG.
The conversion and the function can be performed using the second “*”. That is, in FIG.
At the twelfth axis, “*” is arranged. And
In the area located at the intersection of the "*" and the numeric key,
"Day", "return", "cut", "simple", "after", "half",
"None", "Same", "Different", "Head", and "Kan" are arranged.

The first stroke is "*" and the second stroke is the number "1".
When the user touches (Sun), it has a switching function such as two-touch Japanese input and one-touch numeric input. That is, the input is switching between character input and telephone number input.

[0101] The first stroke is "*" and the second stroke is the number "2".
It has a function of restoring data before conversion when (Return) is hit. That is, the input is a case where it is desired to correct the character input.

"*" For the first stroke and the number "3" for the second stroke
It has a function to delete the input character when (Delete) is hit. "*" For the first stroke, "4" (single) for the second stroke
Has the function of inputting a single kanji when hit. That is, the input is convenient for inputting each Chinese character such as a guess character.

[0104] The first stroke is "*" and the second stroke is the number "5".
It has a function of converting the subsequent character when (back) is hit. In other words, the input is a convenient function because it is possible to input both uppercase and lowercase English characters.

"*" For the first stroke and the number "6" for the second stroke
It has a function to convert full-width characters to half-width characters when (half) is hit. "*" On the first stroke, "7" on the second stroke
When "(none)" is entered, if a hiragana character and a capital letter are registered, it has a function of outputting without conversion.

"*" For the first stroke and the number "8" for the second stroke
When (same) is hit, it has the function of converting to the same character type. That is, it converts katakana or hiragana from uppercase to lowercase and from uppercase to lowercase.

"*" For the first stroke and the number "9" for the second stroke
If you type (different), you can convert Japanese to Roman, foreign to English, English to Katakana, or the reverse.

"*" For the first stroke and the number "0" for the second stroke
If you hit (Send), send it to Kanji and give it a kana. When "*" is entered in the first stroke and "@" (head) is entered in the second stroke, registration is performed by inputting only one of the first parts such as idioms, foreign words, compound words, addresses, names, etc. Are entered.

"*" For the first stroke and "*" for the second stroke (Kan)
If you hit, you can convert words or kanji to kanji. In the present embodiment, various different functions can be provided by hitting a numeric key with the first stroke and hitting “*” with the second stroke. That is, in the present embodiment, a new function can be provided in an area having no assignment shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which the size of a key is reduced and a solar cell is embedded in the space. In FIG. 12, although not shown, an antenna can be provided to transmit a number as a signal to a remote information processing apparatus main body (not shown) by a weak electromagnetic wave. In FIG. 12, the information processing device 121
Is composed of a display device 122, a key 123, and a solar cell 124 on which characters are displayed.

The key 123 shown in FIG. 12 is reduced in size as necessary, a solar cell is arranged in the vicinity of the key, and characters or characters assigned to the surface of the solar cell using a transparent paint are used. Symbols and the like are described. The size of the key 123 in each embodiment of the present invention is considerably smaller than the width of the fingertip. In addition, the keys are arranged to be separated from each other by several times the area of the keys. The key has an area where the key touches the finger is smaller than the width of the finger, and the distance between the keys is close to the width of the finger. By providing the size and interval like the keys, the operator does not press the two keys at the same time and input an incorrect character even if the finger is pressed at a position slightly off the keys.

For example, the key diameter is 1 mm to 4 mm.
mm, at most about 5 mm or less. In addition, the shape of the key is, in addition to ○ when viewed from above, □, or an oval, rectangular, bar-shaped key, etc., when viewed from the side,
It can be flat or loose. Since the size of the key varies from person to person, it is convenient to provide different types of keyboards so that the user can select one that suits him.

The applicant of the present invention has made the size of the keys significantly smaller, so that attention has been paid to the space between the keys, and a solar cell 124 has been provided in this area.
The solar cell blocks light with a finger or the like during the operation of striking the keyboard. However, since the reflected light and the hand are often rested, the solar cell can be sufficiently charged. The description of the characters and the like assigned to the key can use the solar cell efficiently by using a paint or the like that transmits light.

The upper surface of the key according to the present embodiment does not have a conventional flat or concave surface, but may be provided with a projection for stimulating a fingertip pot. Therefore, it is desirable to select the shape of the projection on the key according to the usage time of the keyboard. A key with a projection stimulates the acupressure point of the finger to not only activate the brain and improve blood circulation but also relieve stress. Further, the shape of the key can be changed by the number of the protrusion. That is, by changing the height and shape of the projections by the numbers, the operator can easily determine which finger is touching which number key without looking at the keys. On the surface of the solar cell 124, characters, symbols, and the like assigned using a translucent paint are displayed.

The size of the key in this embodiment is considerably smaller than the width of the fingertip. In addition, the keys are arranged to be separated from each other by several times the area of the keys. The key has an area where the key touches the finger is smaller than the width of the finger, and the distance between the keys is close to the width of the finger. By providing the size and interval like the keys, the operator does not press the two keys at the same time, even if the finger is pressed at a position slightly off the keys, and does not input an incorrect character.

A character signal input from the numeric keypad does not necessarily require a cable for the information processing apparatus. For example, the character signal may be an electromagnetic wave that is weak enough to reach the receiver of the information processing apparatus at a distance of at most several meters. The character signal is
It is also possible to use electromagnetic waves, for example, 2.5 GHz, 800 MHz, infrared rays, X-rays and the like.

The solar cell provided in the space between the keys is sufficient as a power supply for the character conversion ROM.
One solar cell has, for example, an outer dimension of 38.0 mm.
In the case of × 13.9 mm, there is an output of 1.5V-12.5 μA (manufactured by Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.). Since the drive voltage-current of one LSI is about 1.5 V-3 μA, the character conversion R
One solar cell is sufficient as a power source for the OM.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a case where a character string or the like is input from the controller in the embodiment of the present invention. 13, a controller 131 is for digital television, for example, and includes a power supply 132, a channel switching key 133, a character input key 134 for switching to a character input mode, a channel number key 135, and a side 136 of the controller 131. And an electromagnetic wave transmission window 137 provided on the side portion 136.

The channel number key 135 of the controller 131 is different in that the numeric keypad is “*, 11, 12” while the numeric keypad is “*, 0, ♯”. Therefore, almost the same software can be used for the character conversion ROM only by changing only the above-mentioned parts. In the case of karaoke, the controller 131 is often used also for analog television. In such a case, the controller 131
A channel selection mode and a character input mode are provided so that television and karaoke can be enjoyed. Selection of a karaoke singer or a song name can be easily input from a remote position by the two-stroke method shown in FIGS.

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining another embodiment of the present invention, in which a solar cell is embedded between small keys. In FIG. 14, an electronic device 141 includes a display device 142, a numeric keypad 143, solar cells 144,
45. Electronic device 1 in FIG.
41 omits function buttons and the like. Further, since the electronic device 141 has a small numeric keypad, solar cells 144 and 145 are provided in a space therebetween. For example, in an electronic dictionary (not shown), if no voice is produced, the solar cells 144 and 145 become the main power supply. In the electronic dictionary, the solar cells 144 and 145 serve as an auxiliary power supply even when a voice can be output. In this case, even if the main power source such as a battery is lost, the solar cells 144 and 145 do not run out, so that a convenient electronic dictionary can be provided.

The present embodiment has been described in detail above.
It is not limited to the above embodiment. Various design changes can be made without departing from the present invention described in the appended claims. As for the arrangement of the numeric keys and the assignment of characters and the like, some arrangements and assignments can be changed as long as the basics and principles are the same.

The display of characters and the like on a display and the functions of a word processor and the like are not the present invention, and therefore are omitted, and conventional ones can be used. In many of the embodiments of the present invention, the numeric keypad of the telephone is shown, but "1, 2, 3" and "7, 8, 9" are turned upside down.
Needless to say, it can be used for an information processing device. A known or well-known technique can be used as a technique for creating characters or the like by inputting from a numeric keypad, a technique using electromagnetic waves, and a technique for a virtual keyboard.

[0123]

According to the present invention, at least the numerals 0 to 9 and ♯ are arranged on one coordinate axis, and at least the numerals 0 to 9 and ♯ are arranged on the other coordinate axis. Characters, numbers, symbols, and the like are assigned to the area, 11 × 11 121 locations, and the numbers and the like arranged on one coordinate axis are set as the first stroke, and the numbers and the like arranged on the other coordinate axis are set as the second stroke. , Can input all kana characters, alphabets, symbols, etc., and has a function equivalent to a full keyboard despite having only a few keys.

According to the present invention, by inputting the characters and the like assigned to the 121 positions and then hitting a conversion key or the like, a desired character string can be converted, uppercase letters to lowercase letters, character types, and the like, or various other conversions can be performed. It is now possible.

According to the present invention, by using “*”, conversion or function can be performed by two strokes of “*” and a numeric key. That is, a method of inputting characters or the like based on two strokes can have a function equivalent to a full keyboard by using only the ten keys.

According to the present invention, kana characters, alphabets, symbols, etc. are arranged at substantially the same positions as those of the prior art, and the arrangement of character symbols is systematized. Not only can you hit quickly, but it is also easy to learn the arrangement and make blind touch easy.

According to the present invention, a ten-key provided in an ultra-small information processing device such as a mobile phone can be used with one finger of one hand, and information retrieval, money settlement, purchase, or e-mail can be performed via the Internet. -Mail and the like can be easily performed.

According to the present invention, by using a virtual keyboard and electromagnetic waves, it is possible to further reduce the size of the numeric keypad and improve the usability. Since a keyboard using a virtual keyboard does not require an actual keyboard, the size of an electronic device or the like can be reduced.

According to the present invention, since the space between the information processing apparatus main body and the numeric keypad is cordless by electromagnetic waves, characters and the like can be input from a position slightly apart. In particular,
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is effective as an input device for digital television, car navigation, karaoke, game machines, and the like.

According to the present invention, the size of the key is reduced,
In addition, since the distance between the keys is greatly increased, even if the numeric keypad or the controller is downsized, adjacent keys are not simultaneously pressed by a finger. In addition, a solar cell can be provided in the space created between the keys,
Most of the power on the keyboard can now be covered.

According to the present invention, when the keys are arranged in one or two rows, the display screen can be made horizontally long, so that even relatively long sentences can be easily input and read.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example in which characters and the like and a conversion key of the present invention are assigned to a numeric keypad of a telephone.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of all characters, all symbols, and the like arranged in 121 areas of 11 × 11 in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining rules in which characters are arranged in a matrix in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a first hit and a second hit in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which characters and the like are assigned to a keyboard in a mobile phone, a portable information processing device, a terminal device, an electronic dictionary, an electronic organizer, and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another example in which characters and the like are assigned to the keyboard of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a keyboard of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which ten keys are arranged in two rows in a portable information processing apparatus, a terminal device, an electronic dictionary, an electronic organizer, or the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another example in which ten keys are arranged in two rows in a portable information processing apparatus, a terminal device, an electronic dictionary, an electronic organizer, and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example in which characters and the like and functions of the present invention are assigned to numeric keys.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which a 12 × 12 area is shown in FIG.
It is a figure for explaining the example to which the character etc. and the function shown to 0 were allocated.

FIG. 12 is a view showing another embodiment of the present invention, in which the size of a key is reduced and a solar cell is embedded in the space.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a case where a character string or the like is input from a controller in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining an example in which a solar cell is embedded between small keys in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing numbers of respective numeric keys provided in a conventional telephone or the like and character information corresponding to the numbers.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a conventional kana code table for inputting a kana by typing a two-digit number.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a conventional alphanumeric symbol code table for inputting an alphabet by hitting a two-digit number.

FIG. 18 shows the numeric keypad of FIG. 15 in the same manner as FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 17 shows the numeric keypad of FIG. 14 in the same manner as FIG. 15 and FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

51, 81, 91, 121, 131, 141 ... electronic device (information processing device) 52, 61, 82, 92, 122, 142 ... display device 62, 83, 93, 123, 143 ... keyboard 63, 84, 94: display area for characters 64, 64 '... selection keys 65 ... microphone 66 ... speakers 124, 144, 145 ... solar cells

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hajime Nakahara 448, Yoshimitsu, Oaza, Konan-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa F-term (reference) 5B020 DD30 FF14 FF17 FF23 5B068 AA05 AA22 CC06 CD06 5B087 AA09 AB02 DE02

Claims (28)

[Claims] At least one of numerals 0 to 9 and ♯ or * is arranged on one coordinate axis, and at least numerals of 0 to 9 and ♯ or * are arranged on the other coordinate axis. In a method of inputting characters and the like using a numeric keypad to which letters, numbers, symbols, etc. are assigned, a number or ♯ or * on one coordinate axis is entered as a first stroke, and a number or ♯ or * on the other coordinate axis is entered as a second stroke. By inputting numbers, kana, alphabets, punctuation, symbols, etc. assigned to the area, a desired character, number, symbol is selected by selecting one of a conversion key, a non-conversion key, and a function key. Or a method of inputting a character or the like using a numeric keypad, wherein a character string or the like is output. 2. At least one of the numerals 0 to 9 and ０ or * is arranged on one coordinate axis, and at least the numerals 0 to 9 and ＊ or * are arranged on the other coordinate axis. In the method of inputting characters and the like using a numeric keypad to which letters, numbers, symbols, and the like are assigned, the keys of the numbers "1 to 5" are used to indicate "a (a), i (a), u (u), e (e), and ( E), the key of the number "1" is "A (a) line", the key of the number "2" is "ka (ka) line",
The key of the number “3” is “sa (sa) line”, the key of the number “4” is “ta (ta) line”, and the key of the number “5” is “na (na)”.
Row ", the key of the number" 6 "is" ha (c) row ", the number" 7 "
Key "ma (ma) line", number "8" key "ya (ya) line", number "9" key "ra (la) line" and number "0" key "w". (W) line is assigned respectively, and the numeral or ♯ or * of the one coordinate axis is assigned to the first stroke, and the numeral or ♯ or * of the other coordinate axis is assigned to the second stroke.
After hitting as a hit, by selecting one of the conversion key, no conversion key, and function key, the numbers, kana, punctuation, symbols, etc. assigned to the area are output. Character input method using numeric keypad. 3. At least one of numerals 0 to 9 and ♯ or * is arranged on one coordinate axis, and at least numerals of 0 to 9 and ♯ or * are arranged on the other coordinate axis. In the method of inputting characters, etc. using a numeric keypad to which letters, numbers, symbols, etc. are assigned, the keys of the number “2” are “A, B, C”, the keys of the number “3” are “D, E, F”, and the number “ "G, H,
"I", "J, K, L" and "6"
Key "M, N, O" and number "7" key "P,
"T, U, V" and "W, X, Y, Z" are assigned to the keys of "Q, R, S", the number "8" and the number "9", respectively. ♯ or * for the first stroke, and the number of the other coordinate axis or ♯ or * for the second stroke
After typing as a hit, by selecting one of the conversion key, no conversion key, function key, the number, alphabet, punctuation, symbols, etc. assigned to the area,
Alternatively, a method of inputting a character or the like using a numeric keypad, wherein a character string or the like is output. 4. Numbers 0 to 9 and ♯ and * are arranged on one coordinate axis, numbers 0 to 9 and ♯ and * are arranged on the other coordinate axis, and characters, In a method of inputting characters, functions, and the like using a numeric keypad to which numbers, symbols, conversions, functions, and the like are respectively assigned, the number of the one or other coordinate axis, ♯ is the first stroke, and the number of the other or one coordinate axis is ♯. After the characters, numerals, symbols, etc. assigned to the area are input by typing as the second stroke, * is input to the first stroke, and a number is assigned to the area by inputting the number to the second stroke. Inputting characters or the like using the numeric keypad, wherein the conversion or the function is started. 5. Numbers 0 to 9 and ♯ and * are arranged on one coordinate axis, and numbers 0 to 9 and ♯ and * are arranged on the other coordinate axis. Characters, In a method of inputting characters, functions, and the like using a numeric keypad to which numbers, symbols, conversions, functions, and the like are respectively assigned, the number of the one or other coordinate axis, ♯ is the first stroke, and the number of the other or one coordinate axis is ♯. After the characters, numbers, symbols, and the like assigned to the area are input by typing as a second stroke, * is input in the first stroke, and a numeral is input in the second stroke to change from hiragana to katakana to uppercase. To lowercase, uppercase to lowercase, kanji conversion, kanji conversion, half-width conversion, deletion, restoration, two-touch Japanese input and one-touch numeric-only input, or vice versa A method of inputting characters and the like using a numeric keypad, which can be converted. 6. The method according to claim 3, wherein "-, S, Z" is assigned to the numeral "1" on the numeric keypad. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when the numeral corresponding to the first stroke is input, the fact that the numeral corresponds to the first stroke can be displayed on a display screen. How to input characters etc. using the numeric keypad described in. 8. The first hit "0" or "8 and 9"
8. The input of a character or the like by the ten keys according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a punctuation mark or the like is assigned to the second stroke "8 and 9" or "0". Method. 9. In the first stroke, a numeral "0 (X), 1 (I), 2 (II), 3 (I
II), 4 (IV), 5 (V), 6 (VI), 7 (VI
I), 8 (VIII), 9 (IX) "or" 0 ", and in the second stroke," 0 "or the number" 0 (X), 1 "
(I), 2 (II), 3 (III), 4 (IV), 5
(V), 6 (VI), 7 (VII), 8 (VIII),
9. The number is output by hitting "9 (IX)".
How to input characters etc. using the numeric keypad described in the section. 10. In the first stroke, lowercase letters "a", "a", "u", "u" displayed on the numeric keypad are set.
(D), o (o), tsu (tsu), ya (ya), yu (yu), yo
(6) ”or“ 6 ”, and in the second stroke,“ 6 ”or lowercase letters“ A (A), I (I), U (U), D (E),
Oh (O), Tsu (Tsu), Ya (Ya), Yu (Yu), Yo (Yo) "
10. The method for inputting a character or the like using the numeric keypad according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lower case is output by hitting. 11. In the first stroke, alphabetic characters "-(hyphen), A (a), D (d),
G (g), J (j), M (m), P (p), T (t),
W (w), sp (blank) "or" 7 ", and in the second stroke," 7 "or"-(hyphen), A (a), D
(D), G (g), J (j), M (m), P (p), T
(T), W (w), sp (blank) "
11. The method according to claim 3, wherein one of the alphabetic characters is output. 12. In the first stroke, the alphabetic characters "S (s), B (b), E (e), H" displayed on the numeric keypad are displayed.
(H), K (k), N (n), Q (q), U (u), X
(X) ”or“ 8 ”, and in the second stroke,“ 8 ”or alphabetic characters“ S (s), B (b), E (e), H (h), K
11. The alphabet or the like is output by hitting (k), N (n), Q (q), U (u), X (x) ". Or a method of inputting characters or the like using the numeric keypad described in the item 1. 13. In the first stroke, the alphabetic characters "Z (z), C (c), F (f), I"
(I), L (l), O (o), R (r), V (v), Y
(Y) ”or“ 9 ”, and in the second stroke,“ 9 ”or alphabetic characters“ Z (z), C (c), F (f), I (i), L
(L), O (o), R (r), V (v), Y (y) "to output any of the alphabetic characters and the like. Any one of 10
How to input characters etc. using the numeric keypad described in the section. 14. A symbol or the like displayed on the numeric keypad is input by hitting a symbol on the numeric keypad with the first stroke and hitting the symbol or the like displayed on the numeric keypad with the second stroke. A method for inputting characters or the like using the numeric keypad according to any one of claims 13 to 13. 15. A symbol or the like displayed on the numeric keypad is input by hitting a symbol or the like displayed on the numeric keypad with a first stroke and hitting a ♯ with a second stroke. A method for inputting a character or the like using the numeric keypad according to any one of claims 14 to 14. 16. A character, number, or character assigned to said coordinates.
The symbol, conversion, function, or the like is transmitted to the information processing apparatus main body as a digital signal by an electromagnetic wave to start input of a character or the like, or a function is started. How to input characters etc. using the numeric keypad. 17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the numeric keypad is provided in a mobile information processing device. 18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said numeric keypad is provided in a fixed information processing device.
7. A method for inputting characters and the like using the numeric keypad described in any one of the above items 7. 19. A numeric keypad composed of at least the numerals 0 to 9 and the ♯ and * keys, the keys of the numerals "1 to 5" are assigned "A (A), I (A), U (U), E". (E), (O) ”, the key of the number“ 1 ”is“ A (A) line ”, the key of the number“ 2 ”is“ K (KA) line ”,
The key of the number “3” is “sa (sa) line”, the key of the number “4” is “ta (ta) line”, and the key of the number “5” is “na (na)”.
Row ", the key of the number" 6 "is" ha (c) row ", the number" 7 "
Key "ma (ma) line", number "8" key "ya (ya) line", number "9" key "ra (la) line" and number "0" key "w". (W) line, and the numbers “2, 3” are assigned with the cloud point “″” or the semi-voice point “°”, respectively, and the key of the number “1” is assigned with “−, S, Z” "A, B, C"
“D, E, F” is assigned to the key of the number “3”, “G, H, I” is assigned to the key of the number “4”, and “J, K,
"M", "N", "O", "7"
Key "P, Q, R, S", number "8" key "T, U, V", number "9" key "W, X, Y,
"Z" is respectively assigned. 20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein software for converting at least functions assigned to numbers 0 to 9 and ♯, characters, numbers, symbols, character strings, and the like is incorporated as a ROM. Numeric keypad described. 21. The key according to claim 19, wherein the keys are arranged in a line in parallel with the display device.
Numeric keypad described in. 22. The key according to claim 19, wherein the keys are arranged in two rows in parallel with the display device.
Numeric keypad described in. 23. The numeric keypad includes a personal computer having a display device made of liquid crystal or electroluminescence, a fixed telephone, a cordless telephone, a mobile telephone, a mobile device, a terminal device, an electronic dictionary, a system notebook, an electronic book, and an electronic notebook. The numeric keypad according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the numeric keypad is used for an information processing apparatus including the following. 24. The numeric keypad according to claim 19, wherein the numeric keypad is a part of a controller of a digital television, a game machine, or an electronic device. 25. A key for inputting letters, numbers, symbols, conversions, functions, etc., is a virtual keyboard formed on a display screen such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display device. Item 10. The numeric keypad according to any one of items 24. 26. The numeric keypad according to claim 25, wherein the virtual keyboard formed on the display screen of the CRT or the liquid crystal display device can be changed in size or moved. . 27. The keypad of the numeric keypad or the controller, wherein the area of the key touching the finger is smaller than the width of the finger, and the interval between the keys is set close to the width of the finger. The numeric keypad according to any one of claims 19 to 26. 28. A key provided with a key for inputting a character, a number, a symbol, or the like, wherein an area of the key touching the finger is smaller than a width of the finger, and a space between the keys is provided as a space close to the width of the finger. The numeric keypad according to any one of claims 19 to 27, comprising at least a solar cell provided.