JP2002297291A - Key input device, key input method and portable electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key input device which enables both a beginner who is unfamiliar with key operations and a user who is familiar with key operations to manipulate keys and to input characters with a small number of times of key operations. SOLUTION: Key arrangements are switched according to a key operation from the initial key display state according to the setting of an input mode for switching the key input operation. The key display state representing the input characters in the initial stage is changed so that the key arrangement assigned to the operation keys is assigned to the whole keys by operating a prescribed key. Thus the number of times of key input operations can be uniformized, and that characters can be inputted with a small number of times of key operations.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a key input device having a plurality of input methods.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A keyboard device is widely used as a means for inputting data. As a keyboard device,
There are keyboards configured as hardware having a so-called key switch mechanism, and software keyboards combining a tablet for position detection and a display device. In a keyboard having a hardware configuration, characters that can be input to a key top are printed in advance, and a user performs character input by switching character types such as alphanumeric characters, hiragana, and katakana. Some keyboards having a software configuration are configured so that the display content of a key portion is also switched by switching a character type. Further, as a device located between a keyboard having a hardware configuration and a software configuration, there is a device disclosed in JP-A-5-224803.

[0003] In recent years, so-called mobile phones have been increasingly provided with e-mail and various processing functions, and the number of opportunities for inputting characters has been increasing. When entering characters with the mobile phone, 0
Various characters are input using the dial number keys of No. to No. 9. That is, the character to be input is determined by the number of times the key is pressed. For example, in order to input the hiragana “fu”, after specifying the input character type, press the numeric key “6” to which the character string of “ha line” is assigned three times to change “ha” → “hi”. "→" and changed characters to input characters. In this case, the part of the numeric key "6"
For katakana, the first letter of the line, "ha", and the alphanumeric "MN"
"O" is printed. Although there is an advantage that characters can be input with a smaller number of keys installed than the keyboard device shown above, a specific initial letter is displayed on the printed part of the key, and which character is assigned to which key There were some things that were hard to understand.

[0004]

That is, when a plurality of characters are input with a small number of keys installed, a user who understands the contents of character allocation to the keys can input characters only by looking at the initials of the keys. Such a key operation is very difficult for a user who is unfamiliar with the operation.

Further, in the case of inputting with a small number of keys installed, in the conventional method of inputting characters by the number of key presses, the number of key operations increases depending on the input characters, and the key operation is cumbersome.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a key input mode used for a user who is accustomed to key operation and another key input mode used for a user who is not accustomed to key operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a key input device and a key input method which can handle both a user who is accustomed to key operation and a user who is unfamiliar with key operation by arbitrarily switching an input mode. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a key input device and a key input method in which the number of key operations is leveled.

[0007]

A key input device according to the present invention comprises: key input means for displaying keys representing input characters in an initial stage; mode setting means for setting a key input mode; If there is a key input operation in the displayed state, if the setting in the mode setting means is the first input mode, the arrangement display of the entire keys of the key input means is switched according to the operated key position, When the setting in the mode setting means is the second input mode,
Key display control means for switching the display of only the operated key of the key input means according to the operated key position.

Further, the key input device of the present invention comprises: key input means for displaying keys representing input characters corresponding to a plurality of character types in an initial stage; mode setting means for setting a key input mode; Character type setting means for setting the character type, when the character type setting by the character type setting means is performed, switch the key display of the key input means to the content corresponding to the character type, if there is a key input operation in this state, Key display control means for switching the key arrangement of the key input means to be displayed in an arrangement corresponding to the input mode.

Further, the key input device of the present invention has a key input device displaying keys representing input characters in an initial stage, and a key input operation in a state where the representative keys are displayed.
Key display control means for switching an array display of the entire keys of the key input means in accordance with the operated key position.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a portable electronic device using the key input device according to the first embodiment. Here, the portable electronic device 10 is assumed to be a mobile phone, but it is needless to say that the key input device of the present invention can be applied to other devices as needed.

The portable electronic device includes an antenna 11 for wireless communication with an external base station, an earpiece 13 and a mouthpiece 14 for communication, a liquid crystal screen 12 for displaying various data, and the like. , Dial buttons (keys) 16 and buttons (keys) for performing various other operations.

A liquid crystal screen is individually provided on the surface of the dial button 16, and the display contents of the button can be changed according to various setting operations. As a specific configuration, a protective layer is provided on the surface of the dial button 16, a liquid crystal is provided under the protective layer, and a mechanism for detecting a button operation is provided below the protective layer.

The call end button 15 has a button function for ending a call and a button function for turning on / off the power. The call start button 17 has a button function for starting a call. Redial / clear button 18
Has a button function for redialing a telephone number once dialed, a button function for clearing various data, and a button function for erasing input characters. The input mode button 19 has a button function of switching between an input mode in which dial buttons are arranged and displayed for beginners and an input mode in which dial buttons are arranged and displayed for advanced users. The phone book button 20 has a button function for calling a registered phone book and a button function for selecting a character type such as alphanumeric characters, hiragana, katakana, and the like. The menu button 21 has a button function for displaying a menu screen for setting various telephone functions, and a button function for confirming input characters. The selection button 22 can be pressed in four directions, up, down, left and right, and has a button function of moving a cursor such as selection movement of a menu item;
At the time of character input, the up and down buttons have a button function to convert the entered hiragana characters to kanji and select kanji candidates,
The left and right buttons have a button function of changing the number of characters to be converted. The application button 23
It has a button function for executing various application programs such as Internet browsing.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing basic functions of the portable electronic device. The control unit 36 controls the entire portable electronic device. The button input unit 31 and the button display unit 32 correspond to the dial buttons 16 in FIG. 1. The button display of the button display unit 32 is sequentially switched by an operation described later, and specified by the button position data detected by the button input unit 31. Can be entered. The control button input unit 35 is for detecting a button operation other than a dial button. In the character input state, there are 35a for detecting input mode selection, 35b for detecting character type selection, 35c for detecting kanji selection, and 35d for performing character fixed detection. These are shown in FIG.
Correspond to the input mode button 19, telephone directory button 20, selection button 22, and menu button 21, respectively.

The character input control unit 33 determines an input character by referring to the character conversion table 33a based on the input mode selection state 35a, the character type selection state 35b, and the button position detected by the button input unit 31. The input characters determined by the character input control unit 33 are sent to the display unit 34 via the control unit 36. The display unit 34 displays the input characters. The telephone function unit 37 has a general telephone function, but is not the essence of the present invention, and therefore, the description is omitted.

The details of the character conversion table 33a are shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 shows input mode A, that is, what characters are assigned to each dial button as a character type for button arrangement for beginners. FIG. 4 shows input mode B, that is, what characters are assigned to character types according to the number of times of operation of each dial button for button arrangement for advanced users. At the stage when the character type is switched, a representative key display of each button is performed, and the same button arrangement is used in any of the input modes A and B.
When the button operation is performed after the representative key button is displayed, the button arrangement differs in the input mode A / B. Input mode A
In this example, when a button operation is performed in the representative key display state, the related key layout is specified from the operated button with reference to the character conversion table in FIG. Then, the display is switched to the key of the arrangement specified for each button. In the input mode B, when a button operation is performed in the representative key display state, a related key arrangement is identified from the operated button with reference to the character conversion table in FIG. Then, the display is switched according to the number of operations (presses) of the operated buttons.

The input mode can be switched as a function of the menu button 21 in addition to the switching by the input mode button 19. In this case, a screen for selecting an input mode as shown in FIG.
Is displayed on the LCD 12 with the selection button 22
May be configured so that one can be selected and set. By setting on this menu screen, the user can set the input mode once by storing information indicating which input mode is selected in a memory area (not shown) which is not erased even when the power is turned off. For example, even if the power is turned off, characters can be input in the input mode set previously.

Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 6 to 8 are flowcharts for explaining the operation related to the character input processing. In the initial state when the power of the portable electronic device is turned on, the dial buttons 16 have the button arrangement shown in FIG. That is, the character input control unit 33 sets the content to be displayed on each button with reference to the character conversion table 33a, and the button display unit 32 performs the button display based on the content (step S10). The character input control unit 33 uses the telephone directory button 20
Is determined based on the presence or absence of a signal detected by the character type selection unit 35b of the control button input unit 35 (step S11). Here, if there is no particular designation of the character type, it is in a state of inputting a numeral, and the process proceeds to step S12.
On the other hand, if a specific character type is specified, it is determined whether the character type is a hiragana character type, an English character type, or a katakana character type (steps S14 and S19).

If it is determined that the designation of the character type is the hiragana character type, the button display section 32 of the dial button 16
Is displayed in hiragana as shown on the right side of FIG. 10 for the first tone of each of the Japanese syllabary (step S15). In this state, a common display is performed regardless of the input mode. Subsequently, the character input control unit 33 determines whether the current input mode is the A mode for beginners or the B mode for advanced users based on the input mode selection state 35a and the like (step S16). ). Here, the processes of steps S17 and S18 are respectively performed according to the determined modes.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a detailed processing flow of step S17 in FIG. Here, a process in a state in which the input mode A for a beginner is set will be described. It is monitored whether any one of the dial buttons 16 has been operated (step S30). If the dial button 16 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S31. If not, the monitoring continues. When one of the dial buttons 16 is operated, the button input unit 31 sends information indicating the button position to the character input control unit 33. The character input control unit 30 determines the button arrangement to be displayed by referring to the character conversion table 33a according to the information on the button position, and performs button display according to the contents (step S31).

Further, in this state, it is monitored whether or not the dial button is operated (step S32). If the dial button 16 is operated, the process proceeds to step S33, and if there is no operation, the monitoring is continued. Dial button 1
6 is operated, the button input unit 31 sends information indicating the button position to the character input control unit 3.
Sent to 3. The character input control unit 30 determines an input character by referring to the character conversion table 33a according to the information on the button position. The character input control unit 33 sends the determined character to the display unit 34 via the control unit. The display unit 34 displays the input characters on the LCD 12 (step S33). In this way, the input of a specific one character is determined and stored in a character string buffer (not shown) for use in kana-kanji conversion or the like (step S).
34).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed processing flow of step S18 in FIG. Here, a process in a state where the input mode B for advanced users is set will be described. It is monitored whether any of the dial buttons 16 has been operated (step S35). If the dial button 16 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S36, and if there has been no operation, monitoring continues. Then, the number of times the pressed dial button is pressed is counted (step S36). The character input control unit 33 determines the character to be displayed on the button display unit 32 with reference to the character conversion table 33a in the input mode B shown in FIG. The button display unit 32 switches the displayed character display content of the target button to the newly determined character display content and displays it (step S37). Next, it is determined whether there is a character determination operation by operating the menu button 21 or another dial button based on information from the character determination unit 35d of the control button input unit 35 or the button input unit 31 (step S38). ). If it is not a character determination operation, the process returns to step S35 again, and if not, the process proceeds to step S39. Character input control unit 33
Sends the determined character to the display unit 34 via the control unit. The display unit 34 displays the input characters on the LCD 12 (step S39). The input of a specific one character is determined and stored in a character string buffer (not shown) for use in kana-kanji conversion or the like (step S40).

In the same manner as the above-described processing of the hiragana character type, the display processing of the English character button is performed in step A20, the display processing of the katakana character button is performed in step S25, and the subsequent processing in the input mode A and B is performed in FIG. , 8 are executed. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state of button display in a state where the hiragana character type is specified and the input mode A is set. The button display state when the hiragana (kana) character type is specified is the left side, and the button pressed by pressing the button with the "ta" at the position corresponding to the position of the left dial button "4" is pressed. The display form of the position is temporarily displayed so as to be different from other parts. In the figure,
Although the "ta" part is highlighted, you can change the color,
Display control such as blinking the corresponding portion may be performed. Immediately thereafter, characters with a cloud mark on “ta line” and “ta line” shown on the right side are displayed on the dial button 16.
The figure on the right side shows a state where the dial button 16 of “Z” is pressed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state of button display in a state where the hiragana character type is designated and the input mode B is set. The left side of FIG. 11 shows a button display state when a hiragana character type is designated. Here, a state in which a button corresponding to the dial button “4” and “ta” is displayed is pressed. For example, if you press the button with the same "ta" displayed, the display will show "chi",
It switches sequentially like "tsu". The right side of FIG. 11 shows a state where the button display at the position of the dial button “4” is “T”.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state of button display in a state in which the alphabet character type is designated and the input mode A is set. The left side of FIG. 12 shows a button display state when an English character type is designated. Here, the dial button “1” is shown.
In a state where the button corresponding to the position "ABC" is pressed. When this button is pressed, the button display has the button arrangement shown on the right side of FIG. Here, it is a state in which the button displaying “b” at the position corresponding to the dial button “5” is further pressed.

FIG. 13 shows an input mode B in which an English character type is designated.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of button display in a state where the button is set to “1”. The left side of FIG. 13 shows a button display state when an English character type is designated. Here, a state in which a button corresponding to the dial button “1” and “ABC” is displayed is pressed. For example, when a button displaying “ABC” is pressed, the display is changed to “A” or “B” according to the number of times the button is pressed.
It switches sequentially like "C". The right side of FIG. 13 shows a state where the button display at the position of the dial button “1” is “C”.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a button display in a state where the katakana character type is designated and the input mode B is set. The left side of FIG. 14 shows a button display state when a katakana character type is designated. Here, a state in which a button corresponding to the dial button “6” and “C” is displayed is pressed. When this button is pressed, the button display becomes the button arrangement shown in the middle of FIG. here,
Further, a button in which "Semi-turbidity" for inputting a semi-turbid character at a position corresponding to the dial button "6" is pressed. When this button is pressed, the button display has the button arrangement shown on the right side of FIG. Here, it is a state in which the button displaying “Po” at the position corresponding to the dial button “0” is further pressed.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a button display in a state where the input mode B is set by designating a katakana character type. The left side of FIG. 15 shows a button display state when a katakana character type is designated. Here, a state in which a button corresponding to the dial button “6” and “C” is displayed is pressed. For example, when a button with “C” is pressed, the display changes to “H” according to the number of times the button is pressed.
It switches sequentially like "F". The right side of FIG. 15 shows a state where the button display at the position of the dial button “6” is “F”.

As described above, in the input mode in the input mode A, a character type is specified and then input by the next key operation, as compared with the mode in which the key display is switched according to the number of times the dial button is pressed as in the input mode B The number of key operations is significantly reduced because the character to be found is found.

As described above, the character input can be performed by switching between the button arrangement for beginners and the button arrangement for advanced users according to the input mode. Therefore, the character input can be performed according to the user's skill in handling the portable electronic device. And the display of the dial buttons is changed according to the input character type and the input mode, so that the character input operation can be performed without hesitation.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a portable electronic device using the key input device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of the key input device. The difference between the portable electronic device of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the portable electronic device of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is the configuration of the dial button portion. In the former case, the LCD 12 is provided for each button and a mechanism for detecting the press of the button is provided. On the other hand, in the latter case, the dial button 25 is collectively provided in the button frame 26. It has a structure attached above and one LCD 24 for displaying the entire dial buttons. One side of the button frame 26 is rotatably connected to the main body of the portable electronic device 10, and when performing a button operation, the button frame 26 is in close contact with the main body with the portion connected to the main body as an axis. When looking over, it is in an open state with the part connected to the main body as an axis. Other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment. FIG. 17 shows the structure viewed from the cross section of the button part.
Shown in The dial button 25 is made of a transparent member,
The display contents of the LCD 24 arranged below the button frame 26 can be viewed through the buttons 25. The LCD 24 also has a tablet for detecting the pressing force, and can detect which button is pressed in response to the pressing of the button 25.

[0032]

According to the present invention, the input mode is set in accordance with the user's skill in key input and the key display is switched in accordance with the set contents of the input mode. Even a novice who is unfamiliar with, or a user who is accustomed to key operation can easily perform key operation. Also, by operating a predetermined key from a key display state representing an input character at an initial stage, the key arrangement assigned to the operation key is assigned to the entire key, so that the number of key input operations is leveled. Characters can be input with few key operations.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing contents of a character conversion table in an input mode A;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing contents of a character conversion table in an input mode B;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an input mode setting screen.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing key display control in input mode A;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing key display control in input mode B;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a key display state at an initial stage.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a key display state when a kana character type is designated in the input mode A.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a key display state when a kana character type is designated in the input mode B.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a key display state when an alphabetic character type is designated in the input mode A.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a key display state when an alphabetic character type is specified in the input mode B.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a key display state when a kana character type is specified in the input mode A.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a key display state when a kana character type is designated in the input mode B.

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a key input device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Portable electronic device 11 Antenna 12 Display part 13 Earpiece 14 Mouthpiece 15 Call end button 16 Dial button 17 Call start button 18 Redial / clear button 19 Input mode button 20 Phonebook button 21 Menu button 22 Selection button 31 Button input Unit 32 button display unit 33 character input control unit 33a character conversion table 34 display unit 35 control button input unit 36 control unit 37 telephone function unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04M 1/247

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. Key input means for displaying a key representative of an input character in an initial stage; mode setting means for setting a key input mode; When the setting by the mode setting means is the first input mode, the arrangement display of the entire keys of the key input means is switched according to the operated key position, and the setting by the mode setting means is changed to the second input mode. A key input device, comprising: key display control means for switching display of only the operated key of the key input means according to the operated key position. 2. A character conversion table for storing a character array assigned to each key position in accordance with the input mode, wherein the key display control means switches the key display when the key display is switched. 2. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the control is performed with reference to the following. 3. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the key input means has a display unit for displaying keys for each key and a detection unit for detecting a key operation. Key input device. 4. The key input means has an integrated structure in which a key display and a key operation detecting portion are shared by each key, and an individual key operation is performed on an upper portion of the integrated display detecting section. 3. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the key input device has a structure having a key operation unit. 5. Key input means for displaying keys representing input characters corresponding to a plurality of character types in an initial stage; mode setting means for setting a key input mode; character type setting means for setting a character type; When the character type setting is performed by the character type setting means,
Switch the key display of the key input means to the content corresponding to the character type, and if there is a key input operation in this state,
A key input device, comprising: key display control means for switching the key arrangement of the key input means to be displayed in an arrangement corresponding to the input mode. 6. A character conversion table for storing a character array allocated to each key position according to the input mode, wherein the key display control means switches the key display when the key display is switched. 6. The key input device according to claim 5, wherein the control is performed with reference to the following. 7. A key representing an input character is displayed in an initial stage, and when a key input operation is performed in a state where the representative key is displayed, a separately set character input mode becomes a first input mode. If there is, the arrangement of the entire keys of the key input means is switched in accordance with the operated key position, and input of a separately set character.If the mode is the second input mode, the key is operated in accordance with the operated key position. A key input method characterized in that display of only the operated key of the input means is switched. 8. A key representing input characters corresponding to a plurality of character types is displayed in an initial stage, and when a character type setting operation is performed, the key display is switched to a content corresponding to the character type, and further in this state, the key display is changed. A key input method, wherein when there is an input operation, the keys are displayed in an arrangement according to an input mode set separately. 9. Key input means for displaying a key representing an input character at an initial stage; mode setting means for setting a key input mode; When the setting by the mode setting means is the first input mode, the arrangement display of the entire keys of the key input means is switched according to the operated key position, and the setting by the mode setting means is changed to the second input mode. In the case of, key display control means for switching the display of only the operated key of the key input means in accordance with the operated key position, and display means for displaying the character data input by the key input means A portable electronic device characterized by the following. 10. Key input means for displaying keys representing input characters corresponding to a plurality of character types in an initial stage; mode setting means for setting a key input mode; character type setting means for setting a character type; When the character type setting is performed by the character type setting means,
Switch the key display of the key input means to the content corresponding to the character type, and if there is a key input operation in this state,
Key display control means for switching the key arrangement of the key input means to be displayed in an arrangement corresponding to the input mode; and display means for displaying character data inputted by the key input means. Portable electronic devices. 11. Key input means for displaying a key representing an input character in an initial stage, and when a key input operation is performed in a state where the representative key is displayed, all keys of the key input means are operated according to the operated key position. And a key display control means for switching the array display. 12. A key representing an input character is displayed in an initial stage, and when a key input operation is performed in a state where the representative key is displayed, an arrangement of all keys of the key input means is displayed according to the operated key position. A key input method characterized by switching.