JP2003099178A - Auxiliary keyboard input device, and information processor capable of mounting the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an auxiliary keyboard input device whose portability can be prevented from being largely damaged when it is mounted on an information processor constituted of the minimum number of input keys and is used and the information processor on which the auxiliary device can be mounted. SOLUTION: An auxiliary keyboard input device 1 which can be mounted on the information processor 2 having a key input part 22 for character input so as to be freely attachable/detachable is provided with an auxiliary keyboard input part 12 for keyboard input, and the input by the auxiliary keyboard input part 12 is combined with the input by the key input part 22 of the information processor 2 so that desired characters can be inputted by a portable telephone 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is provided in an information processing apparatus in a detachable manner and can support input / output or expand the function in cooperation with the function of the information processing apparatus. The present invention relates to an auxiliary keyboard input device that does not significantly impair the property and an information processing device to which the auxiliary device can be attached.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, wireless mobile communication devices such as mobile phones and PHS have evolved from being used as conventional voice communication terminals to Internet terminals such as electronic mails and information retrieval on websites, and their functions have been expanded. There is. In addition, mobile information processing devices such as PDAs are also increasingly used on the Internet, and are becoming similar to the situation of wireless mobile communication devices. Since these portable information processing devices are designed with portability in mind, many customers are dissatisfied with the operability of input and output and the expandability of functions.

In order to eliminate any such dissatisfaction,
Proposals have been made to attach an auxiliary keyboard input / output device to the device body. For example, a right-handed and left-handed keyboard device disclosed in JP-A-5-297999, a wireless communication device disclosed in JP-A-7-288487, and an operation disclosed in JP-A-10-20986. Boards and the like are known. These are all related to the technology of mounting a special keyboard on the device body according to the purpose of use of the customer.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned three known techniques, the original key of the main body of the device and the key of the auxiliary keyboard input device are not linked to each other, but the function of each key is different. Being independent,
The size increases when the auxiliary keyboard input device is attached to the device body. Therefore, there is a big disadvantage in terms of usability that it is attached only when it is used and it must be stored when it is not used.

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve such a conventional problem. By performing key input in which the keys originally provided in the information processing device and the keys of the auxiliary keyboard input device are linked, An auxiliary keyboard input device that can be configured with a minimum number of input keys and that does not significantly impair portability when attached to an information processing device and used, and an information processing device that can be equipped with such an auxiliary device. The purpose is to provide.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention of claim 1 is an auxiliary that can be detachably attached to an information processing apparatus having a key input section for inputting characters. A keyboard input device, comprising: an auxiliary keyboard input device including an auxiliary keyboard input unit, wherein an input by the auxiliary keyboard input unit and an input by the key input unit of the information processing device are combined to obtain a desired information processing device. There is provided an auxiliary keyboard input device characterized by inputting the characters.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary keyboard input section includes character input keys, and in the Roman character input mode, a predetermined vowel is input by the auxiliary keyboard input device and a predetermined consonant is input by the information processing device. The keys of the key input unit and the auxiliary keyboard input unit are set so as to input.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary keyboard input section further has a key for switching between kana input and alphanumeric input, and a key for switching between hiragana input and katakana input. It is characterized by inputting.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, at least the code input to the character input from the key input section of the information processing apparatus or inserted into a desired position is input to the auxiliary keyboard input section. One code key is provided.

The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that the code key includes a symbol key and a dakuten / semi-dakuten key. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary keyboard input unit includes a shortcut key required for sending and receiving an electronic mail by the information processing device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary keyboard input section includes a key having a website bookmark function. The invention of claim 8 is characterized in that the auxiliary keyboard input section includes a key for operating the information processing apparatus as a PDA.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus can be attached to the left-handed operator so that the information processing apparatus can be easily operated. The invention of claim 10 is characterized in that it can be mounted on the information processing apparatus so that an operator can operate regardless of whether the operator is right-handed or left-handed.

According to the invention of claim 11, the auxiliary keyboard input sections are provided on both front and back surfaces so that the operator can operate regardless of whether the operator is right-handed or left-handed.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, a display unit is further provided, and the display contents of the information processing device can be enlarged and displayed on the display unit. Claim 1
According to a third aspect of the invention, the auxiliary keyboard input device is connected to the information processing device by wire or wirelessly.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides an information processing apparatus to which the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the above invention can be attached.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Some embodiments of an auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention are applied to a mobile phone, which is one of the information processing devices, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The details will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the basic structure of an auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and a mobile phone 2 according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the auxiliary keyboard input device includes a CPU 11 (control means), a key input unit 12, an input control unit 13, a ROM 14, a RAM 15, an interface unit 16 with the mobile phone 2, and an interface control unit 1.
7 is provided.

The roles of the components of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 will be briefly described. The CPU 11 controls the entire operation of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 based on a program stored inside. The key input unit 12 includes a plurality of input keys, and inputs character code information of a predetermined operated input key to the CPU 11 via the input control unit 13. The ROM 14 stores programs and fixed data necessary for the operation of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1, and also stores a character code table and a connection identification number. The character code table stores data for converting the key information input from the key input unit 12 into character code information. The RAM 15 is for temporarily storing data necessary for the processing of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1, and stores key information obtained when the input key is operated. The interface unit 16 transfers the character code information of the operated input key from the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 to the mobile phone 2, and is connected to the CPU 11 via the interface control unit 17. The interface control unit 17 is controlled by the CPU 11 to
The character code information of the operated input key is converted into data that can be controlled by the mobile phone 2, and the interface unit 1
6 to the mobile phone 2.

On the other hand, the mobile phone 2 is electrically and mechanically detachably connected to the auxiliary keyboard input device 1, and like the auxiliary keyboard input device 1, the CPU (control means) 2
1, key input unit 22, input control unit 23, ROM 24, R
AM 25, display unit (display means) 26, display control unit 27,
Interface unit 28 with the auxiliary keyboard input device 1
And the interface control unit 29, to which a wireless communication unit 210 and a communication control unit 211 are added. Although the configuration and operation of the mobile phone 2 are well known, the components thereof will be briefly described. The CPU 21 controls the overall operation of the mobile phone 2 based on a program stored inside. The key input unit 22 includes a plurality of input keys, and inputs character code information of a predetermined operated input key to the CPU 21 via the input control unit 23. ROM2
Reference numeral 4 stores a program and fixed data necessary for the operation of the mobile phone 2, and also stores a character code table and a connection identification number. The character code table stores data for converting the key information input from the key input unit 22 into character code information. RAM
Reference numeral 25 is for temporarily storing data necessary for the processing of the mobile phone 2, and stores key information obtained when the input key is operated. The display unit 26 includes the key input unit 22.
The character code of the key input from is received via the CPU 21 and the display control unit 27, and the operated key is displayed. The interface unit 28 sends the character code information of the operated input key sent from the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 to the mobile phone 2 to the CPU 21 via the interface control unit 29.

2 to 4 show an auxiliary keyboard input device 1
1 shows a specific configuration example for mechanically and electrically attaching to the mobile phone 2 in a detachable manner. First, FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an external appearance of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1. As shown in FIG. 2A, the key input unit 12 of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is, as described later, a character input key, a Roman character kana input / alphanumeric input switching key, a hiragana input / katakana input (English character The auxiliary input unit 12 is provided with various keys such as an input / numerical input) switching key and a small letter designation key. Furthermore, the auxiliary keyboard input device 1
Is configured to be detachably attached to the mobile phone 2, and has a lock claw 1c (FIG. 3) for locking the mechanical and electrical attachment state to the mobile phone 2 and the lock state is released. Lock release button 1b for

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a lock mechanism provided in the auxiliary keyboard input device 1. The auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is provided with a lock claw 1c and a lock release button 1b for retracting the lock claw 1c. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operating state of the lock mechanism. In FIG. 4A, the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the mobile phone 2 are locked, and the lock claw 1
The state in which c is coupled with the lock hole of the mobile phone 2 is shown. When the lock release button 1b is pressed in this state,
As shown in (b), the lock claw 1c is also pushed and pulled out from the lock hole, and the lock is released.

The electrical connection between the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the mobile phone 2 is made between the interface parts 16 and 28. As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 2B, the interface unit 28 of the mobile phone 2 includes a 16-core interface recess 28 a for electrically connecting with the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and a pair of connectors 28 b for charging. Have and. In response to this, the interface section 16 of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is provided with the interface recess 28a.
And an interface protrusion 16a that is inserted into the interface to establish an electrical connection. A lock claw 1c is movably provided on the interface convex portion 16a. In order to stabilize the connection state between the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the mobile phone 2, a convex rail 2a is provided on the side surface of the mobile phone 2, and a concave groove 1 is provided on the side surface of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 correspondingly.
It is preferable to provide a (FIG. 3).

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the first embodiment of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention is attached to the mobile phone 2 by using the mechanical and electrical connection mechanism described in FIGS. FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the auxiliary input unit 12 of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 includes a character input key 121, a Roman character kana input / alphanumeric input switching key 122, a hiragana input / katakana input (English character input /
A numeric input) switching key 123 and a lower case designation key 124 are provided.

The character input keys 121 of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 are vowels excluding A (A), that is, I (I), U (U), E (E) and O (O) for inputting Romaji-kana. ) Is provided with a key for entering. The Romaji-kana input / alphanumeric input switching key 122 is a key for switching between a romaji-kana input mode and an alphanumeric input mode. Hiragana input / Katakana input (English character input / Numeric input) switch key 12
Reference numeral 3 is a key for switching between the hiragana input mode and the katakana input mode in the roman character kana input mode, and for switching between the alphanumeric input mode and the numeric input mode in the alphanumeric input mode. Lowercase designation key 1
Reference numeral 24 is a key that is pressed before inputting characters to specify that the input is in lower case. In this way, the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 has keys for switching between various input modes and keys for inputting specific characters such as vowels excluding "A" and "A".

On the other hand, the key input section 22 of the mobile phone 2 has a character input key 221 and a conversion / determination key 222. The character input key 221 is the auxiliary keyboard input device 1
It has a key for inputting a desired character by an appropriate combination with the character input key provided on the character input key 121. For example, the key input unit 22 is provided with a key for inputting the Roman character “K” in the roman alphabet kana input state and for inputting the hiragana of the ka line in the hiragana input state. This key is used to enter the numeral 1 in the alphanumeric input state. The other keys are similar, and are used to input the characters displayed on the surface of each key in various input states. Further, the conversion / decision key 222 functions as a conversion key or a decision key.

Therefore, taking the case of inputting the same character "always" as an example, the operations performed in the state in which the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is attached to the mobile phone 2 (shown in FIG. 5) and in the case of the mobile phone 2 alone. Differences in procedure are shown in FIG. 6 and FIG.
Will be explained.

FIG. 6 shows operation steps for completing the input of "always" in the Roman character kana input mode with the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 attached to the mobile phone 2 and the display at that time. The leftmost column of FIG. 6 shows the steps in the operation, the middle column shows which key of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the mobile phone 2 is operated, and the rightmost column shows the characters displayed as a result of the operation. ing. In addition, it is desirable that the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the mobile phone 2 are initially set to the Roman character kana input mode.

As can be seen from FIG. 6, the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is used for inputting vowels other than A in Roman alphabet input, and the mobile phone 2 is used for inputting vowels A and consonants in Roman alphabet input. Used. That is, in steps (1) to (5), the character "always" is input using the character input key of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the character input key of the mobile phone 2. For example, the character “tsu” is input by pressing the character input key T of the mobile phone 2 and then the character input key U of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1. Finally, in step (6), the Chinese character is converted into "always", and in step (7), the decision (confirmation) scanning is performed.

On the other hand, as in the conventional case, the mobile phone 2
FIG. 7 shows the case where the character "always" is input alone. In the mobile phone 2, the characters in the same line can be selected by repeatedly pressing the same character input key. For example, in order to input the character "tsu", it is necessary to press the key T in the row to input the character "ta" and then press the key T twice. In FIG. 7, as in FIG. 6, the leftmost column shows the steps in the operation, the middle column shows which key of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the mobile phone 2 is operated, and the rightmost column shows the result of the operation. The characters that are displayed are shown.

In FIG. 7, steps (1) to (11)
The character "always" is input using the character input key of the mobile phone 2. In addition, the omitted steps (7)
~ (10), by pressing the row key M four times,
It is a step to change "Ima" to "usually". Next, in step (11), "always" is converted into "always" and is determined (confirmed) in step (12). As described above, when the mobile phone 2 is used alone, there is a problem in that the number of necessary operation steps is larger than that in the case of FIG. 6 because the key pressing operation is required.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operations executed by the CPU 11 and the CPU 21 when a new mail is created and sent while the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is attached to the mobile phone 2 as shown in FIG. . First,
When the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the mobile phone 2 are physically connected in step S1 and the power of the mobile phone 2 is turned on in step S2, the negotiation of the connection is started in step S3. Specifically, the mobile phone 2 requests the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 to send the identification number of the connected device, and the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 sends the identification number to the mobile phone 2 in response to the request and sends the identification number. Upon recognition by the mobile phone 2, the connection negotiation in step S4 is established.

When the connection negotiation is established, the cell phone 2 is operated in step S5 to select "mail" from the menu, and in step S6 the cell phone operation is further advanced to select "create new mail". , The input of the mail text starts from step S7. When inputting characters in the Roman character kana input mode, if the input Roman characters are the letters I, U, E, and O which are vowels excluding A (YES in step S8), input from the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 in step S9. Otherwise (NO in S8), the Roman characters are input from the mobile phone 2 in step S10.

The input operation is performed in this way,
When the input character reaches a unit for converting the character such as a phrase (YES in step S11), the conversion operation is performed and confirmed (determined) in step S12. However, if the character conversion unit has not been reached (NO in S11), the process returns to step S8 to continue the input.

When the input of the text of the mail is completed (YES in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14, the address of the mail is input, the title of the mail is input in step S15, and the mobile phone is operated in step S16. Send an email. As a result, the operations for creating and sending the mail are completed. However, when the input of the mail text is not completed (NO in S13), the process returns to step S8 and the input is continued.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the second embodiment of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention is attached to the mobile phone 2 by using the mechanical and electrical connection mechanism described in FIGS. FIG. In FIG. 9, the auxiliary input unit 12 of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 includes a kana input / alphanumeric input switching key 122, a hiragana input / katakana input (alphabetic character input / numeric input) switching key 123, a lower case designation key 124, and a symbol. A key 125, a dakuten / semi-dakuten key 126, and a shift key 127 are provided.

The kana input / alphanumeric input switching key 122 of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is a key for switching between a romaji kana input mode and an alphanumeric input mode. Hiragana input / katakana input (English character input / number input) switch key 123
Is a key for switching between the hiragana input mode and the katakana input mode in the kana input mode, and for switching between the alphanumeric input mode and the numeric input mode in the alphanumeric input mode. The lower case designation key 124 is a key that is pressed before the character input to designate that the input is in the lower case. The symbol key 125 is used to input various symbols, the dakuten / semi-dakuten key 126 is used to enter a dakuten or a half-dakuten, and the shift key 127 is an English character that can be entered from each character input key of the mobile phone 2. Used to select. In this way, the auxiliary input unit 12
It has keys for switching various input modes and keys for inputting various codes.

On the other hand, the key input unit 22 of the mobile phone has a character input key 221 and a conversion / determination key 222.
In this case, the character input key 22 is also used as in FIG.
Reference numeral 1 has a key for inputting a desired character by an appropriate combination with a key provided in the auxiliary input section 12 of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1. That is, each character input key in the key input unit 22 of the mobile phone 2 inputs hiragana, katakana, English characters, and numbers according to the operation of the switching keys 122 and 123 in the auxiliary input unit 12 of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1. Used for, symbols,
The dakuten and semi-dakuten are input from the auxiliary input unit 12. Also,
The conversion / determination key 222 functions as a conversion key or a determination key.

FIG. 10 shows "TANAK" in the alphanumeric input mode by the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the mobile phone 2 shown in FIG.
It shows the operation when inputting "A". In FIG. 10, in step (1), the display unit 26 displays the initial screen of "Create New Mail". In step (2), the kana input / alphanumeric input switching key 122 of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is operated to switch to the alphanumeric input mode,
In steps (3) to (7), the auxiliary keyboard input device 1
Input the character "TANAKA" using the shift key 127 of and the character input key of the mobile phone 2. Of these, in steps (5) and (7), the shift key 127 of the auxiliary keyboard input device and the character input key of the mobile phone are simultaneously pressed.

FIG. 11 shows an operation for inputting "every time" in the kana input mode using the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the mobile phone 2 shown in FIG. In step (1), the initial screen of "Create new mail" is dedicated to the display unit 26, and in steps (2) to (5), the characters "Maidou" are input using the character input keys of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the mobile phone 2. Enter ". Of these, in step (5),
Using the dakuten / semi-dakuten key 126 of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1, “to” is converted to “d” with a dakuten. In step (6), "maidou" is converted to "every time", and in step (7), a decision (confirmation) operation is performed.

The auxiliary keyboard input device 1 for assisting the key operation of the mobile phone 2 can be realized by various other structures. FIG. 12 is an external view showing a state in which the third embodiment of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention is attached to the mobile phone 2 by using the mechanical and electrical connection mechanism described in FIGS. It is a figure. The auxiliary keyboard input device 1 in this embodiment is provided with keys for inputting shortcuts of functions of the mobile phone 2. That is, the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is provided with a "mail creation" key, a "received mail" key, and a "sent mail" key, which are shortcut keys for the mail function of the mobile phone 2, and each has a "new mail creation screen", "Received mail list screen" and "sent mail list screen" can be called. Further, the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is a shortcut key for the website function of the mobile phone 2,
It has a "My Menu" key, a "Bookmark" key, an "Internet" key and a "Screen Memo" key, which are used to display the "List of registered official websites", "List of registered general websites", "URL The “input screen” and the “registered web page list screen” can be called.

FIG. 13 shows a state in which the fourth embodiment of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention is attached to the mobile phone 2 by using the mechanical and electrical connection mechanism described in FIGS. FIG. The auxiliary keyboard input device 1 in this embodiment is provided with keys for bookmarking websites accessed from the mobile phone 2. That is, the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is provided with seven keys from "bookmark I" to "bookmark VII", and each key stores one URL of an official website or a general website, You can call the registration website by pressing a key.

Furthermore, FIG. 14 shows a portable telephone 2 according to the fifth embodiment of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention, using the mechanical and electrical connection mechanism described in FIGS.
It is an external view which shows the state mounted | worn with. By mounting the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 in this embodiment on the mobile phone 2, the mobile phone 2 can be used as a PDA. Therefore, the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is a shortcut key to a website that provides a service written on the key top of each key.
"Address book" key, "Schedule" key, "TO
"DO list" key, "Calculator" key, "English-Japanese dictionary" key,
It has a "Japanese-English dictionary" key and a "Japanese dictionary" key. Since the user can register his / her favorite website in these keys and utilize them, these shortcut keys can make the mobile phone 2 have the same function as the PDA.

Various modifications of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 described so far will be described below. FIG. 15 shows a case where the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 can be attached to the left side of the mobile phone 2 so that a left-handed operator can easily operate it. The auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is attached to the mobile phone 2. For this purpose, the mechanical and electrical connection means described in FIGS. 2 to 4 can be adopted. FIG.
Is a case where the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the mobile phone 2 so that the operator can easily operate it regardless of whether the operator is right-handed or left-handed. Although the mechanical and electrical connecting means described in FIGS. 2 to 4 can be adopted, convex rails are provided on both side surfaces of the mobile phone 2 and both sides of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 corresponding to the convex rails. It will be necessary to provide concave rails on the surface.

Further, FIG. 17 also shows that the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 can be easily operated by the operator regardless of whether the operator is right-handed or left-handed. An input unit 12 is provided. Therefore, when a right-handed operator operates, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12A, when the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is mounted on the right side of the mobile phone 2 and the front side keys are used to operate the left-handed operation manual, as shown in FIG. Attach the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 to the left side of the mobile phone 2 and use the keys on the back side.

In the above description, the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is integrally attached to the mobile phone 2 by the mechanical and electrical connecting means described with reference to FIGS. However, the auxiliary keyboard input device 1
In some cases, it may be more convenient to connect the mobile phone 2 and the mobile phone 2 by wire or wirelessly without integrating them. In FIG. 18, the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is provided with a cable 3 having a connector 16b for electrical connection with the mobile phone 2 at one end, and the mobile phone 2 is correspondingly provided with a connector receiving portion (not shown). Is shown to provide a connection between the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the mobile phone 2. By doing so, the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 can be provided with versatility and can be connected to an arbitrary type of mobile phone 2. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a case where the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 and the mobile phone 2 are connected by a wireless communication means such as infrared communication. Transceiver units 4 and 5 are provided.

Although the embodiments of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention and the portable telephone to which the input device is detachably attached have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. . For example, in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0, a large-screen display unit 18 may be further provided at an appropriate position of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1. Accordingly, when the power of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1 is turned on when the mobile phone 2 is used, the display content of the screen of the mobile phone 2 can be enlarged and displayed on the display unit 18 of the auxiliary keyboard input device 1. it can. It is desirable that the display unit 18 be attached to the auxiliary keyboard device 1 by a double hinge so that it can be folded when not needed.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5, 9, 12, 13 and 14, a plurality of keys are provided on the auxiliary keyboard input device 1, but these keys are not necessarily shown. The number of keys can be increased or decreased as required.

[0048]

As can be understood from the description of some embodiments of the auxiliary keyboard input device and the portable telephone according to the present invention, the present invention is based on the key input unit of the information processing device and the auxiliary keyboard input. It is possible to input in combination with a device. Therefore,
Since it is necessary to provide the auxiliary keyboard input device with the minimum required input keys, it is possible to downsize the auxiliary keyboard input device, and to make the information processing device portable even when it is used by being attached to the information processing device. It is possible to exert a special effect that it is not damaged.

Therefore, the present invention can not only provide the convenience of improving the key operability while maintaining the portability which is an important factor of the mobile phone, but also the customer who uses the information processing device. It is possible to realize a device that meets a wide range of needs.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an auxiliary keyboard input device and a mobile phone according to the present invention.

2A is a diagram showing a specific structure of the auxiliary keyboard input device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a specific structure of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1;

3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a lock mechanism of the auxiliary keyboard input device shown in FIG. 2 (a).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the auxiliary keyboard input device shown in FIG. 2 and a mobile phone in a locked state (a) and an unlocked state (b).

FIG. 5 is a first auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the embodiment of FIG.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of key input when the auxiliary keyboard input device shown in FIG. 5 is attached to a mobile phone.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a key operation when the same character string as in the case of FIG. 6 is input only with a mobile phone.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the auxiliary keyboard input device shown in FIG. 5 is mounted on a mobile phone to perform key input.

FIG. 9 is a second auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of key input when the auxiliary keyboard input device shown in FIG. 9 is attached to a mobile phone.

11 is a diagram showing another example of key input when the auxiliary keyboard input device shown in FIG. 9 is attached to a mobile phone.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a third embodiment of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a fourth embodiment of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a fifth embodiment of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first modification of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second modification of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention.

17 (a) and 17 (b) are views showing a usage state of a third modified example of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention, which is connected to a mobile phone by a cable.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a fifth modified example of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention, which is wirelessly connected to a mobile phone.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a sixth modified example of the auxiliary keyboard input device according to the present invention, further including a display unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Auxiliary keyboard input device 2: Mobile phone 1a: concave rail 1b: unlock button 1c: Lock claw 3: Cable 4, 5: Transmitter / receiver

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04M 1/02 G06F 3/023 310K 1/23 F term (reference) 5B020 AA03 AA05 AA15 CC02 DD02 FF14 GG26 KK03 KK14 5K023 AA07 BB11 GG12 GG15 PP02 PP12 5K027 AA11 BB02 HH26 MM00

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An auxiliary keyboard input device that can be detachably attached to an information processing device having a key input unit for inputting characters, the auxiliary keyboard input device having an auxiliary keyboard input unit. The auxiliary keyboard input device, wherein the information processing device is made to input a desired character by combining the input by the auxiliary keyboard input part and the input by the key input part of the information processing device. 2. The auxiliary keyboard input device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary keyboard input unit includes a character input key, and in the Roman character input mode, a predetermined vowel is input by the auxiliary keyboard input device and a predetermined vowel is input. An auxiliary keyboard input device, wherein the keys of the key input unit and the auxiliary keyboard input unit are set so that the consonant is input by the information processing device. 3. The auxiliary keyboard input device according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary keyboard input section further has a key for switching between kana input and alphanumeric input, and a key for switching between hiragana input and katakana input. An auxiliary keyboard input device, wherein characters are input by the information processing device. 4. The auxiliary keyboard input device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary keyboard input unit is attached to a character input from the key input unit of the information processing device or inserted at a desired position. An auxiliary keyboard input device having at least one sign key for entering a sign. 5. The auxiliary keyboard input device according to claim 4, wherein the sign key includes a symbol key and a dakuten / semi-dakuten key. 6. The auxiliary keyboard input device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary keyboard input unit includes a shortcut key necessary for transmitting and receiving an electronic mail by the information processing device. 7. The auxiliary keyboard input device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary keyboard input unit includes a key having a bookmark function for websites. 8. The auxiliary keyboard input device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary keyboard input unit includes a key for operating the information processing device as a PDA. 9. The auxiliary keyboard input device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary keyboard input device can be attached to the information processing device so as to be easily operated by a left-handed operator. Characteristic auxiliary keyboard input device. 10. The auxiliary keyboard input device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is provided so that an operator can perform an operation regardless of whether the operator is right-handed or left-handed. An auxiliary keyboard input device that can be worn. 11. The auxiliary keyboard input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the front and back surfaces are provided so that an operator can operate regardless of whether the operator is right-handed or left-handed. An auxiliary keyboard input device comprising an auxiliary keyboard input unit. 12. The auxiliary keyboard input device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit, wherein display contents of the information processing device can be enlarged and displayed on the display unit. Auxiliary keyboard input device characterized by being capable. 13. The auxiliary keyboard input device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary keyboard input device is connected to the information processing device by wire or wirelessly. 14. An information processing device, such as a mobile phone, to which the auxiliary keyboard input device according to claim 1 can be attached.