JP2003122485A - Letter input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a letter input device capable of easily inputting uppercase English letters and lowercase English letters. SOLUTION: The function for changing the input mode to the uppercase English letter/numeral input mode or to the lowercase English letter/numeral input mode is given to the pound key of a numeric keypad 64, so that the input mode can be changed to the uppercase English letter/numeral input mode or to the lowercase English letter/numeral input mode based on the operation of the pound key of the numeric keypad 64. Therefore, even if uppercase letters and lowercase letters are mixed in the name of the other party, uppercase English letters and lowercase English letters can be easily inputted by changing the input mode based on the operation of the pound key. Moreover, if the form of the implementation is applied to an Internet facsimile machine, the mail address of the other party can be easily inputted even if uppercase English letters and lowercase English letters are mixed in the mail address.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character input device, and more particularly to a character input device characterized by the input of English characters.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a character input device, a numeric keypad is assigned with a function for inputting predetermined alphanumeric characters and symbols. When inputting alphanumeric characters or symbols from the ten-key pad, the ten-key pad is operated to display it on the display unit until the desired alphanumeric character or symbol is displayed, and then the input is confirmed.

[0003]

However, in the case of inputting a lowercase alphabetic character, the input must be confirmed after the numeric keypad is operated a predetermined number of times to display it on the display unit. That is, for example, the "2" key on the numeric keypad
When a function for inputting “B, C, a, b, c, 2” is associated, each time the “2” key is operated,
It is displayed on the display unit in the order of "A, B, C, a, b, c, 2". Therefore, for example, when inputting "c",
The input had to be confirmed after the "2" key was operated 6 times to display it on the display. Therefore, when inputting a lowercase letter, the number of operations on the numeric keypad is increased. Moreover, when inputting a sentence or the like in which uppercase and lowercase letters of English letters are mixed, it is necessary to operate the numeric keypad many times, which is particularly troublesome.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object thereof is to provide a character input device capable of easily inputting uppercase and lowercase letters of English characters. is there.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in the invention described in claim 1, an input means for inputting a predetermined alphanumeric character based on the number of operations and an alphanumeric input for capital letters or A switching means for switching to a lower case and a control means for switching an alphanumeric character input from the input means to an upper case or a lower case based on the operation of the switching means are provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the character input device according to the first aspect has a symbol input mode for inputting a symbol and an alphanumeric input mode for inputting alphanumeric characters, and the control means is a symbol. When the input means is operated in the input mode, the symbol input mode is switched to the alphanumeric input mode.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the character input device according to the first or second aspect, there is provided storage means for storing the alphanumeric character input mode or the alphanumeric character lowercase input mode, and the control means. When switching from the symbol input mode to the alphanumeric input mode, it is switched to the alphanumeric uppercase input mode or the alphanumeric lowercase input mode based on the storage means.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment in which the character input device according to the present invention is embodied in a facsimile machine with a copying function (hereinafter referred to as a facsimile machine) will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile machine 1
Is MPU 10, ROM 20, RAM 30, reading unit 4
0, recording unit 50, operation unit 60, display unit 70, image memory 80, codec 90, modem 100, and NCU 11
0, and each part 10-110 is a bus 1
They are connected via 20 respectively.

The MPU 10 controls each part of the facsimile machine 1. The ROM 20 stores a control program for controlling the facsimile device 1. RAM
Reference numeral 30 stores various information regarding the facsimile apparatus 1. Specifically, the RAM 30 stores uppercase or lowercase alphanumeric characters and symbols.

The reading unit 40 reads image data on a document and outputs black and white binary image data. The recording unit 50 includes an electrophotographic printer, and records received image data and image data of a document read by the reading unit 40 in a copy operation on a recording sheet.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operating portion 60
Has various keys for operating the facsimile apparatus 1. The FAX / copy key 61 is for setting the FAX mode or the copy mode. The abbreviated key 62 is for registering an abbreviated number or making a call from an abbreviated number. The one-touch key 63 is for specifying a fax number registered in advance with one touch. The ten keys (including * and # keys) 64 are for inputting a telephone number, the number of copies, and predetermined alphanumeric characters and symbols. The start key 65 is for starting the reading operation of the original document and for inputting and confirming the alphanumeric characters and symbols displayed on the display unit 70. The arrow keys 66 that can be operated in the up, down, left, and right directions are an up arrow key 66a, a down arrow key 66b, a left arrow key 66c, and a right arrow key 66.
The cursor is displayed on the display unit 70 and is moved up, down, left and right, and the symbols are displayed on a page unit basis.
This is for displaying a list at 0. Set key 67
Is for ending the input mode for inputting uppercase or lowercase alphanumeric characters and symbols. The clear key 68 is for deleting the alphanumeric characters and symbols displayed on the display unit 70.

A display unit 70 including an LCD displays various information such as the operating state of the facsimile apparatus 1. The display unit 70 also includes a speaker 70a that emits a predetermined buzzer sound.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image memory 80 temporarily stores the received image data and the image data read by the reading section 40. The codec 90 uses the MH, MR, MMR, and the like for transmitting the image data read by the reading unit 40.
Encoding is performed by the JBIG method or the like. The codec 90 also decodes the received image data.

The modem 100 is based on the ITU-T recommendation T.264. Thirty
The facsimile transmission control procedure according to 1
7, V.I. 27 ter, V.I. The transmission / reception data is modulated and demodulated according to 29 or the like. The NCU 110 controls the connection with the telephone line L, and at the same time, the telephone number of the other party (FAX).
It includes a function for detecting the sending and receiving of dial signals corresponding to (including numbers).

Next, the relationship between the alphanumeric characters and symbols stored in the RAM 30 and the ten key 64 and the function of the ten key 64 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in FIG. 3, “□” indicates a blank space.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the input mode is
It consists of alphanumeric input mode and symbol input mode. In the alphanumeric input mode, alphanumeric characters and predetermined symbols can be input. That is, the “1” key of the ten-key pad 64 is associated with the function of inputting the numeral “1” and a predetermined symbol. The “2 to 9” keys of the ten key 64 are associated with a function for inputting a predetermined alphabetic character and the same numeral as the ten key 64.
The “0” key of the ten-key pad 64 is associated with a function for inputting the numeral “0”.

The "*" key of the ten-key pad 64 is associated with a function for switching the mode from the alphanumeric input mode to the symbol input mode or vice versa. The "#" key on the numeric keypad 64 is associated with a function for switching the mode from the alphanumeric uppercase input mode to the alphanumeric lowercase input mode, or vice versa. Has been.

On the other hand, in the symbol input mode, various symbols (including special characters such as umlauts) can be input. That is, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the “*” key of the ten-key pad 64 is operated, the symbols of the first page are displayed in a list on the display unit 70. At this time, the cursor is displayed blinking on the top ". (Period)" of the first page. When the down arrow key 66b is operated in this state, the symbols of the second page, the third page, and the fourth page are sequentially displayed on the display unit 70 as a list. As described above, the arrow keys 66 are used to sequentially display symbols on a page-by-page basis, and the cursor is moved to a desired symbol to put it in a selected state. Then, the start key 65 is operated to confirm the input. That is,
Select the desired symbol with the arrow keys 66 and press the start key 6
When 5 is operated, a desired symbol is input.

Next, the operation when inputting uppercase or lowercase alphanumeric characters or symbols based on the operation of the ten keys 64 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that this control is executed by the MPU 10 based on the program stored in the ROM 20.

Now, based on the operation from the operation unit 60,
When the input mode for inputting uppercase or lowercase alphanumeric characters or symbols is set, the alphanumeric lowercase input mode is set in step S1.

In step S2, the input screen is displayed on the display unit 70. Specifically, for example, an input screen for inputting the destination name is displayed on the display unit 70. In step S3, it is determined whether a key operation has been performed. When the key operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if there is no key operation, it waits until the key operation is performed. It should be noted that if no key operation is performed within a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) after the input mode is set, a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 70a.

In step S4, it is determined whether the ten key 64 has been operated. When the ten key 64 is operated, the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the ten key 64 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S5, it is determined whether or not the alphanumeric capitalization input mode is selected. If it is in the alphanumeric capitalization input mode, the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if it is not in the alphanumeric capital letter input mode, that is, if it is in the alphanumeric capital letter input mode, the process proceeds to step S7.

In step S6, uppercase alphanumeric characters are displayed on the display unit 70 based on the operation of the ten keys 64. When the "1" key of the numeric keypad 64 is operated in step S4, the numeral "1" or a predetermined symbol is displayed on the display unit 70. When a ten key 64 different from the operated ten key 64 is operated,
When the arrow key 66 is operated, or the start key 65
When is operated, the uppercase alphanumeric characters or symbols displayed on the display unit 70 are input and confirmed. After that, step S
Move to 2.

In step S7, lowercase alphanumeric characters are displayed on the display unit 70 based on the operation of the ten keys 64. When the "1" key of the numeric keypad 64 is operated in step S4, the numeral "1" or a predetermined symbol is displayed on the display unit 70. When a ten key 64 different from the operated ten key 64 is operated,
When the arrow key 66 is operated, or the start key 65
When is operated, the lowercase alphanumeric characters or symbols displayed on the display unit 70 are input and confirmed. After that, step S
Move to 2.

In step S8, it is determined whether or not the "#" key for switching to either the alphanumeric capital letter input mode or the alphanumeric capital letter input mode has been operated.
If the "#" key has been operated, the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the “#” key is not operated, the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S9, it is determined whether or not the alphanumeric capital letter input mode is set. If it is in the alphanumeric capitalization input mode, the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if it is not in the alphanumeric capital letter input mode, that is, if it is in the alphanumeric capital letter input mode, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S10, the alphanumeric input mode is switched from the alphanumeric uppercase input mode to the alphanumeric lowercase input mode. In step S11, the alphanumeric input mode is switched from the alphanumeric lowercase input mode to the alphanumeric uppercase input mode.

In step S12, it is determined whether the "*" key for switching to the symbol input mode has been operated. If the "*" key is operated, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the "*" key is not operated, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S13, since the "*" key is operated in step S12, the alphanumeric input mode is switched to the symbol input mode, and symbol input processing for inputting a symbol is executed. After that, step S
Move to 2. The operation of this symbol input process will be described later.

In step S14, it is determined whether the clear key 68 for erasing alphanumeric characters or symbols has been operated. When the clear key 68 is operated, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the clear key 68 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S15, one alphanumeric character or symbol displayed on the display unit 70 is erased based on the operation of the clear key 68 in step S14.

In step S16, the set key 6 for ending the input mode for inputting alphanumeric characters and symbols.
It is determined whether or not 7 is operated. When the set key 67 is operated, the input mode ends. On the other hand, if the set key 67 is not operated, the process returns to step S3 and waits for the next alphanumeric character or symbol to be input.

Next, the symbol input process in step S13 shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S21, since the "*" key for switching to the symbol input mode is operated in step S12 shown in FIG. 4, the alphanumeric input mode (alphanumeric uppercase input mode or alphanumeric lowercase input mode) is changed to the symbol input mode. Can be switched. At this time, the current alphanumeric input mode, that is, the alphanumeric uppercase input mode or the alphanumeric lowercase input mode is stored in the RAM 30. And R
The symbols are read from the AM 30, and the symbols on the first page are displayed as a list on the display unit 70 as shown in FIG. At this time, the cursor is displayed blinking on the first "." (Period) on the first page.

In step S22, it is determined whether a key operation has been performed. When the key operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if there is no key operation, it waits until the key operation is performed. The first
If no key operation is performed within a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) after the symbols of the page are displayed as a list on the display unit 70, a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 70a.

In step S23, the right arrow key 6
It is determined whether 6d has been operated. Right arrow key 66
If d is operated, the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the right arrow key 66d is not operated, the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S24, it is determined whether or not the cursor on the display unit 70 is at the right end. If the cursor is at the right end, the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if the cursor is not at the right end, the process proceeds to step S26.

In step S25, although the cursor on the display unit 70 is at the right end,
In 23, since the right arrow key 66d is operated, the cursor is moved to the left end. Then, in step S22
Return to. In addition, when the cursor on the display unit 70 is at the upper right end and the right arrow key 66d is further operated, the cursor may be moved to the lower left end. Further, when the cursor on the display unit 70 is at the lower right end and the right arrow key 66d is further operated, the cursor may be moved to the upper left end on the next page.

In step S26, the cursor on the display unit 70 is moved right by one position based on the operation of the right arrow key 66d in step S23. Then, the process returns to step S22.

In step S27, the left arrow key 6
It is determined whether 6c has been operated. Left arrow key 66
If c is operated, the process proceeds to step S28. On the other hand, if the left arrow key 66c is not operated, the process proceeds to step S31.

In step S28, it is determined whether or not the cursor on the display unit 70 is at the left end. If the cursor is at the left end, the process proceeds to step S29. On the other hand, if the cursor is not at the left end, the process proceeds to step S30.

In step S29, although the cursor on the display unit 70 is at the left end,
In 27, since the left arrow key 66c is operated, the cursor is moved to the right end. Then, in step S22
Return to. When the cursor on the display unit 70 is at the lower left end and the left arrow key 66c is further operated, the cursor may be moved to the upper right end. Further, when the cursor on the display unit 70 is at the upper left end and the left arrow key 66c is further operated, the cursor may be moved to the lower right end of the previous page.

In step S30, the cursor on the display unit 70 is moved one position to the left based on the operation of the left arrow key 66c in step S27. Then, the process returns to step S22.

In step S31, the down arrow key 6
It is determined whether 6b has been operated. Down arrow key 66
If b is operated, the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if the down arrow key 66b is not operated, the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S32, the symbols on the next page are displayed as a list on the display unit 70 based on the operation of the down arrow key 66b in step S31. Then, the process returns to step S22. Specifically, in FIG. 3B, when the down arrow key 66b is operated while the symbol of the first page is displayed on the display unit 70, the symbol of the second page is displayed. A list is displayed on the section 70. If the down arrow key 66b is further operated while the symbols of the last page (fourth page) are displayed on the display unit 70 as a list,
The symbols of the first page (first page) are displayed in a list on the display unit 70. If the down arrow key 66b is further operated while the symbols of the last page are displayed on the display unit 70 as a list, it is notified that the list display displayed on the display unit 70 is the last page. In order to do so, a configuration may be used in which a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 70a. Alternatively, the display unit 70 may display that the page is the last page. According to this structure, it is possible to notify that the page is the final page with a warning sound or a display.

In step S33, the up arrow key 6
It is determined whether 6a has been operated. Up arrow key 66
When a is operated, the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if the up arrow key 66a is not operated, the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S34, the symbols on the previous page are displayed as a list on the display unit 70 based on the operation of the up arrow key 66a in step S33. Then, the process returns to step S22. Specifically, in FIG. 3B, when the up arrow key 66a is operated while the symbol for the second page is displayed on the display unit 70, the symbol for the first page is displayed. A list is displayed on the section 70. If the up arrow key 66a is further operated while the symbols of the first page (first page) are displayed on the display unit 70 as a list,
The symbols of the final page (fourth page) are displayed as a list on the display unit 70. When the up arrow key 66a is further operated while the symbols of the first page are displayed on the display unit 70 as a list, it is notified that the list display displayed on the display unit 70 is the first page. In order to do so, a configuration may be used in which a warning sound is emitted from the speaker 70a. Alternatively, the display unit 70 may display that the page is the first page. According to this structure, it is possible to notify that the page is the first page with a warning sound or a display.

In step S35, it is determined whether or not the start key 65 for confirming the input has been operated. If the start key 65 is operated, the process proceeds to step S36. On the other hand, if the start key 65 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S37. It should be noted that a function for inputting and confirming a symbol for one operation of the set key 67 and a function for ending the input mode for two operations of the set key 67 are provided, and a symbol is input based on one operation of the set key 67. After the confirmation, the configuration may be such that the process proceeds to step S2 shown in FIG.

In step S36, based on the operation of the start key 65 in step S35, the symbol displayed by the cursor on the display unit 70 is input and confirmed. Then, the process returns to step S22.

In step S37, it is determined whether or not the clear key 68 for erasing alphanumeric characters and symbols has been operated. When the clear key 68 is operated, the process proceeds to step S38. On the other hand, if the clear key 68 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S39.

In step S38, one character of the symbol displayed on the display unit 70 is erased based on the operation of the clear key 68 in step S37. Then, the process returns to step S22.

In step S39, the numeric keypad 64
It is determined whether or not has been operated. Specifically, the "0" to "9" keys for entering alphanumeric characters, the "*" key for switching to the symbol input mode, the alphanumeric capital letter input mode or the alphanumeric lowercase letter input mode. It is determined whether or not the "#" key for switching has been operated. When the ten key 64 is operated, the process proceeds to step S40. On the other hand, if the ten key 64 is not operated, the process returns to step S22.

In step S40, an alphanumeric input mode (alphanumeric uppercase input mode or alphanumeric lowercase input mode) immediately before the "*" key is operated in step S12 shown in FIG. 4, that is, immediately before switching to the symbol input mode is performed. ), And the list display of symbols is deleted from the display unit 70. Specifically, based on the alphanumeric input mode stored in the RAM 30 in step S21, the alphanumeric capital letter input mode or the alphanumeric lowercase letter input mode is switched, and a list of symbols is displayed on the display unit 70.
Erased from. Then, it returns to step S2 shown in FIG. That is, since the case where the numeric keypad 64 is operated is a case where an alphanumeric character is input, when the numeric keypad 64 is operated, it is switched to the alphanumeric input mode before being switched to the symbol input mode. is there. In addition, when the “*” key of the numeric keypad 64 is operated,
Even when the “#” key of 4 is operated, it is determined that these keys were operated to input alphanumeric characters, the symbol input mode is switched to the alphanumeric input mode, and the list of symbols is displayed. It is erased from the display unit 70.

As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the following actions and effects can be obtained. (1) The "#" key of the ten-key pad 64 is associated with a function for switching to the alphanumeric capital letter input mode or the alphanumeric capital letter input mode. Therefore, the alphanumeric character input mode or the alphanumeric character lowercase input mode is switched based on the operation of the "#" key of the ten-key pad 64. Therefore, for example, even if the destination name has a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters,
The input mode can be switched by operating the "#" key, and uppercase and lowercase letters can be easily input. Moreover, if the above-described embodiment is applied to the Internet FAX apparatus, the mail address can be easily input even if the mail address of the other party whose uppercase and lowercase letters are mixed.

(2) When the numeric keypad 64 is operated in the symbol input mode, it is judged that the alphanumeric characters are to be input, and the symbol input mode is changed to the alphanumeric input mode (alphanumeric capital input mode or alphanumeric input mode). Switch to lower case input mode). Therefore, the key for switching from the symbol input mode to the alphanumeric input mode is unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to quickly switch to the alphanumeric input mode after inputting the symbols displayed in the list on the display unit 70.

(3) Moreover, the alphanumeric input mode (alphanumeric uppercase input mode or alphanumeric lowercase input mode) immediately before switching to the symbol input mode is reflected. That is, the alphanumeric input mode immediately before switching to the symbol input mode is stored in the RAM 30, and the alphanumeric input mode is set based on the stored alphanumeric input mode.
In other words, the conventional alphanumeric input mode is maintained.
Therefore, alphanumeric characters following the symbol can be quickly input while maintaining the conventional alphanumeric input mode (alphanumeric uppercase input mode or alphanumeric lowercase input mode).

(4) The "1" key of the numeric keypad 64 is associated with a function for inputting the numeral "1" and a predetermined symbol. That is, the "1" key is associated with a frequently used symbol. Further, a character indicating that a symbol can be input is also described above the "1" key (see FIG. 2). Therefore, when a frequently used symbol associated with the “1” key is input, the “1” key can be operated without inputting the “*” on the ten-key pad 64. Therefore, when inputting a symbol, the user is not forced to operate the "*" key. Moreover, by operating the “*” key, the symbols can be displayed on the display unit 70 as a list and input. Therefore, it is possible to provide the character input device according to the taste of the user.

(5) The characters that can be input are described above the numeric keypad 64, and the characters that indicate mode switching (symbol list, uppercase / lowercase) are described below the numeric keypad 64 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, even when a desired alphanumeric character or symbol is input, the desired alphanumeric character can be input and the mode can be switched based on this description. Therefore, it is possible to quickly switch modes and input desired alphanumeric characters or symbols without time-consuming switching between modes.

(6) In the alphanumeric input mode, when the ten key 64 different from the operated ten key 64 is operated, the arrow key 66 is operated, or the start key 65 is operated, the display unit is operated. The uppercase alphanumeric characters or symbols displayed at 70 have been confirmed. For this reason,
The input can be confirmed according to the usability of the user. Therefore, a user-friendly character input device can be provided.

The above embodiment can be modified and embodied as follows. Considering that it is rare for consecutive symbols to be input, the symbols are displayed on the display unit 70 as a list, and when the input of one symbol is confirmed, the alphanumeric input is performed from the symbol input mode. It may be configured to switch to the mode.

In the above-described embodiment, the function for setting full-width or half-width alphanumeric characters and symbols may be associated with any of the ten keys 64. With this configuration, full-width characters or half-width characters can also be set in advance, so that it is possible to easily enter full-width characters for the recipient's name and half-width characters for the mail address, for example. It should be noted that it may be configured to automatically set to full-width characters or half-width characters according to the items on the input screen (for example, the destination name and the mail address).

In the above-described embodiment, the function for inputting the numeral "1" and the symbol is associated with the "1" key of the ten-key pad 64, but the function for inputting the numeral and the symbol is provided by the ten-key pad. It goes without saying that keys other than the “1” key of 64 may be associated.

Further, the technical idea grasped from the above-described embodiments and the like will be described below together with their effects. [1] In the character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characters that can be input are described above the input means, and characters indicating mode switching are described below the switching means. Input device. With this configuration,
It is possible to quickly switch between modes and input desired alphanumeric characters or symbols without having to take time to switch between modes.

[2] In the character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or [1],
A character input device comprising setting means for setting full-width or half-width characters of alphanumeric characters and symbols, and control means for setting full-width or half-width characters of alphanumeric characters and symbols based on the setting means. According to this structure, full-width characters or half-width characters can be preset in addition to switching between uppercase letters and lowercase letters. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily enter full-width characters for the destination name and half-width characters for the mail address.

[3] In the character input device according to any one of [1] to [3] or [1] and [2], the input means is a key associated with a frequently used symbol. The control unit is a character input device for inputting a frequently used symbol based on the operation of the key. According to this structure, it is possible to input a frequently used symbol from the key of the input means.

[0067]

Since the present invention is constructed as described above, it has the following effects. According to the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3, it is possible to easily input uppercase and lowercase letters of English letters.

In particular, according to the invention described in claim 2, it is possible to quickly switch to the alphanumeric input mode after inputting the symbols listed on the display means. Further, claim 3
According to the invention described in (1), the alphanumeric characters following the symbol can be quickly input while maintaining the conventional alphanumeric uppercase input mode or alphanumeric lowercase input mode.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile device with a copying function.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation unit and a display unit.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between alphanumeric characters and symbols and the numeric keypad, and the functions of the numeric keypad.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when inputting uppercase or lowercase alphanumeric characters and symbols.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of symbol input processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Facsimile apparatus with copy function as character input device, 10 ... MPU forming control means, 20 ... ROM forming control means, 30 ... RAM forming storage means and control means, 64 ... Input means, switching means (“#” Key), a ten key as a confirming means, 65 ... a start key as a confirming means, 66 ... an arrow key as a confirming means, 70 ... a display section as a displaying means.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An input means for inputting a predetermined alphanumeric character based on the number of operations, a switching means for switching the input of the alphanumeric character between uppercase and lowercase, and an alphanumeric character input from the input means based on the operation of the switching means. A character input device having a control means for switching between uppercase letters and lowercase letters. 2. The character input device according to claim 1, further comprising a symbol input mode for inputting a symbol and an alphanumeric input mode for inputting alphanumeric characters, wherein the control means operates the input means in the symbol input mode. Character input device that switches from the symbol input mode to the alphanumeric input mode when it is specified. 3. The character input device according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing an alphanumeric character input mode or an alphanumeric character lowercase input mode, wherein the control means changes from the symbol input mode to the alphanumeric input mode. A character input device for switching to an alphanumeric uppercase input mode or an alphanumeric lowercase input mode when switching to the mode.