JP2003196005A - Character display method of character input device, character input device, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a character display method, a character input device and a computer program capable of easily searching characters to be inputted, and easily selecting and inputting the characters. <P>SOLUTION: A character select input and display part 10 is displayed on a display screen, and in a first character display part 11, the characters (the cursive Kana character 'a-i-u-e-o') included in a ('a') row of the character ('a') displayed on an input candidate character display part 13 from a plurality of rows in a Japanese Kana syllabary, is displayed along a cyclic orbit 11a of a longitudinal oval. In the second character display part 12, the characters (the cursive Kana character, 'a-ka-sa-ta-na-...') included in a column ('a' column) of the characters displayed in the input candidate character display part 13 from a plurality of columns in the Japanese Kana syllabary, is displayed along a cyclic orbit 12a of a lateral oval. By changing the character positioned on the input candidate character display part 13, the characters displayed on the character display parts 11, 12 are changed to select and input the characters. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character display method, a character input device, and a computer program for performing a character input operation performed by a personal computer, a mobile phone device, a PDA or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Miniaturized and easily portable information communication terminal devices such as mobile phones, PHSs and PDAs are becoming popular. While such a portable information communication terminal device has an internet connection function and the like and can receive information, when using e-mail or writing in a BBS or the like established on a WEB page. like,
You can also send information from this information communication terminal device,
Opportunities for inputting characters with these devices are increasing.

In such an information communication terminal device, the number of various keys cannot be unnecessarily increased because the device needs to be downsized. Therefore, when inputting a character, it is customary to repeatedly operate a small number of keys to select a desired character. As an example thereof, a method of allocating a plurality of kana characters to each numeric keypad and changing the number of times each numeric keypad is pressed to select and input a character is widely adopted at present. However, with this character input method, if you are not familiar enough, it is difficult to find the numeric keypad to which the characters you want to enter are assigned, or at night or in the dark the numeric keypad itself becomes difficult to see, making it difficult to find the desired character, There is such a problem.

For this reason, recently, a character input method has been adopted in which a character can be selected only by operating a single multifunction key such as a jog dial. However,
In the case of such a character input method using a single multi-function key, not only the operation method for one key becomes complicated, but also between the input of one character and the input of the next character, Since the user operates while thinking about the selection process of moving the rows and columns in the Japanese syllabary at the same time to reach the character to be input, the input efficiency is not confused by the character selection more than I thought There are many.

Therefore, in order that the user does not have to associate the selection process, the syllabary is displayed in advance on the display screen, and the cursor is moved on the syllabary to select and input characters. Such a method is known. However,
When the Japanese syllabary is displayed like this method, the size of the display screen is limited, so the size of each character inevitably becomes small, and the characters are extremely difficult to see.
The problem can occur. In order to improve this difficulty of viewing, if the number of characters displayed on the display screen in advance is reduced to about 5 characters such as "A", "I", "U", "E", and "O", the characters are displayed in reverse. There may be a problem that too many characters are not displayed and it is not possible to easily grasp how to operate the character selection key.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these problems. The display form is compact, the visibility is excellent, and the input candidate character can be easily selected. An object is to provide a character display method, a character input device, and a computer program.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention relates to a character display method of a character input device for displaying characters on a display device for inputting characters by the character input device. The first character display section that selectively displays characters included in a particular line along one orbit in a plurality of "rows" in the above, and selectively in a plurality of "columns" in the Japanese syllabary. A second character display unit for displaying characters included in a specific column along another trajectory, and a character arranged by the specific line and column located at the intersection are arranged as an input candidate character. A character display method characterized by displaying.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a character input device for displaying a plurality of characters on a display device and selectively inputting a character from the plurality of characters. A first character display unit that selectively displays characters included in a specific line from a "line" along one orbit, and a specific column from a plurality of "columns" in the Japanese syllabary. And a second character display section for displaying the characters included in the above along another trajectory, and a character specified by a specific line and column located at the intersection is displayed as an input candidate character. A character input device comprising: a control means and a character determination means for determining the input candidate character as an input character.

Further, the present invention relates to a computer program which is executed by a control means provided in an information communication terminal device to display a character input screen on its display screen to cause the device to function as a character input device. Fifty
Select from among a plurality of "rows" in a phonetic diagram, a first character display section that selectively displays characters included in a specific line along one trajectory, and a plurality of "columns" in a Japanese syllabary And a second character display section for displaying characters included in a specific column along another trajectory, and a character specified by a specific line and column located at the intersection are input candidates. A computer program characterized by being displayed as characters is provided.

In these character display method, character input device, and computer program, a specific line (for example, K line) is selectively selected from a plurality of "lines" in the Japanese syllabary, that is, A line, K line ,. Of the first character display section for displaying the characters (K, K, K, K, K) included in the one orbit along one orbit, and a plurality of "columns" in the Japanese syllabary, that is, A column, I column, ... Characters included in a specific column (for example, I column) selectively
Second, which displays the following information along other orbits.
And a character display section of No. are arranged or displayed in an intersecting state, and a character (“ki” in this example) specified by a specific line and column located at the intersection is displayed as an input candidate character. Therefore, not only the input candidate character but also the other characters of the line and column to which it belongs are arranged and displayed on separate trajectories for each line and column, so the character to be input is displayed on the display screen. Easy to find and easy to select and enter characters. Further, as compared with the conventional example which displays all the Japanese syllabary, the display area of the input characters can be increased because the occupied space on the display screen can be reduced. The above-mentioned "trajectory" means not only the case where it is directly displayed on the screen as a diagram, but also the case where the trajectory can be conceived from the layout of the characters hidden in the diagram. Is a term.

Regarding a device for implementing such a character display method, a character input device, and a device for executing a computer program, for example, a mobile phone, a PDA or the like, which is small in size and has a limited display screen size, is used. Although it is particularly suitable for use in an information communication terminal device, it is significant to apply the present invention to a personal computer of a desktop type having a relatively large display screen as a character display method, a character input device, and a device for executing a computer program. Is also big. That is, according to the character display method and the like of the present invention, as described above, not only the input candidate character but also other characters belonging to the line and the column including the input candidate character are arranged on separate trajectories of lines and columns. Since it is displayed, it is easy to find the character to be input on the display screen, and it is easy to select and enter characters, so even if the user is not accustomed to entering characters using the keyboard, it is easy to select and enter characters be able to.

If one of the trajectories of the first character display section and the other trajectory of the second character display section as described above is displayed as an annular trajectory, for example, the trajectory is linear. Compared with the example in which all characters are displayed, the merit that the input character display area can be increased by the amount that the occupied space on the display screen by the first character display unit and the second character display unit can be reduced There is.

Therefore, in the character display method of the present invention, at least one of the one trajectory and the other trajectory is displayed as an annular trajectory. Further, in the character input device of the present invention, the display control means displays at least one of the one trajectory and the other trajectory as an annular trajectory. Further, the computer program of the present invention is
At least one of the one orbit and the other orbit is displayed as an annular orbit.

In the character display method of the present invention, the characters displayed on the first character display portion and the second character display portion jump or move to the intersection, or rotate and move along a circular orbit. Further, in the character input device of the present invention, operation means for moving the characters displayed on the first character display portion and the second character display portion to the intersection with respect to the display control means, for example, seesaw key, jog dial key, track. It further comprises a device such as a ball that can be operated in multiple directions.
Furthermore, in the computer program of the present invention, the characters displayed on the first character display unit and the second character display unit are
Jump to the intersection or rotate along an orbit.

As described above, since the characters displayed on the first character display section and the second character display section are moved to the intersection, the character is moved by moving the cursor to the character to be input. Compared to the conventional example of selecting characters, the user can select and input characters while feeling the dynamic operation feeling due to the movement of the characters themselves, improving visibility and selecting and inputting characters. Can be done easily.

In the character display method of the present invention, the line or column of characters displayed in the first character display section or the second character display section changes according to the change in line or column of the input candidate character. Further, in the character input device of the present invention, the display control means changes the line or column of the characters displayed on the first character display unit or the second character display unit according to the change of the line or column of the input candidate character. . Further, in the computer program of the present invention, the line or column of characters displayed in the first character display unit or the second character display unit is changed according to the change in line or column of the input candidate character.

According to these, when the line or the column of the input candidate character changes, the lines and columns of other characters displayed together with the input candidate character are also collectively converted. The characters are turned over and displayed in order, and the character to be input can be immediately searched.

Further, in the character display method of the present invention, when the stage of the input candidate character changes due to the movement of the character displayed in the first character display section, the character displayed in the second character display section becomes
The character is changed to another character included in the column to which the input candidate character belongs. Then, in the character input device of the present invention, when the stage of the input candidate character changes due to the movement of the character displayed on the first character display unit, the display control means changes the character displayed on the second character display unit to The input candidate character is changed to another character included in the column to which it belongs. Further, in the computer program of the present invention, the first
When the stage of the input candidate character changes due to the movement of the character displayed on the character display unit, the character displayed on the second character display unit is changed to another character included in the stage to which the input candidate character belongs.

According to these aspects of the present invention, the characters displayed on the first character display portion (in the above-mentioned example, "ka, ki, ku, ke,
Second character when the current input candidate character (“ki” in the above example) changes (for example, when it changes from “ki” to “ku”) Characters displayed on the display (“I, K, Shi, Chi, N, ...” in the above example)
Is the other character (that is, "u, ku, su, one,
No ... ”). Therefore, since the stage of the characters displayed on the second character display unit is also collectively converted in association with the change in the stage of the input candidate character, the character to be input can be easily searched and input.

In the above character display method of the present invention, when the line of the input candidate character changes due to the movement of the character displayed in the second character display portion, the character displayed in the first character display portion is changed to
It is adapted to change to another character included in the line to which the input candidate character belongs. Further, in the character display device of the present invention, when the line of the input candidate character changes due to the movement of the character displayed in the second character display unit, the display control unit changes the character displayed in the first character display unit to The input candidate character is changed to another character included in the line to which it belongs.
Further, in the computer program of the present invention, when the line of the input candidate character changes due to the movement of the character displayed on the second character display unit, the character displayed on the first character display unit is changed to
The character is changed to another character included in the line to which the input candidate character belongs.

According to these aspects of the present invention, the characters displayed on the second character display section (in the above-mentioned example, "i, ki, shi, chi,
, ...)) moves and the line of the current input candidate character (“ki” in the above example) changes (for example, when the line of “ki” changes to the line of “sa”), The character displayed on the character display unit 1 (that is, “ka, ki, k, ke, ko”) is the other character (that is, the sa line) included in the line to which the input candidate character (ie, “shi”) belongs ( In other words, it changes to "Sa, Shi, Su, Se, So"). Therefore, since the line of characters displayed on the second character display unit is also collectively converted in association with the line change of the input candidate character, the character to be input can be easily searched and input.

In the character display method of the present invention, the first
Among the characters displayed on the character display part and the second character display part, the input candidate character located at the intersection is displayed large and the other characters are displayed small. Further, in the character input device according to the present invention, the display control means enlarges the input candidate character located at the intersection among the characters displayed on the first character display part and the second character display part and displays other characters. Display small. Further, in the computer program of the present invention, among the characters displayed on the first character display unit and the second character display unit, the input candidate character located at the intersection is displayed large and the other characters are displayed small.

By thus displaying the input candidate character located at the intersection in a large size and the other characters in a small size,
The visibility of the input candidate characters is greatly improved, and the space occupied on the display screen can be further reduced.

In this case, in the character display method of the present invention, the other characters are displayed so as to become gradually smaller in the depth direction as the character is separated from the intersection. Further, in the character input device of the present invention, the display control means displays such that the other characters are gradually reduced in the depth direction as the other characters are separated from the intersection. Further, in the computer program of the present invention, the other characters are displayed so as to gradually become smaller in the depth direction as they are separated from the intersection.

According to this, since the display in the first character display section and the display in the second character display section are as if they were three-dimensionally displayed, it is possible to respond to a moving character or a change in the line or column of the input candidate character. It is possible to more effectively express a dynamic character display such as a character change of each character display unit that changes due to the change, and it is possible for the user to input characters while having fun with various visual effects. In addition, the three-dimensional display further improves the visibility and occupies a smaller space on the display screen.

The "Japanese syllabary" referred to in this specification means that when 50 kana characters are arranged in 5 rows and 10 rows, those having the same consonant are the same, and those having the same vowel are the same. They are arranged in the same row. Therefore, the "line" in this Japanese syllabary means that the first line is "A-I-U-E-".
The second line is "ka-ki-ku-ke-"
It is composed of a character group of "ko", and the same applies to the third and subsequent lines. Also, the term "dan" means "a-ka-sa-ta-"
Na-is-ma-ya-la-wa-n "
The columns consist of a group of characters "I-ki-shi-chi-ni-hi-mi-ri", and the same applies to the third and subsequent columns.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a character display method, a character input device, and a computer program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, an example of inputting kana characters using a mobile phone will be described. The "computer program" of the present invention is stored in the memory in the mobile phone device as the "information communication terminal device", and the CPU as the "display control means" and the "control means" executes the "computer program" to execute the mobile communication. The telephone device can be caused to function as the “character input device” of the present invention, and the display by the “character display method” of the present invention and the operation of selecting and inputting the displayed character can be performed. The operation for inputting characters is performed using predetermined keys and other keys as "operating means" and "character determining means" provided in the mobile phone device functioning as a "character input device".
The details will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, a portable telephone device 1 for carrying out the "character display method" of the present invention as a "character input device".
Includes a display screen 2 for displaying a predetermined character such as an input candidate character, a mode switching key 3 for displaying the character input screen,
A selection key 4 as an "operation means" for selecting an input character, a character determination key 5 for determining an input character as a "character determination means", and a conversion confirmation key 6 for converting and confirming a character.
Is equipped with. Reference numeral 7 is a call button, 8 is a power button, and 9 is a key input unit for numbers and symbols.

In this portable telephone device 1, when the mode switching key 3 is pressed, the above-mentioned computer program of the present invention is executed to shift to the character input mode, and the character selection input display section 10 is displayed on the display screen 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the selection key 4 is operated to select an input candidate character, and the character determination key 5 is pressed to determine the selected input character. Then, the decided character is decided by operating the conversion confirmation key 6 to perform kana-kanji conversion or the like.

The character selection input display section 10 that appears on the display screen 2 when the mode switching key 3 is pressed is as shown in FIG. 2, and this is displayed on the display screen 2 by default. The character selection input display unit 10 includes a first character display unit 11 in which a plurality of characters are displayed on a vertical elliptical annular orbit 11a and a second character in which a plurality of characters is displayed on a vertical elliptical annular orbit 12a. The display unit 12 is used. The intersection 13 at which these character display portions 11 and 12 intersect is the input candidate character display portion 13, and when the character determination key 5 is pressed, the input candidate character displayed there (“A” in FIG. 2)
Is decided, and the decision is decided by depressing the conversion confirmation key 6.

In the first character display section 11, the hiragana "A-I-U-E-O", which is a character included in "A line" in the Japanese syllabary, is displayed along a vertically elongated elliptical orbit 11a. To be done. Among the displayed hiragana, "A" located at the intersection (input candidate character display portion) 13 is displayed largest.
"I" and "O" on both sides of "A" are smaller than "A", and "U" and "E" next to it are smaller than "I" and "O". The three-dimensional character is three-dimensionally displayed such that the character size gradually decreases in the depth direction of the display screen 2 as the character moves away from the intersection "A". Then, on the mobile phone device 1, "up", "down", "left"
"Up" of the selection key 4 which can be pressed in each direction of "Right"
When is pressed, the vertically elongated elliptical annular orbit 11a rotates clockwise with the characters. On the other hand, if the "down" of the selection key 4 is pressed, it rotates counterclockwise. Each character displayed on the first character display section 11 is operated by the up / down operation of the selection key 4.
It can be located on the input candidate character display unit 13.

In the second character display section 12, the hiragana "A-ka-sa-ta-na-ha-ma-ya-la-wa-an" which is a character included in "Adan" in the Japanese syllabary. Is displayed along the horizontally elongated elliptical orbit 12a. This second character display section 1
In "2", "n" is also displayed between "a" and "wa". And, among the displayed hiragana, intersection 1
"A" in 3 is displayed largest, "ka" and "n" on both sides of "a" are smaller than "a", and "sa" and "wa" next to it are from "ka" and "n". It is three-dimensionally displayed like the first character display unit 11 such that it is small. Then, when the "left" of the selection key 4 of the mobile phone device 1 is pressed, the laterally elliptical annular orbit 12a rotates clockwise along with the characters. On the other hand, if the right key of the selection key 4 is pressed, it rotates counterclockwise. Each character displayed on the second character display unit 12 can be positioned on the input candidate character display unit 13 by operating the selection key 4 left and right.

In the first character display section 11 described above, only the characters included in the line (that is, the A line) to which the character (“A” in the above example) located in the input candidate character display section 13 belongs, In the second character display unit 12, only the characters included in the column (that is, A column) to which the character (“A” in the above example) located in the input candidate character display unit 13 belongs are limitedly displayed. Has become. Therefore, the characters belonging to lines other than the line to which the characters of the input candidate character display unit 13 belong (that is, A line) are not displayed on the first character display unit 11, and the input candidate characters are displayed on the second character display unit 12. Characters belonging to columns other than the column to which the character on the display unit 13 belongs (that is, A column) are not displayed. Therefore, for example, when the character positioned in the input candidate character display unit 13 is “ki”, “ka-ki-ku-ke-ko” is displayed on the first character display unit 11 and the second character is displayed. Only "I-Ki-Chi-Nii-Himi-Miri" is displayed on the character display unit 12 in a limited manner. Therefore, the character selection input display unit 10
The space that occupies the display screen 2 is small, and the display area of the input character can be enlarged.

Here, the functional configuration of the portable telephone device 1 that functions as a "character input device" will be described.

As shown in the functional block diagram of the portable telephone device 1 of FIG. 3, C as the "display control means" and the "control means" is used.
The PU 15 reads out and executes a computer program stored in the memory 16 for causing the mobile phone device 1 to function as a character input device, and causes the display device 2 to display the character input selection unit 10 through the I / O device 17. Is sent. When the mode switching key 3, the selection key 4, and the character determination key 5 described above are pressed, an operation signal is input to the CPU 15 through the I / O device 17, and predetermined arithmetic processing based on the computer program is executed. Then, the display content of the display screen 2 by the display device is changed through the I / O device 17 as described above.
In this way, the mobile phone device 1 functions as the "character input device" of the present invention by executing the "computer program" of the present invention.

Next, a specific operation method of character input by the portable telephone device 1 will be described. Here, the procedure for inputting the characters "Mikan." Will be described.

First, the mode switching key 3 of the portable telephone device 1
Is pressed to display the character input selection unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 on the display screen 2. In this state, the input candidate character display unit 1
The character "A" is displayed in 3. Then, since it is easy to understand that the character "mi" to be input first belongs to the line A, the "original" of the orbit 11a is rotated counterclockwise by pressing the "down" of the selection key 4 to rotate the first character. The character “i” displayed on the display unit 11 is positioned on the input candidate character display unit 13. At this time, the "up" of the selection key 4 may be pressed to rotate the circular orbit 11a clockwise.

When the character "i" is positioned in the input candidate character display portion 13 in this way, the character "ka-sa-ta-na" displayed on the second character display portion 12 is displayed as shown in FIG. 4 (a). -Ha-ma-ya-la-wa-n "is the character" ki-shi-chi-ni- "
Converted to "Himi-mi". As a result, the target character "MI" is displayed on the second character display unit 12, so the "left" of the selection key 4 is pressed to rotate the circular orbit 12a clockwise, and in FIG. 4 (b). As shown, the character “mi” is positioned on the input candidate character display unit 13. When the character determination key 5 is pressed at this point, the character "mi" is displayed in the determination frame 10
Surrounded by a, the character "mi" is displayed on the display screen 2 (not shown).

In the moving process of the character "mi", the character "i" and the characters "n" and "ri" are sequentially located in the input candidate character display portion 13. However, when the character "n" is located, In the character display portion 11 of No. 1, the character "N -.-," is displayed instead of the character "A-I-U-E-O", and when the character "RI" is continuously positioned, the character "N-. The characters "Ra-Ri-Ru-Re-Ro" are displayed in place of ",". When the character "mi" is positioned, the character "ma-mi-mu-me-mo" is displayed instead of the character "Ra-ri-ru-re-ro" as shown in FIG. 4 (b). . When the line or column of characters displayed on the input candidate character display unit 13 changes in this way, the characters displayed on the first character display unit 11 and the second character display unit 12 always change accordingly. It is like this.

Next is the selection input of the character "ka". Since the character "ka" belongs to row A, the "up" of the selection key 4 is pressed to rotate the circular orbit 11a clockwise, and the character "ma" is displayed as an input candidate character as shown in FIG. 5 (a). It is located in the part 13. Then, the character "ka" appears on the second character display unit 12.
Is displayed, this time, press the "left" of the selection key 4 to rotate the ring-shaped orbit 12a clockwise, as shown in FIG.
As shown by, the character “ka” is positioned on the input candidate character display unit 13. When the character determination key 5 is pressed at this point, the character "ka" is surrounded by the determination frame 10a, and the character "ka" is displayed on the display screen 2 (not shown).

To select and input the next character "n", select key 4
6 is pressed to rotate the circular orbit 12a clockwise, and when the character determination key 5 is pressed at the time of being positioned on the input candidate character display portion 13, as shown in FIG. Is enclosed by the decision frame 10a, and the character "n" is displayed on the display screen 2 (not shown). The last character "."
Presses the "down" of the selection key 4 to rotate the circular orbit 11a counterclockwise and position it on the input candidate character display portion 13. When the character determination key 5 is pressed,
As shown in (b), the character "." Is surrounded by the decision frame 10a, and the character "." Is displayed on the display screen 2 (not shown).

Finally, when the conversion confirmation key 6 which functions for conversion / confirmation is depressed, the "Mikan." Displayed on the display screen 2 is confirmed.

The operation and effect of the character display method, the character display device, and the computer program according to the present embodiment as described above will be described.

In the first character display portion 11 and the second character display portion 12, the input candidate character display portion 13 which is the intersection of these is displayed.
Since the line to which the character located in and the other characters included in the column are displayed in three dimensions, it is easier to select and enter characters, unlike the conventional example where multiple characters are assigned to the numeric keypad. Characters can be easily input even by a user who is unfamiliar with input.

To select this character, it is sufficient to keep pressing the select key 4 "up", "down", "left" and "right". Since there is no need to select, the selection operation can be performed easily.

Since the character selection input display unit 10 is displayed three-dimensionally, the characters displayed on the first character display unit 11 and the second character display unit 12 are rotated by pressing the selection key 4 to input candidates. It is possible to effectively express the dynamic character display in which the characters of the character display parts 11 and 12 change according to the change of the line or the step of the character, and the dynamic character which is rich in change for the user. You can enter characters while enjoying the visual effect of the display.

Since the first character display portions 11 and 12 are displayed as endless circular orbits 11a and 12a, the character selection input display portion 10 displays the display screen 2 as compared with the case where the orbits are linearly displayed. Can occupy less space. In addition, since the characters are displayed with a size difference in the depth direction on the display screen 2 by the three-dimensional display of the character selection input display unit 10 as described above, for example, compared with the case where all the characters are displayed in the same size. Also in this respect, it can be said that the space occupied by the character selection input display unit 10 on the display screen 2 can be reduced.

Since the character selection input display section 10 is three-dimensionally displayed and the characters are displayed on the display screen 2 with a size difference in the depth direction, the visibility of the user can be improved.

Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

In the above embodiment, the portable telephone device 1 is exemplified, but of course, it may be implemented in an information communication device such as a PHS, a PDA, a car audio system, a car navigation system, or a fixed telephone. Further, it may be carried out for a desktop type or notebook type personal computer.

In the above embodiment, the operation means, that is, the selection key 4 is a seesaw key which can be swung in four directions of "up", "down", "left", and "right". However, for example, 360 ° including an oblique direction. It may be a joystick that can be operated in all directions. In this case, for example, when the character "a" is located in the input candidate character display portion 13, the joystick is tilted to the upper left toward the character "ha" at the upper left,
The character “ha” may be jumped to the input candidate character display unit 13. Alternatively, a trackball, a jog dial key, or a direction key provided on a keyboard of a personal computer, which can be operated in all directions by 360 ° by rotation, may be used as the operation means. In short, any device that can be operated in multiple directions can be used as the operating means.

In the above embodiment, the selection / input of the characters belonging to the voiced sound, the semi-voiced sound, etc. is not described, but the characters belonging to the voiced sound, the semi-voiced sound, etc. are composed of the direct sounds excluding these characters. The first or second character display portion 11,
The image may be hidden under the corresponding direct sound of the character in 12. That is, the dakuon character "ba"
After displaying "ha" on the input candidate character display section 13, press the character determination key 5 once to select it, and press it again as it is. ”Switches to the dakuon character“ BA ”. When the character "PA" is desired to be selected, the character decision key 5 is pressed again to input the input candidate character display unit 1
The dakuon character "BA" in 3 is changed to the character "PA". In addition, small ‘ya’ and ‘ju’ that make up the sound of Japanese syllabary
Is selected by pressing the character determination key 5 once with "Ya" and "Yu" displayed on the input candidate character display unit 13,
Select it by pressing it again. In addition,
Display, selection, and input may be performed by other methods. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the kana-kanji conversion method for converting kana characters into kanji is not described, but any conversion method may be used and there is no particular limitation.

In the above embodiment, the elliptical annular orbit 1
Although 1a and 12a are illustrated, they may have a vertically long and horizontally long cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or a linear shape. Further, the trajectory may be such that characters far from the input candidate character display unit 13 are not displayed and a part of the ring is missing. Furthermore, the trajectory does not have to be displayed as a line. Further, although the circular orbits 11a and 12a are moved together with the characters, only the characters may be moved.

[0055]

The character display method, character input device, and
According to the computer program, not only the input candidate character but also other characters belonging to the line and the column of the Japanese syllabary are arranged and displayed on separate circular orbits, so that the character to be input is displayed. It is easy to find on the screen, and you can easily enter characters.

According to the present invention, in which one orbit of the first character display unit or another orbit of the second character display unit is displayed as a ring-shaped orbit, for example, the orbit is linear and all characters are displayed. Compared with the above, the display area of the input character can be increased by the amount that the occupied space on the display screen by the first character display unit and the second character display unit can be reduced.

According to the present invention, the characters displayed on the first character display section and the second character display section move to the intersection. According to the present invention, the character is selected by moving the cursor to the character to be input. Compared to the example, the user can select and enter characters while feeling the dynamic operation feeling due to the movement of the characters themselves, which improves visibility and facilitates selection and input of characters. You can

By changing the lines or columns of the input candidate characters, the lines and columns of other characters displayed together with the input candidate characters are also collectively converted. The characters are turned and displayed in order, and the character to be input can be immediately searched.

The input candidate character located at the intersection is enlarged,
According to the present invention in which other characters are displayed in a small size, the visibility of the input candidate character is greatly improved, and the space occupied on the display screen can be further reduced.

According to the present invention, in which the other characters are displayed so as to become gradually smaller in the depth direction as they are separated from the intersection, the display in the first character display section and the second character display section is as if it is a three-dimensional display. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively express a dynamic character display such as a moving character or a character change in each character display unit that changes according to a change in the line or column of the input candidate character, For the user, it is possible to input characters while having fun with a variety of visual effects. In addition, the three-dimensional display further improves the visibility and occupies a smaller space on the display screen.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a character input device (mobile phone device) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a character selection input display unit displayed on the display screen of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the character input device of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of the character selection input display unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram of the character selection input display unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the character selection input display unit of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 mobile phone device (character input device, information communication terminal device) 2 display screen 3 mode switching key 4 selection key (operation means) 5 character determination key (character determination means) 6 conversion confirmation key 7 call button 8 power button 9 key Input unit 10 Character selection input display unit 11 First character display unit 11a Circular orbit (trajectory) 12 Second character display unit 12a Circular orbit (trajectory) 13 Intersection, input candidate character display unit 15 CPU (display control means, control) Means) 16 memory 17 I / O device

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. A method of displaying a character on a display device for inputting a character with a character input device, wherein one orbit of characters included in a specific line is selectively selected from a plurality of "lines" in the Japanese syllabary. A first character display section for displaying along with the second and a second character display section for selectively displaying characters included in a specific column from a plurality of "columns" in the Japanese syllabary along another trajectory.
And a character display unit of No. 2 are arranged in an intersecting state, and a character specified by a specific row and column located at the intersection is displayed as an input candidate character. 2. The character display method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one orbit and the other orbit is displayed as an annular orbit. 3. The character displayed on the first character display portion and the character displayed on the second character display portion, jumping to the intersection or rotating along an annular orbit. Character display method. 4. The line or column of characters displayed in the first character display unit or the second character display unit changes in accordance with the change of the line or column of the input candidate character. Character display method described in section. 5. When the stage of the input candidate character changes due to the movement of the character displayed on the first character display unit, the character displayed on the second character display unit is included in the stage to which the input candidate character belongs. The character display method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the character is changed to. 6. When the line of the input candidate character changes due to the movement of the character displayed on the second character display unit, the character displayed on the first character display unit is included in the line to which the input candidate character belongs. It changes so that it may change to the character of.
The character display method according to claim 5. 7. The input candidate character located at the intersection among the characters displayed on the first character display portion and the second character display portion is displayed large, and the other characters are displayed small. The character display method according to claim 6. 8. The character display method according to claim 7, wherein the other characters are displayed so as to gradually become smaller in the depth direction as the other characters are separated from the intersection. 9. A character input device for displaying a plurality of characters on a display device and selectively inputting a character from the character, wherein the display device is selectively specified from a plurality of "lines" in the Japanese syllabary. The first character display that displays the characters included in the line along one orbit, and the characters that are included in a specific column from a plurality of "columns" in the Japanese syllabary along the other orbit. Display control means for displaying a second character display unit to be displayed in an intersecting state and displaying a character specified by a specific line and column located at the intersection as an input candidate character, and inputting the input candidate character A character input device, comprising: character determining means for determining a character. 10. The character input device according to claim 9, wherein the display control means is configured to display at least one of the one trajectory and the other trajectory as an annular trajectory. 11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising operation means for moving the characters displayed on the first character display portion and the second character display portion to the intersection with respect to the display control means.
0 character input device. 12. The character input device according to claim 11, wherein the operation means is a device such as a seesaw key, a jog dial key, or a trackball capable of directional operation in multiple directions. 13. The display control means changes the line or column of the characters displayed on the first character display unit or the second character display unit according to the change of the line or column of the input candidate character. Item 13. The character input device according to any one of items 12. 14. The display control means, when the stage of the input candidate character changes due to the movement of the character displayed on the first character display unit, the character displayed on the second character display unit belongs to the input candidate character. The character input device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the character input device is configured to change to another character included in a column. 15. The display control means, when the line of the input candidate character changes due to the movement of the character displayed on the second character display unit, the character displayed on the first character display unit belongs to the input candidate character. The character input device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, which is adapted to be changed to another character included in a line. 16. The display control means displays, among the characters displayed on the first character display unit and the second character display unit, the input candidate character located at the intersection in a large size and the other characters in a small size. The character input device according to any one of claims 9 to 15. 17. The character input device according to claim 16, wherein the display control means displays the other characters such that the other characters gradually become smaller in a depth direction as the other characters are separated from the intersection. 18. A computer program executed by a control means provided in an information communication terminal device to display a character input screen on its display screen to cause the device to function as the character input device, wherein the display screen has a syllabary chart. A first character display section for selectively displaying characters included in a specific line from a plurality of "lines" along one orbit, and a specific selection from a plurality of "columns" in the Japanese syllabary. And a second character display section for displaying the characters included in the column along other trajectories, and displaying the character specified by the specific line and column located at the intersection as an input candidate character A computer program characterized by: 19. The computer program according to claim 18, wherein at least one of the one orbit and the other orbit is displayed as an annular orbit. 20. The character displayed on the first character display part and the character displayed on the second character display part are jump-moved to the intersection or rotationally moved along a circular orbit.
The computer program of claim 8 or claim 19. 21. The line or column of characters displayed on the first character display unit or the second character display unit is changed according to the change of the line or column of the input candidate character. A computer program according to item. 22. When the stage of the input candidate character changes due to the movement of the character displayed on the first character display unit, the character displayed on the second character display unit is included in the stage to which the input candidate character belongs. 23. The computer program according to claim 20 or 22, wherein the computer program is changed to the characters. 23. When the line of the input candidate character changes due to the movement of the character displayed on the second character display unit, the character displayed on the first character display unit is included in the line to which the input candidate character belongs. 20 to 22 in which the characters are changed to.
The computer program according to any one of claims. 24. Among the characters displayed on the first character display part and the second character display part, the input candidate character positioned at the intersection is displayed large and the other characters are displayed small.
The computer program according to any one of claims 8 to 23. 25. The computer program according to claim 24, wherein the other characters are displayed so as to become gradually smaller in the depth direction as they are separated from the intersection.