JP2004005316A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device to be used for various kinds of electronic equipment such as a mobile telephone and a personal computer and facilitated in operation thereof to reduce the wrong operation. <P>SOLUTION: A control means 15 selects the predetermined characters and numerals among a group of the predetermined characters and numerals, which is formed of a plurality of characters, numerals, marks, figures, items and functions, with operation of a selecting means formed of rotary encoders 14A and 14B, an X roller 13a, a Y roller 13B and an operating body 12, and thereafter, the control means enlarges the selected characters and numerals and near them for display at the predetermined position of a display unit 2 with operation of a deciding means, and furthermore, the control means decides the selected characters and numerals with operation of the deciding means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an input device mainly used for various electronic devices such as a mobile phone and a personal computer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the spread of mobile phones and personal computers, transmission and reception of e-mails and the like have been widely performed, and input devices used for such devices are required to be capable of easily inputting characters and the like.
[0003]
Such a conventional input device will be described with reference to FIG.
[0004]
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a mobile phone using a conventional input device. In FIG. 5, a display unit 2 such as a liquid crystal display element is formed above the front of the mobile phone 1.
[0005]
Below this are provided a plurality of function keys 3A and 3B, etc., and below them are provided numeric keys 4A and 4B for inputting characters, numbers, symbols, etc., and on the upper surface of each key. Functions, characters, numbers, symbols, etc. are displayed, and a control means 5 such as a microcomputer is provided inside.
[0006]
When a call is made with the mobile phone 1, a telephone number is input by pressing a numeric keypad 4A, 4B or the like on which a predetermined number is displayed, and then a function key 3A is pressed to make a call. Make a call.
[0007]
The mobile phone 1 also has a function of registering the name of the other party and a telephone number corresponding thereto and transmitting / receiving an e-mail in addition to the normal telephone call. At times, the operation is performed using the ten keys 4A and 4B.
[0008]
Hereinafter, the input operation will be briefly described.
[0009]
First, when the operator presses the function key 3B, for example, the control means 5 detects this and operates the mobile phone 1 in a state of an operation mode in which characters can be input, that is, the ten keys 4A and 4B are not numbers but the numbers. The display is switched to a state where the characters displayed beside can be input, and the characters in the “A” column of “Aioe”, the “K” column of “Kakikukeko”, and so on can be input.
[0010]
In this state, the operator presses the ten-keys 4A, 4B,... As necessary to input a desired name, text, and the like.
[0011]
Here, the operation for inputting "Aoki" will be described in detail. First, when the operator presses the numeric keypad 4A in the "A" column, the control unit 5 causes the display unit 2 to display as shown in FIG. To display the character "A".
[0012]
Subsequently, when "O" is input, since the same "A" column is used, the operator presses the character feed function key 3C to temporarily determine the character of "A". In order to input "O", the ten key 4A in the "A" column is pressed again.
[0013]
At this time, the control means 5 displays "Oh" on the display unit 2 as shown in FIG. 6B, and when the operator repeatedly presses the numeric keypad 4A, the control means 5 displays The displayed "A" character is sequentially changed to "I", "U", "E", "O", "A", etc.
[0014]
Then, when the operator presses the numeric keypad 4A four times while visually recognizing the display unit 2, the control unit 5 displays the character "O".
[0015]
At this time, if the operator presses the button five times by mistake and the control means 5 displays the character of "A", the operator further presses the character four more times until the desired character of "O" is displayed. By continuing the pressing operation, the control unit 5 displays the character “O” on the display unit 2 as shown in FIG.
[0016]
Subsequently, when the operator presses the ten-key 4B assigned to the "KA" column once to input the character "", the control means 5 determines the second "O" displayed. At the same time, "Aoka" is displayed on the display unit 2 as shown in FIG.
[0017]
Then, when the operator again presses the numeric keypad 4B assigned to the "?" Column in the same manner as described above, the control means 5 causes the display on the display unit 2 to display "blue" as shown in FIG. Was configured as follows.
[0018]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-mentioned conventional mobile phone, when the operator needs to depress the numeric keypad 4A or the like many times to select a predetermined character in each column, when the characters in the same column are successively input, the characters must be changed. There is a problem that the pressing operation of the feed function key 3C is required, the operation is complicated, and an erroneous operation such as a pressing error is likely to occur.
[0019]
An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem and to provide an input device which is easy to operate and has few erroneous operations.
[0020]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.
[0021]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, after the control means selects a predetermined number of characters in a predetermined number-of-characters group constituted by a plurality of characters, numbers, symbols, graphics, items, and functions by operating the selection means. The input device is configured so that the vicinity of the selected number of characters is enlarged and displayed at a predetermined position on the display means by the operation of the determination means, and the number of characters selected by the operation of the determination means is further determined. Since the character or the like to be input can be determined only by the operation of the means and the determining means, an operation can be easily obtained and an input device with few erroneous operations can be obtained.
[0022]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the predetermined number of characters is displayed in a larger or different color than other characters. For example, the first character of each column is replaced with another character. There is an effect that the number of characters can be easily selected, for example, the type of the number of characters in each column can be visually recognized so as to be visually recognized, or each column is displayed in a different color so that each column can be easily divided.
[0023]
The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1, in which a plurality of characters are replaced with one representative character and displayed. For example, each character "Aijeo" in the "A" column of the hiragana character group is displayed. When all of "" cannot be displayed in a size that is easily recognizable, "I" is replaced by ".", Which has a smaller display area, and "A" is replaced with "A." Has an effect that the number of characters can be easily selected even within a limited range.
[0024]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, an interval is provided between a predetermined number of characters. For example, the fifth and sixth columns of all uppercase characters of 5 rows × 10 columns are used. By providing an eye interval, the range up to the fifth column and the range following the sixth column can be divided, and this division can be used as a guide when selecting the number of characters, so that the number of characters can be more easily selected. Having.
[0025]
In the invention according to claim 5, in the invention according to claim 1, after displaying a plurality of character groups having different types of character numbers, and selecting a predetermined character number group from among the plurality of character number groups by operating a selection unit, A predetermined number of characters in a predetermined number-of-characters group is selected by an operation of the selection means.For example, a plurality of character-number groups having different types of character numbers such as a hiragana character group, an alphabet character group, and a number group are arranged in one place. Since it is displayed, it has an effect that a desired character number group can be easily selected from these character number groups.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0027]
The same components as those described in the section of the related art are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be simplified.
[0028]
(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of a mobile phone using the input device. In FIG. A display unit 2 such as a liquid crystal display element is formed.
[0029]
Below this, a spherical operation body 12 is provided, and this operation body 12 is held by the mobile phone 11 so that the operator's hand or finger can freely rotate in all directions by touching the upper surface. The outer periphery of the operating body 12 is in contact with two circular shaft-shaped X rollers 13A and Y rollers 13B disposed so as to be orthogonal to each other in a direction orthogonal to the top view.
[0030]
Rotary encoders 14A and 14B for detecting the rotation amount and direction of the operating body 12 are connected to the X roller 13A and the Y roller 13B, respectively. These rotary encoders 14A and 14B, the X roller 13A, and the Y roller 13B , The operating body 12 forms a selecting means.
[0031]
Reference numeral 16 denotes a push-operation type switch, which is disposed on the lower surface of the operation body 12 so as to be turned on when a predetermined or more pressing operation force is applied to the operation body 12. Is formed.
[0032]
A plurality of function keys 3A and 3B and the like are provided around the operating body 12, and numeric keys 4A and 4B and the like for inputting characters, numbers and symbols are provided below the operation keys 12. On the upper surface, functions, characters, numbers, symbols and the like are displayed, and a control means 15 such as a microcomputer is provided inside.
[0033]
In addition, a switch 16 and rotary encoders 14A and 14B are connected to the control unit 15, and the display unit 2 is connected to the input unit.
[0034]
In the above configuration, when a call is normally made with the mobile phone 11, after pressing a numeric key 4A or 4B or the like on which a predetermined number is displayed to input a telephone number, and then pressing the function key 3A to make a call. Let's make a call.
[0035]
The operating tool 12 is used for inputting a name or the like corresponding to a telephone number, or inputting a title or text of an e-mail, and the operation method will be described below.
[0036]
First, when the operator presses the function key 3B, for example, the control means 15 detects this and sets the state in which the number of characters for inputting the mobile phone 11 can be selected.
[0037]
That is, as shown in the enlarged view of the display unit in FIG. 3A, as a plurality of character groups having different types of character numbers below the display unit 2, for example, “a” indicating a hiragana uppercase group, and a hiragana lowercase group "@" For uppercase, "A" for uppercase katakana, "A" for lowercase katakana, "A" for uppercase alphabet, "a" for lowercase alphabet, and "a" for numeral group 1 ","#"representing a symbol group, and a rectangular pointer for selecting the number of characters are displayed.
[0038]
Then, in this state, the operator rotates or presses the operating body 12 as necessary to select a predetermined number of characters, and selects a predetermined number of characters in the predetermined number of characters. Enter the desired name and text.
[0039]
Here, the operation for inputting "Aoki" and Hiragana uppercase letters will be described in detail. First, the operator already has the symbol "A" corresponding to "Hiragana uppercase letters" in the state of FIG. Since the pointer has been selected, the operation body 12 is pressed to confirm this state.
[0040]
Then, the switch 16 is turned on, and the control means 15 detects this, and as shown in FIG. 3B, each character of Hiragana is represented by a symbol "." A symbol “·” of 5 rows × 10 columns corresponding to individual characters and a rectangular pointer are displayed at the upper left of these character groups.
[0041]
Next, when the operator presses the operating body 12 to magnify and display the vicinity where the pointer is located, similarly, the control unit 15 visually recognizes on the display unit 2 as shown in FIG. In a possible size of 3 rows × 5 columns, “Hiragana” is displayed near the position where the pointer is located.
[0042]
Next, the operator visually recognizes that “A” is selected by the pointer, and presses the operating body 12 to similarly determine the state by the control means 15, as shown in FIG. As described above, this "A" is displayed above the display unit 2, and all the symbols "." Corresponding to the individual characters of Hiragana as in FIG. 3B and the pointer are displayed below.
[0043]
Subsequently, when “O” is input, “O” is a character located directly below “A” where the pointer is located, so the operator moves the operating tool 12 directly below. Rotate.
[0044]
Then, the X roller 13A that is in contact with the operation body 12 rotates, and the rotary encoder 14A connected to the X roller 13A rotates in conjunction with this movement.
[0045]
Then, the control unit 15 detects the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the rotary encoder 14A, and moves the pointer to the symbol “•” corresponding to the character “O” as shown in FIG.
[0046]
Next, when the operator presses the operating body 12, the control means 15 similarly determines this state, and as shown in FIG. The display of the hiragana "Ueoh, Kukeko, ..., Nune no" near the symbol "."
[0047]
Next, when the operator presses the operating tool 12 with the pointer selecting “O”, the control means 15 similarly displays “AO” above the display unit 2 as shown in FIG. , And all the symbols “•” corresponding to the individual characters of Hiragana as in FIG. 3B are displayed below.
[0048]
Subsequently, when inputting “ki”, since “ki” is a character located in the upper right direction of “o” where the pointer is located, the operator moves the operating tool 12 in the upper right direction. Rotate.
[0049]
Then, similarly, the control means 15 moves the pointer to the symbol "." Corresponding to the character "", as shown in FIG.
[0050]
Next, when the operator presses the operating body 12 to enlarge and display the vicinity of the position of the pointer, the control means 15 similarly displays “K” on the display unit 2 as shown in FIG. The pointer is displayed when the hiragana near the symbol "."
[0051]
Next, when the operator presses the operating body 12 with the pointer selecting "", the control means 15 similarly causes the "Aoki" to be displayed above the display unit 2 as shown in FIG. Are displayed, and all the symbols “•” corresponding to each character of Hiragana as in FIG. 3B and a pointer are displayed below.
[0052]
As described above, it is possible to input "Aoki" in hiragana capital letters.
[0053]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, after the control unit 15 selects the predetermined number of characters in the predetermined number-of-characters group composed of a plurality of characters, numbers, symbols, figures, items, and functions by operating the selection unit. The input device is configured so that the vicinity of the selected number of characters is enlarged and displayed in a predetermined portion of the display unit 2 by the operation of the determination means, and the input device is further configured to determine the number of characters selected by the operation of the determination means. Since the character or the like to be input can be determined only by the operation of the means and the determination means, it is possible to obtain an input device which is easy to operate and has few erroneous operations.
[0054]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), a plurality of character groups having different types of character numbers are displayed, and after selecting a predetermined character group from among the plurality of character group by operating the selecting device, operating the selecting device. By selecting a predetermined number of characters in the predetermined number of characters, a plurality of character groups having different types of character numbers are displayed at one place, so that it is easy to select a desired number of characters from the number of characters. it can.
[0055]
In the above description, FIG. 3B is described as a case where all the hiragana characters are replaced with, for example, a symbol “•” having a smaller display area than these characters, and all the replaced “•” characters are displayed. However, as shown in FIG. 3B, the display of FIG. 3B is changed from "....." in the column "A" of the character group of Hiragana to "A. By setting "..." to "Nano" or the like, the first character of each column is displayed larger than other characters so that the type of the number of characters in each column can be visually recognized, or each column is different. It is displayed in color to make it easier to distinguish each column, or “I” in the “A” column is replaced by “•” with a smaller display area, and “A” column is replaced by “A • O” Thus, the number of characters can be easily selected, for example, by displaying the “A” column in a size that is easily visible.
[0056]
Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the range of characters in the hiragana character group is separated from the range of characters from the "a" column to the column of the "na" column by providing an interval between the character ranges from the "ha" column. Since this division can be used as a guide when selecting the number of characters, the number of characters can be further easily selected.
[0057]
Further, in the above description, a plurality of character groups having different types of character numbers, such as a hiragana character group, an alphabet character group, and a number group, have been described as being displayed in one place. A character group of the alphabet, and then a plurality of character groups having different types of character numbers, such as a number group, may be displayed one after another by moving the pointer by rotating the operating body 12.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect that an input device that can be easily operated and has few erroneous operations can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view of a mobile phone using the input device; FIG. Display diagram of input device according to form [Fig. 5] Plan view of mobile phone using conventional input device [Fig. 6] Display diagram [Description of reference numerals]
1, 11 Mobile phone 2 Display unit 3A, 3B,... 3E Function keys 4A, 4B,... 4J Numeric keys 5, 15 Control unit 12 Operating body 13A X roller 13B Y roller 14A, 14B Rotary encoder 16 switch

Claims (5)

A display means for displaying a predetermined number-of-characters group composed of a plurality of characters, numbers, symbols, figures, items, and functions in a predetermined place; and connected to the display means and connected to the selection means and the determination means. After the control means selects a predetermined number of characters in the number-of-characters group by operating the selection means, the operation of the confirmation means enlarges and displays the vicinity of the selected number of characters on the display means. An input device that determines the number of characters selected by the operation. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of characters is displayed in a different color or larger than other characters. 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of characters are replaced with one representative character and displayed. 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein an interval is provided between a predetermined number of characters. A plurality of character number groups having different types of character numbers are displayed, and a predetermined character number group in the plurality of character number groups is selected by operating the selecting means, and then a predetermined character number in the predetermined character number group is operated by operating the selecting means. The input device according to claim 1 for selecting.

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