JP2005056275A - Character input device and method for mobile terminal and mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a visually user-friendly character input device and method for a mobile terminal that make it possible to input characters through a small number of key operations, while also enabling the characters inputted to be corrected immediately or corrected a plurality of times in succession for increased operability and to provide a mobile terminal. <P>SOLUTION: The device has a control part 4 provided with a first kana character input means for inputting kana characters through a first input made as one of numerical keys 21 is selected, a second kana character input means for inputting kana characters through the combination of the first input and a second input by which a direction selected by means of an arrow key 23 after the first input is inputted, and a kana character input conversion means 41 for changing the kana character input with the press of the arrow key 23 after the second input. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input device for a mobile terminal, a character input method for a mobile terminal, and a mobile terminal, and in particular, a character input device for a mobile terminal that enables smooth character input and improves operability with few key operations, The present invention relates to a character input method for a mobile terminal and a mobile terminal.

  Conventionally, character input on a representative mobile phone of a small mobile terminal requires character input with a limited key due to restrictions on mounting space, and therefore, a line of 50 sounds is usually assigned to each numeric keypad. In other words, a method is adopted in which the character of the assigned line changes depending on the number of times any of the numeric keys is pressed. For example, by pressing the “1” key five times, Will be entered.

  Therefore, in this character input method, the number of operations for pressing the numeric keypad is increased for the user to input a target character, and it takes time to input the character, resulting in poor operability.

  Therefore, in order to improve the operability of character input, a two-touch input method (detailed explanation is omitted) has been developed at present, but this two-touch input method usually has an input function only in the dial section. , Because the cross key is only used for the function to move between the input characters and the function to determine the input location, the correction of the input characters must be erased once, without erasing the input characters, Immediate correction and multiple corrections cannot be performed continuously.

  As a technique for improving operability, a plurality of character groups composed of representative characters and member characters are set, a representative switch group for selecting representative characters, and one member switch for selecting member characters The representative character is selected from the representative switch group, the member character under the control of the representative character is assigned to the member switch, and the representative character is displayed on the display device. After the representative character is displayed, the member character is selected by the member switch. Each time a member character is displayed on a display device, a desired character can be input smoothly and speedily (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, each direction control signal is generated according to the position of the joystick in the eight directions, the block corresponding to the defined position is displayed in a matrix on the display unit as the main screen, and one block in the main screen is selected. By highlighting and displaying the sub-screen of the highlighted block and selecting the desired block from the sub-screen, any character in a predetermined character set can be selected with only two operations of the joystick. Some of them are (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2002-342011 A

JP 2002-062973 A

  The two-touch input method that improves the operability of character input described above usually has an input function only in the dial section, and the cross key is used only for the function of moving between input characters and the function of determining the input location. Therefore, the input character cannot be corrected once without being erased, and there is a problem that an immediate correction and a plurality of corrections cannot be performed continuously without deleting the input character.

  When the technology described in Patent Document 1 is applied to a mobile phone, an extra member switch is provided in addition to the conventional standard key. In addition, when selecting a member character, the member character is changed by pressing the contact with the horizontal member switch with your finger and sliding it left and right, but with one-touch operation When compared, there is a problem that operability is difficult.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 2, character input is performed by performing an operation of selecting any one of the eight directions of the joystick twice, but correction of the character input by selecting the direction with the joystick is performed. Requires a series of operations such as block selection on the main screen and block selection on the sub screen, and it is not possible to perform immediate correction or multiple corrections in succession without erasing the input characters. There is.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a character input function on a dial part and a selection key (a cross key or a cursor key), and by using the cross key, a character can be input by a small number of key operations. The entered characters can be corrected immediately, and multiple corrections can be made consecutively, improving operability and further diverting the conventional key arrangement, so the dial and the cross key are separated from each other. Therefore, it is providing the character input device for portable terminals, the character input method for portable terminals, and a portable terminal which are visually easy to use for a user.

  A character input device for a portable terminal according to the present invention includes a numeric keypad and a symbol key for inputting characters, a selection key for selecting and inputting one of four directions, a determination key for determining character input, and character erasure A clear key for performing kana, a memory for storing kana characters in a matrix table, and a display unit for displaying characters, and the first input for selecting and inputting one of the ten keys is for inputting kana characters. A first kana character input means, a second kana character input means for inputting a kana character by a combination of the first input and the second input for inputting the direction selected by the selection key after the first input, and a second input And a kana character input changing means for changing a kana character input by depressing a selection key later.

  The kana character input changing means has means for continuously changing the kana character input by continuously pressing the selection key until the determination key is pressed.

  The kana character input changing means has means for changing the kana character of the row of the matrix table corresponding to the first input.

  The memory has a matrix table of ten keys and selection keys.

  The character display means for displaying characters on the display section is a means for displaying kana characters in the matrix table corresponding to the numeric keypad on the display section when the first input is input, and a second input is input after the first input. And a means for displaying on the display unit the kana character that has been changed to the kana character corresponding to the numeric keypad and the selection key of the matrix table.

  When the clear key is pressed, it erases one character on the display unit and moves backward by one character.

  The selection key has a cross key or a cursor key.

  A character input method for a portable terminal according to the present invention includes a numeric keypad and a symbol key for inputting characters, a selection key for selecting and inputting one of four directions, a decision key for determining character input, and character erasure A step of inputting a kana character by a first input that selects and inputs one of the numeric keys, having a clear key for performing kana, a memory for storing kana characters in a matrix table, and a display unit for displaying characters And, after the first input, select the direction with the selection key to perform the second input, to perform the kana character input from the combination of the first input and the second input, and to select the selection key after the second input And a step of changing the kana character input by the kana character input changing means when pressed.

  The kana character input changing means is characterized by continuing to change the kana character input by continuously pressing the selection key until the determination key is pressed.

  The kana character input changing means changes the kana character in the row of the matrix table corresponding to the first input.

  The memory has a matrix table of ten keys and selection keys.

  The character display means for displaying characters on the display unit displays the kana characters in the matrix table corresponding to the numeric keypad on the display unit when the first input is input, and the second input is input after the first input. And a step of displaying on the display unit the kana character that has been changed to the kana character corresponding to the numeric keypad and the selection key of the matrix table.

  When the clear key is pressed, it erases one character on the display unit and moves backward by one character.

  The selection key has a cross key or a cursor key.

  A portable terminal of the present invention includes a housing, an operation unit including a plurality of key groups mounted on the housing, a display unit that displays characters, a character display unit that displays characters on the display unit, and a key group. It has a kana character input means for operating to input a kana character and a memory for storing the kana character in a matrix table, and the key group is a numeric keypad and a symbol key for inputting a character, and one of four directions. A selection key for selecting and inputting a character, a determination key for determining character input, and a clear key for erasing characters, and the first character input means selects and inputs one of the ten keys. A second kana character that performs kana character input by a combination of the first kana character input means for inputting the kana character by input and the second input for inputting the direction selected by the selection key after the first input and the first input. After the input means and the second input And having a kana input changing unit for changing the kana character input by pressing-option key.

  The kana character input changing means has means for continuously changing the kana character input by continuously pressing the selection key until the determination key is pressed.

  The kana character input changing means has means for changing the kana character of the row of the matrix table corresponding to the first input.

  The memory has a matrix table of ten keys and selection keys.

  The character display means is a means for displaying a kana character in the matrix table corresponding to the numeric keypad on the display unit when the first input is input, and a selection from the numeric keypad in the matrix table when the second input is input after the first input. And a means for displaying on the display unit a kana character that has transitioned to a kana character corresponding to the key.

  When the clear key is pressed, it erases one character on the display unit and moves backward by one character.

  The selection key has a cross key or a cursor key.

  By using a numeric keypad and symbol keys and a selection key (cross key or cursor key) for selecting and inputting one of the four directions and using the selection key, a small number of times can be obtained. There is an effect that characters can be input by key operation.

  Also, until you press the Enter key, you can change the direction of the selection key and select and press it continuously to continue changing the character input. Can be continuously made, and the operability can be improved.

  Further, since the conventional key arrangement is used, the numeric keypad, the symbol key, and the selection key are arranged apart from each other, and it is possible to provide a user interface that is easy to use visually.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of a character input device for a portable terminal according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a matrix table in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a portable terminal character input device 1 includes an operation unit 2, a key input receiving unit 3 that receives key inputs from the operation unit 2, a memory 8 that stores kana characters in a matrix table 81, and a character display. A display unit 7 for performing the above, a character confirmation unit 5 for confirming a character according to the key input received by the key input reception unit 3, and a display unit 7 according to the key input received by the key input reception unit 3. The display unit 6 includes a character display control unit 6 that controls display contents, a key input receiving unit 3, a memory 8, and a control unit 4 that controls a character determination unit 5. The operation unit 2 includes a numeric keypad 21 and symbols for inputting characters. The key 22 is composed of a key 22, a cross key 23 for selecting and inputting one of the four directions, a determination key 24 for determining character input, and a clear key 25 for erasing characters. The numeric keypad A first kana character accepting unit 31 that accepts a kana character input by a first input selected by selecting one of 1 and a direction selected by the cross key 23 after the first input and the first input A second kana character receiving unit 32 that receives a kana character input in combination with the second input, and a kana character change receiving unit 33 that receives a change in the kana character input by pressing the cross key 23 after the second input. The control unit 4 is configured by providing a kana character input changing means 41 for performing change control of the kana character input.

  Here, the matrix table 81 stored in the memory 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The matrix table 81 includes a matrix of ten keys 21 and symbol keys 22 and selection keys 23.

  Here, input from the numeric keys 1 to 0 and # symbol and symbol key 22 of * symbol is α input group, and input from four directions (↑, →, ↓, ←) of the cross key 23 is β input group. , 1 to 0 corresponding to the input of the numeric keypad 21 (a, ka, sa, ta, na, ha, ma, la, w) are output corresponding to the α output group and the ↑ direction input of the cross key 23 Β output group A rank (i, ki, shi, chi, ni, hi, mi, yuri, a), the output corresponding to the → direction input of the cross key 23 is the β output group B rank (u, k, The output corresponding to the ↓ direction input of the cross key 23 is β output group C rank (e, ke, se, te, ne, he, me, le ), The output corresponding to the ← direction input of the cross key 23 will be referred to as a β output group D rank (Oh, this, more, more, more).

  Turbid, semi-turbid, and lowercase letters can be switched by repeatedly using the # on the symbol key 22 and each time it is pressed, the muddy sound → semi-turbid sound → lower case → clear sound → turbid sound (the same applies hereinafter). * Of 22 is used for inputting “.”, “,”, And each time the key is pressed, “.” → “,” → no input → “.” (The same applies hereinafter) is switched.

  For example, after pressing the α input group (first input) and then pressing the β input group ↑ (↑ (A) in the figure) (second input), any kana character in the α output group is displayed, and then , Instead of any kana character in the α output group, any character in the β output group A rank is displayed.

  Next, operation | movement of the character input device 1 for portable terminals is demonstrated with reference to drawings.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the portable terminal character input device 1.

  The character input is performed based on the matrix table 81 by reading the matrix table 81 of the memory 8 described above.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the character input process is started and a character input waiting state is entered (S1).

  In this state, character input is performed from the operation unit 2. The key input indicates whether the character input is pressing of the α input group of the numeric keypad 21, pressing of the β input group of the cross key 23, or pressing of the clear key 25. The control unit 4 determines which reception unit of the reception unit 3 is input (S2), and when the β input group is pressed (input to the second kana character reception unit 32), the input unit is moved ( S8) When the clear key 25 is pressed, it is determined whether or not a character has already been input (S9). If a character has already been input, one character is deleted and one character is moved backward (S10). If there are no characters, nothing happens.

  In addition, the reception part which receives the input which pressed the clear key 25 and the determination key is abbreviate | omitting illustration in FIG.

  In (S2), when one of the α input groups is pressed (input to the first kana character accepting unit 31), any character in the α output group is confirmed by the character confirming unit 5, and the character display control unit Under the control of No. 6, the confirmed character is displayed on the display unit 7 (S3). For example, when “1” in the α input group is pressed, “A” is displayed.

  It is determined which of the numeric keypad 21, the cross key 23, and the clear key 25 is pressed next time (S4). When the β input group of the cross key 23 is pressed, the character determination unit 5 causes the β Any character from the output group A rank to the β output group D rank is determined and displayed on the display unit 7 (S5). For example, when the β input group ↑ is pressed, “I” is displayed on the display unit 7.

  It is determined whether the next input is input by pressing the numeric key 21, the cross key 23, or the clear key 25 (S6). When the α input group of the numeric key 21 is pressed, the input unit is displayed on the right side of the display unit 7. The character is moved, and any character in the α output group is displayed on the display unit 7 (S7). When the β input group is pressed, the process returns to (S5). For example, when “2” of the α input group is pressed, “Ika” is displayed, and when the β input group → is pressed, “U” is displayed.

  As described above, when the β input group (cross key 23) is continuously pressed and input to the kana character change accepting unit 33, the kana character input changing means 41 can continue the change of the kana character input, and the number of the numeric keypad 21 can be changed. The kana characters in the row of the matrix table 81 corresponding to the input can be changed. For example, immediately after the above “U” is displayed, “E” is displayed when the β input group ↓ is pressed, and immediately after that, the “E” display is converted to “U” when the β input group → is pressed. The displayed character can be converted by pressing the cross key 23 any number of times.

  In the above (S4), when the α input group is pressed, the input unit is moved to the right of the display unit 7, and any character in the α output group is displayed on the display unit 7 (S7). For example, when “2” in the α input group is pressed, “red” is displayed.

  When the clear key 25 is pressed in (S4) and (S6), the process proceeds to (S9).

  By repeating the above process until the enter key 24 is pressed, a desired character is input.

  After pressing the enter key 24, the process shifts to the conversion processing system, but a description of the conversion processing system is omitted.

  Here, as an example, a specific operation when inputting a kana character “let's leave as it is” will be described.

  Using the cross key 23 and the symbol key 22, “3, ←, 5, ←, 7, 7, 5, ↑, 3, ↑, 4, ↓, 1, ←, 2, ↑, 7, 3, By performing an input operation in the order of ↑, 8, →, #, 1, →, it is possible to input a kana character “Let it be as it is”.

  Next, an embodiment of a portable terminal of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic external view showing a mobile terminal of the present invention (a mobile phone is shown as an example of the mobile terminal), and FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the mobile phone 10.

  In addition, the same component as the above-mentioned character input device 1 for portable terminals is displayed with the same code.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the mobile phone 10 includes a casing 9 including an upper casing 91 and a lower casing 92, and an operation unit 2 including a plurality of keys mounted on the lower casing 92. A key input receiving unit 3 that receives key input from the operation unit 2, a memory 8 that stores kana characters in the matrix table 81, a display unit 7 that displays characters, and a key input received by the key input receiving unit 3. A character display control unit 6 for controlling the display content on the display unit 7 according to the above, a character determination unit 5 for confirming the character according to the key input received by the key input reception unit 3, and transmission / reception of a call / message, The telephone function unit 15 performs communication, the key input receiving unit 3, the memory 8, the character determination unit 5, and the control unit 14 that controls the telephone function unit 15. The operation unit 2 includes a numeric keypad 21 that performs character input. And the symbol key 22 Includes a cross key 23 to select and input one direction of the four directions, and the decision key 24 for determining the character input, and a clear key 25 for character erasure,
The key input accepting unit 3 is a first kana character accepting unit 31 that accepts a kana character input by a first input selected by selecting one of the numeric keys 21, and a cross key after the first input and the first input. A second kana character accepting unit 32 for accepting a kana character input in combination with a second input for inputting the direction selected by 23, and accepting a change in the kana character input by pressing the cross key 23 after the second input. The controller 4 includes a kana character change receiving unit 33, and the control unit 4 includes a kana character input changing unit 41 that performs change control of the kana character input.

  The mobile phone 10 shown in FIG. 4 has a structure in which the upper housing 91 opens and closes with the hinge portion 11 as a fulcrum, but this structure is not limited, and the upper housing 91 is around the hinge portion 11. Needless to say, the structure may be a structure in which the upper housing 91 or the lower housing 92 slides.

  The mobile phone 10 configured as described above is different from the mobile terminal character input device 1 described above in that the telephone function unit 15 has functions of transmitting / receiving a call / message and performing communication on a telecommunication network. Although different, the character input operation is the same as the operation of the mobile terminal character input device 1, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows embodiment of the character input device for portable terminals of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the matrix table | surface in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the character input device for portable terminals. 1 is a schematic external view showing a mobile phone of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the mobile phone of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Character input device for portable terminals 2 Operation part 21 Numeric keypad 22 Symbol key 23 Cross key 24 Enter key 25 Clear key 3 Key input reception part 31 1st kana character reception part 32 2nd kana character reception part 33 Kana character change reception part 4 , 14 Control part 41 Kana character input changing means 5 Character confirmation part 6 Character display control part 7 Display part 8 Memory 81 Matrix table 9 Case 91 Upper case 92 Lower case 10 Mobile phone 11 Hinge part 15 Telephone function part

Claims (21)

Numeric keys and symbol keys for character input, a selection key for selecting and inputting one of four directions, a determination key for determining character input, a clear key for erasing characters, and a kana character in a matrix table A first kana character input means for inputting a kana character by a first input for selecting and inputting one of the numeric keys; A second kana character input means for inputting a kana character by a combination of an input and a second input for inputting the direction selected by the selection key after the first input; and pressing the selection key after the second input And a kana character input changing means for changing the input of the kana character. 2. The portable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the kana character input changing means has means for continuing to change the kana character input by continuously pressing the selection key until the determination key is pressed. Character input device. 2. The character input device for a portable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the kana character input changing means includes means for changing the kana character in a row of the matrix table corresponding to the first input. 2. The character input device for a portable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the memory includes the matrix table of the numeric keys and the selection keys. Character display means for displaying characters on the display section, means for displaying the kana characters of the matrix table corresponding to the numeric keypad on the display section when the first input is input, and after the first input And a means for causing the display unit to display the kana characters that have changed to the kana characters corresponding to the numeric keys and the selection keys of the matrix table when the second input is input. The character input device for portable terminals according to 1. The character input device for a portable terminal according to claim 1, wherein when the clear key is pressed, one character is erased on the display unit and the character is moved backward by one character. The character input device for a portable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the selection key includes a cross key or a cursor key. Numeric keys and symbol keys for character input, a selection key for selecting and inputting one of four directions, a determination key for determining character input, a clear key for erasing characters, and a kana character in a matrix table And a display unit for displaying characters, a step of inputting kana characters by a first input that selects and inputs one of the numeric keys, and the selection after the first input Selecting a direction with a key and performing a second input; performing a kana character input from a combination of the first input and the second input; and pressing the selection key after the second input. And a kana character input changing unit for changing the kana character input. 9. The character input method for a mobile terminal according to claim 8, wherein the kana character input changing means continues the change of the kana character input by continuously pressing the selection key until the determination key is pressed. . 9. The character input method for a portable terminal according to claim 8, wherein the kana character input changing means changes the kana character in a row of the matrix table corresponding to the first input. 9. The character input method for a mobile terminal according to claim 8, wherein the memory includes the matrix table of the numeric keys and the selection keys. Character display means for displaying characters on the display unit displays the kana characters in the matrix table corresponding to the numeric keys on the display unit when the first input is input, and after the first input The step of displaying, on the display unit, the kana character that has transitioned to the kana character corresponding to the numeric keypad and the selection key of the matrix table when the second input is input. 9. The character input method for mobile terminals according to 8. 9. The character input method for a portable terminal according to claim 8, wherein when the clear key is pressed, one character is erased on the display unit and the character is moved backward by one character. 9. The character input method for a mobile terminal according to claim 8, wherein the selection key includes a cross key or a cursor key. A case, an operation unit including a plurality of key groups mounted on the case, a display unit that displays characters, a character display unit that displays characters on the display unit, and a pseudonym by operating the key groups A kana character input means for inputting characters; and a memory for storing kana characters in a matrix table, wherein the key group selects one of four directions, ten keys and symbol keys for inputting characters. And a clear key for erasing characters, and the kana character input means selects and inputs one of the numeric keys. A second kana character input by a combination of the first kana character input means for inputting the kana character and the second input for inputting the direction selected by the selection key after the first input and the first input. Kana character input means and Mobile terminal; and a kana input changing means for changing the said kana input by pressing the select key after said second input. 16. The portable terminal according to claim 15, wherein the kana character input changing means includes means for continuously changing the kana character input by continuously pressing the selection key until the determination key is pressed. 16. The portable terminal according to claim 15, wherein the kana character input changing means includes means for changing the kana character in a row of the matrix table corresponding to the first input. 16. The portable terminal according to claim 15, wherein the memory includes the matrix table of the numeric keys and the selection keys. The character display means, when the first input is inputted, means for displaying the kana characters of the matrix table corresponding to the numeric keypad on the display unit, and after the first input, the second input is inputted. 16. The portable terminal according to claim 15, further comprising: means for displaying on the display unit the kana character that has changed to the kana character corresponding to the numeric keypad and the selection key of the matrix table. 16. The portable terminal according to claim 15, wherein when the clear key is pressed, one character is erased and the character is moved backward by one character on the display unit. The portable terminal according to claim 15, wherein the selection key includes a cross key or a cursor key.

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