JP2005092521A - Character input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow inputting characters in a quick and stress-free manner; to make efficient use of a display area on a display screen; and to allow inputting characters without use of numeric keys when a character input device is applied to a cellphone terminal. <P>SOLUTION: Characters of the Japanese syllabary arranged in rows and columns are allocated to horizontal keys 55. The user operates the rotating dial of a disk jog dial to select the row for the sound "k" (highlighted display 53), and depresses a push button five times to select the character for "ko." A candidate display part 59 displays words as expected conversion candidates related to the character for "ko." The user depresses the lower button of an arrow key on the disk jog dial to go to a candidate selection mode, and depresses the push button after selecting a desired candidate word. The input of the candidate word is thereby determined. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input device suitable for portable electronic devices such as a mobile phone terminal and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

  In recent years, not only those equipped with a hardware keyboard such as a personal computer but also a portable electronic device with a small number of keys that can be operated by a user, such as a cellular phone terminal or PDA, has a character input function. It is essential.

  As a character input method for inputting characters using a limited number of keys as in the portable electronic device, the following two methods are generally well known. One is a character input method by selecting a kana (hereinafter referred to as a direct selection method), and the other is a character input method by selecting a “row” and a “column” each containing a kana to be input ( Hereinafter, this is referred to as a row stage selection method).

  The direct selection method is a method of displaying a list of all the kana of the kana on the screen and selecting and inputting the kana to be input from among them. It is frequently used when inputting a kana by a combination of key operations. The direct selection method generally employs a method of selecting a desired character by moving a cursor linked to a selection key on a list.

  The specific character input procedure in the direct selection method is as follows.

  First, as a procedure (1), a list of Japanese syllabary characters is displayed on the screen, and a desired character is selected from the list using a selection key. Next, as procedure (2), the character selected in procedure (1) is determined by pressing the enter key. Thereby, the input of the determined character is confirmed.

  The advantages of this direct selection method are that the operation method is simple and all the kana are displayed in the form of a list, so that the user intuitively recognizes where the desired character is in the list. It is easy to do.

  The row selection method is a method of inputting a kana by selecting a “line” including a desired kana in the order of the Japanese syllabary, and then selecting a “column” of the “line”. is there. Similar to the direct selection method, this row stage selection method is often used when inputting a pseudonym in a device that does not have a keyboard, particularly a car navigation device.

  The specific character input procedure in the row selection method is as follows.

  First, as the procedure (1), in the row selection mode, each “row” in alphabetical order is displayed on the screen, and a desired “row” is selected from these “rows” by a selection key. Next, as the procedure (2), the “line” selected in the procedure (1) is determined by pressing the enter key. Next, the stage selection mode is entered, and as a procedure (3), a desired “stage” is selected from the “stages” in the “row” determined by the procedure (2) by the selection key. Thereafter, as step (4), the “stage” selected in step (3) is determined by pressing the enter key. Thereby, the input of the kana character specified by the “line” determined in the procedure (2) and the “column” determined in the procedure (4) is confirmed.

  The advantages of this row selection method are that the operation method is simple and intuitive, and since it is not necessary to display all the kana characters simultaneously, it can be realized with a smaller display area than the direct selection method. Can be mentioned.

  In addition to the direct selection method and row selection method described above, in particular, as a character input method that is most often used in a mobile phone terminal, a method of inputting a kana by repeatedly pressing a numeric keypad (hereinafter referred to as a ten-key repeated typing method). Is well known.

  The ten-key continuous typing method is a method in which a plurality of kana characters are assigned to each key constituting the numeric keypad, and a desired character is input by repeatedly pressing any one of the numeric keys.

  A specific character input procedure in the ten-key continuous hitting method is as follows. Hereinafter, among the numeric keys, each character of the “a” line is assigned to the key “1”, each character of the “ka” line is assigned to the key “2”, and similarly, “ma” is assigned to the key “7”. In the case where each character of the “ra” line is assigned to the line “9”, for example, a character input procedure for inputting “mori” will be described.

  First, as the procedure (1), the key “7” is pressed to display “MA” on the screen, and then as the procedure (2), the key “7” is further pressed to change “MA” to “MI”. Next, in step (3), the key “7” is further pressed to change “mi” to “mu”, and in step (4), the key “7” is further pressed to change “mu” to “me”. Next, as a procedure (5), the key “7” is further pressed to change “Me” to “M”. Then, when the key “9” is pressed as the procedure (6), the characters “ra” are displayed on the right side of “mo” displayed on the screen in the procedures (1) to (5). The Next, when the key “9” is further pressed as the procedure (7), “ra” changes to “ri”. As a result, the pseudonym “MORI” is input from “MO” input in the procedures (1) to (5) and “RI” input in the procedures (6) to (7).

  In the case of the ten-key continuous hitting method, the user selects the key “7” rather than keeping track of the change of one character at a time until “mo” is input in steps (1) to (5). In many cases, characters are input based on the feeling (experience) that "mo" can be input by pressing 5 times.

As a character input device applicable to a mobile phone terminal, Patent Document 1 discloses a two-stage selection type character input device. This character input device includes a dial key having six or more contacts arranged so as to form a ring as a key used for character input, and includes six or more characters so as to form a ring on a display screen. Is displayed, and a character is selected by rotating the dial key.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-150303 (FIG. 1)

  By the way, since the direct selection method described above needs to display a list of all the kana characters, a large display area is required, and another display area is compressed. In the case of the direct selection method, generally, a desired character is selected by moving the cursor linked to the selection key on the list. For example, when the size of the list is large, the cursor It takes time to move the character onto a desired character, and there is a drawback that it is not possible to input kana characters quickly.

  In the above-described row selection method, in order to input one character, the operation of “selection and determination” in the line selection mode and the two “selection and determination” operations of “selection and determination” in the column selection mode must be performed. However, it takes a long time to input and stresses the user.

  In addition, both the direct input method and the row selection method require selection and determination operations while visually confirming a desired character, thereby causing an increase in input time and stress required for input.

  On the other hand, the ten key continuous hitting method is a character input method widely used by users of mobile phone terminals, but the use of the numeric keypad is an essential requirement for character input. For this reason, for example, an upper casing provided with a display unit, and a lower casing provided on the lower side of the upper casing and provided with a numeric keypad on the surface in the same direction as the display surface of the display unit, In a mobile phone terminal (hereinafter referred to as a rotary open type mobile phone terminal) that can be rotated horizontally around a rotation mechanism provided at one end of the case, the upper case is overlaid on the lower case. When the display screen is on the surface as in the case of using it in a state where it is not usable because the upper housing covers the numeric keypad, it is not possible to input characters using the numeric keypad.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of such circumstances, and can input characters quickly and without stress, can efficiently use a display area on a display screen, and is applied to, for example, a mobile phone terminal. In some cases, an object of the present invention is to provide a character input device capable of inputting characters without using a numeric keypad.

  A character input device according to the present invention has a rotary member formed so as to be rotatable about a rotary shaft and generates an operation signal corresponding to the rotary operation when the rotary member is rotated by a user. And four operation switches arranged in at least four directions, up, down, left, and right with respect to a predetermined center point, and when any of the four switches is pressed by the user, an operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation of the switch An operation means having a direction indicating operator for generating a switch and a pressing operator for generating an operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation when the switch is pressed by the user when the switch is pressed. A virtual key display control means for displaying on the display means a plurality of virtual keys each assigned a plurality of different characters, and a rotary operator Selects one of a plurality of virtual keys in response to an operation signal from one of the direction indicator operators, and presses one of a plurality of characters assigned to the selected virtual key. Character selection means that is selected by an operation signal according to the number of times, and a plurality of candidate words related to the character selected by the character selection means are selected from a plurality of candidate words prepared in advance, and the plurality of selected words Candidate word display control means for displaying candidate words on the display means, a character selection mode capable of selecting one of a plurality of characters assigned to the plurality of virtual keys displayed on the display means, and display on the display means A mode switching control means for switching a candidate selection mode in which one of a plurality of candidate words can be selected in accordance with an operation signal from either the rotation operator or the direction indicating operator, and the candidate selection mode When being switched, one of a plurality of candidate words displayed on the display means is selected according to an operation signal from either the rotation operator or the direction indicating operator, and the selected candidate word Word determining means for determining according to an operation signal from the pressing operator.

  That is, according to the character input device of the present invention, by assigning a plurality of characters to the virtual key displayed on the display means, it is not necessary to display all the characters on the display means. Further, when the user operates the operating means to select a virtual key and a character assigned to the virtual key, a plurality of candidate words related to the selected character are displayed. The user operates the operating means to select a desired candidate word from among the displayed candidate words, thereby inputting characters (words). Therefore, the user can input characters only by selecting a virtual key, selecting a character assigned to the virtual key, and selecting a candidate word by operating the operating means.

  In the character input device of the present invention, the user can input characters quickly and without stress, and the display area on the display screen is used efficiently. Further, according to the character input device of the present invention, when applied to, for example, a mobile phone terminal, character input can be performed without using a numeric keypad.

  Hereinafter, a character input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a mobile phone terminal will be described as an example of a character input device.

  1 to 3 show the appearance of a mobile phone terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile phone terminal according to the present embodiment includes an upper housing (first housing) 1 provided with a display 3 and a surface disposed in the lower side of the upper housing 1 and in the same direction as the display surface of the display 3. Rotation open in which the lower casing 2 (second casing) having a numeric keypad 14 and the like is pivotable in the horizontal direction around a rotating hinge mechanism 16 provided at one end of the casing. Mobile phone terminal. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the cellular phone terminal of the present embodiment is opened (hereinafter referred to as an open state), and FIG. 2 shows the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 with arrows 19 around the rotary hinge mechanism 16. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the mobile phone terminal is closed (hereinafter referred to as the closed state). FIG.

  In addition to the display 3, the upper housing 1 is provided with a speaker 4, a mail function key 9, a call start key 10, a call end key 12, a clear key 11, a disk type jog dial 35, a switching key 13, and the like. The display 3 and the keys provided in the upper casing 1 are one surface portion (one main surface portion, hereinafter referred to as the surface of the casing) that is always outside even when the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment is closed. (Referred to as the display installation surface in particular).

  The display 3 includes a liquid crystal display panel and an EL (electroluminescence) display panel for displaying a telephone number, a standby image, an e-mail text, and the like. The speaker 4 is provided for outputting a call voice or the like. Since the display 3 is provided on the display installation surface of the external housing 1, the user can see the display on the display 3 even when the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment is closed. it can.

  The mail function key 9 is a key used when creating, sending / receiving e-mail, various settings of the mail function, transition to various menu display related to mail, and the like. The switching key 13 is a character type conversion key for character input when creating, editing, or editing an address book. For example, a kana character is changed to an English character, and an English character is changed to a number by the operation of the switching key 13. The character type is switched sequentially. The call start key 10 is a key for a call start transmission operation. The call end key 12 is a key for a call end operation when a call is ended. The call end key 12 is also assigned a power on / off function. The clear key 11 is a key used for clearing (deleting) the input telephone number or characters when editing mail. Since the mail function key 9, the call start key 10, the call end key 12, the clear key 11, and the switching key 13 are provided on the display installation surface of the external casing 1, the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment Even when in the closed state, the user can operate these keys.

  The disc-type jog dial 35 is an operation device in which a rotary dial 6 (rotating operation element), a cross key 7 (direction indicating operation element), and a push button 8 (pressing operation element) are integrated. The rotary dial 6 is provided on the outermost peripheral portion of the disk type jog dial 35 and is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the display installation surface of the upper housing 1. In addition, a rotation detection mechanism such as a Hall element (not shown) is provided inside. The mobile phone terminal according to the present embodiment detects how much the user has rotated the rotary dial 6 in which direction based on a rotation detection signal (for example, a pulse signal output from the Hall element) from the rotation detection mechanism. Made possible. That is, when the rotary dial 6 is rotated by the user, two pulse signals with different phases are output from the Hall element, and the mobile phone terminal of this embodiment rotates according to the number of pulses of one of the pulse signals. The rotational direction of the rotary dial 6 is detected by detecting the rotational speed of the dial 6 and determining which phase of the two pulse signals having different phases is advanced. The cross key 7 is formed in an annular shape on the inner peripheral side of the rotary dial 6, for example, and has an inclining member (not shown) that can be elastically deformed, for example, and at least up, down, left by the user , And a tilt direction detection mechanism (not shown) including four switches that can detect a tilt operation in the right direction. In the mobile phone terminal of this embodiment, the user presses the cross key 7 in response to a tilt direction detection signal from the tilt direction detection mechanism (for example, an on / off signal from any of the up, down, left, and right switches). It is possible to detect in which direction the tilting operation is performed. Of the four switches for detecting tilting operations in the up, down, left and right directions of the cross key 7, the up button is used for detecting the up direction, the down button is used for detecting the down direction, and the right button. The direction detection switch is called a right button, and the left direction detection switch is called a left button. On the cross key 7, for example, four direction indication marks indicating the four directions of up, down, left, and right may be attached, for example. The rotary dial 6 and the cross key 7 may be integrated. The push button 8 is provided at the center of the disk-type jog dial 35 and includes a push switch mechanism that detects a push operation in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display installation surface of the upper housing 1. Yes. Since the disc type jog dial 35 is provided on the display installation surface of the external casing 1, even when the cellular phone terminal of the present embodiment is closed, the user can use the rotary dial 6 and the cross key 7. Each of the push buttons 8 can be operated. In addition, although mentioned later for details, in this embodiment, the said disk type jog dial 35 is used as an input device for implement | achieving the character input method concerning this invention.

  The lower housing 2 is provided with a microphone 15, a manner key 17, a memo key 18, an antenna 5 and the like in addition to the numeric keypad 14. The numeric keypad 14 and the like provided in the lower casing 2 are arranged on one surface portion (one main surface portion, hereinafter referred to as the casing) that is covered by the upper casing 1 when the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment is closed. The surface portion is particularly called a numeric keypad installation surface).

  The numeric keypad 14 is a key input unit for performing a predetermined operation such as telephone number input. The numeric keypad 14 includes symbol keys “*” and “#” in addition to numeric keys “0” to “9” (these ten keys are called so-called numeric keys). . The numeric keys “0” to “9” and the symbol keys “*” and “#” may be collectively referred to as 12 keys.

  The microphone 15 converts call sound into an electrical signal, and is provided in the vicinity of the rotary hinge mechanism 16 in the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the microphone 15 is provided in the vicinity of the rotary hinge mechanism 16 so that the arrangement of the microphone 15 and the speaker 4 does not overlap when the mobile phone terminal is in the closed state. This is because the telephone call can be made in any of the closed state and the open state.

  The manner key 17 is a key that is operated when, for example, a ring tone is not emitted when an incoming call is received. The memo key 18 is a key operated when recording voice, for example.

  The antenna 5 is provided on one end side corresponding to the rotary hinge mechanism 16 of the lower housing 2 and is erected via a rotation shaft (not shown) (standing in a direction perpendicular to the lower end surface of the lower housing 2). State) and a folded state (a state folded in the horizontal direction with respect to the lower end surface of the lower housing 2). 1 shows a state where the antenna 5 is opened, and FIGS. 2 and 3 show a state where the antenna 5 is closed.

  In addition, the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment includes an open / close detection sensor (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) for detecting an open state and a closed state. When the mobile phone terminal detects either the open state or the closed state based on the open / close detection signal of the open / close detection sensor, control or processing according to the detected state is enabled.

[Internal configuration of mobile phone terminal]
Next, FIG. 4 shows a schematic internal configuration of the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment.

  The antenna 22 is the antenna 5 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and transmits and receives signal radio waves. The communication unit 23 performs frequency conversion, modulation and demodulation of transmission / reception signals, spectrum spreading and despreading, discrimination of transmitted / received data as call voice data or other data, and the like. The data other than the call voice data is image data, e-mail, program data, and other data.

  The received call voice data is sent to the voice processing unit 31 via the data line. The voice processing unit 31 decodes the call voice data, and sends the decoded voice data to the speaker 32 via the data line. The speaker 32 corresponds to the speaker 4 of FIGS. 1 to 3 described above, includes a digital / analog converter and an amplifier, and outputs the audio data after digital / analog conversion and amplification. Thereby, a call voice is obtained.

  On the other hand, the microphone 33 corresponds to the microphone 15 of FIG. 2 described above, and includes an analog / digital converter and an amplifier. The call voice signal input through the microphone 33 is amplified to a predetermined level by an amplifier, converted to digital voice data by an analog / digital converter, and sent to the voice processing unit 31 through a data line. And then sent to the communication unit 23.

  The display unit 26 includes the display 3 described above and a driving circuit for displaying an image or the like on the display 3.

  The mail processing unit 30 performs various processes for realizing an electronic mail function such as creation, editing, and deletion of an electronic mail.

  The open / close detection sensor 27 is a sensor switch that detects an open state and a closed state of the mobile phone terminal and outputs an open / close detection signal represented by values of “0” and “1”, for example.

  The key input unit 34 includes the numeric keypad 14 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the symbol keys “*” and “#”, the mail function key 9, the call start key 10, the call end key 12, the clear key 11, and the switch key 13. , The manner key 17 and the memo key 18.

  The jog dial 35 is the disk type jog dial 35 described above.

  The ROM 24 is a control program for the CPU 21 (central processing unit) to control each part, various initial setting values, a program code for performing character input processing of the present embodiment, the telephone number of the mobile phone terminal, font data, and the like. , Dictionary data including candidate words for predictive conversion to be described later, program code for the mail processing unit 30 to execute mail creation and editing processing, and other program codes for various applications installed in mobile phone terminals, It stores identification information (ID) of the mobile phone terminal. The ROM 24 includes a rewritable ROM such as an EEPROM, and includes e-mail data, a telephone directory and e-mail address set by the user, downloaded photo data and ringtone data, registration data of candidate words for prediction conversion, It is also possible to store prediction conversion learning data and other various user setting values.

  The RAM 25 stores data as needed as a work area when the CPU 21 performs various data processing and a work area during character input processing.

  The CPU 21 controls each component of the mobile phone terminal and performs various arithmetic processes via the control line. The CPU 21 also receives input signals from the keys of the key input unit 34 and input signals from the disk-type jog dial 35, and performs processing and computations according to these input signals. In particular, the CPU 21 of the present embodiment is a virtual key display control unit, a character selection unit, a candidate word display control unit, a mode switching control unit, a word determination unit, a state determination unit, and a character input mode switching control unit according to the present invention. Realize the function.

  In addition, although not shown in FIG. 4, the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment includes a power supply circuit that supplies power to each unit, a clock unit for generating information on the current time, an optical lens, A camera unit consisting of an image sensor, etc. that realizes a digital camera function for shooting still images and videos, a music recording / playback unit for recording and playing music, a browser function, and various information wirelessly at close range A short-range wireless communication unit for communication (including infrared communication), a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit which is a positioning device for detecting the current position of the mobile phone terminal 1, an external storage device such as an external memory, and the like It has an interface for connecting to the terminal body, a connection terminal for an external remote controller, and the like.

[Operation when entering characters]
Next, an operation when character input is performed in the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, as an example of the character input operation, the operation at the time of creating a new mail will be described as an example, but of course the present invention is not limited to the character input at the time of mail creation, and the character input operation in other applications Needless to say, this is also applicable.

  Here, the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment can be switched between two character input modes in the open state and the closed state. That is, in the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment, for example, in an open state, that is, a state where the numeric keypad 14 or the like can be used, a normal character input operation using the numeric keypad 14 can be performed as in the numeric keypad continuous hitting method described above. That is, in a state where the numeric keypad 14 or the like cannot be used, a character input operation using the disk type jog dial 35 on the upper housing 1 can be performed. In particular, since the mobile phone terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention enables a character input operation using the disk-type jog dial 35 provided on the upper housing 1, the mobile phone terminal is in a closed state and the numeric keypad. Characteristic is that characters can be input even when 14 etc. cannot be used.

  In addition, the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment predicts a plurality of conversion candidate characters and conversion candidate words according to the input characters, and a plurality of conversion candidate characters, conversion candidate words, or multiple clauses obtained by the prediction. Candidate words, etc. are displayed on the display 3 so that the user can select desired characters, words, continuous phrase words, etc. from the plurality of conversion candidate characters, conversion candidate words, continuous phrase candidate words, etc. It is assumed that a predictive conversion function is provided. Hereinafter, a character input mode that combines a normal character input operation using the numeric keypad 14 and a predictive conversion function is referred to as a “normal predictive conversion character input mode”, while a character input operation using the disk-type jog dial 35 and a predictive conversion. The character input mode combining the functions will be referred to as “jog predictive conversion character input mode”.

  Hereinafter, the operation at the time of character input in the mobile phone terminal of this embodiment will be described in order.

  First, in the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment, when the CPU 21 detects that the mail function key 9 of the key input unit 34 is pressed, the CPU 21 controls the mail processing unit 30 to activate the mail function, and Various kinds of operations such as inputting a mail title, creating or editing a mail text, sending or receiving a mail, displaying a mail inbox or contents of a mail box on the display 3 of the display unit 26 by controlling the processing unit 30 Display menu items and other cursors. Note that illustration of the display screen example of the menu item is omitted. When the menu item and the cursor are displayed on the screen of the display 3 and the rotary dial 6 of the disc type jog dial 35 is rotated by the user, for example, the CPU 21 moves the cursor on the screen according to the rotation operation. Move with. Then, when the push button 8 is further pressed by the user while the new mail creation menu item is selected by the cursor, the CPU 21 controls the mail processing unit 30 and activates a new mail creation mode. Let me. At this time, the CPU 21 determines whether the mobile phone terminal is open or closed by checking the open / close detection signal obtained from the open / close detection sensor 27.

  When determining whether the open state or the closed state is present, the CPU 21 switches and sets the character input mode in accordance with either the open state or the closed state. Specifically, the normal predictive conversion character input mode is set in the open state (second state according to the present invention), and the jog predictive conversion character input mode is set in the closed state (first state according to the present invention). Set. When the normal predictive conversion character input mode, which is the character input mode in the open state, is set, the CPU 21 controls the mail processing unit 30 so that the characters input by the above-described ten-key continuous hitting method using the numeric keypad 14. Is displayed on the screen of the display 3 of the display unit 26. On the other hand, when the jog predictive conversion character input mode, which is the character input mode in the closed state, is set, the CPU 21 controls the mail processing unit 30 and is input by the character input method of the present embodiment using the disk type jog dial 35. The displayed characters are displayed on the screen of the display 3 of the display unit 26.

  Further, the CPU 21 always monitors the state of the opening / closing detection signal from the opening / closing detection sensor 27 even when character input is being performed. When the state of the opening / closing detection signal changes, the CPU 21 immediately enters the character input mode. Switching is set according to the state of the open / close detection signal.

[Flowchart when switching character input mode]
FIG. 5 shows an operation flow when the CPU 21 switches and sets the character input mode according to the open / close state of the mobile phone terminal. In the operation shown in the flow of FIG. 5, the mail function key 9 is pressed as described above, and the disk-type jog dial 35 is further operated, so that any character such as character input of an e-mail body or character input of a title is operated. It is executed as an interrupt process after transitioning to the input mode.

  In FIG. 5, when transitioning to the character input mode, the CPU 21 accesses the open / close detection sensor 27 as step S1. Then, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the mobile phone terminal is in the closed state based on the open / close detection signal from the open / close detection sensor 27 as the process of step S2. If it is determined in step S2 that the state is the closed state, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S3, and the character input mode is changed to the jog predictive conversion character input in which the character input operation using the disc type jog dial 35 and the predictive conversion function are combined. Set to mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that it is not in the closed state (is in the open state), the CPU 21 proceeds to step S4 and changes the character input mode to the normal predictive conversion character input mode in which the numeric keypad repeated method and the prediction conversion function are combined. Set to. After the character input mode is set in step S3 or step S4, the CPU 21 proceeds to the process of step S5.

  When the processing proceeds to step S5, the CPU 21 determines whether or not an interrupt process has been performed due to a change in the open / close detection signal from the open / close detection sensor 27, that is, whether or not the open / close state of the mobile phone terminal has changed. When the open / close state changes, the process returns to step S2 and subsequent steps to reset the character input mode in accordance with the open / close state. On the other hand, when no change has occurred in the open / close detection signal from the open / close detection sensor 27 in step S5, that is, when the open / close state of the mobile phone terminal has not changed, the CPU 21 finishes character input in step S6. Steps S5 to S6 are repeated until it is determined. When it is determined in step S6 that the character input has been completed, the CPU 21 ends the process of the flowchart of FIG.

[Example of screen display when entering characters]
Hereinafter, a series of character input flow in the jog prediction conversion character input mode will be described using a user interface image display example on the display 3 and an operation example of the disc type jog dial 35. Note that the display control of the user interface image and the display control corresponding to the operation of the disk type jog dial 35 described below are realized by the above-described CPU 21 controlling the mail processing unit 30 and the display unit 26. Is.

[First Embodiment]
FIGS. 6 to 13 show screen display examples when inputting characters using only the rotary dial 6 and the push button 8 of the disc type jog dial 35 as the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the first embodiment, for example, a user interface image as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the initial screen when character input is performed. The user interface image of the first embodiment is divided into an upper display area 40 and a lower display area 41.

  The upper display area 40 is always displayed in the user interface image when characters are input. In the upper display area 40, for example, “a”, “ka”, “sa” to “n” characters representing each line of the Japanese syllabary and “symbol” characters representing the symbol lines are displayed. And the remaining “I” in the “A” row in a state where the characters “A” in the first “A” row of the Japanese syllabary are shared with the line display unit 42 in which the virtual keys are arranged in the horizontal direction. A stage display unit 43 is provided in which virtual keys on which the respective characters in the stages of “O” are displayed are arranged in the vertical direction. The line display unit 42 has a loop configuration in which the line “A” is connected to the line “A”. A portion surrounded by the row arrangement unit 42 and the stage arrangement unit 43 is a candidate display unit 44 in which candidates for prediction conversion corresponding to the transition state of the character input are displayed. Note that one of the virtual keys in the row display unit 42 and the column display unit 43 is highlighted to clearly indicate that it can be selected. In the case of the initial screen of FIG. 6, the virtual key of the character “A” in the leftmost line (first line) of the line display unit 42 is highlighted (45).

  The lower display area 41 is an area where an input sentence is displayed. In the lower display area 41, a cursor 46 for clearly indicating a character input position is displayed. When no character has been input yet as in the initial screen of FIG. 6, the cursor 46 is displayed, for example, in the upper left corner in the lower display area 41.

  Here, the state of the initial screen of FIG. 6 is the row selection mode, and when the rotary dial 6 of the disc type jog dial 35 is rotated by the user in the row selection mode, each virtual key on the row display unit 42 is displayed. Each displayed character sequentially moves one character at a time according to the rotational speed of the rotary dial 6 and in the direction according to the rotational direction, and is displayed on each virtual key of the stage display unit 43. Each character is changed to a character at each level included in the leftmost line of the line display unit 42, while the highlight display 45 remains at the leftmost line position. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, the number and phase of the pulses generated from the Hall elements according to the rotation of the rotary dial 6, the moving speed and moving direction of characters on the line display unit 42, and When the rotary dial 6 is rotated in the initial screen state of FIG. 6, the CPU 21 performs a change according to the number of pulses and the phase from the rotary dial 6. The moving speed and moving direction when moving and displaying characters on the display unit 42 are controlled, and each character on the column display unit 43 is changed to each column character included in the leftmost line of the line display unit 42. On the other hand, the position of the highlight display 45 is controlled to remain the leftmost end of the row display unit 42. A specific display example will be described. When the rotary dial 6 is rotated to the right, each character displayed on each virtual key of the line display unit 42 is sequentially moved to the right by one character (one line). While moving, the characters on each virtual key of the stage display 43 change according to the leftmost highlighted line (45), while the rotary dial 6 is rotated to the left. Each character displayed on each virtual key in the line display unit 42 sequentially moves leftward one character (one line) at a time, and the character on the virtual key in the column display unit 43 is highlighted (45) at the left end. It changes according to the line. Therefore, when the rotary dial 6 is rotated, for example, in the right direction by an amount corresponding to two virtual keys (corresponding to two characters) on the initial screen of FIG. 6, each character on each virtual key of the line display unit 42 is As shown in FIG. 7, “sa”, “ta”, “na” to “n”, “a”, “ka” are displayed in order from the left, and on each virtual key of the column display unit 43, In the state where the characters in the “sa” row of the “sa” row at the left end are shared, the remaining characters in the “shi” to “so” rows in the “sa” row are displayed. On the other hand, the position of the highlight display 45 remains the leftmost end of the row display section 42 and does not change.

  The display states in FIGS. 6 and 7 represent a state in which any one of the characters in the line display unit 42 can be selected by operating the rotary dial 6, and the highlighted virtual display 45 is displayed. This indicates that the key character can be selected at this time.

  Next, when the push button 8 of the disk-type jog dial 35 is pressed in the user interface image in which the virtual key of the character “sa” is highlighted (45) as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, prediction conversion candidates starting from the character “sa” are displayed in the candidate display section 44 in order from the top left in order of priority. That is, when the CPU 21 at this time receives a push operation signal of the push button 8, the CPU 21 shifts from the row selection mode to the column selection mode, and is highlighted (45) on the column display unit 43 in the column selection mode. Predictive conversion candidates that start with the virtual key character are read from the dictionary prepared in the ROM 24, and are displayed in the candidate display unit 44 in order from the top left in order of priority.

  Further, in the case of the user interface image of FIG. 8, when the rotary dial 6 of the disc type jog dial 35 is rotated by the user, the highlight display 45 is displayed at the rotational speed of the rotary dial 6 in the stage display unit 43. The robot moves sequentially by one virtual key (one character) at a speed corresponding to the direction of rotation. That is, when the rotary dial 6 is rotated to the right, the highlight display 45 sequentially moves downward by one virtual key (one character) on each virtual key of the stage display unit 43, while rotating. When the dial 6 is rotated in the left direction, the virtual key of the stage display unit 43 is sequentially moved upward by one virtual key (one character). It should be noted that after the highlight display 45 reaches the last virtual key of the stage display unit 43 by rotating the rotary dial 6 clockwise, the highlight display is displayed when the rotary dial 6 is further rotated clockwise. A loop display in which 45 is moved to the top virtual key of the stage display unit 43 may be performed. In order to realize this, according to the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment, the number of pulses and the phase according to the rotation of the rotary dial 6, the moving speed and the movement of the highlight display 45 on the stage display unit 43 When the rotary dial 6 is rotated in the state of the user interface image shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 21 displays a step according to the number of pulses and the phase from the rotary dial 6. The moving speed and moving direction when the highlight display 45 is moved and displayed on the unit 44 are controlled. Accordingly, in the state of the user interface image of FIG. 8, if the rotary dial 6 is rotated, for example, to the right by an amount corresponding to four virtual keys (corresponding to four characters), the highlight display 45 is shown in FIG. Thus, it becomes a virtual key of the character “So”. At this time, the character “SO” is used as a reference character for displaying the prediction conversion candidate. In the candidate display unit 44, candidates for prediction conversion starting from the character “SO” are displayed in the order of higher priority. They are displayed in order from the end. That is, the CPU 21 at this time reads out the predicted conversion candidates corresponding to the change of the highlighted virtual key (45), that is, the change of the character from the dictionary prepared in the ROM 24, and in descending order of priority. They are displayed side by side in the candidate display section 44.

  The display states in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 represent a state in which any one of the characters on each virtual key of the row display unit 43 can be selected by operating the rotary dial 6, and is highlighted (45). This indicates that the character of the virtual key that can be selected is currently selected.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, a virtual key of the character “So” is highlighted (45), and a candidate for predictive conversion starting from the character “So” is displayed in the candidate display unit 44. When the push button 8 of the disk-type jog dial 35 is pressed in the state of the user interface image being in the state, one of the prediction conversion candidates displayed in the candidate display unit 44 is displayed as shown in FIG. The prediction conversion candidate at the upper left, which is the th candidate, is highlighted (48). Further, in the user interface image of FIG. 10, the character “So” is displayed on the cursor 46. That is, when the CPU 21 at this time receives the push operation signal of the push button 8, the CPU 21 shifts from the stage selection mode to the prediction conversion candidate selection mode, and highlights the first prediction conversion candidate in the candidate display unit 44 (48). )

  Further, in the case of the user interface image of FIG. 10, when the rotary dial 6 of the disc type jog dial 35 is rotated by the user, the highlight display 48 in the candidate display section 44 corresponds to the rotational speed of the rotary dial 6. It moves sequentially one by one in the direction of priority according to the rotation speed and the rotation direction. In other words, in this case, the number of pulses and the phase according to the rotation of the rotary dial 6 are associated with the moving speed and moving direction of the highlight display 48 in the candidate display unit 44 in advance, and the user interface shown in FIG. When the rotary dial 6 is rotated in the state of the image, the CPU 21 moves when the highlight display 48 is moved and displayed in the candidate display unit 44 in accordance with the number of pulses and the phase from the rotary dial 6. Control speed and direction of movement. That is, when the rotary dial 6 is rotated to the right, the highlight display 48 is sequentially moved one by one in the direction in which the priority order of each prediction conversion candidate in the candidate display unit 44 becomes lower, while rotating. When the dial 6 is rotated in the left direction, the candidates are sequentially moved one by one in the direction in which the priority is increased in each prediction conversion candidate in the candidate display unit 44. A specific display example will be described. When the rotary dial 6 is rotated by, for example, four candidates in the right direction in the state of the user interface image of FIG. 10, the highlight display 48 is changed to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the prediction conversion candidate of “imagination” is selected.

  The display states of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 represent a state in which any one of the prediction conversion candidates in the candidate display unit 44 can be selected by operating the rotary dial 6 and is highlighted (48). This indicates that the current prediction conversion candidate can be selected at the present time.

  Next, when the push button 8 of the disk-type jog dial 35 is pressed in the user interface image in a state where, for example, the prediction conversion candidate “imaginary” is highlighted (48) as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, a character “imaginary” is displayed on the cursor 46. At this time, in the candidate display section 44, a “close” instruction icon 49 indicating that the selection process from the prediction conversion candidates is completed (that is, the prediction conversion candidates are finalized), and each of the “imaginary” items. The prediction conversion candidate is displayed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the “close” instruction icon 49 and each prediction conversion candidate are displayed, and the “close” instruction icon 49 is highlighted (48). When the push button 8 of the disk type jog dial 35 is pressed at the time, the input of the “imaginary” character is confirmed, and as shown in FIG. The cursor 46 moves to. Thus, the input of “Imagination” has been performed.

  Note that the display states in FIGS. 12 and 13 represent states in which the prediction conversion candidate can be confirmed and the character input can be confirmed by operating the rotary dial 6 and the push button 8.

  Thereafter, when the push button 8 of the disk type jog dial 35 is pressed again, the upper display area 40 is the same as the initial screen of FIG. The user interface image with the cursor 46 displayed on the right side is displayed. That is, when the CPU 21 at this time receives the push operation signal of the push button 8, the CPU 21 shifts from the prediction conversion candidate selection mode to the row selection mode. Thereafter, when the next character input is performed, a new character input is performed according to the procedure described with reference to FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the characters on the virtual keys move in response to the operation of the rotary dial 6, but the virtual keys themselves move in accordance with the operation of the rotary dial 6. There may be. The same applies to the following embodiments.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, an example of character input using the rotary dial 6 of the disk type jog dial 35, the cross key 7, and the push button 8 will be described. Note that FIG. 6 to FIG. 13 used in the first embodiment are used for the description of the character input example of the second embodiment.

  In the case of the second embodiment, a user interface image similar to that shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the initial screen when characters are input.

  Here, in the second embodiment, when the rotary dial 6 of the disk-type jog dial 35 is rotated by the user in the state of the initial screen in FIG. 6, as in the case of the first embodiment, Each character displayed on each virtual key of the line display unit 42 is sequentially moved according to the rotation operation of the rotary dial 6 and each character displayed on each virtual key of the column display unit 43 is also changed. The Note that the display state of FIG. 6 in the case of the second embodiment represents the state of the line selection mode in which any one of the characters on each virtual key of the line display unit 42 can be selected by operating the rotary dial 6. Yes. When the rotary dial 6 is rotated, for example, in the right direction by an amount equivalent to two virtual keys (corresponding to two characters) on the initial screen of FIG. 6, each of the virtual keys on the line display unit 42 and the column display unit 43 is displayed. The characters are as shown in FIG. The highlight display 45 at this time is a virtual key of the character “sa”.

  Next, in the second embodiment, when the lower button of the cross key 7 of the disc-type jog dial 35 is pressed once in the user interface image of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the “sa” is used as a reference character for the prediction conversion candidate. In the candidate display unit 44, prediction conversion candidates starting from the character “sa” are displayed in the descending order of priority. They are displayed in order.

  Further, in the case of the user interface image of FIG. 8, when the down button of the cross key 7 of the disc-type jog dial 35 is pressed, the highlight display 45 is displayed in the column display section according to the number of times the down button is pressed. Within 43, the virtual key is sequentially moved downward by one virtual key (one character). On the contrary, when the upper button of the cross key 7 is pressed, the highlight display 45 is sequentially moved upward by one virtual key (one character) in the column display unit 43 in accordance with the number of times the upper button is pressed. Move to. When the lower button of the cross key 7 is pressed, the highlight display 45 is reached when the lower button is further pressed after the highlight display 45 reaches the last virtual key of the column display unit 43. A loop display may be performed such that the key is moved to the top virtual key of the stage display unit 43. That is, in the mobile phone terminal in the case of the second embodiment, the pressing operation of the upper or lower button of the cross key 7 and the moving direction of the highlight display 45 on the stage display unit 43 are associated in advance. When the up or down button of the cross key 7 is pressed in the state of the user interface image of FIG. 8, the CPU 21 highlights on the column display unit 44 in response to the pressing operation of the up or down button. Control is performed to move and display 45 sequentially upward or downward. Then, in the state of the user interface image of FIG. 8, when, for example, the down button of the cross key 7 is pressed four times, the highlight display 45 displays a virtual “So” character as shown in FIG. At this time, the candidates for predictive conversion starting from the character “So” are displayed in order from the top left in order of priority in the candidate display section 44.

  7 to 9 in the case of the second embodiment, any one of the characters on each virtual key in the column display unit 43 is selected by pressing the upper or lower button of the cross key 7. The possible stage selection mode states are shown.

  Next, in the second embodiment, when the right button of the cross key 7 of the disc type jog dial 35 is pressed in the user interface image as shown in FIG. 9, the mode changes to the prediction conversion candidate selection mode, As shown in FIG. 10, among the prediction conversion candidates in the candidate display section 44, the first candidate (prediction conversion candidate at the upper left corner) is highlighted (48). In addition, the character “SO” is displayed on the cursor 46.

  Further, in the second embodiment, when the right button of the cross key 7 is pressed in the user interface image of FIG. 10, the highlight display 48 in the candidate display unit 44 is displayed by pressing the right button. In accordance with the number of times, the candidate display unit 44 moves one candidate toward the lower priority order. Conversely, when the left button of the cross key 7 is pressed, the highlight display 48 moves one by one in the candidate display section 44 to the higher priority order according to the number of times the left button is pressed. In addition, after the highlight display 48 is moved to the end of the prediction conversion candidate displayed in the candidate display unit 44, when the right button is pressed further, the next new prediction conversion candidate is displayed. Become. That is, in the mobile phone terminal in the second embodiment, the pressing operation of the right or left button of the cross key 7 is associated with the moving direction of the highlight display 45 on the candidate display unit 44 in advance. When the right or left button of the cross key 7 is pressed in the state of the user interface image of FIG. 10, the CPU 21 highlights on the candidate display unit 44 in response to the pressing operation of the right or left button. 48 is sequentially moved and displayed in the order of lower priority or higher priority. In the second embodiment, when the right button of the cross key 7 is pressed, for example, four times in the state of the user interface image of FIG. 10, the highlight display 48 is as shown in FIG. It becomes a prediction conversion candidate of “imagination”.

  The display states of FIGS. 10 and 11 are states of a prediction conversion candidate selection mode in which any one of the prediction conversion candidates in the candidate display unit 44 can be selected by pressing the right or left button of the cross key 7. The prediction conversion candidate highlighted (48) can be selected at the present time.

  Next, in the second embodiment, when the push button 8 of the disc-type jog dial 35 is pressed in the user interface image of FIG. 12, as in the case of the first embodiment described above, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the “imaginary” character is displayed on the cursor 46, and at this time, in the candidate display unit 44, a “close” instruction icon 49 representing confirmation of the prediction conversion candidate and Each prediction conversion candidate following “imagination” is displayed.

  Note that the display states of FIGS. 12 and 13 in the case of the second embodiment indicate a state in which confirmation of a predictive conversion candidate and confirmation of character input by that can be instructed by operating the cross key 7 and the push button 8. ing.

  Then, when the push button 8 of the disc type jog dial 35 is pressed in the user interface image of FIG. 12, the input of the character “imaginary” is confirmed, and as shown in FIG. The cursor 46 moves to the right side of the “imaginary” character. Thus, the input of “Imagination” has been performed.

  Thereafter, when the push button 8 of the disc type jog dial 35 is pressed again, the mode is changed to the line selection mode, and the upper display area 40 is the same as the initial screen of FIG. 6, but the lower display area is as shown in FIG. The user interface image with the character “imaginary” and the cursor 46 displayed on the right side thereof is displayed. Thereafter, when the next character input is performed, a new character input is performed according to the procedure in the second embodiment described above.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, for example, when there is no desired prediction conversion candidate in each prediction conversion candidate displayed in the candidate display unit 44 as shown in FIG. An example of character input when the reference character for display is extended to two characters will be described. In the following description, for example, a state after a user interface image similar to that in FIG. 10 is displayed by the same operation as in the first or second embodiment described above will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the state of transition to the column selection mode, the virtual key of “So” on the column display unit 43 is highlighted (45), and the character “So” is displayed on the cursor 46. Further, when the right button of the cross key 7 of the disc type jog dial 35 is pressed in the user interface image in which the prediction conversion candidate is unconfirmed, in the case of the third embodiment, FIG. As shown, the highlight display 45 moves to “sa”, which is the first character of the “sa” line selected in FIG. Further, on the cursor 46, two characters “SOSA”, in which “SA” is continued after the character “SO” that has already been selected, are displayed in the candidate display section 44. Candidates for predictive conversion starting with two characters are displayed in order of priority. In other words, in this case, the reference character for displaying the predictive conversion candidate is two characters “Sosa”.

  Next, in the third embodiment, when the rotary dial 6 of the disc type jog dial 35 is rotated by the user in the user interface image of FIG. 14, the highlight display 45 on the line display unit 42 is It moves according to the rotation operation of the rotary dial 6. The display control by the CPU 21 in response to the operation of the disc type jog dial 35 is the same as described above, and hence the description thereof is omitted hereinafter. In the state of the user interface image of FIG. 14, when the rotary dial 6 is rotated, for example, to the right by an amount equivalent to two virtual keys (corresponding to two characters), the highlight display 45 on the line display unit 42 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 15, the character key “NA” is used as a virtual key, and the character in each column of the “NA” line is displayed on each virtual key of the column display unit 43. At this time, the character on the cursor 46 is changed to “NA” by sequentially changing the “SA” character among the two “SOSA” characters in accordance with the operation of the rotary dial 6. And the two letters “sona” consisting of “na” are displayed. At the same time, candidates for predictive conversion starting with the two characters “Sona” are displayed in the candidate display section 44 in the order of priority. That is, in this case, the reference character for displaying the predictive conversion candidate is the two characters “Sona”.

  Further, in the third embodiment, when the user presses the lower button of the cross key 7 of the disk-type jog dial 35 in the user interface image of FIG. 45 moves to the stage display unit 43. That is, when the lower button of the cross key 7 is pressed once in the state of the user interface image of FIG. 15, for example, as shown in FIG. It is made a key. At this time, the character on the cursor 46 is changed to “NI” by changing the character “NA” in accordance with the pressing operation of the lower button of the cross key 7 among the two characters “SONA”. Two letters “Soni” consisting of “So” and “Ni” are displayed. At the same time, prediction conversion candidates starting with the two letters “SONI” are displayed in the candidate display section 44 in the order of priority. That is, in this case, the reference characters for displaying the prediction conversion candidate are two characters “SONI”.

  Next, in the third embodiment, when the push key 8 of the disc type jog dial 35 is pressed in the user interface image as shown in FIG. 16, the mode changes to the prediction conversion candidate selection mode, and FIG. As shown, among the prediction conversion candidates in the candidate display section 44, the first candidate is highlighted (48), and the prediction conversion candidate can be selected.

  Further, in the third embodiment, when the rotary dial 6 of the disc-type jog dial 35 is rotated at the time of the user interface image in FIG. It moves sequentially according to. In the third embodiment, when the rotary dial 6 is rotated rightward by an amount equivalent to one candidate, for example, in the state of the user interface image of FIG. 17, the highlight display 48 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG.

  Next, in the third embodiment, when the push button 8 of the disk-type jog dial 35 is pressed in the user interface image of FIG. 18, as shown in FIG. "" Is displayed, and at this time, in the candidate display section 44, a "close" instruction icon 49 indicating confirmation of the prediction conversion candidate and each prediction conversion candidate following "Sonia" are displayed. The

  Then, when the push button 8 of the disc type jog dial 35 is pressed again in the user interface image of FIG. 19, the input of the character “Sonia” is confirmed, and the lower display area 41 is displayed as shown in FIG. The cursor 46 moves to the right of the “Sonia” character. Thus, the input of “Sonia” is performed.

  Thereafter, when the push button 8 of the disk type jog dial 35 is pressed again, the mode is changed to the line selection mode, and the upper display area 40 is the same as the initial screen of FIG. 6, but the lower display area is as shown in FIG. The user interface image in which the character “Sonia” and the cursor 46 are displayed on the right side thereof is displayed. Thereafter, when the next character input is performed, a new character input is performed according to the procedure in the third embodiment described above.

  In the third embodiment, an example was given in which the number of reference characters when selecting a predictive conversion candidate was two. However, according to the character input method of the third embodiment, the number of reference characters is three or more. Even so, it can be handled.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Although the above-mentioned 1st-3rd embodiment demonstrated the example of kana character input, this invention is applicable also to alphanumeric input.

  A fourth embodiment of the present invention for inputting English characters will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 21 shows a user interface image of an initial screen when English character input is performed in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 22 shows a state in which a prediction conversion candidate is displayed in the candidate display unit 44. Is shown. The mode switching between the user interface image for inputting kana characters described in the first to third embodiments and the user interface image for inputting English characters as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is as follows. For example, an instruction can be given by pressing the switch key 13 described above. That is, when the switch key 13 is pressed while a user interface image for inputting kana characters is displayed, the CPU 21 switches to a user interface image for inputting English characters, and conversely, a user for inputting English characters. When the switch key 13 is pressed while the interface image is displayed, the CPU 21 switches to a user interface image for inputting kana characters.

  In the case of the user interface image of the fourth embodiment, the lower display area 41 is substantially the same as the case of the input of kana characters except that English words are displayed. Instead of the line display unit 42 and the column display unit 43, an alphabet display unit 47 as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed.

  Although it is desirable to display all 26 letters of the alphabet and symbols such as “!” And “?” On each virtual key of the alphabet display section 47, they are limited by the size of the screen of the display 3. If not all can be displayed, only a part can be displayed as shown in FIGS. When only a part of the alphabet is displayed on each virtual key of the alphabet display section 27, according to the rotation operation of the rotary dial 6 of the disk type jog dial 35 or the pressing operation of the left and right buttons of the cross key 7. Thus, it is possible to display all alphabet characters and symbols by sequentially scrolling the characters displayed on the virtual keys of the alphabet display unit 27.

  The highlight display 45 on the alphabet display section 27 is the same as in the first to third embodiments described above, and the rotary operation of the rotary dial 6 of the disk type jog dial 35 and the pressing of the left and right buttons of the cross key 7. Move and display according to the operation. Further, the selection and determination of the prediction conversion candidate in the candidate display unit 44 is also performed in accordance with the pressing operation of the push button 8 of the disk type jog dial 35 as in the case of the first to third embodiments described above. Done.

[Detailed flowchart for entering characters]
Next, as a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a character input operation using the disk type jog dial 35 is realized based on the character input operation in each of the first to fourth embodiments described above. A specific and detailed flow for this will be described. 23 to 28 show flowcharts of the character input operation of the fifth embodiment. The user interface image of the fifth embodiment is not greatly different from the images used in the above-described FIGS.

  In FIG. 23, when the mobile phone terminal shifts to the character input mode when the mobile phone terminal is in the closed state, the CPU 21 first monitors an operation signal from the disk type jog dial 35 as a process of step S10. It is determined whether an operation signal is supplied.

  If it is determined in step S10 that an operation signal has been supplied from the disk-type jog dial 35, the CPU 21 proceeds to a process of determining which of the rotary dial 6, the cross key 7 and the push button 8 has been operated by the user. . That is, the CPU 21 determines in step S12 whether the user has operated the rotary dial 6 or not. If it is determined in step S12 that the rotary dial 6 has been operated, the CPU 21 shifts to the row selection mode and step S19. When it is determined that it is not the rotary dial 6 that has been operated, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S13. In step S13, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a push operation of the push button 8. When it is determined in step S13 that the push button 8 is pressed, the character input process is terminated. When it is determined that it is not the push button 8 that has been operated, the process proceeds to a determination process in step S14. In step S14, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the upper button of the cross key 7. When it is determined in step S14 that the upper button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S18. When it is determined that the operated button is not the up button, the process proceeds to the determination process in step S15. In step S15, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the lower button of the cross key 7. When it is determined in step S15 that the lower button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S18. When it is determined that the operated button is not the down button, the process proceeds to the determination process in step S16. In step S16, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the right button of the cross key 7. When it is determined in step S16 that the right button is pressed, the process proceeds to a process of step S18. When it is determined that the operated button is not the right button, the process proceeds to the determination process in step S17. In step S17, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the left button of the cross key 7. When it is determined in step S17 that the left button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S18. When it is determined that the left button is not operated, the process returns to step S10. When the process proceeds from step S14 to step S17 to step S18, the CPU 21 moves the cursor 46 in the direction corresponding to the up, down, left, or right button that is pressed in any one of these steps S14 to S17. Then, the process returns to step S10.

  When it is determined in step S12 that the rotary dial 6 has been operated and the process proceeds to step S19, the CPU 21 moves the highlight display 45 in the row display unit 42 in accordance with the rotary operation of the rotary dial 6. (Line scroll). After the process of step S19, the CPU 21 proceeds to the process of step S20.

  In step S20, the CPU 21 determines whether to monitor the operation signal from the disk type jog dial 35. When it is determined in step S20 that an operation signal has been supplied from the disk-type jog dial 35, the CPU 21 determines which of the rotary dial 6, the cross key 7, and the push button 8 has been operated by the user. Migrate to That is, the CPU 21 determines whether it is the rotary dial 6 that has been operated in step S22, and if it is determined in step S22 that the rotary dial 6 has been operated, the process returns to step S19 and the operation has been performed. When it is determined that is not the rotary dial 6, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S23. In step S23, the CPU 21 determines whether the user operation is a push operation of the push button 8. When it is determined that the push button 8 is pressed in the step S23, the CPU 21 shifts to the step selection mode, and FIG. The process proceeds to step S30, and when it is determined that it is not the push button 8 that has been operated, the process proceeds to the determination process in step S24. In step S24, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the upper button of the cross key 7. When it is determined in step S24 that the upper button is pressed, the process returns to step S20. When it is determined that the operated button is not the up button, the process proceeds to the determination process in step S25. In step S25, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the lower button of the cross key 7. If it is determined in step S25 that the lower button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S30 in FIG. The process proceeds. When it is determined that the operated button is not the down button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S26. In step S26, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the right button of the cross key 7, and returns to the process of step S19 when determining that the right button is pressed in step S26. When it is determined that the operated button is not the right button, the process proceeds to the determination process in step S27. In step S27, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the left button of the cross key 7, and when it is determined in step S27 that the left button is pressed, the process returns to step S19. When it is determined that the left button is not operated, the process returns to step S20. When the process returns from step S26 or step S27 to step S19, the CPU 21 moves the highlight display 45 of the row display unit 42 in the direction corresponding to the left or right button in step S19.

  When the processing proceeds to step S30 in FIG. 24, the CPU 21 can select each character in the column display unit 43 including the character on the virtual key highlighted (45) in the line display unit 42. At the same time, the candidate conversion unit 44 displays the prediction conversion candidate using the character of the virtual key highlighted (45) in the column display unit 43 as a reference character. After the process of step S30, the CPU 21 advances the process to step S31.

  When the processing proceeds to step S31, the CPU 21 determines whether to monitor the operation signal from the disk type jog dial 35. If it is determined in step S31 that an operation signal has been supplied from the disk-type jog dial 35, the CPU 21 proceeds to processing for determining which of the rotary dial 6, the cross key 7, and the push button 8 has been operated. . That is, the CPU 21 determines whether it is the rotary dial 6 that has been operated in step S33, and if it is determined that the rotary dial 6 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S41, and the rotary dial 6 has not been operated. When the determination is made, the process proceeds to the determination process in step S34. In step S34, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the push button 8 has been pressed. When the CPU 21 determines that the push button 8 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S40, and the candidate display unit 44 in step S40. The prediction conversion candidate highlighted (48) is confirmed, the confirmed candidate is displayed in the lower display area 41, and the character input is confirmed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34 that the operated button is not the push button 8, the CPU 21 proceeds to the determination process in step S35. In step S35, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is an operation of pressing the upper button of the cross key 7. When it is determined that the operation is an operation of pressing the upper button, the process proceeds to step S41 and the operation is performed. When it is determined that the button is not the up button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S36. In step S36, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the lower button of the cross key 7. When it is determined that the operation is a pressing operation of the lower button, the CPU 21 proceeds to the process of step S41 and operated. When it is determined that the button is not a down button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S37. In step S37, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the right button of the cross key 7, and when determining that the operation is a pressing operation of the right button, the process proceeds to step S61 in FIG. When it is determined that the operated button is not the right button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S38. In step S38, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the left button of the cross key 7. When it is determined that the operation is a pressing operation of the left button, the CPU 21 returns to the process of step S31 and operates. When it is determined that the button is not the left button, the process returns to step S10 in FIG.

  When the process proceeds from step S33, step S35, or step S36 to step S41, the CPU 21 rotates the rotary dial 6 in step S33, presses the upper button in step S35, or performs the lower operation in step S36. The highlight display 45 in the stage display unit 43 is moved in response to the button pressing operation, and a new prediction conversion candidate corresponding to the character on the virtual key of the highlight display 45 is displayed in the candidate display unit 44. Let After the process of step S41, the CPU 21 advances the process to step S50 of FIG.

  When the processing proceeds to step S50 in FIG. 25, the CPU 21 performs monitoring determination of the operation signal from the disk type jog dial 35. If it is determined in step S50 that an operation signal has been supplied from the disk-type jog dial 35, the CPU 21 proceeds to processing for determining which of the rotary dial 6, the cross key 7, and the push button 8 has been operated. . That is, the CPU 21 determines in step S51 whether it is the rotary dial 6 that has been operated. When it is determined that the rotary dial 6 has been operated, the process returns to step S41 in FIG. 24, and the rotary dial 6 is operated. When it is determined that it is not, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S52. In step S52, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the push button 8 has been pressed. When the CPU 21 determines that the push button 8 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S59, and the candidate display unit 44 in step S59. The prediction conversion candidate highlighted (48) is confirmed, the confirmed candidate is displayed in the lower display area 41, and the character input is confirmed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S52 that the operated button is not the push button 8, the CPU 21 proceeds to the determination process in step S53. In step S53, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is an operation of pressing the upper button of the cross key 7, and when determining that the operation is an operation of pressing the upper button, the CPU 21 returns to the process of step S41 in FIG. When it is determined that the operated button is not the up button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S54. In step S54, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the lower button of the cross key 7. When determining that the operation is a pressing operation of the lower button, the CPU 21 returns to the processing of step S41 in FIG. When it is determined that the operated button is not the down button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S55. In step S55, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the right button of the cross key 7, and when determining that the operation is a pressing operation of the right button, the CPU 21 shifts to the prediction conversion candidate selection mode. Proceeding to the process of step S61, when it is determined that the operated button is not the right button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S56. In step S56, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the left button of the cross key 7, and when it is determined that the operation is a pressing operation of the left button, the CPU 21 returns to the process of step S50 and operates. When it is determined that the button is not the left button, the process returns to step S10 in FIG.

  When the process proceeds from step S55 to step S61, the CPU 21 is set so that the highlight display 48 in the candidate display unit 44 can be moved (scrollable), that is, each prediction conversion candidate in the candidate display unit 44 can be selected. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S62.

  Proceeding to step S62, the CPU 21 determines whether to monitor the operation signal from the disk-type jog dial 35. If it is determined that the operation signal has been supplied, the CPU 21 determines whether the rotary dial 6, the cross key 7, and the push button 8 are used. The process proceeds to a process for determining which one has been operated. That is, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the rotary dial 6 has been operated in step S64. When it is determined that the rotary dial 6 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S80 in FIG. 26, and the rotary dial 6 has not been operated. When it is determined, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S65. In step S65, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the push button 8 has been pressed. When it is determined that the push button 8 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S71, and in the candidate display unit 44 in step S71. The prediction conversion candidate highlighted (48) is confirmed, and the confirmed candidate is displayed in the lower display area 41 to confirm the character input. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S65 that the operated button is not the push button 8, the CPU 21 proceeds to the determination process in step S66. In step S66, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is an operation of pressing the upper button of the cross key 7, and when determining that the operation is an operation of pressing the upper button, the process proceeds to step S72. When proceeding to the processing of step S72, the CPU 21 applies to the prediction conversion candidate highlighted (48) in the candidate display unit 44, according to the number of pressing operations of the upper button, the muddy point → the semi-turbid point → the normal turbid point. After performing the conversion in order, the process returns to step S61. On the other hand, when determining in step S66 that the up button has not been operated, the CPU 21 proceeds to the determination process in step S67. In step S67, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the lower button of the cross key 7. When determining that the operation is a pressing operation of the lower button, the CPU 21 returns to the processing of step S10 in FIG. When it is determined that the operated button is not the down button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S68. In step S68, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the right button of the cross key 7. When it is determined that the operation is a pressing operation of the right button, the CPU 21 proceeds to the process of step S69 and is operated. When it is determined that is not the right button, the process proceeds to step S90 in FIG. In step S69, the CPU 21 returns the process to step S62 regardless of whether or not the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the left button of the cross key 7.

  In step S80 of FIG. 26, the CPU 21 moves the highlight display 48 in the candidate display unit 44 (candidate scroll) in accordance with the rotation operation of the rotary dial 6, and then advances the process to step S81.

  In step S81, the CPU 21 determines whether to monitor the operation signal from the disk type jog dial 35. If it is determined that the operation signal is supplied, the CPU 21 determines whether the rotary dial 6, the cross key 7, and the push button 8 are used. The process proceeds to a process for determining which one has been operated. That is, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the rotary dial 6 has been operated in step S82, and when determining that the rotary dial 6 has been operated, returns to step S80 and determines that the rotary dial 6 has not been operated. Sometimes the process proceeds to the determination process in step S83. In step S83, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the push button 8 has been pressed. When it is determined that the push button 8 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S88, and in the candidate display unit 44 in step S88. The prediction conversion candidate highlighted (48) is confirmed, and the confirmed candidate is displayed in the lower display area 41 to confirm the character input. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S83 that the operated button is not the push button 8, the CPU 21 proceeds to the determination process in step S84. In step S84, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is an operation of pressing the upper button of the cross key 7. When it is determined that the operation is an operation of pressing the upper button, the CPU 21 returns to the process of step S81 and operates. When it is determined that the button is not the up button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S85. In step S85, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the lower button of the cross key 7, and returns to the processing of step S10 in FIG. When it is determined that the operated button is not the down button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S86. In step S86, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the right button of the cross key 7, and when determining that the operation is a pressing operation of the right button, the CPU 21 returns to the processing of step S80 and operates. When it is determined that the button is not the right button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S87. In step S87, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the left button of the cross key 7, and when determining that the operation is a pressing operation of the left button, the CPU 21 returns to the process of step S80 and operates. When it is determined that is not the right button, the process returns to step S81.

  When the processing proceeds to step S90 in FIG. 27, the CPU 21 moves the character to the right by one character on the cursor 46, that is, causes the character 46 to be additionally displayed on the cursor. The prediction conversion candidate is displayed in the candidate display unit 44 using the upper character as a reference character. After the process of step S90, the CPU 21 advances the process to step S91.

  In step S91, the CPU 21 determines whether to monitor the operation signal from the disk-type jog dial 35. If it is determined that the operation signal is supplied, the CPU 21 determines whether the rotary dial 6, the cross key 7, and the push button 8 are used. The process proceeds to a process for determining which one has been operated. That is, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the rotary dial 6 has been operated in step S93. When it is determined that the rotary dial 6 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S101 and determines that the rotary dial 6 has not been operated. Sometimes the process proceeds to step S94. In step S94, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the push button 8 has been pressed. When it is determined that the push button 8 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S99, and in the candidate display unit 44 in step S99. The prediction conversion candidate highlighted (48) is confirmed, and the confirmed candidate is displayed in the lower display area 41 to confirm the character input. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S94 that the operated button is not the push button 8, the CPU 21 proceeds to the determination process in step S95. In step S95, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is an operation of pressing the upper button of the cross key 7. When it is determined that the operation is an operation of pressing the upper button, the CPU 21 returns to the process of step S91 and operates. When it is determined that the button is not the up button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S96. In step S96, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the down button of the cross key 7. When it is determined that the operation is a pressing operation of the down button, the process proceeds to step S113 and the operation is performed. When it is determined that the button is not a down button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S97. In step S97, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the right button of the cross key 7. When it is determined that the operation is a pressing operation of the right button, the CPU 21 returns to the process of step S91 and operates. When it is determined that is not the right button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S98. In step S98, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the left button of the cross key 7, and when determining that the operation is a pressing operation of the left button, the process returns to step S61 in FIG. If it is determined that the operated button is not the right button, the process returns to step S91.

  When the process proceeds to step S101, the CPU 21 moves the highlight display 45 on the line display unit 42 in accordance with the rotation operation of the rotary dial 6, and the current display cursor is displayed in the candidate display unit 44. The prediction conversion candidate is displayed in the candidate display unit 44 using the character on 46 as a reference character. After the process of step S101, the CPU 21 advances the process to step S102.

  In step S102, the CPU 21 determines whether to monitor the operation signal from the disk-type jog dial 35. If it is determined that the operation signal is supplied, the CPU 21 determines whether the rotary dial 6, the cross key 7, and the push button 8 are used. The process proceeds to a process for determining which one has been operated. That is, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the rotary dial 6 has been operated in step S104. When it is determined that the rotary dial 6 has been operated, the process returns to step S101 and determines that the rotary dial 6 has not been operated. Sometimes the process proceeds to the determination process in step S105. In step S105, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the push button 8 has been pressed. When the CPU 21 determines that the push button 8 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S110. After the highlight display 48 is made movable, the process returns to step S62 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the operated button is not the push button 8, the CPU 21 proceeds to the determination process in step S106. In step S106, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the upper button of the cross key 7. When it is determined that the operation is a pressing operation of the upper button, the CPU 21 returns to the process of step S102 and operates. When it is determined that the button is not the up button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S107. In step S107, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the down button of the cross key 7. When it is determined that the operation is a pressing operation of the down button, the process proceeds to step S113 and the operation is performed. When it is determined that the button is not a down button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S108. In step S108, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the right button of the cross key 7, and when determining that the operation is a pressing operation of the right button, the CPU 21 returns to the process of step S90 to operate. When it is determined that is not the right button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S109. In step S109, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the left button of the cross key 7, and when determining that the operation is a pressing operation of the left button, the process returns to step S61 in FIG. When it is determined that the operated button is not the right button, the process returns to step S102.

  When the process proceeds to step S113, the CPU 21 moves the highlight display 45 onto the stage display unit 43, and displays the candidate display unit 44 with the character on the cursor 46 at that time as a reference character. A prediction conversion candidate is displayed in the unit 44. After the processing in step S113, the CPU 21 advances the processing to step S120 in FIG.

  When the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG. 28, the CPU 21 performs monitoring determination of the operation signal from the disk type jog dial 35. When it is determined that the operation signal is supplied, the rotary dial 6, the cross key 7, the push button. The process proceeds to a process of determining which one of 8 has been operated. That is, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the rotary dial 6 has been operated in step S122. When it is determined that the rotary dial 6 has been operated, the process returns to step S120 and determines that the rotary dial 6 has not been operated. Sometimes the process proceeds to step S123. In step S123, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the push button 8 has been pressed. When the CPU 21 determines that the push button 8 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S128. After the highlight display 48 is made movable, the process returns to step S62 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S123 that the operated button is not the push button 8, the CPU 21 proceeds to the determination process in step S124. In step S124, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is an operation of pressing the upper button of the cross key 7. When it is determined that the operation is an operation of pressing the upper button, the CPU 21 proceeds to the process of step S129, The highlight display 45 is moved to the position 43, and the prediction conversion candidate is displayed in the candidate display section 44 using the character on the cursor 46 at that time as a reference character in the candidate display section 44. After the process of step S129, the CPU 21 returns the process to step S120. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S124 that the operated button is not the up button, the CPU 21 proceeds to the determination process in step S125. In step S125, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the lower button of the cross key 7. When determining that the operation is a pressing operation of the lower button, the CPU 21 returns the process to step S113 in FIG. When it is determined that the operated button is not the down button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S126. In step S126, the CPU 21 determines whether the operation by the user is a pressing operation of the right button of the cross key 7, and when determining that the operation is a pressing operation of the right button, the CPU 21 returns to the processing of step S90 in FIG. When it is determined that the operated button is not the right button, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S127. In step S127, the CPU 21 determines whether the user's operation is a pressing operation of the left button of the cross key 7, and when determining that the operation is a pressing operation of the left button, the process returns to step S61 in FIG. When it is determined that the operated button is not the right button, the process returns to step S120.

[Summary of First to Fifth Embodiments]
As described above, according to the mobile phone terminals of the first to fifth embodiments, even when the mobile phone terminal is closed and the numeric keypad 14 cannot be used, characters using the disc-type jog dial 35 are used. Input is possible. Moreover, according to the mobile phone terminal of the first to fifth embodiments, the line display unit 42 and the column display unit 43 are displayed on the screen of the display 3, and the characters in the line display unit 42 and the column display unit 43 are displayed. Character input is possible by selection and predictive conversion candidate selection, so there is no need to display a list of all kana characters as in the conventional direct selection method described above, a large display area is not required, and the display screen The upper display area can be used efficiently, and characters can be input quickly and quickly. In addition, according to the mobile phone terminals of the first to fifth embodiments, the character selection and prediction conversion candidate selection in the line display unit 42 and the column display unit 43 are smoothly performed by operating the disk type jog dial 35. Therefore, it is not necessary to repeat the “selection and determination” operation twice in order to input a single character as in the conventional row selection method, and it is possible to input characters in a short time without stress. Furthermore, according to the mobile phone terminals of the first to fifth embodiments, since characters can be input by selecting a predictive conversion candidate, each character is set to one character as in the conventional direct input method or row selection method. It is not necessary to perform selection and determination operations while visually confirming one character, and therefore, input time and stress required for input can be reduced.

[Character input using the line selection method]
By the way, the character input method widely used by users of mobile phone terminals is the above-described ten-key continuous hitting method. On the other hand, when the character input methods of the first to fifth embodiments described above are adopted in the mobile phone terminal, a user who is used to the ten-key continuous hitting method may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to input characters when the mobile phone terminal is in a closed state, and at the same time, in particular, a character input method that does not give a sense of incongruity to a user accustomed to the ten-key repeated hitting method, in other words, with the same feeling as the ten-key repeated hitting method. The character input method is feasible.

  That is, in the present invention, the “line selection repeated hitting method” described below is adopted as a character input method for allowing a user who is familiar with the tenkey consecutive hitting method to input characters without feeling uncomfortable without using the numeric keypad 14.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, as a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a series of flow of character input by the above-mentioned “line selection continuous hitting method” will be described using a user interface image display example on the display 3 and an operation example of the disc type jog dial 35. explain.

  In the row selection continuous hitting method of the sixth embodiment, virtual ten keys are arranged in a grid pattern on the screen of the display 3 as shown in FIGS. 29 to 38 (hereinafter referred to as a grid pattern layout key 51). Is displayed, and a desired virtual key in the grid-like layout key 51 is virtually repeatedly struck, thereby enabling character input with the same feeling of input as the conventional ten-key striking method.

  In the case of the sixth embodiment, a disk-type jog dial 35 is assumed as an input device for virtually striking the grid-like arrangement key 51. In particular, in the present embodiment, the rotary dial 6 or the cross key 7 of the disk type jog dial 35 is used as a selection key for selecting “row” and “column”, and the push button 8 is used for repeated hitting of the grid-like arrangement key 51. Used as a decision key.

  Hereinafter, a series of flow of character input by the line selection continuous hitting method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described using a user interface image display example on the display 3 and an operation example of the disc type jog dial 35. The display control of the user interface image and the display control corresponding to the operation of the disc type jog dial 35 described below are realized by the CPU 21 controlling the mail processing unit 30 and the display unit 26 described above. Is.

  In the sixth embodiment, a user interface image as shown in FIG. 29 is displayed on the initial screen when character input is performed. In the user interface image of the sixth embodiment, an input character display area 50, a grid-like arrangement key 51, and a cursor 52 are arranged.

  The input character display area 50 is an area where an input sentence is displayed. In the input character display area 50, a cursor 52 for clearly indicating the character input position is displayed. When no character has been input yet as in the initial screen of FIG. 29, the cursor 50 is displayed in the upper left corner of the input character display area 50, for example.

  The grid-like arrangement key 51 is a virtual display of the numeric keypad 14 provided on the lower housing 2 of the mobile phone terminal on the screen. 29 is a virtual numeric keypad for inputting kana characters, and therefore, numbers and English characters are not displayed as in the normal numeric keypad 14, and only the first character in each line of the Japanese syllabary is displayed. Is displayed. Each virtual key constituting the grid-like arrangement key 51 may be only ten numeric keys “0” to “9”. However, in the present embodiment, a reading mark, a punctuation mark, other symbols, and the like are input. The “,” key and the “RT” key as a return key are 12 keys. Further, in the case of the initial screen of FIG. 29, the highlight display 53 for clearly indicating that selection is possible is, for example, a virtual key “A” in the grid-like arrangement key 51.

  Here, when the rotary dial 6 or the cross key 7 of the disc-type jog dial 35 is operated by the user in the state of the initial screen in FIG. 29, the highlight display 53 on the grid-like arrangement key 51 is displayed on the rotary dial 6. Alternatively, it moves according to the operation of the cross key 7. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, the operation signal corresponding to the rotation operation of the rotary dial 6 or the pressing operation of the cross key 7 is associated with the movement display of the highlight display 53 on the grid-like arrangement key 51 in advance. Therefore, the CPU 21 controls the movement display of the highlight display 53 on the grid-like arrangement key 51 in accordance with an operation signal generated by rotating the rotary dial 6 or pressing the cross key 7. For example, when the rotary dial 6 is operated to rotate right, the highlight display 53 displays “A” → “KA” → “SA” → “TA” → “NA” → according to the right rotation operation of the rotary dial 6. From the first line of the Japanese syllabary in the order of “ha” → “ma” →, on the other hand, when the rotary dial 6 is operated to rotate counterclockwise, it is sequentially shifted in the direction opposite to that in the above clockwise operation. Move a line. Further, when the right button of the cross key 7 is pressed, the highlight display 53 is displayed on the grid-like arrangement key 51 according to the pressing operation of the right button, as in the case of the right rotation operation of the rotary dial 6. The lines are sequentially moved in the right direction. On the other hand, when the left button of the cross key 7 is pressed, the lines are sequentially moved in the opposite direction. Further, the highlight display 53 moves downward when the lower button of the cross key 7 is pressed, and moves upward when the upper button is pressed.

  Hereinafter, as a specific character input example, a display example in the case of inputting the character “mori” will be described. On the initial screen of FIG. 29, the rotary dial 6 corresponds to, for example, six virtual keys in the right direction. When the rotation operation is performed by the amount equivalent to six characters (six lines), or when the right button of the cross key 7 is pressed six times, for example, or the lower button of the cross key 7 is pressed twice, for example. In such a case, the highlight display 53 on the grid-like layout key 51 is changed to the letter “MA”. It should be noted that the right rotation operation equivalent to six characters of the rotary dial 6, the six-time pressing operation of the right button of the cross key 7, and the two-time pressing operation of the lower button of the cross key 7 are examples. It goes without saying that the virtual keys are not limited to those operations when the virtual keys are highlighted (53). The display states of FIGS. 29 and 30 show the state of the row selection mode in which any character (row) in the checkered layout key 51 can be selected by operating the rotary dial 6 or the cross key 7. , The character (row) of the virtual key highlighted (53) is selectable at the present time.

  As shown in FIG. 30, the push button 8 of the disc type jog dial 35, that is, the enter key is displayed when the character “MA” is selected (the virtual key “MA” is highlighted 53). When the button is pressed once, the character “ma” is displayed on the cursor 52 as shown in FIG. Next, in the case of the user interface image of FIG. 31, when the push button 8 is pressed again, the character “mi” is displayed on the cursor 52 as shown in FIG. Next, in the case of the user interface image shown in FIG. 32, when the push button 8 is pressed again, the character “MU” is displayed on the cursor 52 as shown in FIG. Next, when the push button 8 is pressed again in the user interface image of FIG. 33, the character “M” is displayed on the cursor 52 as shown in FIG. Then, when the push button 8 is pressed again in the user interface image of FIG. 34, the character “MO” is displayed on the cursor 52 as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the rotary dial 6 or the cross key 7 of the disc type jog dial 35 is operated in the user interface image of FIG. 35, the cursor 52 is moved to the right by one character from the character “MO” as shown in FIG. And the input of “MO” is confirmed. 36, from the state of the user interface image of FIG. 35, the rotary dial 6 is rotated by, for example, six characters (six lines) in the left direction, or the left button of the cross key 7 is, for example, This represents a state when the six-press operation or the upper button of the cross key 7 is pressed twice, for example, so that the highlight display 53 on the checkered layout key 51 becomes a virtual key of the character “A”. ing.

  The grid-like layout key 51 in FIGS. 29 to 36 is an example corresponding to each line of the kana syllabary order for inputting kana characters. For example, the grid-like layout key 51 for inputting English characters is shown in FIG. Is displayed. When the grid-like layout key 51 at the time of inputting the English character is displayed, for example, when inputting the character “C”, first, the virtual key displaying the character “ABC” is set to the rotary dial 6 or the cross key. After the selection by 7, the push button 8 may be pressed three times.

  Further, the grid-like arrangement key 51 for inputting numbers is displayed as shown in FIG. 38, for example. When the grid-like arrangement key 51 at the time of inputting the number is displayed, for example, when inputting the number “8”, the key “8” is first selected by the rotary dial 6 or the cross key 7 and then pushed. The button 8 may be pressed once.

[Seventh Embodiment]
In the user interface image example of the sixth embodiment shown in FIGS. 29 to 38, the grid-like arrangement key 51 conforms to the actual key arrangement of the numeric keypad 14 on the lower housing 2. The “row selection continuous hitting method” of the present invention is not limited to the virtual continuous hitting of the grid-like arrangement keys 51, and for example, as in the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 39, the keys are arranged in the horizontal direction ( Hereinafter, it may be referred to as a row arrangement key 54). That is, the row arrangement key 54 shown in FIG. 39 has “a”, “ka”, “sa” representing each line of the Japanese syllabary, “,” representing a symbol line, and “RT” representing a return key. The virtual 12 keys combined with the keys are arranged in the horizontal direction.

  In the case of the seventh embodiment, when the user operates the rotary dial 6 or the cross key 7 of the disc type jog dial 35 in the display state of FIG. 39, the highlight display 53 on the row arrangement key 54 is displayed. It moves according to the operation of the left and right buttons of the rotary dial 6 or the cross key 7. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, an operation signal corresponding to the rotation operation of the rotary dial 6 or the pressing operation of the left and right buttons is associated with the movement display of the highlight display 53 on the row arrangement key 54 in advance. Therefore, the CPU 21 controls the movement display of the highlight display 53 on the row arrangement key 54 in accordance with an operation signal generated by rotating the rotary dial 6 or pressing the left and right buttons. For example, when the rotary dial 6 is operated to rotate right, the highlight display 53 sequentially moves in the right direction according to the right rotational operation of the rotary dial 6, while the rotary dial 6 is operated to rotate left. In this case, the lines are sequentially moved in the direction opposite to that in the clockwise rotation operation. When the right button of the cross key 7 is pressed, the highlight display 53 is displayed on the row arrangement key 54 in accordance with the pressing operation of the right button in the same way as when the rotary dial 6 is rotated to the right. On the other hand, when the left button of the cross key 7 is pressed, the lines are sequentially moved in the opposite direction.

  In the seventh embodiment, the operation of repeatedly pushing the push button 8 and confirming the input character at the time of selecting a stage is the same as in the above-described sixth embodiment.

[Eighth Embodiment]
In the case of the seventh embodiment, each of the twelve keys constituting the row arrangement key 54 is arranged in a row, so that the screen size cannot be sufficiently obtained, such as the display 3 of the mobile phone terminal. When displaying, the display characters on each virtual key may be small. As a display example for increasing the display characters on each virtual key, instead of arranging all twelve keys as in the seventh embodiment, twelve keys as in the eighth embodiment. It is also possible to display the row arrangement key 55 displaying only a part of the characters, and to enable display of characters that cannot be displayed on the screen by scrolling.

  In the case of the eighth embodiment, when the user operates the rotary dial 6 or the cross key 7 of the disc type jog dial 35 in the display state of FIG. 40, the highlight display 53 on the row arrangement key 55 is displayed. It moves according to the operation of the left and right buttons of the rotary dial 6 or the cross key 7. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, an operation signal corresponding to the rotation operation of the rotary dial 6 or the pressing operation of the left and right buttons is associated with the movement display of the highlight display 53 on the row arrangement key 54 in advance. Therefore, the CPU 21 controls the movement display of the highlight display 53 on the row arrangement key 54 in accordance with an operation signal generated by rotating the rotary dial 6 or pressing the left and right buttons. For example, when the rotary dial 6 is operated to rotate right, the highlight display 53 sequentially moves in the right direction according to the right rotational operation of the rotary dial 6, while the rotary dial 6 is operated to rotate left. In this case, the lines are sequentially moved in the direction opposite to that in the clockwise rotation operation. When the right button of the cross key 7 is pressed, the highlight display 53 is displayed on the row arrangement key 54 in accordance with the pressing operation of the right button in the same way as when the rotary dial 6 is rotated to the right. On the other hand, when the left button of the cross key 7 is pressed, the lines are sequentially moved in the opposite direction. In addition, when the highlight display 53 is at the leftmost row position of the row arrangement key 55, if the left rotation operation of the rotary dial 6 or the left button depression operation of the cross key 7 is performed, the row arrangement key 55 is displayed. Each row moves to the right (that is, scrolls to the right). On the other hand, when the highlight display 53 is at the rightmost row position of the row arrangement key 55, the right operation of the rotary dial 6 or the cross key 7 When the right button is pressed, each row on the row arrangement key 55 moves leftward (that is, scrolls leftward).

  In the eighth embodiment, the operation of repeatedly pressing the push button 8 and confirming the input characters at the time of selecting a stage is the same as in the sixth embodiment.

  Note that the user interface images in FIGS. 29 to 36 and the user interface images in FIGS. 37, 38, 39, and 40 may be switched in accordance with, for example, a pressing operation of the switching button 13.

[Ninth Embodiment]
In the case of the seventh and eighth embodiments, only the row arrangement keys 54 and 55 are displayed. As the ninth embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 41 and FIG. It is also possible to display a list (hereinafter referred to as a list section 56) in which the characters in the steps included in the selected line are highlighted in order (53). That is, according to the ninth embodiment, each character of the stage included in the virtual key (that is, the row) highlighted (53) in the row arrangement keys 54 and 55 is displayed in the list portion 56. Thus, the user can not only know what characters are included in the highlighted line (53) and selected, but can also press the push button 8 repeatedly for the selected line. Thus, it becomes possible to know whether a desired level of characters can be selected.

[Tenth embodiment]
In the seventh to ninth embodiments described above, examples of inputting kana characters have been described. However, as the tenth embodiment, when alphabetic characters are input, for example, an alphabet arrangement key 58 as shown in FIG. 43 is displayed. To do. FIG. 43 is an example in which a row arrangement key 58 in which the cell arrangement keys 51 for inputting English characters described in FIG. 37 are arranged in a horizontal row as shown in FIG. 42 is applied.

  In the case of the user interface image of the tenth embodiment, three or four alphabet characters are assigned and displayed on each virtual key of the row arrangement key 58 as shown in FIG. In the row arrangement key 58, for example, when inputting the letter “Z”, the highlight display 53 is moved by the rotary dial 6 or the cross key 7 to select the virtual key displaying “WXYZ”, In this state, the push button 8 may be pressed four times.

  Note that the list portion 56 is displayed in the vicinity of the alphabetic row arrangement key 58 even in the case of inputting the English character. In the case of English character input as in the present embodiment, since there is no concept corresponding to a kana character line in English characters, it is effective to display the list portion 56 in the vicinity of the alphabetic row arrangement key 58. It is particularly effective in terms of user affinity to display the list part 56 corresponding to the key for symbol input as indicated by 43.

  In the seventh to tenth embodiments, the virtual numeric keys are arranged in the horizontal direction on the screen. However, for example, the virtual numeric keys may be arranged in the vertical direction on the screen (column arrangement key).

[Eleventh embodiment]
As an eleventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44, for example, the user interface image for character input by the above-described line selection continuous hitting method is formed in a circular shape in accordance with the appearance of the disc type jog dial 35 and the shape of the rotary dial 6. The keys may be arranged (hereinafter referred to as a circular arrangement key 57).

  That is, according to the circular arrangement key 57 of the eleventh embodiment, since the keys are arranged in a circle according to the appearance of the disk type jog dial 35 and the shape of the rotary dial 6, the user can set the disk type jog dial. 35 makes it possible to intuitively understand the relationship between the operation and each key, and can reduce the uncomfortable feeling when operating the disc-type jog dial 35.

[Cooperation between row selection repeated hitting method and prediction conversion candidate selection]
In the above-described sixth to eleventh embodiments, description of selection of prediction conversion candidates described in the above-described first to fifth embodiments is omitted. It is also possible to combine with the selection of conversion candidates. In the following description, an example in which a prediction conversion candidate is selected from an input kana is described, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where normal kanji conversion is performed from a kana.

  Here, in the case of character input by the line selection continuous hitting method using the disc type jog dial 35, the key assignment of one decision key (push button 8) is assigned to a plurality of selection keys (the rotary dial 6 and the cross key 7). It is configured. Therefore, when characters are input by the line selection continuous hitting method and the prediction conversion candidate selection, it is necessary to select a row and the like, select a prediction conversion candidate, and the like using these keys.

  Considering this, the operation state at the time of character input includes a state of inputting a kana by selecting a line (hereinafter referred to as a kana selection mode), and a state of selecting a prediction conversion candidate and determining the candidate (hereinafter, a kana selection mode). Two modes (referred to as candidate selection modes) are required, and switching control between these two modes is required. In some cases, it is not always necessary to divide the state, such as when assigning a special key or enabling a plurality of enter keys. In such a case, it is intuitive and easy for the user to enter a character. I don't think about these special assignments or the use of multiple decision keys.

  In addition, the linkage method when linking the line selection repeated hitting method with the selection and determination of the prediction conversion candidate is a method that makes the switching between the kana selection mode and the candidate selection mode as unaware as possible according to the switching mode between the two modes ( Hereinafter, it can be broadly divided into two types: a seamless switching method) and a method of switching in consideration of the kana selection mode and the candidate selection mode (hereinafter referred to as a conscious switching method).

  FIG. 45 shows a flowchart of the switching control between the kana selection mode and the candidate selection mode.

  In FIG. 45, when a kana is input in the kana selection mode in step S150, the CPU 21 treats the input kana character as a normal character or selects a candidate according to an operation signal from the disc type jog dial 35. It is determined whether the mode is to be changed or the input process is to be terminated. When the character is handled as a normal character, the process returns to step S150, and when the candidate selection mode is changed, the process proceeds to step S152.

  In step S152, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the input kana character includes an undetermined character. When there is no undetermined character, the process returns to step S150, and when there is an undetermined character, the process proceeds to step S153. Proceed.

  When the processing proceeds to step S153, the CPU 21 displays a prediction conversion candidate corresponding to the unconfirmed character, and then, in step S154, which prediction conversion candidate has been selected by an operation signal from the disk type jog dial 35. Alternatively, it is determined whether or not an instruction for canceling conversion has been issued, and when any prediction conversion candidate is selected, the candidate is determined, and then the process returns to step S150. On the other hand, when an instruction for canceling conversion is given, The process returns to step S150.

  Hereinafter, as an explanation for switching from the kana selection mode to the candidate selection mode, first, an operation that requires key assignment will be described, and then the seamless switching method and the conscious switching method will be described.

  Here, an operation that requires key assignment for switching from the kana selection mode to the candidate selection mode is as follows.

  First, as basic operations, there are five possible operations: kana selection operation, kana determination operation, candidate selection operation, candidate determination operation, and position selection operation. The kana selection operation is an operation for selecting a line including a desired kana, that is, a virtual numeric keypad. The kana determination operation is an operation of inputting the kana of the line by repeatedly hitting the selected virtual numeric keypad. The candidate selection operation is an operation for selecting a predictive conversion candidate. The candidate determination operation is an operation for determining the selected prediction conversion candidate. The position selection operation is an operation for selecting and determining the cursor position.

  As operations required by limiting the keys, a mode switching operation and a confirmation operation can be considered. The mode switching operation is an operation for switching between the kana selection mode and the candidate selection mode. The confirmation operation is an operation for confirming an unconfirmed character string without conversion.

  On the other hand, the operation can be performed even when the key is not limited. As the operation in this case, an erasing operation, a function display operation, a character type switching operation, and a conversion switching operation can be considered. The erasing operation is an operation for erasing the character at the cursor position. The function display operation is an operation for displaying a menu of optional functions related to character input. The character type switching operation is an operation for switching input character types (kanji, kana, alphanumeric characters, etc.). The conversion switching operation is an operation for temporarily switching to normal conversion when using predictive conversion.

[Twelfth embodiment]
Hereinafter, an example in which the seamless switching method is used will be described as a twelfth embodiment in which character input is performed by linking the line selection continuous hitting method and the prediction conversion candidate selection.

  The seamless switching method is a method in which switching between the kana selection mode and the candidate selection mode is made as unaware as possible. Specifically, by combining a switch key for switching between the kana selection mode and the candidate selection mode and a key used for selecting a prediction conversion candidate after switching from the kana selection mode to the candidate selection mode, The flow of selecting a predictive conversion candidate from mode switching can be performed smoothly. In the case of the seamless switching method, there are three possible methods for assigning selection keys in the kana selection mode and the candidate selection mode as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 46, the key assignment of pattern A is a key assignment pattern when the above-described grid-like arrangement key is adopted. In the kana selection mode, the up, down, right, and left buttons of the cross key of the disc type jog dial 35 are displayed. The rotary dial 6 is used for selecting a predictive conversion candidate in the candidate selection mode. The key assignment of pattern B is a key assignment pattern when the above-described column arrangement key is adopted. In the kana selection mode, the upper and lower buttons of the cross key 7 are used for kana selection, and in the candidate selection mode, the rotation is performed. The dial 6 is used for selection of prediction conversion candidates. The key assignment of the pattern C is a key assignment pattern when the above-described row arrangement key is adopted. In the kana selection mode, the rotary dial 6 is used for kana selection. The down button is used to select a prediction conversion candidate.

  In addition, in the patterns A, B, and C of FIG. 46, detailed functions assigned to the keys are as shown in FIGS. 47 shows the function at the time of key assignment in the case of pattern A, FIG. 48 shows the function at the time of key assignment in the case of pattern B, and FIG. 49 shows the function at the time of key assignment in the case of pattern C.

  In the case of the key assignment of the pattern A shown in FIG. 47, if there is no unconfirmed character in the kana selection mode, the push button 8 of the disc type jog dial 35 is assigned a kana determination operation function, and the upper, lower, A kana selection operation function is assigned to each of the right and left buttons. Of the keys used for other than the disc type jog dial 35, the clear key 11 is assigned an erasing operation function, and the key 9 provided as a mail function key is switched to a function display operation function for displaying a menu. A character type switching operation function is assigned to the key 13 provided as a key. On the other hand, when there are unconfirmed characters in the kana selection mode, the push button 8 has a kana determination operation function, the up, down, right and left buttons of the cross key 7 have a kana selection operation function, and the rotary dial 6 has A mode switching operation function is assigned, an erasing operation function is assigned to the clear key 11, and a confirmation operation function is assigned to the switching key 13. When there are unconfirmed characters in the candidate selection mode, the push button 8 has a candidate determination operation function, the up / down / right / left buttons of the cross key 7 have mode switching operation functions, and the rotary dial 6 has A candidate selection operation function is assigned to the clear key 11, and an erase operation function is assigned to the key 9, and a conversion switching operation function is assigned to the key 9.

  In the case of the pattern B key assignment shown in FIG. 48, if there is no unconfirmed character in the kana selection mode, the push button 8 is assigned a kana determination operation function, and the up and down buttons of the cross key 7 respectively select a kana. An operation function is assigned to each of the right and left buttons, a position selection operation function is assigned to the clear key 11, an erase operation function is assigned to the key 9, a function display operation function is assigned to the key 9, and a character type switching function is assigned to the switch key 13. It is done. On the other hand, when there are unconfirmed characters in the kana selection mode, the push button 8 has a kana determination operation function, the up and down buttons of the cross key 7 have a kana selection operation function, and the right and left buttons have position selection. An operation function, a mode switching operation function is assigned to the rotary dial 6, an erasing operation function is assigned to the clear key 11, and a confirmation operation function is assigned to the switching key 13. If there are unconfirmed characters in the candidate selection mode, the push button 8 has a candidate determination operation function, the up and down buttons of the cross key 7 have a mode switching operation function, and the right and left buttons have a position selection operation. A candidate selection operation function is assigned to the rotary dial 6, an erase operation function is assigned to the clear key 11, and a conversion switching operation function is assigned to the key 9.

  In the case of pattern C key assignment shown in FIG. 49, when there is no unconfirmed character in the kana selection mode, the push button 8 is assigned a kana determination operation function, and the right and left buttons of the cross key 7 are respectively position-selected. An operation function is assigned to the rotary dial 6, a kana selection operation function is assigned to the clear key 11, an erase operation function is assigned to the clear key 11, a function display operation function is assigned to the key 9, and a character type switching function is assigned to the switch key 13. On the other hand, when there are unconfirmed characters in the kana selection mode, the push button 8 has a kana determination operation function, the lower button of the cross key 7 has a mode switching operation function, and the right and left buttons have a position selection operation function. The rotary dial 6 is assigned a kana selection operation function, the clear key 11 is assigned an erasing operation function, and the switching key 13 is assigned a confirmation operation function. When there are unconfirmed characters in the candidate selection mode, the push button 8 has a candidate determination operation function, the upper button of the cross key 7 has a mode switching operation function or a candidate selection operation function, and the right and left buttons have positions. A selection operation function is assigned to the rotary dial 6, a mode switching operation function is assigned to the clear key 11, an erasing operation function is assigned to the clear key 11, and a conversion switching operation function is assigned to the key 9.

  In the case of character input using this seamless switching method, the flow from the transition from the kana selection mode to the candidate selection mode to the selection of the prediction conversion candidate can be smoothly performed, so that high-speed character input is possible.

  Hereinafter, the flow of a series of character input operations in the twelfth embodiment in which, for example, the seamless switching method of key assignment in the above-described pattern C is adopted to link the line selection continuous hitting method and the prediction conversion candidate selection will be described with reference to FIGS. The user interface image will be described. In the twelfth embodiment, an example in which a virtual numeric keypad is displayed by a row arrangement key 55 and a list unit 56 is arranged in the vicinity of the row arrangement key 55 is given. The display control of the user interface image and the display control corresponding to the operation of the disc type jog dial 35 described below are realized by the CPU 21 controlling the mail processing unit 30 and the display unit 26 described above. Is.

  In the case of the twelfth embodiment, a user interface image as shown in FIG. 50 is displayed on the initial screen when character input is performed. The user interface image of the twelfth embodiment includes an input character display area 50, a row arrangement key 55, a list portion 56, and a cursor 52 similar to those in FIG. 42 described above. A candidate display portion 59 is provided near the center portion and below the row arrangement key 55. The candidate display portion 59 is a portion where prediction conversion candidates corresponding to the transition state of character input are displayed, as described in the first to fifth embodiments.

  Here, after the state of the initial screen of FIG. 50, for example, when the user operates the rotary dial 6 of the disc-type jog dial 35, as shown in FIG. When a character virtual key is selected and highlighted (53), and the push button 8 is pressed five times in this state, the character “ko” is displayed on the cursor 52, and the candidate display portion 59 is displayed. Each predictive conversion candidate starting with the character “ko” is displayed. At this time, in the candidate display portion 59, the virtual key of the character “ko” is highlighted (60). However, since the current mode is the kana selection mode, the prediction conversion candidate cannot be selected.

  Next, when the rotation dial 6 is rotated right by the amount corresponding to nine virtual keys (corresponding to nine characters) while the user interface image of FIG. 51 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 52, highlighting is performed. The display 53 is a virtual key of the character “WA”, and the “WA” line is selected. Further, when the push button 8 is pressed three times in this state, as shown in FIG. 53, a character “n” is displayed on the cursor 52 next to the character “ko” and a candidate display is displayed. In part 59, each predictive conversion candidate starting with the letters “kon” is displayed. At this time, the character “ko” is highlighted (60) in the candidate display portion 59. However, since the current mode is the kana selection mode, the prediction conversion candidate cannot be selected.

  Next, when the down button of the cross key 7 is pressed while the user interface image of FIG. 53 is displayed, the kana selection mode is changed to the candidate selection mode, and the prediction conversion candidate in the candidate display unit 59 is displayed. Can be selected. After the transition to the candidate selection mode, when the lower button of the cross key 7 is pressed, for example, three times, as shown in FIG. 54, the highlight display 60 in the candidate display section 59 is over the candidate for “this week”. Moving.

  Next, when the push button 8 is pressed while the user interface image of FIG. 54 is displayed, the characters “this week” are displayed on the cursor 52 as shown in FIG. At this time, in the candidate display section 59, a “close” instruction icon 61 indicating confirmation of the prediction conversion candidate and each prediction conversion candidate following “this week” are displayed. Although illustration is omitted, when the push button 8 is further pressed while the “close” instruction icon 61 is highlighted (60), the input of the characters “this week” is confirmed. The cursor 52 is moved to, for example, the right side of the “this week” character in the input character display area 50, and the character of “this week” is thus input.

  In the twelfth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 56 and FIG. 57, guide displays 64 to 64 for informing the user which keys can be used to switch between the kana selection mode and the candidate selection mode. 67 may be displayed. That is, the guide display 64 of FIG. 56 is a display for informing the user that if the push button 8 is pressed down, the kana selection mode can be switched to the candidate selection mode, and the guide display 65 of the cross key 7 is displayed. This is a display for informing the user that the next prediction conversion candidate can be selected in the candidate display section 59 by pressing the up and down buttons. The guide display 66 in FIG. 57 is a display for informing the user that the user can switch from the candidate selection mode to the kana selection mode when the push button 8 is pressed, and the guide display 67 is displayed on the cross key 7. This is a display for informing the user that the next predictive conversion candidate can be selected in the candidate display section 59 by pressing the down button.

[Thirteenth embodiment]
Next, an example in which the conscious switching method is used will be described as a thirteenth embodiment in which character input is performed by linking the line selection continuous hitting method and the prediction conversion candidate selection.

  The conscious switching method is a method of switching the kana selection mode and the candidate selection mode with the user consciously. Specifically, a switching key for switching from the kana selection mode to the candidate selection mode, that is, a “switching key” that “the mode is switched by pressing this key” is prepared. In the case of the conscious switching method, there are two patterns as shown in FIG. 58 for the selection key assignment method in the kana selection mode and the candidate selection mode.

  In FIG. 58, the key assignment of pattern D is a key assignment pattern in the case where the above-described row arrangement key is adopted, and in both cases of kana selection in kana selection mode and prediction conversion candidate selection in candidate selection mode, The rotary dial 6 of the disk type jog dial 35 is used. The key assignment of pattern E is also a key assignment pattern when a row arrangement key is adopted. In the kana selection mode, the rotary dial 6 of the disk type jog dial 35 is used for kana selection, and in the candidate selection mode, the rotary dial is used. 6 or the up and down buttons of the cross key 7 are used to select prediction conversion candidates.

  Further, in each pattern D, E in FIG. 58, detailed functions assigned to each key are as shown in FIGS. 59 shows the function at the time of key assignment in the case of Pattern D, and FIG. 60 shows the function at the time of key assignment in the case of Pattern E.

  In the case of the pattern D key assignment shown in FIG. 59, if there is no unconfirmed character in the kana selection mode, a kana determination operation function is assigned to the push button 8 of the disc type jog dial 35, and the right and left buttons of the cross key 7 are used. Is assigned a position selection function, the rotary dial 6 is assigned a kana selection operation function, the clear key 11 has an erase operation function, the key 9 has a function display operation function, and the key 13 has a character type switching operation function. Assigned. When there are unconfirmed characters in the kana selection mode, the push button 8 has a kana determination operation function, the lower button of the cross key 7 has a mode switching operation function, the right and left buttons have a position selection function, and a rotary dial. 6 is assigned a kana selection function, a clear key 11 is assigned an erasing operation function, and a switching key 13 is assigned a confirmation operation function. When there are unconfirmed characters in the candidate selection mode, the push button 8 has a candidate determination operation function, the upper button of the cross key 7 has a mode switching operation function or a candidate selection operation function, and the lower button has a candidate selection operation function. The right and left buttons have a position selection operation function, the rotary dial 6 has a candidate selection operation function, the clear key 11 has an erase operation function, the key 9 has a conversion switching operation function, and the key 13 has an operation. A cancel function for canceling is assigned to each.

  In the case of the pattern E key assignment shown in FIG. 60, if there are no unconfirmed characters in the kana selection mode, the push button 8 is assigned a kana determination operation function, and the right and left buttons of the cross key 7 are respectively position-selected. The rotary dial 6 is assigned a kana selection operation function, the clear key 11 is assigned an erase operation function, the key 9 is assigned a function display operation function, and the key 13 is assigned a character type switching operation function. When there are unconfirmed characters in the kana selection mode, the push button 8 has a kana determination operation function, the lower button of the cross key 7 has a mode switching operation function, the right and left buttons have a position selection function, and a rotary dial. 6 is assigned a kana selection function, a clear key 11 is assigned an erasing operation function, and a switching key 13 is assigned a confirmation operation function. When there are unconfirmed characters in the candidate selection mode, the push button 8 has a mode switching operation function, the right and left buttons of the cross key 7 have a position selection operation function, and the rotary dial 6 has a candidate selection operation function. An erase operation function is assigned to the key 11, and a conversion switching operation function is assigned to the key 9.

  In the case of character input using this conscious switching method, since the kana selection mode and the candidate selection mode are explicitly switched, keys can be freely assigned in each mode. Specifically, left rotation and right rotation of the rotary dial 6 can be used for kana selection and prediction conversion candidate selection.

  Hereinafter, for example, a flow of a series of character input operations in the thirteenth embodiment in which the conscious switching method of key assignment in the above-described pattern D is adopted to link the line selection continuous hitting method and the prediction conversion candidate selection will be described with reference to FIGS. A description will be given using 65 user interface images. In the example of the thirteenth embodiment, a virtual numeric keypad is displayed by a row arrangement key 55, and a list portion 56 is arranged in the vicinity of the row arrangement key 55. The display control of the user interface image and the display control corresponding to the operation of the disc type jog dial 35 described below are realized by the CPU 21 controlling the mail processing unit 30 and the display unit 26 described above. Is.

In the case of the thirteenth embodiment, a user interface image as shown in FIG. 61 is displayed on the initial screen when character input is performed. The user interface image of the thirteenth embodiment is substantially the same as that in FIG. 50 described above, but the candidate display section 59 is provided between the input character display area 50 and the horizontal arrangement key 55. 61, after the state of the initial screen in FIG. 61, for example, when the user operates the rotary dial 6 of the disc-type jog dial 35, as shown in FIG. When the virtual key is selected and highlighted (53) and the push button 8 is pressed five times in that state, the character “ko” is displayed on the cursor 52, and the candidate display section 59 is displayed. Each predictive conversion candidate starting with the character “ko” is displayed. At this time, the character “ko” is highlighted (60) in the candidate display portion 59. However, since the current mode is the kana selection mode, the prediction conversion candidate cannot be selected.

  Next, when the rotation dial 6 is rotated right by the amount corresponding to nine virtual keys (corresponding to nine characters) while the user interface image of FIG. 62 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 63, highlighting is performed. The display 53 is a virtual key of the character “WA”, and the “WA” line is selected. Further, when the push button 8 is pressed three times in this state, as shown in FIG. 64, a character “n” is displayed on the cursor 52 next to the character “ko” and a candidate display. In part 59, each predictive conversion candidate starting with the letters “kon” is displayed. At this time, the character “ko” is highlighted (60) in the candidate display portion 59. However, since the current mode is the kana selection mode, the prediction conversion candidate cannot be selected.

  Next, when the upper button of the cross key 7 is pressed while the user interface image of FIG. 64 is displayed, the kana selection mode is changed to the candidate selection mode, and the prediction conversion candidate in the candidate display unit 59 is displayed. Can be selected. After the transition to the candidate selection mode, when the rotary dial 6 is rotated to the right by, for example, the amount corresponding to three candidates, as shown in FIG. Move to.

  Next, when the push button 8 is pressed while the user interface image of FIG. 65 is being displayed, the characters “this week” are displayed on the cursor 52 as shown in FIG. At this time, in the candidate display section 59, a “close” instruction icon 61 indicating confirmation of the prediction conversion candidate and each prediction conversion candidate following “this week” are displayed. Although illustration is omitted, when the push button 8 is further pressed while the “close” instruction icon 61 is highlighted (60), the input of the characters “this week” is confirmed. The cursor 52 is moved to, for example, the right side of the character “This week” in the input character display area 50, and the character “Week” is thus input.

  In the thirteenth embodiment, the same guide display as that described in the twelfth embodiment with reference to FIGS. 56 and 57 may be performed.

[Summary of Sixth to Thirteenth Embodiments]
As described above, according to the mobile phone terminals of the sixth to thirteenth embodiments, even when the mobile phone terminal is closed and the numeric keypad 14 cannot be used, characters using the disc-type jog dial 35 are used. Input is possible. Moreover, according to the mobile phone terminals of the sixth to thirteenth embodiments, a virtual numeric keypad is displayed on the screen of the display 3, and characters can be input by selecting a character by repeating the virtual numeric keypad and selecting a predictive conversion candidate. Therefore, it is not necessary to display a list of all kana characters as in the conventional direct selection method described above, and as a result, a large display area is not required, and the display area on the display screen can be used efficiently. Character input can be performed quickly and quickly. Further, according to the mobile phone terminals of the sixth to thirteenth embodiments, the character selection in the virtual numeric keypad and the prediction conversion candidate selection are smoothly performed by the operation of the disk-type jog dial 35. It is not necessary to repeat the “selection and determination” twice each time a character is input as in the method, and a character can be input in a short time and without stress. Furthermore, according to the mobile phone terminals of the sixth to thirteenth embodiments, it is possible to input characters by selecting a predictive conversion candidate. Therefore, as in the conventional direct input method or row selection method, a desired character can be input. It is not necessary to perform selection and determination operations while visually confirming, and therefore it is possible to reduce input time and stress required for input. Furthermore, according to the mobile phone terminals of the sixth to thirteenth embodiments, the kana character selection is performed by repeatedly hitting the virtual numeric keys. Can be used without.

[Fourteenth embodiment]
In the sixth to thirteenth embodiments, the embodiments have been described in which the character input is performed by linking the line selection repeated typing method and the prediction conversion candidate selection. Is also applicable.

  Hereinafter, as the kana input method other than the line selection continuous typing method, the above-described row selection method is cited as an example, and the line selection method and prediction conversion candidate selection are linked to input characters by the conscious switching method. A form is demonstrated.

  The key assignment method when the conscious switching method is applied to the row selection method may be an assignment as shown in FIG. In FIG. 67, the line selection function is a function for selecting a line including the target kana, and the line determination function is a function for shifting to the selection of a stage (character) included in the selected line, a stage selection function. Is the function to select the target column (character), the column determination function is a function to input the selected character, and the column selection cancel function is a function to cancel column selection in the selected line and shift to line selection is there.

  In the case of the key assignment shown in FIG. 67, if there is no undetermined character in the line selection mode, a line determination function is assigned to the push button 8 of the disc type jog dial 35, and the position of the right and left buttons of the cross key 7 is set respectively. A selection function, a row selection function is assigned to the rotary dial 6, an erase operation function is assigned to the clear key 11, a function display operation function is assigned to the key 9, and a character type switching operation function is assigned to the key 13. When there are no unconfirmed characters in the step selection mode, a step determination function is assigned to the push button 8, a position selection function is assigned to the right and left buttons of the cross key 7, and a step selection function is assigned to the rotary dial 6. The clear key 11 is assigned a step selection cancel function, the key 9 is assigned a function display operation function, and the key 13 is assigned a character type switching operation function. When there are unconfirmed characters in the line selection mode, the push button 8 has a line determination function, the upper button of the cross key 7 has a mode switching operation function, the right and left buttons have a position selection function, and the rotary dial 6 Is assigned a row selection function, a clear key 11 is assigned an erasing operation function, and a switching key 13 is assigned a confirmation operation function. When there is an unconfirmed character in the step selection mode, the push button 8 is assigned a step decision function, the right and left buttons of the cross key 7 are assigned a position selection function, and the rotary dial 6 is assigned a step selection function. A key selection cancel function is assigned to the key 11, and a confirmation operation function is assigned to the switch key 13. When there are unconfirmed characters in the candidate selection mode, the push button 8 has a candidate determination operation function, the lower button of the cross key 7 has a mode switching operation function, the right and left buttons have a position selection operation function, and a rotary dial. 6 is assigned a candidate selection operation function, the clear key 11 is assigned an erasure operation function, and the key 9 is assigned a conversion switching operation function.

  Hereinafter, a flow of a series of character input operations in the fourteenth embodiment in which the above-described conscious switching method is adopted and the row selection method and the prediction conversion candidate selection are linked using the user interface images of FIGS. 68 to 74. I will explain. The display control of the user interface image and the display control corresponding to the operation of the disc type jog dial 35 described below are realized by the CPU 21 controlling the mail processing unit 30 and the display unit 26 described above. Is.

  In the case of the fourteenth embodiment, a user interface image as shown in FIG. 68 is displayed on the initial screen when characters are input. In the user interface image of the fourteenth embodiment, the input character display area 50, the candidate display section 59, and the cursor 52 are similar to those described above, and a row in which virtual keys on which “row” characters are displayed are arranged in a horizontal row. An array key 62 is displayed. In the case of the example in FIG. 68, the virtual keys corresponding to all the characters of “row” cannot be displayed in a horizontal row on the screen, so the row arrangement key 62 can display each character that cannot be displayed on the screen by scrolling. It has been.

  Here, the state of the initial screen of FIG. 68 is the row selection mode. In the row selection mode, for example, the rotary dial 6 of the disc-type jog dial 35 is rotated clockwise by one virtual key equivalent (one equivalent). Then, the character “ka” on each virtual key of the row arrangement key 62 is selected and highlighted (63). When the push button 8 is further pressed in this state, the mode changes to the column selection mode, and as shown in FIG. 69, each virtual key in which each character of “column” is displayed in the vicinity of the row arrangement key 62 is displayed. A column arrangement key 64 in which are arranged in a horizontal row is displayed. The column arrangement key 64 has an “×” virtual key for canceling the column selection mode at the left end. When the rotary dial 6 is rotated to the right by, for example, an amount equivalent to five characters in the column selection mode, the “ko” character of the column arrangement key 64 is selected and the corresponding virtual key is highlighted. (65).

  Next, in the state of the user interface image of FIG. 69, for example, when the push button 8 of the disk type jog dial 35 is pressed, the column arrangement key 64 disappears and the line selection mode is restored as shown in FIG. The character “ko” is displayed on the cursor 52, and each predictive conversion candidate starting from the character “ko” is displayed on the candidate display portion 59. At this time, the character “ko” is highlighted (60) in the candidate display portion 59. However, since the current mode is the row selection mode, the prediction conversion candidate cannot be selected.

  Next, in the state of the user interface image of FIG. 70, for example, after the rotary dial 6 is rotated to the right by an amount corresponding to nine virtual keys (corresponding to nine characters), the push button 8 is pressed to enter the stage selection mode. When the rotation dial 6 is further rotated to the right by the amount corresponding to the three virtual keys (corresponding to the three characters), as shown in FIG. 71, the highlight display 63 in the row arrangement key 62 indicates the character “WA”. The highlight display 65 in the column arrangement key 64 is a virtual key of the character “n”.

  When the push button 8 is pressed in this state, as shown in FIG. 72, the column arrangement key 64 disappears to return to the row selection mode, and the cursor 52 has a side next to the character “KO”. The character “n” is displayed on the screen, and each candidate conversion section 59 displays each prediction conversion candidate starting with the character “kon”. However, since the current mode is the row selection mode, the prediction conversion candidate cannot be selected.

  Next, when the upper button of the cross key 7 is pressed while the user interface image of FIG. 72 is displayed, the mode changes to the candidate selection mode, and the prediction conversion candidate in the candidate display unit 59 can be selected. Become. After the transition to the candidate selection mode, when the rotary dial 6 is rotated to the right by, for example, an amount corresponding to three candidates, as shown in FIG. 73, the highlight display 60 in the candidate display portion 59 is displayed on the candidate for “this week”. Move to.

  Next, when the push button 8 is pressed while the user interface image of FIG. 73 is being displayed, the characters “this week” are displayed on the cursor 52 as shown in FIG. At this time, in the candidate display section 59, a “close” instruction icon 61 indicating confirmation of the prediction conversion candidate and each prediction conversion candidate following “this week” are displayed. Although illustration is omitted, when the push button 8 is further pressed while the “close” instruction icon 61 is highlighted (60), the input of the characters “this week” is confirmed. The cursor 52 is moved to, for example, the right side of the “this week” character in the input character display area 50, and the character of “this week” is thus input.

  As described above, according to the fourteenth embodiment, the conscious switching method is applied to the row selection method, and the row selection mode or the column selection mode and the candidate selection mode are explicitly switched. You can freely assign keys in each mode.

[Summary]
As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, characters can be input quickly and without stress, the display area on the display screen can be used efficiently, and users who are used to using the numeric keypad can feel comfortable using characters. Can be entered. In addition, according to the mobile phone terminal of the present embodiment, almost all characters such as kana, kanji, English characters, and numbers can be input using only the disk-type jog dial 35 and a few other keys. It is possible to eliminate the numeric keypad itself. In particular, when the numeric keypad is deleted, the portion occupied by the numeric keypad can be assigned to another device, or the casing can be reduced in size and cost can be reduced by deleting the numeric keypad.

  The above description of the embodiment is an example of the present invention. For this reason, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made according to the design or the like as long as the technical idea according to the present invention is not deviated.

  The present embodiment is not limited to a mobile phone terminal, and can be applied to various electronic devices such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital television receiver, a remote controller of a car navigation device, and a computer mouse. This is suitable for inputting kana, kanji conversion, alphanumeric input, etc. without using a numeric keypad as hardware.

It is an external view of the state which opened the mobile telephone terminal of embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of the mobile phone terminal of the embodiment of the present invention when the upper housing and the lower housing are rotated 90 degrees around the rotary hinge mechanism. It is an external view of the state which closed the mobile telephone terminal of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure inside the mobile telephone terminal of this embodiment. It is an operation | movement flowchart at the time of CPU switching and setting a character input mode according to the opening / closing state of a mobile telephone terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image displayed on the initial screen of the 1st, 2nd embodiment of this invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface image when a “sa” row is selected by rotating a rotary dial in the state of the initial image in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows an example of a user interface image when the “sa” stage is selected by pressing the push button (first embodiment) or the down button (second embodiment) in the state of the image of FIG. FIG. The user interface image when the character “So” is selected by rotating the rotary dial (first embodiment) or pressing the down button (second embodiment) in the state of the image of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example. The user interface when the prediction conversion candidate can be selected when the push button is pressed (first embodiment) or the right button is pressed (second embodiment) in the state of the image in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of an image. The user when the “imaginary” predictive conversion candidate is selected by rotating the rotary dial (first embodiment) or pressing the right button (second embodiment) in the state of the image of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of an interface image. It is a figure which shows an example of a user interface image when the prediction conversion candidate of "imagination" is determined by pressing down a push button in the state of the image of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a user interface image when the input of the character of "imagination" is decided because the push button was pressed down in the state of the image of FIG. In the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image of the state in which the prediction conversion candidate which starts from two characters of "Sosa" was displayed. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface image when a “NA” row is selected and a prediction conversion candidate of “SONA” is displayed by rotating the rotary dial in the state of the image of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface image when a prediction conversion candidate “SONI” is displayed when the down button is pressed in the state of the image in FIG. 15. It is a figure which shows an example of a user interface image when it changes to prediction conversion candidate selection mode because a push key was pressed down in the state of the image of FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface image when a predicted conversion candidate of “Sonia” is selected by rotating the rotary dial in the state of the image of FIG. 17. It is a figure which shows an example of a user interface image when the prediction conversion candidate of "Sonia" is determined by pressing down a push button in the state of the image of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a user interface image when the input of the character of "Sonia" is confirmed by pressing down a push button in the state of the image of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image of the state as which the alphabet display part for English character input was displayed as the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image of the state by which the prediction conversion candidate was displayed at the time of English character input. It is a flowchart which shows the process from a start to the character selection of a line among the series of character input operations of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process after the character of the line is selected among a series of character input operations of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process after the character selection of a step | paragraph and selection of a prediction conversion candidate became possible among the series of character input operations of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of selection of a prediction conversion candidate among a series of character input operations of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of selecting the line of the 2nd character, when displaying the prediction conversion candidate corresponding to 2 characters among a series of character input operations of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of selecting the stage of the 2nd character, when displaying the prediction conversion candidate corresponding to 2 characters among the series of character input operations of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image displayed on the initial screen of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image when the “ma” row is selected by operating the rotary dial or the cross key in the state of the initial image of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface image when a character “MA” is selected by pressing the push button in the state of the image in FIG. 30. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image when a character “mi” is selected by pressing the push button in the state of the image of FIG. 31. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface image when a character “mu” is selected by pressing the push button in the state of the image in FIG. 32. It is a figure which shows an example of a user interface image when the character of "me" is selected because the push button was pressed down in the state of the image of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a user interface image when the character of "mo" is selected because the push button was pressed down in the state of the image of FIG. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image when the input of the “MO” character is confirmed by rotating the rotary dial or pressing the cross key in the state of the image of FIG. In a 6th embodiment, it is a figure showing an example of a user interface picture in the state where an alphabet for English character input was displayed on a grid-like arrangement key. In a 6th embodiment, it is a figure showing an example of a user interface picture in the state where a key for number input was displayed on a grid-like arrangement key. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image of the state which displayed the row arrangement | positioning key of each row as the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image of the state which displayed on the row arrangement | positioning key which can scroll a part of character of each line as 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image of the state which displayed the row arrangement | positioning key of each line, the list part of the character of the step | line included in the selected line, and the 9th Embodiment of this invention. As a ninth embodiment of the present invention, an example of a user interface image in a state in which a row arrangement key capable of scrolling a part of characters in each line and a list of characters in a stage included in the selected line is displayed. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image of the state which displayed the alphabet arrangement | sequence key and the list part as the 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image of the state which displayed the circular arrangement | sequence key as 11th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of switching control between a kana selection mode and a candidate selection mode in a case where a line selection repeated typing method and prediction conversion candidate selection are linked. FIG. 10 is a diagram used for explaining three patterns of a selection key assignment method in a kana selection mode and a candidate selection mode when a seamless switching method is applied. It is a figure used for description of the detailed key allocation in the case of the pattern A. It is a figure used for description of the detailed key allocation in the case of the pattern B. FIG. 10 is a diagram used for explaining detailed key assignment in the case of pattern C. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image displayed on the initial screen of the 12th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 51 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image when the rotary dial is rotated and the “ka” line is selected in the state of the initial image of FIG. 50. FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image when the push button and the rotary dial are operated in the state of the image of FIG. 51 to select the “Wa” row. FIG. 53 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image when a predictive conversion candidate related to “Kon” is displayed by operating a rotary dial and a push button in the state of the image of FIG. 52. FIG. 54 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image when a predictive conversion candidate related to “Kon” is displayed when the down button is pressed in the state of the image of FIG. 53. FIG. 55 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image when the push button is pressed in the state of the image of FIG. 54 and a predictive conversion candidate of “this week” is determined. It is a figure which shows an example of a user interface image in case guide display is performed. It is a figure which shows the other example of a user interface image in case guide display is performed. FIG. 10 is a diagram used for explaining two patterns of a selection key assignment method in a kana selection mode and a candidate selection mode when a conscious switching method is applied. It is a figure used for description of the detailed key allocation in the case of the pattern D. FIG. 6 is a diagram used for explaining detailed key assignment in the case of a pattern E. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image displayed on the initial screen of the 13th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 62 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface image when a predictive conversion candidate related to “ko” is displayed by operating a rotary dial and a push button in the state of the initial image in FIG. 61. FIG. 63 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image when the rotary dial is operated and the “WA” row is selected in the state of the image of FIG. 62. FIG. 64 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface image when a prediction conversion candidate related to “Kon” is displayed in a state where the push button is operated in the state of the image of FIG. 63. FIG. 67 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image when the up button is pressed in the state of the image of FIG. 64 and a prediction conversion candidate of “this week” is selected. FIG. 66 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface image when the push button is pressed in the state of the image in FIG. 65 and a predictive conversion candidate of “this week” is determined. It is a figure used for description of the detailed key assignment at the time of applying a conscious switching method to a row selection method. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface image displayed on the initial screen of the 14th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 69 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image when the rotary dial and the push button are operated in the state of the initial image in FIG. FIG. 70 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface image when a push button is operated in the state of the image of FIG. 69 and a predictive conversion candidate related to “ko” is displayed. It is a figure which shows an example of a user interface image when the rotary dial and the push button are operated in the state of the image of FIG. FIG. 72 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface image when a prediction conversion candidate related to “Kon” is displayed by operating a push button in the state of the image of FIG. 71. FIG. 73 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface image when an up button and a rotary dial are operated in the state of the image in FIG. 72 to select a prediction conversion candidate for “this week”. FIG. 74 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface image when the push button is pressed in the state of the image in FIG. 73 and a predictive conversion candidate for “this week” is determined.

Explanation of symbols

  1 Upper housing, 2 Lower housing, 3 Display, 4 (32) Speaker, 5 (22) Antenna, 6 Rotating dial, 7 Cross key, 8 Push button, 9 Mail function key, 10 Call start key, 11 Clear key , 12 Call end key, 13 switching key, 14 numeric keypad, 15 (33) microphone, 16 rotary hinge mechanism, 17 manner key, 18 memo key, 21 CPU, 23 communication unit, 24 ROM, 25 RAM, 26 display unit, 27 open / close Sensor for detection, 30 mail processing section, 31 voice processing section, 34 key input section, 35 disc type jog dial, 40 upper display area, 41 lower display area, 42 line display section, 43 stage display section, 44, 59 candidate display section 45, 48, 53, 60, 63, 65 Highlight display, 46, 52 Cursor, 4 7 Alphabet display section, 49, 61 instruction icon, 50 input character display area, 51 grid layout key, 54, 55, 58 row layout key, 56 list section, 57 circle layout key, 62 line layout key, 64 column layout Key, 64 to 67 Guide display

Claims (8)

A rotary operation element that has a rotary member formed to be rotatable about a rotary axis and generates an operation signal corresponding to the rotary operation when the rotary member is rotated by a user, and a predetermined center point A direction indicating operator that has at least four switches arranged in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and generates an operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation of any one of the four switches when the user presses down the switch. An operating means having a switch formed so that a pressing operation is possible and a pressing operator that generates an operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation when the switch is pressed by the user;
Display means capable of displaying images;
Virtual key display control means for causing the display means to display a plurality of virtual keys each assigned a plurality of different characters per one;
One of the plurality of virtual keys displayed on the display means is selected in accordance with an operation signal from either the rotation operator or the direction indicating operator, and is assigned to the selected virtual key. Character selection means for selecting one of a plurality of characters by an operation signal corresponding to the number of times the pressing operator is pressed;
A plurality of candidate words related to the character selected by the character selection unit are selected from a plurality of candidate words prepared in advance, and the selected plurality of candidate words are selected on the display unit by the plurality of virtual words. Candidate word display control means to be displayed in the vicinity of the key;
A character selection mode in which one of a plurality of characters assigned to a plurality of virtual keys displayed on the display means can be selected, and one of a plurality of candidate words displayed on the display means can be selected. Mode switching control means for switching a candidate selection mode according to an operation signal from either the rotary operator or the direction indicating operator of the operating means;
When the mode switching control means is switched to the candidate selection mode, one of a plurality of candidate words displayed on the display means is operated from either the rotation operator or the direction indicator operator. A character input device comprising: word determination means for selecting according to a signal and determining the selected candidate word according to an operation signal from the pressing operator. The character input device according to claim 1,
The character input device, wherein the virtual key display control means controls the display of the plurality of virtual keys arranged in a grid pattern. The character input device according to claim 1,
The virtual key display means controls the display of the plurality of virtual keys arranged in a horizontal row or a vertical row and displayed on the display means. The character input device according to claim 3,
When one of a plurality of virtual keys displayed on the display means is selected by the character selection means, a list of a plurality of characters assigned to the selected virtual key is displayed near the virtual key. A character input device characterized by having a list display control means. The character input device according to claim 1,
When the character selection means selects one character by an operation signal corresponding to the number of times the pressing operator is pressed, and when an operation signal is input from either the rotary operator or the direction indicating operator, the display A character input device which returns to a state where one of a plurality of virtual keys displayed on the means is selected. The character input device according to claim 1,
The rotating member of the rotary operator has an annular shape with a hole formed substantially in the center,
The four switches of the direction indicating operator are arranged in the hole of the rotating member,
The character input device, wherein the pressing operation element is arranged at a position of the predetermined center point of the direction indicating operation element. The character input device according to claim 1,
A first case in which the operation means and the display means are provided on one main surface portion;
A second housing;
In a state where the other main surface portion which is the back side of the one main surface portion of the first housing and the one main surface portion of the second housing are opposed to each other, the first housing and the first housing And a rotary hinge mechanism for connecting the first casing and the second casing to each other so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction around a rotation shaft disposed on one end side of each of the two casings. A character input device. The character input device according to claim 7,
The second housing has at least a numeric keypad that can be used for character input on the one main surface portion,
As a result of rotating the first casing and the second casing in the horizontal direction via the rotary hinge mechanism, the first casing and the second casing overlap with each other. A first state in which the numeric keypad on the one main surface portion of the first is not usable, and the first main surface portion of the second housing without overlapping the first housing and the second housing. State determination means for determining a second state in which the numeric keypad can be used;
When the state determination means determines that the state is the first state, character input by selecting the virtual key, selecting a candidate word and determining a candidate word using the operation means on the first housing is performed. Switch to the first character input mode to be enabled, and use the numeric keypad on the one main surface of the second casing when the state determination means determines that the second state is the second state And a character input mode switching control unit configured to switch to a second character input mode that enables the character input.

Images