JP2005316917A - Electronic equipment with keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an efficiently character input method with a relatively simple operation using a key board, and electronic equipment with the character input method. <P>SOLUTION: Saving of function keys and saving of the number of key inputs are attained by simultaneous input operation of a plurality of data keys in a keyboard. Omitted key input is performed without providing a specified shift key or function key. A Kana input by Roman alphabet input is efficiently performed by the simultaneous key input operation. A character input equal to a multi-tap type character input used in cellular phone is efficiently performed by the simultaneous key input operation. The character input by the simultaneous key input operation can be freely mixed with a conventional character input operation by single key input, and used. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

Industrial use

  The present invention relates to an electronic device including a keyboard, and more particularly to an electronic device including a keyboard for inputting characters.

  A keyboard is widely used as a means for inputting characters to an electronic device. In practice, characters are identified and inputted by sequentially and independently inputting data keys of the keyboard. Theoretically, it has been proposed to generate a character code different from that of a single key by simultaneously typing a plurality of data keys, and to input more character codes with fewer data keys.

  Alternatively, in order to save the number of keys on the keyboard, a large number of character codes are input with a small number of keys by simultaneously pressing a shift key that is a specific function key.

  Alternatively, a specific control function is input by pressing a character key while a specific function key is pressed.

  Recently, emphasis has been placed on portability and miniaturization of electronic devices, and as is done with mobile phones, in order to input characters with a small number of keys like a numeric keyboard, the input mode can be switched or the same key Characters of many types of alphanumeric characters and kana characters are entered, distinguished by the number of keystrokes.

  In the above description, pressing means that a key is pressed and key input is kept on. The keystroke refers to a series of operations in which a key is depressed, the depression is stopped, and the key input is returned to an off state. The data key is a key for specifying an input character code, and the function key is a key for controlling a specific function.

Problems to be solved by the invention

  In a method of increasing the types of characters and control functions that can be input by simultaneously pressing specific function keys and shift keys on the keyboard, they must be provided separately as function keys and shift keys. This is a heavy burden for devices that place importance on portability.

In addition, in the method of switching the input mode and inputting characters with fewer keys, the switching of the input mode is complicated and obstructs efficient character input.
In addition, in a method of identifying characters by the number of consecutive keystrokes of the same key, such as character input on a mobile phone, the number of keystrokes increases and erroneous operations are likely to occur.

  Character input by simultaneous key entry is a new method that is different from the conventional method, so that the operator can operate using the conventional method, and the new method can also be used to input characters and smoothly transition to the new method. is necessary.

Means to solve the problem

An electronic device having a keyboard according to the present invention is an electronic device that includes a keyboard, a display, and a control means, and performs character input using the keyboard. Means for identifying all states permitted by simultaneous keying are provided, and a character string designated in advance is input in response to the identified state. At this time, a character string equivalent to the designated character string can be operated and input even with a single keystroke.

As a means for identifying all states permitted by single keystrokes or simultaneous keystrokes of a plurality of keys, a table stored in advance may be searched. The table describes all permissible states of the leading and trailing relations when the keys of the simultaneous key press are pressed, detects a match, and generates a character string code described in the table. The generated character string code corresponds to the character string to be input, and in response to this, the control circuit inputs the character string and displays an appropriate guide for the operator.

The keyboard is a keyboard for inputting alphabetic alphabets, and a character string input by simultaneous keying may be a preset alphabetic character string.

The keyboard is a keyboard for inputting kana romaji, and the character string input by simultaneous keying may be kana romaji. Since the kana roman character always ends with a vowel character, the order of the leading edge of the vowel key and consonant key pressed simultaneously may be any.

The keyboard is a keyboard that inputs kana characters by distinguishing the numeric keyboard by the number of consecutive keystrokes, and the 10 keys that specify the rows from the “a” row to the “wa” row are physically arranged in 4 rows and 3 columns. Has been placed. Subsequent to the pressing of the line designation key, by simultaneously pressing one of the physical keys of the numeric keys, the corresponding kana character of the 50 phonogram may be input.

The keyboard is a keyboard that inputs kana characters by distinguishing the numeric keyboard by the number of consecutive keystrokes, and the 10 keys that specify the rows from the “a” row to the “wa” row are physically arranged in 4 rows and 3 columns. Has been placed. The first character of the kana 50 syllabary is input with a single key of the row designation key, and the characters of the second to fifth characters are the physical keys of the numeric keys following the keying of the row specification key. It may be possible to input kana characters of the corresponding 50 phonograms by simultaneously pressing two adjacent keys at each level.

The keyboard is a numeric keyboard that is used to input alphanumeric characters or symbols by distinguishing the number of consecutive keystrokes of the same key. Ten alphanumeric characters and symbols are aligned and divided into 10 groups, and each group is designated. The keys may be physically arranged in four rows and three rows.
Subsequent to pressing a key designating each set, the corresponding alphanumeric characters or symbols may be input by simultaneously pressing one key of each step of the physically arranged numeric keys.

The invention's effect

The first effect of the present invention is that a character string set in advance can be efficiently input by a key-saving key without using a shift key or a specific function key.

The second effect of the present invention is that characters of kana romaji vowels and consonants can be input simultaneously by typing, and romaji can be input efficiently and in a short time without being stuck in the key pressing order of consonants and vowels. .

The third effect of the present invention is that the input of kana characters can be efficiently performed with a small number of keystrokes and a few mistakes with a small number of keys such as numeric keys.

The fourth effect of the present invention is that the keyboard can be supported with one hand, and key operations can be performed with the fingers of the supported hand, enabling efficient kana character input by simultaneous keystrokes.

A fifth effect of the present invention is that, for example, alphanumeric characters and symbols can be input efficiently with a small number of keys such as numeric keys, with a small number of keystrokes, and with few errors, without switching the input mode.

The sixth effect of the present invention is that it is possible to perform efficient character input by simultaneous keying according to the situation while using it together with sequential character input of single keying.

The seventh effect of the present invention is that a keyboard is connected as an additional keyboard to an existing device such as a mobile phone or a personal computer, and the same operation method is maintained, and an efficient character input function by simultaneous keying is easily added. It can be done.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration and function of an electronic device including a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, matters common to the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing a configuration of an electronic device including a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention. An electronic device including a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an input code control device 10, a keyboard 01, a character input / display control unit 02 that processes information processed by the input code control device 10, and a character input. The input code control device 10 includes an input unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 14, and an output unit 17. The input unit 11 receives key input information from the keyboard 01. The controller 12 and the storage unit 15 process / store the key input information, and send the input code string information to the character input / display control unit 02 through the input code string output unit 17. The character input / display control unit 02 processes the input code string to confirm and input the input character string. Further, the character input / display control unit 02 displays on the display 03 an appropriate operation guide display for the keyboard operator and an input character string that is confirmed and input.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a change in a time axis of a key input signal of the keyboard. There are n keys on the keyboard.
When pressing or keying of one of the n keys (key number i) starts at time ti0, the output signal Xi changes from the OFF state to the ON state, and when pressing or keying ends at ti1. From the on state to the off state. The change at the time ti0 of the output signal Xi is called a leading edge, and the change at ti1 is called a trailing edge. Here, when the key i is pressed, the key i is pressed to turn on the output signal Xi. When a key is pressed, it means a series of operations in which the key i is pressed to turn on the output signal Xi, and then the pressing is ended to turn off the output signal Xi.

FIG. 3 shows a key output signal when two keys of the keyboard are simultaneously pressed.
In the case of {circle around (1)}, the pressing of the key i starts at ti0, the pressing of the key j starts at tj0, the pressing of the key i ends at ti1, and the pressing of the key j ends at tj1. At this time, the logical sum signal of the output signal Xi and the output signal Yj is Xi + Xj, and is turned on at ti0 and turned off at tj1.
In the case of {circle around (2)}, the pressing of the key i starts at ti0, the pressing of the key j starts at tj0, the pressing of the key i ends at ti1, and the pressing of the key j ends at tj1. At this time, the logical sum signal of the output signal Xi and the output signal Yj is Xi + Xj, which is turned on at ti0 and turned off at ti1.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of the block configuration diagram of FIG. When the operation starts, the contents of the R register 14 in FIG. 1 are reset in (1) in FIG. The R register is a register for storing information related to key output. The input unit 11 collects output signals of all keys on the keyboard. When an arbitrary key i is pressed, the key input control unit 13 detects the leading edge of the output signal Xi of the key i in (2) of FIG. When the leading edge is detected, the process proceeds to (3) in FIG. 4, the R register 14 is shifted to the left, and i is added to the R register 14 and stored.

Next, proceeding to (4) in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the trailing edge signal of the logical sum signal ΣXi of each key input is detected. If not detected, the process returns to (2) in FIG. 4 to detect a new leading edge of Xi. If the leading edge is not detected, the process proceeds to (4) and the trailing edge of ΣXi is detected. If the trailing edge is not detected, the process returns to (2). If detected, the process proceeds to (5).

In the R register 14, one or a plurality of key numbers are accumulated and stored in order. The order at this time is the order of the time of the leading edge of the key input signal. The T table 16 lists all the key number headings corresponding to the single keystrokes and the key number headings distinguishing the order corresponding to the allowed simultaneous keystrokes.

The list heading is IIj, and the content [IIj] is defined corresponding to the heading. The heading corresponding to the single keystroke of each key is i, and the corresponding content [i] is input from the control unit 12 to the input code string output unit 17 when the key i is single-keyed, and the content [i] In response to this, an input code string is output from the input code string output unit 17, sent to the character input / display control unit 02, processed, a character string is input, display of the input character string, and a guide for the operator The display is displayed on the display 03.

In (5) of FIG. 4, the T table 16 is searched using the content IIi of the register R as a key. If there is a match with the heading in the table, the content [IIi] corresponding to the heading is input to the output unit 17 and the process returns to (1). If there is no match, it is determined that the input is invalid and the process returns to (1).

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the keyboard 01 of FIG. 1 is a standard alphabet keyboard 99 called the QWERTY keyboard having the key layout of FIG. The upper keys are assigned key numbers 51 to 60 from the left, the middle keys are assigned key numbers 61 to 70, and the lower keys are assigned key numbers 71 to 80. Yes. Key 70, key 78, key 79, and key 80 are symbol keys, and the other keys are English alphabet keys.

Assume that the T table 16 is as shown in FIG. At this time, the user presses the K key 68 while keeping the T key 55 in FIG. 5 pressed. When the T key 55 is pressed, the content “TAKUO KITAMURA” corresponding to the heading 5568 in the list in FIG. An input code corresponding to “TAKUO KITAMURA” is sent from the input code string output unit 17 to the character input / display control unit 02 and processed, and the character string “TAKUO KITAMURA” is confirmed and input. Is displayed on the display 03.

Similarly, while the T key 55 is kept pressed; the key 70 is pressed, and when the T key is pressed, the character string “TAKUO TANI” corresponding to the heading 5570 in the list of FIG. The above two characters TK and T; assume the initial TK and TT of the name.

Next, similarly, while pressing the E key 53, the N key 76, the G key 65, and the period key 79 are pressed in this order. When the E key 53 is pressed, the character string “ENGINEERING” is confirmed and input. The In this case, it is assumed that the input is a word abbreviation.

The case where the N key 76, the G key 65, and the period key 79 are successively pressed while the E key 53 is pressed has been described. However, the E key 53 is stopped pressing while the N key 76 is pressed. Even when the G key 65 and the period key 79 are pressed and the E key 53 is stopped, the same character string is input. When operating the keyboard, such an operation is also necessary depending on how the fingers are used.

The normal character input assumes that each key of the keyboard 99 is input with a single keystroke, and a character string registered in the T table 16 in advance can be input with an abbreviated keystroke by simultaneous keystroke. If necessary, the contents to be omitted based on the T table 16 can be displayed on the display 03 of FIG. 1 so that the operator can easily perform the omitted key pressing while viewing the displayed contents.

As described above, by appropriately creating the T table 16, it is possible to input a character string made up of many characters by key input by simultaneous key pressing. That is, the efficiency of character input can be increased. Further, even if the input mode is not switched by using a specific function key or shift key, it is possible to make an abbreviated keystroke by simultaneously pressing the data key.

In addition, although a certain amount of skill is required for the character string input operation by the simultaneous keystroke as described above, since it is possible to input a character string equivalent to the simultaneous keystroke by normal single keystroke as usual, Simultaneous keystrokes can be used as they become more proficient.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the keyboard 01 in FIG. 1 is a keyboard 09 called the Roman character input keyboard in FIG. The Romaji input keyboard is operated with one hand, and it is assumed that kana characters can be easily entered in Romaji. Each key of the Romaji input keyboard 09 includes keys starting from the I key 05 to the # key 50. When each key is pressed alone, the Roman characters displayed on the key top of each key are input.

For example, when the user presses the K key 07 and then presses the A key 06, the Roman code string [K] [A] is sent to the character input / display control unit 02 through the input code string output unit 17, and the kana character "K" "" Is input, and "" is displayed on the display 03. Unlike the alphabet keyboard 99 in FIG. 5, the keys of the Roman input keyboard 09 are arranged in a regular manner with the Roman consonants and vowels separated, and the total number of keys is small, so that they can be easily mastered and operated. .

The * key 48 is a key for inputting a cloud point symbol, and the # key 50 is a key for inputting a semi-cloud point key. For example, when the Roman character string “KA” is key-inputted, and then the * key 48 is pressed, the input code string output unit 17 continues to [K] [A], and the muddy point code [′] is the character input / display control unit. 02 and processed by the character input / display control unit to input “ka”, so that it is possible to input a kana character with a dakuten and a dakuten.

Here, it is considered that the Romaji input is efficiently performed by performing the simultaneous key pressing.
Now, the T table 16 is configured as shown in FIG. The list of FIG. 8 is configured such that when a consonant key and a vowel key are simultaneously pressed, the corresponding “kana character” is always output regardless of which key is pressed first.

For example, the input code in Romaji is used both when the K key 07 is pressed first and then the A key 06 is simultaneously pressed and when the A key 06 is pressed first and then the K key 07 is simultaneously pressed. The string “K” [A] is sent from the input code string output unit 17 to the character input / character display control unit 02, converted into the kana character “ka” by the character input / character display control unit 02, and the kana character “ Is entered.

Similarly, the K key 07, the Y key 45, and the A key 06 are simultaneously pressed, and the input code string “K” [Y] [A] is input code string output unit 17 regardless of the pressing order. Can be sent to the character input / character display control unit 02 and converted into the kana character “Kya” by the character input / character display control unit 02 to input the kana character “Kya”. “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O”, and “N”, which are input only with consonants, are input with only a single keystroke as before.

In this way, it is possible to simultaneously input kana characters in romaji without paying attention to the order of pressing the consonant character key and vowel character key for romaji input. As a result, the sentence input speed of the kana characters can be increased nearly twice.

Note that the operation of the Roman character by simultaneous keystroke is more complicated than the input of the Roman character by sequential single keystroke, and therefore requires some learning period. However, Kana input can be performed by freely mixing Romaji input by single keystroke and Romaji input by simultaneous keystroke, so it gradually shifts from the traditional Romaji input by single keystroke to simultaneous keystroke. be able to.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the keyboard 01 of FIG. 1 is the kana input keyboard of FIG.
Just like a mobile phone keyboard, you can enter kana characters with as few keys as a numeric keyboard.

Each key of the kana input keyboard 100 includes six control keys 81 to 86 from the [●] key to the [→] key, ten line designation keys 87 to 95 from the “A” key to the “WA” key, and 97, and a symbol [*] key 91 and a [#] key 98. [●] key 81 is a confirmation key for a control operation accompanying character input. [↑] key 82, [←] key 84, [↓] key 88, and [→] key 86 are called cursor keys and are used to control the input position of the input character string on the editing screen. The clear key 83 is a key for deleting an input character. Of the above control keys, the [→] key 86 is directly related in the following description.
In the Kana input keyboard 100, 10 keys for setting 10 rows from [A] to [W] are physically arranged in 4 rows in correspondence with the 10 rows and 5 rows of the Kana 50 phonogram. Has been.

The T table 16 is configured as shown in FIG.
A single keystroke of the same key of the row designation key (determination of the same key and the number of times is performed by the character input / display control unit 02), and a kana character is input by the multi-tap method as in the conventional mobile phone. The At this time, in order to continuously input characters on the same line, the [→] key 86 is pressed to determine the break. For example, when the [ka] key 88 is continuously pressed twice, the [→] key 86 is pressed, the [ka] key 88 is pressed, and the [→] key 86 is pressed, the character string “Kika” is input. . When the [ka] key 88 is pressed continuously three times and the [→] key 86 is pressed, the character “ku” is input.
Further, the input characters are confirmed and input as follows by simultaneous key pressing of a plurality of keys.
The first character of the kana 50 syllabary is input by confirming the input character by simultaneously pressing the [→] key after pressing the line designation key. The characters in the 2nd to 5th tiers are displayed by simultaneously pressing one key in the key group designated in the IIth to Vth rows following the pressing of each row designation key. In this way, the characters are confirmed and input.
II-stage key The second-stage character is confirmed and input by simultaneously pressing any one of [A], [KA], and [SA].
III-stage key The third-stage character is confirmed and input by simultaneous keystroke with any of [ta], [na], and [ha].
IV-stage key The fourth-stage character is confirmed and input by simultaneously pressing any of [MA], [YA], and [RA].
V-stage key The fifth-stage character is confirmed and input by simultaneously pressing any of [*], [wa], and [#].

For example, when the [A] key 87 is pressed first, then the [Ka] key 88 is simultaneously pressed, and the pressing of the [A] key 87 is finished, the input code string [A] [A] [→] is input as a character. / Sent to the display control unit 02, and the character “I” is entered and displayed.
When the [ka] key 88 is pressed first, and then the [a] key 87 is simultaneously pressed to stop pressing the [ka] key 88, the input code string [ka] [ka] [→] is input / displayed. It is sent to the control unit 02, and the character “ki” is fixedly input and displayed.

At this time, the kana input can be performed by mixing the tap-type character input widely performed in the conventional mobile phone by the single keystroke.
For example, when the [A] key is pressed, then the [A] key is pressed, and then the [→] key is pressed, the character “I” is input. When the [ka] key is pressed, then the [ka] key is pressed, and then the [→] key is pressed, the character "ki" is input.

  In terms of the speed of character input, it is expected that the text input speed will be improved by about twice as much as the multi-tap type character input of the single key input in the case of the simultaneous key input.

  Note that if you are proficient in multi-tap kana input used in mobile phones, the kana input by simultaneous key entry has a different operation, so it takes some time to master. However, since it is possible to freely input kana input using multi-tap kana input and simultaneous key input, it gradually shifts from kana input using conventional single key input to simultaneous key input. I can go.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the fourth embodiment, when a keyboard is operated like a mobile phone, the keyboard is supported with one hand, and when the input operation is performed with the thumb, the simultaneous key pressing method is introduced to speed up the key input. It is.

The keyboard 01 in FIG. 1 is the kana input keyboard 100 in FIG. 9 as in the third embodiment. The first-stage characters of the kana 50 syllable are entered with a single keystroke, and the second- to fifth-stage characters are physically the same corresponding to those on the keyboard following the keystroke of the row designation key. Input is performed by simultaneously pressing two adjacent keys in a row.

The T table of the simultaneous keystroke thumb input keyboard is configured as shown in FIG.
For example, when the [A] key 87 is pressed, the input code [A] is sent to the character input / display control unit 02, and the character “A” is temporarily input. Subsequently, when the [A] key 87 and the [KA] key 88 in the II stage are simultaneously pressed, the contents [II] of the T table are sent to the input code string output unit 17 and the key code [A] sent immediately before is input. ] Is sent to the character input / display control unit 02 [step designation-1] times (in this case, once). The character input / display control unit 02 receives the input code [A], converts the previously temporarily input character “A” into “I”, and confirms and inputs the input character.

Similarly, when the [Ka] key 87 is pressed, the input code [ka] is sent to the character input / display control unit 02. The character “ka” is temporarily entered. Subsequently, when the [NA] key 91 and the [HA] key 92 in the III stage are simultaneously pressed, the content [III] of the T table is sent to the input code output unit 17, and the input code [KA] sent immediately before is entered. Is sent to the character input / display control unit 02 [step designation-1] times (in this case, twice). The character input / display control unit 02 receives the input code [ka] twice, converts the previously input character “ka” into the character “ku”, and confirms and inputs it as an input character.

  In addition, a kana character can be input by a single keystroke in a multi-tap method similar to a mobile phone. The operation of the character input / display control unit 02 when the key input is performed simultaneously with the operation of the character input / display control unit 02 at this time is exactly the same. It is the control operation of the T table 16 and the input code output unit 17 that controls the simultaneous keying operation.

A feature of the fourth embodiment is that a control code II III IV V, which is a stage designation, can be sent to the input code string control unit 17 by key input by simultaneous key pressing. As a result, the line designation of the kana 50 syllabary diagram of the kana character to be input is input by single keystroke (once the key pressing is finished once), and the kana 50 syllabary by the simultaneous keystroke of two keys that are geographically adjacent. By inputting the column designation in the figure, the input characters can be confirmed and input. By modifying the key arrangement and structure so that simultaneous simultaneous keying of adjacent keys can be easily operated, it is possible to efficiently and easily perform character input on the keyboard of a mobile phone with one hand.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the fifth embodiment, the keyboard 1 in FIG. 1 is the alphanumeric keyboard 101 in FIG.
Alphanumeric characters and symbols can be entered without switching the input mode using alphanumeric keys and numbers with few keys.

Each key of the alphanumeric keyboard 101 has six control keys 21 to 26 from the [●] key to the [→] key and ten numeric keys 27 to 35 and 37 from the [1] key to the [0] key. Further, it is composed of symbols [*] 36 and [#] 38.
The alphanumeric keyboard 20 has 26 alphabetic letters, 10 numbers, and 6 symbols, 10 numbers keys [1] to [0] and 2 symbol keys are physically 4 Arranged in rows, alphanumeric characters or symbols are input by single keystroke or simultaneous keystroke of multiple keys.
[1] In the key 27, “, ./Δ1” is written,
[2] On the key 28, “ABCΔ2” is written,
[3] Key 29 is marked with “DEFΔ3”,
[4] The key 30 is marked with “GHIΔ4”,
[5] In the key 31, “JKLΔ5” is written,
[6] “MNOΔ6” is written on the key 32,
[7] “PQRS7” is written on the key 33,
[8] Key 34 is marked with “TUVΔ8”,
[9] The key 35 is marked with “WXYZ9”,
The “0” key 37 is marked with “<>? △ 0”,
The “*” key 36 is marked with “*”,
The “#” key 38 is marked with “#”.

Here, the first character, the second character, the third character, the fourth character, and the fifth character from the left are called according to the position of the written character of each key. For example, “C” is the third character, “S” is the fourth character, all the numbers are the fifth character, and “>” is the second character. Here, Δ means a blank, and nothing is written at that position.

The T table 16 is configured as shown in FIG.
The first character is input by simultaneously pressing the [→] key after the numeric key is pressed. The second to fifth characters are input by depressing one key in the key group designated from the II level to the V level simultaneously with the pressing of the respective numeric keys.
II-stage key The second character is confirmed and input by simultaneously pressing any one of [1], [2], and [3].
Third stage key The third character is confirmed and input by simultaneous keystroke with any of [4], [5], and [6].
The fourth character is confirmed and input by simultaneous keystroke with any of the IV stage keys [7], [8], and [9].
V-th key The fifth character is confirmed and input by simultaneous keystroke with any of [*], [0], and [#].

For example, when the [2] key 28 is pressed first and then the [3] key 29 is simultaneously pressed, the input code string [A] [A] [→] is sent to the character input / display control unit 02, The character “B” is finalized and displayed as the input character.
When the [3] key 29 is pressed first, and then the [2] key 28 is simultaneously pressed, the input code [D] [D] [→] is sent to the character input / display control unit 02 and the character “ "E" is entered and displayed as an input character.

At this time, it is possible to perform character input by mixing a multi-tap character input widely performed on a conventional mobile phone by a single keystroke.
For example, when the [1] key 27 is pressed, then the [1] key 27 is pressed, and then the [→] key 26 is pressed, the character “B” is fixedly input. When the [3] key 29 is pressed, then the [3] key 29 is pressed, and then the [→] key 26 is pressed, the character “E” is determined and input.

As described above, numbers or symbols can be input efficiently together with English letters without switching the character input mode, especially when entering sentences that are mainly English letters and mixed with numbers and symbols. It is effective.

  If you are proficient in multi-tap alphabet input, alphanumeric input by simultaneous keying is different in operation, so it takes some time to master simultaneous key input. However, multi-tap alphabet input and alphanumeric input by simultaneous keying can be freely mixed and input, so it gradually shifts from conventional single-key alphanumeric input to simultaneous keying. Can continue.

  Finally, an additional keyboard system will be described as a matter common to the above embodiments of the present invention. Assuming that the character input / display control unit 02 and the display 03 in FIG. 1 are main devices that perform conventional character input by single keying of data keys, the input interface of the character input / display control unit 02 is connected to the input code output unit 17. By connecting the outputs, an additional keyboard system including the keyboard 01 and the input code control unit 10 capable of simultaneous keying can be added to the main unit. This additional keyboard system is optionally used by enabling the additional operation by simultaneous keying as required while maintaining the conventional key operation method by single keying.

[Figure 1]
It is a block block diagram of an electronic device.
[Figure 2]
It is a time chart of key single keystroke.
[Fig. 3]
It is a time chart of key simultaneous keystroke.
[Fig. 4]
It is an operation | movement flowchart of a block block diagram.
[Fig. 5]
It is a key layout diagram of a QWERTY keyboard.
[Fig. 6]
It is a key arrangement figure of a Romaji input keyboard.
[Fig. 7]
It is a T table of an English character input keyboard.
[Fig. 8]
It is a T table of a Roman character input keyboard.
[Fig. 9]
It is a key layout diagram of a kana input keyboard.
[FIG. 10]
It is T table of a kana input keyboard.
[Fig. 11]
It is T table of a simultaneous keystroke thumb input keyboard.
[Fig. 12]
It is a key arrangement figure of an alphanumeric keyboard.
[FIG. 13]
It is a T table of an alphanumeric keyboard.

Explanation of symbols

01. Keyboard 02. Character input / display control unit 03. Display 05. [I] key of Romaji input keyboard 06. [A] key on the Romaji input keyboard 07. [K] key on the Romaji input keyboard 08. [S] key on the Romaji input keyboard 09. 10. Romaji input keyboard Input code control unit 11. Key input unit 12. Control unit 13. Key input control unit 14. R register 15. Storage unit 16. T table 17. Input code string output unit 20. Character input / display control unit 21. [●] key on the alphanumeric keyboard 22. 〃 [↑] key 23. [Clear] key 24. 〃 [←] key 25. 〃 [↓] key 26. 〃 [→] key 27. ， [,. / Δ1] key 28. 〃 [ABCΔ2] key 29. 〃 [DEFΔ3] key 30. 〃 [GHIΔ4] key 31. 〃 [JKLΔ5] key 32. [MNOΔ6] key on the alphanumeric keyboard 33. 〃 [PQRS7] key 34. [TUVΔ8] key 35. 〃 [WXYZ9] key 36. 〃 [*] key 37. 〃 [<>? ΔO] key 38. 〃 [#] key 39. [U] key on the Romaji input keyboard 40. [T] key 41. [N] key 42. [H] key 43. [E] key 44. [M] key 45. [Y] key 46. [R] key 47. [O] key 48. 〃 [*] key 49. [W] key 50. 〃 [#] key 51. [Q] key of QWERTY keyboard 52. [W] key 53. [E] key 54. [R] key 55. [T] key 56. [Y] key 57. 〃 [U] key 58. [I] key 59. [O] key 60. [P] key 61. [A] key of QWERTY keyboard 62. [S] key 63. [D] key 64. [F] key 65. [G] key 66. [H] key 67. 〃 [J] key 68. 〃 [K] key 69. [L] key 70. 〃 [;] key 71. [Z] key 72. [X] key 73. [C] key 74. [V] key 75. [B] key 76. 〃 [N] key 77. [M] key 78. 〃 [,] key 79. 〃 [. ] Key 80. 〃 [/] key 81. [●] key of the kana input keyboard 82. 〃 [↑] key 83. [Clear] key 84. 〃 [←] key 85. 〃 [↓] key 86. 〃 [→] key 87. 〃 [A] key 88. 〃 [ka] key 89. [Sa] key 90.た [Ta] key 91. 〃 [NA] key 92. 〃 [ha] key 93.ま [MA] key 94. 〃 [Y] key 95. [R] key 96. 〃 [*] key 97. 〃 [Wa] key 98. 〃 [#] key 99. QWERTY keyboard 100. Kana input keyboard 101. Alpha numeric keyboard

Claims (12)

An electronic device having a keyboard, a display, and control means, wherein character input is performed using the keyboard, comprising means for identifying single keystroke input and simultaneous keystroke input of a keyboard data key, Provided with means to perform normal character input by keystroke key input and automatically input a character string input equivalent to normal character input specified in advance in response to simultaneous keystroke input of multiple data keys An electronic device equipped with a keyboard. The order of single key input or simultaneous key input is identified by searching a table stored in a storage device in advance, and an input code string is generated in response to the contents of the searched table. The electronic device with a keyboard according to claim 1, comprising means for automatically inputting a character string in response. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein a single alphabet key input is used to perform sequential alphabetic character input, and a simultaneous key input is used to input a predefined alphabet character string in response to the sequence of character keys that are simultaneously keyed. Electronics. Characterized by the ability to input alphabetical characters in sequence in response to the sequence of the character keys that are input simultaneously in the case of simultaneous keystroke input in which the alphabetical characters are input sequentially for single keystroke input. An electronic device comprising the keyboard according to claim 2. A keyboard with Romaji consonant keys and vowel keys is provided to input kana characters in Romaji, and the normal sequential Romaji input is performed for single keystrokes. 2. The electronic device with a keyboard according to claim 1, wherein kana input is performed in Roman characters without distinguishing between the two. A keyboard with Romaji consonant keys and vowel keys is provided to input kana characters in Romaji, and the normal sequential Romaji input is performed for single keystrokes. 3. The electronic apparatus with a keyboard according to claim 2, wherein the table is configured so that kana can be input in Roman characters without distinguishing between the two. It is equipped with a keyboard for inputting kana characters by single keystroke of numeric keys, and 10 numbers for designating 10 rows from “a” to “wa” corresponding to an array of 10 rows and 5 columns of a 50-kana phonogram Keys are arranged in four rows, and when a line designation key is pressed, one key in the key group of each row is pressed simultaneously, so that a syllabary kana character is input. An electronic apparatus comprising the keyboard according to claim 1. A keyboard for inputting kana characters with a single keystroke of a numeric key, and 10 keys for designating 10 rows from “a” to “wa” corresponding to an array of 10 rows and 5 columns of a 50-kana phonogram Are arranged in 4 rows, so that the user can input 50 syllable kana characters by simultaneously pressing one of the keys in each row by pressing down the row designation key. The electronic device having a keyboard according to claim 2, comprising a table. A keyboard for inputting kana characters with a single keystroke of a numeric key is provided, and 10 lines for designating 10 lines from "a" line to "wa" line corresponding to an array of 10 lines and 5 rows in a 50-kana phonogram. Keys are arranged in four rows, the first character of the kana 50 syllables is input with a single key of the row designation key, and the second to fifth characters are the row designation key. 2. The electronic device having a keyboard according to claim 1, wherein a syllabic kana character is input by simultaneously pressing two adjacent keys in each stage after the key is pressed. . A keyboard for inputting kana characters with a single keystroke of a numeric key is provided, and 10 lines for designating 10 lines from "a" line to "wa" line corresponding to an array of 10 lines and 5 rows in a 50-kana phonogram. Keys are arranged in four rows, the first character of the kana 50 syllables is input with a single key of the row designation key, and the second to fifth characters are the row designation key. 3. The table is configured so that a syllabic kana character can be input by simultaneously pressing two adjacent keys in each step after the key is pressed. An electronic device with a keyboard. It is equipped with a keyboard for inputting alphabetic characters with single keystrokes, and each group is divided into 10 groups of up to 5 alphabets, symbols, and numbers. The alphabet, symbol, or number is input by simultaneously pressing one key in the key group that specifies the number of each group by pressing the numeric key. An electronic apparatus comprising the keyboard according to claim 1. It is equipped with a keyboard for inputting alphabetic characters with single keystrokes, and each group is divided into 10 groups of up to 5 alphabets, symbols, and numbers. Are arranged in order, and by pressing the numeric keys, you can enter alphabets, symbols, or numbers by simultaneously pressing one of the keys that specify the number of each group. The electronic device having a keyboard according to claim 2, wherein the table is configured as a table.

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