JP2005346462A - Character input device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a character input device performing alphanumeric translation after receiving input of a character while keeping a kana character input mode and capable of displaying an alphanumeric transformation candidate for each input character and determining an input character string when a desired translation unit of characters is inputted. <P>SOLUTION: In this character input device, a numerical key is operated for inputting an undefined character while keeping the character input mode to the kana input mode, and then, alphanumeric translation is carried out. The character input device 21 is provided with an alphanumeric translation control part 26, a character input mode continuation control part 25, and a main control part 22. When an alphanumeric translation key is operated for a first undefined character or character string inputted in the kana input mode, the alphanumeric translation part displays an alphanumeric translation candidate character for the inputted character on a display part 23 and continues an alphanumeric translation mode, and the character input continuation control part performs control for continuing the kana input mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input device such as a mobile phone or a portable information terminal, and in particular, a so-called alphanumeric character that can be converted into “alphanumeric / kana” by inputting characters while fixing the character input mode to the “kana” input mode. In the kana conversion process, conversion candidates are displayed for each input character, and the conversion of the input character string can be confirmed at the stage when the character of the desired conversion unit is input, and then the “kana” input mode can be continued. The present invention relates to a character input device and a program.

  In recent years, with the development of communication / information processing technology, the functions of mobile phones and personal digital assistants have been expanded. In addition to the telephone functions, information can be obtained by connecting to a desired server via the Internet or receiving various services. It can also be used for sending and receiving e-mails. For this reason, many people use mobile terminals such as mobile phones. Since the character input device in these devices is composed of an operation unit in which a limited number of keys are installed in a limited area, a plurality of functions are assigned to the keys, and combinations of these functions and the operation sequence. This makes it possible to create sentences by performing conversions such as Kanji conversion and alphanumeric kana conversion. For this reason, a complicated process of switching the conversion mode while inputting characters by operating keys is required, which causes a problem that the thinking of creating a sentence is interrupted.

  Various studies have been made to solve this problem. For example, in the following Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-33315), a plurality of characters are assigned to each key, and the characters assigned to each key are assigned. Has been disclosed as a group, an input character is selected from the displayed character group, and the selected character is determined as the input character.

  In general, since the number of keys is limited in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a plurality of characters (kana, English letters, numbers) are assigned to the numeric keys and the number of depressions is disclosed, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. A number of functions (functions) are assigned to operation keys other than the numeric keys (for example, a call key, a selection key, etc.) for which an input character is selected, and these functions are switched according to the transition of key operations. It is configured. For the same reason, a desired text is input by combining the character input mode and the conversion mode. FIG. 6 is an external view showing the operation unit 3 and the display unit 2 of the mobile phone 1 disclosed in Patent Document 1. FIG. In FIG. 6, the key 2 of the number 2 includes, for example, five characters of the “ka” line, hiragana, katakana, three letters A to C, the number 2, and “full-width”, “half-width”, “Uppercase” and “lowercase” are assigned to form one group. When the number 2 key is operated, the assigned character is displayed on the display unit, and a desired character is input by pressing a selection key (up / down / left / right key).

  In addition, the kana-kanji conversion confirmation history is stored in the character conversion method for mobile phones, mobile terminals, etc., and the conversion candidates are displayed and selected from the confirmation history by matching the head of the input characters. Alternatively, there is also provided a conversion mode called “predictive conversion” for storing “phrase connection history” determined by the user and displaying matching candidates from the determined character connection history. These conversion modes are equivalent to function functions regardless of the mode selection method as the conversion mode, and are simply set to “ON” or “OFF” to set the speculative / predictive conversion mode. There is also provided a mobile phone that operates so that the corresponding candidate is displayed in the same manner as the candidate character for character input when this mode is functioning (ON). .

  A typical character input mode is the “kana” input mode, and the character conversion mode includes a “kana-kanji” conversion mode, an “alphanumeric / kana” conversion mode, and the like. When a user such as a mobile phone creates a mail document, the character input mode is set to the “kana” input mode, and a character is input by operating a key to which a desired kana character is assigned. The entered unconfirmed character or character string is displayed on the input line of the display unit.For example, specify the “Kana-Kanji” conversion mode to convert it to Kana-Kanji text, press the Enter key to confirm the input, and then enter the next input. Enter a string. In this case, it is generally preferable that the “Kana” input mode is continued as the character input mode. This is because it does not hinder the thought of creating a sentence to be input. This is because an extra operation for switching the character input mode is entered while a sentence is being input, so that it is difficult to concentrate on the key operation to which the character of the sentence to be created is assigned.

  When a user of a mobile phone creates a sentence to be sent by e-mail, it is preferable to switch the character input mode as little as possible in order to prevent the sentence creation from being interrupted as described above. For example, it is preferable that characters can be input while the character input mode remains in the “kana” input mode, and character conversion can be performed in a predetermined unit. For example, when a character string of the English word “ALBUM” is typed in a Kana-Kanji text, the character input mode is set to “Kana” input mode, and characters are input while looking at the English characters displayed on the key top. Is common.

In this case, if the character group for the numeric keys is, for example, the assignment shown below, as in Patent Document 1
1 key: Kana character “Aiueo”, English character “symbol”, number “1”
2 keys: Kana characters "Kakikukeko", English letters "ABC", numbers "2"
3 keys: Kana characters "Sashisuseso", English letters "DEF", numbers "3"
4 keys: Kana character "Tatsuteto", English character "GHI", Number "4"
5 keys: Kana characters "Nani Nuno", English characters "JKL", Number "5"
6 keys: Kana characters “Hahifuheho”, English “MNO”, Number “6”
7 keys: Kana characters “Mamimumemo”, English letters “PQRS”, Number “7”
8 keys: Kana characters “Yayuyo”, English characters “TUV”, number “8”
9 keys: Kana characters "Larirello", English characters "WXYZ", Number "9"
0 key: Kana character "Waon", English character "Symbol", Number "0"
If you press the Kana character assigned to each key to which the English letters “A, L, B, U, M” are assigned, for example, “Kana, Nuki, Ki, Yu, Ha”, input on the display Kana characters are displayed on the line, and by operating the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion key, “ALBUM” and a numerical conversion candidate are displayed for the first time as conversion candidates. It is possible to select “ALBUM” from the displayed candidates and operate the confirmation key to confirm the input character string “ALBUM”.
JP 2003-33315 A (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, paragraph “0006”)

  However, in a character input device having the above-described key assignment in a mobile phone similar to that disclosed in Patent Document 1, the character input mode is changed to “Kana” input mode, and then “alphanumeric kana” conversion is performed. For example, when inputting “ALBUM” as described above, it is input while looking at the letter assignment of the key top. That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, since the character input mode is the “Kana” input mode (character input mode display 44), the input character displayed on the input line 42 of the display unit is “Kanuki Yuhaha”. ”And no conversion candidate character is displayed in the conversion candidate display area 43. In this state, when the alphanumeric / kana conversion key 45 is pressed, the screen changes to FIG. 7B, and “ALBUM” and numeric conversion candidate “25286” are displayed in the conversion candidate display area 43 for the first time. In this state, the candidate key 44 is operated to move the cursor to “ALBUM”, and the selection key 46 is operated to make a fixed character string, whereby the character string “ALBUM” can be created. However, if there is an error in the input, clear all the input characters and then input again, or return to the state of (a) from the state of FIG. There was a problem in operability.

  For example, if you input while looking at an alphabetic character on the key top and press the 2 key to which the number “B” should be assigned twice, the display will be “ku”, and the alphabet conversion candidate is “C”. However, the display unit does not display this alphabet conversion candidate, and only displays the kana input character “Kanuku Yuha” on the input line 42. For this reason, in most cases, an input error will not be noticed until the “Alkum” candidate “ALCUM” is displayed by operating the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion key. Therefore, it is necessary to clear the character string input so far and re-input from the beginning, or memorize that the third input character is wrong by looking at the displayed “ALCUM” of the alphanumeric candidate In this case, the display of the candidate characters must be erased and then “ku” must be corrected to “ki”, which causes a problem in operability.

  In the case of the above example, “ka” to “ha” can be input one by one in order and “alphanumeric kana” conversion can be performed. Therefore, there is a problem that the conversion operation needs to be repeated for each character, the number of operations is large, and the operation surname is inferior. Normally, when inputting English words, it is natural to input the character strings that make up the word at a time, and it is unnatural to input each character, and the thinking of creating sentences is interrupted. There was a problem that it was.

  As a result of various studies to solve the above problems, the inventor of the present application has pressed the “alphanumeric kana” conversion key after the first character is input in the character input mode in the “kana” input mode. When this is done, both the “Kana” input mode and the “Alphabet kana” conversion mode can be continued without displaying the candidate alphanumeric characters and without selecting / determining the candidate characters. If this is the case, the present invention has been completed by paying attention to the fact that it is possible to input characters one by one while confirming the display of alphanumeric candidate characters that are conversion candidates.

  That is, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in a character input device that inputs characters and converts them to “alphanumeric characters” while maintaining the character input mode in the “kana” input mode. To provide a character input device capable of displaying “alphanumeric / kana” conversion candidates for each character and selecting and confirming input character string conversion candidates at the stage of inputting characters of a desired conversion unit. It is intended.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 of the present application includes mode selection means for selecting an input character mode and a conversion mode;
An operation unit on which a plurality of numeric keys assigned with a plurality of kana characters and alphabetic characters are arranged,
A key definition file defining characters assigned to the numeric keys, and
While maintaining the character input mode in the “kana” input mode, by operating the numeric keys to input unconfirmed characters or character strings to perform “alphanumeric kana” conversion,
The character input device includes an “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit, a character input mode continuation control unit, and a main control unit,
When the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion key is operated on the first unconfirmed character or character string input in the “kana” input mode, the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit To display the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion candidate characters on the display unit, and to continue the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion mode while maintaining the state of the unconfirmed characters or character strings,
The character input mode continuation control unit controls to continue the “kana” input mode.

  The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is that, in the invention of claim 1, the character input device performs “alphanumeric characters” on a predetermined unconfirmed character string input in a character input mode of “kana”. When the “Kana” conversion key is operated, the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit displays the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion candidate character string for the input character on the display unit, and the conversion candidate character string is selected. In this case, the input character string is determined as the selected conversion candidate character string.

Further, the invention according to claim 3 of the present application includes an “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit, a character input mode continuation control unit, a main control unit, and a mode selection unit for selecting an input character mode and a conversion mode. An operation unit in which a plurality of numeric keys to which a plurality of kana characters and letters are assigned is arranged, and a key definition file that defines the characters assigned to the numeric keys, and the character input mode is changed to the “kana” input mode. While maintaining, in the computer constituting the character input device that operates the numeric keys to input unconfirmed characters or character strings and performs “alphanumeric kana” conversion,
When the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion key is operated on the first unconfirmed character or character string input in the “kana” input mode, the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit In addition to displaying the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion candidate character on the display unit, the processing as the alphanumeric / kana conversion control unit that continues the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion mode while maintaining the state of the unconfirmed character or the character string is performed. Let it run
A program that causes a process as a character input mode continuation control unit to continue the “kana” input mode.

The invention according to claim 4 of the present application is the invention according to claim 3, wherein an “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit, a character input mode continuation control unit, a main control unit, an input character mode, and a conversion mode are selected. A character input mode comprising: a mode selection means for performing the operation; an operation unit in which a plurality of numeric keys assigned with a plurality of kana characters and alphabetic characters are arranged; and a key definition file defining the characters assigned to the numeric keys. In the computer constituting the character input device that performs the “alphanumeric kana” conversion by operating the numeric keys and inputting the unconfirmed character or the character string while maintaining the “Kana” input mode,
When the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion key is operated for a predetermined unconfirmed character string input in the “kana” input mode, the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit performs “ "Alphanumeric / kana" conversion candidate character string is displayed on the display unit, and when the conversion candidate character string is selected, the input character string is determined as the selected conversion candidate character or character string. It is a program characterized by causing processing as a control unit to be executed.

  In the invention according to claim 1, a character input device includes the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit, a character input mode continuation control unit, and a main control unit, and is input in the state of the “kana” input mode. When the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion key is operated for the first unconfirmed character or character string, the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit selects the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion candidate character for the input character. In addition to displaying on the display unit, control is made to continue the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion mode while maintaining the state of the undefined character or character string, and the character input mode continuation control unit sets the “kana” input mode to Control to continue. Therefore, when the user performs the operation of selecting the alphanumeric / kana conversion mode by inputting the first character or character string of the character string to be converted to alphanumeric / kana, the input character conversion candidates are displayed, and the subsequent Alphanumeric / kana conversion candidates are sequentially displayed for input characters, so that it is possible to input a desired character string while checking the conversion candidate characters. And since the entered character string is an undetermined character string, if you find an error in the input character in the middle, return the cursor to correct only that character, check the correct character string, It becomes possible to select a column to be a fixed character string.

  In the invention according to claim 2, in the character input device according to claim 1, an "alphanumeric / kana" conversion key is applied to a predetermined unconfirmed character string input in a state where the character input mode is "kana". Is operated, the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit displays the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion candidate character string for the input character on the display unit, and when the conversion candidate character string is selected, Since the input character string is determined to be the selected conversion candidate character string, after inputting a series of character strings to be converted to alphanumeric kana as in the past, the input unconfirmed character string is It is also possible to perform operations that convert alphanumeric characters.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the first undefined character or character string input in the “Kana” input mode is input to the computer constituting the character input device according to claim 1 with “English”. When the “number kana” conversion key is operated, the “alphanumeric kana” conversion control unit displays the “alphanumeric kana” conversion candidate character for the input character on the display unit, and the unconfirmed character or character string. Processing as the character input mode continuation control unit that controls to continue the “kana” input mode by executing the process as the alphanumeric kana conversion control unit that continues the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion mode while maintaining the state It is possible to provide a program that executes the program.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 4, for a predetermined unconfirmed character string input in the state of the “kana” input mode, the computer constituting the character input device according to claim 2 is “alphanumeric characters”. When the "conversion key" is operated, the "alphanumeric / kana" conversion control unit displays the "alphanumeric / kana" conversion candidate character string for the input character on the display unit, and the conversion candidate character string is selected In addition, it is possible to provide a program for executing processing as an “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit for determining the input character string as the selected conversion candidate character string.

  Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples and drawings. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile phone including a character input device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the mobile phone of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a key definition in the mobile phone of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a basic screen of the display unit 23 when inputting characters. FIG. 5 is a screen transition diagram showing a procedure for inputting characters in the “kana” input mode and converting alphanumeric characters to kana. (A) to (d) are diagrams showing screen configurations that transition according to operations. .

  The block diagram of FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a mobile phone 10 including a character input device 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile phone 10 includes a call unit 11 and a character input device 21 according to the present invention. The call unit 11 includes a microphone 12, a speaker 13, and a radio unit 14. The radio unit 14 includes an antenna, a transmission / reception circuit, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a compression / decompression circuit, an audio codec, and the like. The voice input from the microphone 12 is transmitted as a voice signal, and the voice signal of the other party of the call is received and output to the speaker 13.

  The character input device 21 includes a main control unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, a character input mode continuation control unit 25, an alphanumeric / kana conversion control unit 26, a mode selection unit 27, and a key definition file 28. The main control unit 22 includes a microcomputer, a RAM, a ROM, and the like and functions as a computer device, and controls the above-described units of the wireless unit 14 and the character input device 21. The display unit 23 and the operation unit 24 are used for operations and displays for data communication via the Internet network in addition to displays and operations for calls on the mobile phone 10. The character input device 21 is used to input a desired character string in order to use various data communication services via the Internet network such as electronic mail.

  The mode selection unit 27 has a function of selecting a character input mode and a conversion mode. The selection of these modes is configured to be performed by an operation such as selection by a function key of the operation unit 24 or an operation such as displaying a mode list on the display unit 23 and selecting from the mode list. The character input mode continuation control unit 25 fulfills a control function of continuing the character input mode selected during the operation when a certain operation condition is satisfied. In other words, when “alphanumeric / kana” conversion is selected for an unconfirmed character or character string entered in the “Kana” input mode, the character input mode for the subsequent unconfirmed character or character string is changed to the “Kana” input mode. It is controlled so as to continue.

  When the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion key is operated on the first unconfirmed character or character string input in the state where the character input mode is “kana” input mode, The “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit displays “alphanumeric / kana” conversion candidate characters for the input character on the display unit and controls to continue the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion mode. Therefore, the first unconfirmed character input or the character input after the character string is recognized as an unconfirmed input character or character string, and the alphanumeric kana conversion candidate is displayed on the display unit 23 in the same manner as the first input character. It performs the function of displaying.

  The mobile phone 10 includes a display unit 23 and an operation unit 24 as shown in the external view of FIG. The operation unit 24 includes numeric keys 1 to 0, numeric keys 31 such as * key and # key, upper and left function keys 32 and 33, center selection key 34 and OK key 35, call key 36, clear key 37, Keys such as the cutting key 38 are arranged. The upper left and right function keys 32 and 33 and the center OK key 35 are usually controlled so that their functions change according to the operation transition. For example, the left and right keys 32 are used as character editing middle character mode switching keys. The function key 33 functions as a conversion key during character editing. As for the functions of these keys and the center confirmation key, the current function is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 23 according to the transition of the operation, and the user operates these function keys according to the displayed function. In addition, the left and right keys 36 and 38 may also be used as function keys.

As shown in the configuration of the key definition file 28 of FIG. 3, a plurality of characters are assigned to the numeric keys 31 for each numeric key. For example, the number 1 key is assigned 5 kana characters “Ao-o” and alphabetic symbols (half-width / full-width), and the number 2 key is assigned 5 characters kana “ka-ko” and the alphabet “ “A, B, C” (half-width / full-width) are assigned, and the following keys are similarly assigned as shown in FIG. When the character input mode is “Kana” input mode and the number 1 key is pressed once, “a” is displayed as an input character on the input line of the display unit 23, and when the character input mode is pressed twice. “Yes” is displayed. Similarly, the input characters change. In this way, the input characters are displayed on the input line by the number of times the number key is pressed, and the input character string is determined by confirming or converting the input character string when the desired character string is input, and then undecided. Allows you to enter characters or strings. Also, at the time you enter the undetermined character string in the manner described above, in case you want to "kana-kanji" conversion, "alphanumeric Kana" conversion, the conversion to select the conversion mode, by performing a confirmation operation The result of the desired conversion can be used as a confirmed character string.

  A procedure for creating a sentence by inputting characters using the operation unit 23 with the key definition as described above will be described. In general, a character input mode and a conversion mode can be selected for such a character input device 21 of a mobile phone. A typical character input mode is a “kana” input mode, and a plurality of other character input modes are provided. When the numeric key 31 (see FIG. 2) is operated, characters corresponding to the selected input mode among the characters assigned to the operated numeric key are displayed on the input line of the display unit 23. A typical conversion mode is a “kana-kanji” conversion mode, and a plurality of conversion modes such as an “alphanumeric / kana” conversion mode are provided. For example, by applying the “Kana-Kanji” conversion mode to an unconfirmed character string input in a state where the “Kana” input mode has been selected, it can be converted into a character string mixed with Kana-Kanji to be a confirmed character string. it can.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a basic screen configuration of the display unit 23 when inputting characters. As shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 23 includes a state display area 41, an input line area 42, a conversion candidate display area 43, a function display 44, and 45 to 47 areas. The state display area 41 is a part for displaying radio wave reception intensity, various function setting statuses, time, and the like, and the input line area 42 is an unconfirmed character string (a character string in the input state) at the time of character input, A confirmed character string (character string confirmed by conversion and confirmation operation) is displayed, and the entire sentence displayed by the confirmation operation can be confirmed in a state where the entire sentence is created. In addition, the conversion candidate display area 43 converts the unconfirmed character or character string input in the input line area 42 in the conversion mode specified when the function key specifying the conversion mode is operated. This area displays candidate characters or character strings. The screen configuration of the display unit 23 varies depending on the manufacturer of the mobile phone. The screen configuration as shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and there are mobile phones configured to display candidate characters and character strings on the entire display screen, and such a screen configuration may be used.

  In addition, key functions or input modes are displayed in each area of the function displays 44 and 45 to 47. In the area of the function displays 45 to 47, the display displays functions such as the function keys 32, 33, and 35 of the operation unit 24 shown in FIG. 2. For example, the function display 44 displays candidate selections. In this case, it corresponds to the up / down / left / right selection key 34, the function displays 45 and 47 correspond to the upper and lower function keys 32 and 33, and the function display 46 corresponds to the center OK key 35, respectively. The displayed function is executed by operating. In general, the function assigned to each function key is configured to be changed as needed by the transition of the input state. The correspondence between the key definition in FIG. 3, the screen configuration in FIG. 4, the function display and the function key of the operation unit 23 is designed by the manufacturer of the mobile phone, and the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. It is not limited to.

  In the following, the procedure for inputting characters in the “kana” input mode and converting “alphanumeric / kana” in the present invention will be described with reference to the above-described specific example. As shown in the screen of FIG. 5A, when “ALBUM” is input when the character input mode of the character input device 21 is “Kana” input mode (function display 44), it is described on the key top of the numeric keypad. While looking at the assigned letter, press the number 2 key corresponding to the first letter “A” once. Then, “ka” is displayed as an undetermined character in the input line area 42. In this state, since the conversion mode key is not operated, conversion candidate characters are not displayed in the conversion candidate display area 43. Here, when the function key corresponding to the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion displayed on the function display 45 is pressed, the conversion mode becomes the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion mode.

  As a result of this operation, the screen changes to the state shown in FIG. 5B, “alphanumeric kana” conversion candidates such as “2” and “A” are displayed in the conversion candidate display area 43, and the function display 44 displays the candidate In the function displays 45 and 46, the function of function keys “RETURN” and “SELECT” is used as the character selection function. In this state, the character input mode continuation control unit 25 continues the character input mode in the “kana” input mode, and the alphanumeric kana conversion control unit 26 continues the “alphanumeric kana” conversion mode. Controlled and input character “ka” is still unconfirmed input and is not converted to “alphanumeric kana”. The subsequent unconfirmed characters or character strings can be input in the “Kana” input mode.

  As a result, the subsequent characters “Nu (L), Ki (B), Yu (U), Ha (M)” can be input in the “Kana” input mode, and the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. To do. In this state, the unconfirmed character string displayed in the input line area 42 is “Kanuki Yuha”, and the conversion candidate character strings displayed in the conversion candidate display area 43 are character strings such as “25286” and “ALBUM”. is there. On this screen, the selection key (the function key displayed on the function display 44: the upper and lower selection keys 34 in FIG. 2) is operated to move the cursor to the conversion candidate character string, here “ALBUM”, and to the function display 46. When the displayed selection key (OK key 35 in FIG. 2) is operated, the unconfirmed character string input in the “kana” input mode is converted to “ALBUM” and becomes a confirmed character string. Although not shown in this state, the confirmed character string “ALBUM” converted to the input line area 42 is displayed, and the cursor moves to a position following this to enable input of the next unconfirmed character or character string. Become. In this state, the character input mode is not changed and the “kana” input mode is continued, and the next unconfirmed character or character string can be input as it is in the “kana” input mode.

  Here, it is assumed that the place where “Kanuki Yuha” should be input as shown in FIG. 5C is mistakenly input as “Kanuku Yuu” as shown in FIG. 5D. That is, if you enter while looking at the alphabetical characters on the key top and press the 2 key to which the number “B” is assigned twice, the key should be “ki (B)”. ) ”Is input, and the input line display area 42 displays the unconfirmed character string“ Kanuku Yuha ”, but the conversion candidate display area 43 displays conversion candidate character strings“ 25286 ”and“ ALCUM ”. Is displayed, it is understood that the key input of “C” is performed where “B” should be, and an error can be noticed. Since the character string input so far is an undetermined character string, in this case, the cursor position in the input line display area 42 can be returned to the position of “ku (C)” by pressing the left and right selection keys 34 (FIG. 2). it can.

  Then, “ku (C)” is selected and the clear key 37 is pressed to clear, and the number key is pressed as many times as “ki (B)” to correct the input. Then, the cursor is moved back to the last character “ha” that has been input, and the selection key (function key displayed on the function display 44: the upper and lower selection keys 34 in FIG. When the cursor is moved to “ALBUM” and the selection key (OK key 35 in FIG. 2) displayed on the function display 46 is operated, the unconfirmed character string input in kana is converted to “ALBUM” and confirmed character string. Can be corrected. In this case, a cellular phone that can take a procedure for selecting and converting without returning the cursor to the last character that has been input is also known, and which procedure is adopted is a design matter of the manufacturer.

  As described above, according to the character input device of the present invention, alphanumeric / kana conversion candidate characters are displayed by operating the alphanumeric / kana conversion key while the character input mode is set to “kana”. However, subsequent characters can be input as an undetermined character string. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform key operations that hinder the thinking of writing, and a character input device with good operability can be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone containing the character input device which concerns on this invention. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the mobile telephone of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the key definition file in the mobile telephone of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the basic screen of the display part at the time of character input It is a screen transition diagram which shows the procedure which inputs a character in "kana" input mode, and performs alphanumeric kana conversion, (a)-(d) is a figure which shows the screen structure which changes according to each operation. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the conventional mobile telephone. It is a screen transition figure which shows the conventional procedure which inputs a character in "kana" input mode, and converts it into alphanumeric kana, (a)-(b) is a figure which shows the screen structure which changes according to operation, respectively.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Mobile phone 21 ... Character input device 11 ... Communication part 12 ... Microphone 13 ... Speaker 14 ... Wireless part 22 ... Main control part 23 ··· Display unit 24 ··· Operation unit 25 ··· Input character mode continuation control unit 26 · · · Alphanumeric / Kana conversion control unit 27 · · · Mode selection unit 28 · · · Key definition File

Claims (4)

Mode selection means for selecting an input character mode and a conversion mode;
An operation unit on which a plurality of numeric keys assigned with a plurality of kana characters and alphabetic characters are arranged,
A key definition file defining characters assigned to the numeric keys, and
While maintaining the character input mode in the “kana” input mode, by operating the numeric keys to input unconfirmed characters or character strings to perform “alphanumeric kana” conversion,
The character input device includes an “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit, a character input mode continuation control unit, and a main control unit,
When the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion key is operated on the first unconfirmed character or character string input in the “kana” input mode, the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit To display the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion candidate characters on the display unit, and to continue the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion mode while maintaining the state of the unconfirmed characters or character strings,
The character input mode continuation control unit controls to continue the “kana” input mode.   The character input device performs the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control when the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion key is operated for a predetermined unconfirmed character string input in a state where the character input mode is “kana”. The part displays an “alphanumeric / kana” conversion candidate character string for the input character on the display unit, and when the conversion candidate character string is selected, determines the input character string as the selected conversion candidate character string. The character input device according to claim 1. "Alphanumeric / kana" conversion control unit, character input mode continuation control unit, main control unit, mode selection means for selecting input character mode, conversion mode, and numeric keys to which multiple kana characters and letters are assigned Are arranged, and a key definition file that defines the characters assigned to the numeric keys, and the numeric keys are not operated by operating the numeric keys while maintaining the character input mode in the “Kana” input mode. In the computer that constitutes the character input device that performs `` alphanumeric kana '' conversion by entering a fixed character or character string,
When the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion key is operated on the first unconfirmed character or character string input in the “kana” input mode, the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit In addition to displaying the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion candidate character on the display unit, the processing as the alphanumeric / kana conversion control unit that continues the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion mode while maintaining the state of the unconfirmed character or the character string is performed. Let it run
A program for executing a process as a character input mode continuation control unit for continuing the “kana” input mode. "Alphanumeric / kana" conversion control unit, character input mode continuation control unit, main control unit, mode selection means for selecting input character mode, conversion mode, and numeric keys to which multiple kana characters and letters are assigned Are arranged, and a key definition file that defines the characters assigned to the numeric keys, and the numeric keys are not operated by operating the numeric keys while maintaining the character input mode in the “Kana” input mode. In the computer that constitutes the character input device that performs `` alphanumeric kana '' conversion by entering a fixed character or character string,
When the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion key is operated for a predetermined unconfirmed character string input in the “kana” input mode, the “alphanumeric / kana” conversion control unit performs “ "Alphanumeric / kana" conversion candidate character string is displayed on the display unit, and when the conversion candidate character string is selected, the input character string is determined as the selected conversion candidate character or character string. The program according to claim 3, wherein the program is executed as a control unit.

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