JP2006101104A - Character input terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a character input terminal which can input characters without moving an inputting finger even at the time of allocated series characters input to an identical key. <P>SOLUTION: A definite key or a cursor movement key is located at the position which can be operated with a finger other than a finger which pushes a character input key. The character input terminal has a character input key 101, a direction input key 102, and a decision key 103. A character decision key 104 is arranged at the side face of the surface in which the character input key 101 is arranged, and can be depressed by the finger (for example, a middle finger) different from a finger (for example, a thumb) which depresses the character input key 101. Thus, even when this continues and inputs allocated characters into the identical key of the character input key 101, the character decision key 104 is pressed with the finger different from the finger for depressing the character input key 101 without moving the finger which presses the character input key 101. The character input key 101 is succeedingly depressed and the following characters can be input. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input terminal.

  In recent years, a large number of functions have been installed in mobile phones, and characters such as kanji, hiragana, katakana, alphanumeric characters, and symbols are required for the telephone book function, mail function, and memo pad function.

  FIG. 4 shows an arrangement example of buttons of a conventional mobile phone.

  The mobile phone has a limited number of operation keys that can be arranged on the terminal depending on the size of the terminal, and a plurality of characters are associated with one key. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the numbers “1”, “A”, and “@” are assigned to the key 401. Similarly, “2”, “K” and “abc” are assigned to the key 402. It has been. When inputting characters or symbols on such a key-assigned mobile phone, first, depending on the number of times an input mode switching key (not shown) is pressed, "Hiragana input" mode, "Katakana input" mode, "Number" By switching input modes such as “input” mode and “alphabet input” mode, and then pressing a key to which a desired character is assigned an appropriate number of times, a character or symbol is input. For example, when inputting “ki”, the input mode is switched to the “Hiragana input” mode with the input switching key, and the key 402 to which “ka line” is assigned is pressed twice.

  When entering “Kana” on a mobile phone, the keys assigned to the rows “A”, “K”, “SA”, “TA”, “NA”, “HA”, “MA”, “YA”, “RA”, and “WA” are assigned. Pressed a plurality of times, and converted into characters corresponding to each column of “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O”, which are vowels, according to the number of times of pressing. For example, when the key 102 to which “ka line” is assigned is pressed once, “ka”, when pressed twice, “ki”, when pressed three times, “ku” is converted. Similarly, when "English characters" are input, the English characters printed on the keys are converted in order by pressing multiple times.

  The converted character is displayed on a display screen such as a liquid crystal, and is confirmed by pressing a confirmation key 404 arranged at the center of the direction key 403 or the like. Alternatively, by pressing a key to which another line is assigned or by pressing the right direction of the direction key 403, the position of the cursor is moved, and the next character can be input. At this time, the input character is not fixed, and can be converted into Kanji or the like by pressing the up or down direction key 403. The conversion candidates displayed each time the direction key 403 is pressed are displayed. When changed and a desired candidate is displayed, a character input such as Kanji can be confirmed by pressing the confirmation key 404.

  However, when characters assigned to the same key, such as “ki” and “ku”, are continuously input, the key 402 assigned “ka line” is pressed twice to display “ki”. After that, it is necessary to move the cursor position by pressing the enter key 404 or pressing the right direction of the direction key 403, and press the key assigned “ka line” three times to input “ku”. There is. For this reason, even when the same key is continuously pressed, when the enter key 404 or the direction key 403 is input, the input finger moves, and characters on different lines are continuously input. Due to the different operation, it caused an operation error.

  In response to this problem, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2002-202844 and 2003-298714, a character is confirmed by long-pressing the key, so that the same key can be obtained without pressing the confirm key 404 or the direction key 403. Allows continuous input of assigned characters.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-259033, on the contrary, by confirming a character when a certain time has elapsed after being pressed, it is possible to continuously input characters assigned to the same key without pressing the enter key 404 or the direction key 403. It becomes possible.
JP 2002-202844 A JP 2003-298714 A JP 2002-259033 A

  However, long-pressing in the middle of character input and input after a period of time are significantly different from the conventional operation feeling, so it is difficult to say that the input operability is necessarily improved.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and enables character input without moving the input finger even when inputting continuous characters assigned to the same key while maintaining the conventional operational feeling. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the character input device of the present invention has a confirmation key or a cursor movement key at a position where it can be operated by a finger different from the finger pressing the character input key. To do.

  According to the character input device of the present invention, by placing the confirmation key or the cursor movement key at a position where it can be operated by a finger different from the finger pressing the character input key, continuous characters assigned to the same key are arranged. Character input can be performed without moving a finger inputting characters without special operations such as long press and input after a long time, and operability can be improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an overview of a character input terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The character input terminal in FIG. 1 has a character input key 101, a direction input key 102, and a confirmation key 103, a character confirmation key 104 is disposed on the side of the surface on which the character input key 101 is disposed, and the character input key 101. It is possible to press with a finger (for example, the middle finger) different from the finger (for example, the thumb) for pressing. Thus, even when characters assigned to the same key among the character input keys 101 are successively input, the finger that presses the character input key 101 is not moved and the finger that presses the character input key 101 is different. It is possible to confirm the character by depressing the character confirmation key 104 with a finger, and continue to depress the character input key 101 to input the next character.

  In addition, when characters assigned to the same key are continuously input, there is a case where it is desired to move only the cursor without confirming the character. Therefore, the character confirm key 104 is not a key for confirming the character but a cursor for moving the cursor. It may be a movement key.

  In addition, it is possible to select the character confirmation or the cursor movement so that the character is confirmed when the character confirmation key 104 is pressed once and the cursor is moved when the character confirmation key 104 is pressed twice. Conversely, the cursor may be moved when pressed once, and the character may be confirmed when pressed twice. It is also possible to increase the number of times of pressing and assign functions other than character confirmation and cursor movement.

  Further, when the character input key 101 is input, there is a possibility that the character confirmation key 104 is accidentally pressed. Therefore, in order to prevent malfunction, a method of invalidating the input of the character confirmation key 104 when the character input key 101 and the character confirmation key 104 are pressed simultaneously can be considered.

  In order to prevent malfunction, a method of invalidating the input of the character confirmation key 104 when the character confirmation key 104 is pressed while the same key is being continuously pressed can be considered.

  Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the character confirmation key 104 is arranged on the left side of the character input key 101, it may be arranged on the right side or on the upper side as shown in FIG. 3 may be arranged on the back surface. Further, it may consist of a plurality of cases and be arranged in a case different from the character input key 101.

  In addition, by arranging the character confirmation key 104 at a plurality of locations and making it possible to set a valid key, it is possible to select a position that can be easily input for each user.

  A mobile phone with a camera function having a shutter key or the like on the side surface can be realized without increasing costs by using the character confirmation key 104 also as a shutter key.

  Similarly, with a folding mobile phone, mail can be viewed in a folded state, and the screen scroll key is on the side surface, and the character confirmation key 104 is also used as the screen scroll key, so that the cost is not increased. I can do it.

  Although the key arrangement of the mobile phone has been described as an example, a remote controller of a terminal having a TV reception function has a similar character input key that also functions as a channel input key, and the same effect can be obtained by this patent. I can do it.

  The character input terminal according to the present invention is useful for a terminal in which a plurality of characters are assigned to the same key.

Overview of character input terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention The figure which shows the 2nd example of arrangement | positioning of a character confirmation key The figure which shows the 3rd example of arrangement | positioning of a character confirmation key. Overview of conventional character input terminal

Explanation of symbols

101 Character Input Key 102 Direction Input Key 103 Confirm Key 104 Character Confirm Key 401 “A Line” Character Input Key 402 “Ka Line” Character Input Key 403 Direction Input Key 404 Confirm Key

Claims (30)

A character input terminal, wherein a character confirmation key is arranged at a position that can be operated by a finger different from a finger that operates the character input key. A character input terminal characterized in that a cursor movement key is arranged at a position that can be operated by a finger different from a finger that operates a character input key. It has a character input key, a direction input key, and a confirmation key arranged near the direction input key, and can be operated by a finger different from the finger operating the character input key, separately from the direction input key and the confirmation key. Character input terminal characterized in that a character confirmation key is arranged at a proper position. It has a character input key, a direction input key, and a confirmation key arranged near the direction input key, and can be operated by a finger different from the finger operating the character input key, separately from the direction input key and the confirmation key. Character input terminal characterized by placing cursor movement keys at various positions. A character input key, a direction input key, and a confirmation key arranged near the direction input key, and separately from the direction input key and the confirmation key, on a different side from the direction input key and the confirmation key. A character input terminal having a character confirmation key arranged at a position where the finger can be operated with a finger different from a finger operating the character input key. A character input key, a direction input key, and a confirmation key arranged near the direction input key, and separately from the direction input key and the confirmation key, on a different side from the direction input key and the confirmation key. A character input terminal characterized in that a cursor movement key is arranged at a position that can be operated by a finger different from a finger that operates the character input key. 6. The character input terminal according to claim 1, wherein when the character confirmation key is pressed once, the character is confirmed, and when the character determination key is pressed twice, the cursor is moved. The character input terminal according to claim 2, 4 or 6, wherein when the cursor movement key is pressed once, the cursor is moved, and when the cursor movement key is pressed twice, the character is fixed. 8. The character input terminal according to claim 1, wherein the character input key is invalidated when the character input key and the character determination key are pressed simultaneously. The character input terminal according to claim 2, wherein the input of the cursor movement key is invalidated when the character input key and the cursor movement key are pressed simultaneously. 10. The input of the character confirmation key is invalidated when the character confirmation key is pressed while the character input key is continuously pressed. The character input terminal described in. The input of the cursor movement key is invalidated when the cursor movement key is pressed while the character input key is continuously pressed. The character input terminal described in. The character input terminal according to any one of claims 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, wherein the character confirmation key is located on a side surface of the surface on which the character input key is arranged. The character input terminal according to any one of claims 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, wherein the cursor movement key is located on a side surface of the surface on which the character input key is arranged. The character input terminal according to any one of claims 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, wherein the character confirmation key is located on a back surface of the surface on which the character input key is arranged. The character input terminal according to any one of claims 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, wherein the cursor movement key is located on a rear surface of the surface on which the character input key is arranged. It consists of a several housing | casing, The said character confirmation key is located in a housing | casing different from the housing | casing in which the said character input key is arrange | positioned, The 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 11 characterized by the above-mentioned. The character input terminal as described in any one of. It consists of a some housing | casing, The said cursor movement key is located in a housing | casing different from the housing | casing in which the said character input key is arrange | positioned, The 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 characterized by the above-mentioned. The character input terminal as described in any one of. At least two or more of the character confirmation keys are disposed on the side surface or the back surface of the surface on which the character input keys are disposed, or somewhere else, and at least one of the character confirmation keys is activated. The character input terminal according to any one of claims 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, wherein the character input terminal can be set. At least two or more cursor movement keys are arranged on the side of the surface on which the character input key is arranged, on the back surface, or somewhere in another housing, and at least one of the cursor movement keys is activated. The character input terminal according to any one of claims 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, wherein the character input terminal can be set. At least two or more character input auxiliary keys are arranged on the side surface of the surface on which the character input keys are arranged, the back surface, or somewhere else, and at least one of the character input auxiliary keys is the character confirmation. The character input terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the character input terminal can be set as a key, and at least one of the auxiliary input keys can be set as the cursor movement key. The character confirmation key is a key capable of inputting a direction, and confirms a character when input in any direction. The character input terminal according to any one of 15, 17, 19, and 21. The cursor movement key is a key that can be used to input a direction, and moves the cursor to the right when input in any direction, and moves the cursor to the left when input in a different direction. The character input terminal according to any one of claims 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 21. The character confirmation key is a key that can be pressed and the direction can be input. When the key is pressed, the character is confirmed, and when the character is input in any direction, the conversion character candidate is switched. The character input terminal according to any one of claims 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 21. The cursor movement key is a key that can be pressed and the direction can be input. When the key is pressed, the cursor is moved, and when input in any direction, the conversion character candidate is switched. The character input terminal according to any one of claims 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 21. The character input keys include “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, “8”, and “9” numeric keys. The character input terminal according to claim 1, wherein characters are assigned. The character input terminal according to claim 1, wherein the character input terminal is a mobile phone. 28. A mobile phone with a camera function, comprising a shutter key on a side surface, and when inputting characters, the previous shutter key is used as the character confirmation key or the cursor movement key. A character input terminal according to claim 1. E-mail can be confirmed on the LCD even when folded with a foldable mobile phone, it has a screen scroll key on the side, and when entering characters, the screen scroll key can be used as the character confirmation key or the cursor movement key. The character input terminal as described in any one of Claims 1-28 characterized by these. 26. The remote controller of a terminal having a television reception function, wherein the character input key is a channel input key and a plurality of characters are assigned. Character input terminal.

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