JP2007188451A - Character input device and character input method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a character input device and a character input method, for enhancing efficiency of character input. <P>SOLUTION: An operation part 100 includes a lever 5L and a lever 5R attached to a base seat 15 mounted with a bottom plate 16. Each lever includes a shift switch, a selection switch, and four direction sensors for detecting longitudinal and lateral inclining directions of the lever. The direction sensors of the lever 5L have determination, cancellation, addition and deletion functions of input characters, and the direction sensors of the lever 5R have vertical and lateral directional functions for character selection. Functions of switch operation and lever operation are stored in a mode ROM 4. When Kana characters are inputted, the switches of the lever 5R take charge of consonants, and the switches of the lever 5L take charge of vowels. The switches provided on the levers 5L and 5R are selectively depressed, whereby a user can easily input characters. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input device and a character input method capable of increasing the efficiency of character input.

  As devices for inputting characters, keyboards for inputting characters by pressing corresponding keys are widely used. In electrical appliances for information home appliances represented by televisions (hereinafter referred to as TV) and DVD recorders (hereinafter referred to as home electrical appliances), in general, the keyboard is an optional specification, and the information home appliances are equipped. It has not been. In information home appliances that are not equipped with a keyboard, as a method for inputting characters, a method for displaying characters on the screen and selecting a direction button of a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) to input characters, A method of displaying and inputting characters by pressing a button on the remote controller several times while viewing the screen has become widespread.

  Although it is possible to connect a keyboard to information appliances, when the keyboard is used as a device for inputting characters, the size and input environment of the keyboard are limited. For example, a full keyboard becomes quite large, so a place where the user puts the keyboard and inputs characters is required. Moreover, even if it is a small keyboard, if it does not deteriorate operability, a certain size will be needed and the area of the place to put will be needed. In addition, the keyboard operability will be hindered if it is not placed on a flat surface.

  In addition, when the keyboard is used as a device for inputting characters, the user needs to input characters while watching keys and buttons and the screen alternately. Such an input method is inefficient. Furthermore, a person who does not understand the character arrangement of the keyboard first needs to search for the corresponding character on the keyboard and then input the character while displaying it on the screen for confirmation, which takes time. Even when using the remote control, it is necessary to input while looking at the buttons and the screen alternately, which is also inefficient.

  Also, it takes time to display a Japanese syllabary diagram on the screen and select and input characters. In the case of the method of inputting and selecting and displaying a Japanese syllabary figure on the screen, it is not necessary to see the screen alternately with keys and buttons and the screen can be entered simply by looking at the screen. In order to display, a screen of a certain size is required. Also, as the size increases, the amount of movement of the cursor when selecting a character also increases, so the number of button operations and the like increases, and input takes time.

  Furthermore, since the number of buttons provided on the remote control is not large, when using the remote control, characters must be input using limited buttons on the remote control, which is inefficient. For example, if one row of the Japanese syllabary diagram is assigned to each button on the remote control and the corresponding character is displayed while pressing that button, the user will be prompted to press the button the wrong number of times. It is inefficient because it is necessary to press again.

  Therefore, a method has been proposed in which characters are selected and input using an instruction lever or an operating lever without using a keyboard or a remote control (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). In Patent Document 1, when the pointing lever is moved from the central axis and the direction indicating point is indicated, the consonant is determined. Next, when the pointing lever is moved in the circumferential direction, the vowel is selected. A method is described in which characters are determined and input when they are returned to the axis.

  Patent Document 2 describes a method of reading out characters corresponding to the row coordinates corresponding to the tilt direction of the operation lever and the column coordinates corresponding to the tilt amount.

JP 2000-148358 A (paragraphs 0031-0038, FIG. 1) JP 2004-348608 A (paragraphs 0018-0025, FIG. 1)

  However, in the character input device described in Patent Document 1, in order to select a consonant, the user tilts the indicating lever in a direction in which 360 degrees is divided into 12 parts, and further, in order to select a vowel, Need to rotate in the direction. In particular, it is difficult for a user unfamiliar with the instruction lever operation to tilt the instruction lever at intervals of 30 degrees instead of moving the instruction lever back and forth, and right and left, and it may take time to select consonants and the efficiency may deteriorate. .

  In the character input device described in Patent Document 2, in order to select a row coordinate corresponding to the tilt direction, the operation lever is tilted in a direction in which 360 degrees is equally divided into 12, and further, the column coordinates corresponding to the tilt amount In order to select, it is necessary to perform an operation of tilting the operation lever in a direction in which 90 degrees is divided into six equal parts. Such an operation is also difficult for a user who is unfamiliar with the operation lever operation, and it may take a long time to select row coordinates and column coordinates, resulting in poor efficiency.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a character input device and a character input method that can improve the character input efficiency.

  The character input device according to the present invention includes a first operating means (for example, a lever 5L) having a plurality of selection input units (for example, a shift switch 6L and selection switches 7L to 10L), and a plurality of selection input units (for example, a shift switch). Characters corresponding to combinations of second operation means (for example, lever 5R) having switch 6R and selection switches 7R to 10R), a selection input section in the first operation means, and a selection input section in the second operation means Corresponding character storage means (for example, mode RAM 4), and corresponding character storage according to the combination of the selection input section selected by the first operation means and the selection input section selected by the second operation means. A character selection means (for example, the central processing unit 1) for selecting a character from the means, and a display unit for displaying information that can specify a character that the character selection means can select Characterized by comprising a.

  Each of the first operating means and the second operating means is formed so as to be tiltable in four directions, and is a first direction detecting means (for example, direction sensors 11L to 14L) that detects the tilt direction of the first operating means. ), Second direction detection means (for example, direction sensors 11R to 14R) for detecting the direction of inclination of the second operation means, and a character input support function according to the direction detected by the first direction detection means. First character input support means to be executed (for example, realized by the central processing unit 1) and second character input support means to execute a character input support function according to the direction detected by the second direction detection means (For example, realized by the central processing unit 1).

  The first character input support unit executes, for example, character determination, character cancellation, character addition, and character deletion according to the direction detected by the first direction detection unit.

  The second character input support unit moves, for example, a cursor displayed on the display unit according to the direction detected by the second direction detection unit.

  An input mode indicating the type of character data (for example, hiragana input mode), a character type that can be input using the first operation means (for example, vowels), and a character type that can be input using the second operation means (for example, (Consonant) may be displayed on the display unit (see FIG. 6A), and mode display control means (for example, realized by the central processing unit 1) may be provided.

  In addition to the input mode indicating the type of character data, the character type that can be input using the first operation means, and the character type that can be input using the second operation means, the first character input support means and the second character input support means Even if it is provided with a help mode display control means (for example, realized by the central processing unit 1) that displays the function executed by the character input support means and the characters that can be input (see FIG. 6B). Good.

  You may provide the edit means which changes matching with the combination of the selection input part memorize | stored in the corresponding character memory | storage means, and a character. In such a configuration, the user can optimize the character input device so as to be easy to use.

  The first operating means and the second operating means are preferably attached to a pedestal to which the bottom plate is attached. In such a configuration, the user can perform character input in a stable state simply by placing the pedestal on the knee or the like due to the weight of the bottom plate.

  The first operating means and the second operating means are formed in a cylindrical shape, and one switch is provided as a selection input unit on the upper part of the first operating means, and the selection input is provided on the side part of the first operating means. Four switches are provided as a part, one switch is provided as a selection input part in the upper part of the second operation means, and four switches are provided as selection input parts in the side part of the second operation means. Preferably it is. In the case of such a configuration, a character input device that is easy for a casualty to operate with a finger is realized.

  The character input method according to the present invention includes a first operation unit having a plurality of selection input units operated by a user, a second operation unit having a plurality of selection input units operated by the user, and selectable characters. Input method using a character input device provided with a display unit for displaying information that can identify information, corresponding to a combination of a selection input unit in the first operation means and a selection input unit in the second operation means Then, the character is stored, and the character is selected according to the combination of the selection input unit selected by the first operation unit and the selection input unit selected by the second operation unit.

  The direction of the inclination of the first operation means is detected, and the character is determined, the character is canceled, the character is added, and the character is deleted according to the inclination direction of the first operation means. The direction of inclination may be detected, and the cursor displayed on the display unit may be moved according to the direction of inclination of the second operation means.

  According to the present invention, the character is stored in association with the combination of the selection input unit in the first operation unit and the selection input unit in the second operation unit, and the selected selection input unit in the first operation unit and the Since the character is selected according to the combination with the selection input unit selected in the second operation means, the user inputs the character only by operating the selection input unit of the first operation means and the second operation means. Character input efficiency.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, two substantially cylindrical levers 5 </ b> R and 5 </ b> L are attached to the operation unit 100 on a pedestal 15 to which, for example, a metal bottom plate plate 16 is attached. A shift switch 6R and four selection switches 7R to 10R are attached to the lever 5R. A shift switch 6L and four selection switches 7L to 10L are attached to the lever 5L. Four direction sensors 11R to 14R for detecting the front / rear and left / right inclinations of the lever 5R are installed on the upper portion of the base 15. Four direction sensors 11L to 14L for detecting the front / rear / left / right inclination of the lever 5L are provided. When the levers 5R and 5L are tilted, the direction sensors 11R to 14R and 11L to 14L detect the tilts of the levers 5R and 5L by being pushed by the levers 5R and 5L.

  The shift switch 6R and the direction sensors 11R to 14R are each connected to a counter circuit 17R that calculates how many times it is pressed. The counter circuit 17R is reset by the central processing unit 1 via the reset signal line 19. The selection switches 7R to 10R and the counter circuit 17R are connected to the AD conversion circuit 18R. The A-D conversion circuit 18R performs A-D conversion on the signals sent from the selection switches 7R to 10R and the counter circuit 17R, and sends the data to the central processing unit 1 via the digital signal line 20. The shift switch 6L and the direction sensors 11L to 14L are each connected to a counter circuit 17L that calculates how many times it is pressed. The counter circuit 17L is reset by the central processing unit 1 via the reset signal line 19. The selection switches 7L to 10L and the counter circuit 17L are connected to the AD conversion circuit 18L. The A-D conversion circuit 18L performs A-D conversion on the signals sent from the selection switches 7L to 10L and the counter circuit 17L, and sends the data to the central processing unit 1 via the digital signal line 20.

  Control unit 110 includes central processing unit 1, character ROM 2 storing character data, switch (including shift switch 6R, selection switches 7R to 10R, shift switch 6L and selection switches 7L to 10L) operation and lever operation. Are provided with a mode RAM 4 for storing each mode and a display 3. A character ROM 2, a mode RAM 4, and a display 3 are connected to the central processing unit 1. In the present embodiment, the central processing unit 1, the character ROM 2, the mode RAM 4 and the display 3 are installed in an information home appliance or the like. A nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is used as the mode RAM 4.

  A structural example of the operation unit 100 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the operation unit 100. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the levers 5R and 5L in detail. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the operation unit 100 as viewed from above. FIG. 3 shows a state where the levers 5R and 5L shown in FIG. 2 are viewed from the back side (direction shifted by 180 degrees).

  2 to 4, the shift switch 6R is provided on the upper surface of the lever 5R, and the selection switch 7R, the selection switch 8R, the selection switch 9R, and the selection switch 10R are provided on the side surface of the lever 5R. The direction sensor 14R, the direction sensor 12R, the direction sensor 13R, and the direction sensor 11R are provided in the XY axis direction below the lever 5R so as to detect the front / rear and left / right inclination of the lever 5R. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the lever 5 </ b> R is arranged around the lever 5 </ b> R that is circular in the plan view, and is shifted by 90 degrees with respect to the adjacent direction sensor.

  The shift switch 6L is provided on the upper surface of the lever 5L, and the selection switch 7L, the selection switch 8L, the selection switch 9L, and the selection switch 10L are provided on the side surface of the lever 5L. The direction sensor 14L, the direction sensor 12L, the direction sensor 13L, and the direction sensor 11L are provided below the lever 5L so as to detect the front-rear and left-right inclinations of the lever 5L.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of characters (in this example, hiragana) input by lever operation and switch operation. The lever operation includes an operation of tilting the lever 5R and the lever 5L back and forth and right and left. The switch operation includes an operation of pressing the shift switch 6R, the selection switches 7R to 10R, the shift switch 6L, and the selection switches 7L to 10L. Note that data indicating the correspondence between the combination of the shift switch and the selection switch illustrated in FIG. 5 and the character is stored in the mode RAM 4.

  The user operates the lever 5L with the left hand and operates the lever 5R with the right hand. The thumb of the left hand is assigned to the shift switch 6L, and the selection switch 7L, the selection switch 8L, the selection switch 9L, and the selection switch 10L are assigned to the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger, respectively. The thumb of the right hand is assigned to the shift switch 6R, and the selection switch 7R, the selection switch 8R, the selection switch 9R, and the selection switch 10R are assigned to the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger, respectively. The lever 5L is in charge of the vowels of the Japanese syllabary, and the lever 5R is in charge of the consonants.

  The selectable consonant changes according to the number of times the shift switch 6R is pressed. In FIGS. 5A to 5C, characters selected by a combination of the lever 5L and the switch of the lever 5R (shift switch 6L, selection switches 7L to 10L, shift switch 6R and selection switches 7R to 10R) are arranged in a matrix. It is shown. In the present embodiment, when the number of times the shift switch 6R is pressed is 1, as shown in FIG. 5A, the “ka” line, the “sa” line, the “ta” line, and the “na” line A character can be selected. When the number of times the shift switch 6R is pressed is 2, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the characters “ha”, “ma”, “ya”, and “ra” can be selected. . When the number of times the shift switch 6R is pressed is 3, as shown in FIG. 5C, the characters of the “WA” line, “N” line, “A” line, and “YA” line can be selected. .

  FIG. 5D shows a function assigned to the operation of tilting the lever 5L and the lever 5R back and forth and right and left. Each of the lever 5L and the lever 5R is formed so as to be able to fall (tilt) in at least four directions (for example, front and rear, left and right) with a portion in contact with the base 15 as a fulcrum. When the user holds the lever 5L and the lever 5R with both hands, the direction in which the tip of the lever moves away from the user side is defined as “rear”, and the direction in which the lever tip approaches the user side is defined as “front”. That is, when the lever is pushed backward (opposite to the user's position), a “rear” operation is performed, and when the lever is pulled forward, a “front” operation is performed. In FIG. 5D, the operation of tilting the lever 5L is assigned to the operation of determination / cancellation / addition / deletion. The operation of the user pushing the lever backward is “determination”, and the operation of pulling the lever forward In this example, “cancel” is assigned to the function “add” for the operation of tilting the lever to the right, and “delete” for the operation of tilting the lever to the left. The central processing unit 1 executes a character input support function (in this example, character determination, character cancellation, character addition, character deletion) according to the direction detected by the first direction detection unit. 1 character input support means is realized.

The operation of tilting the lever 5R is assigned to the operation of moving the cursor position on the screen of the display 3 up / down / right / left. That is, when the user pushes the lever backward, the cursor position is "up", when the lever is pulled forward, the cursor position is "down", and when the lever is tilted to the right, the cursor position is "right" When the lever is tilted to the left, the cursor position is moved “to the left”. The central processing unit 1 implements second character input support means for executing a character input support function (in this example, movement of the cursor) according to the direction detected by the second direction detection means.

  When the user tilts the lever 5R forward / backward / left / right, that is, tilts forward / backward / left / right, one of the direction sensors 11R to 14R provided below the lever 5R is pushed. Then, the pushed direction sensor outputs a signal indicating that it has been pressed (a signal indicating that the inclination of the lever 5R has been detected). Further, when the user tilts the lever 5L forward / backward / left / right, that is, tilts forward / backward / left / right, one of the direction sensors 11L to 14L provided below the lever 5L is pushed. Then, the pressed direction sensor outputs a signal indicating that it has been pressed (a signal indicating that the inclination of the lever 5L has been detected). The direction sensor 11R to the direction sensor 14R may be associated with the lever 5R. For example, a structure in which a plate-like object attached to the lever 5R opens or blocks an optical path in a sensor composed of a light emitter and a light receiver.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an input mode displayed on the display 3. In the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 6A, the input mode set at that time and the states of the lever 5L and the lever 5R are displayed on the display. FIG. 6A shows an example in which “Hiragana input” (corresponding to information that can specify a character that can be selected by the character selection unit) is selected as the input mode. The lever 5L is in charge of “vowels”, and the lever 5R is in charge of “consonants (kasana)”.

  In the help mode, as shown in FIG. 6B, in addition to the display in the normal mode, a list of characters displayed by a combination of the lever 5L and the switch of the lever 5R (including a shift switch and a selection switch) A description of the operation assigned to the operation of tilting the lever is displayed.

  Next, the operation will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  First, the operations for confirming, determining, changing, and canceling the character input mode will be described. When the user connects the operation unit 100 to the control unit 110 installed in the information home appliance or the like, the normal mode display stored in the mode RAM 4 is displayed on the display 3 as illustrated in FIG. The user confirms the states of “input mode”, “lever L”, and “lever R”.

  When using without changing the setting (input mode, lever 5L and lever 5R state), the lever 5L is tilted backward. Then, the direction sensor 14L detects the operation and sends an analog signal to the counter circuit 17L. The counter circuit 17L integrates the number of signal outputs from the direction sensor 14L. The A-D conversion circuit 18L performs A-D conversion on the integrated value obtained by the counter circuit 17L, and sends the digital data to the central processing unit 1. The central processing unit 1 recognizes that the input mode has been determined from the digital data, displays information indicating the determination on the display 3, and sends a reset signal to the reset signal line 19, and the counter circuit 17L and the counter circuit 17R is reset.

  When changing the input mode, when the lever 5R is tilted backward while the cursor is in the “input mode” position, the direction sensor 14R detects the operation and sends an analog signal to the counter circuit 17R. The counter circuit 17R accumulates the number of times and sends the digital data to the central processing unit 1 via the AD conversion circuit 18R. The central processing unit 1 reads another input mode stored in the mode RAM 4 based on the digital data and displays it on the display 3. The user can confirm the input mode and tilt the lever 5L backward to determine it, or cancel it by tilting the lever 5L forward to cancel. When the operation unit 100 is connected to the control unit 110 installed in the information home appliance or the like, the cursor is displayed at the position of “input mode”, and when the user tilts the lever 5R toward the front, for example, The cursor moves.

  Next, hiragana character input will be described with reference to FIGS. After confirming the character input mode, when the user is unfamiliar with character input, the user presses the left and right shift switches 6L and 6R at the same time. The analog signals from the shift switch 6L and the shift switch 6R are integrated by the counter circuit 17L and the counter circuit 17R and converted into digital signals by the AD conversion circuit 18L and the AD conversion circuit 18R. When the digital data is transmitted to the central processing unit 1, the central processing unit 1 reads the help mode (see FIG. 6) stored in the mode RAM 4 and displays it on the display 3. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the central processing unit 1 displays information that can identify characters that can be selected by the character selection unit in the help mode.

  When inputting the consonant, the user moves the cursor to the character input position of the display 3 by tilting the lever 5R while looking at the help mode, and applies from the selection switches 7R to 10R on the lever 5R. Press the selection switch you want. An analog signal is transmitted to the A / D conversion circuit 18R from the pressed selection switch. The A-D conversion circuit 18R converts it into a digital signal and sends it to the central processing unit 1 via the digital signal line 20.

  When the user inputs a vowel, the user presses a corresponding switch from among the shift switch 6L and the selection switches 7L to 10L on the lever 5L. An analog signal from the pressed selection switch is transmitted to the AD conversion circuit 18L. The A-D conversion circuit 18 </ b> L converts the digital signal into a digital signal and sends it to the central processing unit 1 via the digital signal line 20. The central processing unit 1 selects the corresponding hiragana from the consonant digital data and vowel digital data from the character ROM 2 and displays it on the display 3. When the user confirms on the display 3 that the hiragana he / she wants to display is displayed, the user decides by tilting the lever 5L backward.

  For example, when inputting “su”, the cursor 5 is moved to the character input position on the display 3 by the lever 5R and the selection switch 8R and the selection switch 8L are pressed, and “su” is displayed on the display 3. When “e” is input, “e” is displayed on the display 3 when the selection switch 9L is pressed.

  When inputting the next character, if the corresponding character of the consonant is not found, the user presses the shift switch 6R of the lever 5R. Then, an analog signal from the shift switch 6R is transmitted to the counter circuit 17R. The counter circuit 17R accumulates the number of times of pressing. The A-D conversion circuit 18R converts the integrated value of the counter circuit 17R into a digital signal and sends it to the central processing unit 1 via the digital signal line 20. The central processing unit 1 changes the input mode of the lever R of the help mode display of the display 3 and the central character list according to the digital data. Specifically, when the shift switch 6R is pressed once, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), a table of “consonant” is obtained, and when the shift switch 6R is pressed twice, FIG. 5 (b). As shown in FIG. 5, a table of “consonant” is obtained, and when the shift switch 6R is pressed three times, a table of “consonant” is displayed as shown in FIG. The user confirms that the input mode has been changed, and presses the corresponding character selection switch.

  Furthermore, when a consonant is selected and the hiragana different from the input character desired by the user is displayed on the display 3 by mistakenly pressing the shift switch 6L and the selection buttons 7L to 10L when selecting the vowel, the display 3 is used. A person can delete hiragana by tilting the lever 5L to the left. If the user wants to add hiragana, the user can add characters by operating the lever 5R to the corresponding position and tilting the lever 5L to the right.

  For the input of hiragana / semi-voiced sound, the user presses the shift switch 6R of the lever 5R after inputting the consonant and vowel, selects the added character of the cloudy / semi-voiced sound, and tilts the lever 5L backward. To decide.

  Next, a method for changing the arrangement of characters and a method for changing the function of the lever will be described.

  First, a method for changing the arrangement of characters will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an edit mode displayed on the display 3. Specifically, a method for changing “su” to “ru” will be described as an example of character change. The user simultaneously presses the left and right shift switches 6L and 6R. Then, the help mode shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the display 3. When the user simultaneously tilts the lever 5R and the lever 5L backward, the central processing unit 1 reads the character string data stored in the mode RAM 4 and displays the edit mode as shown in FIG. The cursor is positioned at the character “ka”.

  The user tilts the lever 5R in the right direction and the downward direction, and brings the cursor to “su” to be changed. The user tilts the lever 5L backward once to confirm that the character to be changed. Then, the cursor blinks, and the central processing unit 1 sequentially displays the characters registered in the character ROM 2 on the display 3 according to the number of times the user tilts the lever 5R to the right. When “RU” to be changed is displayed, the user decides by tilting the lever 5L backward. Then, the central processing unit 1 turns on the cursor on the display 3 and overwrites the character string data in the mode RAM 4. When ending the edit mode, the user can return to the input mode from the edit mode by simultaneously tilting the lever 5R and the lever 5L backward again.

  Next, a method for changing the function of the lever will be described with reference to FIGS. Specifically, a method of changing the function of “lever L” will be described as an example of changing the function of the lever. The user simultaneously presses the left and right shift switches 6L and 6R. Then, the help mode shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the display 3. When the user simultaneously tilts the lever 5R and the lever 5L backward, the central processing unit 1 reads the character string data stored in the mode RAM 4 and displays the edit mode as shown in FIG. The cursor is positioned at the character “ka”.

  When the user tilts the lever 5R to the left, the cursor moves to the “input mode” section, and when the lever 5R is tilted downward (tilt the lever toward you), the cursor moves to the “lever L” section. Moving. In order to confirm that the term is to be changed, the user tilts the lever 5L once backward. Then, the central processing unit 1 causes the cursor to blink, and displays the items (in this case, vowels and consonants) registered in the character ROM 2 in order according to the number of times the user tilts the lever 5R to the right. Display above. When the “consonant” is displayed, when the user decides by tilting the lever 5L backward, the central processing unit 1 turns on the cursor and overwrites and saves the mode of the “lever L” in the mode RAM 4. When ending the edit mode, the user can return to the input mode from the edit mode by simultaneously tilting the lever 5R and the lever 5L backward again.

  According to the present embodiment, by adopting the operation of the lever mounted on the pedestal, the shift switch operation, and the selection switch operation, the occupied area of the operation unit can be reduced compared to a full keyboard or the like. it can. Although it is possible to input characters by connecting a full keyboard or the like to information appliances, it is necessary to secure a place to place the full keyboard. Since the pedestal is added to the two levers, the occupied area required for character input can be reduced compared to the case of a full keyboard.

  Also, by adopting a pedestal fitted with a heavy bottom plate, the user can input characters in a more stable state than a full keyboard or the like. If there is no place on the flat surface for placing a full keyboard, etc., it must be entered at an unstable location such as the knee, but in this embodiment, the base is placed on the knee due to the weight of the bottom plate even in an unstable location. Can be executed in a stable state.

  Furthermore, the user can input characters by looking only at the display as compared with a remote control or the like. When inputting characters with the remote control, the user inputs while viewing the display screen and the buttons on the remote control alternately. In this embodiment, once the user learns how to operate the lever and selection switch, the display screen is displayed. Character input time can be shortened because it is possible to input only by looking at the characters.

  In addition, the user can easily learn the operation method rather than learning the keyboard layout. The keyboard layout generally adopts a QWERTY layout, which is good for those who are used to keyboard input, but it is confusing for those who input for the first time. In this embodiment, a combination of Japanese consonants and vowels is realized by a switch operation, and confirmation / cancellation / deletion / insertion and a direction are realized by a lever operation. Therefore, the user can learn the operation in a short time and can perform the character input operation.

  Further, the user can operate while displaying on the screen after editing the characters and the functions of the levers 5R and 5L so that the user can easily input them. New characters and input can be defined by a combination of buttons on the remote control and keyboard, but these must be written in the instruction manual or remembered in the individual's head. In the present embodiment, the user can perform operations while displaying the stored characters and actions in the help mode and viewing the screen.

  Also, the user's dominant arm can handle either. The keyboard and remote control are made for right-handed people, and left-handed people may feel inconvenience, but in this embodiment, the levers with selection switches of exactly the same structure are used as the two levers. is doing. Therefore, right-handed and left-handed can be operated simply by switching the input mode

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an input method for an “electronic desk calculator (calculator)” is used instead of the “Hiragana input” in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, a calculator function can be assigned to a shift switch, a selection switch, and a lever.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing lever operation and switch operation when used as a calculator. As shown in FIG. 8A, numbers are assigned to the shift switch 6L of the lever 5L and the selection switches 7L to 10L, and the numbers and symbols are changed according to the number of times the shift switch 6R of the lever 5R is pressed. Specifically, when the switch 6R is pressed once, “1” is assigned to the shift switch 6L, and “2” to “5” are assigned to the selection switch 7L to the selection switch 10L. When the switch 6R is pressed twice, “6” is assigned to the shift switch 6L, and “7”, “8”, “9”, and “0” are assigned to the selection switch 7L to the selection switch 10L. When the switch 6R is pressed three times, “.” Is assigned to the shift switch 6L, and “(”, “)”, “M +”, and “MR” are assigned to the selection switches 7L to 10L.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the front / rear and left / right directions of the lever 5L, "equal (=)", "clear (clear)", "left shift (←)" and "right shift (→)" And four arithmetic symbols (+, x, /,-) are assigned to the front, rear, left and right directions of the lever 5R. The display 3 displays the numbers selected by the selection switch and the shift switch and the four arithmetic symbols selected by the lever 5R, and displays the calculation result when the user tilts the lever 5L backward. Specifically, when the user presses the selection switch 7L, tilts the lever 5R backward, presses the selection switch 8L, and tilts the lever 5L backward, “5” is displayed on the display.

  In this embodiment, since the calculator function is assigned to the shift switch operation, the selection switch operation, and the lever operation, the user can perform the calculation while looking only at the display.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an input method for “remote control” is used instead of “Hiragana input” in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the functions of the remote control can be assigned to the shift switch, selection switch, and lever.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating lever operation and switch operation when used as a remote controller. As shown in FIG. 9, the function of a remote control of a television, a DVD, and a video recorder (hereinafter referred to as video) is realized. The TV mode and the DVD / video mode are switched according to the number of times the shift button 6R of the lever 5R is pressed. When the shift button 6R is pressed once, the TV mode is set. When the shift button 6R is pressed twice, the DVD / video mode is set.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, in the TV mode, the channel number (specifically, the channel number is determined by the combination of the shift switch 6L and the selection switches 7L to 10L of the lever 5L and the selection switches 7R to 10R of the lever 5R). 1-channel 20) can be input. Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the lever 5L is used, “enter” and “clear” are operated by the lever operation in the front-rear direction, and “channel is selected by the lever operation in the left-right direction. "Progress / Return" can be selected, and in the lever 5R, an electronic program guide or the like that can be displayed on the display 3 is assigned as a direction key for selecting the program.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, also in the DVD / video mode, each combination of the shift switch 6L and the selection switches 7L to 10L of the lever 5L and the selection switches 7R to 10R of the lever 5R Function can be selected.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9D, when the lever 5L is used, “OK” and “CANCEL” can be performed by operating the lever in the front-rear direction, and “SELECT-” and “SELECT +” can be operated by operating the lever in the left-right direction. In the lever 5R, the operations of “start”, “end”, “return”, and “forward” of the reproduction operation are realized by lever operation in the front / rear and left / right directions.

  In the present embodiment, the functions of the TV and DVD / video remote control are assigned to the shift switch operation, the selection switch operation, and the lever operation, so that the operation can be performed while viewing the display.

  The present invention can be suitably applied to information home appliances and the like, and can be applied to applications that facilitate character input by a user.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an operation part. It is a perspective view which shows an operation part in detail. It is the top view which looked at the operation part from the upper part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the list of lever operation and switch operation in the case of hiragana input. It is explanatory drawing which shows the input mode displayed on a display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the edit mode displayed on a display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the list of lever operation and switch operation in the case of using as a calculator. It is explanatory drawing which shows the list of lever operation and switch operation in the case of using as a remote controller.

Explanation of symbols

1 Central processing unit 2 Character ROM
3 Display 4 Mode RAM
5L, 5R Lever 6L, 6R Shift switch 7L-10L, 7R-10R Selection switch 11L-14L, 11R-14R Direction sensor 15 Pedestal 16 Bottom plate 17L, 17R Counter circuit 18L, 18R A-D conversion circuit 19 Reset signal line 20 Digital signal line 100 Operation unit 110 Control unit

Claims (11)

A first operating means having a plurality of selection input units;
A second operating means having a plurality of selection input units;
Corresponding character storage means for storing characters in association with a combination of the selection input section in the first operation means and the selection input section in the second operation means;
A character selection unit that selects a character from the corresponding character storage unit according to a combination of the selection input unit selected by the first operation unit and the selection input unit selected by the second operation unit;
A character input device, comprising: a display unit configured to display information capable of specifying a character that can be selected by the character selection unit. The first operating means and the second operating means are each formed to be tiltable in four directions,
First direction detecting means for detecting a direction of inclination of the first operating means;
Second direction detecting means for detecting a direction of inclination of the second operating means;
First character input support means for executing a character input support function in accordance with the direction detected by the first direction detection means;
The character input device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second character input support unit that executes a character input support function according to a direction detected by the second direction detection unit. The character input device according to claim 2, wherein the first character input support means executes character determination, character cancellation, character addition, and character deletion according to the direction detected by the first direction detection means. . The character input device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second character input support means moves the cursor displayed on the display unit in accordance with the direction detected by the second direction detection means. An input mode indicating a type of character data, a character display type that can be input using the first operation unit, and a mode display control unit that displays a character type that can be input using the second operation unit on the display unit. The character input device according to any one of claims 2 to 4. In addition to the input mode indicating the type of character data, the character type that can be input using the first operation means, and the character type that can be input using the second operation means, the first character input support means and the second character input support means 6. The character input device according to claim 2, further comprising: a help mode display control unit configured to display a function executed by the character input support unit and characters that can be input on a display unit. The character input device according to claim 1, further comprising an editing unit that changes a correspondence between the combination of the selected input unit and the character stored in the corresponding character storage unit. The character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first operating means and the second operating means are attached to a pedestal to which a bottom plate plate is attached. The first operating means and the second operating means are formed in a cylindrical shape,
One switch is provided as a selection input unit on the upper part of the first operation means, and four switches are provided as selection input units on the side part of the first operation means,
The switch in the upper part of the second operation means is provided as a selection input unit, and the switch in the side part of the second operation means is provided with four switches as a selection input unit. The character input device of any one of them. The first operation means having a plurality of selection input units operated by the user, the second operation means having the plurality of selection input units operated by the user, and information capable of specifying the selectable characters are displayed. A character input method using a character input device including a display unit,
Storing characters in association with the combination of the selection input unit in the first operation means and the selection input unit in the second operation means;
A character input method comprising: selecting a character in accordance with a combination of a selection input unit selected by the first operation unit and a selection input unit selected by the second operation unit. Detecting the direction of inclination of the first operating means;
Performing character determination, character cancellation, character addition, character deletion according to the direction of inclination of the first operating means;
Detecting the direction of inclination of the second operating means;
The character input method according to claim 10, wherein the cursor displayed on the display unit is moved in accordance with the direction of inclination of the second operation means.

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