JP2008146396A - Character input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate input of characters even if operational keys are lessened. <P>SOLUTION: A character input device has a selection key, a 1st input key, a memory unit which memorizes a character group table which classifies two or more characters into two or more character groups, a group selection section 65 which chooses one character group among two or more character groups based on a frequency which detects that the 1st input key is turned ON, an allocation section 67 which allocates the selected character group to the 1st input key, a 1st character selection section 61 which chooses one selection character among two or more characters classified into the character group currently allocated to the 1st input key based on a frequency which detects that the 1st input key is turned ON. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input device, and more particularly to a character input device provided in a portable device.

  In recent years, a small information device such as a mobile phone is required to have a function of inputting characters in order to generate an e-mail. In a small information device, it is preferable to reduce the number of buttons provided therein.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-186613 responds from a code assignment table storing codes indicating characters currently assigned to a predetermined number of input keys, and an assignment code table in response to pressing of each input key. Reading means for reading the code and inputting it to the control means for controlling the operation of the portable information terminal, and assignment changing means for rewriting the contents of the code assignment table using a specified combination of codes in response to the input of the switching instruction Then, it is detected that a predetermined number of input keys or another function key provided in the portable information terminal has been operated in a predetermined procedure, and an appropriate switching instruction is input to the assignment changing means according to the detection result. A character input device included in a portable information terminal including an instruction input unit is described.

However, since the character input device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-186613 changes a code indicating one character assigned to each predetermined number of input keys, one character assigned to each predetermined number of input keys. Need to be shown to the user. For this reason, when the number of input keys increases, there is a problem that the area of the display area for indicating the characters assigned to the input keys to the user increases. On the other hand, by reducing the number of input keys, the display area for indicating the state of characters assigned to the input keys can be narrowed. There is a problem of being inferior.
JP 2003-186613 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a character input device capable of easily inputting characters even if the number of operation keys is reduced.

  According to an aspect of the present invention to achieve the above-described object, a character input device includes: a first instruction receiving unit; a second instruction receiving unit provided separately from the first instruction receiving unit; One character from the plurality of character groups based on the number of times of detecting the acceptance of the allocation instruction by the first instruction receiving means and the storage means for storing a character group table in which a plurality of characters are classified into a plurality of character groups Group instruction means for selecting a group, assignment means for allocating the selected character group to the second instruction means, and second instruction acceptance based on the number of times detection of acceptance of the selection instruction by the second instruction acceptance means is detected. Character selection means for selecting one selected character from a plurality of characters classified into one of a plurality of character groups assigned to the means.

  According to this aspect, one character group is assigned to the second instruction means from among the plurality of character groups based on the number of assignment instructions received by the first instruction acceptance means. Then, one of a plurality of characters classified into the character group assigned to the second instruction receiving unit is selected based on the number of selection instructions received by the second instruction receiving unit. For this reason, it is sufficient to provide at least two of the first instruction receiving means and the second instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction, and therefore the number of operation keys can be reduced. In addition, since the operation of selecting a character group to be assigned from a plurality of character groups and the operation of selecting one of a plurality of characters classified into the assigned character group may be performed, operability is improved. Good. As a result, it is possible to provide a character input device capable of easily inputting characters even if the number of operation keys is reduced.

  Preferably, a selection character display means for displaying the selection character on the display means is further provided.

  According to this aspect, since the selected character is displayed, it is possible to notify the user of the character group and the selected character assigned to the second instruction receiving means.

  Preferably, the selected character is determined as the input character in response to detecting third instruction receiving means different from the first and second instruction receiving means and acceptance of the determination instruction by the third instruction means. Input character determination means and input character display means for displaying the input character determined by the input character determination means.

  According to this aspect, when the determination instruction is accepted by the third instruction means, the selected character is determined as the input character, and the determined input character is displayed. The selected character can be confirmed and a character string can be input.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a character input device includes a first instruction receiving unit, a plurality of second instruction receiving units provided separately from the first instruction receiving unit, and a plurality of characters. Storage means for storing a character group table classified into a plurality of character groups, a selection group table in which a plurality of character groups are classified into a plurality of selection groups, and the number of times the acceptance of the assignment instruction by the first instruction acceptance means is detected. A group selection unit that selects one selection group from among a plurality of selection groups, an allocation unit that allocates a plurality of character groups included in the selected selection group to a plurality of second instruction receiving units, and a plurality of groups A plurality of character selection means each paired with the second instruction receiving means, and each of the plurality of character selection means is a second instruction paired with the character selection means. One selected character from among the plurality of characters are classified into character group assigned to the biasing means is selected based on the number of times of detecting the reception of a selection instruction by the instruction receiving means of the second.

  According to this aspect, one selection group is selected from a plurality of selection groups based on the number of times the first instruction reception unit receives the assignment instruction, and a plurality of character groups included in the selected selection group are included. Are assigned to the second instruction receiving means. Each of the plurality of character selection means selects one selected character from the plurality of characters classified into the character group assigned to the second instruction reception means paired therewith by the second instruction reception means. It is selected based on the number of instructions received. For this reason, since at least three of the first instruction receiving means and the plurality of second instruction receiving means for receiving instructions need to be provided, the number of operation keys can be reduced. Also, two types of operations, that is, an operation of selecting a selection group to be assigned from a plurality of selection groups, and an operation of selecting one of a plurality of characters classified into a character group assigned to each of a plurality of character selection means. Therefore, operability is good. As a result, it is possible to provide a character input device capable of easily inputting characters even if the number of operation keys is reduced. Further, by providing a plurality of character selection means, the number of times of receiving an assignment instruction can be reduced, and the operability can be further improved.

  Preferably, the display device further includes selected character display means for displaying a plurality of selected characters respectively selected by the plurality of character selection means on the display means.

  According to this aspect, since the selected character selected by each of the plurality of character selecting means is displayed, the user can be notified of the character group and the selected character assigned to each of the plurality of second instruction receiving means. it can.

  Preferably, in response to detecting third instruction receiving means provided separately from the first instruction receiving means and the plurality of second instruction receiving means, and reception of instructions by the third instruction receiving means, An input character determining means for determining one of a plurality of selected characters respectively selected by the plurality of second selecting means as an input character, and an input for displaying the input character determined by the input character determining means on the display means And a character display means.

  According to this aspect, when the determination instruction by the third instruction receiving unit is received, one of the plurality of selected characters respectively selected by the plurality of second selecting units is determined as the input character and displayed. For this reason, any one of the plurality of selected characters can be confirmed and a character string can be input.

  Preferably, the display means further includes processing target selection means for selecting any of the displayed input characters as a processing target character, and processing execution means for executing a predetermined process on the selected processing target character. A plurality of characters can be displayed in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and each of the plurality of second instruction receiving means can change the state between the first state and the second state, and the plurality of character selecting means Each of the plurality of second instruction accepting means in response to the corresponding second instruction means changing to the first state within a predetermined time after the first state is changed to the second state. A selection instruction is detected, and a movement instruction is detected when a predetermined time is exceeded after the change from the first state to the second state, and one of the plurality of character selection means moves as the processing object selection means In response to detecting the instruction, the target character is displayed. The character to be processed is displayed in response to the detection of the movement instruction by another one of the plurality of character selection means and the vertical direction selection means for changing to one of the plurality of characters displayed in the vertical direction by the means. Horizontal direction selecting means for changing to any one of the plurality of characters displayed in the horizontal direction by the means, and the process executing means is configured to perform a third operation after any of the plurality of character selecting means detects the movement instruction. In response to detecting the reception of the instruction by the instruction receiving unit, a predetermined process is executed on the processing target character.

  According to this aspect, when one of the displayed input characters is selected as a processing target character and a movement instruction is detected by one of a plurality of character selection means, the processing target character is displayed in the vertical direction. When one of the plurality of character selection means detects a movement instruction, the processing target character is changed to one of the plurality of characters displayed in the horizontal direction. . In addition, when an instruction acceptance is detected by the third instruction accepting unit after a movement instruction is detected by any of the plurality of character selecting units, a predetermined process is executed on the processing target character. For this reason, since a plurality of second instruction receiving means can be used to select a processing target character, it is necessary to provide an operation key for selecting a processing target separately from the plurality of second instruction receiving means. There is no. As a result, there is no need to increase the operation keys.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a character input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the character input device 1 includes a display unit 3, a selection key 15, a first input key 11, a second input key 12, a third input key 13, and a function key 17.

  The display unit 3 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), and displays characters input to the character input device 1. The display unit 3 displays a predetermined number of characters side by side in the vertical and horizontal directions. Here, the display part 3 shows the example which can display the character of 4 lines 10 characters vertically and horizontally. When a character is input to the character input device 1, the display unit 3 arranges the characters from the upper left to the right of the display surface. When a character string of 10 characters is displayed on the first line, it is displayed on the first character on the second line after a line feed.

  The selection key 15, the first input key 11, the second input key 12, the third input key 13, and the function key 17 are button switches. Here, the selection key 15, the first input key 11, the second input key 12, the third input key 13, and the function key 17 will be described as button switches. However, if it can be switched on or off, for example, a touch panel An input device such as a pointing device may be used.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the character input device. Referring to FIG. 2, the character input device 1 includes a display unit 3, a storage unit 53, a selection key 15, a first input key 11, a second input, and a control unit 51 that controls the entire character input device 1. Key 12, third input key 13, and function key 17 are connected to each other. The storage unit 53 is a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), and stores a character input program executed by the control unit 51, a group table described later, and the like. Although an example in which a flash ROM is used for the storage unit 53 will be described here, a recording medium such as a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, or an optical storage device may be used.

Although an example of storing a character input program in the flash ROM will be described here, the character input program stored in the external storage device is read out by connecting an external storage device to the character input device 1, It may be executed by the control unit 51. External recording devices that store programs include flexible disks, cassette tapes, optical disks (CD-ROM (Compact Disc).
-ROM) / MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), a semiconductor memory such as an optical card, a mask ROM, and an EPROM.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the group table. The group table includes a character group table in which a plurality of characters are classified into a plurality of character groups. The character group table defines associations between a plurality of characters and a plurality of character groups. In the character group table, a plurality of characters are classified into one of a plurality of character groups, and each of the plurality of character groups includes a plurality of characters. Specifically, the character group table includes first to twelfth character groups assigned character group numbers 1 to 12, respectively. Each line is assigned to any one of the first to twelfth character groups on the basis of the Japanese syllabary, which is a collection of 46 Japanese syllables in 5 characters and 10 lines. Lines A to M are assigned to the first character group to the seventh character group, and the line and special symbols “-” and “¥” are assigned to the eighth character group, and these lines are assigned to the ninth character group. The symbols “*”, “,”, “.”, “” ”,“ ° ”are assigned to the 10th character group, and the line and special symbols“ (”,“) ”are assigned to the 11th character group. “#”, “@”, “−”, “?”, “&” Are assigned to the twelfth character group.

  In addition, the order of up to five characters included in each of the first to twelfth character groups is determined. For this reason, one character is specified by the number of the character group and the order of the characters.

  Further, the group table includes a selection group table in which a plurality of character groups are classified into a plurality of selection groups. The selection group table defines associations between a plurality of character groups and a plurality of selection groups. In the selection group table, a plurality of character groups are classified into one of a plurality of selection groups, and each of the plurality of selection groups includes a plurality of character groups. Specifically, the selection group table includes first to fourth selection groups to which selection group numbers 1 to 4 are assigned, respectively. The first character group to the third character group having the character group numbers “1” to “3” are assigned to the first selected group, and the character groups having the character group numbers “4” to “6” are assigned to the second selected group. The 4th character group to the 6th character group are assigned, the 7th character group to the 9th character group having the character group numbers “7” to “9” are assigned to the 3rd selected group, and the 4th selected group is assigned the character. A tenth character group to a twelfth character group having group numbers “10” to “12” are assigned.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the functions of the control unit. Referring to FIG. 4, control unit 51 is connected to group selection unit 65 connected to selection key 15, first character selection unit 61 connected to first input key 11, and second input key 12. A second character selection unit 62, a third character selection unit 63 connected to the third input key 13, and an allocation unit 67 for allocating character groups to the first to third character selection units 61, 62, 63 The selected character display unit 69 for displaying the selected character, the input character determining unit 71 for determining the input character, the input character display unit 73 for displaying the input character, and the first to third input keys 11, 12 and 13, and a display object selection unit 75 connected to the function key 17, a process selection unit 81 connected to the selection key 15, and a process execution unit 83 that executes a process on the process target character.

  The first to third character selection units 61, 62, and 63 are connected to the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13, respectively. Each of the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13 is normally OFF, but is turned ON when pressed by the user. Each of the first to third character selection units 61, 62, 63 switches the operation mode of the character input device 1. The operation mode includes an input mode and an edit mode. Each of the first to third character selectors 61, 62, 63 sets the operation mode to the input mode immediately after the character input device 1 is powered on. The first to third character selectors 61, 62, and 63 measure the time when the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13 are turned on, respectively, and if the measured time exceeds a predetermined time. Switches the operation mode from the input mode to the edit mode. Further, the operation mode is switched from the edit mode to the input mode by a display target selection unit 75 described later.

  The group selection unit 65 refers to the group table stored in the storage unit 53 and selects one from a plurality of selection groups. The group selection unit 65 selects the first selection group whose selection group number is “1” immediately after the power is turned on to the character input device 1. The group selection unit 65 is connected to the selection key 15. The selection key 15 is normally OFF, but is turned ON when pressed by the user. When the selection mode 15 is detected when the operation mode is the input mode, the group selection unit 65 switches the selected selection group to another selection group. The group selection unit 65 switches the selected group so as to select the selected group in order. In other words, the group selection unit 65 selects one character group from among a plurality of character groups based on the number of times that the selection key 15 is detected when the operation mode is the input mode. When the operation mode is the input mode, detection of ON of the selection key 15 is detection of acceptance of an assignment instruction input by the user to the character input device. Here, the selected group number is incremented by “1”, and the selected group of the selected group number having the increased value is selected. Since the selection group numbers are “1” to “4”, if the selection key 15 is turned ON while the fourth selection group having the selection group number “4” is selected, the selection group number is “1”. Select the first selection group.

  Note that “1” may be subtracted from the selected group number of the selected selected group, and the selected group of the selected group number of the subtracted value may be selected. Since the selection group numbers are “1” to “4”, if the selection key 15 is turned on while the first selection group having the selection group number “1” is selected, the selection group number is “4”. Select the fourth selection group. The group selection unit 65 outputs the selected group number of the selected selection group to the allocation unit 67.

  When the selection group number is input from the group selection unit 65, the allocation unit 67 refers to the group table stored in the storage unit 53 and is allocated to the selected group of the selected group number from among a plurality of character groups. Three character groups are selected, and the selected three character groups are assigned to the first to third character selection units 61, 62, and 63, respectively. The assigning unit 67 assigns character groups to the first to third character selecting units 61, 62, and 63 in ascending order of character group numbers. For example, when the selected group number “1” is input from the group selecting unit 65, the assigning unit 67 selects the first to third character groups having the character group numbers “1” to “3”, and the character group number The first character group with the smallest “1” is assigned to the first input key 11, the second character group with the next smallest character group number “2” is assigned to the second input key 12, and the character group number is the largest The third character group “3” is assigned to the third input key 13. The assigning unit 67 outputs the character group numbers assigned to the first to third character selecting units 61, 62, and 63.

  Each of the first to third character selection units 61, 62, 63 receives the character group number from the allocation unit 67. Since the first to third character selection units 61, 62, and 63 have the same function when the operation mode is the input mode, the first character selection unit 61 will be described as an example here. When the operation mode is the input mode, when the character group number is input, the first character selection unit 61 refers to the group table stored in the storage unit 53 and assigns the character group number to the input character group number. Extract multiple characters. The first character selection unit 61 selects the first character with the earliest order among the plurality of characters extracted after extracting the plurality of characters, and selects the first character every time the first input key 11 is turned on. Select the next character in sequence. In other words, the first character selection unit 61 is assigned to the character group assigned to the first input key based on the number of times that the first input key 11 is detected when the operation mode is the input mode. Select one of a plurality of characters. A character selected by each of the first to third character selectors 61, 62, and 63 is referred to as a selected character. Each of the first to third character selection units 61, 62, 63 outputs the selected character to the selected character display unit 69.

  Here, since the number of characters assigned to the character group is 5, characters are selected by the toggle method. That is, if the first input key 11 is turned on while the fifth character is selected, there is no character in the next order, and in this case, the first character is selected.

  The first to third character selection units 61, 62, and 63 do not select a character when the operation mode is the edit mode.

  The selected character display unit 69 receives a selected character from each of the first to third character selection units 61, 62, and 63. The selected character display unit 69 displays the three selected characters to be input in the selected character display area 33 included in the character input screen displayed on the display unit 3.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a character input screen. Referring to FIG. 5, the character input screen includes an input character display area 31 for displaying input characters and a selected character display area 33 for displaying selected characters. The selected character display area 33 includes a first display area 41 for displaying the selected character selected by the first character selecting unit 61 and a second character for displaying the selected character selected by the second character selecting unit 62. A display area 42 and a third display area 43 for displaying a selected character selected by the third character selection unit 63 are included.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the selected character display unit 69 displays the selected character input from the first character selection unit 61 in the first display area 41, and displays the selected character input from the second character selection unit 61 as the second character. The selected character displayed on the display area 42 and input from the third character selection unit 63 is displayed on the third display area 43.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing switching of the display of the selected character display area. Referring to FIG. 6, when character input device 1 is switched to the input mode, a selected character display area shown in FIG. 6 (A) is displayed on display unit 3. Thereafter, each time the selection key 15 is turned ON, the first to third displays of the selected character display area in the order of FIGS. 6 (B), (C), (D), (A), (B),. The display of the areas 41, 42, 43 is switched.

  For this reason, the user looks at the first display area 41, which of the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth character groups is assigned to the first input key 11, and the first input key 11 It is possible to know which of the five assigned characters is selected. Similarly, the user looks at the second display area 42 to determine which of the second, fifth, eighth, and eleventh character groups is assigned to the second input key 12 and to the second input key 12. It is possible to know which of the five assigned characters is selected. Further, the user looks at the third display area 43 and assigns the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth character groups to the third input key 13 and assigns them to the third input key 13. It is possible to know which of the five characters selected is selected.

  Returning again to FIG. 4, the input character determination unit 71 is connected to the function key 17 and detects the three characters selected by the first to third character selection units 61, 62, and 63 when the function key 17 is turned ON. One of them is determined as an input character. The input character determining unit 71 determines the last selected character among the three selected characters selected by the first to third character selecting units 61, 62, and 63 as the input character. Since the last selected character does not exist at the stage where the character group number is input to each of the first to third character selectors 61, 62, 63, in this case, the first to third input keys 11 , 12, 13 even when one of the first, third, and third character selection units 61, 62, 63 is not switched, and the first input key 11 is turned on. The third input key 13 selects the selected character selected by the first character selecting unit 61, and the selected character selected by the second character selecting unit 62 when the second input key 12 is turned ON. When is turned ON, the selected character selected by the third character selection unit 63 may be determined as the input character. In the character input screen, it is preferable that the display mode of the selected character that is a candidate determined as the input character among the three selected characters displayed on the first to third display portions 41 to 43 is different from the other. In the character input screen shown in FIG. 5, an example is shown in which the selected character of the first display unit 41 is an input character candidate. Thereby, the user can know the selection character used as the candidate for determining to an input character by seeing the 1st-3rd display areas 41-43. The input character determination unit 71 outputs the determined input character to the input character display unit 73.

  The input character display unit 73 displays the input character input from the input character determination unit 71 in the input character display area 31 of the character input screen displayed on the display unit 3. When an input character is already displayed in the input character display area 31, the input character display unit 73 displays the input character input from the input character determination unit 71 next to the input character already displayed.

  The display target selection unit 75 is connected to the first to third input keys 11, 12, 13 and the function key 17. The display target selection unit 75 does not function when the operation mode is the input mode, but the input displayed in the input character display area 31 of the character input screen displayed on the display unit 3 when the operation mode is the edit mode. Select one of the characters. When the operation mode is set to the edit mode, the display target selection unit 75 selects the last input character displayed in the input character display area as the processing target character.

  The display target selection unit 75 includes a vertical direction moving unit 77 and a horizontal direction moving unit 79. When detecting that the first input key 11 is turned ON, the horizontal movement unit 79 selects the character to be processed as a processing target character if a character is present on the left side of the processing target character in the input character display area. Further, when detecting that the third input key 13 is turned ON, the horizontal movement unit 79 selects the character to the right of the processing target character in the input character display area and selects that character as the processing target character. When the vertical movement unit 77 detects that the second input key 12 is ON, if there is a character one character above the character to be processed in the input character display area, the character is selected as the character to be processed.

  When the display target selection unit 75 detects that the function key 17 is turned ON, the display target selection unit 75 instructs the processing execution unit 83 to execute processing for the processing target character.

  The process selection unit 81 selects a process to be executed by the process execution unit 83. The process execution unit 83 executes a plurality of types of processes on the process target character, such as a process of deleting a character, a process of inserting a character, and a process of modifying a character. The process selection unit 81 is connected to the selection key 15, and when the operation mode is the edit mode, when the selection key 15 is detected to be ON, the process selection unit 81 is different from the process selected at that time among the plural types of processes. Select a process. The process selection unit 81 outputs identification information for identifying the selected process to the process execution unit 83 and displays the process name of the selected process in a predetermined area of the display unit 3. Thereby, it is possible to notify the user which one of a plurality of types of processing is selected.

  When the process execution unit 83 is instructed to execute the process from the display target selection unit 75, the process execution unit 83 executes the process specified by the identification information input from the process selection unit 81 for the processing target character. If the process specified by the identification information is a process that deletes a character, the character to be processed is deleted from the input character, and if the process is to insert a character, a space is inserted at the position of the predetermined target character to qualify the character. If it is processing, the character to be processed is modified.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of character input processing. The character input process is a process executed by the control unit 51 when the control unit 51 executes a character input program stored in the storage unit 53. Referring to FIG. 7, initial value “1” is set for each of variables C1, C2, and C3 (step S01), and initial value “1” is set for variable G1. The variable C1 is a counter indicating the order for specifying one of a plurality of characters classified into the character group assigned to the first input key 11. The variable C2 is a counter indicating the order for specifying one of a plurality of characters classified into the character group assigned to the second input key 12. The variable C3 is a counter indicating the order for specifying one of a plurality of characters classified into the character group assigned to the third input key 13. Since the initial value “1” is set for each of the variables C1, C2, and C3, the first character of the plurality of characters classified into the character group is selected by default.

  The variable G1 is a counter for specifying one of a plurality of selection groups. Since the initial value “1” is set in the variable G1, the first selection group is selected by default. Further, the first to third character groups are assigned to the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13 by the selection of the first selection group, respectively.

  Next, in step S03, it is determined whether or not the selection key 15 is detected ON. If it is detected that selection key 15 has been turned ON, the process proceeds to step S03A; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S07. In step S03A, variables I1, I2, and I3 are set to zero. Variables I1, I2, and I3 correspond to the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13, respectively, and are set to “0” when the other keys are turned on, and the other keys are turned on. It is used to determine whether or not it is turned on later. In step S04, the variable G1 is incremented by one. This is because the selection group of the next selection group number is selected. Then, it is determined whether or not the variable G1 exceeds the selected group number “4” (step S05). If the variable G1 exceeds the number of selected groups “4”, “1” is set to the variable G1 (step S06). Otherwise, step S06 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S07. The variable G1 is set to a value increased by 1, or set to the initial value “1”, and the selection group having the same number as the variable G1 is selected. By selecting the selected group, the first (G1 * 3-2) th character group, the (G1 * 3-1) th character group, and the (G1 * 3) th character group are assigned to the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13, respectively. Assigned to each.

  In step S07, it is determined whether or not any one of the first to third input keys 11, 12, 13 is detected. If it is detected that any of first to third input keys 11, 12, 13 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S08, and if not, the process returns to step S03. In step S08, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is, for example, 1 second. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S15; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S09. In step S15, an editing process is executed and the process returns to step S01. The editing process will be described later.

  In step S09, it is determined whether or not it has been detected that the state of the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13 in which ON is detected in step S07 has changed to OFF. If a change in state to OFF is detected, the process proceeds to step S10; otherwise, the process returns to step S08. If any one of the first to third input keys 11, 12, 13 is continuously turned on and detected for a predetermined time or more, the process proceeds to step S15. If the ON is not detected for a predetermined time continuously, the process is performed. Proceed to S10. For this reason, if any one of the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13 is kept pressed for a predetermined time or more, the editing process (step S15) is executed. If not, the process after step S10 (input) Process).

  In step S10, a selected character determination process is executed. The selected character determination process will be described later. One of the plurality of characters classified into the (G1 * 3-2) character group assigned to the first input key 11 in step S02, step S04, or step S06 is one. One of the plurality of characters classified into the (G1 * 3-1) character group assigned to the second input key 12 as a selected character, and the third input key 13 is a process of selecting one of a plurality of characters classified into the (G1 * 3) character group assigned to 13 as a selected character.

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not the function key 17 is detected ON. If it is detected that function key 17 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S12; otherwise, the process returns to step S03. In step S12, the last selected character is set as the input character among the three selected characters selected for each of the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13 in step S10. Then, the input character is displayed in the input character display area 31 of the character input screen displayed on the display unit 3 (step S13), and the cursor displayed in the input character display area is moved to a position where the next character is displayed. (Step S14). Then, the process returns to step S03.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of selected character determination processing. The selected character determination process is a process executed in step S10 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, the process branches depending on which of the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13 is detected as the key whose state is turned on in step S <b> 07 of FIG. 7 (step S <b> 07). S21). If it is detected that the first input key 11 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S22. If it is detected that the second input key 12 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S27. If it is detected that the input key 13 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S22, it is determined whether or not the variable I1 is set to “0”. If variable I1 is “0”, the process proceeds to step S26; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S23. When the process proceeds to step S22, it is the first input key 11 that is detected to be in the ON state in step S07 of FIG. In step S22, whether or not the state of the first input key 11 is turned on is detected in step S07 in FIG. 7 is after the selection key 15 is turned on in step S03 in FIG. Alternatively, it is determined whether or not any one of the second input key 12 and the third input key 13 is detected. In order to select one of the three selected characters already selected by the first to third input keys, the selected character already selected and displayed by the first input key 11 is again selected as the selected character. This is for selection.

  In step S23, the variable C1 is incremented by one. This is to select the next character in the order. Then, it is determined whether or not the variable C1 exceeds the total number “5” of characters classified into the (G1 × 3-2) character group assigned to the first input key 11 (step S24). If the variable C1 exceeds the total number “5”, “1” is set to the variable C1 (step S25). If not, step S25 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the C1th character assigned to the (G1 × 3-2) character group having the group number (G1 × 3-2) is set as the selected character. In the next step S26A, the variable I1 is incremented by 1, and both the variable I2 and the variable I3 are set to “0”. The selected character is displayed in the first display area 41 (step S37), and the process returns to the character input process. When the selected character is displayed in the first display area 41, the first display area 41 is preferably displayed in a different manner from the second and second display areas 42 and 43. By doing so, it is possible to notify the user that the character displayed in the first display area 41 has been selected.

  In step S27, it is determined whether or not the variable I2 is set to “0”. If variable I2 is “0”, the process proceeds to step S31; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S28. When the process proceeds to step S27, it is the second input key 12 that is detected to be in the ON state in step S07 of FIG. In step S27, whether or not the state of the second input key 12 is turned on is detected in step S07 in FIG. 7 is after the selection key 15 is turned on in step S03 in FIG. Alternatively, it is determined whether or not any one of the first input key 11 and the third input key 13 is detected. In order to select one of the three selected characters already selected by the first to third input keys, the selected character already selected and displayed by the second input key 12 is again selected as the selected character. This is for selection.

  In step S28, the variable C2 is incremented by one. This is to select the next character in the order. Then, it is determined whether or not the variable C2 exceeds the total number “5” of characters classified into the (G1 × 3-1) character group assigned to the second input key 12 (step S29). If the variable C2 exceeds the total number “5”, “1” is set to the variable C2 (step S30). If not, step S30 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the C2nd character assigned to the (G1 × 3-1) character group with the group number (G1 × 3-1) is set as the selected character. In the next step S31A, the variable I2 is incremented by 1, and both the variable I1 and the variable I3 are set to “0”. Then, the selected character is displayed in the second display area 42 (step S37), and the process returns to the character input process. When the selected character is displayed in the second display area 42, the second display area 42 is preferably displayed in a different display form from the first and third display areas 41 and 43. By doing so, it is possible to notify the user that the character displayed in the second display area 42 has been selected.

  In step S32, it is determined whether or not the variable I3 is set to “0”. If variable I3 is “0”, the process proceeds to step S36; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S33. When the process proceeds to step S32, it is the third input key 13 that is detected to be ON in step S07 of FIG. In step S32, whether or not the state of the third input key 13 is turned on is detected in step S07 in FIG. 7 is after the selection key 15 is turned on in step S03 in FIG. Alternatively, it is determined whether or not any one of the first input key 11 and the second input key 12 is detected. In order to select one of the three selected characters already selected by the first to third input keys, the selected character already selected and displayed by the third input key 13 is again selected as the selected character. This is for selection.

  In step S33, the variable C3 is incremented by one. This is to select the next character in the order. Then, it is determined whether or not the variable C3 exceeds the total number “5” of characters classified into the (G1 × 3) character group assigned to the third input key 13 (step S34). If the variable C3 exceeds the total number “5”, “1” is set to the variable C3 (step S35). If not, step S35 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the C3rd character assigned to the (G1 × 3) character group having the group number (G1 × 3) is set as the selected character. In the next step S36A, the variable I3 is incremented by 1, and both the variable I1 and the variable I2 are set to “0”. Then, the selected character is displayed in the third display area 43 (step S37), and the process returns to the character input process. When the selected character is displayed in the third display area 43, the third display area 43 is preferably displayed in a different display form from the first and second display areas 41 and 42. By doing so, it is possible to notify the user that the character displayed in the third display area 43 is in a selected state.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of editing processing. The editing process is a process executed in step S15 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, first, the operation mode is switched from the input mode to the edit mode (step S41). Then, in step S07 of FIG. 7 or step S47 described later, the process branches depending on which of the first to third input keys 11, 12, 13 is detected as the key being turned on ( Step S42). If it is detected that the first input key 11 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S43. If it is detected that the second input key 12 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S44. If it is detected that the input key 13 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S45. In step S43, the position of the cursor displayed in input character display area 31 is moved from the current position to the position of the left input character, and the process proceeds to step S46. In step S44, the position of the cursor displayed in input character display area 31 is moved from the current position to the position of the input character above, and the process proceeds to step S46. In step S45, the position of the cursor displayed in input character display area 31 is moved from the current position to the position of the right input character, and the process proceeds to step S46.

  In step S46, it is determined whether or not it is detected that the state of the first to third input keys 11, 12, 13 in which ON is detected has changed to OFF. If a change in state to OFF is detected, the process proceeds to step S47; otherwise, the process returns to step S42. While the ON state of any of the first to third input keys 11, 12, 13 is continuously detected, the cursor is moved in a predetermined direction.

  In step S47, it is determined whether or not any one of the first to third input keys 11, 12, 13 is detected. If any ON is detected, the process returns to step S42; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S48.

  In step S48, it is determined whether or not the selection key 15 is turned on. If ON of the selection key 15 is detected, the process set at that time is changed to another process (step S49), and the process proceeds to step S50. If the ON of the selection key 15 is not detected, the selection is made. The process proceeds to step S50 without changing the processed process.

  In step S50, it is determined whether or not the function key 17 is detected ON. If the function key 17 is detected ON, the process proceeds to step S51. If not, the process returns to step S47. In step S51, the set process is executed for the input character (processing target character) indicated by the cursor displayed in the input character display area 31, and the process proceeds to step S52. If not, the process returns to step S47 without executing the process. In step S52, it is determined whether or not the function key 17 has been turned on. If the function key 17 is detected ON, the process proceeds to step S53. If not, the process returns to step S47. When the function key 17 is continuously turned on, the editing mode is terminated. However, if the function key 17 is not continuously turned on, the editing mode is continued, so that a plurality of processes can be executed. Become. In step S53, the operation mode set in the edit mode is switched to the input mode, and the process returns to the character input process.

  As described above, the character input device 1 according to the present embodiment selects one selected group from the four selected groups based on the number of times the selection key 15 is detected to be pressed, and the selected selection. Three character groups included in the group are assigned to the three first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13, respectively. The first character selection unit 61 then presses the first input key 11 for one selected character out of the five characters classified into the character group assigned to the first input key 11 paired therewith. Select based on the number of times. Further, the second character selection unit 62 presses the second input key 12 for one selected character out of the five characters classified into the character group assigned to the second input key 12 paired therewith. Select based on the number of times. Furthermore, the third character selection unit 63 presses the third input key 13 for one selected character from among the five characters classified into the character group assigned to the third input key 13 paired therewith. Select based on the number of times. For this reason, it is only necessary to provide four keys, the selection key 15 and the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13, so that operation keys can be reduced. Further, an operation for selecting a selection group to be assigned from the four selection groups and one of a plurality of characters classified into the character groups assigned to the three first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13 are selected. Since it is only necessary to perform two types of operations, that is, an operation to select, operability is good.

  In addition, since the three selected characters selected by the first to third character selection units 61, 62, and 63 are displayed in the first to third display areas 41, 42, and 43, respectively, the first to third input keys are displayed. The user can be notified of the character group assigned to each of 11, 12, and 13 and the selected character.

  Furthermore, when ON of the function key 17 is detected, one of the three selected characters selected by the first to third character selection units 61, 62, 63 is determined as the input character, and the input character display area 31 is selected. Is displayed. For this reason, any one of the three selected characters can be confirmed and a character string can be input.

  In addition, one of the characters displayed by the cursor displayed in the input character display area 31 is selected as a processing target, and either the first or third character selection unit 61 or 63 is the first input key 11 or the first character. When it is detected that the 3 input key 13 has been turned on after a predetermined time, the operation mode is switched to the edit mode, and the character to be processed is changed to one of a plurality of characters displayed in the horizontal direction. When it is detected that the two-character selection unit 62 is in an ON state after a predetermined time, the operation mode is switched to the edit mode, and the processing target character is changed to one of a plurality of characters displayed in the vertical direction. . In addition, after detecting that any of the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13 has been turned on over a predetermined time by any of the first to third character selectors 61, 62, and 63. When ON of the function key 17 is detected, the processing set at that time for the processing target character is executed. For this reason, the first to third input keys 11, 12, 13 can be used to select the processing target character, so that the processing target is selected separately from the first to third input keys 11, 12, 13. There is no need to provide an operation key for this purpose.

  In the embodiment described above, the character input device 1 is provided with the three first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13, but there may be a plurality of the first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13. The number of keys is not limited to three.

<Modification>
In the above-described embodiment, the character input device 1 is provided with the three first to third input keys 11, 12, and 13, but the character input device 1 in the modified example includes the second input key 12 and the second input key 12. The three-input key 13 is removed and only the first input key 11 is used. Hereinafter, differences from the character input device 1 described above will be mainly described.

  The character input device 1 according to the modified example stores a group table in the storage unit 53, but this group table only needs to include the character group table, and does not need to include the selection group table. In the functional block diagram of the control unit 51 shown in FIG. 4, the second character selection unit 62 and the third character selection unit 63 are not necessary. The group selection unit 65 selects one character group from among a plurality of character groups defined in the group table. The assigning unit 67 assigns the character group selected by the group selecting unit 69 to the first character selecting unit 61. That is, each time the selection key 15 is pressed while the operation mode is the input mode, the character group assigned to the first input key 11 is changed.

  According to the character input device 1 in the modification, one character group is assigned to the first input key 11 out of the twelve character groups based on the number of times that the selection key 15 is turned on. Then, based on the number of times the first character selection unit 61 detects that the first input key 11 is turned on, the five characters classified into the character group assigned to the first input key 11 are selected. One is selected. For this reason, it is only necessary to provide the selection key 15 and the first input key 11 for receiving an instruction, and therefore the number of operation keys for selecting characters can be reduced. An operation of selecting a character group to be assigned to the first input key 11 from the 12 character groups, and an operation of selecting one of the five characters classified into the character group assigned to the first input key. Since two types of operations are sufficient, operability is good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the character input device 1 has been described. However, the character input device 1 can be applied to a portable device such as a mobile phone or a portable information terminal. It goes without saying that the invention can be understood as a character input method or a character input program that causes a computer to execute the character input processing shown in FIGS.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

<Appendix>
(1) The character input device according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of selection groups includes the maximum number of the character groups of the plurality of second instruction receiving units.
(2) The input character determination unit determines an input character as a selection character selected by the second selection unit paired with the second instruction reception unit in which the selection instruction is detected last. The character input device described in 1.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the character input device in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a character input device. It is a figure which shows an example of a group table. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the function of a control part. It is a figure which shows an example of a character input screen. It is a figure which shows switching of the display of a selection character display area. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a character input process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a selection character determination process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of an edit process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Character input device, 3 Display part, 11 1st input key, 12 2nd input key, 13 3rd input key, 15 Selection key, 17 Function key, 31 Input character display area, 33 Selected character display area, 41 1st Display area, 42 Second display area, 43 Third display area, 51 Control section, 53 Storage section, 61 First character selection section, 62 Second character selection section, 63 Third character selection section, 65 Group selection section, 67 Allocation unit, 69 selected character display unit, 71 input character determination unit, 73 input character display unit, 75 display object selection unit, 77 vertical direction moving unit, 79 horizontal direction moving unit, 81 process selection unit, 83 process execution unit.

Claims (7)

First instruction receiving means;
Second instruction receiving means provided separately from the first instruction receiving means;
Storage means for storing a character group table in which a plurality of characters are classified into a plurality of character groups;
Group selection means for selecting one character group from the plurality of character groups based on the number of times the acceptance of the assignment instruction by the first instruction acceptance means is detected;
Assigning means for assigning the selected character group to the second instruction means;
Based on the number of times the second instruction accepting unit detects acceptance of the selection instruction, one selected character is selected from the plurality of characters classified into the character group assigned to the second instruction accepting unit. A character input device comprising: character selection means for selecting.   The character input device according to claim 1, further comprising selected character display means for displaying the selected character. A third instruction receiving means different from the first and second instruction receiving means;
Input character determining means for determining the selected character as an input character in response to detecting acceptance of a determination instruction by the third instruction means;
The character input device according to claim 1, further comprising: an input character display unit that displays the input character determined by the input character determination unit. First instruction receiving means;
A plurality of second instruction receiving means provided separately from the first instruction receiving means;
Storage means for storing a character group table in which a plurality of characters are classified into a plurality of character groups, and a selection group table in which the plurality of character groups are classified into a plurality of selection groups;
Group selection means for selecting one selection group from the plurality of selection groups based on the number of times the reception of the assignment instruction by the first instruction reception means is detected;
Assigning means for assigning the plurality of character groups included in the selected selection group to the plurality of second instruction receiving means, respectively;
A plurality of character selecting means each paired with the plurality of second instruction receiving means,
Each of the plurality of character selecting means selects one selected character from the plurality of characters classified into the character group assigned to the second instruction receiving means paired with the character selecting means. A character input device that makes a selection based on the number of times the reception of a selection instruction by the instruction receiving means is detected.   The character input device according to claim 4, further comprising selected character display control means for displaying the plurality of selected characters respectively selected by the plurality of character selection means on a display means. A third instruction receiving means provided separately from the first instruction receiving means and the plurality of second instruction receiving means;
An input character that determines one of the plurality of selected characters respectively selected by the plurality of second selection units as an input character in response to detecting reception of an instruction by the third instruction reception unit A determination means;
The character input device according to claim 4, further comprising: an input character display control unit that displays on the display unit the input character determined by the input character determination unit. Processing target selection means for selecting any of the displayed input characters as a processing target character;
Processing execution means for executing predetermined processing on the selected processing target character,
The display means can display a plurality of characters in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction,
Each of the plurality of second instruction receiving means can change a state between a first state and a second state;
Each of the plurality of character selection means includes the second selection means within the predetermined time after the corresponding second instruction means among the plurality of second instruction reception means changes from the first state to the second state. Detecting the selection instruction in response to changing to a state of 1, detecting a movement instruction in response to exceeding a predetermined time after changing from the first state to the second state;
The processing target selection unit is one of a plurality of characters displayed in the vertical direction by the display unit in response to one of the plurality of character selection units detecting the movement instruction. Vertical direction selection means to change to,
A horizontal direction in which another one of the plurality of character selecting means changes the character to be processed to any one of a plurality of characters displayed in the horizontal direction by the display means in response to detecting the movement instruction. Selecting means, and
The processing execution unit performs predetermined processing on the processing target character in response to detecting reception of an instruction by the third instruction reception unit after any of the plurality of character selection units detects the movement instruction. The character input device according to claim 6 which performs.

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