JP2010079441A - Mobile terminal, software keyboard display method, and software keyboard display program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile terminal for enlarging and displaying a software key which is highly likely to be input the next, and for securing a prescribed display area for the software key which is not likely to be input the next. <P>SOLUTION: The mobile terminal 50 includes: a control unit 90 for switching and displaying a plurality of keyboard images at an operation display 54; and a storage unit 92 for storing a plurality of keyboard images. Any of the plurality of keyboard images includes a plurality of software keys arrayed with the same array. In any of the plurality of keyboard images, any of the combinations of adjacent software keys is displayed so as not to be overlapped with each other. A portion of the software keys is displayed with a first size as a reference in any keyboard image, and the other software keys are displayed with a size on a portion of the keyboard images, and displayed with the size larger than the first size on the other keyboard images. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable terminal, and in particular, a portable terminal that realizes a software keyboard that is operated by a user and displays an image having the same shape as a key on a display-integrated touch panel, a software keyboard display method, and a software keyboard display Regarding the program.

  Portable information terminals equipped with a display-integrated touch panel, such as mobile phones, car navigation devices, and portable music players, have become widespread. Many of such portable information terminals are provided with a user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) called a software keyboard.

  The software keyboard is a UI using an image arrangement of a plurality of keys displayed on a touch panel or the like. In many cases, the keys used in the software keyboard are arranged in the same manner as a keyboard provided in a PC (Personal Computer) or the like. Characters and symbols are displayed on each key of the software keyboard. Hereinafter, such a key image of the software keyboard is referred to as a “software key”. When the user presses the part where the software key is displayed, the control device of the portable information terminal receives information corresponding to the key and performs some operation. For example, it is assumed that the portable information terminal is provided with an editor function, and software keys are assigned to alphabets such as A, B, and C. When the user presses a key assigned to a certain character, the character code assigned to the key is notified to the editor program. In response to this character code, the editor program displays the character corresponding to the pressed key in the input text display area.

  In the software keyboard described below, it is assumed that software keys are arranged in a QWERTY arrangement.

  By the way, it is desirable that the portable information terminal is small so that it is convenient to carry. Also, the development of electronic circuit miniaturization technology is remarkable. Therefore, the size of the portable information terminal tends to be reduced. However, the smaller the size of the portable information terminal, the smaller the display area of the touch panel provided in the portable information terminal. As a result, the size of the software key is also reduced.

  When the size of the software key is reduced, the possibility of erroneous input increases when the user presses the software key with a finger or a touch pen. For example, since the display area of the software key is small, there is a high possibility that the user presses a key adjacent to the key to be pressed.

  In addition, if an attempt is made to press the software key accurately at a slow speed in order to avoid erroneous input, there is a problem that it takes time to input.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for enlarging and displaying a software key that is likely to be pressed next when a certain software key is pressed.

  The portable information terminal device described in Patent Literature 1 includes a touch panel. A software keyboard is displayed on the touch panel, and alphabets are displayed on the software keys. When a user presses a software key to input Roman characters, the portable information terminal device refers to the Roman character conversion table and expands the software key that is likely to be input after the software key. indicate.

  For example, it is assumed that the user presses a software key displayed as “G”. When converting alphabetical permutations to hiragana in romaji input, “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O”, “YA”, “YU” are usually placed after “G”. And “YO” are input. Therefore, after “G” is input, these software keys are enlarged and displayed. The display position and display size of other keys do not change.

  The area of the display area is small, and in order to facilitate reliable input, the enlarged software key is enlarged and displayed so as to cover the adjacent software key.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, characters of the software key adjacent to the expanded software key may not be visible to the user. For example, if the key corresponding to Y is enlarged, the letter “T” of the key adjacent to the key may be covered with the key corresponding to Y.

  In this case, when the user wants to input “T”, the user can input “T” by touching an uncovered portion of the software key of “T”. However, even if input is possible, touching the “T” software key is a difficult task even if a dedicated touch pen is used. This is because the user has to touch the touch pen with the key carefully and accurately at a slow speed, as the displayed area of the software key is reduced.

  A small portable terminal represented by a mobile phone is a commodity that is presumed to be used while traveling, such as on a business trip or in a train. Therefore, it is conceivable that the touch panel must be operated with a finger due to operation with one hand, forgetting to store the touch pen, loss of the touch pen, or the like. Compared with the tip of the touch pen, the contact area between the finger and the touch panel is very large. Then, it can be said that it is more difficult to press a software key covered with another software key with a finger than to press it with a touch pen.

  Further, a user who is not used to operating the keyboard cannot know which character the software key adjacent to the enlarged software key corresponds to. Therefore, if the user wants to input a character corresponding to the adjacent key, the user will find it difficult to find the software key corresponding to the character, and will be confused. That is undesirable for the user.

Therefore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique that enables a user to recognize a character of a software key adjacent to an enlarged software key. In Patent Document 2, when a cursor moves on a software key by an operation with a pointing device, the software key is enlarged so as to cover characters displayed on all software keys adjacent to the software key. indicate. Characters corresponding to the software key are displayed at the center of the enlarged software key. In each of all the adjacent software keys, a character corresponding to the adjacent software key is displayed in a small size at a position where the adjacent software key is covered in the outer periphery of the enlarged software key. Further, when the cursor moves to a character position corresponding to an adjacent software key among the enlarged software keys, the software key that has been enlarged and displayed so far is returned to the normal size. Thereafter, the adjacent software key is enlarged and displayed by the same method. On the outer periphery of the newly expanded software key, characters corresponding to the adjacent software key are displayed in a small size. As described above, by enlarging the software key, the user can easily recognize which character corresponds to the key adjacent to the enlarged software key. By doing so, even a user unfamiliar with the operation of the keyboard becomes easy to operate.
JP-A-9-160910 JP2003-177848

  By the way, when a plurality of consonants that cannot be converted into Romaji are continuously input, how to convert the plurality of consonants into Romaji depends on a kana-kanji module that converts Romaji into the device. However, in a kana / kanji module developed for a general keyboard in which keys are arranged in the QWERTY layout, when “GTA” and “GGA” are input, “GTA” and “GAGA” are respectively input. Is converted to some character without causing an error.

  There are also users who use the specification of the kana-kanji module to input abbreviations (for example, CPUs) made up of alphabets in Roman alphabet input to increase the efficiency for input. That is, if the software key corresponding to “G” is enlarged in Roman character input and it is difficult to press the “T” software key, the operability for inputting abbreviations is hindered. It can be said that. Even for a software key that is unlikely to be input next, it is necessary to secure the display area so that it can be easily pressed down at the minimum.

  However, with the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to solve this problem. This is because in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when a certain software key is enlarged, the software key may cover an adjacent software key. As a result, a sufficient display area for the adjacent software key cannot be secured.

  By the way, when “G” is pressed in Roman character input, the characters that are likely to be input next are “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O”, “H”, and “H”. Y ". Therefore, when the software key corresponding to “G” is pressed, it is considered necessary to enlarge and display all those software keys that are likely to be input next.

  However, it is difficult to achieve this with the technique described in Patent Document 2. The software keys adjacent to “H” are “U” and “Y”, and the technique described in Patent Document 2 does not describe a method of simultaneously expanding these three software keys.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enlarge a software key that is likely to be input next, and to secure a predetermined display area for a software key that is unlikely to be input next, A software keyboard display method and a software keyboard display program are provided.

  A portable terminal according to the first aspect of the present invention is connected to a keyboard image storage unit that stores a plurality of keyboard images each including a plurality of software keys, and a keyboard image storage unit, on the display screen of the display device, Software keyboard input means for switching and displaying a plurality of keyboard images stored in the keyboard image storage means and outputting a character code corresponding to the software key designated by the user. Each of the plurality of keyboard images includes a plurality of software keys arranged in the same arrangement pattern. In any of the plurality of keyboard images, any combination of adjacent software keys is displayed so as not to overlap each other. Some software keys are displayed in a first size that is a reference in any keyboard image, and other software keys are in a first size in some keyboard images, and first in other keyboard images. It is displayed in a size larger than the size of.

  The keyboard image storage means stores a plurality of keyboard images each including a plurality of software keys. The software keyboard input means switches and displays a plurality of keyboard images stored in the keyboard image storage means on the display screen of the display device, and outputs a character code corresponding to the software key designated by the user. .

  In any of the plurality of keyboard images, a combination of any adjacent software keys is displayed so as not to overlap with each other, and some software keys and other software keys are not less than the first size in any keyboard image. Displayed in size. Therefore, no matter which keyboard image is displayed, the size of the software key that is easy for the user to operate is ensured.

  When the software key is displayed in a size larger than the first size, the software key is easy to operate for the user. As a result, it is possible to provide a portable terminal that enlarges and displays the software key that is likely to be input next and secures a predetermined display area for the software key that is unlikely to be input next. .

  Preferably, the plurality of keyboard images include a reference keyboard image in which any software key is displayed in the first size, and the software keyboard input means has a predetermined time after a keyboard image different from the reference keyboard image is displayed. In response to the fact that no software key of the keyboard image has been designated by the user, the keyboard image on the display screen is switched to the reference keyboard image and displayed.

  The software keyboard input means switches to the reference keyboard image for display on the display screen according to the above-described conditions. Normally, when a user who frequently uses a keyboard uses a keyboard image, it takes less time to operate another software key after operating a new software key. Therefore, if the user does not operate for a predetermined time, it is highly likely that the user has interrupted the operation on the keyboard image. In such a case, it does not make sense to leave an enlarged keyboard image with some software keys displayed. When the software keyboard input means switches to the reference keyboard image and displays it, it is possible to prevent a meaningless display in which a keyboard image in which some software keys are enlarged is kept displayed.

  More preferably, the software keyboard input means switches and displays a plurality of keyboard images on the display screen in accordance with the history of software keys designated by the user.

  The software keyboard input means switches a plurality of keyboard images according to the history of software keys designated by the user. Since a plurality of keyboard images are switched according to the history, the operability of the keyboard displayed on the display screen is improved.

  More preferably, the software keyboard input means includes means for storing a specified combination of software keys and a keyboard image displayed after the combination, and a history of software keys specified by the user. And means for determining and displaying the next keyboard image to be displayed with reference to the means for storing.

  The means for storing stores the specified combination of keys in association with the keyboard image displayed after the combination. The means for displaying determines the keyboard image to be displayed next and displays it with reference to the means for storing according to the history of the operated keys. Since the keyboard image is displayed according to the history of the designated software key, the operability of the keyboard by the user is improved.

  In the software keyboard display method according to the second aspect of the present invention, the input / output control unit connects to a keyboard image storage unit that stores a plurality of keyboard images each including a plurality of software keys; and the input / output control unit Switching and displaying a plurality of keyboard images stored in the keyboard image storage unit on the display screen of the display device, and outputting a character code corresponding to the software key designated by the user. Each of the plurality of keyboard images includes a plurality of software keys arranged in the same arrangement pattern. In any of the plurality of keyboard images, any combination of adjacent software keys is displayed so as not to overlap each other. Some software keys are displayed in a first size that is a reference in any keyboard image, and other software keys are in a first size in some keyboard images, and first in other keyboard images. It is displayed in a size larger than the size of.

  When the software keyboard display program according to the third aspect of the present invention is executed by a computer, the computer is connected to a keyboard image storage unit that stores a plurality of keyboard images each including a plurality of software keys. A software keyboard for switching and displaying a plurality of keyboard images stored in the keyboard image storage means on the display screen of the connection means and the display device, and outputting a character code corresponding to the software key designated by the user It functions as an input means. Each of the plurality of keyboard images includes a plurality of software keys arranged in the same arrangement pattern. In any of the plurality of keyboard images, any combination of adjacent software keys is displayed so as not to overlap each other. Some software keys are displayed in a first size that is a reference in any keyboard image, and other software keys are in a first size in some keyboard images, and first in other keyboard images. It is displayed in a size larger than the size of.

  As described above, according to the present invention, no matter which keyboard image is displayed on the display screen, the size of the software key that is easy for the user to operate is ensured. Compared with the prior art, the operability of the keyboard image displayed on the display screen by the user is improved. As a result, a portable terminal that enlarges and displays a software key that is likely to be input next, and secures a predetermined display area even for a software key that is unlikely to be input next, And a software keyboard display program can be provided.

  In the following description of the embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their functions and names are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Consonant classification]
In the present embodiment, alphabetic consonants are classified into first to third consonant types.

  Among consonants, a consonant that can be subsequently input with both “H” and “Y” in order to input a stuttering by romaji input is referred to as a first consonant type. The consonants belonging to the first consonant type are “C”, “D”, “H”, “S”, and “T”. For example, when the user wants to input “Cha”, “HA” or “YA” may be input after “C”.

  Among consonants, a consonant in which only “Y” can be input after that in order to input a roar in romaji is called a second consonant type. The consonants belonging to the second consonant type are “B”, “F”, “G”, “J”, “K”, “L”, “M”, “N”, “P”, “Q”, “R”, “V”, “X”, “Y”, and “Z”. For example, if “Bya” is to be input, “YA” may be input after “B”. Even if “H” and one of the vowels are continuously input after the second consonant type is input, the hiragana is not converted.

  Among consonants, a consonant in which only “H” can be input after that in order to input a stutter in romaji is called a third consonant type. The consonant belonging to the third consonant type is “W”. For example, if “W” is desired to be input, “HI” may be input after “W” is input. It is assumed that, after inputting the third consonant type, even if either “Y” or one of the vowels is continuously input, it is not converted into hiragana.

[Configuration of mobile terminal 50]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of a mobile terminal 50 according to the present embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the portable terminal 50 includes a first casing 52 having a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, a state in which the central portion of the upper surface is exposed, and a state in which the central portion of the upper surface is covered by the first casing 52. And a second housing 66 coupled to the first housing 52 so that the shape can be changed between the first housing 52 and the second housing 66.

  Note that the connecting mechanism is a known mechanism and does not have a direct relationship with the present invention, so the details thereof will not be described here.

  The portable terminal 50 is arranged in the center portion of the upper surface of the second housing 66, and has a number of hardware keys (not shown) used for character input and the first housing 52 on the upper surface of the second housing 66. And a trackball 60 operated by a user, which is disposed in a region not covered by the user.

  The portable terminal 50 includes an operation display unit 54 that is a display-integrated type touch panel that includes a display unit 58 and a touch panel 56 stacked on the display unit 58 and is disposed on almost the entire upper surface of the first housing 52.

  In the present embodiment, the operation display unit 54 has a function of outputting position information on the assumption that the position is designated by the user when the user touches an arbitrary position on the display screen.

  The portable terminal 50 has an editor function for inputting hiragana characters in Roman characters. While the editor function is being executed, the portable terminal 50 displays the software keyboard on which the software keys are arranged in the QWERTY arrangement on the operation display unit 54. The user operates the software keyboard to input hiragana in Roman letters to the portable terminal 50.

  The software keyboard is displayed in the character input area 64 below the operation display unit 54. In the character display area 62 on the upper side of the operation display unit 54, characters input by the user operating the software keyboard are displayed.

  The character input area 64 is rectangular. A coordinate system is defined for the character input area 64. In the coordinate system, the upper left vertex of the character input area 64 is the origin, the right horizontal direction from the origin is the positive direction of the X axis, and the lower vertical direction is the positive direction of the Y axis.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 50. With reference to FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 50 includes a control unit 90 that is essentially a computer that controls the control center of the mobile terminal 50, and is connected to the control unit 90 and provided by the control unit 90. An operation display unit 54 that displays an application image, a storage unit 92 that stores various information, an input device 98, a trackball 60, a speaker, a wireless communication device (not shown), and the like as a portable terminal And various input / output devices for realizing a functional function.

  The operation display unit 54 displays the image of various applications, and when touched by the user, the operation display unit 54 outputs the position information in the form of coordinates on the panel, assuming that the position is designated by the user. Touch panel 56.

  The storage unit 92 includes various variable storage units 94 and a table storage unit 96 for storing variables and tables used internally by programs that implement the functions of the control unit 90.

  The table storage unit 96 is a Roman character rule table 100 for storing a conversion table for converting alphabetical permutations into Roman characters, and a first display for determining a display mode of the software keyboard displayed on the operation display unit 54. Template table 102, second template table 104, and the like. In the present embodiment, six template tables are prepared. These are referred to as first to sixth template tables, respectively.

  Control unit 90 includes a timer (not shown) for measuring time. Using the timer, the control unit 90 refers to the table storage unit 96 and executes a process for displaying the software keyboard on the operation display unit 54. Details of the processing will be described later.

[Configuration of template table]
The first template table 102, the second template table 104, and the third to sixth template tables are tables for defining display areas of software keys in the software keyboard displayed on the operation display unit 54, respectively. It is. In these template tables, the coordinate area of each software key is defined so as not to be superimposed on the adjacent software key. The software key display area differs for each template table.

  In the present embodiment, when a user newly inputs hiragana using a software keyboard, all software keys are displayed in the same size. In this case, the size of each software key is referred to as “small size”.

  When a first consonant type consonant is newly input, the alphabet to be input next is one of a vowel, “H”, and “Y”. In the present embodiment, after the consonant of the first consonant type is input, software keys corresponding to vowels, “H”, and “Y” are enlarged and displayed.

  Further, after the first consonant type is input, there is a high possibility that a vowel is input as compared with “H” and “Y”. In the present embodiment, after the first consonant type is input, the software keys corresponding to “H” and “Y” are enlarged and displayed in a slightly larger size (hereinafter referred to as “medium size”). Then, the software key corresponding to the vowel is enlarged and displayed in a size larger than the medium size (hereinafter referred to as “large size”).

  Similarly, in the present embodiment, after the second consonant type is newly input, the software keys corresponding to “Y” and vowels are enlarged and displayed in medium size and large size, respectively.

  Similarly, in the present embodiment, after the third consonant type is newly input, software keys corresponding to “H” and vowels are enlarged and displayed in medium and large sizes, respectively.

  When a software key corresponding to a number is newly input, the user is likely to input a number continuously. In this embodiment, after a number is newly input, all software keys corresponding to the number are enlarged and displayed in a medium size.

  Hereinafter, when a consonant of the first consonant type and any of “H” and “Y” are continuously input, a consonant of the second consonant type and “Y” are newly input continuously. In this case, or a case where a third consonant type consonant and “H” are continuously input are referred to as a “stuttering input state”. When in the stuttering input state, there is a high possibility that a vowel is input next. In the present embodiment, the software key corresponding to the vowel is enlarged and displayed in a large size in the stuttering input state.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the specifications of the first template table 102, the second template table 104, and the third to sixth template tables.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the first template table 102 is a table for a software keyboard displayed in the character input area 64 when newly inputting hiragana characters in Roman characters. In this embodiment, when a software key corresponding to a vowel is input, a permutation of alphabets input so far is converted into hiragana. Once the vowels are input, a new hiragana is entered in romaji. In that case, it is not necessary to enlarge any software key. In such a case, the first template table is used. In the first template table 102, all software keys are displayed in a small size.

  The second template table 104 is a table for a software keyboard displayed when the software key input immediately before is the first consonant type. In the second template table 104, vowels are enlarged and displayed in a large size, and “H” and “Y” are enlarged and displayed in a medium size. Software keys other than vowels, “H”, and “Y” are displayed in a small size.

  The third template table is a table for the software keyboard displayed when the software key input immediately before is the second consonant type. In the third template table, vowels are enlarged and displayed in a large size, and “Y” is enlarged and displayed in a medium size. Software keys other than vowels and “Y” are displayed in a small size.

  The fourth template table is a table for a software keyboard displayed when the software key input immediately before is the third consonant type. In the fourth template table, vowels are enlarged and displayed at a large size, and “H” is enlarged and displayed at a medium size. Software keys other than vowels and “H” are displayed in a small size.

  The fifth template table is a table for a software keyboard displayed when the software key input immediately before is a number. In the fifth template table, numbers are enlarged and displayed in a medium size, and software keys other than numbers are displayed in a small size. There is no software key displayed in large size.

  The sixth template table is a table for a software keyboard displayed in a special state such as a stuttering input state. In the sixth template table, vowels are enlarged and displayed in a large size, and software keys other than vowels are displayed in a small size. There is no software key displayed in medium size.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first template table 102. Referring to FIG. 4, in the first template table 102, one set of coordinate data is assigned to each letter of the alphabet and numbers 0-9. A set of coordinate data includes a first X coordinate and a first Y coordinate, which are the coordinates of the vertex at which the upper side and the left side of the software key assigned to the corresponding character intersect, and the vertexes that form a diagonal to the vertex. 2nd X coordinate and 2nd Y coordinate which are coordinates are included.

  The configurations of the second template table 104 and the third to sixth template tables are the same as the configuration of the first template table 102. However, the value of the coordinate data assigned to each character is different.

  5 to 10 are diagrams showing examples of software keyboards displayed in accordance with the first template table 102, the second template table 104, and the third to sixth template tables, respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in the first software keyboard 120, the software keys corresponding to the numbers 0 to 9 and the alphabet are all in the same small rectangular shape. Each of the four rows of software keys constituting the QWERTY array is displayed side by side at a predetermined interval. Each software key belonging to each row is arranged at a predetermined interval from the adjacent software key in the row.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the second software keyboard 130 is substantially the same as the first software keyboard 120, but differs in the following points.

  In the second software keyboard 130, the software key corresponding to “A” is displayed in a large size, and the pair of two sides facing each other is displayed so as to touch two adjacent software keys in the row. Is done. The software key corresponding to “H” is displayed in a medium size. The coordinates of the center of the software key corresponding to “A” and “H” are the same as the coordinates of the center of the software key of “A” and “H” before being enlarged, respectively. Software keys corresponding to “E”, “U”, “I”, and “O” are all displayed in large size, and software keys corresponding to “Y” are displayed in medium size. All other keys are small. The software key group in the second row is arranged and displayed without a gap.

  Referring to FIG. 7, third software keyboard 140 is substantially the same as second software keyboard 130, except that the software key corresponding to “H” is displayed in a small size.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the fourth software keyboard 150 is substantially the same as the second software keyboard 130, but differs in the following points.

  On the fourth software keyboard 150, the software key corresponding to “Y” is displayed in a small size. Software keys other than “Q” in the software key group in the second row are arranged and displayed without a gap.

  Referring to FIG. 9, fifth software keyboard 160 is substantially the same as first software keyboard 120, except that the software keys corresponding to the numbers are all medium-sized and the software keys corresponding to the numbers are the same. It differs in that it is arranged without a gap.

  Referring to FIG. 10, sixth software keyboard 170 is substantially the same as fourth software keyboard 150, except that the software key corresponding to “H” is displayed in a small size.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for comparing the first software keyboard 120 and the second software keyboard 130. Referring to FIG. 11, first software keyboard 120 has “A”, “H”, “W”, “E”, “R”, “T”, “Y”, “U”, “I”. , And software keys 180 to 198 respectively corresponding to “O”. The second software keyboard 130 has “A”, “H”, “W”, “E”, “R”, “T”, “Y”, “U”, “I”, and “O” respectively. Corresponding software keys 200-218 are included. The software keys 180 to 198 are different in size from the software keys 200 to 218, respectively, as described above. The center coordinates of software keys 180, 182 and 198 are the same as the center coordinates of software keys 200, 202 and 218, respectively. The software keys 204 to 216 have their center coordinates at positions where the center coordinates of the software keys 184 to 196 are moved to the left. With such a configuration, the software key group in the second row of the second software keyboard 130 is arranged without a gap.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for comparing the first software keyboard 120 and the fourth software keyboard 150. The fourth software keyboard 150 has “A”, “H”, “W”, “E”, “R”, “T”, “Y”, “U”, “I”, and “O” respectively. Corresponding software keys 240-254 are included. The software keys 240 to 254 are different in size from the software keys 180 to 198, respectively, as described above. The center coordinates of software keys 180, 182, 186, and 198 are the same as the center coordinates of software keys 240, 242, 244, and 254, respectively. The software keys 246 to 252 are located at the center coordinates of the software keys 190 to 196 moved to the left. With such a configuration, the software key group excluding “Q” in the software key group in the second row of the fourth software keyboard 150 is arranged without a gap.

[Composition of Romaji Rule Table 100]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the Roman character rule table 100. Referring to FIG. 13, in the Romaji rule table 100, one record is assigned to each newly entered letter of alphabets and numbers 0-9. Each record of the Romaji rule table 100 includes a type field for storing a character type, a kana conversion field for storing a hiragana converted into a Romaji character by a permutation of the character and the next input character, and a character. A first template field for designating a template table to be displayed after input, and a template table to be displayed when “H” and “Y” are input to input stuttering after inputting characters And a second template field for specifying a name.

  The value stored in the type field is composed of a vowel, first to third consonants, and a number. In the type field, a type corresponding to the character stored in the new character input character field is stored.

  In the kana conversion field, the newly input character and the next input vowel, “Ya”, “Yi”, “Yu”, “Ye”, “Yo”, “Ha”, “Hi”, “ Either hiragana to be converted by permutation with any of “Hu”, “He”, and “Ho”, or NULL is stored.

  When NULL is stored in the kana conversion field, it indicates that there is no hiragana for conversion. When newly input characters are vowels or numbers, NULL is stored in all kana conversion fields. This is because, in this embodiment, when a software key corresponding to a vowel is input, the alphabetical permutation input so far is converted into hiragana. This is because hiragana characters are not converted into hiragana characters when the characters are numbers.

  When the newly input character is the second consonant type, NULL is stored in “Ha” to “Ho” of the kana conversion field. When the newly input character is the third consonant type, NULL is stored in “Ya” to “Yo” of the kana conversion field.

  Since it is well known that the permutation of the newly input character and the next input character is converted into hiragana, the details will not be described here.

  In the first template field, the name of any of the first template table 102, the second template table 104, and the third to fifth template tables is stored. When the newly input characters are vowels, first to third consonant types, and numbers, the first template table 102, the second template table 104, and the third template field are respectively displayed in the first template field. ~ The name of the fifth template table is stored.

  Either the sixth template table or NULL is stored in the second template field. When the newly input characters are vowels and numbers, NULL is stored in the second template field. This is because “H” and “Y” are not input after the vowel and the number in order to input the stuttering. When the newly input character is a consonant, the name of the sixth template table is stored in the second template field.

  The character display method in the editor function is described below.

  In the editor function, the characters are displayed in the character display area 62 as either “unconfirmed display” or “confirmed display”. “Undetermined display” refers to a state in which the input is not fixed in the character display area 62 before being converted into Roman characters. For example, when a new software key corresponding to a consonant is pressed, it is not possible to convert Roman characters using only that one character. Therefore, when only one consonant is input, the consonant is displayed indefinitely in the character display area 62.

  In the present embodiment, the characters that are undetermined are underlined in the character display area 62. Referring to FIG. 1 again, for example, it is assumed that a software key corresponding to “S” is newly pressed. Since “S” alone cannot be converted into Roman characters, “S” is displayed underlined as an unconfirmed display.

  The “determined display” refers to a display state after Romaji conversion, and a display state when input is confirmed in the character display area 62. For example, when a software key corresponding to a vowel is newly pressed, only a vowel can be immediately converted into hiragana. Therefore, the corresponding hiragana is confirmed and displayed. Further, when a new consonant and vowel are continuously pressed, the combination of these characters can be converted into Romaji, so that the corresponding hiragana is displayed.

  In the confirmed display, the characters are displayed as they are in the character display area 62 and are not underlined as in the undecided display.

  In the present embodiment, when any one of vowels and numbers is pressed, the unconfirmed display that has been displayed so far is converted into Romaji according to the Romaji rule table 100.

  Normally, Kana-Kanji conversion is performed after the Roman-to-Kana conversion as described above. However, since Kana-Kanji conversion is not directly related to the present invention, it will not be described here.

Software configuration
14 to 18 are flowcharts showing the control structure of the editor function program executed by the portable terminal 50. By executing this program by the control unit 90 which is substantially a computer, the editor function of the portable terminal 50 is realized.

  Referring to FIG. 14, this program is activated when an editor function is started by the user, and displays a first software keyboard 120 according to first template table 102 in character input area 64. And, after step 300, waiting 302 until software keys corresponding to alphabets and numbers are pressed by the user.

  In step 302, whether or not the software key has been pressed is determined as follows. Assume that the user touches the operation display unit 54. The touch panel 56 outputs the position information. The control unit 90 refers to the first template table 102 to search which software key display area the position information belongs to. If the position information belongs to one of the software key display areas, the control unit 90 determines that the software key corresponding to the alphabet and the number has been pressed.

  If it is determined in step 302 that software keys corresponding to alphabets and numbers have been pressed, this program determines whether or not the pressed software key corresponds to a vowel, and the flow of control according to the determination result , And step 306, when the determination result in step 304 is YES, the hiragana corresponding to the pressed software key is fixedly displayed in the character display area 62, and the control is returned to step 302.

  The program further determines whether or not the first consonant type is pressed when the determination result of step 304 is NO, and branches the control flow according to the determination result, and the determination of step 308 When the result is NO, it is determined whether or not the second consonant type has been pressed, and step 310 for branching the flow of control according to the determination result, and when the determination result at step 310 is NO, the third Step 312 for determining whether or not the consonant type is pressed and branching the flow of control according to the determination result. When the determination result in step 312 is NO, the pressed software key corresponds to a number.

  Referring to FIG. 15, this program further includes step 340 for unconfirmedly displaying the consonant corresponding to the pressed software key in character display area 62 when the determination result in step 308 shown in FIG. 14 is YES, After step 340, a step 342 of displaying the second software keyboard 130 according to the second template table 104 in the character input area 64 is included.

  The program further determines after step 342 that the timer is reset after step 344, and after step 344, whether or not software keys corresponding to alphabets and numbers have been pressed, and the flow of control depends on the determination result. If the determination result in step 346 to be branched and step 346 is NO, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the timer exceeds a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), and according to the determination result Step 348 that branches the flow of control, and step 350 that displays the first software keyboard 120 in the character input area 64 and returns control to Step 344 when the determination result in Step 348 is YES. If the determination result in step 348 is NO, the control returns to step 346.

  Normally, when a user who frequently uses the keyboard uses the editor function for inputting Roman characters, it takes less time to input the next character after inputting a new character. Therefore, if a character is not input during a predetermined time (2 seconds), it is highly likely that the use of the editor function is interrupted and another application is used. Even if the user resumes the use of the editor function, there is a possibility that the user forgets the previously input character and newly inputs a new character. In such a case, it does not make sense to leave the second software keyboard 130 with some software keys expanded. Therefore, in Steps 348 and 350, if there is no input to the software key even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the first software keyboard 120 is displayed.

  The program further determines whether or not the pressed software key corresponds to a vowel when the determination result in step 346 is YES, and branches the flow of control according to the determination result to step 352 and step 352. If the determination result is YES, step 354 includes displaying the hiragana corresponding to the undetermined character currently displayed in the character display area 62 as the confirmed character and returning the control to step 300 shown in FIG.

  This program further determines whether or not the software key corresponding to either “H” or “Y” has been pressed when the determination result in step 352 is NO, and the control flow is controlled according to the determination result. If the decision result in step 356 for branching and step 356 is NO, the character that is currently displayed indefinitely changes in hiragana in the character display area 62 and is fixedly displayed, and the control returns to step 308 shown in FIG. If the determination result in step 358 and step 356 is YES, a character corresponding to the pressed software key is displayed in the character display area 62 in an unconfirmed display, and after step 360, a sixth software keyboard is displayed. And step 362 for displaying 170 in the character input area 64 and returning control to step 344.

  Referring to FIG. 16, this program further includes a step 390 for unconfirmedly displaying the consonant corresponding to the pressed software key in the character display area 62 when the determination result in step 310 shown in FIG. 14 is YES, After step 390, a step 392 of displaying the third software keyboard 140 according to the third template table in the character input area 64 is included.

  This program further includes steps 344A to 354A for executing processing similar to steps 344 to 354 shown in FIG.

  Further, if the determination result of this program 352A is NO, it is determined whether or not the software key corresponding to “Y” has been pressed, and the control flow branches according to the determination result in steps 394 and 394. If the determination result is NO, the character display area 62 converts the currently unconfirmed characters into hiragana and confirms them, and returns the control to step 308 shown in FIG. Is YES, step 398 for displaying the character corresponding to the pressed software key in the character display area 62 in an unconfirmed display, and after step 398, the sixth software keyboard 170 is displayed in the character input area 64. And step 400 of returning control to step 344A.

  Referring to FIG. 17, this program further includes a step 420 for unconfirmedly displaying the consonant corresponding to the pressed software key in the character display area 62 when the determination result in step 312 shown in FIG. 14 is YES, After step 420, there is included step 422 for displaying the fourth software keyboard 150 according to the fourth template table in the character input area 64.

  This program further includes steps 344B to 354B that execute processing similar to steps 344 to 354 shown in FIG. 15 after step 422, respectively.

  If the determination result in step 352B is NO, this program further determines whether the software key corresponding to “H” has been pressed, and branches the control flow according to the determination result, step 424 and step 424. If the determination result is NO, the character display area 62 converts the character that is currently undetermined into a hiragana character and displays it as finalized, and returns control to step 308 shown in FIG. If the result is YES, step 428 for displaying the character corresponding to the pressed software key in the character display area 62 in an unconfirmed display, and after step 428, the sixth software keyboard 170 is displayed in the character input area 64. And step 430 for returning control to step 344B.

  Referring to FIG. 18, this program further includes step 450 for confirming and displaying a number corresponding to the pressed software key in character display area 62 when the determination result in step 312 shown in FIG. 14 is NO. After step 450, a step 452 of displaying the fifth software keyboard 160 according to the fifth template table in the character input area 64 is included.

  This program further includes Steps 344C to 352C that execute processing similar to Steps 344 to 352 shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, if the determination result of this program 352C is YES, the hiragana corresponding to the permutation of the unconfirmed character that has been displayed so far and the newly pressed vowel is displayed as the confirmed character, and the control is shown in FIG. Step 454 for returning to Step 300 shown in FIG. 5 and Step 456 for determining whether or not the software key corresponding to the number is pressed when the determination result in Step 352C is NO and branching the control flow according to the determination result. Including. If the determination result in step 456 is YES, control returns to step 450. If the decision result in the step 456 is NO, the control returns to the step 308 shown in FIG.

[Operation]
1 to 18, portable terminal 50 according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration operates as follows. Prior to this, it is assumed that the information shown in FIGS. 13 and 4 is stored in advance in the Romaji rule table 100 and the first template table 102, respectively. In addition, in the second template table 104 and the third to sixth template tables, software key display areas corresponding to alphabets and numbers are defined in the same manner as the first template table 102. To do.

  It is assumed that the user has activated the editor function of the mobile terminal 50.

  The portable terminal 50 displays the first software keyboard 120 in the character input area 64 according to the first template table 102 (step 300 shown in FIG. 14), and one of the software keys is pressed by the user. (Step 302 shown in FIG. 14).

(1) Operation when a software key corresponding to a vowel is touched After step 300, it is assumed that the user touches a software key corresponding to a vowel on the first software keyboard 120. The determination result in step 304 is YES, and the portable terminal 50 displays the hiragana corresponding to the input vowel in the character display area 62, and returns control to step 302 (step 306 shown in FIG. 14).

(2) Operation when the software key corresponding to the first consonant type is touched After step 300, the user touches the software key corresponding to the first consonant type on the first software keyboard 120 And

  The portable terminal 50 displays the first consonant type alphabet corresponding to the pressed software key in the character display area 62 indefinitely (step 340 shown in FIG. 15), and in accordance with the second template table 104, 2 is displayed in the character input area 64 (step 342 shown in FIG. 15). The portable terminal 50 resets the timer (step 344 shown in FIG. 15) and waits until any one of the software keys is pressed by the user (step 346 shown in FIG. 15).

  In step 346, if the user has not pressed any software key for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), the determination result in step 348 is YES. The portable terminal 50 displays the first software keyboard 120 in the character input area 64 (step 350 shown in FIG. 15), and returns the control to step 344.

  In step 346, when the user presses the software key corresponding to either “H” or “Y” in order to input a roar, the portable terminal 50 changes the alphabet corresponding to the pressed software key to a letter. Indeterminate display is performed in the display area 62 (step 360 shown in FIG. 15). The portable terminal 50 displays the sixth software keyboard 170 in the character input area 64 according to the sixth template table, and returns the control to Step 344 (Step 362 shown in FIG. 15).

  In step 346, when the user presses the software key corresponding to the vowel, the mobile terminal 50 displays the permutation between the character that is currently displayed indefinitely in the character display area 62 and the newly input vowel. The corresponding hiragana is converted and confirmed, and control is returned to step 300 shown in FIG. 14 (step 354 shown in FIG. 15).

  In step 346, if the user presses a software key that is neither a vowel nor “H” or “Y”, the unconfirmed display displayed in the character display area 62 is converted into a confirmed display, and the control is performed as shown in FIG. The process returns to step 308 shown in FIG. 15 (step 358 shown in FIG. 15).

(3) Operation when the software key corresponding to the second consonant type is touched After step 300, the user touches the software key corresponding to the second consonant type on the first software keyboard 120 And

  The portable terminal 50 displays the second consonant type alphabet corresponding to the pressed software key in the character display area 62 indefinitely (step 390 shown in FIG. 16), and the third template table according to the third template table. The software keyboard 140 is displayed in the character input area 64 (step 392 shown in FIG. 16).

  Thereafter, the portable terminal 50 performs the processes of Steps 344A to 352A that are the same as Steps 344 to 352, respectively.

  However, when the user presses the software key corresponding to the vowel in step 346A, the portable terminal 50 performs the same processing as step 354 and returns control to step 300 (step 354A shown in FIG. 16).

  In step 346A, when the user presses the software key corresponding to “Y” in order to input a roar, the portable terminal 50 displays the alphabet corresponding to the currently pressed software key in the character display area 62 indefinitely. (Step 398 shown in FIG. 16). The portable terminal 50 displays the sixth software keyboard 170 in the character input area 64 in accordance with the sixth template table, and returns control to Step 344A (Step 400 shown in FIG. 16).

  In step 346A, when the user presses a software key other than the vowel and “Y”, the character that is undeterminedly displayed in the character display area 62 and the newly input character are converted into hiragana and confirmed. Then, control is returned to step 308 shown in FIG. 14 (step 396 shown in FIG. 16).

(4) Operation when the software key corresponding to the third consonant type is touched After step 300, the user touches the software key corresponding to the third consonant type on the first software keyboard 120 And

  The portable terminal 50 displays the third consonant type alphabet corresponding to the pressed software key indefinitely in the character display area 62 (step 420 shown in FIG. 17), and displays the fourth template table according to the fourth template table. The software keyboard 150 is displayed in the character input area 64 (step 422 shown in FIG. 17).

  Thereafter, the portable terminal 50 performs the processes of Steps 344B to 354B that are the same as Steps 344 to 354, respectively.

  However, when the user presses the software key corresponding to the vowel in step 346B, the portable terminal 50 performs the same processing as step 354 and returns control to step 300 (step 354B shown in FIG. 16).

  In step 346B, when the user presses the software key corresponding to “H” in order to input a stuttering, the portable terminal 50 displays the alphabet corresponding to the currently pressed software key in the character display area 62 indefinitely. (Step 428 shown in FIG. 17). The portable terminal 50 displays the sixth software keyboard 170 in the character input area 64 according to the sixth template table, and returns control to Step 344B (Step 430 shown in FIG. 17).

  In step 346B, when the user presses a software key other than the vowel and “H”, the unconfirmed display displayed in the character display area 62 and the newly input character are converted into hiragana and confirmed display. Then, control is returned to step 308 shown in FIG. 14 (step 426 shown in FIG. 17).

(5) Operation when a software key corresponding to a number is touched After step 300, it is assumed that the user touches a software key corresponding to a number on the first software keyboard 120.

  The portable terminal 50 confirms and displays the number corresponding to the pressed software key in the character display area 62 (step 450 shown in FIG. 18), and displays the fifth software keyboard 160 in the character input area according to the fifth template table. 64 (step 452 shown in FIG. 18).

  Thereafter, the portable terminal 50 performs the processes of Steps 344C to 352C that are the same as Steps 344 to 352, respectively.

  However, in step 346C, when the user presses the software key corresponding to the number, the portable terminal 50 returns the control to step 450. If the user presses a software key that is neither a vowel nor a number, the portable terminal 50 returns control to step 308. When the user presses the software key corresponding to the vowel, the portable terminal 50 displays the hiragana corresponding to the input vowel in the character display area 62 and returns control to step 302 (shown in FIG. 18). Step 454).

(Specific example of hiragana input)
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a specific example when inputting the hiragana with the editor function. Referring to FIG. 19, when the user activates the editor function, operation display unit 54 is initially displayed with nothing displayed in character display area 62 and first software keyboard 120 is displayed in character input area 64. State 500 is entered. Hereinafter, a case where software keys are pressed in the order of “N”, “A”, “W”, “A”, “C”, “H”, and “O” will be described.

  When the user presses “N”, the operation display unit 54 transitions to a state 502 in which “n” is not yet displayed in the character display area 62 and the third software keyboard 140 is displayed in the character input area 64. To do. This is because “N” is the second consonant type. When the user presses “A”, the operation display unit 54 confirms and displays the hiragana “na” determined by the permutation of “n” and “a” in the character display area 62 and the first character input area 64. The state transitions to a state 504 where the software keyboard 120 is displayed. Subsequently, when the user presses “W”, the operation display unit 54 displays “w” indefinitely displayed in the character display area 62 and the fourth software keyboard 150 is displayed in the character input area 64. Transition to 506. “W” is for the third consonant type. Subsequently, when the user presses “A”, the operation display unit 54 confirms and displays the hiragana “wa” determined by the permutation of “w” and “a” in the character display area 62 and the character input area 64. Transition to a state 508 in which the first software keyboard 120 is displayed.

  When the user presses “C”, the operation display unit 54 transitions to a state 510 in which “C” is displayed indefinitely in the character display area 62 and the second software keyboard 130 is displayed in the character input area 64. To do. This is because “C” is the first consonant type. Subsequently, when the user presses “H”, the operation display unit 54 displays “H” in the character display area 62 indefinitely and the sixth software keyboard 170 is displayed in the character input area 64. Transition to 512. This is because the order of “C” and “H” matches the conditions for adopting the sixth template table.

  When the user presses “O”, the operation display section 54 confirms and displays the hiragana “cho” determined by the permutation of “c”, “h”, and “o” in the character display area 62 and character input. The state transitions to a state 514 in which the first software keyboard 120 is displayed in the area 64.

  When the user presses the software key corresponding to the number “3”, the operation display unit 54 displays “3” in the character display area 62 and displays the fifth software keyboard 160 in the character input area 64. Transition to state 516.

[Effects of the present embodiment]
As is clear from the above description, in the portable terminal 50 according to the present embodiment, when inputting hiragana in Roman letters, a plurality of software keyboards are prepared by enlarging software keys that are likely to be input next. ing. In the plurality of software keyboards, the software keys that are unlikely to be input are set so as not to be covered with the enlarged software keys. Therefore, it is not difficult for the user to press a software key that is unlikely to be input next.

  Each time a software key is pressed, a software keyboard appropriate for the pressed character is displayed. Therefore, the user can easily input a sentence.

  As a result, the portable keyboard 50 according to the present embodiment can provide a software keyboard that has good operability for inputting text.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, the software keyboard is displayed on the operation display unit 54 which is a display-integrated touch panel. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and may be displayed on any display medium. For example, the software keyboard may be displayed and used on a display device that does not have a function of outputting the touched position information in addition to the touch panel. In such a case, the cursor displayed on the display device may be displayed so as to overlap a certain software key so that the user performs an operation such as clicking, and the operation is regarded as a pressing operation of the software key.

  In the above embodiment, software keys are arranged in a QWERTY arrangement on the software keyboard. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and the software keys may be arranged in any arrangement pattern.

  In the embodiment described above, in the software keyboard, the characters corresponding to the software keys are alphabets and numbers. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and the character corresponding to the software key may be any symbol.

  In the above-described embodiment, the editor function of the mobile terminal 50 is a function for converting alphabets into hiragana. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The editor function may be a function of converting alphabetical permutations into hiragana and converting the converted hiragana into corresponding kanji. The editor function is not limited to Japanese only.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim in the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are included. Including.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the portable terminal 50 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the portable terminal 50 shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the specification of a template table. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st template table 102 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st software keyboard 120 by which the software key is arrange | positioned according to the 1st template table. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 2nd software keyboard 130 by which the software key is arrange | positioned according to the 2nd template table 104. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 3rd software keyboard 140 by which the software key is arrange | positioned according to a 3rd template table. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 4th software keyboard 150 by which the software key was arrange | positioned according to the 4th template table. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 5th software keyboard 160 by which the software key is arrange | positioned according to the 5th template table. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 6th software keyboard 170 by which the software key is arrange | positioned according to a 6th template table. It is a figure for comparing the 1st software keyboard 120 and the 2nd software keyboard 130. FIG. It is a figure for comparing the 1st software keyboard 120 and the 4th software keyboard 150. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the Roman alphabet rule table 100 shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the computer program which implement | achieves the function of the portable terminal 50. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the computer program which implement | achieves the function of the portable terminal 50. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the computer program which implement | achieves the function of the portable terminal 50. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the computer program which implement | achieves the function of the portable terminal 50. It is a flowchart which shows the control structure of the computer program which implement | achieves the function of the portable terminal 50. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of a character input.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Cellular phone 52 1st housing | casing 54 Operation display part 56 Touch panel 58 Display part 62 Character display area 64 Character input area 66 2nd housing | casing 90 Control part 92 Memory | storage part 94 Various variable memory | storage part 96 Table memory | storage part 98 Input device 100 Roman character Rule table 102 1st template table 104 2nd template table 120 1st software keyboard 130 2nd software keyboard 140 3rd software keyboard 150 4th software keyboard 160 5th software keyboard 170 6th software keyboard

Claims (4)

Keyboard image storage means for storing a plurality of keyboard images each including a plurality of software keys;
A character code corresponding to the software key designated by the user, which is connected to the keyboard image storage means, switches and displays the plurality of keyboard images stored in the keyboard image storage means on the display screen of the display device. And a software keyboard input means for outputting
Each of the plurality of keyboard images includes a plurality of software keys arranged in the same arrangement pattern,
In any of the plurality of keyboard images, any adjacent software key combination is displayed so as not to overlap each other,
Some software keys are displayed in a first size that is a reference in any keyboard image, and
The other software keys are displayed in the first size in some keyboard images, and in a larger size than the first size in other keyboard images. The plurality of keyboard images includes a reference keyboard image in which any software key is displayed in the first size;
The software keyboard input means responds to the fact that no software key of the keyboard image has been designated by the user even after a predetermined time has elapsed since a keyboard image different from the reference keyboard image is displayed. The portable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard image on the display screen is switched to the reference keyboard image for display. Connecting the input / output control unit to a keyboard image storage unit storing a plurality of keyboard images each including a plurality of software keys;
The input / output control unit switches and displays the plurality of keyboard images stored in the keyboard image storage unit on the display screen of the display device, and outputs a character code corresponding to the software key designated by the user A software keyboard display method including steps,
Each of the plurality of keyboard images includes a plurality of software keys arranged in the same arrangement pattern,
In any of the plurality of keyboard images, any adjacent software key combination is displayed so as not to overlap each other,
Some software keys are displayed in a first size that is a reference in any keyboard image, and
The software keyboard display method, wherein the other software keys are displayed in the first size in some keyboard images and in a size larger than the first size in other keyboard images. When executed by a computer, the computer is
Connection means for connecting to a keyboard image storage means each storing a plurality of keyboard images including a plurality of software keys;
Software keyboard input means for switching and displaying the plurality of keyboard images stored in the keyboard image storage means on a display screen of a display device and outputting a character code corresponding to a software key designated by a user A software keyboard display program that functions as
Each of the plurality of keyboard images includes a plurality of software keys arranged in the same arrangement pattern,
In any of the plurality of keyboard images, any adjacent software key combination is displayed so as not to overlap each other,
Some software keys are displayed in a first size that is a reference in any keyboard image, and
A software keyboard display program in which other software keys are displayed in the first size in some keyboard images and in a larger size than the first size in other keyboard images.

Images