JP2012003605A - Text input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a text input device which can ensure accuracy in inputting, editing or saving text, and can be downsized.SOLUTION: A text input device 1 having keys of a plurality of input portions 20 on the side surface of a housing 10 comprises: a storage part for storing the text input through the keys; display means for checking contents or a form of the text currently being input through the keys and provided on the same side surface as that on which the keys are provided of the side surface of the housing 10; and a display control part for displaying the contents or the form of the text currently being input through the keys by means of the display means, and further comprises: an editing and saving instruction part for instructing an editing way or a saving way of the text stored on the storage part; and a storage control part for storing the text input through the keys on the storage part on the basis of the editing way or the saving way instructed by the editing and saving instruction part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a text input device.

  Conventionally, a text input device for inputting text, such as a notebook personal computer or a PDA, has been used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a portable electronic device including a system main body, a keyboard for inputting text, a display device for displaying text, and an external storage device for storing the input text. Yes.

  Here, the portable electronic device as described above is preferably miniaturized in order to enhance portability, but the portable electronic device includes a display device that displays a sentence input with a keyboard. There was a limit to downsizing.

JP 05-035371 A

  By the way, in the reading comprehension of the sentence, even if the word order in the word of the sentence is not accurate, the meaning of the sentence may be understood if only the beginning and ending characters of the sentence are in the correct positions. As a result, when inputting text into a portable electronic device, the text input is performed by switching the word order of the text based on the above logic after text input, even if the word order of the text is not accurately confirmed during text input. The sentence can be made into a sentence that makes sense. Accordingly, the sentence input system for changing the word order of the input sentence is, for example, a portable electronic device in which the display device is excluded from the portable electronic device as a system that does not present the content of the input sentence to the user when inputting the sentence. And a text interpretation device for reading text input to the portable electronic device based on the logic. According to this text input system, even when a meaningless text is input to the portable electronic device because the user cannot visually confirm the content of the text on the portable electronic device, the text interpretation device can input the text. The written sentence can be made into a sentence that makes sense. Further, in such a text input system, since the display device of the portable electronic device can be omitted, the structure of the portable electronic device can be simplified, and the portable electronic device can be downsized. In addition, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  However, the above-described conventional portable electronic device has room for improvement in terms of accuracy when inputting, editing, or storing a sentence. For example, when there is no display device in the portable electronic device at the time of inputting a sentence, the contents of the input sentence cannot be confirmed. There is a possibility that the text actually input to the portable electronic device is completely different. In addition, when editing or saving a sentence, if the sentence input device does not have a display device, the user cannot confirm whether or not the keyboard has been correctly operated. In the case of editing or saving, there is a possibility that the editing or saving of the text may not be performed due to a shift in the operation timing of the keyboard.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sentence input device that can ensure accuracy when inputting, editing, or saving a sentence and can be downsized. To do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the text input device according to claim 1 is a text input device configured to include a plurality of keys on a side surface of a housing, and the text input device via the keys. Storage means for storing the input text, and display means for confirming the content or format of the text currently input via the key, the key of the side of the housing Display means provided on the same side and display control means for displaying the content or format of the text currently input via the key by the display means, or stored in the storage means An editing / storing instruction unit for instructing a method for editing or storing a sentence, and a sentence input via the key based on the editing / storing method instructed by the editing / storing instruction unit are stored by the storage unit. And a storage control unit.

  The text input device according to claim 2 is the text input device according to claim 1, wherein the editing and saving instruction means designates a position for dividing a page in the text currently inputted through the key. It is a page delimiter position designation means.

  The sentence input device according to claim 3 is the sentence input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage means stores a plurality of folders for storing sentences input via the keys. A folder designating unit for designating a folder in which a text currently input via the key is to be saved from among a plurality of folders stored in the folder storing unit. It is.

  The sentence input device according to claim 4 is the sentence input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display means has an input mode when inputting a sentence via the key in Japanese. The light emitting means for displaying the input mode or the English input mode in an identifiable manner.

  The sentence input device according to claim 5 is the sentence input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display means has a predetermined length among sentences currently input through the key. It is a display for displaying the text for one line.

  The text input device according to claim 6 is the text input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operated key is any key when the text is input through the key. Input sound output means is provided for outputting the input sound in such a manner that it can be identified.

  According to the text input device of claim 1, the display control means displays the content or format of the text currently input via the key on the display means, or the storage control means edits and saves the instruction means. Since the text input based on the editing or saving method instructed in is stored in the folder of the folder storage means, the contents or format of the text currently input by the display means can be presented to the user, or edited and saved Since the text can be edited or saved in the folder by operating the instruction unit, it is possible to ensure the accuracy in inputting, editing, or saving the text. Further, by using a display means for displaying the content or format of the currently input sentence, it is possible to omit providing the display device in the sentence input device, and to reduce the size of the sentence input device. In addition, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  According to the sentence input device according to claim 2, since the edit storage instruction means is a page break position designation means for designating a position to break a page in the sentence currently inputted through the key, By operating the page break position designation means, it is possible to designate the position where the page is separated, and it is possible to edit the sentence accurately and easily without a display device.

  According to the sentence input device of the third aspect, the edit / save instructing unit designates a folder for storing the currently input sentence through a key from the plurality of folders stored in the folder storing unit. Therefore, it is possible to specify a folder by operating the folder specifying means, and it is possible to accurately and easily save a sentence without a display device.

  According to the sentence input device according to claim 4, the display means displays in a manner capable of identifying whether the input mode for inputting the sentence via the key is the Japanese input mode or the English input mode. Therefore, it is possible to present to the user whether the input mode is the Japanese input mode or the English input mode by turning on or blinking the light emitting means, and when inputting text without a display device The accuracy can be further secured.

  According to the sentence input device according to claim 5, when inputting a sentence via a key, an input sound for outputting an input sound in such a manner that the operated key can be identified. Since the output means is provided, it is possible to present to the user that the key has been appropriately operated by the input sound of the input sound output means, and it is possible to further ensure the accuracy when inputting a sentence.

  According to the sentence input device according to claim 6, since the display means is a sentence display means for displaying a sentence of one line of a predetermined length among sentences currently input via the key. The display means can present to the user the content or format of the sentence for a predetermined length of the predetermined length, and further ensure the accuracy when inputting or editing the sentence even if it is not a display device that displays the entire sentence of the inputted sentence. be able to.

It is a schematic diagram of the text input device which concerns on Embodiment 1, (a) is a figure which shows the state at the time of use, (b) is a figure which shows the state at the time of accommodation. It is a top view of the state at the time of use of the text input device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the electrical structure of the text input device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a top view of the state at the time of use of the text input device concerning Embodiment 2. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the electrical structure of the text input device which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a text input device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

[Embodiment 1]
First, the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the content or format of a sentence is displayed using a light emitting means.

(Constitution)
The application target of the text input device according to Embodiment 1 is arbitrary, and can be applied to, for example, a notebook-type text input device that can be easily carried. Below, the case where it applies to a portable type notebook type | formula text input device (henceforth a text input device) is demonstrated as an example.

(Configuration-Text input device)
First, the configuration of the text input device will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a text input device according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a diagram showing a state during use, and (b) is a diagram showing a state during storage. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the sentence input device according to Embodiment 1 in use. In the following description, the X direction in FIG. 1A is the length direction, the Y direction is the width direction, and the Z direction is the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the text input device 1 includes a housing 10, an input unit 20, a light emitting unit 30, an input sound output unit 40, an output unit 50, and a power supply switching unit 60.

  The housing 10 is a supporting unit that supports the input unit 20, the light emitting unit 30, the input sound output unit 40, the output unit 50, and the power supply switching unit 60, and an electronic device provided inside the sentence input device 1. It is a protective means to protect. The housing 10 is a substantially hollow rectangular body formed of a resin material, and is configured by combining an outer surface cover 11 and an inner surface cover 12. The outer cover 11 and the inner cover 12 can be connected by any method. For example, the outer cover 11 and the inner cover 12 are connected by fitting or screwing.

  In this case 10, an opening 13 for arranging the input unit 20 on the inner surface cover 12 of the case 10, an opening 14 for arranging the light emitting unit 30, and a power supply switching unit 60 are arranged. An opening 15 is provided. Further, the housing 10 is provided with an opening 16 for arranging the output unit 50 in the inner surface cover 12 or the outer surface cover 11 of the housing 10. In addition, the inner surface cover 12 of the housing 10 is provided with an acoustic hole 17 for releasing input sound output from an input sound output unit 40 described later from the inside of the housing 10 to the outside. Note that the outer cover 11 of the housing 10 may be provided with a leg (not shown) for inclining the housing 10 in order to facilitate the operation of the input unit 20 described later.

  In addition, the housing 10 can be folded in two so that the sentence input device 1 can be stored in the vicinity of the central portion in the length direction of the housing 10. The first housing 10 a and the second housing 10 b It is configured separately. Specifically, the first casing 10a and the second casing 10b are separated along the boundary between keys of the input unit 20 (described later) located near the center of the casing 10 in the length direction. ing. Although the connection method of these 1st housing | casing 10a and 2nd housing | casing 10b is arbitrary, as shown to Fig.1 (a), (b), for example, the 1st housing | casing 10a or 2nd The first casing 10a and the second casing 10b are connected by a hinge portion 18 so that the casing 10b can be rotated around the Y axis. Thereby, as shown in FIG.1 (b), the text input device 1 is accommodated in the state which the inner surface cover 12 of the 1st housing | casing 10a and the inner surface cover 12 of the 2nd housing | casing 10b contact | abutted. Thus, the portability of the text input device 1 can be improved, and an input unit 20 described later disposed on the inner surface cover 12 of the housing 10 can be prevented from malfunctioning due to an external factor. The first input unit 20 on the first housing 10a side and the input unit 20 on the second housing 10b side are in a non-contact state when the text input device 1 is folded in two. The position between the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b may be determined. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation caused by the input units 20 coming into contact with each other.

  The input unit 20 is input means for inputting a sentence. The input unit 20 is formed of a resin material, is disposed in the opening 13 of the inner surface cover 12 of the housing 10, and is fixed to a fixing tool (not shown) inside the housing 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the input unit 20 includes a standard key group 21, an auxiliary key group 22, and an edit / save instruction unit 23.

  The standard key group 21 is a group of keys to be described later among the keys conforming to the JIS standard. For example, the standard key group 21 includes a character / numeric key for inputting a character, a number, or a symbol, a half-width / full-width key for switching the character / number to a half-width or a full-width, and a Tab key for inputting a blank of a predetermined length. Caps Lock key for entering alphabets in capital letters, Shift key for entering letters, numbers, or symbols using alphanumeric keys, Enter key for breaking a sentence, Back Space for deleting letters A key and a katakana hiragana key for changing the input mode when inputting a sentence to a Japanese input mode (katakana or hiragana). Here, the standard key group 21 may be a key group that is at least necessary for inputting characters, numbers, symbols, spaces, and the like. For example, the standard key group 21 is a key conforming to the JIS standard. Of these, function keys, cursor keys, numeric keys, etc. are excluded. With such a configuration, the number of keys of the input unit 20 can be reduced, so that the configuration of the text input device 1 can be simplified. Since the standard key group 21 is premised on the fact that the text input device 1 does not edit the text, for example, the standard key group 21 includes a Ctrl key of keys conforming to the JIS standard, The Alt key and the like are removed. Thereby, since the key operation of the input unit 20 is simplified, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the key of the input unit 20. Furthermore, when it is assumed that no text editing is performed, in order to simplify the configuration of the standard key group 21, for example, the Tab key shown in FIG. 2 may be omitted.

  The auxiliary key group 22 is a group of keys for assisting key functions that cannot be covered by the standard key group 21. For example, a part of the alphanumeric keys of the standard key group 21 (in FIG. Num lock key used when using the “key” or the like as a numeric keypad, and an English key for changing the input mode when inputting a sentence to the English input mode. Arrangement positions of the keys of the auxiliary key group 22 are arbitrary. For example, the positions of the standard key group 21 are not disturbed, and the keys of the standard key group 21 associated with the keys of the auxiliary key group 22 are used. It is arranged at a close position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the Num lock key is arranged below the Shift key arranged on the left side of the input unit 20, and the English key is arranged below the Katakana Hiragana key. As described above, the keys of the auxiliary key group 22 and the keys of the standard key group 21 are associated with each other while maintaining the arrangement of the standard key group 21, so that the operability of the conventional keys can be maintained. .

  The edit / save instruction unit 23 is an edit / save instruction unit for instructing a method of editing or storing a sentence stored in the storage unit 90 described later, and includes a page break position designation key 23a and a folder designation key 23b. It is configured. The page break position designation key 23a is a page break position designation means for designating a position where a page is to be separated in the text currently input via the key of the input unit 20. The folder designation key 23b is input via a key of the input unit 20 from a plurality of folders (for example, folder 1 to folder 3 in FIG. 3 described later) stored in a folder storage unit 91 of the storage unit 90 described later. It is a folder designation means for designating a folder for storing the written text. Details of processing executed by each component of the edit / save instruction unit 23 will be described later.

  The light emitting units 30 and 31 are light emitting means for displaying in an identifiable manner whether the input mode when inputting text via the keys of the input unit 20 is the Japanese input mode or the English input mode. is there. Specifically, the light emitting unit 30 lights or blinks when the input mode is the Japanese input mode, and the light emitting unit 31 lights or blinks when the input mode is the English input mode. The light emitting units 30 and 31 are disposed in the opening 14 of the inner surface cover 12 of the housing 10 and are fixed to a fixing tool (not shown) inside the housing 10. The light emitting units 30 and 31 can be arranged at any position, and can be easily confirmed as to whether the input mode currently input to the user is the Japanese input mode or the English input mode. For example, the light emitting unit 30 is disposed integrally with the katakana hiragana key, and the light emitting unit 31 is disposed integrally with the English key. In addition, the specific structure of the light emission parts 30 and 31 is arbitrary, For example, a well-known LED lamp, a well-known fluorescent lamp, etc. can be used.

  The input sound output unit 40 is an input sound output means for outputting an input sound in a manner capable of identifying which key is operated when inputting a sentence via the keys of the input unit 20. For example, it is composed of a known speaker or the like. The input sound output unit 40 is provided inside the housing 10 and is fixed to a fixing tool (not shown) inside the housing 10.

  The input sound output method of the input sound output unit 40 is arbitrary. For example, the input sound output unit 40 is a key of the input unit 20 that is frequently used or is not likely to be erroneously operated (in FIG. Keys such as numeric keys, Enter key, Back Space key, etc. that do not output input sound and are less frequently used or are likely to be erroneously operated (in FIG. 2, half-width full-width keys, Tab key, Caps Lock key, Shift key, Num. For the Lock key etc., an input sound is output. Thereby, the user can be alerted according to the characteristics of the key operation of the input unit 20, and the user can be prevented from operating the key of the input unit 20 incorrectly. However, when a frequently used key or a key that is unlikely to cause an erroneous operation is operated simultaneously with a key that is less frequently used or is likely to be erroneously operated (for example, a symbol key is input by simultaneously operating a numeric key and a Shift key). Etc., or when a key function that is not frequently used or is likely to cause an erroneous operation is locked, and then a key that is frequently used or is not likely to be erroneously operated is operated (for example, after a key is locked with the Caps Lock key, For example, when the numeric key is operated, the input sound output unit 40 outputs an input sound. Thereby, even when the key of the input unit 20 that is frequently used or is not likely to be erroneously operated is operated, the key of the input unit 20 may be erroneously operated, or the key of the input unit 20 may be erroneously operated. Can be alerted to the user, and it is possible to further prevent erroneous operation of the key of the input unit 20 by the user. In addition, the specific aspect of the input sound output from the input sound output unit 40 is arbitrary, and a sound effect or a voice message recorded in advance can be output.

  The output unit 50 is an output unit for outputting a sentence saved in a folder stored in a folder storage unit 91 of the storage unit 90 described later to the outside. The output unit 50 is disposed in the opening 16 of the outer cover 11 or the inner cover 12 of the housing 10 and is fixed to a fixture (not shown) inside the housing 10. The specific configuration of the output unit 50 is arbitrary, and a known USB terminal or the like can be used. As a method for outputting text stored in a folder of the folder storage unit 91 described later via the output unit 50, for example, the output unit 50 and an auxiliary storage device (for example, a USB memory) (not shown) are connected. As a result, the text saved in the folder of the folder storage unit 91 described later is output.

  The power supply switching unit 60 is a power supply switching unit for switching the power of the text input device 1 between ON and OFF. The power supply switching unit 60 is disposed in the opening 15 of the inner surface cover 12 of the housing 10 and is fixed to a fixture (not shown) inside the housing 10.

(Electric configuration of text input device)
Next, the electrical configuration of the text input device 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing the electrical configuration of the text input device 1 according to the first embodiment. The text input device 1 includes a power supply unit 70, a control unit 80, and a storage unit 90.

  The power supply unit 70 is a power supply unit that supplies power to the text input device 1. Although the specific kind of this power supply part 70 is arbitrary, For example, batteries, such as a well-known lithium battery, a well-known alkaline battery, a well-known solar cell, AC power supply, etc. can be used. Alternatively, a power generation switch configured to include a piezoelectric element or the like that converts a pressing force or vibration when the input unit 20 is key type into electric energy may be mounted on the back surface of the input unit 20. In this case, the user can generate the power necessary for the operation of the text input device 1 (mainly the driving power of the CPU of the control unit 80 described later) by continuously performing the key input of the input unit 20. it can. In particular, since the text input device 1 does not have a display with high power consumption, the power generated by the power generation switch can cover all or a large part of the power consumption of the text input device 1. Compared with the text input device, the power supply unit 70 can be downsized or the power supply unit 70 can be omitted completely.

  The control unit 80 is a control unit that performs various controls in the text input device 1. The specific configuration of the control unit 80 is arbitrary. For example, the control unit 80 can be configured as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that calls a program stored in the storage unit 90 for analysis.

  The control unit 80 includes a display control unit 81 and a storage control unit 82. The display control unit 81 is a display control unit that causes the light emitting units 30 and 31 to display the content or format of the text currently input via the keys of the input unit 20. The storage control unit 82 is a storage control unit that causes the storage unit 90 to store a sentence input via the key of the input unit 20 based on the editing or saving method instructed by the editing / saving instruction unit 23.

  The storage unit 90 is a storage unit that stores a program and various data necessary for control by the control unit 80. The specific configuration of the storage unit 90 is arbitrary, and for example, a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory or an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) can be used.

  The storage unit 90 includes a folder storage unit 91. The folder storage unit 91 is a folder storage unit that stores a plurality of folders for storing sentences input via the keys of the input unit 20. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the folder storage unit 91 includes folders 1 to 3.

(Processing of text input device)
Next, processing executed by the sentence input device 1 configured as described above will be described. This process includes a folder designating process for designating a folder for storing input text, an input mode switching process for switching an input mode when inputting text, an input process for inputting text, and an input text This is roughly divided into page separation processing for separating the pages. In the following processing, as shown in FIG. 1A, the power switching unit is operated by the user in a state where the text input device 1 is in use (a state where the first housing 10a and the second housing 10b are deployed). By switching ON to 60, the power of the text input device 1 is turned on, and it is possible to always execute each processing according to the program stored in the storage unit 90, except for the subject to be noted. The control unit 80 performs processing.

  First, the folder designation process will be described. When one of a plurality of folders stored in the folder storage unit 91 of the storage unit 90 is specified by pressing the folder specification key 23b by the user, the control unit 80 inputs to the input sound output unit 40. Output sound. Further, every time the user designates the folder designation key 23b, the designation of a plurality of folders stored in the folder storage unit 91 can be switched in a predetermined order (for example, switching is performed in the order of folder 1, folder 2, folder 3). The control unit 80 causes the input sound output unit 40 to output an input sound corresponding to the designated folder. When the switching of these folder designations is completed, the storage control unit 82 designates the last switched folder as a folder for storing sentences input through the keys of the input unit 20. As described above, since the folder can be designated by operating the folder designation key 23b, the sentence can be saved accurately and easily. Note that if the user does not designate a folder via the folder designation key 23 b and an input process described later is performed, the storage control unit 82 selects the first of the plurality of folders stored in the folder storage unit 91. A folder (folder 1 in FIG. 3) or the folder designated last time is designated as a folder for storing the input text. Note that the storage method of the plurality of folders stored in the folder storage unit 91 is arbitrary. For example, the storage control unit 82 assigns a date when the sentence is stored or updated to each folder, and stores each folder. May be saved. In this way, by storing a folder with a date, the user can manage the folder for each date, for example, using a PC or the like.

  Here, the specific mode of the input sound of the folder designation key 23b is arbitrary, but for example, the input sound output unit 40 stores it in the folder storage unit 91 when switching the folder designation with the folder designation key 23b. The input sound is output in such a manner that it can be identified which of the plurality of folders. Specifically, in the plurality of folders stored in the folder storage unit 91 shown in FIG. 3, the input sound output unit 40 is “Piece” in the case of the folder 1, “Piece, Pie” in the case of the folder 2, the folder 3. In this case, sound effects of “Peep, Peep, Peep” may be output for 3 seconds each. Alternatively, the input sound output unit 40 may output a voice message “folder 1” for folder 1, “folder 2” for folder 2, and “folder 3” for folder 3. This makes it easy for the user to specify a folder to be saved from among a plurality of folders in the folder storage unit 91.

  Next, the input mode switching process will be described. In the case of switching to the Japanese input mode, when the input mode is designated as the Japanese input mode by the user pressing the Katakana Hiragana key, the control unit 80 responds to the designated Japanese input mode. Then, the display control unit 81 lights or blinks the light emitting unit 30. In the case of switching to the English input mode, when the input mode is designated as the English input mode by pressing the English key by the user, the control unit 80 inputs text according to the English input mode. While controlling, the display control part 81 makes the light emission part 31 light or blink. From these, it is possible to present to the user whether the input mode is the Japanese input mode or the English input mode by turning on or blinking the light emitting units 30 and 31, and it is possible to further ensure the accuracy when inputting the sentence. . In addition, when this input mode is a Japanese input mode or an English input mode, instead of the light emitting units 30 and 31 being turned on or blinking, for example, when the input mode is a Japanese input mode or an English input mode. The input sound output unit 40 may output an input sound corresponding to the input mode. Specifically, after the user operates the alphanumeric keys of the input unit 20, the control unit 80 causes the input sound output unit 40 to output a sound effect “pico-pico” in the Japanese input mode, and the English A sound effect “tick” may be output in the input mode.

  Next, the input process will be described. When a text is input by the user via the key of the input unit 20, the storage control unit 82 stores the input text in the folder specified by the folder specifying process simultaneously with the input timing. Here, at the time of such a text input operation, at the timing when the user operates the key of the input unit 20, the control unit 80 determines which of the keys of the input unit 20 that is currently operated with respect to the input sound output unit 40. The input sound is output in such a manner that the key can be identified. For example, when a frequently used key such as a character / numeric key or a key that is unlikely to be erroneously operated is operated, the control unit 80 does not output the input sound to the input sound output unit 40, and the Tab key or the like is used. When a key that is infrequent or erroneously operated is operated, the control unit 80 causes the input sound output unit 40 to output a sound effect or a voice message corresponding to each key. Thereby, it can be shown to a user that the key of the input part 20 was correctly operated by the input sound of the input sound output part 40, and the accuracy at the time of inputting a text can be further ensured. In addition, when a key that is frequently used such as simultaneous operation of the alphanumeric key and the Shift key or a key that is less likely to be erroneously operated and a key that is less frequently used or is likely to be erroneously operated is operated simultaneously, or the Caps Lock key is used to lock the key. In the case where other keys are operated after the function of the key that is used less frequently or is likely to be erroneously operated is locked, the control unit 80 controls the input sound output unit 40. Sound effects or voice messages according to these operations. Accordingly, it is possible to alert the user that these operations are being performed, and it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the keys of the input unit 20 by the user.

  Next, page break processing will be described. When the position at which a page is to be separated in the text input in the input process is designated by the user pressing the page break position designation key 23a while the input process is being performed, the storage control unit Reference numeral 82 denotes predetermined information for dividing the page at the designated position. Thus, when the text input to the text input device is interpreted by the text interpretation device, a page break is inserted at a position where predetermined information for separating the page is attached in the input text. . In this way, by operating the page break position designation key 23a, it is possible to designate a page break position, and it is possible to edit a sentence accurately and easily. Also, at the timing when the page break position designation key 23a is operated by the user, the control unit 80 causes the input sound output unit 40 to output an input sound corresponding to the page break position designation key 23a, thereby allowing the user to Can indicate that the page has been separated.

(Effect of Embodiment 1)
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the display control unit 81 causes the display means to display the content or format of the text currently input via the key of the input unit 20, or the storage control unit 82 Since the text inputted based on the editing or saving method instructed by the editing / saving instruction section 23 is stored in the folder of the folder storage section 91, the contents or form of the text currently inputted by the display means is presented to the user. Alternatively, since the text can be edited or saved in the folder by operating the edit / save instruction unit 23, the accuracy in inputting, editing, or saving the text can be ensured. Further, by using a display means for displaying the content or format of the currently input text, it is possible to omit providing the text input device 1 with a display device, and to reduce the size of the text input device 1. Manufacturing costs can be reduced.

  The edit / save instruction unit 23 is a page break position designation key 23a for designating a position for dividing a page in the text currently input via the key of the input unit 20. By manipulating 23a, it is possible to designate a position for dividing a page, and it is possible to edit a sentence accurately and easily without a display device.

  The edit / save instruction unit 23 also designates a folder designation key for designating a folder in which a sentence currently input via the key of the input unit 20 is to be saved from among a plurality of folders stored in the folder storage unit 91. Therefore, the folder can be designated by operating the folder designation key 23b, and the sentence can be stored accurately and easily without a display device.

  Further, the display means is a light emitting unit 30 for displaying in an identifiable manner whether the input mode when inputting a sentence via the keys of the input unit 20 is the Japanese input mode or the English input mode. Therefore, it is possible to present to the user whether the input mode is the Japanese input mode or the English input mode by turning on or blinking the light emitting units 30 and 31, and the accuracy when inputting a sentence without a display device can be presented. Can be further ensured.

  In addition, when inputting a sentence through the keys of the input unit 20, an input sound output unit 40 for outputting an input sound in a manner in which the operated key of the input unit 20 can be identified. Therefore, it is possible to present to the user that the key of the input unit 20 has been appropriately operated by the input sound of the input sound output unit 40, and it is possible to further ensure the accuracy when inputting a sentence.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This form is a form which displays the content or form of a sentence using a display means. However, unless otherwise specified, the configuration and processing are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same configurations and processing as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment. The description is omitted by attaching.

(Configuration-Text input device)
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the sentence input device 1 according to the second embodiment when in use. FIG. 5 is a block diagram conceptually showing the electrical configuration of the text input device 1 according to the second embodiment. This text input device 1 is configured in substantially the same manner as the text input device 1 of the first embodiment, but the text display unit 100 is placed above the standard key group 21 of the input unit 20 instead of the light emitting units 30 and 31. In the case 10, the case 10 is provided with an opening 19 for arranging the text display unit 100 on the inner surface cover 12 of the case 10, and when the folder designation key 23b is operated. The only difference is that the input sound output unit 40 outputs the input sound.

  The sentence display unit 100 is a display for displaying one line of sentences of a predetermined length among sentences currently input via the keys of the input unit 20. The text display unit 100 is disposed in the opening 19 of the inner cover 12 of the housing 10 and is fixed to a fixture (not shown) inside the housing 10. Here, “one line of a predetermined length” is, for example, a sentence of one line having a character size of 10.5 points and 15 characters. The specific structure of the text display unit 100 is arbitrary, and a known flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display can be used.

(Processing of text input device)
Next, processing executed by the text input device 1 will be described. This process is roughly divided into a folder designation process, an input mode switching process, an input process, and a page break process as in the process of the first embodiment. Note that the folder designation process in this process is the same as the folder designation process of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Regarding the input mode switching process, when the input mode is designated as the Japanese input mode via the Katakana Hiragana key by the user or the input mode is designated as the English input mode via the English key, the control unit 80 Sentence input is controlled in accordance with the designated Japanese input mode or English input mode. Here, whether the input mode is the Japanese input mode or the English input mode can be identified based on a sentence displayed on the sentence display unit 100 in an input process to be described later. Installation of 31 etc. can be omitted.

  As for the input process, when a text is input by the user via the key of the input unit 20, the storage control unit 82 designates the text currently input through the key of the input unit 20 in the folder specifying process. Save to the specified folder. Here, at the timing when the key of the input unit 20 is operated by the user, the display control unit 81 inputs the latest input among the sentences currently input to the sentence display unit 100 via the key of the input unit 20. A sentence of one line of a predetermined length is displayed from the characters (in FIG. 3, “Ai Ueokaki Kakusashi Suseso”). Thus, since the text display unit 100 can present to the user the content or format of the text of a predetermined length, it is possible to further ensure the accuracy when inputting the text. In particular, when a key that is frequently used such as simultaneous operation of alphanumeric keys and Shift key or a key that is less likely to be erroneously operated and a key that is less frequently used or is likely to be erroneously operated is operated simultaneously, or a key is locked with the Caps Lock key. In the case where other keys are operated after the function of the key that is used less frequently or is likely to be erroneously operated, such as the operation of the alphanumeric keys after being performed, from the sentence displayed by the sentence display unit 100, This is effective because the user can visually confirm whether or not the key operation is working effectively. Moreover, the display method of the text display unit 100 is arbitrary. For example, the display control unit 81 has one line of a predetermined length among texts currently input to the text display unit 100 via the keys of the input unit 20. Only the minutes are displayed, and all the currently input sentences (that is, all the sentences stored in the designated folder) are not displayed. Thereby, the display control part 81 can control the text display part 100 easily, and the circuit structure of the control part 80 can be simplified.

  As for the page break process, when the user presses the page break position designation key 23a while the input process described above is being performed, the position where the page is separated in the text input in the input process is determined. When designated, the storage control unit 82 divides the page at the designated position, and the display control unit 81 causes the text display unit 100 to clear. Accordingly, it is possible to visually alert the user that the page has been divided.

(Effect of Embodiment 2)
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the display unit is the sentence display unit 100 for displaying a sentence of one line of a predetermined length among sentences currently input via the keys of the input unit 20. Therefore, the sentence display unit 100 can present the content or format of the sentence of the predetermined length to the user, and the accuracy when inputting or editing the sentence is not a display device that displays the entire sentence of the inputted sentence. Can be further secured.

[Modification]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configuration and means of the present invention may be arbitrarily modified and improved within the scope of the technical idea of each invention described in the claims. Can do. Hereinafter, some of such modifications will be described.

(About problems to be solved and effects of the invention)
First, the problems to be solved by the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to the above-described contents, and the present invention solves the problems not described above or has the effects not described above. There are also cases where only some of the described problems are solved or only some of the described effects are achieved.

(Applicable text entry device)
In each embodiment, it has been described that the application target of the sentence input device 1 is a portable notebook-type sentence input device, but is larger than, for example, a portable notebook-type sentence input device, or It may be a desktop-type notebook type text input device having multiple functions such as keys.

(About mutual application of each embodiment and each modification)
A part of each embodiment or each modification may be exchanged. A part of each embodiment or each modification may be exchanged. For example, in the second embodiment, the light emitting unit 30 may be integrated with the katakana hiragana key, and the light emitting unit 31 may be integrated with the English key. In the second embodiment, the control unit 80 not only outputs the input sound only when the folder designation key 23b is operated to the input sound output unit 40, but also operates the other input unit 20 keys. In this case, the input sound may be output.

(About the input section)
In each embodiment, it has been described that the input unit 20 includes the standard key group 21, the auxiliary key group 22, and the edit / save instruction unit 23. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the keys included in the standard key group 21 or the auxiliary key group 22 of each embodiment may be further deleted, or the standard key group 21, the auxiliary key group 22, and the edit / save instruction unit 23 may be configured. A key having a function not included in the key may be added. For example, a folder sentence deletion key for deleting sentences stored in a folder stored in the folder storage unit 91 of the storage unit 90 or a conversion confirmation instruction key for confirming conversion of the input sentence may be added. .

(About input sound output section)
In each embodiment, it has been described that the input sound output unit 40 is configured by a known speaker, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the input sound output unit 40 may be configured by an input sound generation unit that mechanically generates an input sound of a key of the input unit 20. Specifically, the input sound generation unit reduces the key depressing force at the time of clicking by a known method in the case of a key that is frequently used such as a letter / numeric key or is not likely to be erroneously operated. In the case of a key that is used infrequently or is prone to erroneous operation, the input sound is mechanically identified in a manner that can be identified according to the type of the key by increasing the pressing force of the key at the time of click by a known method. Generated.

(About the light emitting part)
In the first embodiment, it has been described that the display means is the light emitting units 30 and 31, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, one light emitting unit may be provided between the Katakana Hiragana key and the English key. In this case, the control unit 80 turns on the light emitting unit when the input mode is the Japanese input mode, and the control unit 80 blinks the light emitting unit when the input mode is the English input mode. In the first embodiment, it has been described that the light emitting unit 30 is arranged integrally with the katakana hiragana key and the light emitting unit 31 is arranged integrally with the English key. However, the light emitting unit is arranged on the other keys of the input unit 20. You may arrange. For example, a light emitting unit for displaying that a sentence input via the key of the input unit 20 is an uppercase letter may be integrated with the Caps Lock key.

(About the power supply switching unit)
In each embodiment, it has been described that the power supply switching unit 60 is provided on the inner surface cover 12 of the housing 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power supply switching unit 60 may be provided in the hinge unit 18. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, when the text input device 1 is opened, the control unit 80 switches the power source switching unit 60 to ON so that the power of the text input device 1 is turned on. Then, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the text input device 1 is folded, the control unit 80 switches the power source switching unit 60 to OFF so that the power of the text input device 1 is turned off.

(About processing of text input device)
In each embodiment, when a sentence is input by the user via the key of the input unit 20 in the input process, the storage control unit 82 designates the input sentence in the folder specifying process simultaneously with the input timing. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, while a sentence is being input, the storage control unit 82 temporarily stores the input sentence in a volatile storage medium (for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory)) provided in the storage unit 90. After all the texts are input, when the user switches the power off via the power switching unit 60 or when the user switches to a different folder via the folder designation key 23b, the storage control unit 82 The sentence saved in the volatile recording medium is saved in the folder designated by the folder designation process, where the sentence input device 1 is folded by the user as shown in FIG. The storage control unit 82 stores the text stored in the volatile recording medium in the folder designated by the folder designation process. It may be stored.

  In the input processing, the display control unit 81 has been described to display the content or format of the text currently input via the keys of the input unit 20 on the display unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the text input to the folder specified in the folder specifying process may be displayed on the screen of the PC by USB connection between the output unit 50 and the PC. Thereby, all the texts input to the folder specified in the folder specification process can be presented to the user, and accuracy when inputting the text can be further ensured.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Text input device 10 Housing | casing 10a 1st housing | casing 10b 2nd housing | casing 11 Outer surface cover 12 Inner surface cover 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 Opening part 17 Sound hole 18 Hinge part 20 Input part 21 Standard key group 22 Auxiliary key group 23 Editing / saving instruction section 23a Page break position designation key 23b Folder designation key 30, 31 Light emitting section 40 Input sound output section 50 Output section 60 Power supply switching section 70 Power supply section 80 Control section 81 Display control section 82 Storage control section 90 Storage unit 91 Folder storage unit 100 Text display unit

Claims (6)

A text input device configured with a plurality of keys on the side of a housing,
Storage means for storing sentences input via the keys;
Display means for confirming the content or format of a sentence currently input via the key, the display means provided on the same side as the key of the side of the housing, and the key Display control means for causing the display means to display the content or format of the text currently being input via, or
An editing / storing instruction unit for instructing a method of editing or storing a sentence stored in the storage unit, and an input through the key based on the editing / storing method instructed by the editing / storing instruction unit Storage control means for storing sentences by the storage means,
Text input device. The edit storage instruction means is a page break position designation means for designating a position for dividing a page in the text currently input via the key.
The sentence input device according to claim 1. The storage means includes folder storage means for storing a plurality of folders for storing sentences input via the key,
The editing / storing instruction means is a folder designating means for designating a folder in which a sentence currently input via the key is to be saved from a plurality of folders stored in the folder storing means.
The sentence input device according to claim 1 or 2. The display means is a light emitting means for displaying in an identifiable manner whether the input mode when inputting a sentence via the key is a Japanese input mode or an English input mode.
The sentence input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The display means is a display for displaying a sentence of one line of a predetermined length among sentences currently input via the key.
The sentence input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. An input sound output means for outputting an input sound in a manner capable of identifying which key is operated when inputting a sentence via the key;
The sentence input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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