JP2012058878A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device in which both input operation and clear operation can be performed with a finger placed on a determination key and the clear operation does not require long depression or a double click, and which allows a visually-impaired person, an elderly person and the like to easily and quickly perform both the input operation and the clear operation.SOLUTION: An input device of the present invention includes: selection keys 101; a determination key 102 for determining input of a character selected with the selection keys; and a controller 201 for executing control so that content corresponding to one of the selection keys is input in a character buffer 204 when the determination key is depressed after the selection key is depressed, and the last character in the character buffer 204 is cleared when the determination key is depressed after the determination key is depressed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device, and more particularly to a character input device having an input assist function for a visually impaired person.

  There is known an input device for confirming an input by pressing a determination switch or a confirmation key after an input using a touch panel or a numeric keypad. For example, in Patent Document 1, when the operator touches the touch panel in the visually impaired mode, only the position information is notified to the control means without notifying the touch information to the control means. When the operator presses a decision switch for input decision provided separately from the touch panel, the touch information corresponding to the case where the operator touches the touch panel in the normal mode is displayed. It is described that processing similar to that in the normal mode is performed by notifying the control means. Further, in Patent Document 2, a plurality of functions are assigned to the numeric keypad, the operation status by the numeric keypad is output as a voice from the voice output unit every time the operating function changes, and the function immediately before the operation with the numeric keypad is confirmed by the confirmation key. In addition, it is described that these are controlled by the control circuit unit.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 3 describes that the fixed character can be erased by pressing the lever of the 3-axis switch twice or more in the Z-axis direction within a certain time, or by continuing to push the lever for a certain time or more. Yes. By doing so, the user can repeat inputting and erasing characters without releasing the hand from the 3-axis switch.

JP 2004-271748 A JP 2008-083766 A JP-A-11-161406

  However, in the input devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the clear operation requires a conventional operation (for example, an operation of searching for the clear key and pressing the clear key), which is particularly inconvenient for visually impaired persons and elderly people. is there.

  On the other hand, the input device of Patent Document 3 requires a long press or double click operation for the clear operation, which is inconvenient for visually handicapped persons and elderly persons.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and allows both an input operation and a clear operation with a finger placed on the enter key, and requires a long press or double-click for the clear operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide an input device that can easily and quickly perform both an input operation and a clear operation even for a visually impaired person or an elderly person.

  In order to solve the conventional problem, the input device of the present invention has a selection key for selecting a character and a determination key for determining the selected character. When the key is pressed, the content corresponding to the selection key is input to the character buffer. When the key is pressed after the key is pressed, the last character in the character buffer is cleared.

  With this configuration, it is not necessary to search for a clear key during a clear operation, and a long press or double-click operation is unnecessary, so that a visually impaired person or an elderly person can easily and quickly perform a clear operation. Further, in the input device of the present invention, when the selection key and the determination key are pressed, the convenience of the user is further enhanced by voice guidance of the selection content, the determination content, and the clear content.

  According to the input device of the present invention, both the input operation and the clear operation can be performed with the finger placed on the determination key, and the time for searching for the clear key can be saved when performing the clear operation. In addition, since the clear operation does not require long press and double click, and is realized by normal press, both the input operation and the clear operation can be easily and quickly performed even by a visually impaired person or an elderly person.

External view of mobile phone terminal provided with input device according to Embodiment 1 FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile phone terminal including the input device according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a mobile phone terminal including the input device according to the first embodiment. Operations such as changes in data contents of the character buffer 204 and the previous key input buffer 205 in response to specific key inputs to the selection key 101, the determination key 102, etc. of the mobile phone terminal provided with the input device in the first embodiment will be described. Figure

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the input device of the present invention is not limited to a mobile phone terminal, and is widely used for remote controls of various electronic devices. However, for ease of explanation, the input device is assumed to be provided in a mobile phone terminal as follows. An embodiment will be described.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a mobile phone terminal 100 including an input device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The selection key 101 is a key for selecting a character to be input to the mobile phone, and the determination key 102 is a key for determining or clearing the character selected by the selection key 101. Further, in FIG. 1, the enter key 102 is provided on the side surface of the casing of the mobile phone terminal (input device). Yes, it can be operated while holding it with one hand. The speaker 103 has a voice guidance function for transmitting the selected character information or the character information whose input is confirmed to the user by voice when the user inputs characters. The display 104 is configured by a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays, for example, character information input by the user. The call button 105 is a button to be pressed when character input is completed, for example, by confirming the input content and performing voice transmission or mail transmission.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile phone terminal including the input device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the same components as those in FIG. The mobile phone terminal including the input device according to the first embodiment includes a control unit 201, a speaker 103, a display 104, an input unit 202, and a memory 203. The input unit 202 includes the call button 105, the selection key 101, and the determination. The memory 203 includes a character buffer 204 and a previous key input buffer 205.

  The memory 203 is a storage device such as a RAM, and the character buffer 204 is a buffer that can store character strings and stores determined character string information. The previous key input buffer 205 has a storage capacity for one character of character information, and stores character information of one character or control information (hereinafter, “decision key” code) indicating that the decision key 102 has been pressed. Is possible. Since the previous key input buffer 205 has only a storage capacity for one character of character information, when new information is written, the previously written character information is deleted by overwriting.

  The control unit 201 includes a CPU and the like, and directly or indirectly controls each unit (speaker 103, display 104, input unit 202, memory 203) of the input device. Hereinafter, control of each unit by the control unit 201 will be described. For the speaker 103, control information is sent from the control unit 201 to provide voice guidance on the character information selected by the selection key 101 and the character information determined by pressing the enter key 102. Since the display 104 displays the determined input character string (character string information in the character buffer 204), control information is sent from the control unit 201. Regarding the control of the input unit 202 and the memory 203, data to be stored in each buffer in the memory 203 is determined according to various input signals input from the input unit 202, and each buffer is controlled.

  Specifically, when pressing of the selection key 101 is detected, the character information selected by the selection key 101 is stored in the previous key input buffer 205. Also, when it is detected that the enter key 102 has been pressed, if character information has been stored in the previous key input buffer 205, the character information is added to the character buffer 204, and a “decision key” code is added to the previous key input buffer 205. To store. When the “decision key” code is stored in the previous key input buffer 205, the last character stored in the character buffer 204 is deleted.

  Next, the key operations of the mobile phone terminal 100 having the input device will be described. When inputting characters into the cellular phone terminal 100, one character is selected by pressing the selection key 101. With this operation, the control unit 201 stores the selected character information in the previous key input buffer 205. Next, in order to determine the character selected by the selection key 101, the determination key 102 is pressed. With this operation, the control unit 201 stores the character stored in the previous key input buffer 205 in the character buffer 204 and stores the “decision key” code in the previous key input buffer 205.

  When the character is continuously input, the selection key 101 and the determination key 102 are repeatedly pressed. However, when the user notices an input error of the immediately preceding input character when the determination key is pressed, the user wants to delete the input character. Press the enter key 102 again. As a result of this operation, the control unit deletes the last entered character stored in the character buffer 204 because the “decision key” code is stored in the previous key input buffer 205.

  When this series of operations is performed on the mobile phone terminal 100 of FIG. 1, both the input operation and the clear operation can be performed with the finger placed on the enter key 102, and the clear operation is performed when the clear operation is performed. Saves you the trouble of finding the key. In addition, since the clear operation does not require long presses or double clicks and is realized by normal presses, it is possible to easily and quickly perform clear operations even for visually handicapped persons and the elderly.

  In addition, if the determination key 102 is continuously pressed following the deletion operation, it is possible to delete the input characters one by one from the last character determined in the past. Thus, the control may be performed to clear all the character strings stored in the character buffer 204.

  In addition, when the selection key 101 is pressed, the selected character information is voice-guided, and when the determination key 102 is pressed, the determination content or voice guidance is provided, so that visually impaired and elderly people can perform quicker input operations and clear Operation becomes possible.

  Next, a flowchart (FIG. 3) showing the operation of the mobile phone terminal 100 provided with the input device of the first embodiment will be described. The control unit 201 performs determination of conditional branching at each step, detection of various key inputs, voice guidance control, voice transmission by input confirmation, and mail transmission operation.

  When the input device is ready for use, such as when the mobile phone terminal 100 is turned on, the start state shown in FIG. 3 is entered. When it is in the start state, it enters a key input waiting state, and if there is an input of the selection key 101 or the decision key 102 in step S1, or if the call button 105 is pressed, it is controlled that there is a key input in step S2. It detects in the part 201, and progresses to step S3.

  When the control unit 201 determines that a character is input with the selection key 101 (step S3), the character information of the one character selected last time is stored in the key input buffer 205 (step S4), and the selected character information is stored in the user. In order to notify the user, the voice guidance “I selected XX” is played (step S5). Thereafter, the process returns to the next input waiting state (step S1, step S2).

  In the determination of the input character (step S3), when the control unit 201 determines that the selection key 101 has not been pressed, it is determined whether or not the enter key 102 has been pressed (step S6). Further, if it is determined in step S6 that the enter key 102 has not been pressed, it is determined that the call button 105 has been pressed, and the control unit 201 performs a call operation such as voice call or mail transmission, and the input operation is completed.

  In the determination of the determination key input (step S6), when the control unit 201 determines that the determination key 102 has been pressed, it is determined whether or not there is an input in the previous key input buffer 205 (step S7). If there is no previous input in the key input buffer 205 in step S7, that is, if the enter key is pressed for the first time input, error guidance “no character selection” is displayed or displayed (step S15). The “determine key” code is input to the previous key input buffer 205 (step S12). Thereafter, the process returns to the next input waiting state (step S1, step S2).

  In the determination of whether or not there is an input in the previous key input buffer 205 (step S7), if it is determined that there is an input, it is determined whether or not the content of the previous key input buffer 205 is a “decision key” code. Determination is made (step S8). If it is determined in step S8 that the content of the previous key input buffer 205 is not the “decision key” code, one character is input to the character buffer 204 from the previous key input buffer 205 (step S13), and the character information whose input has been confirmed. Is notified to the user (step S14), and the “determine key” code is input to the previous key input buffer 205 (step S12). Thereafter, the process returns to the next input waiting state (step S1, step S2).

  In the determination as to whether or not the content of the previous key input buffer 205 is a “decision key code” (step S8), if it is determined that it is a “decision key code”, whether or not there is an input in the character buffer 204 Is determined (step S9). If there is no input in the character buffer 204 in step S9, that is, there is no character that has been confirmed to be input, error guidance “No character selection” is displayed or voiced (step S15), and the previous key input buffer 205 is displayed. A “decision key” code is input (step S12). Thereafter, the process returns to the next input waiting state (step S1, step S2).

  When it is determined whether or not there is an input in the character buffer 204 (step S9), if it is determined that there is a character or character string in the character buffer 204, the last character input to the character buffer 204 is cleared. (Step S10), in order to notify the user of the cleared character information, a voice guidance of “Cleared XX” is played (Step S11), and the “Decision key” code is input to the previous key input buffer 205 (Step S10). S12). Thereafter, the process returns to the next input waiting state (step S1, step S2).

  Next, specific examples of the input operation and the clear operation in the case of using the mobile phone terminal 100 including the input device according to the first embodiment will be described. Transition of each step in the flowchart of FIG. The state of each buffer and the display (FIG. 4) will be described in order.

  For example, when a character string “123” is input using the mobile phone terminal 100 having the input device of the first embodiment and a dialing operation is performed, “4” is noticed after inputting “124”. , Enter "3", and then make a call. This operation will be described below.

  First, in order to input “1”, the “1” button which is one of the selection keys 101 is pressed. As a result, there is an input of “1” of the selection key 101 in step S1, and the determination in step S2 is “yes”, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, since the selection key 101 is input, the determination is “yes” and the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the character “1” is input to the previous key input buffer 205, and the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the voice guidance “1 selected” is performed, and the process returns to the input waiting state (step S1, step S2) 1. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, “1” indicating that “1” has been selected may be displayed on the display.

  Next, the determination key 102 is pressed to determine “1”. As a result, the enter key is input in step S1, and the determination in step S2 is “yes”, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, “no” is determined, and then in step S6, “yes” is determined, and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, since “1” was previously input in the key input buffer 205, “yes” is determined, and then in step S8, “no” is determined, and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, “1” stored in the previous key input buffer 205 is input to the character buffer 204, and the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the voice guidance “1 is input” is performed, and the process proceeds to step S12. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, “1” indicating that the input of “1” has been confirmed may be displayed on the display. Subsequently, in step S12, the “decision key” code is input to the previous key input buffer, and the process returns to the input waiting state (step S1, step S2).

  Subsequently, the same operation as described above is repeated until the input of “124” is performed, and an input waiting state (steps S1 and S2) is set. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the previous key input buffer 205 is in a state in which the “decision key” code is stored, and the character buffer is in a state in which “124” is stored.

  Next, since an incorrect input of “4” is noticed, the enter key 102 is pressed. As a result, the enter key is input in step S1, and the determination in step S2 is “yes”, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, “no” is determined, and then in step S6, “yes” is determined, and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, since the “decision key” code has been input to the previous key input buffer 205, “yes” is determined, and then “yes” is determined in step S8, and the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, since “124” is input to the character buffer 204, “yes” is determined, and the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the last input character “4” is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the voice guidance “4 has been cleared” is performed, and the process proceeds to step S12. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, a state “12” in which “4” is cleared may be displayed on the display. Subsequently, in step S12, the “decision key” code is input to the previous key input buffer, and the process returns to the input waiting state (step S1, step S2).

  Next, in order to input “3”, the “3” button which is one of the selection keys 101 is pressed. As a result, “3” is input to the selection key 101 in step S1, and “yes” is determined in step S2, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, since the selection key 101 is input, the determination is “yes” and the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the character "3" is input to the previous key input buffer 205, and the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the voice guidance “3 is selected” is performed, and the process returns to the input waiting state (step S1, step S2). At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the character string “12” determined so far and “3” indicating that “3” has been selected may be combined to display “123” on the display.

  Next, the decision key 102 is pressed to decide the last selected “3”. As a result, the enter key is input in step S1, and the determination in step S2 is “yes”, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, “no” is determined, and then in step S6, “yes” is determined, and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, since “3” was previously input in the key input buffer 205, the determination is “yes”, and then in step S8, the determination is “no”, and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, “3” stored in the previous key input buffer 205 is input to the character buffer 204, and the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, voice guidance "3 is input" is performed, and the process proceeds to step S12. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the character string “123” whose input has been confirmed may be displayed on the display. Subsequently, in step S12, the “decision key” code is input to the previous key input buffer, and the process returns to the input waiting state (step S1, step S2).

  Finally, in order to perform a call operation, the call button 105 is pressed. As a result, the call button is pressed (key input) in step S1, and the determination in step S2 is “yes”, and the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, "no" is determined, and then in step S6, "no" is determined, and the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the transmission operation is performed with the number of the input “123” that has been determined so far.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the mobile phone terminal 100 including the input device according to the first embodiment, when the determination key 102 is pressed, the information stored in the previous key input buffer 205 is character information. By determining whether the information is the “decision key” code, it is possible to determine whether the decision key is intended to be cleared or whether the character input is depressed. As a result, the clear operation can be realized by pressing the same key as the enter key 102 for determining the character input, so that both the input operation and the clear operation can be performed with the finger placed on the enter key. When clearing, you can save the trouble of searching for the clear key.

  In the first embodiment, the determination key 102 for determining character input is shown as a key having the same shape as an input key (tenkey) of a general mobile phone in FIG. 1, but a three-axis switch is used. Character input may be determined by pressing the 3-axis switch in a direction perpendicular to the installation surface or by tilting.

  In addition, when the selection key 101 is pressed while the determination key 102 is pressed, the mobile phone terminal 100 including the input device determines that the operation is the same as that when the selection key 101 is pressed alone. When the determination key 102 is pressed when the selection key 101 is released, it may be determined that the operation is the same as when the determination key 102 is pressed alone at the moment when the selection key 101 is released. When the above determination is possible, when it is not necessary to listen to the voice guidance, if the determination key 102 is always pressed and the selection key 101 is pressed one after another, the operation is not required twice. Furthermore, speedy input is also possible.

  According to the present invention, both a visually impaired person and an elderly person can easily and quickly perform both an input operation and a clear operation. Thus, a character input device having an input assist function for a visually impaired person, a mobile phone terminal, etc. It is useful as an input device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Mobile phone terminal provided with input device 101 Selection key 102 Determination key 103 Speaker 104 Display 105 Calling button 201 Control part (CPU)
202 Input unit 203 Memory 204 Character buffer 205 Previous key input buffer

Claims (4)

A selection key that detects key presses;
A decision key to detect key presses;
When the determination key is pressed after the selection key is pressed, the content corresponding to the selection key is input to the character buffer, and when the determination key is pressed after the determination key is pressed, A control unit that controls the last character of the character buffer to be cleared. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising: a speaker that provides guidance for selection contents when the selection key is pressed and provides voice guidance for determination contents or clear contents when the determination key is pressed. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission button for confirming the input content and performing voice transmission or mail transmission based on the input content. The selection key is provided on the front surface of the casing of the input device,
The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination key is provided on a side surface of a housing of the input device.

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