JP2012108871A - Information processing device and handwriting input processing method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize character input operations more convenient than ordinary writing materials in an information processing device provided with a touch panel display.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises a touch panel display, an attitude detection unit, and a processing unit. The touch panel display displays a screen, and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched. The attitude detection unit detects a device attitude, and outputs attitude information indicating the device attitude. The processing unit arranges, in a handwriting direction that is determined based on the attitude information and is a direction in which a character string is handwritten, input frames whose number is determined according to the width of the touch panel display in the handwriting direction to display them on the touch panel display, and determines input characters based on touch positions in the input frames indicated by the position information.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus capable of handwritten character input.

  Some software such as applications that operate on the information processing apparatus receives character input by the user and displays the input character information or executes processing according to character information such as kana-kanji conversion processing. is there. Some information processing apparatuses are capable of handwritten character input instead of character input from the keyboard or in addition to character input from the keyboard. For example, many information processing apparatuses including a touch panel display can input characters by handwriting.

  In general, when writing a sentence with a normal writing instrument such as a pen, the hand is gradually moved to the right or downward while writing the letters sequentially. Therefore, in the case of handwriting input of the information processing apparatus, it is natural and preferable for the user to be able to input characters while moving the hand, similarly to writing with a pen.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for enabling natural handwriting input.

  The technique of Patent Document 1 is to display a new input frame on the moved side when a cursor that draws a locus moves outside the area of the input frame. As a result, the user can input a plurality of characters sequentially and continuously by hand while moving the hand little by little.

  The technique of patent document 2 arranges the input area of the several handwritten character in which handwritten input can be performed continuously in a fixed direction. Thereby, the user can input a plurality of characters successively by hand while moving the hand little by little. In Patent Document 2, character types to be recognized with priority in each input area are set in advance, thereby improving the accuracy of character recognition.

JP 2000-123115 A JP 2000-76379 A

  By using the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, it is possible to realize operability similar to that when writing a sentence with a normal writing instrument such as a pen, in which characters are input while moving a hand. However, in an information processing apparatus provided with a touch panel display, it is desired to use a feature of the touch panel display to realize a more convenient operation than when writing a sentence with a normal writing instrument such as a pen.

  An object of the present invention is to realize a character input operation that is more convenient than an ordinary writing instrument in an information processing apparatus including a touch panel display.

Dictionary In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes:
A touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
An attitude detection unit that detects an apparatus attitude and outputs attitude information indicating the apparatus attitude;
In the touch panel display, the input frames of the number of frames determined according to the width of the touch panel display in the handwriting direction are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction that is determined based on the posture information and is a direction in which a character string is input by handwriting, And a processing unit that determines an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information.

An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes:
A touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
A processing unit that displays input frames side by side in a handwriting direction that is a direction for handwritten input of a character string on the touch panel display, and determines an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information; Have
The processing unit displays an input candidate estimated based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information in or near the downstream side in the handwriting direction of the input frame of the touch panel display. Is.

An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes:
A touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
A processing unit that displays input frames side by side in a handwriting direction that is a direction for handwritten input of a character string on the touch panel display, and determines an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information; Have
The processing unit displays an input candidate estimated based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information in or near the input frame of the touch panel display, and is indicated by the position information. The display of the input candidates is scrolled according to the locus drawn by the touch position.

In addition, an information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes:
A touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
A processing unit that displays input frames side by side in a handwriting direction that is a direction for handwritten input of a character string on the touch panel display, and determines an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information; Have
The processing unit maintains a correspondence relationship between the input frame and the input character input in the input frame, and when a touch operation is performed on the past input frame, the input is input in the past input frame. The input character is updated based on the new position information.

A handwriting input processing method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched, and posture information indicating the device posture by detecting the device posture. A handwriting input processing method of an information processing apparatus having an output attitude detection unit,
In the touch panel display, the input frames of the number of frames determined according to the width of the touch panel display in the handwriting direction are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction that is determined based on the posture information and is a direction in which a character string is input by handwriting,
The input character is determined based on the touch position within the input frame indicated by the position information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a character input operation that is more convenient than an ordinary writing instrument in an information processing apparatus including a touch panel display.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a display of the touchscreen type display, when a user inputs a character by handwriting with respect to the application accompanied by a character input. A display example when the information processing apparatus 10 is used in landscape orientation is shown. It is a figure which shows the example in which the input candidate character 24 was displayed inside the input frame 23. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the correction of a character is performed in a modification. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the correction of a character is performed in a modification. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation example of the information processing apparatus 10 of the modification which can scroll the input frame. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the touchscreen display 11 when the information processing apparatus 10 is used horizontally long, and the character input area 21 is vertical writing. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the touchscreen display 11 when the information processing apparatus 10 is used vertically long, and the character input area 21 is vertical writing. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structural example of the information processing apparatus 10 of 1st Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the information processing apparatus 10 of 2nd Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the information processing apparatus 10 of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus 10 of 2nd Embodiment. User for applications involving text input is a diagram for explaining a first example of a display of a touch panel display 11 _1, 11 ₂ at the time of inputting characters by hand. User for applications involving text input is a diagram for explaining a first example of a display of a touch panel display 11 _1, 11 ₂ at the time of inputting characters by hand. User for applications involving text input is a diagram for explaining a first example of a display of a touch panel display 11 _1, 11 ₂ at the time of inputting characters by hand. User for applications involving text input is a diagram for explaining a second example of a display of a touch panel display 11 _1, 11 ₂ at the time of inputting characters by hand. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a display when changing a handwriting direction. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structural example of the information processing apparatus 10 of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus 10 of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the transition of a screen when changing a character input method. It is a figure which shows the transition of a screen when changing a character input method. It is a figure which shows the transition of a screen when changing a character input method. It is a figure which shows the transition of a screen when canceling that the display of the application side which has requested | required character input interferes with the display for handwritten character input. It is a figure which shows the transition of a screen when canceling that the display of the application side which has requested | required character input interferes with the display for handwritten character input. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the information processing apparatus 10 provided with the dictionary data switching function.

  Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a touch panel display 11, a processing unit 12, and an attitude detection unit 13.

  The touch panel display 11 has a function of displaying a screen of an application or the like according to an instruction from the processing unit 12, and a function of detecting position of the touch and outputting position information indicating the touch position when the screen is touched. It is a touch panel type display. The output position information is notified to the processing unit 12.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the touch panel display 11 when a user inputs characters by handwriting to an application that involves character input. Referring to FIG. 2, a character input area 21, a conversion candidate display area 22, and an input frame 23 are displayed on the touch panel display 11.

  The character input area 21 is an area that prompts the user to input characters in the application and displays characters input by the user.

  The conversion candidate display area 22 is an area where conversion candidates for characters input by handwriting are displayed.

  The input frame 23 is an area that accepts handwritten input of characters. Inside the input frame 23, a plurality of input candidate characters 24 that are candidates for characters that the user intends to input by handwriting are displayed. The input candidate characters 24 displayed in the input frame 23 are selected based on the handwriting drawn in the input frame 23.

  The attitude detection unit 13 is a sensor that detects an apparatus attitude using a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like. The posture detection unit 13 notifies the processing unit 12 of posture information indicating the detected device posture.

  The processing unit 12 determines a handwriting direction, which is a direction in which a character string is input by handwriting, based on posture information from the posture detection unit 13 and displays the input frame 23 side by side according to the width of the touch panel display 11 in the handwriting direction. Determine the number of frames.

  Specifically, the processing unit 12 sets the handwriting direction in the same direction as the direction in which the character strings are arranged in the character input area 21 where the input characters on the screen of the application or the like are displayed. For example, if it is estimated that the user is using the information processing device 10 in landscape orientation from the device orientation indicated by the orientation information and the character input area 21 is in horizontal writing, the handwriting direction is determined to be the longitudinal direction of the information processing device 10. The

  The number of frames may be determined so that the user performs handwriting well and the input frames 23 having such a size that the information processing apparatus 10 can properly determine the handwritten characters are arranged in the handwriting direction as much as possible. . Specifically, the number of frames is relatively large when the longitudinal direction of the information processing apparatus 10 is coincident with the handwriting direction, and the number of frames is relatively small when the longitudinal direction is orthogonal to the handwriting direction. .

  More specifically, the number of frames may be set to 2 when the small portable information processing device 10 is used in the portrait orientation, and the number of frames may be set to 4 when used in the landscape orientation. . FIG. 2 shows a display example when the information processing apparatus 10 is used vertically. Referring to FIG. 2, the number of input frames 23 is two. FIG. 3 shows a display example when the information processing apparatus 10 is used in landscape orientation. Referring to FIG. 3, the number of input frames 23 is four.

  Then, the processing unit 12 displays the input frames 23 of the determined number of frames side by side in the determined handwriting direction. Further, when the device posture indicated by the posture information from the posture detection unit 13 changes, the processing unit 12 changes the handwriting direction and the number of frames according to the changed device posture. Specifically, when the user holds the information processing apparatus 10 vertically as shown in FIG. 2 and rotates the information processing apparatus 90 by 90 degrees and changes it horizontally as shown in FIG. 3, the display direction of the screen changes. In addition, the number of input frames 23 changes from 2 to 4 in the handwritten input portion.

  Further, the processing unit 12 accumulates position information from the touch panel display 11 in a state where the input frame 23 is displayed, and the user inputs based on the touch position in the input frame 23 indicated by the accumulated position information. Judge the character. Therefore, the processing unit 12 holds character information indicating the shapes and sizes of all characters that can be input in advance, and determines the input character by calculating the similarity between the accumulated touch position and character information. .

  At that time, the processing unit 12 may display a character having a high similarity as an input character candidate inside the input frame 23. In addition, input character candidates may be displayed side by side in descending order of similarity.

  In this case, the processing unit 12 may display only some of the input candidate characters instead of displaying all of the plurality of input candidate characters at the same time, and scroll the display by a scroll operation. Here, the scrolling operation refers to an operation for sequentially displaying candidate characters that are arranged and recorded in advance in the vertical direction. As a specific example, a flick operation or a drag operation can be a scroll operation. When detecting a flick operation or a drag operation, the processing unit 12 performs display control so as to scroll the display of candidate characters.

  Further, the processing unit 12 may display the input candidate characters not in the input frame 23 but in the vicinity thereof.

  For example, when the user performs a tap operation on a desired input candidate character, or when the user performs a tap operation on the confirmation button 25 by scrolling the desired input candidate character to a predetermined position, or What is necessary is just to decide when some mode is switched, such as switching the dictionary for character recognition. When the character is confirmed, the handwriting in the input frame 23 is deleted.

  As a preferred example, in the present embodiment, the processing unit 12 displays the input candidate characters in or near the downstream side of the input frame 23 in the handwriting direction. The display position of the input candidate character changes in accordance with the change in the apparatus posture.

  As a preferred example, in the present embodiment, the processing unit 12 displays a plurality of input candidate characters side by side in a direction orthogonal to the handwriting direction, and scrolls the display of the plurality of input candidate characters by a flick operation in that direction.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the input candidate characters 24 are displayed inside the input frame 23. Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of input candidate characters 24 are displayed on the downstream side (right side in FIG. 4) of the input frame 23 in the handwriting direction (the direction from left to right in FIG. 4). The plurality of input candidate characters 24 are displayed side by side in a direction orthogonal to the handwriting direction (from the top to the bottom in FIG. 4). The display of the plurality of input candidate characters 24 is scrolled by an upward or downward flick operation on the input candidate characters 24.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the process part 12 displays the conversion candidate corresponding to the input candidate character selected among the displayed input candidate characters on the conversion candidate display area 22 of the touch panel type display 11. FIG. At that time, the processing unit 12 may determine that an input candidate character that has been tapped by the user has been selected, or may determine that an input candidate character that has come to a predetermined position by scrolling has been selected.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the input frames 23 having the number of frames corresponding to the width of the touch panel display 11 in the handwriting direction determined based on the posture information are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction. Even if it is used vertically or horizontally, natural handwriting input is possible according to the usage situation. Thus, according to the usage mode of the information processing apparatus 10, providing a display that facilitates handwritten input provides convenience not found in ordinary writing instruments.

  Moreover, since the input candidate character 24 is displayed in or near the input frame 23 and is scrolled by a flick operation, the user can operate the input candidate character 24 with a short hand movement distance from a touch operation for writing a character. it can. In this manner, displaying the input candidate characters 24 for handwriting input in a scrollable manner provides convenience not found in ordinary writing instruments.

  Moreover, since the input candidate character 24 is displayed on the downstream side in the handwriting direction of the input frame 23, the operation can be shifted to the operation of the input candidate character 24 by moving in the same direction as the hand moving direction when writing the character by handwriting. Thus, displaying the input candidate characters 24 for handwriting input in the direction in which the hand of the handwriting input moves usually means that the user can select the desired input candidate character 24 during natural hand movement. It provides convenience not found in writing instruments.

  In addition, since the plurality of input candidate characters 24 are displayed side by side in the orthogonal direction of the handwriting direction, and the input candidate characters 24 are scrolled by a flick operation in the orthogonal direction, the input candidate characters 24 are moved to the input candidate characters 24 by handwriting. Even if it is touched, unintended scrolling of the input candidate characters 24 hardly occurs.

  Moreover, since the conversion candidate corresponding to the selected input candidate character 24 is further displayed on the touch panel display 11, the user can easily convert the handwritten character and input the character in the character input area 21. .

  Further, since the handwriting direction is set in the same direction as the direction in which the character strings are arranged in the character input area 21, the user can perform handwriting input while moving the hand in the same direction as the direction of the character strings in the character input area 21. .

  In the present embodiment, it is not assumed that the character input in the past is corrected after the handwritten character is confirmed and the handwriting is erased from the input frame 23. However, in the present invention, the modification may be made possible by a modification.

  As a modification, the processing unit 12 retains the correspondence between the input character and the input frame 23 used for inputting the character even after confirming the handwritten input character, and the past input frame When the user touches 23, the character input in the input frame 23 may be updated based on the new position information. The ability to correct past characters in this way provides convenience not found in ordinary writing instruments.

5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a state in which a character is corrected in a modification. Referring to the character input area 21 in FIG. 5A, the character string “master” has already been confirmed, and the character “no” is not yet confirmed. The character “name” is input using the input box 23 ₁ , and the character “person” is input using the input box 23 ₂ . Therefore, the processing unit 12 holds the correspondence between the character “name” and the input frame 23 _{1 and} the correspondence between the character “person” and the input frame 23 ₂ .

Here, from the state of FIG. 5A, the next character should be handwritten in the input frame 23 ₄ , but when the user returns to the input frame 23 ₁ and performs handwriting input, the processing unit 12 displays the input frame 23. _The input character is determined based on the new position information of ₁ . Referring to FIG. 5B, a new handwritten character is written in the input frame 23 ₁ . In this example, the characters “each” from the handwritten characters in the input frame 23 ₁ are displayed as the input candidate characters 24. Here, when the user performs a tap operation on the confirmation button 25, the update from the character “name” to the character “each” is confirmed.

  As yet another modification, the processing unit 12 maintains the correspondence between the input frames 23 exceeding the number of displayable characters and the characters input in the input frames 23, and flicks the display of the input frames 23. By the operation, it may be possible to scroll by the amount corresponding to the correspondence relationship.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the information processing apparatus 10 according to a modified example capable of scrolling the input frame 23. As shown in FIG. 6, the user can return to a desired input character by scrolling the input frame 23 by a flick operation on the input frame 23, and can correct the input character.

  Moreover, although the case where the character input area 21 was horizontal writing was illustrated in the said embodiment, this invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the character input area 21 is vertically written or when both vertical writing and horizontal writing are mixed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the touch panel display 11 when the information processing apparatus 10 is used horizontally and the character input area 21 is vertically written. Referring to FIG. 7, since the information processing apparatus 10 is used horizontally and the character input area 21 is vertical, two input frames 23 are displayed side by side in the vertical direction in the figure, which is the short direction of the information processing apparatus 10. Yes.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the touch panel display 11 when the information processing apparatus 10 is used vertically and the character input area 21 is vertically written. Referring to FIG. 8, since the information processing apparatus 10 is used vertically and the character input area 21 is vertical, four input frames 23 are displayed side by side in the vertical direction in the figure, which is the longitudinal direction of the information processing apparatus 10. .

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the processing unit 12 of the information processing apparatus 10 includes a touch operation determination unit 61, a character recognition unit 62, a display processing unit 63, and a confirmation unit 64. The touch panel display 11 includes a touch detection unit 65 and a display unit 66.

  The display unit 66 is a display such as a liquid crystal that displays an image in accordance with the display image data generated by the display processing unit 63.

  The touch detection unit 65 is a touch panel that is arranged on the screen of the display unit 66, detects a touch position when touched with a finger or the like, and outputs position information indicating coordinates of the touch position.

  When the position information is input from the touch detection unit 65, the touch operation determination unit 61 determines the touch operation performed by referring to the area information generated by the display processing unit 63. The area information is information indicating an area in which the input frame 23, the input candidate characters 24, and the confirmation button 25 are displayed. The area in which they are displayed, that is, the area in which those input units are arranged. For example, when the display as shown in FIG. 2 is performed, if the position information represents a touch operation on a portion other than the input candidate character 24 in the input frame 23, a trajectory for character input is drawn. It is determined that If the position information represents a tap on any one of the input candidate characters 24, it is determined that an operation for determining the input candidate character 24 at that position has been performed. If the position information represents a tap on the confirm button 25, it is determined that an operation for confirming the input candidate character 24 positioned at the upper position has been performed.

  When a trajectory for character input is drawn, the touch operation determination unit 61 notifies the character recognition unit 62 and the display processing unit 63 of trajectory information representing the input frame 23 used and the drawn trajectory. When the input candidate character 24 or the confirmation button 25 is tapped, the touch operation determination unit 61 notifies the confirmation unit 64 of confirmation information indicating the position of the input candidate character 24 to be confirmed.

  When the trajectory information is notified, the character recognizing unit 62 performs character recognition by referring to the dictionary data, and extracts one or more upper candidate input characters 24. The extracted input candidate characters are notified to the display processing unit 63.

  When the confirmation information is notified, if the input frame 23 indicated in the confirmation information is the new input frame 23, the confirmation unit 64 refers to the display candidate information generated by the display processing unit 63, thereby determining the confirmation information. The input candidate character 24 displayed at the position indicated by is determined as the input character. The display candidate information is information indicating which input candidate character 24 is displayed at which position.

  Then, when the input unit determines the input character, the determination unit 64 records a correspondence relationship between the determined input character and the input frame 23 used for handwriting input of the input character as correspondence information.

  In addition, when the input frame 23 indicated in the notified confirmation information is the input frame 23 used for inputting past characters, the touch operation determination unit 61 refers to the corresponding information to thereby input the input frame 23. The past input characters input in step (1) are recognized and updated to the input candidate characters 24 displayed at the position indicated in the confirmation information.

The display processing unit 63 determines the handwriting direction based on the posture information from the posture sensor 13, arranges the input frames 23 having the number of frames corresponding to the width of the handwriting direction of the display unit 66 and displays the input frames 23 on the display unit 66. The area information corresponding to the display is output. For example, the number of input frames 23 may be determined in advance for the combination information of the device posture and the handwriting direction. For example, if the handwriting direction is horizontal in the usage mode in which the two touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ are arranged side by side, the number of frames may be predetermined as shown in FIG. .

  Further, when the input candidate character 24 is extracted by the character recognition unit 62, the display processing unit 63 displays the extracted input candidate character 24 on the downstream side in the handwriting direction inside the input frame 23 and displays the input candidate character 24 on the downstream side. Corresponding display candidate information may be output.

  As an actual hardware configuration, drawing data generated by a display processing unit 63 implemented by a processor is stored in a frame buffer (not shown), and the data in the frame buffer is displayed on the display unit 66. is there. In that case, writing of drawing data to the frame buffer may be performed by a main processor (not shown) that executes various processes including the touch operation determination unit 61, the character recognition unit 62, and the determination unit 64. Alternatively, a graphic processor (not shown) provided separately may be used.

  Further, when the trajectory information in the input frame 23 is input, the display processing unit 63 displays the trajectory in the input frame 23.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the information processing apparatus 10 including one touch panel display 11 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the information processing apparatus 10 includes a plurality of touch panel displays 11. It may be a thing. In the second embodiment, an information processing apparatus 10 having two touch panel displays 11 is illustrated.

10A and 10B are front views illustrating an appearance of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. The information processing apparatus 10 has a structure in which two casings 15 ₁ and 15 ₂ are connected to be openable and closable. A touch panel display 11 ₁ is mounted on the casing 15 _1, and the touch panel display 11 is mounted on the casing 15 _{2. 2} is installed. The information processing apparatus 10 can be used in a state of being disposed ₁ two touch panel display 11, 11 ₂ to the top and bottom as shown in FIG. 10A, the two left and right of the touch panel display 11 _1, 11 ₂ as shown in FIG. 10B It is used in the state that it is arranged.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, the information processing apparatus 10 includes two touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ , a processing unit 12, and an attitude detection unit 13 as a functional configuration.

As with the touch panel display 11 of the _first embodiment, the touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ have a function of displaying a screen of an application or the like according to an instruction from the processing unit 12 and a touch on the screen. It is a touch panel display having a function of detecting the touch position and outputting position information indicating the touch position.

  The posture detection unit 13 is a sensor that detects the device posture with a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like, as in the first embodiment. The posture detection unit 13 notifies the processing unit 12 of posture information indicating the detected device posture.

At the time of handwriting input, the processing unit 12 displays a character input area, a conversion candidate display area, and an input frame on both or one of the _two touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ according to the device posture. The character input area is an area that prompts the user to input characters in the application and displays characters input by the user. The conversion candidate display area is an area where conversion candidates for characters input by handwriting are displayed. The input frame is an area that accepts handwritten input of characters.

At that time, as in the first embodiment, the processing unit 12 determines a handwriting direction, which is a direction in which a character string is input by handwriting, based on posture information from the posture detection unit 13, and the touch panel display 11 in the handwriting direction. _The number of input frames 23 to be displayed side by side is determined according to the widths ₁ and 11 ₂ . For example, if the two touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ are arranged side by side and the handwriting direction is from left to right, the frame of the input frame to be displayed in the handwriting direction of each touch panel display 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ What is necessary is just to determine a number for each and to calculate the sum total. The number of frames for each of the touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ is as large as possible in the handwriting direction so that the user can perform handwriting well and the information processing apparatus 10 can properly determine the handwritten characters in the handwriting direction. What is necessary is just to decide to arrange. Then, the processing unit 12 displays the input frames of the determined number of frames side by side in the handwriting direction.

12A to 12C are diagrams for explaining a first example of display on the touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ when a user inputs characters by hand with respect to an application that involves character input.

In the first example, the processing unit 12 displays the input frame 23 on the lower touch panel display 11 ₂ in a state where the two touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ are arranged vertically as shown in FIG. 12A. Let

Further, in a state where the two touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ are arranged on the left and right, the processing unit 12 has two touch panel displays on the lower part across the _two touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ as shown in FIG. 12B. The input frames 23 having the number of frames determined in accordance with the widths of the displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ are displayed side by side, or the right touch panel display 11 ₂ is displayed below the right touch panel display 11 ₂ as shown in FIG. 12C. The input frames 23 having the number of frames determined according to the width are displayed side by side. Here, as an example in which the input frame 23 is displayed below the one touch panel display 11 ₂ , the input frame 23 is displayed below the right touch panel display 11 _2. it may be displayed input frame 23 in the lower part of the formula the display 11 _1.

Whether the processing unit 12 selects the display mode of FIG. 12B or the display mode of FIG. 12C in a state where the two touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ are arranged on the left and right depends on a predetermined condition. . For example, the display mode may be selected depending on the application or the type of application. An application that preferably has a large number of input frames 23 can use the display mode shown in FIG. 12B, and an application that prioritizes ensuring the visibility of the drawing area can use the display mode shown in FIG. 12C.

  Moreover, you may select the display mode according to the setting which the user performed.

  Moreover, you may decide to select the display mode according to the number of characters of the character input area of the application which has requested | required character input. If the number of characters in the character input area is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the display mode of FIG. 12B is selected. If the number of characters in the character input area is smaller than the threshold value, the display mode of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a second example of display on the touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ when a user inputs characters by handwriting to an application that involves character input.

In the second example, the processing unit 12, as shown in FIG. 13, in the state where the two touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ are arranged vertically, the input frame 23 is placed below the lower touch panel display 11 _2. Is displayed, and a key input button 30 for inputting characters, such as a QWERTY key arrangement, is displayed on the upper part.

In the second example, the display mode of the input frame 23 in a state where the two touch panel displays 11 ₁ , 11 ₂ are arranged on the left and right, as an example, is similar to the display example of FIG. Any one of 12C display modes is selected and used.

  In the present embodiment, the handwriting direction may be changed by a touch operation that draws a locus such as a flick operation or a drag operation. In this case, when a touch operation for drawing a trajectory is performed so that the row of the input frames 23 arranged in the handwriting direction is rotated, the processing unit 12 displays the handwriting direction and the direction in which the input frames 23 are arranged in accordance with the trajectory of the touch operation. Change it.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of display when the handwriting direction is changed. In FIG. 14, the touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ are arranged on the left and right, and the handwriting direction is the vertical direction, and the upper part of the input frame 23 is centered on the lower part of the input frame 23. A state in which a flick operation such as drawing an arc is performed is shown. Flick operations are indicated by bold arrows. When a flick operation is performed to draw a trajectory as indicated by a thick arrow, the processing unit 12 changes the handwriting direction to the horizontal direction and displays the input frame 23 side by side. When the handwriting direction changes to the horizontal direction, the input frames 23 are displayed side by side as shown in FIG. 12B or 12C. The processing unit 12 may select the display mode of FIG. 12B or the display mode of FIG. 12C under a predetermined condition.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 15, the processing unit 12 of the information processing apparatus 10 includes a touch operation determination unit 61, a character recognition unit 62, a display processing unit 63, and a confirmation unit 64. The touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ include touch detection units 65 ₁ and 65 ₂ and display units 66 ₁ and 66 _B. In FIG. 15, for convenience of illustration, the touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ are shown in one block.

The display units 66 ₁ and 66 ₂ are displays such as liquid crystals that display images according to the display image data generated by the display processing unit 63.

The touch detection units 65 ₁ and 65 ₂ are respectively arranged on the screens of the display units 66 ₁ and 66 _{2. When} touched with a finger or the like, the touch detection units 65 ₁ and 65 ₂ detect the touch position and display position information indicating the coordinates of the touch position. It is a touch panel to output.

When the position information is input from the touch detection units 65 ₁ and 65 ₂ , the touch operation determination unit 61 determines the touch operation performed by referring to the region information generated by the display processing unit 63. The area information is information indicating an area that is displayed for input including the input frame 23. The area where it is displayed, that is, the area where those input parts are arranged. In the present embodiment, the operation switch for handwriting input including the input frame 23 is arranged across both the display units 66 ₁ and 66 ₂ as shown in FIG. 12B, or as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12C. Or it may be placed on one side.

  For example, in the case where the display as shown in FIG. 12A is performed, if the position information represents a touch operation in the input frame 23, it is determined that a locus for character input has been drawn. When a trajectory for character input is drawn, the touch operation determination unit 61 notifies the character recognition unit 62 and the display processing unit 63 of trajectory information representing the input frame 23 used and the drawn trajectory. When the input candidate character 24 or the confirmation button 25 is tapped, the touch operation determination unit 61 notifies the confirmation unit 64 of confirmation information indicating the position of the input candidate character to be confirmed. Although the input candidate characters are not shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, for example, they may be displayed inside or near the downstream side of the input frame 23 in the handwriting direction.

  When the trajectory information is notified, the character recognition unit 62 performs character recognition by referring to the dictionary data, and extracts one or more upper input candidate characters. The extracted input candidate characters are notified to the display processing unit 63.

  When the confirmation information is notified, if the input frame 23 indicated in the confirmation information is the new input frame 23, the confirmation unit 64 refers to the display candidate information generated by the display processing unit 63, thereby determining the confirmation information. The input candidate character displayed at the position shown in is determined as the input character. The display candidate information is information indicating which input candidate character is displayed at which position.

  Then, when the input unit determines the input character, the determination unit 64 records a correspondence relationship between the determined input character and the input frame 23 used for handwriting input of the input character as correspondence information.

  In addition, when the input frame 23 indicated in the notified confirmation information is the input frame 23 used for inputting past characters, the touch operation determination unit 61 refers to the corresponding information to thereby input the input frame 23. The past input characters input in is recognized and updated to the input candidate characters displayed at the position indicated in the confirmation information.

The display processing unit 63 determines the handwriting direction based on the posture information from the posture sensor 13, arranges the input frames 23 having the number of frames corresponding to the width of the handwriting direction of the display unit 66 and displays the input frames 23 on the display unit 66. The area information corresponding to the display is output. If the display as shown in FIG. 12A, the display processor 63 to the display unit 66 ₂ causes a predetermined display including the input frame 23. When the display as shown in FIG. 12B is performed, the display processing unit 63 causes a predetermined display including the input frame 23 to straddle the display unit 111 and the display unit 112.

As an actual hardware configuration, drawing data for two touch panel displays 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ generated by a display processing unit 63 realized by a processor are stored in two frame buffers (not shown), respectively. The display units 66 ₁ and 66 ₂ display the data of these frame buffers. In that case, writing of drawing data to the frame buffer may be performed by a main processor (not shown) that executes various processes including the touch operation determination unit 61, the character recognition unit 62, and the determination unit 64. Alternatively, a graphic processor (not shown) provided separately may be used.

  In addition, the display processing unit 63 displays the input candidate characters extracted by the character recognition unit 62 on the downstream side in the handwriting direction of the input frame 23 and outputs display candidate information corresponding to the display.

  Further, when the trajectory information in the input frame 23 is input, the display processing unit 63 displays the trajectory in the input frame 23.

(Third embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the input frames 23 having the number of frames determined according to the width of the touch panel display 11 are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction, and as a preferable example, input candidate characters that are input character candidates are displayed on the input frame 23. An example of displaying in or near the downstream side in the handwriting direction is shown. However, the method of displaying the input candidate characters 24 in or near the downstream side in the handwriting direction of the input frame 23 is the number of input frames that the information processing apparatus 10 determines according to the width of the touch panel display 11 in the handwriting direction. The present invention can be applied even if 23 are not displayed side by side. Even in such a case, displaying the input candidate characters 24 in the direction in which the hand of the handwriting input moves allows the user to select a desired input candidate character 24 during natural hand movements. Provides convenience that is not available.

  In the third embodiment, there is no function of displaying a character string side by side with the number of input frames determined in accordance with the width of the touch panel display in the handwriting direction, but the downstream of the input frames arranged in the handwriting direction in the handwriting direction. 3 illustrates an information processing apparatus having a function of displaying input candidate characters on the side.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 16, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a touch panel display 11 and a processing unit 12.

  As with the first embodiment, the touch panel display 11 detects a touch position when a screen is touched on the screen and a function for displaying a screen of an application or the like according to an instruction from the processing unit 12. It is a touch panel type display having a function of outputting position information indicating a touch position.

  The processing unit 12 displays a predetermined number of input frames 23 side by side in the handwriting direction on the touch panel display 11. Here, the number of frames of the input frame 23 is a predetermined fixed value, for example, and does not change depending on the apparatus posture. Then, the processing unit 12 determines an input character based on the touch position in the input frame 23 indicated by the position information from the touch panel display 11. At that time, the processing unit 12 displays input candidate characters estimated based on the touch position in the input frame 23 in or near the downstream side in the handwriting direction of the input frame 23 of the touch panel display 11.

  The display mode at this time is the same as in FIG. In the example of FIG. 2, the handwriting direction is a direction from the left to the right of the figure, and two input frames 23 are arranged in that direction. Input candidate characters 24 are displayed on the downstream side of the handwriting direction in the left input frame 23, that is, inside the right side of the input frame 23. Then, for example, when the user performs a tap operation on a desired input candidate character 24, the processing unit 12 determines the input candidate character 24 as an input character.

  As an effect of the above configuration, in the present embodiment, the user can select a desired input candidate character 24 in a natural hand movement from left to right.

  Here, an example is shown in which the processing unit 12 displays the input candidate characters 24 as input candidates inside the input frame 23 downstream in the handwriting direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. As another example, the processing unit 12 may display a conversion candidate character string corresponding to the input candidate character 24. Alternatively, the processing unit 12 may display both the input candidate characters 24 and the conversion candidate character strings.

  The displayed input candidate characters 24 and conversion candidate character strings are characters, words, and segments predicted from the touch positions input up to that point, and are appropriately updated as the touch positions are added. Also good. Thus, the user can select a desired character, word, or segment when the desired character, word, or segment is displayed without writing the character to the end.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the input frames 23 having the number of frames determined according to the width of the touch panel display 11 are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction, and as a preferable example, input candidate characters that are input character candidates are displayed on the input frame 23. An example of scrolling display inside or in the vicinity was shown. However, the method of displaying the input candidate characters 24 so as to be scrollable in or near the input frame 23 is such that the information processing apparatus 10 arranges the input frames 23 with the number of frames determined according to the width of the touch panel display 11 in the handwriting direction. Even if it is not displayed, it can be applied. Even in such a case, the user can perform an operation on the input candidate character 24 with a short hand movement distance from a touch operation for writing a character, which is not provided by a normal writing instrument.

  In the fourth embodiment, there is no function of displaying a character string side by side in the handwriting direction with the number of input frames determined in accordance with the width of the touch panel display, but in or near the input frames arranged in the handwriting direction. An information processing apparatus having a function of displaying input candidate characters in a scrollable manner is illustrated.

  The basic configuration of the information processing apparatus of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 16, but the operation of the processing unit 12 is partially different.

  In the present embodiment, the processing unit 12 displays the input frames 23 having a predetermined number of frames side by side in the handwriting direction on the touch panel display 11 as in the third embodiment at the time of handwriting input. Then, the processing unit 12 determines an input character based on the touch position in the input frame 23 indicated by the position information from the touch panel display 11.

  However, in the fourth embodiment, the processing unit 12 displays the input candidate characters estimated based on the touch position in the input frame 23 in or near the input frame 23 of the touch panel display 11, and the position information The display of the input candidate character is scrolled according to the locus drawn by the touch position indicated by. The touch operation for scrolling is an operation in which the touch position draws a locus, such as a flick operation or a drag operation.

  As a preferred example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the processing unit 12 displays a plurality of input candidate characters 24 side by side in the orthogonal direction of the handwriting direction, and based on a touch operation that draws a locus in the orthogonal direction. It is good to scroll the display of input candidate characters. In FIG. 4, the handwriting direction is the direction from the left to the right in the figure.

  Then, for example, the processing unit 12 determines the character input by handwriting when the user performs a tap operation on the desired input candidate character 24.

  As an effect of the above configuration, in this embodiment, the user can perform an operation on the input candidate character 24 with a short hand movement distance from a touch operation of writing a character.

  In the present embodiment, various confirmation methods can be used in combination or substituted in place of confirming the character input by handwriting by the tap operation described above. For example, when the user scrolls the desired input candidate character 24 to a predetermined position and performs a tap operation on the confirmation button 25, the processing unit 12 may confirm the handwritten input character. In addition, when any mode is switched, such as switching a dictionary for character recognition, the processing unit 12 may determine a character for handwritten input.

  Further, the processing unit 12 may determine that the input candidate character 24 that has come to a predetermined position by scrolling has been selected, and determine the input candidate character 24 as a handwritten input character. For this purpose, the processing unit 12 displays a determination frame at a predetermined position when the input candidate characters 24 are displayed so as to be scrollable. When the input candidate character 24 moved into the determination frame by scrolling remains within the predetermined time, handwriting is performed. What is necessary is just to confirm as an input character. As a result, the user can perform an operation of searching for and confirming the input candidate character 24 by a series of scroll operations. The shape and color of the determination frame are not particularly limited. As shown in FIG. 4, when all the input candidate characters 24 are displayed in the frame, the processing unit 12 may display a determination frame so that it can be distinguished from the frame. The distinction may be made based on, for example, the size and shape of the frame, the thickness of the frame, the color of the frame, and the color of the region in the frame.

  The processing unit 12 may display a determination frame in the uppermost part of the area where the input candidate characters 24 to be scrolled are displayed. The processing unit 12 may display a determination frame in the center of the area where the input candidate characters 24 to be scrolled are displayed. Further, the processing unit 12 may display a determination frame at a position set in advance by the user. There are people who are addicted to handwriting characters, and there are people who feel that the end of handwriting has fallen and others who feel like going up. In such a case, according to the habit of each individual, it becomes possible to select a character by natural hand movement from handwritten character input. In addition, the processing unit 12 may display the input candidate characters 24 having high priority near the determination frame in the initial display state before scrolling.

  Further, the processing unit 12 may move the determination frame using a hard key such as a cross key or a direction key, instead of fixing the position of the determination frame. The user can efficiently select a character by using both the movement of the input candidate character 24 by a scroll operation such as flicking and the movement of the determination frame by a hard key.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus 10 having both the functions of scrolling the input candidate characters 24 by the touch operation and moving the decision frame by the hard key, does the processing unit 12 validate only one of them? The user may be able to select whether both are valid according to his / her preference.

  In addition, when the processing unit 12 determines the input candidate character 24 in the determination frame and feeds back the determination to the user by sound or vibration, the user can easily recognize the determination.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the input frames 23 having the number of frames determined according to the width of the touch panel display 11 are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction, and handwritten characters are determined based on a touch operation on the input frames 23, which is more preferable. As an example of modification, an example in which past input characters can be updated by a touch operation on the past input frame 23 is shown. However, the technique of updating a character input in the past by a touch operation on the past input frame 23 is the number of frames determined by the information processing apparatus 10 according to the width of the touch panel display 11 in the handwriting direction. The present invention can be applied even if the input frames 23 are not displayed side by side. Even in such a case, it is possible to correct past characters, which is not convenient for ordinary writing instruments.

  In the fifth embodiment, there is no function of displaying a character string side by side with the number of input frames determined in accordance with the width of the touch panel display in the handwriting direction. 3 illustrates an information processing apparatus having a function of updating a character input to the.

  The basic configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 16, but the operation of the processing unit 12 is partially different.

  In the present embodiment, as in the third embodiment, a predetermined number of input frames 23 are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction on the touch panel display 11. And the process part 12 determines an input character based on the touch position in the input frame 23 shown with the positional information from the touchscreen display 11, and fixes the character.

  However, in the fifth embodiment, the processing unit 12 retains the correspondence between the input frame 23 used to determine the character and the character after the character is determined, and the past input frame 23 stores the correspondence. When a touch operation is performed, the characters input in the past in the input frame 23 are updated based on the new position information. Thereby, the convenience which is not available in a normal writing instrument that can be corrected retroactively to the past characters is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the manner in which characters are corrected is the same as that shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, for example.

Referring to the character input area 21 in FIG. 5A, the character string “master” has already been confirmed, and the character “no” is not yet confirmed. The character “name” is input using the input box 23 ₁ , and the character “person” is input using the input box 23 ₂ . Therefore, the processing unit 12 holds the correspondence between the character “name” and the input frame 23 _{1 and} the correspondence between the character “person” and the input frame 23 ₂ .

Here, from the state of FIG. 5A, the next character should be handwritten in the input frame 23 ₄ if the original character is to be handwritten. When the user returns to the input frame 23 ₁ and performs handwriting input, the processing unit 12 Based on the new position information of the input frame 23 ₁ , the input character is determined. Referring to FIG. 5B, a new handwritten character is written in the input frame 23 ₁ . In this example, the characters “each” from the handwritten characters in the input frame 23 ₁ are displayed as the input candidate characters 24. Here, when the user performs a tap operation on the confirmation button 25, the update from the character “name” to the character “each” is confirmed.

As described above, after determining the character for the input frame 23, the processing unit 12 deletes the handwriting in the input frame 23 as shown in FIG. 5A while maintaining the correspondence between the input frame 23 and the character. However, the correspondence between the input frame 23 and the character may be held and handwriting may be left. In that case, the remaining handwriting character "name" to the input frame 23 ₁ is in the state of FIG. 5A, so that the handwriting of the character "person" remains in the input frame 23 _2.

  In the case where the handwriting is left even after the character is confirmed in this way, the processing unit 12 updates the character confirmed in the input frame 23 by changing a part of the handwriting of the past input frame 23 by the user. You may decide. As a handwriting correction, it is possible to add a handwriting, erase a part of the handwriting, move a part with a handwriting, etc. by a touch operation such as dragging. If a character similar to the character originally intended to be input has been confirmed, the update can be performed without rewriting the entire character. For example, similar characters such as “large”, “dog”, and “thick” can be corrected by adding, erasing, or moving “,” (dot).

  In addition, when the handwriting is left after the character is confirmed, the processing unit 12 displays a delete button in or near the input frame 23 in order to delete the handwriting remaining in the input frame 23 and taps on the delete button. When the operation is performed, the handwriting in the input frame 23 may be deleted.

  Further, the processing unit 12 may leave the display of the input candidate character 24 together with the handwriting after the character is determined. Then, when the tap operation is performed on the input candidate character 24 different from the confirmed character, the processing unit 12 may update the character in the input frame 23 to the newly tapped input candidate character 24. When the display of the input candidate character 24 is left and the delete button is displayed, the processing unit 12 may display the delete button at a position away from the input candidate character 24. For example, the input candidate character 24 may be arranged on the downstream side in the handwriting direction, and the delete button may be arranged on the upstream side. It is possible to prevent characters from being deleted by mistake.

  In addition to the input candidate character 24 as shown in FIG. 2, when the conversion candidate 22 based on the input candidate character 24 is displayed, the processing unit 12 updates the past character based on the new character. The display of the conversion candidate 22 is also updated.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may allow the user to appropriately select handwriting input and key input as character input methods. In that case, when the user performs a predetermined touch operation, the processing unit 12 switches between the handwriting input mode and the key input mode.

  17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating screen transitions when the character input method is changed.

  FIG. 17A shows the information processing apparatus 10 displaying a key input mode screen. A plurality of key input buttons 30 are displayed on the touch panel display 11 of FIG. 17A. The key input button 30 includes a character button for inputting alphabetical characters and a function button for performing deletion, conversion, confirmation, mode change, and the like.

  From this state, when the user performs a predetermined touch operation on any key button, the processing unit 12 displays a switching screen including a plurality of switching buttons 40 as shown in FIG. 17B. For example, when a long press touch operation is performed on a function key for mode change, the processing unit 12 displays a switching screen.

  The plurality of switching buttons 40 in FIG. 17B include, for example, switching buttons for shifting to the handwriting input mode. When the user performs a tap operation on the switching button, the processing unit 12 shifts to the handwriting input mode and displays a screen including the input frame 23 as shown in FIG. 17C.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 may have a function of canceling the display on the application side that requests character input from interfering with the display for inputting handwritten characters. In that case, when the display on the application side requesting character input interferes with the display for handwritten character input, when the user performs a predetermined touch operation, the processing unit 12 What is necessary is just to eliminate interference by putting the display in front of the display on the application side.

  18A and 18B are diagrams illustrating screen transitions when the display on the application side that requests character input is prevented from interfering with the display for handwritten character input.

  In the state of FIG. 18A, an application screen is displayed on the upper part of the touch panel display 11, and a screen for inputting handwritten characters is displayed on the lower part. The application screen has a character input area 21, and a plurality of pull-down displays 50 are connected downward from the character input area 21. And the pull-down display 50 continues to the lower part of the touch panel display 11, and interferes with the display of handwritten character input.

  When the user performs a predetermined touch operation from this state, the processing unit 12 eliminates the interference by displaying a handwritten character input screen including the input frame 23 on the front surface of the pull-down display 50 as shown in FIG. 18B. As an example, the predetermined touch operation is a tap operation to the character input area 21. This makes it possible to easily eliminate other screen interference with the display of handwritten character input.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a plurality of dictionary data used when judging characters from handwritten handwriting, and may be used by switching. For example, when the user inputs kana characters by hand, the correct character can be determined with high accuracy by using dictionary data for kana characters.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the information processing apparatus 10 having a dictionary data switching function. Referring to FIG. 19, the dictionary switching button 41 is included in the function keys displayed below the input frame 23.

  The processing unit 12 holds, for example, dictionary data for hiragana, katakana, kanji, symbols, alphabets, and numbers, so that handwritten characters can be determined by touching the dictionary switching button 41. Switch the dictionary data to be used. For example, every time a tap operation is performed on the dictionary switching button 41, the “ALL” mode, the “Kana” mode, the “AB” mode, and the “12” mode are sequentially toggled. In the “ALL” mode, all the above-mentioned dictionaries are used. In the “kana” mode, dictionary data for hiragana, katakana, kanji, and symbols is used. In the “AB” mode, alphabet and symbol dictionary data are used. In the “12” mode, dictionary data for numbers and symbols is used.

  In addition, the character input method demonstrated using FIG. 17A-17C in this embodiment is changed, the interference with the display of the handwritten character input of the application display demonstrated using FIG. 18A-18B is demonstrated, It demonstrates using FIG. The dictionary data switching function can be applied to the first to fourth embodiments described above.

  Moreover, the information processing apparatus 10 of each embodiment mentioned above can also be implement | achieved by making a computer run the software program which prescribed | regulated the process sequence which the process part 12 performs.

  Moreover, although the information processing apparatus 10 of each embodiment mentioned above has shown the example mainly assuming performing Japanese input, this invention is not limited to Japanese input, The character of another language The same applies to input.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited only to these embodiment, In the range of the technical idea of this invention, these embodiment is combined and used. Some of the configurations may be changed.

  Further, part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as in the following supplementary notes. However, the present invention is not limited to the following supplementary notes.

(Appendix 1)
A touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
An attitude detection unit that detects an apparatus attitude and outputs attitude information indicating the apparatus attitude;
In the touch panel display, the input frames of the number of frames determined according to the width of the touch panel display in the handwriting direction are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction that is determined based on the posture information and is a direction in which a character string is input by handwriting, An information processing apparatus comprising: a processing unit that determines an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information.

(Appendix 2)
There are two touch panel displays,
The processing unit displays the input frame on a lower touch panel display when the two touch panel displays are arranged up and down, and when the two touch panel displays are arranged left and right, The number of input frames determined according to the width of the two touch panel displays are displayed side by side at the lower part across the two touch panel displays, or the width of the right touch panel display is displayed at the lower part of the right touch panel display. Display the input frames with the number of frames determined according to
The information processing apparatus according to attachment 1.

(Appendix 3)
There are two touch panel displays,
In the state where the two touch panel displays are vertically arranged, the processing unit displays the input frame at the lower part of the lower touch panel display, and keys characters on the upper part of the lower touch panel display. Display a key input button for input,
The information processing apparatus according to appendix 1 or 2.

(Appendix 4)
The processing unit changes the handwriting direction and the direction in which the input frames are arranged according to the trajectory of the touch operation when a touch operation is performed to draw a trajectory so as to rotate a row of input frames arranged in the handwriting direction. The information processing apparatus according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 3.

(Appendix 5)
A touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
A processing unit that displays input frames side by side in a handwriting direction that is a direction for handwritten input of a character string on the touch panel display, and determines an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information; Have
The processing unit displays an input candidate estimated based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information in or near the downstream side in the handwriting direction of the input frame of the touch panel display. Information processing device.

(Appendix 6)
The input candidate is one of an input candidate character that is a candidate for the input character estimated based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information, and a conversion candidate character string corresponding to the input candidate character. The information processing apparatus according to appendix 5, which is one or both.

(Appendix 7)
A touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
A processing unit that displays input frames side by side in a handwriting direction that is a direction for handwritten input of a character string on the touch panel display, and determines an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information; Have
The processing unit displays an input candidate estimated based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information in or near the input frame of the touch panel display, and is indicated by the position information. An information processing apparatus that scrolls the display of the input candidates according to a locus drawn by the touch position.

(Appendix 8)
The processing unit according to appendix 7, wherein the plurality of input candidates are displayed side by side in a direction orthogonal to the handwriting direction, and the display of the plurality of input candidates is scrolled based on a touch operation that draws a locus in the orthogonal direction. Information processing device.

(Appendix 9)
A touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
A processing unit that displays input frames side by side in a handwriting direction that is a direction for handwritten input of a character string on the touch panel display, and determines an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information; Have
The processing unit maintains a correspondence relationship between the input frame and the input character input in the input frame, and when a touch operation is performed on the past input frame, the input is input in the past input frame. An information processing apparatus that updates an input character based on new position information.

(Appendix 10)
An information processing apparatus comprising: a touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched; and an attitude detection unit that detects an apparatus attitude and outputs attitude information indicating the apparatus attitude The handwriting input processing method of
In the touch panel display, the input frames of the number of frames determined according to the width of the touch panel display in the handwriting direction are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction that is determined based on the posture information and is a direction in which a character string is input by handwriting,
A handwriting input processing method for determining an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information.

(Appendix 11)
There are two touch panel displays,
In the state where the two touch panel displays are arranged vertically, the input frame is displayed on the lower touch panel display,
In the state where the two touch panel displays are arranged on the left and right, the input frames having the number of frames determined according to the width of the two touch panel displays are displayed side by side on the lower part spanning the two touch panel displays, or The input frames of the number of frames determined according to the width of the right touch panel display are displayed side by side at the bottom of the right touch panel display.
The handwriting input processing method according to attachment 10.

(Appendix 12)
There are two touch panel displays,
In the state where the two touch panel displays are arranged vertically, the input frame is displayed at the lower part of the lower touch panel display, and the key for inputting characters on the upper part of the lower touch panel display. Show input button,
The handwriting input processing method according to appendix 10 or 11.

(Appendix 13)
From appendix 10, when a touch operation that draws a trajectory to rotate a row of input frames arranged in the handwriting direction is performed, the handwriting direction and the direction in which the input frames are arranged are changed according to the trajectory of the touch operation. 13. The handwriting input processing method according to any one of items 12.

(Appendix 14)
A handwriting input processing method of an information processing apparatus having a touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
On the touch panel display, the input frames are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction, which is the direction in which the character string is input by handwriting,
Displaying the input candidates estimated based on the touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information in or near the downstream side in the handwriting direction of the input frame of the touch panel display,
A handwriting input processing method for determining an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information.

(Appendix 15)
The input candidate is one of an input candidate character that is a candidate for the input character estimated based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information, and a conversion candidate character string corresponding to the input candidate character. The handwriting input processing method according to appendix 14, which is one or both.

(Appendix 16)
A handwriting input processing method of an information processing apparatus having a touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
On the touch panel display, the input frames are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction, which is the direction in which the character string is input by handwriting,
Displaying the input candidates estimated based on the touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information in or near the input frame of the touch panel display,
Scrolling the display of the input candidates according to the trajectory drawn by the touch position indicated by the position information,
A handwriting input processing method for determining an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information.

(Appendix 17)
The handwriting input processing method according to appendix 16, wherein the plurality of input candidates are displayed side by side in a direction orthogonal to the handwriting direction, and the display of the plurality of input candidates is scrolled based on a touch operation that draws a locus in the orthogonal direction. .

(Appendix 18)
A handwriting input processing method of an information processing apparatus having a touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
On the touch panel display, the input frames are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction, which is the direction in which the character string is input by handwriting,
Based on the touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information, the input character is determined,
Holding a correspondence between the input box and the input character input in the input box;
A handwriting input processing method in which when a touch operation is performed on a past input frame, an input character input in the past input frame is updated based on new position information.

10 information processing apparatus 11, 11 _1, 11 ₂ touch panel display 12 processor 13 attitude sensor 15 _1, 15 ₂ housing 21 character input area 22 conversion candidate display area 23 _1, 23 _2, 23 _3, 23 ₄ Input frame 24 Input candidate character 25 Confirm button 30 Key input button 40 Switch button 41 Dictionary switch button 50 Pull-down display

Claims (10)

A touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
An attitude detection unit that detects an apparatus attitude and outputs attitude information indicating the apparatus attitude;
In the touch panel display, the input frames of the number of frames determined according to the width of the touch panel display in the handwriting direction are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction that is determined based on the posture information and is a direction in which a character string is input by handwriting, An information processing apparatus comprising: a processing unit that determines an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information. There are two touch panel displays,
The processing unit displays the input frame on a lower touch panel display when the two touch panel displays are arranged up and down, and when the two touch panel displays are arranged left and right, The number of input frames determined according to the width of the two touch panel displays are displayed side by side at the lower part across the two touch panel displays, or the width of the one touch panel display is displayed at the lower part of the one touch panel display. Display the input frames with the number of frames determined according to
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. There are two touch panel displays,
In the state where the two touch panel displays are vertically arranged, the processing unit displays the input frame at the lower part of the lower touch panel display, and keys characters on the upper part of the lower touch panel display. Display a key input button for input,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The processing unit changes the handwriting direction and the direction in which the input frames are arranged according to the trajectory of the touch operation when a touch operation is performed to draw a trajectory so as to rotate a row of input frames arranged in the handwriting direction. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
A processing unit that displays input frames side by side in a handwriting direction that is a direction for handwritten input of a character string on the touch panel display, and determines an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information; Have
The processing unit displays an input candidate estimated based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information in or near the downstream side in the handwriting direction of the input frame of the touch panel display. Information processing device.   The input candidate is one of an input candidate character that is a candidate for the input character estimated based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information, and a conversion candidate character string corresponding to the input candidate character. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information processing apparatus is one or both. A touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
A processing unit that displays input frames side by side in a handwriting direction that is a direction for handwritten input of a character string on the touch panel display, and determines an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information; Have
The processing unit displays an input candidate estimated based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information in or near the input frame of the touch panel display, and is indicated by the position information. An information processing apparatus that scrolls the display of the input candidates according to a locus drawn by the touch position.   The processing unit causes the plurality of input candidates to be displayed side by side in a direction orthogonal to the handwriting direction, and scrolls the display of the plurality of input candidates based on a touch operation that draws a locus in the orthogonal direction. The information processing apparatus described. A touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched,
A processing unit that displays input frames side by side in a handwriting direction that is a direction for handwritten input of a character string on the touch panel display, and determines an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information; Have
The processing unit maintains a correspondence relationship between the input frame and the input character input in the input frame, and when a touch operation is performed on the past input frame, the input is input in the past input frame. An information processing apparatus that updates an input character based on new position information. An information processing apparatus comprising: a touch panel display that displays a screen and outputs position information indicating a touch position when touched; and an attitude detection unit that detects an apparatus attitude and outputs attitude information indicating the apparatus attitude The handwriting input processing method of
In the touch panel display, the input frames of the number of frames determined according to the width of the touch panel display in the handwriting direction are displayed side by side in the handwriting direction that is determined based on the posture information and is a direction in which a character string is input by handwriting,
A handwriting input processing method for determining an input character based on a touch position in the input frame indicated by the position information.

Images