JP2014167811A - Character input device, character input method and character input program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily select an intended character from among a plurality of characters.SOLUTION: A mobile phone comprises: position detection means 51 for detecting a position indicated by a user in an area where the plurality of characters are displayed; character selection means 59 for selecting one character from among the plurality of characters according to the detected position; display means for displaying the selected character and a related character classified into the same group as the selected character so that the related character is positioned around the selected character; and related character selection means 61 for enabling the related character to be selected on the basis of a movement direction of the position indicated by the user.

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input device, a character input method, and a character input program, and particularly to a character input device provided in a portable device, a character input method and a character input program executed by the character input device.

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

  In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-56912, character list display means for displaying a plurality of character information composed of characters corresponding to a specific character type is displayed on each display means. When an arbitrary character is instructed by the instructing means, it is displayed on a character type displaying means for displaying a character corresponding to at least one character type corresponding to the instructed character, and any character type in the character type displaying means is displayed. There is described a character input device for displaying, on a character list display means, character information corresponding to a character type of a character displayed at a released position when a character corresponding to the character type is designated and released.

  However, the character input device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-56912 needs to display a character list, and thus requires a large display area. For this reason, there exists a problem that a display area will be restrict | limited for character input.

JP 2000-56912 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a character input device that can easily select a character from a plurality of characters. is there.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a character input device capable of detecting various inputs without increasing the area of the input portion.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a character input method capable of easily selecting a character from a plurality of characters.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a character input program capable of easily selecting a character from a plurality of characters.

In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a character input device includes a position detection unit that detects an instructed position, and a direction detection that detects a moving direction of the position detected by the position detection unit. And a first selection means for selecting, as a selection group, one of a plurality of groups into which a plurality of characters are classified based on the movement direction when the movement direction is detected by the direction detection means. Second selection means for selecting one of at least one character classified into the selected group.

  According to this aspect, when the movement direction of the detected position is detected, one of a plurality of groups into which a plurality of characters are classified is selected as a selection group based on the movement direction, and is classified into the selection group. One of the selected at least one character is selected. For this reason, if the direction in which the designated position is moved is selected, one of a plurality of groups is selected, so that a character can be easily selected from a plurality of characters. In particular, a character can be selected with one finger without using a wide display area. As a result, it is possible to provide a character input device that can easily select a character from a plurality of characters.

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises distance detection means for detecting the distance from the position detected at the first timing to the position detected at the second timing by the position detection means, and the second selection means Based on the at least one character classified into the selected group, one is selected.

  According to this aspect, since one of at least one character is selected based on the distance that the designated position moves, the character can be selected by a simple operation of moving the designated position. .

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time after the movement direction is detected, and the second selecting means is based on the measured elapsed time, and is selected from at least one character classified into the selected group. Select one from

  According to this aspect, since one of at least one character is selected based on the elapsed time since the moving direction was detected, the character can be selected with a simple operation to continue the instruction. .

  Preferably, the character selected by the second selection unit among the at least one character classified into the selected group when the position is not detected after the position designated by the position detection unit is detected is the input character. And a determination means for determining.

  According to this aspect, when the position is not detected after the designated position is detected, the selected character is determined as the input character, so the character is selected with a simple operation to stop the instruction. be able to.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, position detection means for detecting the instructed position, direction detection means for detecting the moving direction of the position detected by the position detection means, and detection at a predetermined timing by the position detection means. When the direction of movement is detected by the first selection means for selecting any one of a plurality of first type groups obtained by classifying a plurality of characters as the first selection group based on the position to be detected, and the direction detection means , Second selection means for selecting any one of a plurality of second type groups obtained by classifying a plurality of characters based on the moving direction as a second selection group, a first selection group of the plurality of characters, and And third selecting means for selecting one of at least one character classified into the second selection group.

According to this aspect, any one of a plurality of first type groups obtained by classifying a plurality of characters based on a position detected at a predetermined timing is selected as the first selection group, and the detected position is moved. Based on the direction, any one of a plurality of second type groups obtained by classifying a plurality of characters is selected as the second selection group, and among the at least one character classified into the first selection group and the second selection group One is selected. For this reason, each of the designated position and the direction of movement of the designated position is 1 out of two types of groups.
Since one group is selected, a character can be easily selected from a plurality of characters. In particular, a character can be selected with one finger without using a wide display area. As a result, it is possible to provide a character input device that can easily select a character from a plurality of characters.

  Preferably, the apparatus has a plurality of keys arranged in accordance with a predetermined rule, and further comprises key input detection means for detecting that each of the plurality of keys is designated, and the position detection means includes a plurality of keys included in the key input means. The first selection unit includes a plurality of corresponding regions, and the first selection unit associates the plurality of first type groups with the plurality of regions, respectively, and is a position detected by the position detection unit at a predetermined timing among the plurality of regions. The first type group corresponding to the region located closest to is selected from the plurality of first type groups.

  Preferably, the apparatus further comprises distance detection means for detecting the distance from the position detected at the first timing to the position detected at the second timing by the position detection means, and the third selection means Based on the plurality of characters, one is selected from at least one character classified into the first selection group and the second selection group.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time after the movement direction is detected, and the third selecting means is configured to select the first selected group and the second of the plurality of characters based on the measured elapsed time. One of at least one character classified into the selection group is selected.

  Preferably, when it is detected that any one of a plurality of keys is instructed by the key input means, a cancel means for canceling the first selection group and the second selection group is further provided, and the predetermined timing is determined by the key input. When it is detected by the means that any one of the plurality of keys has been designated.

  According to this aspect, when it is detected that any one of the plurality of keys is designated, the first selection group and the second selection group are canceled, and any one of the plurality of keys is designated. When detected, the indicated position is detected. For this reason, the first selection group and the second selection group can be selected again.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a position detection means for detecting an instructed position and a plurality of keys arranged according to a predetermined rule, and a key input detection for detecting that each of the plurality of keys has been instructed. And the position detecting means includes a plurality of areas respectively corresponding to a plurality of keys of the key input means.

  According to this aspect, since the position detection means includes a plurality of areas respectively corresponding to the plurality of keys, it is possible to simultaneously detect the instructed position and which of the plurality of keys is instructed. As a result, it is possible to provide a character input device capable of detecting various inputs without increasing the area of the input portion.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the character input method includes a step of detecting an instructed position, a step of detecting a movement direction of the detected position, and a movement direction when the movement direction is detected. A step of selecting one of a plurality of groups into which a plurality of characters are classified as a selection group, and a step of selecting one of at least one character classified into the selected selection group; ,including.

  If this situation is followed, the character input method which can select a desired character easily from several characters can be provided.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the character input program detects the indicated position, detects the moving direction of the detected position, and when the moving direction is detected, the moving direction is detected. A step of selecting one of a plurality of groups into which a plurality of characters are classified as a selection group, and a step of selecting one of at least one character classified into the selected selection group; , Execute on the computer.

  If this situation is followed, the character input program which can select a desired character easily from several characters can be provided.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the mobile telephone in one of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the operation part of a mobile telephone. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the function of the mobile telephone in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a character table. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the function of the control part with which a mobile telephone is provided. It is a figure which shows an example of a character input screen. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a character input process. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the function of the mobile telephone in a modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the character input process in a modification.

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

  In the following description, a mobile phone will be described as an example of a character input device. However, the device is not limited to a mobile phone as long as it is a device for inputting characters, and may be a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), for example.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a mobile phone according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows the appearance of an open-style mobile phone, and FIG. 1B shows the appearance of a closed-style mobile phone. With reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, mobile phone 1 includes an operation side portion 3 and a display side portion 2.

  As for the operation side part 3, the operation part 14 which receives the input of a user's operation, and the microphone 13 are arrange | positioned at an inner surface. In the display side section 2, a liquid crystal display device (LCD) 15 and a first speaker 11 constituting a receiver are disposed on the inner surface, and a second speaker 12 is disposed on the outer surface.

  Although an example in which the mobile phone 1 includes the LCD 15 is shown here, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display may be used instead of the LCD 15.

  The operation side unit 3 and the display side unit 2 are rotatably connected by a hinge mechanism, and the operation side unit 3 and the display side unit 2 can be opened and closed. When the mobile phone 1 is folded and the operation side portion 3 and the display side portion 2 are in the closed state, the state of the mobile phone 1 is the closed style, and the mobile phone 1 is opened to open the operation side portion 3 and the display side portion. The state of the mobile phone 1 when 2 is in the open state is the open style.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit of the mobile phone. With reference to FIG.
A key rubber 25A in which twelve keys are arranged according to a predetermined rule, a touch sensor 27, a dome sheet 25B in which twelve dome keys respectively corresponding to twelve keys are arranged, and twelve keys respectively correspond to twelve keys. A key substrate 25C on which a plurality of switch patterns are arranged is sequentially arranged.

  When any of the 12 keys arranged on the key rubber 25A is pressed from above, the dome key arranged at a position corresponding to the pressed key among the 12 dome keys arranged on the dome sheet 25B. Dent. As a result, the switch pattern arranged at the position corresponding to the pressed key among the 12 switch patterns arranged on the key substrate 25C is short-circuited. By detecting which of the 12 switch patterns arranged on the key board 25C is short-circuited, it is possible to detect which of the 12 keys arranged on the key rubber 25A is pressed.

  The touch sensor 27 is arranged below the key rubber 25A and has at least a size surrounding all 12 keys included in the key rubber 25A, and has 12 holes at positions facing the 12 keys arranged on the key rubber 25A. Part 27A. Therefore, when any of the 12 keys arranged on the key rubber 25A is pressed, the pressed portion of the key rubber 25A directly presses the corresponding dome key of the dome sheet 25B. For this reason, even when the key is pressed with a small force, the pressing can be detected. Further, even if any of the 12 keys arranged on the key rubber 25A is pressed, the touch sensor 27 is not applied with a physical force, so that the touch sensor 27 can be prevented from being disconnected. .

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, a mobile phone 1 includes a control unit 21 for controlling the entire mobile phone 1, a communication circuit 23 connected to the control unit 21, and a codec unit for processing audio data. 29, a key board 25C, a touch sensor 27, a card interface (I / F) 37, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 15, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 31 used as a work area of the control unit 21. , An EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 33 that stores a program and data to be executed by the control unit 21 in a non-volatile manner, and a battery 35 for supplying power to the entire mobile phone 1.

  When any of the twelve keys arranged on the key rubber 25A is pressed, the key board 25C detects the key press and outputs a signal indicating the pressed key to the control unit 21.

  The touch sensor 27 is an electrostatic touch panel. The touch sensor 27 detects a change in static electricity. When the user touches the key rubber 25A with a finger, the touch sensor 27 detects a position touched by the finger with the finger as an indicated position. The touch sensor 27 has twelve hole portions 27A. When the user designates the hole portion 27A with a finger, the hole portion 27A is designated by detecting a change in static electricity around the hole portion 27A. Detect exactly.

  The touch sensor 27 outputs a detected indication position to the control unit 21 while the user touches the key rubber 25A with a finger. When the user is instructing the same position, the same designated position is continuously output to the control unit 21. Note that while the user touches the key rubber 25 </ b> A with a finger, the designated position may be output to the control unit 21 at predetermined time intervals. Even in this case, the control unit 21 can detect that the user continuously touches the key rubber 25A with a finger.

The communication circuit 23 connects the mobile phone 1 to the network. Here, the network is a network of a communication system of W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access). The communication circuit 23 performs wireless communication with a base station apparatus connected to a W-CDMA network. The radio signal transmitted by the base station apparatus is received by the antenna 23A. The communication circuit 23 receives a radio signal received by the antenna 23 </ b> A and outputs a signal obtained by demodulating the radio signal to the control unit 21. When the signal obtained by demodulating the radio signal is an audio signal, the control unit 21 outputs the audio signal to the codec unit 29. The communication method may be another communication method.

  When a transmission signal is input from the control unit 21, the communication circuit 23 outputs a radio signal obtained by modulating the signal to the antenna 23A. When the audio signal is input from the codec unit 29, the control unit 21 outputs the audio signal to the communication circuit 23. A radio signal transmitted from the antenna 23A is received by a W-CDMA base station apparatus and input to the W-CDMA base station apparatus.

  The codec unit 29 is connected to the microphone 13, the first speaker 11, and the second speaker 12. The codec unit 29 decodes the audio signal input from the control unit 21, converts the decoded digital audio signal into analog, amplifies it, and outputs it to the speaker 11 or the second speaker 12. The codec unit 29 receives an analog audio signal from the microphone 13, converts the audio signal to digital, encodes it, and outputs the encoded audio signal to the control unit 21.

  A detachable flash memory 37A is attached to the card I / F 37. The control unit 21 can access the flash memory 37A via the card I / F 37. Here, an example in which a program to be executed by the control unit 21 is stored in the EEPROM 33 will be described. However, the program is stored in the flash memory 37A, the program is read from the flash memory 37A, and the control unit 21 You may make it perform. The recording medium for storing the program is not limited to the flash memory 37A, but is a flexible disk, cassette tape, optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM) / MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital). Semiconductor memory such as an IC card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electronically EPROM), or the like.

  Alternatively, the mobile phone 1 may be connected to the Internet via the communication circuit 23, the program may be downloaded from a computer connected to the Internet, and the control unit 21 may execute the program. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the control unit 21 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The battery 35 is a secondary battery such as a lithium polymer battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a nickel metal hydride battery, and supplies power to the entire mobile phone 1.

  The cellular phone 1 in the present embodiment stores a character table in the EEPROM 33 in advance in order to accept input of characters. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a character table. Referring to FIG. 4, the character table includes a key item, a group name item, and a character type item. Character type items include hiragana items, katakana items, uppercase alphabetic / numeric items, lowercase alphabetic / numeric items, and numeric items. The character table classifies a plurality of characters into a plurality of character types (a plurality of second type groups).

The character table classifies a plurality of characters into 10 groups (a plurality of first type groups). The character table shown in FIG. 4 has ten groups whose group names are “G1” to “G10”. Further, the character table associates 10 groups with 10 keys that the operation unit 14 has. Here, the group “G1” is associated with the key represented by the number “1”, the group “G2” is associated with the key represented by the number “2”, and the group “G9” is represented by the number “9”. The group “G10” is associated with the key represented by the number “0”.

  Hiragana items are classified into hiragana characters, katakana items are classified into katakana characters, uppercase letters and numbers are classified into uppercase letters and numbers, and lowercase letters and numbers are classified into items. English lowercase letters and numbers are classified, and numbers are classified into numeric items.

  For example, the group name “G2” is associated with the key representing the number “2”, and the group G2 is classified into five characters in the hiragana or line as the character type “Hiragana”, and the katakana character as the character type “Katakana”. The five characters in the line are classified, and the uppercase letters “A”, “B”, and “C” and the number “2” are assigned as the character type “uppercase letters and numbers”, and the character type “lowercase letters and numbers” is assigned. Are assigned lower case letters “a”, “b” and “c”, and the number “2”, and the number “2” is assigned as the character type “number”.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating an outline of functions of a control unit included in the mobile phone. Referring to FIG. 5, the control unit 21 includes an instruction position detection unit 51 for detecting an instruction position indicated by the user, a movement direction detection unit 53 for detecting the movement direction of the instruction position, A moving distance measuring unit 55 that measures the moving distance, a group selecting unit 57 that selects one of ten groups defined in the character table based on the designated position, and a character type based on the detected moving direction. A character type selection unit 59; a character selection unit 61 for selecting one of a plurality of characters of the selected character type included in the selected group; and a display for controlling the LCD to display the characters And a control unit 63.

  The designated position detection unit 51 detects the designated position output from the touch sensor 27. When the designated position detection unit 51 detects the designated position, it outputs the designated position to the group selection unit 57, the movement direction detection unit 53, the movement distance measurement unit 55, and the character selection unit 61. When the designated position that has been continuously detected is no longer detected, the designated position detection unit 51 outputs a determination signal to the character selection unit 61 and outputs a reset signal to the group selection unit 57, the movement direction detection unit 53, and the movement distance measurement. To the unit 55. For example, while the designated position is detected at a predetermined time interval, it is determined that the designated position is continuously detected, and when the designated position is not detected after a lapse of a predetermined time from when the designated position is detected, the designated position is continuously detected. It is determined that the indicated position is not detected.

  When the first designated position is input from the designated position detecting unit 51, the group selecting unit 57 selects one of the ten groups included in the character table based on the first designated position. The group name of the selected group is output to the character selection unit 61. The first designated position inputted from the designated position detecting unit 51 is the designated position inputted next after the reset signal is inputted from the designated position detecting unit 51 or the mobile phone 1 is in the character input mode. The designated position is input next. The group selection unit 57 does not select a group based on the first designated position, since the designated position inputted before the reset signal is inputted after the first designated position is inputted. When the reset signal is input from the pointing position detection unit 51, the group selection unit 57 cancels the group that has been selected so far, and outputs a cancel signal to the character selection unit 61.

Specifically, a key position table in which 12 keys arranged on the key rubber 25A and their positions on the touch sensor 27 are associated with each other is stored in advance in the EEPROM 33, and the group selection unit 57 stores the key position table. With reference to the key, the key associated with the position closest to the first designated position input from the designated position detection unit 51 is selected from the 12 keys. Then, the character table stored in the EEPROM 33 is referred to, a group associated with the selected key is selected from the ten groups included in the character table, and the group name of the selected group is selected as the character selection unit 61 and The data is output to the display control unit 63. When a key indicated by “*” and a key indicated by “#” are designated, nothing is output to the character selection unit 61 without selecting a group. Further, a specific character may be assigned to a key indicated by “*” and a key indicated by “#”, or a character that cannot be classified may be assigned.

  When the first designated position is inputted from the designated position detecting unit 51, the moving direction detecting unit 53 waits until the designated position different from the first designated position is inputted from the designated position detecting unit 51 next time. Here, an instruction position that is input after the first instruction position and is different from the first instruction position is referred to as a direction detection instruction position. The movement direction detection unit 53 detects the direction from the first designated position toward the direction detection designated position as the movement direction, and outputs the detected movement direction to the character type selection unit 59. Here, the direction to be detected is one of four directions of up, down, left, and right, which is the same number as four, which is the number of character types. If eight directions including an oblique direction are detected, it is possible to select from eight types of characters. Further, when the reset signal is input from the designated position detection unit 51, the movement direction detection unit 53 outputs a cancel signal to the character type selection unit 59.

  Note that the direction detection instruction position is preferably an instruction position whose distance from the first instruction position exceeds a predetermined length. The predetermined length is about 2 mm, for example. By setting the direction detection instruction position to an instruction position that is a predetermined length away from the first instruction position, the direction instructed by the user can be accurately detected.

  The character type selection unit 59 selects one of the four character types included in the character table based on the movement direction input from the movement direction detection unit 53. The character type selection unit 59 outputs the selected character type to the character selection unit 61. In addition, when a cancel signal is input from the movement direction detection unit 53, the character type selection unit 59 outputs nothing to the character selection unit 61.

  Specifically, the character table includes “Hiragana”, “Uppercase English / Numeric”, “Lowercase English / Numeric”, and “Katakana” as four character types. The character type selection unit 59 associates character types for each of the four directions in advance, and selects the character type corresponding to the movement direction input from the movement direction detection unit 53. Here, when the upward direction is input as the movement direction, the character type “uppercase alphabetic / numeric” is selected. When the downward direction is input as the movement direction, the character type “Hiragana” is selected, and the left direction is selected as the movement direction. When entered, the character type "Katakana" is selected, and when the right direction is entered as the moving direction, the character type "Lowercase English / Numeric" is selected.

  The moving distance measuring unit 55 uses the first designated position as a reference from the designated position detecting unit 51, and each time the designated position is input from the designated position detecting unit 51, the moving distance from the first designated position to the designated designated position. And the calculated movement distance is output to the character selection unit 61. Here, the designated position of the end point for calculating the movement distance is referred to as a distance calculation designated position. The movement distance is a distance between the first designated position and the distance calculation designated position. In addition, you may make it integrate | accumulate each time a movement distance is calculated. When the position indicated by the user draws a curve, a distance close to the curve can be calculated as the movement distance. The movement distance measurement unit 55 resets the movement distance to “0” when a reset signal is input from the designated position detection unit 51.

  The character selection unit 61 is stored in the EEPROM 33 while the group name is input from the group selection unit 57, in other words, from when the group name is input from the group selection unit 57 to when the cancel signal is input. The group of the group name input from the group selection unit 57 is selected from the groups included in the character table.

  Further, when the group name is input from the group selection unit 57, the character selection unit 61 refers to the character table stored in the EEPROM 33, and is classified into the group of the input group name, and the character type is changed to “numeric”. The classified characters are selected, and the selected characters are output to the display control unit 63. For example, when the key portion indicating “5” is designated, the group name “G5” is input from the group selection unit 57. In this case, the number “5” is selected, and the character is output to the display control unit 63.

  After that, the character selection unit 61 receives the character type from the character type selection unit 59. When the character type is input from the character type selection unit 59, the character selection unit 61 refers to the character table stored in the EEPROM 33 and inputs the group name previously input. A plurality of characters classified into the group of characters and classified into the inputted character type are selected. For example, when “Hiragana” is input as the character type after the group name “G5” is input, five characters “NA”, “NI”, “NU”, “NE”, and “NO” are selected. .

  Further, the character selection unit 61 selects one of the selected characters based on the movement distance input from the movement distance measurement unit 55 and outputs the selected character to the display control unit 63. An order is given in advance to a plurality of selected characters, and when the moving distance exceeds 2 mm, for example, the first character in the first order is selected. In other words, when the movement distance exceeds 2 mm, for example, the movement direction is determined, and the character type is determined by the character type selection unit 59. Each time the movement distance increases by a predetermined distance, the next character is selected. After the last character in the first order is selected, if the movement distance increases by a predetermined distance, the first character in the first order is selected. For example, the character selection unit 61 first selects a character in a predetermined first order when a character type is selected. The character to be selected first can be arbitrarily determined in a predetermined order, but here, the alphabetical order and the youngest number are used. Note that the first character to be selected from the history selected in the past may be determined. Further, the order of selection may be reversed by instructing a predetermined key provided on the operation unit 14. In this case, when the designated position is moved too much and the subsequent order character is selected, the previous order character can be selected, so that it can be easily reselected in a short time.

  When the determination signal is input from the pointing position detection unit 51, the character selection unit 61 outputs a cursor movement instruction to the display control unit 63.

  In this case, the movement direction detection unit 53 detects one movement direction from the first instruction position input from the instruction position detection unit 51 and the direction detection instruction position. However, the movement direction detection unit 53 detects the movement direction. If the movement direction detected from the two designated positions inputted after this is different from the previously detected movement direction, the last detected movement direction may be output to the character type selection unit 59. For example, if the user first moves upward from the position indicated by the finger and then moves to the right, the upward movement direction is output first, and the right direction is detected when the right direction is detected. Output the moving direction. Even if the selected character type is wrong, the selected character type can be changed immediately.

The movement distance measurement unit 55 detects the movement direction last when the movement direction detected from the two designated positions input after the movement direction detection unit 53 detects the movement direction is different from the previously detected movement direction. When the movement direction is output to the character type selection unit 59, the movement distance measurement unit 55 resets the movement distance every time the movement direction detection unit 53 detects a new movement direction. In this case, since the movement distance measurement unit 55 resets the movement distance each time the movement direction is changed, the movement distance measurement unit 55 measures the linear distance between the two designated positions as the movement distance. The movement distance measurement unit 55 measures the movement distance from the previously detected instruction position among the two instruction positions from which the movement direction detection unit 53 has detected a new movement direction.

Further, when a character type is input from the character type selection unit 59 after the group name is input from the group selection unit 57 and before the determination signal is input from the indication position detection unit 51, the character selection unit 61 Each time a character type is input from the selection unit 59, the character table stored in the EEPROM 33 is referred to, and a plurality of characters classified into the group of the input name are classified. select.

  The display control unit 63 controls the LCD 15, and the display control unit 63 displays a character input screen on the LCD 15. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a character input screen. Referring to FIG. 6, character input screen 80 includes an input character display area 81 for displaying input characters and a guidance display area 85. When the group name is input from the group selection unit 57, the display control unit 63 displays guidance in the guidance display area 83. The guidance includes an area 91 for displaying a key corresponding to the first designated position, and areas 93A to 93D for displaying a plurality of selectable characters classified by moving direction.

  Here, the guidance displayed when the key indicated by the number “5” is indicated by the user and the position corresponding to the key indicated by the number “5” is detected as the first indicated position is shown. . The figure of the key with the number “5” displayed in the area 91 is displayed, and a plurality of characters of the character type selected when the movement directions in the up, down, left, and right directions are detected are displayed in the upper, lower, left, and right directions.

  Here, a plurality of “J, K, L, and 5” character types of “uppercase letters and numbers” selected when the designated position is moved upward is displayed in the upper area 93A of the area 91. Characters are displayed. In the area 93B in the lower direction of the area 91, a plurality of characters “NA, N, N, N, NO”, which is the character type of “Hiragana” selected when the designated position is moved downward, are displayed. The In the area 93C in the left direction of the area 91, a plurality of characters “NA, N, N, NE, NO”, which is a character type of “Katakana” selected when the designated position is moved in the left direction, are displayed. The In the area 93D in the right direction of the area 91, a plurality of characters “j, k, l, 5”, which are character types of “lowercase letters / numbers” selected when the designated position is moved in the right direction, are displayed. Is done.

  Since the guidance is displayed in the guidance display area 85, the user can be informed of a plurality of characters selected by moving the designated position. For this reason, the user can determine in which of the four directions the finger can be moved to select a desired character.

  The input character display area 81 includes an area 83A for displaying the input character and a cursor area 83B. When a character is input from the character selection unit 61, the display control unit 63 displays the character input in the cursor area 83B in a selectable state. When a plurality of characters are input before the cursor movement instruction is input from the character selection unit 61, the character displayed in the cursor area 83B is updated each time a character is input. In other words, when a plurality of characters are input before the cursor movement instruction is input, the character selection unit 61 sets only the last input character among the plurality of input characters to the cursor area 83B. indicate.

  When a cursor movement instruction is input, the display control unit 63 moves the cursor area 83B to the right by one character, and enlarges the input character display area 83A by one character. Thereby, one character displayed in a selectable state in the cursor area 83B before the movement is displayed in the input character display area 83A. The position of the cursor area 83B after the movement is secured as an area for displaying a character to be input next from the character selection unit 61 in a selectable state.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of character input processing.
The character input process is a process executed by the control unit 21 when the control unit 21 executes a character input program. Referring to FIG. 7, control unit 21 determines whether or not the first designated position has been acquired (step S01). Since the touch sensor 27 detects the touched position as the pointing position while the user's finger is in contact with the key rubber 25A, and outputs the detected pointing position to the control unit 21, the control unit 21 is The designated position is input from. When the designated position is input after the state where the designated position has not been input for a predetermined time or longer continues, the control unit 21 acquires the designated position as the first designated position. The process waits until the first designated position is obtained. If the first designated position is obtained, the process proceeds to step S02.

  In step S02, a group corresponding to the first designated position is determined. Specifically, referring to the key position table, the key associated with the position closest to the first designated position is selected from the 12 keys. Then, referring to the character table stored in the EEPROM 33, a group associated with the selected key is selected from the 10 groups included in the character table, and determined as a processing target.

  Then, a character whose character type is “number” is selected from a plurality of characters classified into the determined group (step S03), and the selected character is displayed in a selectable state (step S04).

  Then, guidance is displayed (step S05). The guidance displays the figure of the key associated with the designated position closest to the first designated position and a plurality of characters classified in the group determined in step S02 in the character table in the character type. Here, multiple characters of the uppercase alphabetic / numeric character type are displayed above the key figure, multiple characters of the Hiragana character type are displayed below the key figure, and the Katakana character type is displayed. Are displayed on the left side of the key figure, and a plurality of characters of the lowercase alphabetic / numeric character type are displayed on the right side of the key figure. For this reason, the user can determine which of the four directions the user can select a desired character type by moving the finger.

  Next, it is determined whether or not movement of the designated position has been detected (step S06). After the first designated position is input, a designated position (direction detection designated position) different from the first designated position is inputted from the touch sensor 27 in a state where the designated position is continuously inputted from the touch sensor 27. It is determined whether or not. If the direction detection instruction position is input, it is determined that the instruction position has moved, and the process proceeds to step S07; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, it is determined whether or not the indicated position is no longer detected. If the designated position is not input from touch sensor 27, the process proceeds to step S18. If the designated position is continuously input, the process returns to step S06. In step S18, the number displayed in a selectable state is confirmed as the input character, and the process proceeds to step S20. When the user removes his / her finger from the key rubber 25A, the character to be input can be confirmed, and the operation is easy.

In step S07, the moving direction is detected. A direction from the first designated position to the direction detection designated position is detected as a moving direction. Here, the direction to be detected is one of four directions of up, down, left, and right, which is the same number as the number of character types. Then, a predetermined character type is determined according to the detected moving direction (step S08). Here, when the movement direction is upward, the character type of “capital letters and numbers” is determined, when the movement direction is downward, the character type of “Hiragana” is determined, and when the movement direction is leftward, the character type of “Katakana” is determined. When the moving direction is rightward, the character type of “Lowercase English / Numeric” is determined.

  Next, referring to the character table stored in the EEPROM 33, a plurality of characters classified into the group determined in step S02 and classified in the character type determined in step S08 are selected (step S09). For example, after the group name “G5” is determined, the character type “Hiragana” is selected, and five characters “N”, “Ni”, “Nu”, “Ne”, “No” are selected. Is done. Then, one character in the first order is selected from the plurality of selected characters (step S10), the selected one character is displayed in a selectable state (step S11), and the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the movement distance is reset (step S12). Then, it is determined whether or not the indicated position is no longer detected (step S13). If the designated position is not input from touch sensor 27, the process proceeds to step S19. If the designated position is continuously input, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, it is determined whether or not the moving distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value T. If the moving distance is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S15; otherwise, the process returns to step S13. In other words, if the finger pointed by the user is moved by a distance equal to or greater than the threshold value T while being in contact with the key rubber 25A, the process proceeds to step S15, but if the user releases the finger from the key rubber 25A, the process proceeds to step S19. Proceed to

  In step S15, the next character in the order is selected. In the next step S16, the character displayed in a selectable state in step S11 or step S16 executed previously is replaced with the character selected in step S15, and the display is switched. Thereafter, the process returns to step S12. As a result, the display of selectable characters is switched, so that the user can confirm one character that is selectable from a plurality of characters.

  On the other hand, in step S19, the character displayed in a selectable state is confirmed as the input character, and the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the cursor is moved and the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, it is determined whether an end instruction has been accepted. A key in which an instruction to end the character input process is associated with the operation key is prepared in advance, and it is determined whether or not the key is instructed. If an end instruction is input, the process ends. If not, the process returns to step S01.

  In the character input process shown in FIG. 7, the movement direction is detected only once when moving from the first designated position. However, when the movement direction is changed after that, the movement direction after the change is changed. It is also possible to select a character type according to. In this case, after displaying characters in a selectable state in step S16, the process returns to step S07. In step S07, it is determined whether or not a change in movement direction is detected, and the change in movement direction is determined. If detected, the process proceeds to step S08. If the moving direction is not changed, the process proceeds to step S12. When the movement direction is changed, the processing from step S08 to step S11 is executed, so that the character type corresponding to the changed movement direction is selected, and one of a plurality of characters classified into the character type is selected. Can be possible.

As described above, the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment selects one of the ten groups when the first designated position is detected, and moves in the moving direction when the movement of the designated position is detected. Select the appropriate character type. For this reason, a group is selected in which characters to be input are classified according to the position first designated by the finger and the direction in which the finger is moved. Furthermore, one character is selected according to the distance to which the finger is moved or the designated time, and when the finger is further removed from the key rubber, the selected character is confirmed as the input character. For this reason, one character out of a plurality of character types
Characters can be selected and input with a simple operation.

  <Modification> The mobile phone 1 described above selects characters to be input using the touch sensor 27, but the mobile phone 1 in the modification further inputs using the key input by the key board 25C. Select a character. Hereinafter, differences from the mobile phone 1 described above will be mainly described.

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the mobile phone according to the modification. Referring to FIG. 8, the difference from the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 4 is that key reception unit 71 is added and pointing position detection unit 51A is changed. Hereinafter, differences from the mobile phone 1 described above will be mainly described.

  The key receiving unit 71 receives a signal indicating which of the 12 switch patterns arranged on the key board 25C is short-circuited, and determines which of the 12 keys arranged on the key rubber 25A is pressed. To detect. In response to the input of a signal from the key board 25C, the key receiving unit 71 outputs a key signal indicating which of the 12 keys has been pressed to the indication position detection unit 51A.

  The designated position detection unit 51A detects the designated position output by the touch sensor 27 and outputs the designated position to the group selection unit 57, the movement direction detection unit 53, the movement distance measurement unit 55, and the character selection unit 61. In addition, the designated position detection unit 51A outputs a determination signal to the character selection unit 61 and outputs a reset signal to the group selection unit 57 and the movement direction detection unit 53 when the designated position that has been continuously detected is no longer detected. And output to the movement distance measuring unit 55. Furthermore, when a key signal is input from the key receiving unit 71, the indicated position detection unit 51A outputs a reset signal to the group selection unit 57, the movement direction detection unit 53, and the movement without outputting a determination signal to the character selection unit 61. After outputting to the distance measuring unit 55, the designated position output by the touch sensor 27 is detected, and the designated position is outputted to the group selecting unit 57, the moving direction detecting unit 53, the moving distance measuring unit 55 and the character selecting unit 61.

  For example, when the user intends to input “ka”, the user may mistakenly point to another key, for example, a key represented by the numeral “5”. Hereinafter, a case where the user performs this operation will be described. In this case, after the user designates the key representing the number “5”, the user may press the key representing the number “2” in a state where the finger is in contact with the key rubber 25A. When the key representing the number “2” is pressed, the pointing position detection unit 51A outputs a reset signal to the group selection unit 57, the movement direction detection unit 53, and the movement distance measurement unit 55, and then the number “ The designated position corresponding to the key represented by “2” is output to the group selecting unit 57, the moving direction detecting unit 53, the moving distance measuring unit 55, and the character selecting unit 61.

  When the reset signal is input, the group selection unit 57 cancels the group that has been selected so far, and outputs a cancel signal to the character selection unit 61, but thereafter. The indicated position corresponding to the key represented by the numeral “2” is input. In this case, the designated position corresponding to the key represented by the numeral “2” is the first designated position after the reset signal is inputted, and is therefore the first designated position. Therefore, the group selection unit 57 selects the group with the group name “G2” from the ten groups included in the character table based on the designated position corresponding to the key represented by the numeral “2”. The group name of the selected group is output to the character selection unit 61.

When the reset signal is input from the indication position detection unit 51, the movement direction detection unit 53 outputs a cancel signal to the character type selection unit 59, but thereafter, the indication position corresponding to the key in which the numeral “2” is represented. Is input as the first designated position, and the apparatus waits until the designated position detecting direction position different from the first designated position is inputted from the designated position detection unit 51 next time. Then, the movement direction detection unit 53 detects the direction from the first designated position toward the direction detection designated position as the movement direction, and outputs the detected movement direction to the character type selection unit 59.

  When the cancel signal is input from the movement direction detection unit 53, the character type selection unit 59 does not output anything to the character selection unit 61. However, when the movement direction is input from the movement direction detection unit 53, the character type selection unit 59 is input. One of the four character types included in the character table is selected based on the moving direction, and the selected character type is output to the character selection unit 61.

  When the reset signal is input from the pointing position detection unit 51, the movement distance measuring unit 55 resets the moving distance to “0”. Thereafter, the pointing position corresponding to the key in which the number “2” is represented is displayed. When the first designated position is input, the moving distance from the first designated position to the inputted designated position is calculated every time the designated position is inputted from the designated position detection unit 51A with the first designated position as a reference. The calculated movement distance is output to the character selection unit 61.

  Before the cancel signal is input from the group selection unit 57, the character selection unit 61 has a group name “G5” input from the group selection unit 57 among the groups included in the character table stored in the EEPROM 33. Is selected. When the group name “G2” is input from the group selection unit 57 after the cancel signal is input, the character selection unit 61 stores the character table stored in the EEPROM 33 until the next cancellation signal is input. The group with the group name “G2” input from the group selection unit 57 is selected from among the groups included in.

  In this case, the character selection unit 61 selects and selects a character whose group character type is classified as “number” when the group name “G2” is input after the cancel signal is input from the group selection unit 57. The generated character is output to the display control unit 63. Here, since the key representing “2” is pressed, the number “2” is selected, and the character is output to the display control unit 63.

  Thereafter, when the character type is input from the character type selection unit 59, the character selection unit 61 refers to the character table stored in the EEPROM 33, and is classified into the group of the group name previously input, and is classified into the input character type. Select multiple characters. In this example, for example, when “Hiragana” is input as the character type, five characters “ka”, “ki”, “ku”, “ke”, and “ko” are selected.

  Furthermore, the character selection unit 61 selects one of the selected characters based on the movement distance input from the movement distance measurement unit 55, outputs the selected character to the display control unit 63, and then When a determination signal is input from the pointing position detection unit 51, a cursor movement instruction is output to the display control unit 63.

The display control unit 63 controls the LCD 15, and the display control unit 63 displays a character input screen on the LCD 15. When a group name is input after a cancel signal is input from the group selection unit 57, guidance is displayed in the guidance display area 85. Here, after the cancel signal is input, the group name “G2” is input, so the figure of the key representing the number “2” is displayed, and the movement directions in the up, down, left, and right directions are detected vertically and horizontally. In this case, a plurality of characters of the character type selected when displayed are displayed. Here, in the upper direction of the figure of the key representing the number “2”, “A, B, C” which are the character types of “uppercase alphabetic / numeric” selected when the designated position is moved upward. 2 ”are displayed. A plurality of “Ka, Ki, Ku, Ke, Ko” which is the character type of “Hiragana” selected when the indicated position is moved downward in the figure of the key representing the number “2” Is displayed. A plurality of “K, K, K, K, and K” character types of “Katakana” selected when the pointing position is moved to the left of the figure of the key representing the number “2”. Is displayed. The character type of “a, b, c, 2”, which is the character type of “lowercase alphabetic / numeric” selected when the pointing position is moved to the right of the figure of the key representing the number “2” Multiple characters are displayed.

  When the next character is input before the cursor movement instruction is input from the character selection unit 61, the display control unit 63 displays the character in the cursor area 83B. For this reason, when the key having the number “5” is designated first and “5” is displayed, the cursor region 83B is displayed when the finger is moved to the key having the number “2”. “J”, “K”, “L”, and “5” are changed, but when the key representing the number “2” is pressed, the cursor region 83B does not move and the number “2” is displayed. Is displayed. Thereafter, when the finger is moved up, down, left, or right, the display is switched to the display of characters of the character types classified in the respective directions.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of character input processing in the modification. Referring to FIG. 9, the difference from the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is that step S31 to step S33 are added. Other processing is the same as the processing shown in FIG. 7, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here. Referring to FIG. 9, after the movement distance is reset in step S12, it is determined in step S31 whether or not the key is pressed. If the key has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S32; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S32, the group determined in step S02 and the character type determined in step S08 are canceled. Then, in the next step S33, the designated position corresponding to the pressed key is acquired, and the process returns to step S02. When it is detected by the key substrate 25C that any one of the 12 keys has been pressed, the indicated position detected by the touch sensor 27 at that time is acquired, and the processes after step S02 are executed. For this reason, even when the key to be instructed first is incorrect, the key to be instructed is corrected by moving the finger to the correct key while keeping the finger in contact with the key rubber 25A and pressing the key. Can do. For this reason, even when a character is selected by mistake, the correction can be facilitated.

  As described above, in the mobile phone 1 according to the modified example, the correct group can be easily selected even when the group is selected incorrectly.

  In the above-described embodiment, the moving distance measuring unit 55 measures the distance that the designated position moves. Instead, after the moving direction detecting unit 53 detects the moving direction, You may make it provide the instruction | indication time measurement part which measures the time when an instruction | indication position is instruct | indicated. In this case, the instruction time measurement unit outputs the measured time to the character selection unit 61. When a reset signal is input from the instruction position detection unit 51, the measurement time is reset to “0”.

  In addition, the character selection unit 61 selects one of the selected characters based on the instruction time input from the instruction time measurement unit, and outputs the selected character to the display control unit 63. An order is given in advance to a plurality of selected characters, and when the instruction time is 0, the first character in the first order is selected. Each time the instruction time increases by a predetermined time, the next character is selected. After the last character is selected, if the instruction time is increased by a predetermined time, the last character is displayed, so the first character is selected. For example, the character selection unit 61 first selects a character in a predetermined first order when a character type is selected. The predetermined order can be arbitrarily determined, but here, the order is alphabetical order, alphabetical order, and numerical order. Note that the first character to be selected from the history selected in the past may be determined.

In the above-described embodiment, a mobile phone has been described as an example of a character input device. However, a character input method for executing the processing shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. Needless to say, the invention can be understood as a character input program for causing the computer to execute the program.

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

<Appendix> (1) Key input receiving means for receiving input of a predetermined key;
The second selection means reverses the order of selecting one of at least one character classified into the selection group when the key input acceptance means accepts the input of the predetermined key. The character input device according to claim 1.

  (2) When the movement direction detected by the direction detection unit changes, the second selection unit reverses the order of selecting one of at least one character classified into the selection group. The character input device according to claim 1.

  (3) When the movement direction detected by the direction detection unit changes, the first selection unit selects one of the plurality of groups as a selection group based on the movement direction after the change. The character input device according to claim 1.

  (4) Display means for displaying a plurality of characters classified into the first selection group according to the plurality of second type groups in response to the position being detected by the position detection means. The character input device according to claim 5.

  (5) The display unit is configured to predetermine a plurality of characters classified into the first selection group for each of the plurality of second type groups for each of the plurality of second type groups. The character input device according to (4), which is arranged and displayed in a direction.

(6) detecting the instructed position;
Detecting the direction of movement of the detected position;
Selecting one of a plurality of first type groups into which a plurality of characters are classified as a first selection group based on a position detected at a predetermined timing;
When the movement direction is detected, selecting one of a plurality of second type groups obtained by classifying the plurality of characters based on the movement direction as a second selection group;
Selecting one of at least one character classified into the first selection group and the second selection group among the plurality of characters.

(7) detecting an instructed position;
Detecting the direction of movement of the detected position;
Selecting one of a plurality of first type groups into which a plurality of characters are classified as a first selection group based on a position detected at a predetermined timing;
When the movement direction is detected, selecting one of a plurality of second type groups obtained by classifying the plurality of characters based on the movement direction as a second selection group;
A character input program for causing a computer to execute a step of selecting one of at least one character classified into the first selection group and the second selection group among the plurality of characters.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile phone, 2 Display side part, 3 Operation side part, 11 1st speaker, 12 2nd speaker, 13 Microphone, 14 Operation part, 21 Control part, 23 Communication circuit, 23A Antenna, 25A Key rubber, 25B Dome sheet, 25C Key board, 27 touch sensor, 27A hole part, 29 codec part, 35 battery, 37 card I / F, 37A flash memory, 51, 51A pointing position detecting part, 53 moving direction detecting part, 55 moving distance measuring part, 57 group Selection part, 59 character type selection part, 61 character selection part, 63 display control part, 71 key reception part, 81 input character display area, 83B cursor area, 85 guidance display area

Claims (6)

Position detecting means for detecting a position designated by the user in an area where a plurality of characters are represented;
Character selection means for selecting one of the plurality of characters according to the position detected by the position detection means;
Display means for displaying the selected character and related characters classified into the same group as the character so that the related character is positioned around the selected character;
A related character selection means that enables the selection of the related character based on the moving direction of the position designated by the user,
The display means displays the related character so that the related character is at least in the first direction and the second direction with respect to the selected character,
When the position designated by the user moves in the first direction after moving from the position where the one character is selected by the character selection means, the related character selection means A character input device capable of selecting the related character in the second direction with respect to a selected character. In the area where a plurality of characters are represented, other characters are arranged around the selected one character,
When the user first designates the first position, the character selection means selects the one character, and when the user first designates the second position, the character selection means selects the other character. In the case where
The character input device according to claim 1, wherein when the user first designates the first position and the designated position moves to reach the second position, the other character is not selected. A position detecting step for detecting a position designated by the user in an area where a plurality of characters are represented;
A character selection step of selecting one of the plurality of characters according to a detected position;
A display step of displaying the selected character and the related character classified into the same group as the character so that the related character is positioned around the selected character;
A related character selection step of selecting the related character based on the direction in which the position designated by the user moves,
The display step includes displaying the related character such that the related character is at least in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the selected character;
In the related character selection step, when the position designated by the user moves in the first direction from the position where the one character is selected by the character selection means, then moves in the second direction, A character input method comprising: enabling selection of the related character in the second direction with respect to the selected character. In the area where a plurality of characters are represented, other characters are arranged around the selected one character,
When the user first designates the first position, the character selection means selects the one character, and when the user first designates the second position, the character selection means selects the other character. In the case where
The character input method according to claim 3, wherein when the user first designates the first position and the designated position moves to reach the second position, the other character is not selected. A position detecting step for detecting an indicated position in an area where a plurality of characters are represented;
A character selection step of selecting one of the plurality of characters according to a detected position;
A display step of displaying the selected character and the related character classified into the same group as the character so that the related character is positioned around the selected character;
A character input program for causing a computer to execute a related character selection step of selecting the related character based on a direction in which a position designated by a user moves;
The display step includes displaying the related character such that the related character is at least in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the selected character;
In the related character selection step, when the position designated by the user moves in the first direction after moving from the position corresponding to the character selected by the character selection means, A character input program including enabling selection of the related character in the second direction with respect to a selected character. In the area where a plurality of characters are represented, other characters are arranged around the selected one character,
When the user first designates the first position, the character selection means selects the one character, and when the user first designates the second position, the character selection means selects the other character. In the case where
The character input program according to claim 5, wherein when the user first designates a first position and the designated position moves to reach the second position, the other character is not selected.

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