JP3183255B2 - Character input device and method for small portable terminal - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character input device for a small-sized terminal and a method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example of a conventional character input device for a small portable terminal is described in JP-A-8-317032.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing this conventional character input device. Referring to FIG. 15, in this conventional character input device, when a circular input unit 151 in which Japanese syllabary characters are written along an edge is rotated, a rotation angle counting circuit 153
A signal output from the rotation angle detector 152 is counted to detect the rotation angle. The rotation angle character conversion circuit 154
The detected rotation angle information is converted into a character code. Also,
A character input switching key 157 switches the character to be converted into katakana or hiragana. The converted character code is stored in the memory 155, and further, the enter key 158
Is input, the character corresponding to the character code is displayed on the display unit 1.
56 is displayed.

[0003]

However, in the conventional character input device for a small portable terminal, since the input unit can be operated only in the circumferential direction, the position of the next character to be input is rotated counterclockwise from the current position. It is necessary to always consider whether the rotation is close or the clockwise rotation is close. Even if the operation is performed while making such a determination, it is necessary to perform a maximum of a half rotation to reach the target character. Further, when such a determination is not made, the user must operate the motor close to one rotation at the maximum. As described above, the conventional character input device of a small portable terminal has a problem that it takes time to select a character to be input.

Also, since the input section is circular and there is no physically unique position or unique direction for a certain character, it is difficult to understand the position of the character to be input in the input section, so that the character can be input. In this case, it is necessary to always visually search for the position of the character on the input unit. It is impossible to input characters without looking at the hand by training or familiarity like blind touch on a keyboard of a personal computer or the like. As described above, the conventional input device for a small terminal has a problem that characters cannot be input without looking at the hand.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a character input device of a small portable terminal and a method thereof in which a character to be input can be easily selected.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a character input device for a small portable terminal,
A direction input unit which is provided at the center and which indicates one of a character and a symbol display provided on the outer periphery; and two ring-shaped members which are arranged on the outer periphery of the direction input unit and concentrically with the center of the direction input unit. A direction detecting unit that has a conductor and an elastic body that holds the two ring-shaped conductors at a predetermined interval, and detects a character or symbol display direction indicated by the direction input unit and generates direction information. An operation unit, a processing unit that processes the direction information of the operation unit to generate a display signal, and a display unit that displays the display signal of the processing unit as an image. Further, in the invention according to claim 2 of the present invention, the operation unit is further provided with a conductor at a position on an outer wall of the direction input unit and in contact with a conductor provided inside of the two ring-shaped conductors. Is arranged. The invention of claim 3 of the present invention, the character or symbol display, the center is the center of the direction input section A on the circumference, the side
A character and symbol display arranged such that a certain reference direction centered on the center of the direction input unit and a line connecting the center of the direction input unit and the character or symbol display form a predetermined angle. It is characterized by the following. In addition, claim 4 of the present invention
The direction detecting means may include the direction input unit.
Direction detecting means for generating direction information by detecting an angle formed between a reference direction centered on the center of the character and a symbol display indicated by the direction input unit and a line connecting the center of the direction input unit. There is a feature.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a character input method for a small portable terminal, comprising the steps of designating one of a character and a symbol display provided on an outer periphery with a direction input unit. , Instruction of the direction input unit
For detecting the direction of the displayed character or symbol
The direction information indicated by the direction input unit by the direction detection means
A step of generating, a step of processing the direction information to generate a display signal, a step of displaying the display signal as an image, and a center of the direction input unit on an outer periphery of the direction input unit.
Two ring-shaped conductors arranged concentrically;
Elastic body that holds the ring-shaped conductor
The direction input unit is moved in the outer circumferential direction to
By contacting the ring-shaped conductor,
Characterized by comprising either the procedure for determining the instructed character or symbol display <br/> et al. Further, claim 6 of the present invention.
In the invention described in the above, the outer wall of the direction input unit is further provided with a conductor at a position in contact with a conductor provided inside of the two ring-shaped conductors, and the direction input unit is operated in an outer peripheral direction, and The conductor provided on the outer wall of the direction input portion and the conductor provided on the inner side of the two ring-shaped conductors are not in contact with each other.
During this period, the character or symbol selection process is interrupted , and includes a procedure of restarting by touching . In the present invention, the invention described in claim 7 is:
To generate the detected direction information instructed by the direction of the direction input unit, a group with respect to the center of the direction input unit
The method is characterized in that a direction is generated by detecting an angle between a quasi direction and the character or symbol display indicated by the direction input unit and a line connecting the center of the direction input unit.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention. The character input device for a small terminal according to the present invention performs an input operation and a pointer operation on a display screen to output direction information, and processes the direction information of the operation unit 10 to generate a display signal. The processing unit 20 includes a processing unit 20, a memory 30 connected to the processing unit 20 to store input character codes and the like, and a display unit 40 that converts a display signal generated by the processing unit 20 into an image and displays the image. A direction input unit 11 having a convex shape at the center of the operation unit 10 so that the direction input unit 11 can be moved up and down and right and left freely by a fingertip or the like.
Is provided, and a character or a symbol displayed on a circumference centered on the direction input unit 11 is designated. Further, a direction detecting means 12 which is in contact with the direction input unit 11 and detects a direction in which the direction input unit 11 is moved and outputs the direction as direction information, and a direction detection unit 12 which detects that the direction input unit 11 has been moved by a certain distance or more from the center. Switch 1 to detect
Three. The processing unit 20 includes a push button switch 50 that switches the direction information of the operation unit 10 between a character input operation mode for character input and a pointer operation mode for operating a pointer displayed on the display unit 40. 10
Then, a process of inputting direction information from and generating a display signal to be displayed on the display unit 40 is performed. The memory 30 includes the processing unit 2
0, and stores the character code of the character displayed on the display unit 40. The display unit 40 receives a display signal from the processing unit 20 and displays a character cursor 42 or a pointer 41 on a display.

The operation of character input using the character input device of the small terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a character input device for a small terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The character input device of this small terminal,
The size is such that it can be operated with one hand of the user. The user first selects the character input operation mode or the pointer operation mode using the push button switch 50.
When the character input operation mode is selected, when the direction input unit 11 is moved in the direction in which the corresponding character is displayed on the outer periphery of the operation unit 10, the direction detection unit 12 sets the direction indicated by the direction input unit 11 to the direction input unit. A rotation angle between the rotation angle of the rotation angle and the center of the rotation direction 11 is detected, and direction information is generated. When the direction information is input, the processing unit 20 selects a corresponding character code, and sends a display signal to the display unit 40. The display unit 40 reversely displays the character corresponding to the position of the character cursor 42 according to the sent display signal. When the direction input unit 11 is further moved in the same direction and the distance from the center exceeds a certain value, the switch 13 is activated, and an operation signal for character determination is sent from the operation unit 10 to the processing unit 20 to determine the character. You. At this time, a display signal for character determination is sent from the processing unit 20 to the display unit 40,
The character is displayed without being inverted, and is moved to the character input position following the character cursor.

Next, the operation unit 10 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a detailed structural diagram of the operation unit 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The direction input unit 11 is provided on the operation unit 10 so as to be in contact with the direction detection unit 12 so as to be the same as the center of the direction detection unit 12. Used for an instruction when selecting a display. When the direction input unit 11 is operated up, down, left and right to instruct the display of a character or a symbol displayed on the outer periphery, the direction detecting unit 12 in contact with the direction input unit 11 outputs the direction in which the direction input unit 11 is moved from the center, that is, An angle formed between the designated character or symbol display and the center of the direction input unit 11 is detected as a direction angle based on, for example, the 12 o'clock direction of the clock to generate direction information. The direction detecting means 12 is well known to those skilled in the art under the name of a stick pointer or a stick controller, and its internal configuration is not directly related to the present invention, so that the details are omitted. The switch 13 includes a ring-shaped conductor 131 arranged concentrically around the center of the direction input unit 11, and a ring-shaped conductor 132 similarly arranged concentrically and having a smaller radius than the ring-shaped conductor 131.
And an elastic insulator 133 that holds the ring-shaped conductor 132 inside the ring-shaped conductor 131 at regular intervals, and is fixed to the direction detecting means 12 by an insulator structure 134. In addition, the conductor 13 is connected to the ring-shaped conductor 131.
5a are connected, and the conductor 13
5b is connected.

In a state where the direction input section 11 is not operated or a state in which characters or symbols on the outer periphery of the direction input section 11 are indicated, the ring-shaped conductor 131 and the ring-shaped conductor 132 having a smaller radius are insulated. It is held in a non-contact state by the body 133, and no current flows between the conductor 135a and the conductor 135b. When the direction input unit 11 is moved farther than when instructing the display of characters or symbols, and the ring-shaped conductor 132 is brought into contact with the ring-shaped conductor 131, the respective conductors become conductive and the conductor 135
a and the conducting wire 135b are also electrically connected. When the direction input unit 11 is returned to the center position, the ring-shaped conductor 132 returns to the original position due to the repulsive force of the insulator 133 having elasticity, and the conductor 105a
There is no conduction between the lead wire 105b.

As described above, by lightly operating the direction input unit 11, the direction detecting unit 12 detects the designated direction, and converts the designated character or symbol into direction information called a direction angle. Further, by pressing the direction input unit 11 more strongly, the ring-shaped conductors 131 and 132 of the switch 13 come into contact with each other to conduct the conductors 135a and 135b, thereby generating an operation signal indicating that a character input or a symbol input has been determined. You. Also, by making the material of the insulator 135 having elasticity a material having an appropriate elastic repulsion, the direction input unit 11 is moved in the outer peripheral direction with a fingertip, and the direction input unit 11 is further formed into an inner ring shape. Conductor 132
Since a repulsive force is felt at the fingertip when the fingertip is moved until it is pressed, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation of unintentionally operating the switch 13.

The processing section 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the processing unit 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The processing unit 20 includes a CPU 21 that performs overall control, a switch input interface 22 that receives signals from the push button switch 50 and the switch 13, a communication interface 25 that receives direction information from the direction detection unit 12, and a display unit 40. It comprises a display controller 23 that creates and sends out display signals, a ROM 26 that stores programs and fixed data, and a system bus 27 that connects the above-mentioned parts to the memory 30.

The switch input interface 22 outputs an interrupt signal to an interrupt terminal 28 of the CPU 21 when the push button switch 50 or the switch 13 of the operation unit 10 is pressed. Push button switch 50
Is used to select whether to operate the direction input unit 11 in the pointer operation mode or the character input operation mode. When in the pointer operation mode, the CPU 21 rewrites the VRAM 24 based on the direction information read from the direction detecting means 12 via the communication interface 25 and moves the position of the pointer 41 on the display unit 40. When in the character input operation mode, the CPU 21 displays the character cursor 42 on the display unit 40 and is assigned to the direction in which the direction input unit 11 is moved according to the direction information read from the direction detection unit 12 via the communication interface 25. A symbol indicating the character font or function of the character is read from the ROM 26 and displayed at the position of the character cursor 42. Further, when the CPU 21 detects that the switch 13 has been pressed from the switch input interface 22, the CPU 21 stores the character code of the character displayed at the position of the character cursor 42 in the memory 30.
Or a function corresponding to the symbol displayed on the display unit 40 is executed.

The operation of the processing section 20 will be described. First, the operation of switching the operation mode when the push button switch 50 is pressed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
CPU that receives an interrupt signal from switch input interface 22 indicating that push button switch 50 has been pressed
The switch 21 reads the state of the push button switch 50 from the switch input interface 22 and checks the currently set operation mode. It is determined what operation mode is currently set (S501), and if it is a pointer operation mode, a character input operation mode is set (S502).
Character cursor 4 at the position where the next character is input on display unit 40
A display signal is generated so as to display 2 (S503). If the current operation mode is the character input operation mode, the pointer operation mode is set (S504), and the character cursor 42 on the display unit 40 is deleted (S505).

Next, the operation in the character input operation mode will be described with reference to FIG. The direction input unit 11 is moved with a fingertip or the like in the direction to which the character or function to be input is assigned. At this time, the direction detecting means 12 detects the moving direction of the direction input unit 11 from the center. The processing section 20 reads the direction information detected by the direction detecting means 12 (S60).
1) With reference to the conversion table in the memory 30 based on the direction information (S602), it is determined whether the object assigned in this direction is a character or a function (S).
603). When the character assigned in this direction is a character, referring to the character type setting (SS604),
The character code of the corresponding character is acquired (S605), and the corresponding character is displayed at the position of the character cursor 42 on the display unit 40 (S606). Further, the processing unit 20 includes the direction input unit 1
When it is detected that the switch 13 is closed by moving the switch 1 from the center by a distance equal to or more than a certain value (S607), the character is determined (S608), the character code is stored in the memory 30 (S909), and the character cursor is set. Is moved to the next input position (S610). Then, the push button switch 50
When it is confirmed that the operation mode has been changed to the pointer operation mode by pressing (S611), the character input is terminated. If the operation mode remains the character input operation mode, character input is continued. If the function assigned to the moving direction from the center of the direction input unit 11 is a function, the function code of the corresponding function is acquired from the conversion table (S612), and the character cursor 42 on the display unit 40 is acquired.
The function symbol corresponding to the position is displayed (S613).
Further, when detecting that the character input unit 11 has been moved from the center by a certain distance or more and the switch 13 has been closed (S614), the processing unit 20 executes the corresponding function (S615). When it is confirmed that the operation mode is changed to the pointer tail operation mode by pressing the push button switch 50 (S611), the character input is terminated. If the operation mode remains the character input operation mode, character input is continued.

Next, the operation for inputting characters will be described. As a specific example, an operation of inputting "good morning" will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. FIG. First,
When the push button switch 50 is operated to enter the character input mode, a character cursor 42 is displayed at the character input position on the display unit 40 as shown in FIG. In order to input the first character “O”, the direction input unit 11 is
Move in the direction indicated by "O" on the outer periphery of. The direction detecting means 12 detects this direction, and the character "O" is displayed at the position of the character cursor 42 on the display unit 40 as shown in FIG. 7B. At this time, even if the direction in which the direction input unit 11 is moved is not accurate, the character corresponding to the directional angle is displayed at the position of the character cursor 42, so that it is possible to match while looking at the display on the character cursor 42. is there. further,
When the direction input unit 11 is moved as it is and the direction input unit 11 is moved by a certain distance or more from the center and the switch 13 is closed, as shown in FIG. The cursor 42 moves to the next input position.

Next, in order to input the second character "ha", the direction input unit 11 is directly moved from this position in the direction indicated by "ha" on the outer periphery of the operation unit 10. The direction detecting means 12 detects this direction, and the character "ha" is displayed at the position of the character cursor 42 on the display unit 40 as shown in FIG. As in the case of “O”, at this time, even if the direction in which the direction input unit 11 is moved is not accurate, a character corresponding to the direction angle is displayed at the position of the character cursor 42.
It is possible to adjust the position while watching the display on the character cursor 42. Further, when the direction input unit 11 is moved as it is and the switch 13 is closed by moving the direction input unit 11 by a certain distance or more from the center, the character “ha” is determined as shown in FIG. , The character cursor 42 moves to the next input position.

Next, in order to input the third character "yo", the direction input unit 11 is moved from the position of the second character "ha" to the direction indicated by "yo" on the outer periphery of the operation unit 10. move.
The direction detecting means 12 detects this direction, and as shown in FIG. 8 (f), the character "yo" is displayed at the position of the character cursor 42 on the display unit 40. As in the case of “ha”, at this time, even if the direction in which the direction input unit 11 is moved is not accurate, the character corresponding to the directional angle is displayed at the position of the character cursor 42, so that the display on the character cursor 42 is displayed. It is possible to adjust while adjusting. Further, when the direction input unit 11 is moved as it is and the direction input unit 11 is moved by a certain distance or more from the center to close the switch 13, FIG.
As shown in (1), the character of "yo" is determined, and the character cursor 42 moves to the next input position.

Next, in order to input the fourth character "U", the direction input unit 11 is moved from the position of the third character "U" to the direction indicated by "U" on the outer periphery of the operation unit 10. move.
The direction detecting means 12 detects this direction, and the character "U" is displayed at the position of the character cursor 42 on the display unit 40 as shown in FIG. As in the case of “Yo”, at this time, even if the direction in which the direction input unit 11 is moved is not accurate, the character corresponding to the direction angle is displayed at the position of the character cursor 42. It is possible to adjust while adjusting. Further, when the direction input unit 11 is moved as it is and the switch 13 is closed by moving the direction input unit 11 by a certain distance or more from the center, FIG.
As shown in (1), the character "U" is determined, and the character cursor 42 moves to the next input position.

FIG. 10 shows a specific example of the conversion table. The direction from d1 to dn is defined for each section obtained by equally dividing 360 degrees around n. In each direction, a distinction of a character or a function is registered. In the case of a character, a character code is registered for each character type, and in the case of a function, a function code is registered.
In addition, for frequently used characters such as "blank" and functions that require certain operations such as "delete", the same registration should be made in several adjacent sections so that operations can be performed easily. Can be.

As described above, in the above-described embodiment, characters and functions are selected by the linear operation of the direction input unit 11, so that the desired character can be obtained in a shorter time than the character selection by the rotation operation of the circular input unit. And functions can be selected. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the character or function is determined by the switch 13 that detects that the direction input unit 11 has been moved by a certain distance or more from the center, the process from selection of the character or function to determination or execution is performed. This can be done in one operation. In addition, since each character and function is always in a fixed direction, it is possible to learn the approximate position by getting used to it, and since the selected character or function is displayed on the screen, You can enter characters or perform functions with almost no eyes.

Another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention. The operation unit 10 for operating the position of the pointer 41 displayed on the display unit 40 detects a direction input unit 11 that can be moved in any direction up, down, left, and right with a fingertip or the like, and a direction in which the direction input unit 11 is moved. Direction detecting means 12
A switch 13 for detecting that the direction input unit 11 has been moved by a certain distance or more from the center;
Has a switch 14 attached thereto. In addition, symbols indicating characters and functions are displayed on the outer peripheral portion of the operation unit 10 in the circumferential direction. The direction detecting unit 12 detects the direction in which the direction input unit 11 is moved from the center, for example, at an angle based on the 12 o'clock direction of the timepiece. The switch 13 can be realized by, for example, two ring-shaped conductors having different radii and arranged concentrically with the center position of the direction input unit 11. The switch 14 attached to the direction input unit 11
Prior to the conduction of the switch 13 for detecting that the direction input unit 11 has been moved by a certain distance or more from the center, it is detected that the direction input unit 11 has contacted the switch 13.
The switch 14 attached to the direction input unit 11 can be realized by the presence or absence of conduction between the switch attached to the conductor attached to the direction input unit 11 and the switch 13.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing details of the switches 13 and 14. The ring-shaped conductor 131 is fixed to the direction detecting means 12 by an insulator structure 134 so as to be concentric with the center position of the direction input unit 11. The ring-shaped conductor 132 having a smaller radius than the ring-shaped conductor 131 is concentric with the center of the direction input unit 11 and the ring-shaped conductor 131 inside the ring-shaped conductor 131 by some elastic insulators 133. Is held in. The conductor 136 is attached in an annular shape around the direction input unit 11. The conductor 135a is connected to the ring-shaped conductor 131, the conductor 135b is connected to the ring-shaped conductor 132, and the conductor 135c is connected to the conductor 136. The switch 13 opens and closes depending on the presence or absence of conduction between the conductor 135a and the conductor 135b. When the direction input unit 11 is moved to bring the ring-shaped conductor 132 into contact with the ring-shaped conductor 131, the conductors are brought into conduction, and the conductors 135a and 135 are connected.
Conduction is also made between b. When the direction input portion 11 is returned, the ring-shaped conductor 132 returns to the original position due to the repulsive force of the insulator 133 having elasticity, and the conduction between the conductors 135a and 135b is also lost. The material of the elastic insulator 133 holding the ring-shaped conductor 132 is selected from materials having an appropriate elastic repulsion force, so that the direction input unit 11 is moved in the outer peripheral direction with a fingertip or the like. Further, since the repulsive force is felt when the direction input unit 11 presses the inner ring-shaped conductor 132, it is possible to prevent the switch 13 from being operated unconsciously. The switch 14 is operated according to the presence or absence of conduction between the conductor 135b and the conductor 135c. When the direction input unit 11 is moved to bring the conductor 136 attached around the direction input unit 11 into contact with the ring-shaped conductor 132, a conduction state is established between the conductors, and the conductor 135b and the conductor 13b are connected.
Conduction also takes place during 5c. When the direction input unit 11 is returned, the lead 13
There is no conduction between 5b and the conductor 135c. Switch 14
Turns on prior to the switch 13 in response to the movement of the direction input unit 11, and turns off after the switch 13.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the processing section 20 of FIG. The processing unit 20 includes a CPU 21,
A switch 1 for detecting that the push button switch 50 and the direction input unit 11 have been moved a certain distance or more from the center.
3 and a switch input interface 22 for inputting the state of the switch 14 attached to the direction input unit 11, a communication interface 25 for reading direction information from the direction detection means 12, and a display for generating and sending display signals to the display unit 40. A controller 23, a ROM 26 for storing programs and fixed data,
0 to each other. When the push button switch 50, the switch 13 of the operation unit 10, or the switch 14 attached to the direction input unit 11 is pressed, the switch input interface 22
An interrupt signal is output to an interrupt input terminal 28 of the CPU 21. When receiving this interrupt signal, the CPU 21 sends the push button switch 5 from the switch input interface 22.
The state of 0 is read, and the function of the operation unit 10 is switched between setting the operation of the direction input unit 11 to the pointer operation mode or the character input operation mode. In the pointer operation mode, the CPU 21 uses the direction information read from the direction detection unit 12 through the communication
The position of the pointer 41 on the display unit 40 is moved by rewriting the AM 24. In the character input operation mode, the CPU 21
Displays the character cursor 42 on the display unit 40, and when the switch 14 attached to the direction input unit 11 is pressed, moves the direction input unit 11 based on the direction information read from the direction detection unit 12 via the communication interface 25. The symbol indicating the character font or function of the character assigned in the designated direction is read from the ROM 26 and displayed at the position of the character cursor. Further, the CPU 21
Is detected from the switch input interface 22, the character code of the character displayed at the position of the character cursor 42 is stored in the memory 30, or the function corresponding to the symbol displayed on the display unit 40 is executed.

Next, the operation of another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation in a character input operation mode according to another embodiment of the present invention. The direction input unit 11 is moved with a fingertip or the like in the direction to which the character or function to be input is assigned. At this time,
The direction detecting unit 12 detects a moving direction of the direction input unit 11 from the center. When the switch 14 attached to the direction input unit 11 is pressed (S1400), the processing unit 20
The direction information detected by the direction detecting means 12 is read (S1).
401). Further, referring to the conversion table in the memory 30 based on the direction information (S1402), it is determined whether the one assigned in this direction is a character or a function (S1403). If the character assigned in this direction is a character, the character code of the corresponding character is acquired with reference to the character type setting (S1404) (S1405), and the character code corresponding to the character cursor position on the display unit 40 is obtained. Characters are displayed (S1406). Further, when the processing unit 20 detects that the direction input unit 11 has been moved by a certain distance or more from the center and the switch 13 has been closed (S10).
1407), the character is determined (S1408), the character code is stored in the memory 30 (S1409), and the character cursor is moved to the next input position (S1410). Then, when it is confirmed that the push button switch 50 is pressed and the operation mode is changed to the pointer operation mode (S1).
411), the character input ends. If the operation mode remains the character input operation mode, character input is continued.
If the function assigned to the moving direction from the center of the direction input unit 11 is a function, the function code of the corresponding function is obtained from the conversion table (S1412).
The function symbol corresponding to the character cursor position on the display unit 40 is displayed (S1413). Further, the processing unit 20 detects that the direction input unit 11 has been moved by a certain distance or more from the center and the switch 13 has been closed (S141).
4) This function is executed (S1415), and when it is confirmed that the push button switch 50 is pressed and the operation mode is changed to the pointer operation mode (S1411), the character input ends. If the operation mode remains the character input operation mode, character input is continued. As described above, in another embodiment of the present invention, the process of selecting a character or a function is stopped depending on the state of the switch 14 attached to the direction input unit 11, so that the direction input unit 11 is switched to the direction of the next character. The effect of preventing unnecessary changes in the display on the character cursor 42 during the movement of the character cursor and facilitating the selection of characters can be obtained.

[0028]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The character direction input unit is moved in a free direction with a fingertip or the like to specify a character or a symbol to select a character, and further, the character direction is determined by moving the character direction input unit in the outer peripheral direction. Character selection is easy. Furthermore, by performing the same operation using the same character direction input unit, selection and execution of functions such as character cursor movement and character deletion can be performed, so that the area occupied by the character input device can be reduced. In addition, since the direction angle of the character is determined by the character, it is possible to learn the approximate position by familiarity, and the selected character or function is displayed on the screen, so you can enter characters without looking at the hand Will be able to Further, the area occupied by the character input device can be reduced by using both the pointer operation input device on the screen and the character input device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detailed structural diagram showing an operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a processing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation mode switching operation when a push button switch according to an embodiment of the present invention is pressed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a character input operation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a conversion table according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a detailed structural diagram showing an operation unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a processing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in a character input operation mode according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a conventional character input device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 operation unit 11 direction input unit 12 direction detection means 13 switch 14 switch 20 processing unit 21 CPU 22 switch input “interface 23 display controller 24 VRAM 25 communication interface 26 ROM 27 system bus 28 interrupt input terminal 30 memory 40 display unit 41 pointer 42 Character cursor 50 Push button switch 131, 132 Ring-shaped conductor 133 Insulator having elasticity 134 Insulating structure 135a, 135b, 135c Conductor 136 Conductor 151 Conventional circular input unit 152 Conventional rotation angle detection 153 Conventional rotation angle coefficient circuit 154 Conventional rotation angle character conversion circuit 155 Conventional technology memory 156 Conventional technology display unit 157 Conventional technology character input switching key 158 Determination key of come of technology

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A character input device for a small portable terminal, comprising: a direction input unit which is provided at a center and which is provided on an outer periphery and which indicates one of a character and a symbol display; It has two ring-shaped conductors arranged concentrically with the center of the input unit, and an elastic body that holds the two ring-shaped conductors at a fixed interval, and displays a character or symbol indicated by the direction input unit. An operation unit including direction detection means for detecting a direction and generating direction information; a processing unit for processing the direction information of the operation unit to generate a display signal; and a display for displaying the display signal of the processing unit as an image And a character input device for a small portable terminal. 2. The operation unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a conductor disposed at a position on an outer wall of the direction input unit, the conductor being in contact with a conductor provided inside of the two ring-shaped conductors. 2. The character input device for a small portable terminal according to 1. Wherein said character or symbol display is a circumferentially center is the center of the direction input section, the lateral
A character and symbol display arranged such that a certain reference direction centered on the center of the direction input unit and a line connecting the center of the direction input unit and the character or symbol display form a predetermined angle. The character input device for a small portable terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: 4. The direction detecting means according to claim 1, wherein
Direction detecting means for generating direction information by detecting an angle between a reference direction centered on a center and a line connecting the character or symbol display indicated by the direction input unit and the center of the direction input unit. 4. The character input device for a small portable terminal according to claim 1, wherein: 5. A character input method for a small portable terminal, comprising: displaying characters or symbols provided on an outer periphery.
A procedure for instructing whether or not a shift has been made by the direction input unit;The character or symbol display indicated by the direction input unit
The direction input unit is provided by the direction detecting means for detecting a direction.
Generating the direction information indicated by A step of processing the direction information to generate a display signal, and a step of displaying the display signal as an image,Concentric with the center of the direction input unit on the outer periphery of the direction input unit
Two ring-shaped conductors arranged in a circle and the two
And an elastic body that holds the
The direction input unit is moved in the outer circumferential direction to move the two
The finger of the direction input unit is brought into contact with the
A procedure for confirming the display of the indicated character or symbol;  Character input method of small portable terminal characterized by comprising
Law. 6. A conductor is provided on an outer wall of the direction input unit at a position in contact with a conductor provided inside of the two ring-shaped conductors. While the conductor provided on the outer wall of the input unit and the conductor provided on the inner side of the two ring-shaped conductors are not in contact with each other , the process of selecting a character or a symbol is interrupted and restarted by contact.
Character input method for small mobile terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises the steps to. 7. A procedure for generating an indication detected by the direction information direction of the direction input section, the middle center of the direction input unit
A reference direction centered on the center is connected to the character or symbol display indicated by the direction input unit and the center of the direction input unit.
7. The character input method for a small portable terminal according to claim 5, further comprising a step of detecting an angle formed by a horizontal line and generating direction information.