JP4027964B2 - Keyboard sheet setting method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method of setting key board sheet.

  In recent years, electronic devices such as miniaturized portable personal computers (mobile personal computers) and personal digital assistants (PDAs) have given up on “key input” that hinders miniaturization, and the liquid crystal is the display screen. Pen input, in which input is performed by touching the screen with a “pen”, is the mainstream. In this case, handwriting input of characters or the like is performed by directly writing predetermined characters or the like set in advance in a touch input detection area constituting a part of the liquid crystal screen or the like using this pen. Since characters and the like are directly written and input in this way, the characters to be input are familiar, so that even a person who is not good at keyboard input can easily input.

On the other hand, in addition to such handwritten input, an input operability equivalent to that of a general keyboard is ensured and portability is not impaired. That is, by attaching a small sheet-like keyboard (keyboard sheet) having a plurality of keys with characters or the like displayed on the key top to a liquid crystal screen of an electronic device, and touching these keys with a pen, Keys such as characters displayed on the key top of each key can be input.
Since these handwriting input and key input have unique advantages, an increasing number of users desire to improve the input operability of characters and the like by using both of these input methods.

  However, once the keyboard sheet is pasted on the LCD screen of an electronic device, if you want to return to normal handwriting input, you must carefully peel the keyboard sheet so that no traces remain on the LCD screen. In addition, if you want to use the keyboard sheet again, you must re-apply the keyboard sheet. Therefore, if you switch the input method and try to use both input methods in this way, such switching work There was a problem that would be very complicated.

Object of the invention is to be used together with the handwriting input and a key input even while in a state of sticking a keyboard sheet is to provide a method of setting Ruki over board sheet can improve the input operation of the character.

The method for setting a keyboard sheet according to the present invention includes a keyboard sheet having a plurality of keys with characters displayed on the key tops attached to a touch input detection area of an electronic device, and then at least on the keyboard sheet set in advance. Two points are touched by touch type input means, and a handwriting operation detection area capable of detecting a predetermined handwriting operation on the keyboard sheet by the touch type input means is set .

Here, as at least two points on the keyboard sheet, for example, when the handwriting operation detection area is rectangular, and when the handwriting operation detection area is provided at a predetermined position inside the rectangular key area, It is possible to employ two corners which are diagonal positions at the four corners of the rectangle of the key area. In this case, the handwriting operation detection area can be set based on the key area. Further, as at least two points on the keyboard sheet, when the handwriting operation detection area is rectangular, two corners at diagonal positions in the rectangular handwriting operation detection area can also be adopted. In this case, the setting can be performed separately from the key area setting.
Since there are at least two points, a configuration in which the handwriting operation detection area is set as three points, that is, two points at two corners constituting one side and one point on the side opposite to this side is also possible. In short, it is sufficient that the area range can be specified so that the outer dimensions of the handwriting operation detection area can be grasped.

Here, when the keyboard sheet is correctly attached to the electronic device, the handwriting operation detection area on the keyboard sheet should be set to match the area where handwriting input is possible in the touch input detection area of the electronic device. There is an advantage that the character input setting using the keyboard sheet can be simplified. However, there is a possibility that the keyboard sheet is not correctly attached to a predetermined position of the electronic device. In this case, the character recognition rate is lowered.

However, according to the present invention, even when such a configuration is adopted, the handwriting input possible area in the touch input detection area on the electronic device side can be obtained by simply touching at least two points on the keyboard sheet by the touch type input means. Regardless of the, the handwriting operation detection area on the keyboard sheet can be easily set, the character recognition rate can be increased, and the character input operability can be improved.
Moreover, since the key input by the touch operation to the key of a keyboard sheet is also possible as an original function, both the key input method and the handwriting input method can be used together, and the character input operability can be improved.

A keyboard system 10 related to the present invention is a keyboard system used in an electronic device 1 having a touch input detection area 4 and has a plurality of keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 62 with characters displayed on the key tops. A keyboard sheet 6 and a processing unit 7 that detects a touch by the touch-type input unit 11 and inputs a character in a state where the keyboard sheet is pasted on the touch input detection area. Key area setting means 701 for setting a key area X corresponding to each key to a predetermined position on the keyboard sheet, and when the key is touched in the set key area, the key area is displayed on the key top of the key. Key input means 71 for inputting a written character and a handwriting for detecting a predetermined handwriting operation by the touch-type input means A handwriting detection area setting means 702 for setting the operation detection area 66 at a predetermined position of the keyboard sheet; a handwriting input means 72 for inputting characters corresponding to the handwriting operation detected in the set handwriting operation detection area; A handwriting area display for displaying the handwriting operation detection area on the keyboard sheet, the input method switching means 73 switching so that either one of the key input means and the handwriting input means operates. Means M (M1 to M3) are provided.

Here, in order to cause the processing unit to execute the key area setting unit, the key input unit, the handwriting detection area setting unit, the handwriting input unit, and the input method switching unit, for example, reading by a computer is possible. It can be recorded as a computer program on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD). Further, the program may be transmitted via a communication line or the like.
Input characters include Japanese characters (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji), English characters, numbers, symbols, figures, and the like.

In this keyboard system, for example, characters can be input by the following procedure.
That is, first, a keyboard sheet is pasted accurately on the touch input detection area of the electronic device. Next, for example, by touching a predetermined location, the key area setting unit sets key areas corresponding to a plurality of keys on the attached keyboard sheet. Next, the handwriting operation detection area is set on the pasted keyboard sheet by the handwriting detection area setting means. The handwriting detection area setting means may be set based on the setting by the key area setting means.

With the key area and handwriting detection area set in this way, the input method switching means switches between the handwriting input means and the key input means to select the character input method.
When the handwriting input means operates, the handwriting operation is performed by performing a predetermined handwriting operation by the touch input means in the handwriting operation detection area set on the keyboard sheet with the handwriting area display means as a mark. A character is entered.
On the other hand, when the key input means operates, the characters displayed on the key top of this key are input by touching a plurality of keys on the keyboard sheet with the touch type input means.

Because characters are input in this way, both handwriting input and key input methods can be used together with the keyboard sheet attached to the touch input detection area of the electronic device. Accordingly, the user can change the input method as appropriate, and the character input operability can be improved.
At this time, since the virtual handwriting operation detection area is indicated on the keyboard sheet by the handwriting area display means, the accurate range of the handwriting operation detection area can be grasped using this handwriting area display means as a mark, and handwriting input is surely performed. Can do. Thereby, the input operability of characters can be further improved.

The key area setting means sets a key area corresponding to a plurality of keys on the keyboard sheet, and touches each key in the key area to display it on the key top of the key in the same manner as a keyboard. You can enter characters.

In such a keyboard system, the handwriting operation detection area is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and the handwriting area display means is provided in at least two corners of the four corners of the rectangular handwriting operation detection area. It can be configured as a mark M (M1 to M3).

Here, the shape of the mark is not particularly limited, but for example, any symbol such as a triangular shape (Δ, ▽), a parenthesis shape (“,”, a bracket with a corner, etc.), a circular shape (◯), etc. Or graphics, characters, or a combination of these.
In such a configuration, the handwriting operation detection area can be displayed easily without obstructing the area of each key on the keyboard sheet by simply providing the above-described marks in the gaps between a plurality of keys.

The keyboard system may be configured such that outer peripheral lines of the plurality of keys function as the area display means.
Here, the outer peripheral line is, for example, the side on the left and right sides and the upper and lower sides of each of the keys arranged side by side when a plurality of keys are arranged side by side with rectangular keys having substantially the same dimensions. It is a line that forms a set of a plurality of keys and forms a boundary that connects the outer peripheries of the set.

In such a case, since the handwriting operation detection area can be recognized by the peripheral lines formed by a plurality of keys provided in advance, there is no need to bother specially processing the keyboard sheet. The display means can be configured easily.

The program according to the related art of the present invention provides the processing unit in the keyboard system as described above, the key area corresponding to the plurality of keys in a keyboard sheet having a plurality of keys with characters displayed on the key tops. A key area setting means for setting a predetermined position on the keyboard sheet; and a key input means for inputting a character displayed on the key top of the key when the key is touched in the set key area; Handwriting detection area setting means for setting a handwriting operation detection area for detecting a predetermined handwriting operation by the touch-type input means at a predetermined position of the keyboard sheet, and corresponding to the handwriting operation detected in the set handwriting operation detection area Handwriting input means for inputting characters, the key input means and the handwriting input means Of a program for functioning as an input method switching means for switching either as one of the input means is operated.
According to such a program, the same operations and effects as those of the keyboard system described above can be enjoyed. Further, for example, such a program can be provided via a communication line such as the Internet or can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium.

A computer-readable recording medium according to the related art of the present invention is characterized in that the program is recorded, and can enjoy the same operations and effects as the keyboard system described above. Moreover, a keyboard system can be provided as a set of a keyboard sheet and a recording medium on which a program is recorded.

An electronic apparatus according to the related art of the present invention includes the keyboard system, and according to such an electronic apparatus, the same operation and effect as those of the keyboard system described above can be enjoyed. In such a case, the manufacturer of the electronic device including the keyboard system can be equipped with the keyboard system in advance, and the burden of system setting by the user can be reduced.

A keyboard sheet according to a related art of the present invention is a keyboard sheet used by being attached to a touch input detection area of an electronic device, and includes a handwriting operation detection area for detecting a predetermined handwriting operation by a touch-type input unit. Handwritten area display means for displaying on the keyboard sheet is formed.

According to this keyboard sheet, since the handwriting area display means for displaying the handwriting operation detection area on the keyboard sheet is configured, for example, when the keyboard sheet is pasted on the touch input detection area of the electronic device, When the handwriting input is set so that the handwriting area display means can be used as a mark, the accurate range of the handwriting operation detection area can be grasped and the handwriting input can be surely performed. Thereby, the input operability of characters can be improved.
Moreover, since the key input by the touch operation to the key of a keyboard sheet is also possible as an original function, both the key input method and the handwriting input method can be used together, and the character input operability can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to detect a handwriting operation on the keyboard sheet by touching at least two points on the keyboard sheet with the touch-type input unit, regardless of the handwriting input possible area in the touch input detection area on the electronic device side. The area can be easily set, the recognition rate of characters and the like can be increased, and the input operability of characters and the like can be improved. Furthermore, as an original function, it is possible to perform key input by touching the keys on the keyboard sheet, so that both key input and handwriting input methods can be used together, and the input operability of characters and the like can be improved. .

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a keyboard sheet 6 constituting a keyboard system 10 is attached to a personal digital assistant (PDA) 1 that is an electronic device.
As shown in FIG. 1, a portable information terminal 1 is an electronic device that is large enough to fit in the palm of the hand, and includes some of the functions of a general personal computer (personal computer). The portable information terminal 1 is not shown in FIG. 1 in which the main body 2, the keyboard sheet 6 that is used by being attached to a predetermined position on the surface of the main body 2, and the keyboard sheet 6 that is attached to the main body 2 can be used And a keyboard system 10 including a processing unit.

  Although not shown, the portable information terminal 1 includes a stylus pen used as touch input means. For this reason, the main body 2 is provided with a holder for holding the stylus pen so that the stylus pen can be prevented from being lost. When using such a portable information terminal 1, hold the main body 2 with the left hand (right hand) or place it on a desk or the like, and operate it by holding the stylus pen taken out of the holder with the right hand (left hand). Is done.

The main body 2 functions as a small portable personal computer, and a CPU for executing various programs stored in a memory and a storage device such as a hard disk are provided therein.
Further, a substantially rectangular display screen 3 is formed on the surface of the main body 2 so as to be lowered by one step from the surface of the outer peripheral portion 8. That is, a step D corresponding to a predetermined dimension is formed between the surface of the outer peripheral portion 8 and the surface of the display screen 3.

  The display screen 3 is a part for inputting characters or displaying the input characters when executing various programs such as a word processor, spreadsheet, address book, e-mail, schedule, etc. A pad-like touch input detection area 4 and a liquid crystal screen 5 for displaying characters and the like.

  The touch input detection area 4 is for detecting the pressure of the stylus pen by the touch operation when the touch operation by the stylus pen is performed, and a rectangular handwritten operation detection area 41 positioned substantially at the center, Function buttons 42 located on the left and right sides of the handwriting operation detection area 41 are provided.

  The handwriting operation detection area 41 is a substantially rectangular area for detecting a predetermined handwriting operation by the stylus pen, and is an approximately rectangular area for detecting a character (Japanese character, English character, etc.) when a predetermined character is touched. A character detection area 411 having a shape and a substantially rectangular numeral detection area 412 for detecting a numeral when a predetermined numeral or the like is touched are provided, and both the areas 411 and 412 are adjacent to each other.

The function button 42 detects a touch operation with the stylus pen, and includes four types of rectangular function keys 421 and four types of circular function keys 422, for a total of eight function keys. Consists of including.
The liquid crystal screen 5 is a portion for displaying characters detected in the touch input detection area 4 and input according to pressure, various data including characters and images received via a communication line such as the Internet, and the like. .

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the keyboard sheet 6.
As shown in FIG. 2, the keyboard sheet 6 includes twelve character keys 21 to 32 in four rows and four columns on the left and right sides, and twelve function keys 51 to 62 provided on both sides of the character keys 21 to 32. These keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 58 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape.
The keyboard sheet 6 is formed in a substantially rectangular sheet shape and has an outer shape that matches the step D of the display screen 3 of the main body 2 as shown in FIG. For this reason, by matching the outer shape of the keyboard sheet 6 with the step D, the keyboard sheet 6 can be accurately attached to the touch input detection area 4.

  The keyboard sheet 6 is affixed to the touch input detection area 4 of the main body 2, and when the processing unit is executed, by touching the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 62 with the stylus pen, Characters displayed on the key tops of the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 62 are input and functions are executed.

  An adhesive layer made of a detachable adhesive is provided on the back surface of the keyboard sheet 6 so that it can be easily attached to and reattached to the touch input detection area 4 of the main body 2.

The keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 62 on the keyboard sheet 6 are arranged as follows, and Japanese romaji input is possible.
On the left side of the key top of each of the character keys 21 to 32 (to the left side with respect to the center of the key top), the first stage three character keys 21 to 23 have the number “1” in the character key 21 in order from the left character key. ", The number" 2 "is set to the character key 22, the number" 3 "is set to the character key 23, and the number" 4 "is set to the character key 24 from the left side in the second stage three character keys 24-26. The number “5” is set to the character key 25, the number “6” is set to the character key 26, the number “7” is set to the character key 27 from the left in the third stage three character keys 27 to 29, and the character key 28 is set. The number “8” is set to the character key 29, the number “9” is set to the character key 29, the number “0” is set to the character key 30 from the left side in the fourth character key 30 to 32, and the symbol “ , ”Is set to the character key 32 with the symbol“. ”.

  Also, on the upper side of the key top of each character key 21 to 32, the left side (upper left side with respect to the key top center), the middle (upward side with respect to the key top center), the right side (with respect to the key top center). In the order of the upper right direction), the character key 21 is "() '", the character key 22 is "{}" ", the character key 23 is" "" ^ ", and the character key 24 is" <> `". , "[] Tilde symbol" for the character key 25, "/% |" for the character key 26, "-+ _" for the character key 27, "@ * #" for the character key 28, "\ & $" for the character key 29 The character key 30 is set to “• :;”, the character key 31 is set to “, = ˜”, and the character key 32 is set to “.!?”.

  Furthermore, out of the 12 character keys 21 to 32, the five character keys 21 to 25 have vowels “A”, “I”, “I”, “U”, “E”, and “O” are set independently. In the character key 21, “-” is set on the right side of “A”. In the character key 24, “tsu” is set on the right side of “E”.

  In the other character keys 26 to 32, three other 21 alphabetic characters are set. Specifically, in the order of the lower left direction, the lower direction, and the lower right direction with respect to the center of the key top, the character key 26 is “YWX”, the character key 27 is “KGF”, and the character key 28 is “ "SZJ", the character key 29 is set to "TDV", the character key 30 is set to "NCQ", the character key 31 is set to "HBP", and the character key 32 is set to "RML". That is, in Japanese Romaji input, consonant “K, S, T, N, H, R, Y” for inputting “ka line, sa line, ta line, na line, ha line, la line, or line”. Is displayed on the lower left side of each of the character keys 26 to 32, and the consonant “G, Z, D, B” or “Ma line, Wa line” for inputting “ga, zag, da line, ba line” is displayed. The input consonant “M, W” or “C” is written on the lower side of each character key 26 to 32, and the consonant “P” or “F, J, V, Q, L, "X" is shown on the lower right side of each character key 26-32.

  On the other hand, the function keys 51 to 62 are set with various functions used when switching the input mode or inputting characters. That is, on the key tops of the function keys 51 to 62, symbols and characters indicating functions to be executed when the function keys 51 to 62 are touch-operated alone are written.

  Here, there are four input modes, “Kana mode”, “Alphabetic mode”, “Numeric mode”, and “Symbol mode”, which are selected as input modes when inputting characters and the like. In accordance with the input mode, characters corresponding to each input mode are displayed at the lower right of the liquid crystal screen 5.

On the left and right sides of the character keys 21 to 32, eight function keys 51 to 58 set in the same shape and size as the character keys 21 to 32 are arranged.
These eight function keys 51 to 58 include three function keys 51 to 53 as function keys for switching the input mode, and five function keys 54 to 58 for assisting editing at the time of character input. And are provided.

  On the function key 51, “1 / ●” is written on the key top, the input mode is switched to the “number mode” for inputting numbers, and the “number” character is displayed on the lower right of the liquid crystal screen 5. The function is set. In addition, the function key 51 is set with a function for switching the input mode to the “symbol mode” for symbol input and displaying the characters “mark” at the lower right of the liquid crystal screen 5.

In the function key 52, “a / A” is written on the key top, and in addition to the function of switching the input mode to “alphabet mode”, the function of switching to “lowercase mode” or “uppercase mode” is also set. ing.
Note that the character “a” is displayed at the lower right of the liquid crystal screen 5 when the mode is switched to the “lowercase mode”, and the lower right side of the liquid crystal screen 5 when the mode is switched to the “English uppercase mode”. Is set to display the letter “A”.

In the function key 53, “A / A” is written on the key top, and in addition to the function of switching the input mode to “Kana mode”, this “Kana mode” is switched to “Hiragana mode” or “Katakana mode”. Functions are also set.
In addition, when “Hiragana mode” is switched, the character “a” is displayed at the lower right of the liquid crystal screen 5, and when switched to “Katakana mode”, “ “A” is set to be displayed.

  The function key 54 has a symbol such as an up arrow on the key top, and functions for switching the alphabet to uppercase or lowercase when inputting one character in the alphabet mode, and in the “Hiragana mode” and “Katakana mode” It has a function of switching kana (kana) to uppercase or lowercase when inputting one character, and a general shift key function is set.

The function key 55 has a function of a backspace key, which has “BS” written on the key top and deletes one character on the left side of the cursor position.
The function key 56 has a symbol indicating a left and right arrow or the like on the key top, and the touch operation is performed when a touch operation (tap operation to be described later) is performed continuously by a letter key in which three letters or symbols are arranged. A pause key having a function of separating and a function of repeating a character input immediately before when a touch operation is performed twice in succession is set.

The function key 57 has a function in which a symbol showing an arrow is displayed on the key top, and an unconfirmed character is confirmed or a line feed is performed after confirmation.
The function key 58 has “conversion space” written on the top of the key, a function as a conversion key for converting an input character into kanji or the like and displaying a conversion candidate that is continuously input, and a space for inserting a space. Function as a key is set.

  Here, when the portable information terminal 1 is activated, first, an initial screen is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 5. The user selects a desired function (software), for example, a word processor, schedule management, address book, and the like from various menus on the initial screen, and executes various functions. For this reason, the following four function keys 59 to 62 that can be immediately switched to a screen other than the character input such as the initial screen are provided. Two of these four function keys 59 to 62 are provided on both sides of the function keys 51 to 58, and each is formed in a substantially circular shape.

The function key 59 has a so-called home function in which a symbol showing a house is written on the key top and the screen is switched to the initial screen.
The function key 60 has a so-called menu function for switching to a menu screen with a symbol indicating a table and an arrow on the key top.
The function key 61 is set with a function in which a symbol including the letter “A” is written on the key top, and input by the keyboard sheet 6 is enabled.
In the function key 62, a symbol showing a magnifying glass is written on the key top, and a so-called search function is set.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a middle black triangle mark M (M1) is written between the function key 51 and the character key 21 on the upper end side of the keyboard sheet 6. Similarly, on the upper end side of the keyboard sheet 6, marks M (M <b> 2 and M <b> 3) are also provided at a position between the character key 22 and the character key 23 and a right end portion of the function key 55. These three marks M (M1, M2, M3) constitute a handwriting area display means, and a handwriting operation detection area to be described later is shown by the handwriting area display means.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the portable information terminal 1.
As shown in FIG. 3, the portable information terminal 1 performs arithmetic processing based on the touch-type input unit 11 as the stylus pen and the touch operation of the touch-type input unit 11 detected in the touch input detection area 4. A processing unit 7 and a liquid crystal screen 5 that outputs characters and the like corresponding to the calculation result in the processing unit 7 are provided.

  Here, when the touch operation of the function key 61 with the stylus pen 11 is performed in a state where the keyboard sheet 6 is pasted on the touch input detection area 4, the processing unit 7 is activated and the characters by the touch operation of the keyboard sheet 6 are activated. Etc. and the corresponding function can be executed.

The processing unit 7 is in a state where input by any one of the area setting means 70, the key input means 71, the handwriting input means 72, and the key input means 71 and the handwriting input means 72 is possible. Input method switching means 73 for switching.
In the processing unit 7, each of the units 70 to 73 functions when a computer program recorded on a CD-ROM as a computer-readable recording medium is input through a predetermined cable, a communication line, or the like. It is like that.

  The area setting means 70 is for setting an area in which a touch operation on the keyboard sheet 6 is detected and characters and the like can be input in a state where the keyboard sheet 6 is attached to the touch input detection area 4. An area setting unit 701 and a handwriting detection area setting unit 702 are provided.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the key area setting unit 701 creates a rectangular key area X including a plurality of keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 58 by touching two predetermined locations on the keyboard sheet 6. It is set at a predetermined position on the keyboard sheet 6. As a result, characters and the like can be input by touching the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 58 on the keyboard sheet 6. Here, the two predetermined locations are the two corners X1 and X2 at diagonal positions in the rectangular key area X.

  When the rectangular key area X is set in this way, the key area setting means 701 moves the touch input detection area 4 up and down substantially evenly corresponding to the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 58 on the keyboard sheet 6. The area corresponding to each of the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 58 is set by dividing into 20 parts of 4 rows and 5 columns. Specifically, when the two points X1 and X2 are selected from the range of 256 dots in the vertical direction and 256 dots in the horizontal direction, the small points are automatically proportionally divided in proportion to the number of keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 58. An area is set. As a result, which keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 58 are touched is determined according to which small area the touched point belongs.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the key area setting unit 701 detects the point X3 when the third point X3 below the point X2 is touched after the two points X1 and X2. Thus, an area Y as a function key is set between the point X3 and the key area X. This area Y functions as an area for switching on / off of input by a pin touch operation and a bar touch operation, which will be described later, using the keyboard sheet 6. This function operates in the same manner as when the function key 61 is touch-operated.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the handwriting detection area setting unit 702 selects a handwriting operation detection area 66 for detecting a predetermined handwriting operation by the stylus pen 11 based on the key area X set by the key area setting unit 701. Set on the keyboard sheet 6.

  The handwriting operation detection area 66 is an area indicated by the mark M constituting the handwriting area display means. The character area 661 functions in the same manner as the character detection area 411 and the number functions in the same manner as the number detection area 412. Area 662.

The character area 661 is a substantially rectangular area for detecting a touch operation of a predetermined character or the like by the stylus pen 11.
The number area 662 is a substantially rectangular area for detecting a touch operation such as a predetermined number by the stylus pen 11.

  Here, when the keyboard sheet 6 is correctly attached to the touch input detection area 4, the handwriting operation detection area 66 that is the area of each of the keys 21 to 32 and 55 to 58 inside the three marks M is detected by the touch input detection. It matches the handwriting operation detection area 41 of area 4. In addition, a character area 661 that is an area between M1 and M2 matches the character detection area 411, and a number area 662 that is an area between M2 and M3 matches the number detection area 412. Yes.

  The function keys 51 to 54 and 59 to 62 are adapted to match the function buttons 42 in the touch input detection area 4. In particular, the function keys 51 to 54 match the function keys 421 of the touch input detection area 4, and the function keys 59 to 62 match the function keys 422 of the touch input detection area 4.

[Key input method (key input method)]
When the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 62 of the keyboard sheet 6 are touch-operated by the stylus pen 11, the key input means 71 inputs characters displayed on the key tops of the character keys 21 to 32, and the like. This is an input method for executing a function corresponding to a character or the like displayed on the key top of the function keys 51 to 62.
The key input unit 71 includes a key input determination unit 711 and a key input character selection / output unit 712.

  The key input determining unit 711 recognizes areas corresponding to the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 58 in the key area X set by the key area setting unit 701, and the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 51 are detected by the touch type input unit 11. It is detected whether or not a touch operation in the area 58 is performed.

  Specifically, the key input determining unit 711 touches each character key 21 to 32 with the stylus pen 11 and then touches the character key 21 to 32 so as not to move more than a predetermined length. It is configured so that it can be discriminated from a bar touch operation to be moved further.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the key input determining means 711 touches each character key 21 to 32 with the tip of the stylus pen, and then each of the eight directions (upper left direction 101, upper direction 102, upper right direction 103, left direction). 104, right direction 105, lower left direction 106, lower direction 107, lower right direction 108), when a bar touch operation is performed to move by a predetermined length while touching, any of the moving directions 101 to 101 by the bar touch operation is performed. 108 can be discriminated.

Of these eight directions, seven directions excluding the right direction 105 correspond to the positions (directions) of the maximum seven types of characters displayed on the key tops of the character keys 21 to 32 with respect to the key top center position. .
That is, a maximum of seven types of characters are set for each character key 21 to 32, and the relative position of each character displayed on the key top of each character key 21 to 32 (the position or direction with respect to the key top center position). ) And 8 directions 101 to 108 as movement directions, which will be described later, correspond to each other. When a bar touch input operation is performed, characters on the movement direction side are input according to the movement directions 101 to 108 of the input operation. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 4, after touching the tip of the pen to each of the character keys 21 to 32, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the eight directions (upper left direction 101, upper direction 102, upper right direction 103, The bar touch operation is performed by moving a predetermined length while touching any one of the left direction 104, the right direction 105, the lower left direction 106, the lower direction 107, and the lower right direction 108), and the key input determining unit 711 performs the bar touch operation. The bar touch input that discriminates and inputs the movement directions 101 to 108 by the above is adopted.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, such a bar touch input is performed by moving the pen from the start point (A) where the character key 27 is first touched over the area of the character key 27 while being touched as in the path 109. If the touch with the pen is stopped at the end point (B) and the pen is released from the keyboard sheet 6, the key input determining means 711 detects the character key 27 corresponding to the start point (A) and is indicated by an arrow 110 in the figure. Thus, the upper right direction 103 which is the direction of the end point (B) viewed from the start point (A) is determined as the moving direction. At this time, since the moving direction is determined only by the start point (A) and the end point (B), the touch route 109 is not limited. Further, it is possible to input in a direction other than the upper right direction 103 by a similar operation.

  The method for determining the movement direction based on the start point (A) and the end point (B) is not particularly limited. For example, when the upward direction 102 is set to an angle of 0 ° (360 °) as viewed from the start point (A), When the end point (B) is in the 45 ° angle range of 337.5 ° to 22.5 ° when viewed from the start point (A), it is determined as the upward direction 102, and it is 112.5 ° to 157.5 °. What is necessary is just to distinguish with the lower right direction 108 when it exists in an angle range. That is, it is only necessary to determine whether or not the angle is within an angle range divided by 8 by 45 °.

  The key input character selection / output means 712 selects a character displayed on the moving direction 101-108 side in the case of bar touch input at the key top of each character key 21-32 based on the determination by the key input determination means 711. The character is displayed on the display screen 3. Here, no characters are displayed on the right direction 105 side of the key tops of the character keys 21 to 32, but when moving to the right direction 105, the characters (numbers) on the left direction 104 side are selected and displayed. Is done.

  Such bar touch input has three input modes of “kana mode”, “alphabet mode”, “numeric mode”, “symbol mode”, “kana mode”, “alphabet mode”, and “numeric mode”. Can be used in input mode. This is because when only “symbol mode” is selected, only symbols are input. However, even when the “symbol mode” is selected, the bar touch input may be enabled.

On the other hand, a method of discriminating a difference in touch input operation after selecting an input mode using the function keys 51 to 62 is also employed.
That is, after changing the input mode using the function keys 51 to 62, a pin touch operation is performed by touching the character keys 21 to 32 so that the character keys 21 to 32 are not moved more than a predetermined length by the stylus pen. Pin touch input to determine the input character is also possible.
Hereinafter, each operation of pin touch input (tap input) and bar touch input will be described in detail.

[Pin touch input (tap input)]
The pin touch input is performed by tapping each key 1 to 3 times after switching the input mode. The operation is easy to remember and anyone can easily input.

Specifically, first, the mode corresponding to the character to be input is selected from the four input modes of “Kana mode”, “English mode”, “Numeric mode”, and “Symbol mode”. Select by pin touch operation.
For example, when the function key 53 is operated by pin touch once or twice, each Japanese input mode of “Kana input (Hiragana input capable of Kana-Kanji conversion)” or “Kana input (Katakana input)” in Japanese Roman characters is set. . In other words, the characters displayed on the lower side of the key tops of the character keys 21 to 32, that is, the alphabetic characters for inputting Japanese Roman characters can be input.

  In the Japanese input mode, when each character key 21 to 32 is subjected to a pin touch operation, the key input determination unit 711 determines the number of pin touch operations. The key input character selection / output unit 712 selects the lower left character displayed on the character keys 21 to 32 and outputs the selected character to the liquid crystal screen 5 in the case of one tap operation. Similarly, the key input character selection / output means 712 selects the lower character of each character key 21 to 32 if it is a two-time tap operation, and each character key 21 to 21 if it is a three-time tap operation. 32 characters on the lower right side are selected and output.

  That is, in the character key 27, the character “KGF” can be input. “K” is selected when the character key 27 is pin-touched once, “G” is selected when the pin touch is operated twice, and “F” is selected when the pin is touched three times. The

In the Japanese input mode, when the character key 21 is tapped twice, a long sound “-” is inputted, and when the character key 24 is tapped twice, a prompt sound “tsu” is inputted.
Further, “Y” is used for inputting the roaring sound, and for example, “TYO”, that is, the character keys 29, 26, and 25 may be tapped and input once in that order. Further, the sound repellent “n” is input by tapping “N” (key 30) once or twice. In order to input a kana lowercase character alone, the function key 54 is tapped once and then the character is input.

  Even when the function key 52 is pin-touched and switched to the English mode (English lowercase mode or English uppercase mode), the characters (alphabetic characters) below the key tops of the character keys 21 to 32 can be entered. Similar to the word mode, the characters in the lower left (in the case of 1 time), lower (in the case of 2 times), and the lower right (in the case of 3 times) are selected by the number of pin touch operations (1 to 3 times).

  If the same letter of the same key continues, the pause key 56 may be tapped. When the same alphabetical character is continuously input, the pause key 56 is tapped twice to repeat input.

When the function key 51 is pin-touched once or twice, the mode is switched to the symbol mode or the number mode.
When the mode is switched to the symbol mode, the characters (symbols) on the upper side of the key tops of the character keys 21 to 32 can be input, and the upper left is determined by the number of pin touch operations (1 to 3 times) as described above. Each character (symbol) is selected (in the case of 1 time), upper (in the case of 2 times), and upper right (in the case of 3 times).
In addition, when the mode is switched to the number mode, characters (numbers and symbols) on the left side of the key tops of the character keys 21 to 32 can be input, so that each key 21 to 32 is operated by a single pin touch operation. , Each number, comma “,” and period “.” Are input.

As described above, a selected character or the like is output to the liquid crystal screen 5 by performing a pin touch operation.
More specifically, in the example sentence as shown in FIG. 6, Japanese and English sentences are input by a pin touch (tap) operation shown below each example sentence. Each alphabetic character in FIG. 6 indicates a character at the top of a key for performing a pin touch operation.

[Bar touch input]
The pin touch input is easy to understand because it is easy to understand by selecting an input character by the number of taps, but each mode must be switched. In particular, in Japanese, for example, even short sentences such as “Start Saturday, July 9 at 8:30 am” are mixed with kanji, hiragana, katakana, letters, numbers, and symbols. Switching the mode repeatedly is a cumbersome operation. Therefore, the bar touch input is devised so that letters, numbers and symbols of character keys can be input without switching the mode as much as possible.

  The bar touch input and the pin touch input described above can be used in combination. In other words, when you select an input mode and enter characters by pin touch operation, if you perform bar touch input, characters such as letters, symbols, and numbers corresponding to the bar touch operation are input regardless of the selected input mode. it can.

  For example, when “Kana mode” is selected and a pin touch input is performed, the English alphabet for inputting Japanese romaji displayed below the key top is selected and displayed according to the number of pin touch operations. However, when a bar touch input is performed in the left direction 104 or the right direction 105, the number displayed on the left side of the key top is selected and displayed. When a bar touch operation is performed in the upper left direction 101, the upper direction 102, and the upper right direction 103, The symbols on each direction are selected and displayed. When a bar touch operation is performed in the lower left direction 106, the lower direction 107, and the lower right direction 108, the alphabetic characters on each direction side are selected and displayed. Therefore, the consonant “M”, “W” and the consonant “G, Z, D, B, P” for two or three pin touch operations are displayed in the downward direction 107 or the lower right. It can be input by a single bar touch operation in the direction 108.

In addition, when “alphabetic mode” is selected and a pin touch input is performed, alphabetic characters are displayed as described above. On the other hand, when a bar touch input is performed, the movement direction side of the bar touch operation is the same as described above. Characters (letters, numbers, symbols) are selected and displayed. Accordingly, each alphabetic character that has been input by two to three pin touch operations can be input by a single bar touch operation in the downward direction 107 or the lower right direction 108.
For this reason, in the “alphabet mode”, an alphabetic character written in the lower left of the key top of each key 21 to 32 is input by a pin touch operation, and an alphabetic character written in the lower and lower right is input to the lower direction 107 or the lower right direction 108. If you input by bar touch operation, you can input very efficiently.

When “Number mode” is selected and a pin touch input is made, the number displayed on the left side of the key top is selected and displayed, but a bar touch operation is performed in the upper left direction 101, the upper direction 102, and the upper right direction 103. In this case, symbols on each direction side are selected and displayed. When a bar touch operation is performed in the lower left direction 106, the lower direction 107, and the lower right direction 108, the alphabetic characters on each direction side are selected and displayed.
Note that even when “Symbol mode” is selected, bar touch input may be possible as well, but in this symbol mode, the possibility of inputting other characters is small, so only symbol input by pin touch input is possible. It is good.

  This bar touch operation allows you to directly input letters, numbers, and symbols regardless of the input mode, especially for Japanese input that includes a variety of characters. .

As described above, the selected character or the like is output to the liquid crystal screen 5 by performing a bar touch operation.
More specifically, in the example sentence as shown in FIG. 7, Japanese and English sentences are input by a bar touch operation shown below each example sentence. Each arrow in FIG. 7 indicates a bar touch input and its direction.

[High-speed bar touch input]
Next, the mobile information terminal 1 employs high-speed bar touch input that allows easy input of frequently used characters in Japanese, English, etc. by devising a bar touch operation.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, only the vowels “A, I, U, E, O” are individually set as alphabetic characters in the character keys 21 to 25 to which vowels are set. That is, in normal bar touch input, the character keys 21 to 25 have bar touch inputs in the downward direction (second bar touch input direction) 107, the lower right direction (third bar touch input direction) 108, and the right direction 105. Not set. Further, in Japanese input, the symbols set at the upper right of the vowel keys 21 to 25 are used very infrequently.

  Therefore, in the high-speed bar touch input in the Japanese (Kana) input mode, in these character keys 21 to 25, the lower direction 107, the lower right direction 108, and the right direction 105, which are directions in which characters are not displayed, are infrequent. When a bar touch input in the upper right direction 103 in which a symbol is set is performed, a vowel prompting character string, a vowel repellent character string, a composite vowel character string, and a stuttering character string are respectively input.

  Specifically, when a bar touch operation is performed in the downward direction 107 with the character keys 21 to 25, the alphabet “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, and “O”, which are set in the character keys 21 to 25, are input. Vowel-promoting character strings “a”, “i”, “u”, “e”, and “o” are selected respectively. However, “a” and “e” are selected only when the immediately preceding selected character is a consonant. When the immediately preceding character is not a consonant, “−” is displayed for the key 21 and “ Is selected.

  When the bar touch operation is performed in the lower right direction 108, the vowel sound repellent character string “N” is input after the alphabet “A, I, U, E, O” set in each character key 21-25. “a”, “i”, “u”, “e”, “o” are selected.

  In addition, when the bar touch operation is performed in the right direction 105 in the character keys 21 to 25, a composite vowel is set to be input. “Ai” is set for the character key 21 and “ui” is set for the character key 22. 23 is set so that “uu” is input, the character key 24 is input “ei”, and the character key 25 is input “ou”.

  Further, the character keys 21 to 25 are set to input a roar when a bar touch operation is performed in the upper right direction 103. The character key 21 is “ya”, the character key 23 is “yu”, and the character key 24 is set. Is set so that “ye” is input, and the character key 25 is input “yo”.

Note that symbols are shown on the upper right side of the key tops of the character keys 21 to 25, but these symbols are rarely used in Japanese input, so these symbols are used in Japanese high-speed bar touch input. Instead of the above, the above-described stuttering is set to be input.
However, when the bar touch operation is performed on the character key 22 in the upper right direction 103, the input “yi” is not required, so that the symbol “” ”displayed on the upper right side of the key top is input as it is. ing.

  Further, in the Japanese (Kana) input mode, the character keys 26 to 32 also perform bar touch input in the right direction 105 in which no characters are displayed and the upper right direction 103 in which symbols that are infrequent in Japanese are set. The high-speed bar touch input is set so that the long sound of the roar, "Ku, Ki, Tsu, Chi, Su, Haruru" and the symbols "#,;, ~,?" .

  Specifically, as shown in the “other” column of each character key 26 to 32 in FIG. 9, when a bar touch operation is performed in the right direction 105 on the character key 26, a long sound of a stuttering is input. When “you” is input and a bar touch operation is performed in the upper right direction 103, “yu” is set to be input.

The character key 27 is set so that “ku” is input when the bar touch operation is performed in the right direction 105, and “ki” is input when the bar touch operation is performed in the upper right direction 103.
Further, the character key 29 is set so that “t” is input when the bar touch operation is performed in the right direction 105, and “chi” is input when the bar touch operation is performed in the upper right direction 103.

  In the character key 28, when the bar touch operation is performed in the right direction 105, “su” that frequently appears in a Japanese document is input among the characters in the line, and when the bar touch operation is performed in the upper right direction 103, the key is The symbol “#” written on the upper right side of the top is set to be input.

  When the bar touch operation is performed in the right direction 105 on the character key 30, “NO”, which frequently appears in a Japanese document, is input among the characters on the long line, and when the bar touch operation is performed in the upper right direction 103, the key The symbol “;” written on the upper right side of the top is set to be input.

  When the bar touch operation is performed in the right direction 105 in the character key 31, “ha” that frequently appears in a Japanese document among the characters in the line is input, and when the bar touch operation is performed in the upper right direction 103, the key The symbol “˜” written on the upper right side of the top is set to be input.

  In the character key 32, when the bar touch operation is performed in the right direction 105, “ru” that frequently appears in a Japanese document is input among the characters in the row, and when the bar touch operation is performed in the upper right direction 103, the key is displayed. The symbol “?” Written on the upper right side of the top is set to be input.

  FIG. 10 shows an input example when the kana characters are shortened by the high-speed bar touch input as described above. Each example sentence is input by a bar touch operation shown in FIG.

[Handwriting input method (handwriting input method)]
Next, the handwriting input means 72 will be described with reference to FIG.
The handwriting input unit 72 includes a handwriting input detection unit 722 and a handwritten input character selection output unit 723, and the handwriting operation detection area 66 set on the keyboard sheet 6 by the handwriting detection area setting unit 702 is handwritten by the stylus pen 11. This is an input method for inputting characters corresponding to the handwriting operation when the touch operation is performed. That is, it is possible to input characters by handwriting from the keyboard sheet 6.

  The handwriting input detection means 722 recognizes the handwriting operation detection area 66 on the touch input detection area 4 when the keyboard sheet 6 is pasted on the touch input detection area 4, and within the handwriting operation detection area 66 by the stylus pen 11. It is detected whether or not a handwriting touch operation has been performed. Specifically, the handwriting input detection unit 722 detects a locus of handwritten characters or the like by the handwriting touch operation when a predetermined handwriting touch operation is performed with the stylus pen 11 in the handwriting operation detection area.

  The handwritten input character selection / output unit 723 collates the locus of the handwritten character detected by the handwriting input detection unit 722 with the character pattern stored in advance in a storage device such as a memory, and corresponds to the locus of the handwritten character. A character pattern is selected, and characters and the like corresponding to the selected character pattern are output to the liquid crystal screen 5.

[Keyboard sheet setting procedure]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for inputting characters or the like using the keyboard sheet 6. A procedure for inputting characters and the like using the keyboard sheet 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 in addition to FIG. 11.
(1) First, the keyboard sheet 6 is pasted on the touch input detection area 4 of the main body 2 (processing S1). Specifically, the keyboard sheet 6 is positioned by bringing the outer shape of the keyboard sheet 6 into contact with the step D (FIG. 1) outside the display screen 3, and the keyboard sheet 6 is accurately affixed to the touch input detection area 4.

(2) The key 61 of the keyboard sheet 6 is pin-touched with the stylus pen 11 so that the main body 2 can enter characters and the like from the keyboard sheet 6 (processing S2).
(3) Next, by touching the three points X1, X2, and X3 on the keyboard sheet 6, the area setting means 70 sets the handwriting operation detection area 66 and the area Y in addition to the key area X (processing S3). ).

  (4) In this state, by operating the input method switching means 73, it is selected which of the input means of the key input means 71 and the handwriting input means 72 is to function (processing S4). In this way, the handwriting input means 72 functions and input by handwriting operation from the keyboard sheet 6 becomes possible.

A procedure for inputting characters and the like by the handwriting input means 72 will be described.
(5) In the handwriting operation detection area 66, a handwriting touch operation such as a predetermined character or number is performed (processing S5).
(6) The handwriting input detection means 722 detects this handwriting touch operation, collates the pattern of the corresponding character etc., and outputs it to the handwritten input character selection output means 723 (processing S6).
(7) The handwritten input character selection / output means 723 outputs characters corresponding to the handwriting touch operation to the liquid crystal screen 5 (processing S7).
As described above, handwriting is input from the keyboard sheet 6.

According to the present embodiment, there are the following effects.
(1) Even when the keyboard sheet 6 is pasted on the touch input detection area 4 of the portable information terminal 1, the input method switching means 73 can be used to switch between the two input means 71 and 72 and to perform handwriting input and key input. Both input methods can be used in combination, and the user can change the input method as appropriate according to the characters or sentences to be input, thereby improving the input operability of characters and the like.

  (2) Since the handwriting operation detection area 66 in the keyboard sheet 6 is displayed by the mark M constituting the handwriting area display means, the accurate range of the handwriting operation detection area 66 can be grasped using this mark M as a mark, and surely Handwritten input can be performed. Thereby, the input operability of characters and the like can be further improved.

  (3) Since the handwriting area display means is configured as three marks M (M1 to M3), only the marks M (M1 to M3) are provided in the gaps between the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 62. Thus, the handwriting operation detection area 66 can be easily displayed without obstructing the areas of the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 62 on the keyboard sheet 6.

  (4) Since the handwriting operation detection area 66 is divided into the character area 661 and the number area 662 by the three marks M (M1 to M3), for example, the lowercase letter “b” and the number “ It is possible to prevent misidentification between “6” and between the lowercase “q” and the number “9”, and to improve the input operability of characters and the like.

  (5) By simply touching the two points X1 and X2 on the keyboard sheet 6 with the stylus pen 11, the handwriting operation detection area 66 on the keyboard sheet 6 is set regardless of the position of the handwriting operation detection area 41 on the main body 2 side. It can be easily set, and the recognition rate of characters and the like can be increased, thereby improving the input operability of characters and the like.

  (6) Since the outer shape of the keyboard sheet 6 is specified in accordance with the step D located on the outer peripheral portion of the display screen 3, the keyboard sheet 6 can be attached to an appropriate position on the display screen 3.

  (7) Since the handwriting operation detection area 41 of the main body 2 and the handwriting operation detection area 66 of the keyboard sheet 6 match each other when the keyboard sheet 6 is pasted on the touch input detection area 4, both areas 41 , 61 perform the same handwriting input process, the configuration of the handwriting detection area setting means 702 for setting the handwriting operation detection area 66 can be simplified. The other function keys 51 to 62 can achieve simplification of the configuration of the processing unit 7 as well.

  (8) Since a plurality of characters and the like are set for each of the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 62 on the keyboard sheet 6, the number of keys required for character input can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to increase the size of the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 62 in the keyboard sheet 6 having the same dimensions, and to improve the operability during input.

  (9) Since it is set to input Japanese by romaji input, the number of characters to be set can be reduced to 26 English characters compared to general Kana input, so more characters and symbols can be set. it can.

  (10) The key input method employs both a bar touch input and a pin touch input, so you can enjoy the advantages of each input method and select both the bar touch input and the pin touch input. The operability can be improved.

  (11) Of the characters displayed on the key tops of the character keys 21 to 32, the character at the position corresponding to the moving direction is selected and output during the bar touch operation, so that the input operation is intuitive and easy. It can be grasped and input operability can be improved. At this time, since characters displayed on the character keys 21 to 32 can be visually confirmed, an input operation can be performed easily and quickly.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Including other structures etc. which can achieve the objective of this invention, the deformation | transformation etc. which are shown below are also contained in this invention.
For example, the handwriting area display means can display the handwriting operation detection area 66 not based on the three marks M but based on the outer peripheral lines of the plurality of keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 62.
In such a case, for example, the outer periphery of the area defined by the keys 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31 is defined as the character area 661, and the keys 23, 26, 29, 32, 55 A configuration in which the outer periphery of the region partitioned by ˜58 is the number area 662 can be adopted. In this case, since the handwriting operation detection area 66 can be recognized by the peripheral lines of the keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 62 provided in advance, it is not necessary to specially process the keyboard sheet 6. In addition, there is an advantage that the handwriting area display means can be configured easily.

  In the above embodiment, the mark M is provided on the upper side of the keyboard sheet 6, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the mark M can be formed at an arbitrary position such as the lower side or the middle thereof. At this time, the shape of the mark M is not limited to a triangular shape, and other shapes such as a circular shape and a rectangular shape can be employed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the handwriting operation detection area 66 on the keyboard sheet 6 is provided at substantially the same position as the handwriting operation detection area 41 of the main body 2. It may be provided. At this time, the shape of the handwriting operation detection area 66 is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape, and may be another shape such as a circular shape or a hexagonal shape. In short, the setting position, shape, and the like of the handwriting operation detection area 66 are not particularly limited.

The handwriting detection area setting unit 702 sets the handwriting operation detection area 66 based on the key area setting unit 701. However, the handwriting operation detection area 66 is set independently of the setting by the key area setting unit 701. May be. In particular, in the case of a configuration in which the handwriting operation detection area 66 is displayed based on the outer peripheral line, a configuration in which the user can separately set the handwriting operation detection area 66 by his / her own instruction can be employed.
The key area setting unit 701 sets the key area X by touching the two points X1 and X2 on the keyboard sheet 6, but three or more points may be touched.
The third point X3 may not be set.

  In addition, although the portable information terminal 1 was employ | adopted as an electronic device, other electronic devices, such as a small personal computer, a mobile telephone, an electronic device which has a communication function, etc. are employable.

It is a perspective view which shows a mode that the keyboard sheet | seat which comprises a keyboard system is affixed with respect to the portable information terminal (PDA) which is an electronic device which concerns on this invention. It is a top view which shows the said keyboard sheet | seat. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the said portable information terminal. It is a figure which shows the moving direction at the time of bar touch input. It is a figure which shows the bar touch operation at the time of the said bar touch input. It is a figure which shows the input operation of the example sentence by a pin touch input. It is a figure which shows the input operation of the example sentence by the said bar touch input. It is a figure which shows input operation in the high-speed bar touch input which is the shortening input of the said bar touch input. It is a figure which shows input operation in the said high-speed bar touch input. It is a figure which shows the input operation of the example sentence by the said high-speed bar touch input. It is a flowchart which shows the input procedure of the character etc. using the said keyboard sheet.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Portable information terminal as an electronic device, 3 ... Display screen, 4 ... Touch input detection area, 5 ... Liquid crystal screen, 6 ... Keyboard sheet, 7 ... Processing part, 10 ... Keyboard system, 11 ... Touch-type input means Stylus pens, 21 to 32, character keys, 51 to 62, function keys, 66, handwriting operation detection area, 70, area setting means, 71, key input means, 72, handwriting input means, 73, input method switching means, 701 ... key area setting means, 702 ... handwritten detection area setting means, 722 ... handwritten input detection means, 723 ... handwritten input character selection output means, M (M1 to M3) ... mark.

Claims (1)

In an electronic device having a touch input detection area, a keyboard sheet setting method used by being attached to the touch input detection area,
After pasting a keyboard sheet having a plurality of keys with characters displayed on the key top to the touch input detection area of the electronic device,
Touching at least two points on the keyboard sheet set in advance by touch-type input means, and setting a handwriting operation detection area capable of detecting a predetermined handwriting operation on the keyboard sheet by the touch-type input means Characteristic keyboard sheet setting method.

Images