JP4029561B2 - Portable character input device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable information processing apparatus such as a mobile phone and a PDA, and enables an operator to input characters more quickly by using fewer keys.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a portable information processing device such as a mobile phone, since the area for arranging keys is small, only a limited number of keys can be arranged. Then, many key operations were required to input one character.
[0003]
In the case of a cellular phone, a single line of characters, for example, five characters “A, I, U, E, O” are assigned to one key, and the corresponding characters are input according to the number of times the key is pressed.
[0004]
For example, for a key to which “A, I, U, E, O” is assigned, if the key is pressed once, “A” is obtained. If the key is pressed twice, “I” is obtained. “E” is 4 times, “O” is 5 times, and 3 key presses are required on average.
[0005]
The technology of Japanese Patent Application No. 11-193254 has been proposed as a method for inputting characters using fewer keys. However, since it is a Roman character input method, it is necessary to input characters twice or more times. There was a problem that it was necessary to press a key.
[0006]
Also, in a device such as a mobile phone, numerical values are frequently input, so it is not desirable to change the numerical value array (3 columns × 4 key arrays).
[0007]
However, since the previous technique is suitable for a 3 × 5 key arrangement, the 3 × 4 key arrangement (“1, 2, 3” and “4, 5, 6”, such as a mobile phone). ”,“ 7, 8, 9 ”and“ *, 0, # ”).
[0008]
Conventionally, there have been various conversion methods and dedicated keyboard technologies as portable character input means. However, it was too special and did not contribute to the expansion of usage.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to input a plurality of consonant keys and a vowel key simultaneously or almost simultaneously to input two to three Roman letters when inputting Japanese characters with a three-row key arrangement like a mobile phone. The object is to provide a character input device that can be operated with a single keystroke.
[0010]
Another challenge is to make the letters “A, K, S, T, N, H, Ma, R, W,” and “T, N” with a few keystrokes. It is in.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The task of facilitating Japanese character input is to accept the input of the first key as a consonant selection and a keyboard with consonants and virtual vowels assigned to one key, and the second as a vowel selection. The problem is solved by providing conversion means for converting the character into a corresponding character by accepting the key input.
[0012]
In addition, the problem of facilitating the input of the dan is that the dan, dan, dan, and dan keys are arranged as virtual vowels, and the corresponding consonant key input is accepted for the dan This is solved by providing a conversion means for converting into a corresponding character.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the present invention, where 100 is a keyboard having key buttons, 110 is a left key group, 120 is a right key group, and 130 is a central key group. Consonants and virtual vowels (“i”, “u”, “e”, “o”) are assigned to the left key group 110, the right key group 120, and the central key group 130.
[0014]
140 is a non-conversion key, 150 is a conversion key, 170 is a conversion dictionary, and 180 is a display device. Reference numeral 160 denotes conversion means for displaying the conversion result on the display device 180 based on the information of the key buttons 110, 120, 130, and 150 operated by the operator and the contents of the conversion dictionary 170.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is an external view of the first embodiment (mobile phone / PHS). There is a button for converting hiragana characters entered at the top to kanji. Left key group 110 (columns of numeric keys “1”, “4”, “7”, “*”), right key group 120 (columns of numeric keys “3”, “6”, “9”, “#”), Consonants and virtual vowels (“i”, “u”, “e”, “o”) are assigned to the central key group 130 (columns of numeric keys “2”, “5”, “8”, “0”).
[0016]
The mobile phone of the present invention has two types of character input modes. There is a conventional “Kaname turning method” and a “Kaname turning and Roman character simultaneous keying mixed method (hereinafter referred to as a kana input mode)” of the present invention. The key assignment will be described.
[0017]
Key 1, key 4, key 7, and key * are assigned to the left key group 110.
[0018]
“A” is assigned as a vowel to the key 1 in the kana input mode.
[0019]
The virtual vowel 2 “i” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the key of the center key group 130 or the right key group 120 is pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0020]
The key 4 in the kana input mode is assigned “T” as a consonant.
[0021]
A virtual vowel 3 “u” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the keys of the center key group 130 or the right key group 120 are pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0022]
“D” is assigned as a consonant when the key is pressed twice continuously.
[0023]
“M” is assigned to the key 7 in the kana input mode as a consonant.
[0024]
A virtual vowel 4 “e” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the key of the center key group 130 or the right key group 120 is pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0025]
A key for inputting lowercase letters is assigned to the key * in the kana input mode.
[0026]
A virtual vowel 5 “o” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the keys of the center key group 130 or the right key group 120 are pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0027]
Next, key 3, key 6, key 9, and key # are assigned to the right key group 120.
[0028]
The key 3 in the kana input mode is assigned “S” as a consonant.
[0029]
A virtual vowel 2 “i” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the key of the center key group 130 or the left key group 110 is pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0030]
“Z” is assigned as a consonant when the key is pressed twice continuously.
[0031]
The key 6 in the kana input mode is assigned “H” as a consonant.
[0032]
A virtual vowel 3 “u” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the key of the center key group 130 or the left key group 110 is pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0033]
“B” is assigned as a consonant when the key is pressed twice continuously.
[0034]
“R” is assigned to the key 9 in the kana input mode as a consonant.
[0035]
A virtual vowel 4 “e” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the key of the central key group 130 or the left key group 110 is pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0036]
Keys for inputting muddy / semi-voiced sound “” and “°” are assigned to the key # in the kana input mode.
[0037]
A virtual vowel 5 “o” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the key of the center key group 130 or the left key group 110 is pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0038]
Next, key 2, key 5, key 8, and key 0 are assigned to the central key group 130.
[0039]
The key 2 in the kana input mode is assigned “K” as a consonant.
[0040]
Virtual vowel 2 “i” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the keys of the left key group 110 or the right key group 120 are pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0041]
“G” is assigned as a consonant when the key is pressed twice continuously.
[0042]
“N” is assigned as a consonant to the key 5 in the kana input mode.
[0043]
The virtual vowel 3 “u” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the keys of the left key group 110 or the right key group 120 are pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0044]
“Y” is assigned as a consonant to the key 8 in the kana input mode.
[0045]
A virtual vowel 4 “e” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the keys of the left key group 110 or the right key group 120 are pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0046]
“W” and “n” are assigned as consonants to the key 0 in the kana input mode.
[0047]
A virtual vowel 5 “o” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the keys of the left key group 110 or the right key group 120 are pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0048]
The conversion of input keys into kana is performed by the conversion processing means (conversion processing program) 160 in FIG. In order to facilitate understanding of the conversion rules stored in the conversion dictionary, the embodiment is shown in FIG. 2, and the rules are shown in FIG.
[0049]
FIG. 3 is a correspondence table of a row (A row, Ka row, Sa row ...) and a row (A row, B row, U row,...), 3 of the converted character, Romaji, and the key to be pressed. Two pieces of information are described side by side as “kana input mode” and “kaname turning method”.
[0050]
For example, “K KA 2” is written in the upper row of the K row. This indicates that a result can be obtained by hitting the key 2 once to input “ka”. In addition, “ki KI 2 + 1 (i)” is written in the first row of the K row. To input “ki”, hit key 2 (K) once,
It shows that the result can be obtained by pressing the key 1 (i) as the virtual vowel immediately after the key 2 is pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0051]
More specifically, the inputs of “ka” and “ki” are distinguished by a short time (Δt) and a long time (2Δt) like “ton” and “two” of Morse code signals. In order to input “柿”, “ka” is displayed by pressing key 2 (K / G) for a long time (2Δt) as “ka”. Next, immediately after pressing key 2 (K / G) for a short time (Δt) as “ki”, “ki” is displayed by pressing key 1 (i) for a short time (Δt).
[0052]
(In order to input “ki” in the conventional kana turning input method, “ki KI 2 (blank) 2” is written in the first row of the K line. When inputting a kana in the kana turning input method, the key 2 (K / G) is pressed for a long time (2Δt) or a short time (Δt), and then the key 1 (i) is slowly pressed for a long time (2Δt). Or, “ki” is displayed by pressing for a short time (Δt), or when inputting the kana in the kana turning input method when the input mode is switched by the function key or the like, the key 2 (K / G) is pressed. Press twice to display “ki”.
By pressing the kana-kanji conversion button, the desired characters such as “柿” and “below” are displayed, so that selection is made.
[0053]
As an input example of “ka” at this time, “K” is displayed on the display device 180 when the key 2 (K / G) is pressed for a long time (2Δt). Therefore, the input state can be grasped by displaying “ka” after a long time (2Δt) after a while.
[0054]
Further, depending on the type of virtual vowels that are operated after the key 2 has been operated twice in succession, it becomes possible to convert the input into “gaga, gu, ge, ga” and muddy sounds.
[0055]
For example, “Gi GI 22 + 1 (i)” is written in the first row of the G row. In order to input “gi”, key 2 (K / G) is pressed twice, and key 1 (i) as a virtual vowel is immediately or almost immediately after the second key 2 is pressed. It shows that the result is obtained by pressing.
[0056]
More specifically, “ga” and “gi” inputs are distinguished by a short time (Δt) and a long time (2Δt) like “ton” and “two” of Morse code signals. In order to input “image”, “GA” is displayed by pressing the key 2 (K / G) once for a short time (Δt) and then pressing it for a long time (2Δt) once. Next, immediately after pressing key 2 (K / G) twice for a short time (Δt) as “gi”, “gi” is displayed by pressing key 1 (i) for a short time (Δt).
[0057]
(In the case of inputting a kana in the conventional kana turning input method, “G” is displayed by pressing the key 2 (K / G) twice and then pressing the key # (#).) By pressing the Kanji conversion button, a desired character such as “painted” is displayed, so it is selected.
[0058]
As an example of inputting “ga” at this time, “K” is displayed on the display device 180 as a lapse of time when the key 2 (K / G) is pressed twice for a short time (Δt) of the first stroke. By pressing the second key 2 (K / G) after displaying “G” for a short time (Δt) and then pressing for a long time (2Δt), “ga” is displayed. The input state can be grasped.
[0059]
It should be noted that the “input stage”, “wa”, “o”, “n”, etc., which are advantageous to the conventional input method “Kana turning method”, adopt the “Kana turning method”.
“I-dan” having the same number of keystrokes as the Roman input and “U-dan”, “D-dan” and “O-dan” in which the number of keystrokes is increased are to reduce the number of keystrokes input in the kana input mode.
[0060]
A processing flowchart of the conversion processing program is shown in FIG. First, the numerical value (key identification information) of the key input by the operator is stored (step 310), and the conversion dictionary is searched using the unconverted numerical data as a key (step 320). It is determined whether or not there is a character corresponding to the dictionary (step 330). If there is a character, the corresponding character is displayed, and the subsequent input is converted (step 360).
[0061]
If not, it is determined whether the number of unconverted numerical values is equal to or greater than the limit number (step 340), and if it is less than the limit number, the next operator's key input is waited (to step 310). If the number is greater than or equal to the limit number, the input unconverted key value is displayed without conversion, and the subsequent input is set as the conversion target (step 350).
[0062]
As a second embodiment, an example in which “u”, “e”, and “o” are arranged as virtual vowels will be described.
[0063]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the present invention, where 100 is a keyboard having key buttons, 110 is a left key group, 120 is a right key group, and 130 is a central key group. Consonants and virtual vowels (“u”, “e”, “o”) are assigned to the left key group 110, the right key group 120, and the central key group 130.
[0064]
140 is a non-conversion key, 150 is a conversion key, 170 is a conversion dictionary, and 180 is a display device. Reference numeral 160 denotes conversion means for displaying the conversion result on the display device 180 based on the information of the key buttons 110, 120, 130, and 150 operated by the operator and the contents of the conversion dictionary 170.
[0065]
FIG. 6 is an external view of the second embodiment (mobile phone / PHS). There is a button for converting hiragana characters entered at the top to kanji. Left key group 110 (columns of numeric keys “1”, “4”, “7”, “*”), right key group 120 (columns of numeric keys “3”, “6”, “9”, “#”), Consonants and virtual vowels (“u”, “e”, “o”) are assigned to the central key group 130 (columns of numeric keys “2” “5” “8” “0”).
[0066]
The mobile phone of the present invention has two types of character input modes. There is a conventional “Kaname turning method” and a “Kaname turning and Roman character simultaneous keying mixed method (hereinafter referred to as a kana input mode)” of the present invention. The key assignment will be described.
[0067]
Key 1, key 4, key 7, and key * are assigned to the left key group 110.
[0068]
“A” is assigned as a vowel to the key 1 in the kana input mode.
[0069]
A virtual vowel 3 “u” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the keys of the center key group 130 or the right key group 120 are pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0070]
The key 4 in the kana input mode is assigned “T” as a consonant.
[0071]
A virtual vowel 4 “e” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the key of the center key group 130 or the right key group 120 is pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0072]
“D” is assigned as a consonant when the key is pressed twice continuously.
[0073]
“M” is assigned to the key 7 in the kana input mode as a consonant.
[0074]
A virtual vowel 5 “o” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the keys of the center key group 130 or the right key group 120 are pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0075]
A key for inputting lowercase letters is assigned to the key * in the kana input mode.
[0076]
Next, key 3, key 6, key 9, and key # are assigned to the right key group 120.
[0077]
The key 3 in the kana input mode is assigned “S” as a consonant.
[0078]
A virtual vowel 3 “u” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the key of the center key group 130 or the left key group 110 is pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0079]
“Z” is assigned as a consonant when the key is pressed twice continuously.
[0080]
The key 6 in the kana input mode is assigned “H” as a consonant.
[0081]
A virtual vowel 4 “e” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the key of the central key group 130 or the left key group 110 is pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0082]
“B” is assigned as a consonant when the key is pressed twice continuously.
[0083]
“R” is assigned to the key 9 in the kana input mode as a consonant.
[0084]
A virtual vowel 5 “o” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the key of the center key group 130 or the left key group 110 is pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0085]
Keys for inputting muddy / semi-voiced sound “” and “°” are assigned to the key # in the kana input mode.
[0086]
Next, key 2, key 5, key 8, and key 0 are assigned to the central key group 130.
[0087]
The key 2 in the kana input mode is assigned “K” as a consonant.
[0088]
The virtual vowel 3 “u” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the keys of the left key group 110 or the right key group 120 are pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0089]
“G” is assigned as a consonant when the key is pressed twice continuously.
[0090]
“N” is assigned as a consonant to the key 5 in the kana input mode.
[0091]
A virtual vowel 4 “e” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the keys of the left key group 110 or the right key group 120 are pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0092]
“Y” is assigned as a consonant to the key 8 in the kana input mode.
[0093]
A virtual vowel 5 “o” is assigned as a virtual vowel when this key is pressed immediately after the keys of the left key group 110 or the right key group 120 are pressed or almost simultaneously.
[0094]
“W” and “n” are assigned as consonants to the key 0 in the kana input mode.
[0095]
The conversion of the input key into the kana is performed by referring to the conversion dictionary 170 by the conversion processing means (conversion processing program) 160 in FIG. In order to facilitate understanding of the conversion rules stored in the conversion dictionary, the embodiment is shown in FIG. 6 and the rules are shown in FIG.
[0096]
Fig. 7 is a correspondence table of rows (A row, Ka row, Sa row ...) and rows (A row, B row, U row, etc.), 3 of the converted characters, Roman letters, and keys to be pressed. Information.
[0097]
For example, “K KA 2” is written in the upper row of the K row. This indicates that a result can be obtained by hitting the key 2 once to input “ka”. In addition, “Ki KI 22” is written in the first row of the K row. This indicates that in order to input “ki”, the key 2 (K) is hit twice to obtain the result.
[0098]
More specifically, the inputs of “ka” and “ki” are distinguished by a short time (Δt) and a long time (2Δt) like “ton” and “two” of Morse code signals. In order to input “柿”, “ka” is displayed by pressing key 2 (K / G) for a long time (2Δt) as “ka”. Next, as “ki”, the key 2 (K / G) is pressed once for a short time (Δt) and then pressed once for a long time (2Δt) to display “ki”.
[0099]
By pressing the kana-kanji conversion button, the desired characters such as “柿” and “below” are displayed, so that selection is made.
[0100]
As an example of inputting “ki” at this time, “K” is displayed on the display device 180 as a lapse of time between two presses of the key 2 (K / G) when the first stroke is short (Δt). By pressing the second key 2 (K / G) for a long time (2Δt) and displaying “ki”, the input state can be grasped.
[0101]
Further, by operating the key # after the key 2 is operated, it is converted to “ga”, and after the key 2 is operated twice continuously, it is converted to “gi” by operating the key #. Furthermore, it becomes possible to convert the input into “Gu, Ge, Go” and muddy sound depending on the type of virtual vowel that is operated after the key 2 is operated twice in succession.
[0102]
In other words, “gi GI 22 #” is written in the first row of the G row. In order to input “gi”, the result is obtained by pressing the key 2 (K / G) twice and pressing the key immediately after the second key 2 is pressed or almost simultaneously. It shows that.
[0103]
More specifically, “ga” and “gi” inputs are distinguished by a short time (Δt) and a long time (2Δt) like “ton” and “two” of Morse code signals. In order to input “paint”, “GA” is displayed, and the key 2 (K / G) is pressed once for a long time (Δt) and then the key # (#) is pressed once to display “GA”.
[0104]
Next, the key 2 (K / G) is pressed twice as a “gi” for a short time (Δt), and then the key # (#) is pressed once to display “gi”.
[0105]
By pressing the kana-kanji conversion button, a desired character such as “painted” is displayed.
[0106]
At this time, in the input example of “gi”, “K” is displayed on the display device 180 as a lapse of time between two presses of the key 2 (K / G) for the short time (Δt) of the first stroke. Press key 2 (K / G) for the second stroke to display “ki”, and press “key” (#) for the third stroke to display “gi” to grasp the input state. Can do.
[0107]
It should be noted that the “A-stage” and “I-stage”, “Wa”, “O”, “N”, etc., which are advantageous to the conventional input method “Kana turning method”, adopt the “Kana turning method”.
“U-dan”, “E-dan”, “o-dan”, in which the number of keystrokes is greater than the input of Roman characters, is to reduce the number of keystrokes input in the kana input mode.
[0108]
A processing flowchart of the conversion processing program is shown in FIG. First, the numerical value (key identification information) of the key input by the operator is stored (step 310), and the conversion dictionary is searched using the unconverted numerical data as a key (step 320). It is determined whether or not there is a character corresponding to the dictionary (step 330). If there is a character, the corresponding character is displayed, and the subsequent input is converted (step 360).
[0109]
If not, it is determined whether the number of unconverted numerical values is equal to or greater than the limit number (step 340), and if it is less than the limit number, the next operator's key input is waited (to step 310). If the number is greater than or equal to the limit number, the input unconverted key value is displayed without conversion, and the subsequent input is set as the conversion target (step 350).
[0110]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a plurality of consonant keys and vowel keys can be simultaneously displayed (thumb) when inputting Japanese characters with the number of 12 keys of 3 rows × 4 that are mounted on a mobile phone or a numeric keyboard. 2 fingers) or almost at the same time (1 finger such as the thumb), one letter of the kana character of the second row and two or three letters of the Roman characters corresponding to the first to second kana characters with a single keystroke Input becomes possible.
[0111]
According to the present invention, it is possible to input Japanese characters with a smaller number of strokes with a keyboard having few keys, and input with the number of keys that are attached to a mobile phone or a numeric keyboard. It becomes possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a cellular phone key arrangement in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a 50-sound conversion rule. FIG. 4 is a process flowchart in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a cellular phone key arrangement in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a 50-sound conversion rule in the second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8 is a process flowchart in the second embodiment of the invention
100 Keyboard 110 Left Key Group 120 Right Key Group 130 Center Key Group 140 No Conversion Key 150 Conversion Key 160 Conversion Processing Unit 170 Conversion Dictionary 180 Display Device

Claims (2)

A keyboard composed of a multi-level key arrangement;
A conversion dictionary that records the characters corresponding to the pressed key combination;
A character input device comprising a conversion processing means for converting a pressed key combination into a corresponding character by referring to the conversion dictionary,
In the keyboard, each key is assigned an A-stage letter and a vowel corresponding to the stage where each key is arranged,
In the conversion dictionary, a key assigned with the character is associated with the character in the row A, and a key assigned with the character in the row A for identifying the consonant for the characters in the row A through the row O, A character input device in which a combination of a key to which a vowel is assigned is associated. The keyboard is a key arrangement of the three rows 4 stages, allocation of vowels for each key, the vowel i is the key disposed in the first stage, the keys are arranged in two-stage vowels c, 3 2. The character input device according to claim 1 , wherein the key arranged in the stage is vowel d and the key arranged in the stage is vowel o .

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