JP4086735B2 - Character input system and method for portable information terminal - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input system for a portable information terminal. In particular, the present invention relates to a character input system and method for a portable information terminal that enables a quick and stable operation by reducing a character input area.

In a conventional electronic notebook, a pen having an excitation coil that turns on and off oscillation output at the tip, a plate provided with induction wires that are orthogonal to each other and arranged in a mesh shape, and any point on the plate A detection circuit for detecting a change in the magnetic flux, an image memory for storing image data input from the detection circuit, and a display unit for redisplaying the data stored in the image memory as an image. Arbitrary image data is input and redisplayed by moving it on the plate (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In addition, in a conventional digitizer, an original input to a copier is set on a tablet, and editing information such as a coordinate position regarding a copy image using an input pen is input. The command switch is provided (for example, see Patent Document 2).
In addition, with a conventional pen input type portable information terminal, a series of kanji conversion operations for conversion, selection, and confirmation can be performed smoothly, and at least the character input area and the character are set to minimize scratches caused by pen tap operations. In a pen input type portable information terminal composed of a portable information terminal main body having a display area for displaying the characters and a pen for inputting characters in the character input area, the pen has a character for performing kanji conversion A conversion, selection, and confirmation switch is provided, and further, means for transmitting a signal generated by the operation of the conversion, selection, and confirmation switch for performing kanji conversion to the portable information terminal body is provided, and the portable information terminal body receives the signal. Means for performing kanji conversion based on the signal (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Further, in the conventional portable character input device, the key input to the mobile phone, the pen input to the computer device, etc., and the key or the pen input to the portable information processing device such as the PDA are used by using fewer keys. In order to perform quick character input, a first key group in which vowels are assigned without assigning consonants to one key, a second key group in which consonants and vowels are assigned to one key, input keys and their order And converting means for converting the characters into corresponding characters (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

  In addition, the pen-type coordinate input device does not require a large space for coordinate input, and in order to make it easy to handle even for beginners as a child type, in the area that reflects light, the vertical length of the reflectance is lower than that of the area. A pen-shaped main body that outputs coordinate signals by moving on a plate having a grid pattern in both directions and lateral directions, the main body includes a plurality of optical fibers whose cross-sectional center positions are in a linear direction, and the center of the cross-section. A plurality of other optical fibers whose positions are perpendicular to the linear direction, a read head that receives light reflected on the plate and generates an optical signal, an input key that generates a command signal according to an operation, And a decoder that decodes the optical signal and outputs it as a coordinate signal (see, for example, Patent Document 5).

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-032454 (Utility Model Registration Request, see FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 03-148723 (see page 2, FIG. 1) JP 2002-244804 A (see pages 2, 3 and FIG. 3) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-084086 (see page 6, FIG. 2) JP 05-274082 A (see page 2, FIG. 1)

As in the above prior art, portable information terminals capable of inputting and browsing personal information on the spot have become widespread, but there are various methods for inputting characters.
Equipped with a small full keyboard, as well as a numeric keyboard, instead of reducing the number of keys, instead of increasing the number of keys to be pressed, the character recognition area, displaying the keyboard on the screen and writing with a stylus, selecting and entering There is a way.

However, the above prior art has the following problems.
The first problem is that the area for inputting characters occupies a specific area of the portable information terminal, in a size that can be carried by hand to the portable information terminal.
In order to mount a small full keyboard, the key pitch must be narrowed to fit within the size of the portable information terminal, so that key operations cannot be performed comfortably.

Further, if the area for displaying the character recognition area and the keyboard on the screen is made large, the original display area of the portable information terminal becomes small and cannot be made large.
If you can't make it bigger, it's very difficult to write and select with a stylus.
The second problem is that the number of keys on the keyboard is reduced and a number of functions are assigned to specific keys, and a numeric keyboard assigned with characters takes time to display the target characters, and more keys must be pressed continuously. As a result, variations occur in the way of pressing, leading to operations.

A third problem is that an input operation is unstable when a portable information terminal is held in one hand and operated while standing. If the character recognition area or keyboard is displayed on the screen and writing or selecting with the stylus is unstable, the force to press the stylus will vary and correct character recognition and selection will not be possible.
Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention relates to the character input of the portable information terminal, and the character input area shown in the portable information terminal is reduced, and the character input can be quickly and stably performed while holding the portable information terminal in one hand. An object of the present invention is to provide a character input system and method for a portable information terminal that enables operation.

In order to solve the above problems, in the character input system of the portable information terminal, the present invention provides a mode switch for switching character input mode types including numeric input, alphabetic input, hiragana character input, katakana character input, and symbol character input; A plurality of coordinate switches to which characters including each row of numbers, alphabetic characters, and each row of hiragana characters are assigned, and a processing switch for switching a character processing type including dakuten, semi-dakuten, lowercase, uppercase, and half-size characters. A character input plate on which a switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch are embedded and arranged in a row in the casing of the portable information terminal, and a mark representing characters assigned to each of the plurality of coordinate switches is displayed. , the character input mode type is switched by the mode switch of the character input plate, said plurality of Characters assigned to each of the target switch, has a selection switch to select a character processing type to be switched by the processing switch, the mode switch, the plurality of coordinate switch, a stylus pressing any one of the processing switches, The mode switch of the character input plate, the plurality of coordinate switches, the X-axis coordinates assigned to the processing switch , each of the mode switch pressed by the stylus, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the processing switch An X-axis coordinate detection unit that detects X-axis coordinates, a counter that accumulates the number of times the selection switch of the stylus is pressed, the mode switch of the character input plate, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the processing switch Number of times the selection switch of the X-axis coordinate and the stylus is pressed And to the parameter numbers, letters, Hiragana characters, and stores katakana character, a symbol character double-byte, single-byte, further, and the character storage unit for storing lowercase, uppercase, hiragana characters, voiced the katakana character, a half-voiced in letters, The X-axis coordinate detected from the X-axis coordinate detection unit is transmitted, the number of times the selection switch is pressed is output from the counter, and the character input is performed based on the number of times the stylus is pressed when the mode switch is pressed. A mode type is selected, and when the stylus presses one of the plurality of coordinate switches for the selected character input type, the character storage unit determines from the transmitted X-axis coordinates and the output number of presses. A character assigned to one of the plurality of pressed coordinate switches is read, and the processing switch is read with respect to the read character. A central control unit that selects the character processing type based on the number of presses output when the stylus is pressed, and reads a character that has been processed from the character storage unit based on the selected character processing type. A character input system for a portable information terminal is provided.
Further, the stylus has a determination switch and a cancel switch, the determination switch has a function of determining a selected character and inputting the determined selected character to the portable information terminal, and the cancel switch selects the wrong character The function of canceling the selected character in the case of being present.

Further, the processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch of the character input plate have different shapes such as a triangle, a circle, and a quadrangle, and are formed so that the switches are arranged inside deep grooves.
In addition, each of the plurality of coordinate switches includes 0, ABC, W line; 1, DEF, L line; 2, GHI, slightly line; 3, JKL, m line; 4, MNO, line; 5, PQR, 6; STU, Ta line; 7, VWX, Sa line; 8, YZ? , Or line; 9 ,! , ", The character of that line is assigned.

In the character input plate, processing characters are imprinted and displayed around the processing switches, and 0, ABC, W; 1, DEF, et al .; 2, GHI, etc .; 3 around each of the plurality of coordinate switches. JKL, Ma; 4, MNO; 5, PQR, N; 6, STU, T; 7, VWX, Sa line; 8, YZ? , Or; 9 ,! 2. The character input system for a portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein characters of the line are marked and displayed in three steps, and mode characters are marked and displayed around the mode switch.

Furthermore, the character input mode type specified by the central control unit every time information on the X-axis coordinate is transmitted from the X-axis coordinate detection unit and information on the number of times the selection switch is pressed is transmitted from the counter to the central control unit, Characters belonging to the specified character input mode type read from the character storage unit and characters obtained by processing the specified characters are displayed on the display.
Further, the processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch of the character input plate are provided at a lower portion of the display, and the display is arranged in accordance with the positions of the processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch. When numeric input is selected, processing; 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; mode characters are displayed and processing is performed when an alphabetic character is selected; ABC; DEF; GHI; JKL; MNO; PQR; STU; VWX; YZ? ;! , "; Mode characters are displayed and processing is performed when lowercase letters are selected; abc; def; ghi; jkl; mno; pqr; stu; vwx; yz?;!,"; Manipulation when character input is selected; Wah; Rah; Ya; Ma; Ha; Hana; Ta; Sa; Ka; Ah; Manipulation when mode characters are displayed and Katakana character input is selected; La; Ya; Ma; Ha; Na; Ta; Sa; Ka; A; Mode characters are displayed.

Furthermore, when a half-width character is selected for numeric input, alphabetic input, lower-case input, hiragana character input, or katakana character input, each half-width character is displayed.
Further, the processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch of the character input plate are provided at a lower portion of the display, and are processed at a position below the processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch; 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; mode characters are imprinted and a guide is provided between the display and the processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch, A character plate is inserted into the guide, and the surface of the character plate is processed corresponding to the position of the processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch; ABC; DEF; GHI; JKL; MNO; PQR; STU; YZ? ;! , “; Mode characters are printed and displayed on the back; W; La; Ya; Ma; Ha; Hana; Ta;

In the character input method of the portable information terminal, a mode switch for switching character input mode types including numeric input, alphabetic input, hiragana character input, katakana character input, and symbol character input in one row on the casing of the portable information terminal , A plurality of coordinate switches for assigning characters including each column of alphabetic characters, each row of hiragana characters, embedded processing switches for switching character processing types including muddy dots, semi-voiced marks, lowercase letters, uppercase letters, half-width characters, the mode switch, A plurality of coordinate switches, a step of allocating X-axis coordinates to the machining switches, and displaying a mark representing characters assigned to the periphery of the plurality of coordinate switches; the mode switch; the plurality of coordinate switches; the machining switch Placing a selection switch on the stylus that presses down, the mode switch, and the plurality of switches Coordinate switches, X-axis coordinates assigned to the machining switch and the number of times the selection switch of the stylus is pressed are stored as numbers, alphabets, hiragana characters, katakana characters, symbol characters in full-width, half-width, and A step of storing lowercase letters, uppercase letters, hiragana characters, katakana characters, and semi-voiced sounds in English letters, and detecting the X-axis coordinates of the mode switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the processing switch pressed by the stylus. A step of integrating the number of times the stylus selection switch is pressed, and the character input mode type is selected based on the number of times the stylus is pressed when the mode switch is pressed, and the selected character input type. X-axis seat detected when one of the plurality of coordinate switches is pressed by the stylus And reading a character assigned to one of the plurality of coordinate switches pressed based on the accumulated number of times of pressing, and when the stylus presses the processing switch for the read character, based on the accumulated number of times of pressing. There is provided a character input method for a portable information terminal comprising: selecting the character processing type and reading out a character that has been processed based on the selected character processing type .

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the character input area shown on the portable information terminal by adopting the input plate as compared with a full keyboard, handwritten character input, and the like.
In addition, since the vertical width of the input plate can be suppressed to a length obtained by adding the width of character printing to the diameter of the stylus, the occupation area can be reduced by arranging the input plate at the end of the portable information terminal.

Furthermore, the combination of the input plate switch and the stylus switch enables quick character input from the numeric keyboard.
In addition, the input plate has one horizontal row, and characters can be selected by a switch operation on the stylus side, thereby shortening the time for searching for characters and reducing the amount of finger movement so that characters can be input quickly. Become.

Furthermore, since the stylus is dropped into the deep groove of the input plate and operated, it becomes possible to stably input characters.
Furthermore, since the stylus is dropped into the deep groove of the input plate and the stylus side switch operation is performed, it is possible to reliably input characters in a stable state even when inputting characters while holding the portable information terminal in one hand.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a character input system for a portable information terminal according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the character input system of the portable information terminal is provided with a pair of character input plates 101 and a stylus 102. The character input plate 101 has a triangular processing switch 114 and a plurality of round shapes each having a different shape. Coordinate switches 115.0-115.9 and a rectangular mode switch 116 are embedded in one case in the casing of a portable information terminal (not shown), a processing switch 114, and a plurality of coordinate switches 115.0-115.9. The mode switch 116 is pressed by the stylus 102 and has a function of outputting a character input signal to the portable information terminal.

Thus, the reason why the shapes are different depending on the type of the switch is to make it possible to recognize the difference among the processing switch 114, the coordinate switches 115.0 to 115.9, and the mode switch 116 and to facilitate the operation.
The processing switch 114 has a function of switching a character processing mode, and the plurality of coordinate switches 115.0-115.9 has a function of assigning each column of numbers, alphabets (English characters), and each row of hiragana characters. 116 has a function of switching the character input mode.

Furthermore, X-axis coordinates are assigned to the processing switch 114, the coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and the mode switch 116 of the character input plate 101 arranged in one row.
An X-axis coordinate detection circuit 107 is connected to the processing switch 114, the coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and the mode switch 116 via an input signal line 113. The X-axis coordinate detection circuit 107 is pressed by the stylus 102. The X-axis coordinates of the switch 114, the coordinate switch 115.0-115.9, and the mode switch 116 are detected.

The central control unit 103 is connected to the X-axis coordinate detection circuit 107, and the detected X-axis coordinate information is transmitted from the X-axis coordinate detection circuit 107 to the central control unit 103.
Next, the stylus 102 includes a cancel switch 117, a selection switch 118, and a determination switch 119. The processing switch 114, the coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and the mode switch 116 of the character input plate 101 are pressed and displayed. Has the function to select the power.

The cancel switch 117 has a function of canceling the selected character when the selected character is wrong, and the selection switch 118 has a function of selecting the corresponding character in each row of numbers, alphabetic characters, and hiragana characters according to the number of times of pressing. The determination switch 119 has a function of determining a selected character and causing the portable information terminal to input the determined selected character.
The stylus 102 is provided with a counter 106 via a selection signal line 110, and the counter 106 has a function of integrating the number of times the selection switch 118 is pressed and outputting integrated information to the central control unit 103.

A reset signal line 111 is connected between the counter 106 and the central control unit 103, and the integration of the counter 106 is cleared from the central control unit 103 via the reset signal line 111.
A decision signal line 112 is provided between the stylus 102 and the central control unit 103, and decision information of the decision switch 119 is transmitted to the central control unit 103 via the decision signal line 112.

A cancellation signal line 109 is provided between the stylus 102 and the central control unit 103, and cancellation information of the stylus 102 is transmitted to the central control unit 103 via the cancellation signal line 109.
A control signal line 108 is provided between the stylus 102 and the central control unit 103, and a control signal is transmitted from the central control unit 103 to the stylus 102 via the control signal line 108.

Further, a character storage unit 104 is connected to the central control unit 103. The character storage unit 104 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), stores various characters, and is transmitted from the character input plate 101 and the stylus 102. Based on the above, the central control unit 103 performs read control.
Further, a display 105 is connected to the central control unit 103, and characters read from the character storage unit 104 are displayed on the display 105 under the control of the central control unit 103.

The central control unit 103 has a function of performing overall control related to the character input system of the portable information terminal.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the character input plate 101 in FIG. As shown in this figure, the processing switch 114 has a triangular deep groove carved, and is formed so that the switch is arranged inside. As an example of the character processing type of the character performed by the processing switch 114, hiragana characters and katakana characters are added with a dakuten “” and a semi-dakuten “°”, and alphabets (English letters) are converted to lower case and upper case letters, numbers, hiragana characters, katakana. There is a process to convert letters and alphabets (English letters) to half-width characters.

  Further, each of the plurality of coordinate switches 115.0-115.9 is carved with a round deep groove, and is formed so that the switches are arranged inside. As an example, in the coordinate switch 115.0, the numeral “0”, the alphabet (English letter) “ABC”, and the hiragana character “wa line” are assigned, and the coordinate switch 115.1 has the numeral “1” and the alphabet (alphabet). “DEF”, the hiragana character “Ra line” are assigned, and the coordinate switch 115.2 is assigned the number “2”, the alphabet (English letter) “GHI”, the hiragana character “ya line”, and the coordinate switch 115.3. Is assigned the number “3”, the alphabet (English letter) “JKL”, and the hiragana character “Ma line”. The coordinate switch 115.4 is assigned the number “4”, the alphabet (English letter) “MNO”, and the hiragana character “ Is assigned, and the coordinate switch 115.5 is assigned the number “5”, the alphabet (English letter) “PQR”, and the hiragana character “na line”. The coordinate switch 115.6 is assigned the number “6”, the alphabet (English letter) “STU”, and the hiragana character “Ta line”. The coordinate switch 115.7 is assigned the number “7”, the alphabet (English letter). “VWX”, the hiragana character “Ta line” are assigned, and the coordinate switch 115.8 is assigned the number “8”, the alphabet (alphabet) “YZ?”, The hiragana character “na line”, and the coordinate switch 115. 9 is assigned the number “9”, the alphabet (English letters) “!,”, And the hiragana character “A line”.

Further, the mode switch 116 is carved with a square deep groove, and is formed so that the switch is arranged inside.
As an example, the character input mode type to be switched by the mode switch 116 includes switching processing of numeric input, alphabet (English character) input, hiragana character input, katakana character input, and character symbol input.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the X-axis detection operation of the X-axis coordinate detection circuit 107 in FIG. As shown in the figure, the processing switch 114, the coordinate switch 115.0-115.9, and the mode switch 116 have X-axis coordinates X0, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10, X11 is assigned, and the X-axis coordinate detection circuit 107 detects the X-axis coordinates from the positions of the processing switch 114, the coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and the mode switch 116 that are pressed by the stylus 102.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the pressing operation of the stylus 102 in FIG. The stylus 102 shown in this figure (a) is inserted into any one of the deep grooves of the processing switch 114, the coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and the mode switch 116 of the character input plate 101 as shown in this figure (b). The switch inside the drop is pressed.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of characters stored in the character storage unit 104.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the character storage unit 104 stores the numbers “0, 1, 2,” with respect to the X-axis coordinates “X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10”. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 "are stored respectively.
The above is storage of full-width numbers, but half-width numbers are similarly stored.
As shown in FIG. 5B, the character storage unit 104 has the selection switch 118 pressed for the X-axis coordinates “X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10”. When the number of times the selection switch 118 is pressed is “one time” using the number of times as a parameter, alphabet (English) characters “A, D, G, J, M, P, S, V, Y,!” Are stored respectively. When the number of times the selection switch 118 is pressed is “twice”, alphabetic characters “B, E, H, K, N, Q, T, W, Z,...” Are stored. When the number of times of pressing is “3 times”, alphabet (English) characters “C, F, I, L, O, R, U, X,?” ”Are stored.

The above alphabet (English) characters are stored for upper case letters. Similarly, lower case alphabet (English) characters are stored as follows.
When the number of times the selection switch 118 is pressed is “1”, “a, d, g, j, m, p, s, v, y,!”, And when “2 times”, “b, e, h, k, In the case of “n, q, t, w, z,...”, “3 times”, “c, f, i, l, o, r, u, x,?,“ ”is stored.

The above has described a full-width alphabet (English character). Similarly, half-width uppercase and lowercase alphabet (English) characters are also stored.
As shown in FIG. 7C, the character storage unit 104 stores the number of times the selection switch 118 is pressed for the X-axis coordinates “X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9, X10”. , And the number of times the selection switch 118 is pressed is “1”, hiragana characters “wa, la, ya, hana, ta, sa, ka, a” are stored respectively. When the number of times of pressing is “twice”, hiragana characters “, ri, yu, mi, hi, ni, shi, ki, i” are respectively stored, and the number of times the selection switch 118 is pressed is “3 times”. In this case, the hiragana characters “n, ru, yo, mu, fu, nu, tsu, suku, u” are respectively stored, and when the selection switch 118 is pressed four times, the hiragana character “. ,, Me, he, ne, te, se, ke, e "are stored respectively, and the selection switch 11 When the number of times of pressing 8 is “5”, hiragana characters “/, ro,, mo, hono, so, ko, o” are stored.

In addition to the above hiragana characters, katakana characters are similarly stored as follows.
When the number of times the selection switch 118 is pressed is “1”, “Wa, La, Ya, Ma, Ha , Na, Ta, S, K, A”, and “Twice”, “, Li, Yu, Mi, HI, II, HI, SHI, KI, IB ”,“ 3 times ”“ N, LE, YO, MU, FU, NU, TSU, SU, KU, C ”,“ 4 times ”“., In the case of “Le,, Me, F, Net, Te, Se, Ke, D” and “5 times”, “/, B,, Mo, Ho, No, G, Seo, K, O” are stored.
Further, similarly, hiragana characters with muddy sounds, hiragana characters with semi-voiced sounds, and katakana characters are also stored.

In the above, full-width hiragana characters and katakana characters have been described. Similarly, half-width hiragana characters and katakana characters are stored, and half-width hiragana characters, half-voiced hiragana characters, and katakana characters are stored.
As described above, in the character storage unit 104, for each character of the X-axis coordinates of the coordinate switch 115.0-115.9, numbers, alphabetic (alphabetical) characters, hiragana characters, etc. are formed in a matrix form by the number of times the selection switch 118 is pressed. Placed in.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the character input mode type and the character processing type of the central control unit 103 based on the number of times the mode switch 116 and the processing switch 114 are pressed.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the central control unit 103 inputs numbers and alphabets (English characters) corresponding to the number of times the mode switch 116 is pressed “1, 2, 3, 4, 5”. The input, hiragana character input, katakana character input, and character symbol input modes are selected and read out from the character storage unit 104.

If the hiragana character is selected for the coordinate switch 115.0-115.9 when the katakana character input mode is selected, the katakana character corresponding to the hiragana character is selected.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the central control unit 103 corresponds to the number of times the processing switch 114 is pressed “1, 2, 3, 4, 5”, and the muddy point “”, semi-turbid point “°”, lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and half-width characters are selected and read out from the character storage unit 104.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the character input system of the portable information terminal when inputting the character “de” as an example.

In step S201, the current character input mode type is displayed on the display 105. It is possible to determine whether the operator needs to switch the character input mode type.
In step S202, the operator presses the mode switch 116. The X-axis coordinate X11 which is position information of the pressed mode switch 116 is detected by the X-axis coordinate detection circuit 107 via the input signal line 113 and transmitted to the central control unit 103.

When the mode switch 116 is pressed, a control signal is sent from the central control unit 103 to the stylus 102 via the control signal line 108.
In step S203, since the character “de” is a hiragana character, the operator presses the selection switch 118 three times and selects the character input mode type of the hiragana character.
The number of times the selection switch 118 is pressed and the selection signal line 110 are integrated by the counter 106 and the integration information (three times) is transmitted to the central control unit 103.

In this manner, information about X11 and the number of times of pressing three times is transmitted from the mode switch 116 and the selection switch 118 to the central control unit 103.
In step S204, the operator searches the character input plate 101 for a row for the hiragana character “de” that the operator wants to display. That is, when the operator finds a row, the stylus 102 presses the X-axis coordinate switch 115.6.

The X-axis coordinate X7 which is the position information of the pressed coordinate switch 115.6 is detected by the X-axis coordinate detection circuit 107 via the input signal line 113 and transmitted to the central control unit 103.
In the central control unit 103, “TA”, which is the first character of the line in the character storage unit 104, is read and displayed on the display 105.
In step S205, the operator presses the selection switch 118 of the stylus 102 four times in order to select the character “DE” to be displayed from the line of the hiragana characters.

The number of pressings of the selection switch 118 is integrated by the counter 106 via the selection signal line 110 and the integrated information (four times) is transmitted to the central control unit 103. In the central control unit 103, the corresponding hiragana character “te” is displayed on the display 105 according to the integration information from the row of the character storage unit 104.
In this way, the information of X7, the number of times of pressing four times is transmitted from the coordinate switch 115.6 and the selection switch 118 to the central control unit 103.

In step S <b> 206, the operator depresses the processing switch 114 with the stylus 102 because the character “DE” to be displayed has a cloud point.
The X-axis coordinate X0, which is the position information of the pressed processing switch 114, is detected by the X-axis coordinate detection circuit 107 via the input signal line 113 and transmitted to the central control unit 103.
In step S207, the operator presses the selection switch 118 once to add a muddy point.

The number of times the selection switch 118 is pressed is integrated by the counter 106 via the selection signal line 110, and the integrated information (once) is transmitted to the central control unit 103. In the central control unit 103, a hiragana character is added to the corresponding hiragana character “te” according to the transmitted X0 and accumulated information, and the hiragana character “de” is displayed on the display 105.
In this way, information about X0 and the number of times of pressing is transmitted to the central control unit 103 from the processing switch 114 and the selection switch 118.

The operator presses the decision switch 119 when the hiragana character “de” to be displayed appears on the display 105. Determination information is transmitted to the central control unit 103 via the determination signal line 112. The central control unit 103 finalizes hiragana character display and sends a reset signal to the counter 106 to reset the accumulated information.
If the operator selects the wrong character, when the operator presses the cancel switch 117 of the stylus 102, the cancel information is transmitted to the central control unit 103 via the cancel signal line 109. The central control unit 103 cancels hiragana character display and transmits a reset signal to the counter 106 to reset the accumulated information.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the character input area shown on the portable information terminal by employing the input plate as compared with full keyboard, handwritten character input, and the like.
In particular, if a portable information terminal is equipped with a full keyboard, it occupies most of the portable information terminal. In the case of handwritten character input, a character input area is secured on the display screen, and an arbitrary area is secured below the portable information terminal. However, according to the present invention, the vertical width of the input plate can be suppressed to the length obtained by adding the width of the character print to the diameter of the stylus, so the area occupied by the mobile information terminal can be reduced. It becomes possible to do.

In addition, the combination of 12 switches on the input plate and 3 switches on the stylus makes it possible to input characters more quickly than a numeric keyboard.
In particular, when inputting characters on a portable information terminal, a key arrangement such as a numeric keyboard generally has a matrix structure of 3 columns × 4 rows, and the time for searching for a corresponding key to which a function is assigned and the amount of movement of the finger are limited. Although the number of input plates in the present invention is set to one horizontal row and characters are selected by a switch operation on the stylus side, the time for searching for characters is shortened and the amount of finger movement is also reduced so that characters can be input quickly. It becomes possible.

  Furthermore, since the stylus is dropped into the deep groove of the input plate and operated, it becomes possible to stably input characters. In particular, when inputting characters using a stylus on a portable information terminal, the character is selected by pressing the touch panel on the display screen, but the pressing force is weak and cannot be recognized, or the pressing force varies when continuously pressed. However, in the present invention, since the stylus is dropped into the deep groove of the input plate and the stylus side switch operation is performed, the state is stable even when inputting characters while holding the portable information terminal in one hand. This makes it possible to input characters reliably.

  Next, on the character input plate 101, as shown in FIG. 2, it is necessary to display numbers, alphabets (English characters), and hiragana characters by printing or engraving them. However, if the display is too large, it occupies a specific area of the portable information terminal, and if it is too small, there is a problem that it cannot be seen when inputting. The solution to this problem is described below.

8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 are modifications of the character input plate 101 in FIG. 1, and are diagrams for explaining an example in which characters on the input plate are displayed using the liquid crystal display unit of the portable information terminal.
As shown in FIG. 8A, a character input plate 101 is provided in a housing 321 positioned below the liquid crystal display unit 320 of the portable information terminal, and a processing switch 114 and a coordinate switch 115.0- of the character input plate 101 are provided. 115.9, mode switches 116 are embedded in one row.

A character type display area 322 is provided at the lower part of the liquid crystal display unit 320, and characters displayed on the character input plate 101 are displayed in the character type display area 322.
In other words, when numeric input is selected, the character type display area 322 is displayed in the processing switch 114, coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and mode switch 116 with “processing, 0, 1, 2,. The characters “3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and mode” are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 8B, when alphabet (alphabet) input is selected, the character type display area 322 includes a processing switch 114, coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and a mode switch 116. On the other hand, the characters “processing, ABC, DEF, GHI, JKL, MNO, PQR, STU, VWX, YZ ?,!,“, Mode ”are displayed.
As shown in FIG. 9C, when the hiragana character input is selected, the character type display area 322 includes a processing switch 114, coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and a mode switch 116. , “Processing, Wa, La, Ya, Ma, Na, Ta, Sa, Ah, Ah, Mode” are displayed.
As shown in FIG. 9D, when the katakana character input is selected, the character type display area 322 has a processing switch 114, coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and a mode switch 116. , “Processing, Wa, La, Ya, Ma, Ha, Na, Ta, S, Mo, A, Mode” are displayed.
As shown in FIG. 10E, when lowercase alphabet (English) input is selected, the character type display area 322 includes a processing switch 114, coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and a mode switch. For 116, the characters “processing, abc, def, ghi, jkl, mno, pqr, stu, vwx, yz ?,!,“, Mode ”are displayed.

  A case will be described below where the liquid crystal display unit 320 of the portable information terminal has no room for a part of the area occupied by the character type display area 322 as described above and it is desired to avoid the complexity of the constituent circuits.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the character input plate 101 in FIG. 1 and illustrating an example in which characters on the input plate are simply displayed. As shown in FIG. 5A, a character input plate 101 is provided on a housing 321 of a portable information terminal, and a processing switch 114, a coordinate switch 115.0-115.9, and a mode switch 116 of the character input plate 101 are one. A number is imprinted on the bottom of the coordinate switch 115.0-115.9.

A guide 323 is provided above the processing switch 114, the coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and the mode switch 116, and the character display plate 324 is fitted into the guide 323.
Printing is displayed on both sides of the character display plate 324 as follows.
As shown in this figure (b), on the surface of the character display plate 324, the processing switch 114, the coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and the mode switch 116 are set to “processing, ABC, DEF, GHI, JKL, The characters MNO, PQR, STU, VWX, YZ ?,!, “Mode” are displayed.

As shown in this figure (c), on the back surface of the character display plate 324, the processing switch 114, the coordinate switches 115.0-115.9, and the mode switch 116 are set to “Processing, Wa, La, Yama, "N, T, S, A, A, Mode" characters are displayed.
In this way, when the hiragana character input is necessary, the character display plate 324 is placed on the front surface and fitted into the guide 323, and when the alphabet (English character) input is required, the character display plate 324 is returned to the back surface and returned to the guide 323. Inset is performed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the stylus 102 in FIG. As shown in the figure, the stylus 102 is provided with a cancel switch 117 and a decision switch 119, and is not provided with the selection switch 118 of FIG.
A counter 106 is connected to the central control unit 103. The counter 106 accumulates the number of times the stylus 102 is pressed, selects a character in FIG. 3 based on the accumulated information, and selects the character input mode type and the character processing type in FIG. A selection is made. Although the stylus is continuously pressed, the switch inside the deep groove is pressed, so that the place where the stylus is pressed is constant, and variations due to the pressing do not occur.
In this way, the operation of the stylus 102 can be varied according to the user's preference.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the character input system of the portable information terminal which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the character input plate 101 in FIG. It is a figure explaining the X-axis detection operation example of the X-axis coordinate detection circuit 107 in FIG. It is a figure explaining the pressing-down operation example of the stylus 102 in FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of characters stored in a character storage unit 104. FIG. It is a figure explaining the character input mode classification of the central control part 103 based on the frequency | count of pressing of the mode switch 116 and the process switch 114, and a character process classification. It is a flowchart explaining the operation example of the character input system of a portable information terminal about the case where a character "de" is input as an example. It is a figure which is a modification of the character input plate 101 in FIG. 1, and demonstrates the example which displays the character of an input plate using the liquid crystal display part of a portable information terminal. It is a figure which is a modification of the character input plate 101 in FIG. 1, and demonstrates the example which displays the character of an input plate using the liquid crystal display part of a portable information terminal. It is a figure which is a modification of the character input plate 101 in FIG. 1, and demonstrates the example which displays the character of an input plate using the liquid crystal display part of a portable information terminal. It is a figure explaining the example which displays the character of the input plate in FIG. 1 simply. It is a figure explaining the modification of the stylus 102 in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Character input plate 102 ... Stylus 103 ... Central control part 104 ... Character storage part 105 ... Display 106 ... Counter 107 ... X-axis coordinate detection circuit 108 ... Control signal line 109 ... Cancel signal line 110 ... Selection signal line 111 ... Reset signal Line 112 ... Decision signal line 114 ... Processing switch 115.0-115.9 ... Coordinate switch 116 ... Mode switch 320 ... Liquid crystal display unit 321 ... Housing 322 ... Character type display area 323 ... Guide 324 ... Character display plate

Claims (10)

In the character input system of a portable information terminal,
A mode switch that switches between character input mode types including numeric input, alphabetic input, hiragana character input, katakana character input, and symbol character input, and multiple coordinate switches to which characters including numbers, alphabetic columns, and hiragana character lines are assigned And a processing switch for switching a character processing type including a cloud point, a semi-cloudy point, a lowercase letter, an uppercase letter, and a half-width character, and the processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch are provided in a housing of the portable information terminal. A character input plate that is embedded in a row and displays a mark representing a character assigned to each of the plurality of coordinate switches;
A character input mode type switched by the mode switch of the character input plate, a character assigned to each of the plurality of coordinate switches, a selection switch for selecting a character processing type switched by the processing switch, the mode switch, A plurality of coordinate switches, a stylus for pressing any one of the processing switches,
The mode switch of the character input plate, the plurality of coordinate switches, the X-axis coordinates assigned to the processing switch, each of the mode switch pressed by the stylus, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the processing switch An X-axis coordinate detector for detecting X-axis coordinates;
A counter for accumulating the number of times the selection switch of the stylus is pressed;
The mode switch of the character input plate, the plurality of coordinate switches, the X-axis coordinate assigned to the processing switch and the number of times the selection switch of the stylus is pressed are parameters, numerals, English letters, hiragana characters, katakana characters, A character storage unit that stores symbol characters in full-width and half-width, and further stores lower-case letters, upper-case letters, hiragana characters, katakana muddy sounds, and half-muffled sounds.
The X-axis coordinate detected from the X-axis coordinate detection unit is transmitted, the number of times the selection switch is pressed is output from the counter, and the character input is performed based on the number of times the stylus is pressed when the mode switch is pressed. A mode type is selected, and when the stylus presses one of the plurality of coordinate switches for the selected character input type, the character storage unit determines from the transmitted X-axis coordinates and the output number of presses. A character assigned to one of the plurality of pressed coordinate switches is read, and when the stylus presses the processing switch for the read character, the character processing type is selected and selected based on the number of pressing times output A central control unit that reads out the processed character from the character storage unit based on the character processing type. Character input system of the mobile information terminal according to claim. The stylus has a determination switch and a cancel switch, the determination switch has a function of determining a selected character and inputting the determined selected character to the portable information terminal, and the cancel switch has selected the wrong character The character input system for a portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the character input system has a function of canceling a character selected in the case. The processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch of the character input plate have different shapes such as a triangle, a circle, and a quadrangle, and are formed so that the switches are arranged inside deep grooves, respectively. The character input system for a portable information terminal according to claim 1. In each of the plurality of coordinate switches, 0, ABC, W line; 1, DEF, L line; 2, GHI, slightly line; 3, JKL, line; 4, MNO, line; 5, PQR, line ; 6, STU, Ta line; 7, VWX, Sa line; 8, YZ? , Or line; 9 ,! The character input system for a portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the character of the line is assigned. In the character input plate, processing characters are imprinted and displayed around the processing switches, and 0, ABC, W; 1, DEF, et al .; 2, GHI, etc .; 3 around each of the plurality of coordinate switches. JKL, Ma; 4, MNO; 5, PQR, N; 6, STU, T; 7, VWX, Sa line; 8, YZ? , Or; 9 ,! 2. The character input system for a portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein characters of the line are marked and displayed in three steps, and mode characters are marked and displayed around the mode switch. The character input mode type specified by the central control unit and the character storage each time information about the X axis coordinate from the X axis coordinate detection unit and the number of times the selection switch is pressed from the counter are transmitted to the central control unit. 2. The mobile information terminal according to claim 1, wherein a character belonging to the specified character input mode type read from the unit and a character obtained by processing the specified character are displayed on the display. Character input system. The processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch of the character input plate are provided at a lower portion of the display, and a number is displayed on the display corresponding to the position of the processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch. When input is selected, processing; 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; mode characters are displayed and processing is performed when alphabetic characters are selected; ABC; DEF; GHI; JKL; MNO; PQR; STU; VWX; YZ? ;! , "; Mode characters are displayed and processing is performed when lowercase letters are selected; abc; def; ghi; jkl; mno; pqr; stu; vwx; yz?;!,"; Manipulation when character input is selected; Wah; Rah; Ya; Ma; Ha; Hana; Ta; Sa; Ka; Ah; Manipulation when mode characters are displayed and Katakana character input is selected; 2. The character input system for a portable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein characters of the mode are displayed: wa; la; ya; ma; ha; na; ta; 6. The portable information according to claim 5, wherein when half-width characters are selected for numeric input, alphabetic input, lower-case character input, hiragana character input, and katakana character input, the respective half-width characters are displayed. Terminal character input system. The processing switch of the character input plate, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch are provided at a lower portion of the display, and are processed at a position below the processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch; 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; characters of the mode are stamped and displayed, and a guide is provided between the display and the processing switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch. A letter plate is inserted, and the surface of the letter plate is machined corresponding to the position of the machining switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the mode switch; ABC; DEF; GHI; JKL; MNO; PQR; STU; VWX; ? ;! , "; Mode characters are printed and processed on the reverse side; W; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; Mode characters are printed and displayed. Item 10. A character input system for a portable information terminal according to Item 1. In the character input method of the portable information terminal,
A mode switch for switching character input mode types including numeric input, alphabetic input, hiragana character input, katakana character input, symbolic character input, numbers, alphabetical characters, hiragana character A plurality of coordinate switches for assigning characters including each line, a processing switch for switching a character processing type including a muddy point, a semi-turbid point, a lowercase letter, an uppercase letter, and a half-width character are embedded and arranged in the mode switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the processing switch. Assigning X-axis coordinates and displaying indicia representing characters assigned to the periphery of each of the plurality of coordinate switches;
Placing a selection switch on the stylus for pressing the mode switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the processing switch;
The mode switch, the plurality of coordinate switches, the X-axis coordinate assigned to the machining switch and the number of times the selection switch of the stylus is pressed are parameters, numbers, alphabets, hiragana characters, katakana characters, symbol characters full-width, Storing half-width characters, and further storing lower-case letters, upper-case letters, hiragana characters, katakana muddy sounds, semi-muddy sounds in English letters,
Detecting each X-axis coordinate of the mode switch pressed by the stylus, the plurality of coordinate switches, and the machining switch;
Integrating the number of times the stylus selection switch is pressed;
When the mode switch is pressed by the stylus, the character input mode type is selected based on the accumulated number of presses, and the stylus presses one of the coordinate switches for the selected character input type. A case where a character assigned to one of the plurality of coordinate switches pressed is read based on the detected X-axis coordinates and the number of pressed times, and the stylus presses the processing switch for the read characters A character input method for a portable information terminal, comprising: selecting the character processing type based on the accumulated number of times of pressing, and reading out characters processed based on the selected character processing type.

Images