JP5368841B2 - Character input device and character input method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a character input device with high operability that allows efficient character input by simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: The device includes: an operation section for inputting a character by pressing a key, the operation section including keys each having an arrangement order assigned to each character of a first group composed of one or more characters and a second character group composed of one or more other characters in the order of the first character group and the second character group; a display section for displaying an input character; a detection section for detecting whether a key pressed for selecting one character as an input candidate character is pressed again for a short time or a long time longer then the short time; and a control section for selecting, when the detection part detects the short time, the character next to the one character in the order as the input candidate character, and selecting, when the detection part detects the long time, a character of the character group different from the character group containing the one character as the input character. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input device and a character input method for inputting characters based on an operation of an operator.

  As a character input device such as a portable electronic device, there is a character input device in which a plurality of characters are assigned to one key in a predetermined arrangement order. In such a character input device, one character is selected from characters in a predetermined arrangement order based on the number of times the key is pressed and displayed on the display unit. Here, as a method for determining a character, there is a method of assigning characters in a predetermined arrangement order one by one to the number of times the key is pressed, but there is also a method described in Patent Document 1.

JP 2008-108228 A

  Here, one key includes “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O”, etc., “A”, “I”, “ぅ”, “E”, “ぉ” A plurality of character groups such as a roaring sound such as “”, a number such as “1” and “2”, and a symbol such as “.” And “!” Are assigned in a predetermined order, for example, an arrangement order such as a normal sound, a roaring sound, a number, and a symbol. It has been. Therefore, for example, in order to input the roar “a”, it is necessary to press the operation key six times, and the operation becomes complicated.

  On the other hand, in the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, by inputting a plurality of keys in a predetermined order, the candidate character table can be switched according to the length of time for which the keys are pressed or the magnitude of the pressing force. Although it is possible to reach a desired character with a small number of inputs, the operator needs to understand complicated key assignments and complicated operation methods, which complicates the operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a character input device and a character input method which can input characters efficiently with a simple operation and have high operability.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a character input device, which is composed of a first character group composed of one or more characters and one or more other characters. An operation unit for inputting a character by pressing the key, the key having an arrangement order assigned to each character in the order of the first character group and the second character group. A display unit that displays characters to be input, and a time when the key is pressed again after the key is pressed and the key is pressed again after the key is pressed. A detection unit for detecting whether the time is a long time longer than the predetermined time, and when the detection unit detects the short time, the next character after the one character in the arrangement order Is selected as the input candidate character, and the detection unit When detecting that there is selected a character in which the sequence order of the second character group is the next group of characters of the first character group in which the contains one character is leading as the input candidate character And a control unit.

Here, in the first character group and the second character group, each character is associated with one character of another character group, and the control unit has a long detection time. If it is detected, it is preferable that the the character group that contains one character can be selected corresponding Tagged characters different character group as the input candidate character.

  In addition, it is preferable that the first character group is composed of positive characters and the second character group is composed of stuttering.

  In addition, when the detection unit detects that the pressing time is a long time, the detection unit further detects the pressing time in two or more stages, and the control unit detects each time of the long time. It is preferable to switch a selection rule for selecting the input candidate character.

  The key further includes a third character group composed of one or more other characters, and an arrangement order is assigned to each character in the order of the first character group, the second character group, and the third character group. And when the detection unit detects that the pressing time is a long time, the detection time is further a first long time or a second long time longer than the first long time. And if the control unit detects that the first long time, the input candidate includes a character that is included in the next character group in the arrangement order and that has the arrangement order at the top. If it is selected as a character and the second long time is detected, a character that is included in the second character group in the arrangement order and that has the first arrangement order is selected as the input candidate character. It is preferable.

  In addition, when the detection unit detects that the pressing time is a long time, whether the pressing time is a first long time or a second long time longer than the first long time. And when the control unit detects the first long time, a character that is included in a character group next to the character group including the one character and that has an arrangement order at the top is selected. When the input candidate character is selected and detected as the second long time, it is preferable to select the character having the first arrangement order as the input candidate character.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the character whose arrangement order is first is a character that becomes the input candidate character when the key is pressed once in a short time.

  Further, the detection unit is a short time in which the key is pressed for a predetermined time or less when a different key is pressed after the key is pressed and an arbitrary character is selected as an input candidate character. The control unit detects whether the time is longer than the predetermined time, and when the detection unit detects the short time, the control unit includes the first character group in the arrangement order; and When the first character in the arrangement order is selected as an input candidate character and the detection unit detects that it is the long time, the first character included in the second character group and the first character in the arrangement order is selected. It is preferable to select as input candidate characters.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention selects and selects input candidate characters from the plurality of characters based on pressing of a key in which the plurality of characters are assigned in a predetermined arrangement order. A character input method for inputting input candidate characters, wherein a first character group composed of one or more characters and a second character group composed of one or more other characters are A pressing detection step for detecting pressing of the key in which the arrangement order is assigned to each character in the order of the character group and the second character group, and whether the pressed key is the same key as the key pressed immediately before If it is determined that the same key is pressed in the determination step and the determination step, the pressing time when the key is pressed again is a short time that is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time or longer than the predetermined time. When pressing to detect if it is time When the detection step and the pressing time detection step detect that the pressing time is the short time, the character next to the character that is the current input candidate character in the arrangement order is selected as the input candidate character. When the pressing time detection step detects that the pressing time is the long time, the arrangement order is the head of the character group next to the character group including the character that is currently the input candidate character. An input candidate character selection step for selecting the character as the input candidate character, and a display step for displaying the selected character as an input candidate character on the display unit in the input candidate character selection step.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The character input device and the character input method according to the present invention have the effect that a desired character can be input with a simple operation and operability can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a portable electronic device which is an example of a character input device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the portable electronic device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of functions of the portable electronic device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the portable electronic device. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the portable electronic device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the processing operation of the portable electronic device. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the portable electronic device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the processing operation of the portable electronic device.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following description. In addition, constituent elements in the following description include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those in a so-called equivalent range. In the following, a mobile phone will be described as an example of a portable electronic device which is an example of a character input device. However, the application target of the present invention is not limited to a mobile phone. For example, PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA The present invention can also be applied to portable navigation devices, game machines, and the like.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a portable electronic device which is an example of a character input device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the portable electronic device shown in FIG. First, the configuration of the portable electronic device will be described. The mobile electronic device 1 is a mobile phone having a wireless communication function. The mobile electronic device 1 is a foldable mobile phone in which a housing 1C is configured to be openable and closable by a first housing 1CA and a second housing 1CB. 1 and 2 show a state in which the portable electronic device 1 is opened.

  The first housing 1CA is provided with a main display 2M shown in FIG. 1 as a display unit. The main display 2M displays a standby image as a predetermined image when the portable electronic device 1 is waiting for reception, or a menu image used to assist the operation of the portable electronic device 1. Or As shown in FIG. 1, the first housing 1CA is provided with a receiver 6 that emits a voice when the mobile electronic device 1 is in a call.

  The second casing 1CB is provided with a plurality of operation keys 3 for inputting characters at the time of composing a telephone number, mail, etc., and selecting and determining menus and screens displayed on the main display 2M. A direction and a determination key 4 are provided for easily executing scrolling and the like. The operation key 3 and the direction / decision key 4 constitute an operation unit 28 (see FIG. 3) of the portable electronic device 1. In addition, the second housing 1CB is provided with a microphone 5 that receives sound when the mobile electronic device 1 is in a call.

  The first housing 1CA and the second housing 1CB are connected by a hinge 18. As a result, the first casing 1CA and the second casing 1CB rotate together around the hinge 18 so that they can rotate in a direction away from each other and a direction approaching each other (a direction indicated by an arrow R in FIG. 2). Configured. When the first casing 1CA and the second casing 1CB rotate in a direction away from each other, the portable electronic device 1 opens, and when the first casing 1CA and the second casing 1CB rotate in a direction approaching each other, the portable electronic device 1 opens. Device 1 closes.

  Next, the relationship between the function of the portable electronic device 1 and the control unit will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of functions of the portable electronic device shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile electronic device 1 includes a main control unit 22, a storage unit 24, a communication unit 26, an operation unit 28, an input data acquisition unit 29, an audio processing unit 30, and a display unit 32. And a display control unit 33.

  The main control unit 22 is a processing unit that centrally controls the overall operation of the mobile electronic device 1, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). That is, the communication unit 26, the display unit, and the like so that various types of processing of the portable electronic device 1 are executed in an appropriate procedure according to the operation of the operation unit 28 and the software stored in the storage unit 24 of the portable electronic device 1. 32 and the like are controlled. The main control unit 22 executes processing based on programs (for example, operating system programs, application programs, etc.) stored in the storage unit 24. The storage unit 24 stores software and data used for processing in the main control unit 22.

  The communication unit 26 establishes a radio signal line by a CDMA system or the like with a base station via a channel assigned by the base station, and performs telephone communication and information communication with the base station.

The operation unit 28 includes, for example, an operation key 3 to which various functions such as a power key, a call key, a numeric key, a character key, a direction key, a determination key, and a call key are assigned, and a direction and determination key 4. When these keys are input by a user operation, a signal corresponding to the operation content is generated. The generated signal is input to the input data acquisition unit 29 as a user instruction.

  The input data acquisition unit 29 generates a control signal based on the signal generated from the operation unit 28 and the input setting, and inputs the generated control signal to the main control unit 22. For example, in the case of character input, one character is extracted from characters assigned to each key based on the number of times each key of the operation key 3 is operated, and is output to the main control unit 22 as character information. A relationship between a signal generated when the operation unit 28 is operated by the operator and a signal generated by the input data acquisition unit 29 based on the signal, that is, a character displayed on the display unit 32 will be described later. .

  The audio processing unit 30 executes processing of an audio signal input to the microphone 5 and an audio signal output from the receiver 6.

  The display unit 32 includes a display panel (such as the main display 2M described above) configured by a liquid crystal display (LCD, Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) panel, and the like. A video corresponding to the video data supplied via the unit 33 and an image corresponding to the image data are displayed on the display panel.

  Next, operations of the mobile electronic device 1, operations input to the operation unit 28, and processing in the input data acquisition unit 29 will be described. First, the operation key 3 of the present embodiment is composed of 15 keys, and 10 keys are assigned so that 1 to 9 and 0 are input in the mode for inputting numbers. ing. Furthermore, keys assigned with numbers 1 to 9 are assigned so that characters in lines are entered from line to line in the character input mode. It is assigned to input "Wa", "O", and "N". In addition, the key to which each line is assigned is also assigned the roar of that line and the above-mentioned numbers. The characters assigned to these keys have a predetermined arrangement order. Specifically, the “1 a” key to which “A” and “1” are assigned is “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O”, “A”, “I”, “ Arrangement order of “ぅ”, “e”, “ぉ”, “1” is set. The order of arrangement is toggled. That is, the characters assigned to the keys are set so as to circulate, and “1” is followed by “a”, and then the arrangement order is repeated. In addition, “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O” are set as a group as a normal sound, that is, as a group of characters, “A”, “I”, “ぅ”, “ "" And "ぉ" are grouped as roaring sounds, and "1" is grouped as numbers.

  Further, the input data acquisition unit 29 detects the pressing time of the operation key, and determines a character to be displayed (selected) among the characters in the arrangement order based on the pressing time. When the same operation key 3 is pressed continuously, that is, when the same operation key 3 as that immediately before (exactly one key among the operation keys 3) is pressed, the input data acquisition unit 29 Determine whether the pressing time is longer or shorter than a certain time, that is, whether the pressing time is short or long, and select the characters (input candidate characters) to be displayed in the arrangement order based on the determination To do. Specifically, if the input data acquisition unit 29 determines that the pressing time is short, that is, it is a short pressing, the character in the next arrangement order of the currently displayed character (current input candidate character) Is displayed. Also, if the input data acquisition unit 29 determines that the pressing time is long, that is, long pressing, among the next group of the group including the currently displayed character, the arrangement order with the first arrangement order. The character of is displayed. Note that the time that is a boundary between the pressing time being a short time and the long time, that is, the time that is set as a fixed time is not particularly limited. For example, various times such as 1 second, 0.5 seconds, and 2 seconds may be used. In addition, it is preferable that this fixed time can be set by the user.

  Further, the input data acquisition unit 29 operates when a different operation key 3 is pressed, that is, an operation key 3 different from the operation key 3 pressed immediately before (precisely, one key among the operation keys 3). When is pressed, it is determined whether the pressing time is a short time or a long time longer than the short time, and a character (input candidate character) to be displayed in the arrangement order is selected based on the determination. . Specifically, if the input data acquisition unit 29 determines that the pressing time is short, the input data acquisition unit 29 displays the first group in the arrangement order and the first character in the arrangement order. If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines that the pressing time is a long time, the input data acquisition unit 29 displays the characters in the arrangement order in which the arrangement order is the second group and the arrangement order is the front. The short time and long time can be set to various times as described above.

  Hereinafter, the character input operation will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the portable electronic device, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the portable electronic device. Here, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation from the start of the character input function until the input of the first character is completed.

  First, when the main control unit 22 of the portable electronic device 1 detects the activation operation in step S12, that is, when the activation instruction for the character input function is detected, the character input screen is activated in step S14. Specifically, the main control unit 22 activates the character input screen when detecting an instruction to activate the mail application program or an instruction to activate text input by an operation by the operator.

  Next, after starting the character input screen in step S14, the input data acquisition unit 29 detects a key press operation in step S16, that is, if it detects that a character input operation is performed by the operator, step In S18, the key pressing time is detected. That is, the time that the key is pressed by the operator is counted. When the input data acquisition unit 29 detects the time during which the key is pressed in step S18, it determines whether the key has been pressed for a long time as step S20. That is, it is determined whether or not the key is pressed for a set time (for example, 1 second) or more.

  If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines in step S20 that the key has not been pressed for a long time (No), that is, the time that the key has been pressed is less than or equal to a certain time (short time), in step S22 the arrangement order Is selected as the input character candidate from the first group in the first group, and is displayed on the display unit 32 by the main control unit 22. Specifically, when the “1 a” key of the operation key 3 is pressed for a short time, the correct sound “a” becomes the input candidate character. When the main control unit 22 displays the input candidate characters on the display unit 32, the input data acquisition unit 29 proceeds to step S26.

  If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines in step S20 that the key has been pressed for a long time (Yes), that is, if the time during which the key was pressed is longer than a certain time (long time), step S24 is performed. In the second group with the arrangement order, the character with the first arrangement order is selected as an input character candidate, and is displayed on the display unit 32 by the main control unit 22. Specifically, when the “1 a” key of the operation key 3 is pressed for a long time, the roar “a” becomes an input candidate character. When the main control unit 22 displays the input candidate characters on the display unit 32, the input data acquisition unit 29 proceeds to step S26.

Next, the input data acquiring unit 29 displays characters in step S22 or step S24, and then detects that one of the operation keys 3 has been pressed by the operator in step S26. It is determined whether the same key is pressed again, that is, whether the pressed key is the same as the key pressed immediately before. If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines that the key pressed in step S26 is the same key as the key pressed immediately before (Yes), the process proceeds to step S30, where the pressed key is pressed immediately before. If it is determined that the key is not the same, that is, a different key (No), the process proceeds to step S40.

  If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines that the key pressed in step S28 is the same key as the key pressed immediately before, the input data acquisition unit 29 detects the key press time in step S30. That is, the time during which the key is pressed by the operator is detected. When detecting the key pressing time in step S30, the input data acquiring unit 29 determines whether the key pressing time is long in step S32.

  If it is determined in step S32 that the key press time is not long (No), that is, if it is short, the input data acquisition unit 29 displays the next character as an input candidate character in step S34. Specifically, the character with the next arrangement order is set as the input candidate character with reference to the current input candidate character, that is, the character currently displayed on the display unit 32. For example, when the current input candidate character is the correct sound “a”, the correct sound “i” is the input candidate character, and when the current input candidate character is the stutter sound “i”, the roar “ぅ” is the input candidate character. . Thereafter, the input data acquisition unit 29 causes the main control unit 22 to display the newly selected input candidate character on the display unit 32, and then proceeds to step S38.

  If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines in step S32 that the key press time is long (Yes), it displays the next group of characters as input candidate characters in step S36. Specifically, in the next group of the group including the current input candidate character, that is, the character currently displayed on the display unit 32, the character whose arrangement order is the head is set as the input candidate character. For example, when the current input candidate character is the correct sound “A”, the roar “a” is the input candidate character, and when the current input candidate character is the roar “I”, the number “1” is the input candidate character. . Thereafter, the input data acquisition unit 29 causes the main control unit 22 to display the newly selected input candidate character on the display unit 32, and then proceeds to step S38.

  When the input data acquisition unit 29 changes the input candidate character in each of step S34 and step S36 and displays it on the display unit 32, the input data acquisition unit 29 detects a confirmed input, that is, an operation for confirming the character is input in step S38. Detect. Here, examples of the operation for confirming the character include an operation for shifting the character input position by one by the input of the direction key and an operation for pressing the enter key. If the input data acquisition unit 29 does not detect the confirmed input in step S38 (No), that is, if it is detected that the operation for confirming the character is not input, the process proceeds to step S26 and repeats the above processing. If the input data acquisition unit 29 detects a confirmed input in step S38 (Yes), that is, if it is detected that an operation for confirming a character has been input, in step S40, the input data obtaining unit 29 performs an input character confirmation process, finish. The input character determination process is a process for determining the input candidate character displayed in step S40. After the input character confirmation process is performed, even if the same key is pressed, the determined input candidate character is basically not changed. Here, in the above embodiment, the main control unit 22 and the input data processing unit 29 have described only the input of the first character, but the steps S20 to S40 are repeated for the second and subsequent characters based on the operation of the operation keys. The input character is selected and displayed on the display unit 32.

Next, a specific example will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the character input screen is activated, the character input screen is displayed on the display unit 32 as shown in the upper left of FIG. Thereafter, when the operator presses the “1 a” key once for a short time, “a” having the first correct arrangement order is selected as an input candidate character and displayed as shown in the upper center of FIG. “A” is displayed in the part 32. Next, when the operator further presses the “1A” key for a short time once, as shown in the upper right part of FIG. 5, the arrangement order is second, that is, the arrangement order is next to “A”. Is selected as an input candidate character, and “I” is displayed on the display unit 32.

  After that, when the character input confirmation operation, for example, the right key of the direction key is pressed and the selection position is shifted to confirm the first character, the input standby state for the second character is entered. A second character input screen is displayed. That is, the character to be input next to “I” can be selected and determined. Next, when the operator presses the “1 a” key once for a short time, as shown in the lower middle part of FIG. 5, the first correct sound “a” is selected as an input candidate character. “A” is displayed on the display unit 32. “A” is displayed next to “I”. Next, when the operator presses the key to which the “1A” key is assigned for a long time once, as shown in the lower right side of FIG. Is selected as an input candidate character, and “” is displayed on the display unit 32.

  In the present embodiment, when the “1 a” key is continuously pressed for a long time, the input candidate character is switched from the normal sound “a” to the roar “a”, and from the roar “a” to the number “1”. Repeatedly switching from the number “1” to the positive sound “a”.

  As described above, when the operation key is pressed for a long time, the character next to the current input candidate character is set as the input candidate character, so that the desired character can be input with a small number of times of pressing, that is, with a simple operation. It can be a character (that is, a character displayed on the screen or a character to be input). Specifically, characters that are not displayed unless the operation key is pressed for the number of times of passing through other groups due to the arrangement order, such as stuttering and numbers, can be displayed with a small number of times of pressing. Thereby, operability can be improved. Further, since the above operation can be performed by operating only one key, it is easy for the operator to understand the operation, and the operator does not need to move the finger or the pointing bar to various keys. The operability can also be improved in terms of points.

  Also, even if you press the operation key too much and pass the desired character, you can skip multiple characters with a single press, so you can input the desired character in a short time and with a small number of operations. It can be a letter.

  In addition, as in this embodiment, by switching input candidate characters according to the pressing time of the operation key, that is, by changing the character position and the number of characters that advance the arrangement order with a single press, the operability is further improved. Can be high. Further, the rule of characters to be displayed is not limited to the above-described embodiment depending on the pressing time, and can be various rules. For example, you may make it return to the top of the arrangement | sequence order. In order to further improve the operability, it is preferable to increase the number of characters that return the arrangement order as the pressing time becomes longer. That is, it is preferable that the arrangement order is gradually distant from the currently displayed characters.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, in the arrangement order, the first displayed character group (group) is set as a normal sound, and the next displayed character group is set as a stuttering so that a frequently used character is pressed less frequently. Can be used as an input candidate character, and a stuttering can be used as an input character candidate when pressed for a long time. Thereby, operativity can be made higher. In particular, even young people who frequently use the roar of that line can easily make the roar as an input candidate character by simply pressing the operation key that inputs the normal sound of the same line (pressing it for a long time). Can do.

Further, as in the present embodiment, even when the operation key for inputting the character is pressed for the first time, the pressing time is detected, and the group of characters displayed first is switched according to the pressing time. Then, by performing the processing from step S16 to step S24 in FIG. 4, a desired character, in particular, a stuttering sound and a number can be set as an input candidate character with a smaller number of pressings. Although it is preferable to perform the processing from step S16 to step S24 in FIG. 4 as in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the same operation key is continuously pressed, that is, 2 Only after the second pressing, the pressing time may be detected, and the input candidate characters may be switched according to the result.

  Here, in the above embodiment, the pressing time is divided into a short time that is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time and a long time that is longer than the predetermined time, and the input candidate characters are selected by two different methods depending on the pressing time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is more preferable to divide the time range of the pressing time into three or more and select the input candidate characters by different selection methods for each time range. In this way, by allowing the input candidate character to be selected according to the pressing time of the operator, the operator can make a desired character an input candidate character with a smaller number of pressings.

  Hereinafter, an example in which the time range of the pressing time is divided into three and three different input character candidates can be selected according to the pressing time will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing operation of the portable electronic device, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the portable electronic device. If the input data acquisition unit 29 of this embodiment determines that the pressing time is short when the same operation key 3 is continuously pressed, the currently displayed character (current input candidate character) Displays the character in the next array order. Further, when the input data acquisition unit 29 determines that the pressing time is the first long time, among the next group of the group including the currently displayed character, the input sequence obtaining character having the first arrangement sequence is displayed. Display. If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines that the pressing time is the second long time, the input data acquisition unit 29 displays the first (first) character in the arrangement order.

  Hereinafter, the character input operation will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is also a flowchart showing the operation from the start of the character input function until the input of the first character is completed. First, when the main control unit 22 of the portable electronic device 1 detects the activation operation in step S12, that is, when the activation instruction for the character input function is detected, the character input screen is activated in step S14. Next, after the character input screen is activated in step S14, the input data acquisition unit 29 detects a key press operation in step S16. Here, in this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that a short time press of the “1” key of the operation key 3 is detected twice in step S16. Next, when the input data acquisition unit 29 detects that the operation key 3 is pressed in step S16, the main control unit 22 displays input candidate characters on the display unit 32 in step S60. Specifically, the correct sound “I” is displayed on the display unit.

  Next, after displaying the characters in step S60, the input data acquisition unit 29 detects in step S62 that any one of the operation keys 3 has been pressed by the operator. In step S63, the same key is displayed. Is pressed again, that is, whether the pressed key is the same as the key pressed immediately before. If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines that the key pressed in step S63 is the same key as the key pressed immediately before (Yes), the process proceeds to step S64, where the pressed key is pressed immediately before. If it is determined that the key is not the same, that is, a different key (No), the process proceeds to step S78.

  If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines that the key pressed in step S63 is the same key as the key pressed immediately before, the input data acquisition unit 29 detects the key press time in step S64. That is, the time during which the key is pressed by the operator is detected. When the key pressing time is detected in step S64, the input data acquiring unit 29 determines in step S66 whether the key pressing time is less than one second, that is, a short time.

If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines in step S66 that the key pressing time is less than 1 second (Yes), that is, it is a short time, in step S68, the next character is displayed as an input candidate character. Specifically, the character with the next arrangement order is set as the input candidate character with reference to the current input candidate character, that is, the character currently displayed on the display unit 32. In the present embodiment, since the current input candidate character is the correct sound “I”, the correct sound “U” is the input candidate character. Thereafter, the input data acquisition unit 29 causes the main control unit 22 to display the newly selected input candidate character, the correct sound “u”, on the display unit 32, and then the process proceeds to step S76.

  If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines in step S66 that the key pressing time is not less than 1 second (No), that is, if it is not longer than 1 second, it is not shorter than 1 second, in step S70, the key pressing time is 1 second. It is determined whether it is less than 2 seconds, that is, the first long time. If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines in step S70 that the key pressing time is not less than 1 second and less than 2 seconds (Yes), that is, the first long time, in step S72, the input group character is input as a candidate. Display as text. Specifically, in the next group of the group including the current input candidate character, that is, the character currently displayed on the display unit 32, the character whose arrangement order is the head is set as the input candidate character. In the present embodiment, since the current input candidate character is the correct sound “i”, the roar “a” is set as the input candidate character. Thereafter, the input data acquisition unit 29 causes the main control unit 22 to display the newly selected input candidate character, the roar “a”, on the display unit 32, and then proceeds to step S76.

  If the input data acquisition unit 29 determines in step S70 that the key press time is not 1 second or more and less than 2 seconds (No), that is, 2 seconds or more and the second long time, the sequence order is determined as step S74. Displays the first character as an input candidate character. Specifically, the current input candidate character, that is, the character included in the character string in the arrangement order including the character currently displayed on the display unit 32, and the character having the first arrangement order, that is, “1” A character selected when the key is pressed once for a short time is set as an input candidate character. In the present embodiment, since the current input candidate character is the correct sound “I”, the correct sound “A” is set as the input candidate character. Thereafter, the input data acquisition unit 29 causes the main control unit 22 to display the newly selected input candidate character, the correct sound “A”, on the display unit 32, and then proceeds to step S76.

  When the input data acquisition unit 29 changes the input candidate character in each of step S68, step S72, and step S74 and displays it on the display unit 32, in step S76, the input data acquisition unit 29 detects a confirmed input, that is, an operation to confirm the character. Detect whether it was input. Here, examples of the operation for confirming the character include an operation for shifting the character input position by one by input of the direction key and an operation for pressing the enter key, similar to the above. If the input data acquisition unit 29 does not detect the confirmation input in Step S72 (No), that is, if it is detected that the operation for confirming the character is not input, the process proceeds to Step S62 and repeats the above processing. In this case, the character selected as the input candidate character is sequentially switched to other than the correct sound “I”, the roar “a”, and the correct sound “A”. Further, if the input data acquisition unit 29 detects a confirmed input in step S76 (Yes), that is, if it is detected that an operation for confirming the character is input, in step S78, the input data confirming process is performed, and the process ends. To do. The input character confirmation process is a process for determining the input candidate character displayed in step S78. After the input character confirmation process is performed, the input candidate character determined basically is not changed even if the same key is pressed. Here, in the above-described embodiment, the main control unit 22 and the input data processing unit 29 have described only the input of the first character. However, steps S16 to S78 are repeated for the second and subsequent characters based on the operation of the operation keys. The input character is selected and displayed on the display unit 32.

  Next, a specific example will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the character input screen is activated, the character input screen is displayed on the display unit as shown in the upper left of FIG. Thereafter, when the operator repeatedly presses the “1” key for a short time twice, as shown in the upper center of FIG. 5, the second correct sound “I” in the arrangement order is selected as an input candidate character, and the display unit 32.

As described above, when the correct sound “I” is displayed, when the “1A” key is further pressed for a short time, the character whose arrangement order is next to the correct sound “I” becomes the input candidate character. That is, as shown at the top on the right side of FIG. 5, the correct sound “U” is selected as an input candidate character and displayed on the display unit 32. Further, when the “1” key is pressed for the first long time while the correct sound “I” is displayed, the arrangement order becomes the first in the group next to the group including the correct sound “I”. Becomes the input candidate character. That is, as shown in the second row from the upper right side in FIG. 5, the roar “a” is selected as an input candidate character and displayed on the display unit 32. In addition, when the “1” key is pressed for the second long time while the correct sound “I” is being displayed, the characters “I” are arranged in the same arrangement order for the correct sound “I”. The character whose arrangement order is the head is the input candidate character. That is, as shown in the third row from the upper right in FIG. 5, the correct sound “A” is selected as the input candidate character and displayed on the display unit 32.

  In this way, by dividing the pressing time into three, it is possible to move to the first character in the arrangement order in addition to the first character of the next group by one pressing. Thereby, operativity can be made higher.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, after the pressing time is detected, the character that becomes the input candidate character is displayed. However, the change of the input candidate character is displayed on the display unit 32 corresponding to the pressing time. You may make it do. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 7, according to the elapse of the pressing time, the normal sound is “oh” when the pressing time is less than 1 second, the roaring sound is “a” when the pressing time is 1 second or more and less than 2 seconds, and the pressing time is 2 seconds. After the elapse of the time, the input candidate character selected by releasing the operation key during the pressing time so as to display the correct sound “A” may be displayed on the display unit 32. In this way, by displaying the input candidate characters that are selected by releasing the operation key during the pressing time on the display unit 32, it is possible to more accurately input the characters that the operator wants to display (to input), The operability can be further increased.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the pressing time is the second long time, a character included in the character string in the arrangement order including the character of the current input candidate character and the character having the first arrangement order as the input candidate character However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second character in the group including the current input character candidate character and the first character in the arrangement order is set as the input candidate character. Also good.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when it is determined that the pressing time is a long time or the first long time, the next character in the group including the current input candidate character is the first character in the arrangement order. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, if a character included in one group is associated with a character included in another group and it is determined that the pressing time is long or the first long time, the current input candidate character is included. The character next to the group and associated with the current input candidate character may be set as the input candidate character. Specifically, by performing the above control by associating the correct sound “A” with the roar “A” or associating the correct sound “U” with the roar “ぅ”, for example, the correct sound “U” When the “1A” key is pressed for a long time or for the first long time in a state where is displayed, the roar “ぅ” can be displayed. In this way, the association can make the operation easy to understand, and the number of pressings can be reduced by a simple operation. Moreover, by matching the normal sound and stuttering of the same character, the stuttering of the currently displayed character can be used as an input candidate character. The same applies when the relationship between stuttering and normal sound is reversed.

In the above-described embodiment, the normal sound and the stuttering of the same character are associated with each other. However, the normal sound and the stuttering of the character next to the normal sound may be associated with each other. Specifically, by performing the above control by associating the correct sound “a” with the roar “i” or associating the correct sound “u” with the roar “e”, for example, the correct sound “u” When the “1A” key is pressed for a long time or for the first long time in a state where is displayed, the roar “e” can be displayed. Thereby, when it is desired to display a stuttering sound instead of the normal sound of the next character when the pressing is repeated, the input candidate character can be a stuttering by pressing the operation key for a long time. Thereby, the number of times of pressing can be reduced by one as compared with the above case.

  Hereinafter, a more specific example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the processing operation of the portable electronic device. Here, the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an input operation of “A” and “K” when inputting “Akemashite and Dame” and is shown together with an operation by the operator. . The flow chart shown in FIG. 8 uses the control method shown in FIG.

  First, an operation for starting the character input screen is input by the operator. The main controller 22 detects the input activation operation as step S100, and performs a character input screen activation process as step S102. As a result, a character input screen is displayed on the display unit 32.

  Next, the “1A” key is pressed once by the operator for a long time. In step S104, the input data processing unit 29 detects a key press operation, selects the sound “a” as an input candidate character, and causes the main control unit 22 to display the sound “a” on the display unit 32 in step S106. .

  Next, an input character confirming operation is input by the operator, specifically, an operation for moving the cursor is input. In step S108, the input data processing unit 29 detects the confirmed input, and in step S110, confirms the roar “a” and saves it in the buffer. That is, it is determined as an input character. Thereafter, the input data processing unit 28 performs a cursor display update process in step S112. In other words, the cursor is moved next to the roar “a”.

  Next, the “2” key is pressed once by the operator for a short time. In step S114, the input data processing unit 29 detects a key press operation, selects the correct sound “ka” as an input candidate character, and causes the main control unit 22 to display the correct sound “ka” on the display unit 32 in step S116. .

  Next, the operator presses the “2” key three times for a short time. In step S118, the input data processing unit 29 detects a key press operation, and each time the key is pressed, the correct sound “ki”, the correct sound “ku”, and the correct sound “ke” are sequentially selected, and in step S120, The main control unit 22 switches the character displayed on the display unit 32 from the correct sound “ka” to the correct sound “ki”, from the correct sound “ki” to the correct sound “ku”, and from the correct sound “ku” to the correct sound “ke”. As a result, the sound “ke” is displayed next to the roar “a”.

  Next, an input character confirming operation is input by the operator, specifically, an operation for moving the cursor is input. In step S122, the input data processing unit 29 detects the confirmed input, and in step S124, confirms the correct sound “K” and saves it in the buffer. That is, it is determined as an input character. Thereafter, the input data processing unit 29 performs cursor display update processing. That is, the cursor is moved next to the normal sound “ke”. Thereafter, the process ends. It should be noted that “a” and “a” can be input by repeatedly pressing the operation key and repeating the input character confirming operation.

  As described above, when the input candidate character is moved one by one to the adjacent character in the arrangement order each time the key is pressed, for example, when inputting the roar “a”, the “1 a” key is pressed six times. Although it is necessary, in this specific example, it is possible to input by one press, and the number of presses can be reduced by 5 times.

  Also, for example, when the correct sound “U” is input and the correct sound “E” is input, in order to move from that state to the correct sound “U”, the input candidate characters are arranged every time the key is pressed. If it is moved one by one to the next character in the sequence, it is necessary to press it 10 times. However, if the control condition shown in FIG. Pressing the key for a long time changes the roar “a” to the number “1”, pressing the key for a long time changes the number “1” to the correct sound “a”, and then pressing the key twice for a correct sound “a” ". As described above, according to the present invention, even when ten times of pressing are necessary, it is possible to input with five times of pressing.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the line A has been described as an example, but each line such as a line, a line, a line, and the like can be similarly controlled. In addition, the first character of the correct sound is the first character in the arrangement order, that is, the character that is displayed as an input candidate when the “1” key of the operation key is pressed once. A number may be the first character in the arrangement order. It is preferable that the first character in the arrangement order is switched according to the input mode set by the operator.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where there is a normal sound, a stuttering sound, and a number in the arrangement order, that is, a character assigned as an input candidate character to one key has been described. it can. Moreover, it can be similarly used when there are uppercase and lowercase letters in the arrangement order, and can also be used when there are various symbols.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the input data acquisition part was made to have the function of the detection part of this invention, and a control part, you may provide a detection part and a control part separately. Moreover, you may make it give these functions to a main control part.

  As described above, the character input device and the character input method according to the present invention assign a plurality of characters to one key and determine one character input from a plurality of characters based on the number of times the key is pressed. Useful in the method.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Portable electronic device 1C housing | casing 1CA 1st housing | casing 1CB 2nd housing | casing 2M Main display 3 Operation key 4 Direction and determination key 5 Microphone 6 Receiver 18 Hinge 22 Main control part (CPU)
24 Memory (memory)
26 Communication Unit 28 Operation Unit 29 Input Data Acquisition Unit 30 Audio Processing Unit 32 Display Unit 33 Display Control Unit

Claims (9)

Each character in the order of the first character group and the second character group with respect to the first character group composed of one or more characters and the second character group composed of one or more other characters An operation unit for inputting characters by pressing the keys;
A display unit for displaying characters to be input;
After a character is selected as an input candidate character by pressing the key, the pressed time of the key pressed again is a short time that is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time or a long time longer than the predetermined time. A detection unit for detecting whether or not
When the detection unit detects the short time, the next character after the first character is selected as the input candidate character in the arrangement order, and the detection unit detects the long time Includes a control unit that selects, as the input candidate character, the first character in the arrangement order from the second character group that is the next character group after the first character group including the one character. A character input device characterized by that. In the first character group and the second character group, each character is associated with one character of another character group,
The control unit can select a character associated with a character group different from the character group including the one character as the input candidate character when the detection unit detects a long time. The character input device according to claim 1. 3. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the first character group is composed of positive characters, and the second character group is composed of stuttering. When the detection unit detects that the pressing time is long, the detection unit further detects the pressing time in two or more stages,
The character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the control unit switches a selection rule for selecting the input candidate character for each of the long time stages. In the key, a third character group composed of one or more other characters is assigned to each character in the order of the first character group, the second character group, and the third character group. And
If the detection unit detects that the pressing time is a long time, it further detects whether the pressing time is a first long time or a second long time longer than the first long time. And
When the control unit detects the first long time, the control unit selects a character that is included in the next character group in the arrangement order and has the arrangement order at the top as the input candidate character,
When the second long time is detected, a character that is included in the second character group in the arrangement order and that has the arrangement order at the top is selected as the input candidate character. The character input device according to claim 4 . If the detection unit detects that the pressing time is a long time, it further detects whether the pressing time is a first long time or a second long time longer than the first long time. And
When the control unit detects the first long time, the input candidate character is a character that is included in a character group next to the character group that includes the one character and that has the first arrangement order. 5. The character input device according to claim 4 , wherein when the second long time is detected, the character having the head in the arrangement order is selected as the input candidate character. The character input device according to claim 6 , wherein the first character in the arrangement order is a character that becomes the input candidate character when the key is pressed once in a short time. When the key is pressed and a different key is pressed after an arbitrary character is selected as an input candidate character, whether the key pressing time is a short time that is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time or Detect whether it is a long time longer than the predetermined time,
The control unit, when the detection unit detects that it is the short time, select the first character group included in the first character group in the arrangement order and the first character in the arrangement order as an input candidate character, When the detection unit detects that it is the long time, the first character included in the second character group and in the arrangement order is selected as the input candidate character. the character input device according to any one of 7. A character input method for selecting an input candidate character from the plurality of characters based on pressing of a key in which a plurality of characters are assigned in a predetermined arrangement order, and inputting the selected input candidate character,
Each character in the order of the first character group and the second character group with respect to the first character group composed of one or more characters and the second character group composed of one or more other characters A pressing detection step for detecting pressing of the keys to which the arrangement order is assigned;
A determination step of determining whether the pressed key is the same key as the key pressed immediately before;
If it is determined that the same key is pressed in the determination step, it is detected whether the pressing time when the key is pressed again is a short time that is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time or a long time that is longer than the predetermined time. Pressing time detection step to perform,
If it is detected in the pressing time detection step that the pressing time is the short time, a character next to a character that is currently an input candidate character in the arrangement order is selected as the input candidate character, and the pressing When it is detected that the pressing time is the long time in the time detection step, the character whose arrangement order is the first in the character group next to the character group including the character that is the current input candidate character is An input candidate character selection step to select as input candidate characters;
And a display step of displaying the selected character as an input candidate character on the display unit in the input candidate character selection step.

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