JP5462386B2 - Input terminal - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input terminal for inputting information by pressing a key.

  In general mobile phones, function keys such as on-hook, off-hook, and menu are provided in addition to 12 keys “0” to [9], “*”, and “#” for inputting a telephone number. In recent years, the functions of mobile phones have become sophisticated, and various functions are assigned to 12 keys and function keys in order to operate advanced functions. The assignment of these functions differs depending on the operation mode of the mobile phone and is not easy to store. For this reason, it is difficult to determine which function is activated when which key is pressed, which is likely to cause an erroneous operation.

  Even if the function assigned to the key is known, it is necessary to consider use in the dark because the mobile phone can be carried anywhere. When used in the dark, it is difficult to find a key, and erroneous key operations may increase.

  In order to solve these problems, the touch detection pad is placed on the keypad, the touch to the key is detected before the key is pressed, and the characters and functions assigned to the key are detected for the touch detected key. Has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes that in a terminal provided with a contact detection unit on a keypad, when a contact is notified by the contact detection unit, a button corresponding to the key is displayed on the display screen.

  According to this, since the operator knows in advance what kind of key it is before pressing the key, the erroneous input may be reduced even if the function assignment of the key is complicated. Also in the operation in the dark, by searching for the key, it is possible to know from the screen display which key is being operated.

  As shown in FIG. 22, a conventional input terminal includes a touch detection means 50 such as a touch detection pad, a key input means 51 such as a key switch, an output means 54 such as a liquid crystal display, a display screen or a terminal by touch input and key input. And a control means 52 for controlling the operation.

  FIG. 23 is a control flow of a conventional input terminal. In step S501, when a touch is detected by the touch detection unit 50, in step S502, the control unit 52 determines which key is touched. For this determination, the key area table shown in FIG. 24 is used. The key area table shows the area of the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the touch area for each key. In the example of FIG. 24, for example, the key “2” is registered in the range of the X coordinate from 80 to 150 and the Y coordinate from 0 to 50. It is determined that "" has been touched.

  Next, in step S <b> 503, the output unit 54 displays the function or character assigned to the key on the display device 20. The function and character determination is based on the key registration table of FIG. If the key “2” is touched, the display of the “NW connection” function at the position of the key “2” on the display is changed to highlight or invert the display frame as shown in FIG. Inform the operator that the function is touched. Here, in step S504, when a key press is detected by the key input means 51, the control means 52 operates the function assigned to the key input key.

JP 2002-55766 A

  However, there is a problem with the overlay of the touch detection pads. The operator can know which key is touched via the display screen by touching the key. On the other hand, since the touch detection function and the key function are generally independent systems, there is a possibility that a key different from the key displayed as a key touch is pressed. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, it is assumed that the fingertip is in contact with the “2” key, but the belly of the finger is in contact with the “5” key. The terminal may determine that the “5” key is touched based on the detection characteristics of the touch pad, and the screen display assumes that the function of the “5” key is displayed. At that time, if the fingertip is pressed, the function of the key “2” is operated, and an input different from the function recognized by the operator is performed.

  Such an erroneous operation is noticeable in a terminal such as a cellular phone in which keys are arranged in a small area, because a plurality of keys are often touched at the same time.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention has a keypad with a touch detection pad, and a key recognized by an operator by output in a terminal that outputs the function of the touched key based on a touch operation on the key. An object of the present invention is to provide an input terminal that matches the functions of keys that are actually pressed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first feature of the present invention is that: (a) key input means for detecting a key pressed by an object; (b) touch detection means for detecting a key touched by the object; ) Output means for outputting a character or function corresponding to the key detected by the touch detection means, (d) Touch key storage means for storing the key detected by the touch detection means, and the detected time (E) When a key pressed by the key input means is detected, by referring to the key and time stored in the touch key storage means, the time when the key pressed by the key input means is detected, The gist of the present invention is that the input terminal includes control means for determining that the key touched before the first predetermined time is an input key. Here, “output means” includes not only output by screen display but also output by sound.

  That is, in the touch detection method in which the touch position is associated with one key, a key touched before a certain time T1 before the key is pressed, for example, about 100 ms, is set as an input key. Even if the pressed key is different, the key touched before T1 is regarded as the input key.

  Here, “character” means a key identifying symbol (for example, “2” key is a number “2”), a character assigned to the key (for example, “2” key, “ka” character) "Function" refers to a function or service assigned to a key (for example, "phone book"), a description document of the function or service assigned to a key, content assigned to a key (for example, the name of a captured image) ) Etc.

  The time from when the operator determines to press a specific key until the actual pressing is performed may be considered as a time when there is no change in the operator's intention. Therefore, the key pressed at a certain point in time is the “2” key (hereinafter referred to as K2), and the touched key is the “5” key (hereinafter referred to as “hereinafter referred to as K2”) at a timing going back a certain time T1 from the timing of pressing K2. If it is K5), regarding the depression of K2, the operator interprets that he actually wanted to depress K5 and can use K5 as an input key. Thus, according to the input terminal according to the first feature, erroneous input can be prevented. T1 is a value stored in advance by the terminal as the time from when the operator decides to press a specific key until the actual pressing is performed, and is assumed to be about several tens of ms to 100 ms. .

  In the input terminal according to the first feature, the control means may select the pressed key if there is no key touched before the first predetermined time from the time when the key pressed by the key input means is detected. It may be determined as an input key.

  That is, no touch is made before T1, but when a key is pressed, the pressed key is set as an input key.

  According to this input terminal, if the pressed key is K2, and there is no touched key at a timing going back a certain time T1 from the timing of pressing K2, the operator gives feedback to the screen by touch. It is determined that the key has been pressed without being used, and K2 that is actually pressed can be used as the input key. Appropriate key input can be provided even when the operator knows the key operation procedure and presses it quickly.

  The input terminal according to the first feature further comprises key press storage means for storing the key detected by the key input means and the detected time, and the control means is controlled by the immediately preceding key input means. If the interval between the time when the pressed second key is detected and the time when the first key pressed by the key input means is detected is shorter than the second predetermined time, the key input means preferentially. The pressed first key may be determined as an input key.

  That is, if another press is performed for a certain time T2 before the key press, for example, during 1 s, the pressed key is regarded as an input key.

  According to this input terminal, if the pressed key is K2, and another pressing is performed within a timing that goes back for a certain time T2 from the pressing timing of K2, the operator continuously performs key input at a high speed. Regardless of the key that is touched at a timing that goes back by T1, the pressed K2 can be regarded as an input key. Appropriate key input can be provided even when the operator is familiar with key operations and continuously performs key input. T2 is a value that the terminal stores in advance as a key input interval when the operator performs key input continuously without using feedback on the screen, and about several hundred ms to a few seconds. Is assumed.

  The second feature of the present invention is detected by (a) key input means for detecting a key pressed by an object, (b) touch detection means for detecting a key touched by the object, and (c) touch detection means. A character or function corresponding to the key, an output means, (d) a touch key storage means for storing the key detected by the touch detection means, and the detected time, and (e) a key input means. When a pressed key is detected, by referring to the key and time stored in the touch key storage means, the third predetermined time before the time when the key pressed by the key input means is detected, The gist of the present invention is that the input terminal includes control means for determining the key that has been in contact with the user for the longest time as the input key.

  That is, in the touch detection method for associating the touch position with one key, the key having the longest touch time among the keys detected for touch within a certain time T3 before the key is pressed, for example, 300 ms, is set as the input key condition. .

  According to the input terminal according to the second feature, if the pressed key is K2, and the key that has been touched for the longest time is K5 in a period that goes back by a certain time T3 from the timing of pressing K2, Regarding the pressing of K2, the operator interprets that he actually wanted to press K5, and can use K5 as an input key. This is because, in the input terminal according to the first feature, the touch position fluctuates, and if the operator touches a key different from K5 that the operator wants to input in front of T1, an erroneous input occurs. Such erroneous input can be prevented by determining the longest touch. Thereby, an erroneous input can be prevented. T3 is a value stored in advance by the terminal as the time for confirming the feedback of the screen, and is assumed to be about 100 to 500 ms.

  Further, in the input terminal according to the first and second features, the output means applies the key detected by the touch detection means after a fourth predetermined time has elapsed after the touch detection means detects contact with the key. When the corresponding character or function is output and key depression is detected by the key input means during the fourth predetermined time, the control means may determine that the key is an input key.

  That is, feedback to the screen is not performed for T4 time, for example, 500 ms after touching the key, and when the key is pressed during this time, the pressed key is regarded as an input key.

  According to this input terminal, when the pressing is performed immediately after the touch, the operator can interpret that the pressing is decided without using the screen feedback by the touch. By not performing screen feedback for a certain period of time T4 from the press, without showing unnecessary screen feedback to a skilled operator, and by considering the pressed key as an input key during T4, skilled key operation It is possible to provide key input without damaging the operation. T4 is a value stored in advance by the terminal as a time when the operator does not want screen feedback, and is assumed to be 100 ms to 1 s.

  In the input terminal according to the first and second features, when the key detected by the key input means is a specific key, the control means may determine that the key is an input key.

  In other words, in the judgment that the key touched in advance, which is different from the pressed key, is regarded as the input key, only when the key touched in advance is at the up and down position of the key pressed in advance, for example. The touched key is regarded as an input key.

  In the touch-pressing operation, it can be assumed that the movement of the finger tends to shift easily in the vertical direction depending on the angle at which the finger is applied. Therefore, according to this input terminal, even if the touch and press are different at the left and right positions, it is considered that the touch was pressed with certainty. The key can be regarded as an input key. As a result, it is possible to reduce erroneous input when a key other than the key whose function is confirmed by output is pressed.

  The third feature of the present invention is that (a) a key input means for detecting a key pressed by an object, (b) a touch detection means for detecting a key touched by the object, and (c) a touch detection means. A plurality of key touch determining means for determining that a plurality of keys are in contact with each other based on the key; and (d) a position, a character, or a function corresponding to the key detected by the plurality of key touch determining means as an output means. The gist is that the input terminal comprises

  That is, as a touch detection method, a touch detection function is provided for each key, or a touch position is detected as an area instead of a point. There is a touch detection method that can determine the key. When a terminal having such a detection method detects a touch on a plurality of keys, a message indicating that the plurality of keys are touched is output on a display screen or the like.

  When touching a plurality of keys, the possibility of erroneous input increases. In the touch detection method in which the touch position is associated with one or a plurality of keys by the input terminal according to the third feature, since the touch of a plurality of keys can be detected, the screen is displayed when the plurality of keys are touched. Outputs feedback indicating that multiple keys are touched on the screen, etc., and alerts the operator, and the operator knows which key is touching, so the touch position is shifted, or It becomes a reference to which force is applied when pushing.

  According to the present invention, in a terminal having a keypad with a touch detection pad and outputting the function of the touched key based on the touch operation on the key, the key recognized by the operator by the output and the key actually pressed are An input terminal for matching functions can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the input terminal which concerns on 1st-5th embodiment (the 1). It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the input terminal which concerns on 1st-5th embodiment (the 2). It is a hardware structural example of the input terminal which concerns on the 1st-4th embodiment. It is a block diagram of the configuration of the input terminal according to the first embodiment (No. 1). It is a block diagram of the configuration of the input terminal according to the first embodiment (No. 2). It is the recording data which the input terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment hold | maintains (the 1). It is the recording data which the input terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment hold | maintains (the 2). It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the input terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a timing chart example of the input terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 1). It is a timing chart example of the input terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 2). It is a timing chart example of the input terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment (the 3). It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the input terminal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of the timing chart of the input terminal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the input terminal which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a timing chart example of the input terminal which concerns on 3rd Embodiment (the 1). It is a timing chart example of the input terminal which concerns on 3rd Embodiment (the 2). It is an example of the specific position table of the input terminal which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the input terminal which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a structure block diagram of the input terminal which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a hardware structural example of the input terminal which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is an example of the display screen of the input terminal which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of a conventional input terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the conventional input terminal. It is an example of the conventional key area table. It is an example of the conventional key registration table. It is an example of the display screen of the conventional input terminal. It is a figure for demonstrating the subject of the conventional input terminal.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic.

  The configuration of the input terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of use of an input terminal 100 having a key switch 12 with a touch detection pad targeted by the present invention. This usage example shows a state in which the function assigned to each key is displayed in the function display area 30 of the display device 20 as a menu screen in the mobile phone.

  FIG. 2 shows another example of use of the input terminal 100 having the key switch 12 with a touch detection pad targeted by the present invention. This usage example shows a state in which each line of hiragana is displayed as a character assigned to each key in the button display area 32 of the display device 20 as a character input function in the mobile phone. The input text is displayed in the input text display area 31 of the display device 20.

  FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration example of the input terminal 100 having the key switch 12 with a touch detection pad, which is a target of the present invention. The user interface device includes a touch detection pad 11, a key switch 12, and a display device 20. The touch detection pad 11 is placed over the key switch 12. These user interface devices are connected to the CPU bus for controlling the terminal via interface circuits (touch detection pad interface 40 and key switch interface 41), respectively. Also connected to the bus of the CPU 42 are a ROM 43 that stores programs, a RAM 44 that stores data being processed, and a display device interface 45 that outputs display signals to the display device. As the display screen, the function display by the menu screen of FIG. 1 is shown.

<First Embodiment>
(Configuration of input terminal)
As shown in FIG. 4, the input terminal according to the first embodiment includes touch detection means 50, key input means 51, output means 54, touch key storage means 53, and control means 52.

  The touch detection unit 50 detects a key touched by an object such as a fingertip.

  The key input means 51 detects a key pressed by an object such as a fingertip.

  The output unit 54 displays characters or functions corresponding to the keys detected by the touch detection unit 50.

  The touch key storage unit 53 stores the key detected by the touch detection unit 50 and the detected time. The touch key storage unit 53 may be an internal storage device such as the RAM 44 or an external storage device such as an HD or FD.

  When the key pressed by the key input unit 51 is detected, the control unit 52 refers to the key and time stored in the touch key storage unit 53, thereby detecting the key pressed by the touch detection unit 50. The key touched before the first predetermined time from the time is determined as the input key.

  The control means 52 determines that the pressed key is the input key when there is no key touched before the first predetermined time from the time when the key pressed by the key input means 51 is detected.

  The touch key storage unit 53 holds a touch key storage table as shown in FIG. The touch key storage unit 53 sequentially writes and stores the timing at which the touch event occurs, the key corresponding to the touch, and whether the event is touch ON or touch OFF in this table.

  Further, the input terminal according to the first embodiment may further include a key press storage means 58 (key press storage means) as shown in FIG.

  The key press storage means 58 stores the key detected by the key input means 51 and the detected time. The key press storage means 58 holds a key press storage table as shown in FIG. The key press storage means 58 sequentially writes and stores the key press timing and the type of the pressed key in this table. The key press storage means 58 may be an internal storage device such as the RAM 44 or an external storage device such as HD or FD.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the input terminal 100 according to the first embodiment has a processing control device (CPU), and the touch detection means 50, key input means 51, control means 52, etc. function as modules. It can be set as the structure made to do. These modules can be realized by executing them as program modules in a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, or in a PDA or a mobile phone terminal. Although not shown, the input terminal 100 may include a recording medium that stores a program for executing the functions of the control unit 52 and the like. Examples of the recording medium include a hard disk, a flexible disk, a compact disk, an IC chip, and a cassette tape. According to the recording medium holding such a program, the program can be easily stored, transported, sold, and the like.

(Control method of input terminal)
Next, an input terminal control method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S101, when the touch detection unit 50 detects an operator's touch, in step S102, the key related to the touch position is determined based on the key area table, and in step S103, the corresponding key is touched. Is displayed on the display screen.

  Next, in step S104, the touch event is registered and stored in the touch key storage table. Here, steps S101 to S104 are continuously performed as long as the touch is continued.

  Next, in step S105, it is assumed that the key input unit 51 detects an operator's key press. It is assumed that the key pressing event at this time is Ep, and the pressed key is Kp.

  In step S106, the key press event Ep is registered in the key press storage table. Next, in step S107, the previous key press event Ep-1 is referenced from the key press storage table, and in step S108, whether Ep-1 has occurred within T2 hours from Ep, for example, within 1 s. If it has occurred within T2 time, the process proceeds to step S109, and the function assigned to the pressed key Kp is operated. An example of this timing chart is shown in FIG. Here, as previously expressed, K2 represents the “2” key and K5 represents the “5” key.

  Next, in step S108, if Ep-1 has not occurred within T2 hours from Ep, the process proceeds to step S110, and the touch key T1 time, for example, 100 ms before the key press is referred to by the touch storage table. In step S111, it is determined whether or not there is a touch key before T1. If there is a touch key, the process proceeds to step S112, and the function assigned to the touch key Kt before T1 is operated. An example of this timing chart is shown in FIG. Here, as previously expressed, K2 represents the “2” key and K5 represents the “5” key.

  On the other hand, in step S111, if there is no touch key before time T1, the function assigned to the pressed key Kp is operated in step 109. An example of this timing chart is shown in FIG. Here, as previously expressed, K2 represents the “2” key and K5 represents the “5” key.

(Function and effect)
In the first embodiment, in the touch detection method in which a touch position is associated with one key, a key touched before a predetermined time T1 before the key is pressed, for example, about 100 ms, is used as an input key. Even if the pressed key is different, the key touched before T1 is regarded as the input key.

  The time from when the operator determines to press a specific key until the actual pressing is performed may be considered as a time when there is no change in the operator's intention. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the key pressed at a certain point in time is the “2” key (hereinafter referred to as K2), and the touched key is a timing that goes back by a certain time T1 from the timing of pressing K2. Assuming that the key is the “5” key (hereinafter referred to as K5), the operator interprets that the user has actually wanted to press K5 when K2 is pressed, and can use K5 as an input key. Thus, the input terminal according to the first embodiment can prevent erroneous input. T1 is a value stored in advance by the terminal as the time from when the operator decides to press a specific key until the actual pressing is performed, and is assumed to be about several tens of ms to 100 ms. .

  Further, the control means 52 is not touched before T1, but when a key is pressed, the pressed key can be used as an input key.

  According to this input terminal, as shown in FIG. 10, if the pressed key is K2, and there is no touched key at a timing going back a certain time T1 from the timing of pressing K2, the operator It is determined that the key has been pressed without using feedback to the screen by touch, and K2 that is actually pressed can be used as the input key. Appropriate key input can be provided even when the operator knows the key operation procedure and presses it quickly.

  Also, if another pressing is performed for a predetermined time T2 before the key pressing, for example, for 1 s, the control means 52 can regard the pressed key as an input key.

  According to this input terminal, as shown in FIG. 11, if the pressed key is K2, and another pressing is performed within a timing that goes back by a certain time T2 from the pressing timing of K2, the operator can move at a high speed. It is determined that the key input is performed continuously, and the pressed K2 can be regarded as the input key regardless of the key touched at the timing retroactive by T1. Appropriate key input can be provided even when the operator is familiar with key operations and continuously performs key input. T2 is a value that the terminal stores in advance as a key input interval when the operator performs key input continuously without using feedback on the screen, and about several hundred ms to a few seconds. Is assumed.

<Second Embodiment>
(Configuration of input terminal)
As in the first embodiment, the input terminal according to the second embodiment includes a touch detection unit 50, a key input unit 51, an output unit 54, and a touch key storage unit as shown in FIG. 53 and control means 52.

  When the key pressed by the key input unit 51 is detected, the control unit 52 refers to the key and time stored in the touch key storage unit 53 to detect the key pressed by the key input unit 51. The key having the longest contact time in the third predetermined time before the time is determined as the input key.

  Other functions are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

(Control method of input terminal)
Next, an input terminal control method according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  Steps S201 to S205 are the same processes as steps S101 to S105 in FIG.

  In step S206, the touch key storage table is referred to for T3 time, for example, 300 ms before the key is pressed, and in step S207, the key that has been touched for the longest time in T3 time is determined. And In step S208, the function assigned to Kd is operated.

  An example of this timing chart is shown in FIG. Here, as previously expressed, K2 represents the “2” key and K5 represents the “5” key.

(Function and effect)
In the second embodiment, in the touch detection method in which the touch position is associated with one key, the key with the longest touch time among the keys detected for touch within a certain time T3 before the key is pressed, for example, 300 ms, is selected. This is the input key condition.

  According to the input terminal according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the pressed key is K2, and it is touched for the longest time in a period that goes back by a certain time T3 from the timing of pressing K2. If the key is K5, when the operator presses K2, the operator interprets that he actually wanted to press K5, and can use K5 as an input key. This is because, in the input terminal according to the first embodiment, the touch position fluctuates, and if the operator touches a key different from K5 that the operator wants to input in front of T1, an erroneous input occurs. However, such erroneous input can be prevented by determining the longest touch. Thereby, an erroneous input can be prevented. T3 is a value stored in advance by the terminal as the time for confirming the feedback of the screen, and is assumed to be about 100 to 500 ms.

<Third Embodiment>
(Configuration of input terminal)
As in the first embodiment, the input terminal according to the third embodiment includes a touch detection unit 50, a key input unit 51, an output unit 54, and a touch key storage unit as shown in FIG. 53 and control means 52.

  The output unit 54 displays a character or a function corresponding to the key detected by the touch detection unit 50 after the fourth predetermined time has elapsed.

  When the key input unit 51 detects that the key is pressed during the fourth predetermined time after the touch detection unit 50 detects a touch on the key, the control unit 52 determines that the key is an input key. To do.

  Other functions are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

(Control method of input terminal)
Next, an input terminal control method according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  Steps S301 and S302 are the same as steps S101 and S102 in FIG.

  Next, in step S303, it is determined whether or not T4 time, for example, 500 ms has elapsed. If it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S304 to display the touched key. In step S307, a key press is detected during that time. Then, in step S308, the function assigned to the pressed key Kp is operated.

  In step S303, after time T4 has elapsed, the same processing as in step S103 and subsequent steps in FIG. 8 is performed.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a timing chart when there is no press during T4, and FIG. 16 shows an example of a timing chart when there is no press during T4. Here, as previously expressed, K2 represents the “2” key and K5 represents the “5” key.

(Function and effect)
In the third embodiment, feedback to the screen is not performed for T4 time after touching the key, for example, 500 ms, and when the key is pressed during this time, the pressed key can be regarded as the input key.

  According to the input terminal according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, after touching K5, the characters and functions assigned to K5 can be displayed after a lapse of T4 time. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, when the pressing is performed immediately after the touch, the operator can interpret that the pressing is decided without using the screen feedback by the touch. By not performing screen feedback for a certain period of time T4 from the press, without showing unnecessary screen feedback to a skilled operator, and by considering the pressed key as an input key during T4, Key input that does not impair operation can be provided. T4 is a value stored in advance by the terminal as a time when the operator does not want screen feedback, and is assumed to be 100 ms to 1 s.

<Fourth embodiment>
(Configuration of input terminal)
As in the first embodiment, the input terminal according to the fourth embodiment includes a touch detection unit 50, a key input unit 51, an output unit 54, and a touch key storage unit as shown in FIG. 53 and control means 52.

  When the position detected by the key input means 51 is a specific key position, the control means 52 determines that the key is an input key. In the key layout shown in FIG. 17A, as shown in FIG. 17B, the upper and lower keys of a certain key are set as keys at specific positions.

  Other functions are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

(Control method of input terminal)
Next, a method for controlling the input terminal according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 18. Steps S401 to 411 are the same as steps S101 to 110 in FIG. .

  In step S412, if the key Kt touched before T1 is different from the pressed key Kp and Kp is in a specific position with respect to Kt, the process proceeds to step S413, and Kt is regarded as an input key. If not, the process proceeds to step S409, and Kp is used as an input key. When Kp is different from Kt, if it is a lateral movement in which the movement of the finger is difficult to shift, it is considered that Kp has been pressed with certainty. It is possible to prevent erroneous input due to this.

(Function and effect)
In the fourth embodiment, in determining that a key touched in advance, which is different from the pressed key, is an input key, the key touched in advance corresponds to, for example, the upper and lower positions. Only when the key has been touched in advance, the key touched in advance can be regarded as an input key.

  In the touch-pressing operation, it can be assumed that the movement of the finger tends to shift easily in the vertical direction depending on the angle at which the finger is applied. Therefore, according to this input terminal, even if the touch and press are different at the left and right positions, it is considered that the touch was pressed with certainty. The key can be regarded as an input key. Thereby, it is possible to reduce erroneous input when a key different from the key whose function is confirmed by display is pressed.

<Fifth embodiment>
(Configuration of input terminal)
As shown in FIG. 19, the input terminal according to the fifth embodiment includes a touch detection unit 50, a key input unit 51, an output unit 54, a touch key storage unit 53, a control unit 52, and a plurality of keys. Touch determination means 59.

  The key input means 51 detects the key pressed by the object.

  The touch detection unit 50 detects a key that is touched by an object. Here, the touch detection means 50 uses what can perform simultaneous detection of a plurality of points, for example, including a plurality of touch pads divided for each key.

  The multi-key touch determination unit 59 determines that one or more keys corresponding to the touch are in contact based on the key detected by the touch detection unit 50.

  The output unit 54 displays characters or functions corresponding to the keys detected by the multiple key touch determination unit 59.

  FIG. 20 shows a hardware configuration example of the input terminal 100 having the key switch 12 with a touch detection pad in the fifth embodiment. The user interface device includes a touch detection pad 11. These user interface devices are connected to the CPU bus for controlling the terminal via interface circuits (touch detection pad interface 40 and key switch interface 41), respectively.

  In the fifth embodiment, when the key “2” and the key “5” are touched at the same time in the usage example corresponding to FIG. 1, the output means 54 displays on the display as shown in FIG. For the “NW connection” function at the key “2” position and the “Phonebook” function at the key “5” position, the display has been changed to highlight or invert the display frame, and multiple keys have been touched To the operator.

  Other functions are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

(Function and effect)
As a touch detection method, a touch detection function is provided for each key, or a touch position is detected as an area instead of a point. There are touch detection methods that can be determined. In the fifth embodiment, when a touch on a plurality of keys is detected in a terminal having such a detection method, a message indicating that the plurality of keys are touched is displayed on the display screen.

  When touching a plurality of keys, the possibility of erroneous input increases. In the touch detection method in which the touch position is associated with one or a plurality of keys by the input terminal according to the fifth embodiment, the touch of a plurality of keys can be detected. The screen feedback indicates that multiple keys are touched, alerts the operator, and the operator knows which key is touching, so the touch position can be shifted or pressed It can be helpful to determine which force to apply.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Touch detection pad 12 ... Key switch 20 ... Display device 30 ... Function display area 31 ... Input sentence display area 32 ... Button display area 40 ... Touch detection pad interface 41 ... Key switch interface 43 ... ROM
44 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... Touch detection means 51 ... Key input means 52 ... Control means 53 ... Touch key memory | storage means 54 ... Output means 58 ... Key press memory | storage means 59 ... Multiple key touch determination means 100 ... Input terminal

Claims (2)

A key input means for detecting a key pressed by the object;
Touch detection means for detecting a key touched by an object;
Output means for outputting a character or function corresponding to the key detected by the touch detection means;
Touch key storage means for storing the key detected by the touch detection means and the detected time;
Control means for determining, when the key detected by the key input means is a specific key, the key as an input key ;
The control means regards the key Kt as an input key if the key Kt touched before a predetermined time is different from the pressed key Kp and the key Kp is in a specific position with respect to the key Kt. Otherwise, an input terminal that determines the key Kp as an input key . 2. The input terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the specific position is that the key Kp and the key Kt are in a vertical position.

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