JP6605921B2 - Software keyboard program, character input device, and character input method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a software keyboard program, a character input device, and a character input method.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, smartphones and tablet-type terminals and the like that input characters and the like by a touch panel method have become widespread. In inputting characters and the like in such a touch panel system, a so-called software keyboard is displayed on the screen, and touching the touch panel corresponding to the screen enables input of characters and the like. In such character input using a software keyboard, character input is often performed by switching from a keyboard (key arrangement portion) used for character input until then to a different keyboard or the like. Patent Document 1 discloses such a technical content.

  Patent Document 1 discloses that, in a character input area, for example, voice recognition can be performed by sliding a finger from the upper end to the lower end. In addition, it is disclosed that switching is performed so that handwritten input can be performed by sliding a finger from the lower end to the upper end. Further, it is disclosed that, for example, a 12 keyboard can be switched to a QWERTY keyboard by sliding a finger from the left end to the right end. Further, it is disclosed that, for example, a QWERTY keyboard can be switched to a 12 keyboard by sliding a finger from the right end to the left end.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2013-238935 (see FIGS. 3 to 6)

  Incidentally, the method of switching character input by the slide disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. That is, in the technical content disclosed in Patent Document 1, in an area where keys for character input are arranged, for example, any position such as an upper end key, a lower end key, a left end key, or a right end key is started. (The key corresponding to this starting point is a specific key), and the character input method is switched by sliding. This is done for the following reason.

  That is, if there is no starting point mark such as a specific key, it is unclear where the keyboard (key arrangement portion) or the like should be switched when sliding from. More specifically, for example, if the trajectory of a flick or swipe is similar to the trajectory of a number or character to be drawn by handwriting input, even if the number or character is drawn, it may be recognized as a flick or swipe. is there. Such a confusion is particularly noticeable for the numeral “1”, the letter “l”, various symbols such as brackets, and the like.

  Therefore, in order to avoid the confusion as described above, the slide is performed starting from the specific key. However, in order to slide using such a specific key as a starting point, it is necessary to first find the specific key, touch the specific key accurately, and then slide. Therefore, in the technical content disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operability is poor.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, for example, regarding the input of kana characters, there is no mention of improvement in operability for switching from clear sound to muddy sound or semi-turbid sound. Normally, when inputting a muddy sound or a semi-voiced sound, for example, with a 12 keyboard of a smartphone, it is necessary to press a key (button) assigned to the lower left. Therefore, the operability for the operation is deteriorated. As described above, in the case of changing the input character, the operability is currently poor.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and the object thereof is to change characters from clear sound to muddy point and the like, switch a key arrangement part when inputting numbers, and arrange keys when inputting English. An object of the present invention is to provide a software keyboard program, a character input device, and a character input method capable of performing character input while switching easily when some change switching operation such as switching of parts is required.

In order to solve the above-described problems, one aspect of the software keyboard program of the present invention is a software keyboard program that is executed by a computer including a touch panel, and that realizes a software keyboard serving as a user interface on the touch panel. Is displayed on the touch panel, and a key arrangement portion having keys capable of inputting at least one of kana characters, alphabets, and numbers, and an input to the key of the key arrangement portion displayed on the touch panel, An output control means for controlling the output of characters to the character display section, and a prediction / conversion candidate display section for displaying conversion input candidates or prediction input candidates for the characters based on the input of characters in the key arrangement section can appear Function as a possible appearance area With, between the appearance possible area and key arrangement portion, and the border area is provided, with the prediction and conversion candidate display unit appeared, in a state where an arbitrary position can appear area being pressed by the pressing means When the pressing means is slid from the appearable area to an arbitrary position beyond the border area, the output control means changes the character output to the character display unit based on the input character to a different character. Alternatively, a sounding sound is added together with the inputted character, or the key arrangement part is changed to a different kind.

  Further, according to another aspect of the software keyboard program of the present invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the output control means can switch the unconfirmed kana entered in the key arrangement section from a clean sound to a muddy sound or a semi-voiced sound. In some cases, it is preferable to switch from a kana character of a clear sound to a kana character of a muddy sound or a kana character of a semi-voiced sound in accordance with a slide operation.

  Further, according to another aspect of the software keyboard program of the present invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the output control means performs the sliding operation when a sliding operation from the appearable area toward the key arrangement portion is performed. If the output control means releases the pressing means from the key arrangement section, the output control means changes the key arrangement section to a different type from the key arrangement section realized before the key arrangement section. It is preferable to receive an input to and control the output of the character corresponding to the key to the character display unit.

  Further, according to another aspect of the software keyboard program of the present invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the output control means is located at a position where the pressing means is released when the pressing means is released from the key arrangement portion. It is preferable that the input to the key is accepted and the key arrangement part before the change is returned.

Furthermore, in another aspect of the software keyboard program of the present invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the output control means is located at a position where the pressing means is released when the pressing means is released from the key arrangement portion. It is preferable that the input to the key is accepted and the appearance of the changed key arrangement portion is continued.

  Further, according to another aspect of the software keyboard program of the present invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the output control means may display the changed key arrangement portion when the slide operation starting from the appearable area is performed. It is preferable to return to the key arrangement part before the change.

Furthermore, one aspect of the character input device of the present invention is a character input device that includes a touch panel and realizes a software keyboard serving as a user interface on the touch panel. The character input device is displayed on the touch panel and includes kana characters, alphabets, and numbers. A key arrangement section having keys capable of inputting at least one of the above, and an output control means for controlling output of characters to the character display section of the touch panel in response to an input to the keys of the key arrangement section displayed on the touch panel , based on the character input key arrangement part, Bei give a, and can appear area capable emergence prediction and conversion candidate display unit for displaying the converted input candidate or predictive input candidates for the character, it can appear area and key between the array section, the border area is provided, with the prediction and conversion candidate display unit appeared Anywhere in the occurrence coverage area while being pressed by the pressing means, when sliding the pressing means from the appearance available area to any position beyond the border area, the output control means, the input character The character output to the character display unit based on is changed to a different character, or a sound is added together with the input character, or the key arrangement unit is changed to a different type.

One aspect of the character input method of the present invention is a character input method that includes a touch panel and realizes a software keyboard serving as a user interface on the touch panel. The character input method is displayed on the touch panel and includes kana characters, alphabets, and numbers. An input portion appearance step for causing a key arrangement portion having a key capable of inputting at least one of the above and an output of characters to the character display portion of the touch panel in response to an input to the key of the key arrangement portion displayed on the touch panel An area that realizes an appearable area in which a prediction / conversion candidate display unit that displays a conversion input candidate or a prediction input candidate for the character can be displayed based on an input control step for controlling the character and input of the character in the key arrangement unit and implementing the step, during the occurrence coverage area and the key arrangement section, volume providing a border area And Dar area step, provided with a, in the output control step, in a state where prediction and conversion candidate display unit appeared in the pressed state by the pressing means any position of occurrence coverage area, the border area from the appearance available area When sliding to any position beyond , change the character output to the character display based on the input character to a different character, add a sound with the input character, or a different type of key It changes to the arrangement part.

  According to the present invention, it is easy to change when a change switching operation is necessary, such as changing the character from clear sound to muddy point, switching the key arrangement part when inputting numbers, changing the key arrangement part when inputting English, etc. It is possible to input characters while doing so.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance shape of the portable information terminal which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the portable information terminal of FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the keyboard display of the software keyboard is displayed on the display surface and the key input can be accepted in the portable information terminal of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the keyboard layout in a software keyboard. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an image of character input in the key arrangement example shown in FIG. 4, where FIG. 5A shows a state in which a clear kana character is input and is indeterminate, and FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that it switches to kana character of muddy sound. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an image of character input in the key arrangement example shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5A shows a state in which a prompt sound is input by sliding to a key arrangement portion from a prediction / conversion candidate display portion after inputting a kana character. (B) is a figure which shows the state by which the prompt sound was input by sliding diagonally to the upper right on the prediction and conversion candidate display part after inputting a kana character. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image of character input in the key arrangement example shown in FIG. 4, where (a) shows an indeterminate state when a kana character before a prompt is input, and (b) It is a figure which shows the state by which the prompt sound and the subsequent kana character were input by the slide of. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image of character input in the key arrangement example shown in FIG. 4, in a state where a sound and a subsequent kana character are input on a slide that draws the number “7” in the prediction / conversion candidate display section. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the image which inputs a number "1" and (b) inputs a number "2" by a handwriting input respectively. It is a figure which shows the image which inputs a number, making the exclusive keyboard for inputting a number appear, (a) shows the state where the finger touched the appearance possible area, (b) is the slide after (a) It is a figure which shows the state which the number input part appeared. (A) is a figure which shows the image which corrects the direction which slides to the target number in the number input part of FIG.10 (b), (b) is a number input part by releasing a finger from a number input part. It is a figure which shows the image used as the state which is not displayed. It is a figure which shows the number input part in which a number key exists in 2 steps | paragraphs. It is a figure which shows the state in which the number input part has keys other than a number key. It is a figure which shows the state in which the number input part has an alphabet key other than a number key. (A) is a figure which shows the state which made the alphabet input part for inputting an alphabet appear, (b) is a figure which shows the specific image of the input by a slide, (c) is a figure which continues an alphabet It is a figure which shows the image which inputs some characters. It is a figure which shows the state in which the alphabet input part has a key which has another function. It is a figure which shows the state which the numerical input part appeared superimposed on the state which the alphabet input part has appeared.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the software keyboard program of the present invention, a character input device in which the software keyboard program is mounted, and a character input method related to the software keyboard program will be described.

<1. Configuration of character input device with software keyboard program>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external shape of a portable information terminal 1 as a character input device (corresponding to an example of a computer) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Examples of the portable information terminal 1 include a smartphone and a tablet information terminal. The smart phone and the tablet type information terminal are provided with a touch panel as described later. However, a character input device (computer) other than these may be used. For example, various devices such as a notebook personal computer and an ATM device using a touch panel are applicable.

  The portable information terminal 1 includes a housing 10 having a rectangular shape when viewed in plan. A touch panel is arranged on the front side of the housing 10. The touch panel includes a display 11 and a touch sensor 12 superimposed on the display 11.

  The display 11 is a liquid crystal display including a liquid crystal panel (not shown) and a backlight (not shown) that illuminates the liquid crystal panel (see FIG. 2). The display 11 has a display surface 11a that displays an image and can visually recognize a display image and the like from the outside. The display 11 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, but may be another display device such as an organic EL display.

  The touch sensor 12 is disposed on the display surface 11a and detects an input position with respect to the display surface 11a. The touch sensor 12 is formed in a transparent sheet shape, and the display surface 11a can be seen through the touch sensor 12. The touch sensor 12 is a capacitive touch sensor and includes a first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode, and a cover arranged in a matrix. The touch sensor 12 detects a position on the display surface 11a touched by the user as an input position by detecting a change in capacitance between the first and second transparent electrodes, and a position signal corresponding to the input position. Is output to the CPU 20 described later.

  The user touches the touch sensor 12 with a pressing means such as his / her finger or a touch pen (hereinafter simply referred to as “finger” for the sake of simplicity), thereby performing tap, slide, flick, swipe, long tap, etc. Various operations can be performed. Here, the touch sensor 12 is not limited to the capacitive touch sensor 12, and may be an ultrasonic sensor, a pressure-sensitive sensor, a resistive film sensor, a light detection sensor, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a key operation unit 13 such as a home button for displaying a home screen on the display surface 11a is provided below the touch panel. Note that the key operation unit 13 may include only a home button or other buttons (for example, setting buttons for performing various settings).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the portable information terminal 1. The portable information terminal 1 includes a CPU 20, a memory 21, an image processing circuit 22, a key input circuit 23, and a communication module 24.

  The image processing circuit 22 generates an image to be displayed on the display 11 according to a control signal input from the CPU 20 and stores the image data in a VRAM 22 a provided in the image processing circuit 22. The image processing circuit 22 includes an LCD controller (not shown), and outputs an image signal including image data stored in the VRAM 22 a to the display 11 by the LCD controller.

  The key input circuit 23 outputs a signal to the CPU 20 in response to pressing of the key operation unit 13.

  The communication module 24 includes an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves for calls and communication. The communication module 24 converts a signal input from the CPU 20 into a radio signal, and transmits the converted radio signal to a communication destination such as a base station or another communication device via an antenna. The communication module 24 converts the radio signal received via the antenna into a signal in a format that can be used by the CPU 20, and outputs the converted signal to the CPU 20.

  The memory 21 includes a ROM and a RAM. The memory 21 stores a control program for giving a control function to the CPU 20 and various applications. For example, a keyboard screen display as shown in FIG. 3 (hereinafter, this keyboard screen display is referred to as a keyboard display 30) is displayed on the display surface 11a in the memory 21, thereby enabling key input to be accepted. Application software (corresponding to a character input program) is also stored.

  The application software displays conversion input candidates for keyed characters on a prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 (to be described later) on the display surface 11a, or displays words, phrases, etc. based on the characters input by the keys. It has a function to display prediction input candidates. Hereinafter, a part for displaying the conversion input candidate and the prediction input candidate is referred to as a prediction / conversion unit display 31. The prediction / conversion unit display 31 may not be displayed in a state where character input or the like is not performed.

  The application software described above displays the border display 32 on the prediction / conversion unit display 31 and the lower side (key display 33 side). However, the border display 32 may be zero dots. The border display 32 may not be displayed. In the following description, a conversion input candidate or a predicted input candidate may be simply referred to as an input candidate. Such input candidates indicate at least one of conversion input candidates and prediction input candidates.

  The application software described above may display input candidates based on a dictionary prepared in advance, or may display input candidates based on a user's past input history. The prediction / conversion unit display 31 may not be displayed before the user inputs characters, but a space corresponding to the prediction / conversion unit display 31 is displayed even before the user inputs characters. It may be a configuration.

  The prediction / conversion unit display 31 displays input candidates by application software stored in the memory 21, and transmits / receives information to / from an external server via a network such as the Internet. It is also possible to display input candidates transmitted from an external server or the like.

  The memory 21 stores various programs such as telephone calls, e-mails, and web browsers. These various programs include software keyboard programs corresponding to the software keyboard. In addition, the output control means which controls the output of the character to the character display part 34 of a touch panel is implement | achieved by processing by CPU20 based on a software keyboard program. The memory 21 is also used as a working memory for storing various data temporarily used or generated when an application is executed.

  Note that the application software corresponding to the software keyboard displays the above-described keyboard display 30 on the display surface 11a based on the control by the CPU 20. At this time, a plurality of key displays 33 are displayed on the keyboard display 30. The key display 33 includes a key display 33 for inputting characters in four rows and three columns or three columns and four columns to which rows of kana characters are assigned. Here, the kana characters are assigned to ten key displays 33 among the four-row, three-row or three-row, four-row character input key displays 33, but are assigned to more key displays 33. Also good. The key display 33 for inputting characters in four rows and three columns or three rows and four columns may be assigned with 26 alphabetic characters instead of kana characters.

  In addition to the display, the application software corresponding to the software keyboard is generated when the area of the touch sensor 12 that is superimposed on the key display 33 is touched with a finger based on the control of the CPU 20. The corresponding character is displayed on the character display unit 34 of the display surface 11a based on the position signal.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the CPU 20 displays the keyboard display 30 of the software keyboard on the display surface 11a to enable key input reception. Each key display 33 is assigned not only one character as shown in FIG. 3 but also a plurality of characters. When a finger is slid on the touch sensor 12 superimposed on (corresponding to) a certain key display 33, if a character is assigned to the slid direction, the assigned character is displayed as a character. Displayed on the unit 34. At this time, input candidates corresponding to the input characters are displayed on the prediction / conversion unit display 31 on the character display unit 34.

  As described above, the software keyboard program is based on the control by the CPU 20, and the function of accepting input in the key area corresponding to the key display 33 in the touch sensor 12 and each key area in the touch sensor 12 are pressed. And a function to perform output control according to the pressed key area. Moreover, it has the function to display the character and symbol based on the output control on the character display part 34, and also has the function to display the prediction / conversion part display 31 on the character display part 34.

  In the following description, the keyboard display 30 including the key display 33 and the one having the function of receiving the input when the touch sensor 12 is touched and displaying the characters / symbols corresponding to the key display 33 on the character display unit 34 are described. The software keyboard 40 is also simply described, and each key display 33 constituting the software keyboard 40 is also expressed as a key 50. The software keyboard 40 displays a prediction / conversion unit display 31 for displaying input candidates and a display corresponding to the prediction / conversion unit display 31 on the character display unit 34 with the input candidates when the touch sensor 12 is touched. The prediction / conversion unit display 31 displayed on the character display unit 34 is also referred to as a prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44, and the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 and a key arrangement described later are also included. The border display 32 that divides the portion 41 is also referred to as a border area 46.

  The CPU 20 executes various application software by controlling each component such as a microphone (not shown), the communication module 24, the display 11, and a speaker (not shown) according to the control program.

<2. Example of keyboard layout of software keyboard 40>
Next, an example of the key arrangement of the software keyboard 40 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a key arrangement in the software keyboard 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the software keyboard 40 includes a key arrangement unit 41, a prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 for displaying the prediction / conversion unit display 31 described above, and a border area 46. Yes.

  The key arrangement part 41 is a part where various keys are arranged. The key arrangement section 41 is provided with a character key arrangement section 42, a function key arrangement section 43, a prediction / conversion candidate display section 44, and a border area 46. The character key arrangement part 42 is a part where keys for inputting characters are arranged. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, the character key array unit 42 is provided with a total of ten keys 50 for inputting kana characters. In addition, for example, a key 524 assigned for selecting a muddy sound or a semi-voiced sound and a key 544 for inputting a punctuation mark are also provided.

  Here, when performing kana input, a plurality of kana characters are assigned (set) to each key 50 in the key arrangement unit 41, and any kana character is obtained by performing flick input. Can be selected.

  By the way, a character or the like used for flick input is also assigned to the key 50. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an image of flick input, and shows a case where flick input is performed using the key 542. A portion displayed for performing flick input as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, in a state where the flick input unit 47 is displayed, the case where the finger 50 is slid to the upper side in FIG. 5 while pressing the key 50 is “upper flick”, the case where the finger is slid to the lower side is “lower flick”, The case of sliding is described as “left flick”, and the case of sliding to the right is described as “right flick”. In addition, the display in a flick input is not restricted to what is shown in FIG. 5, A separate form may be sufficient.

  When the above-described key 513 is pressed to input English, one or a plurality of 26 alphabetic characters are assigned (set) to each key 50 in the key arrangement unit 41. Some keys 50 are assigned symbols other than characters (for example, “!”, “?”, “,”, “.”).

  Moreover, the function key arrangement | sequence part 43 is a part in which the key 50 for implement | achieving various functions other than character input is arranged. Such functions include, for example, switching to a software keyboard for inputting numbers (key 511), arrow keys for moving the cursor to the left (key 512), and software for inputting alphabets. There is a switch to a keyboard (key 513) and a switch to a software keyboard for inputting symbols (key 514). Furthermore, as the above-mentioned functions, a delete key (key 541) for deleting a character or a symbol input on the left side of the cursor, an arrow key (key 542) for moving the cursor or the like to the right side, and a blank are input. There are a space key (key 543) for making a return, a return key (key 544) for making a line feed, confirmation, and the like.

  Further, the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 is a part for displaying input candidates such as conversion input candidates and prediction input candidates based on the key-input characters. Here, “characters” may include numbers and various symbols in addition to kana characters, kanji, and alphabets. In addition, when the user touches the display part of the input candidate with a finger or the like, the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 has a function of outputting the input candidate of the touched display part. As shown in FIG. 4, the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 displays a plurality of input candidates at the same time, but may include only one display. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 displays input candidates over two lines, but the input candidates may be displayed in only one line, and may extend over three lines or more. Input candidates may be displayed.

  Note that the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 may not be displayed in a state where character input or the like is not performed. As described above, the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 may or may not be displayed. However, the area where the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 is to be displayed is used as a starting point for a sliding operation of a finger or the like as described later, whereby a predetermined switching operation as described later is executed. Hereinafter, an area in which the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 can appear (an area that may or may not appear) is referred to as an appearable area 45.

  This possible appearance area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display section 44) is a keyboard for changing input characters or performing input when a slide operation is started with a finger or the like, as will be described later. Has a function of switching.

  The border area 46 is an area that divides the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 and the key arrangement unit 41 described above. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the border area 46 has a predetermined width, but the width may be zero dots. Note that the border area 46 may not be displayed in a state where character input or the like is not performed. As will be described later, when a finger touches the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 and the finger moves to the key arrangement unit 41 beyond the border area 46, a predetermined switching operation as described later is executed. However, even when the finger stops on the border area 46 without exceeding the border area 46, a predetermined switching operation as described later may be executed.

<3. About character input output control>
Next, when inputting characters with the software keyboard 40 described above, the following output control can be performed by the CPU 20 processing based on the software keyboard program. The details will be described below.

(1) Basic concept In the control of character input in the present embodiment, a keyboard for performing character input and input by performing a slide starting from the possible appearance area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44) ( The key arrangement part 41) is switched. Specifically, output control as in (2) to (5) is performed as follows.

(2) Case of inputting muddy sound For example, when inputting a kana character of muddy sound, a flick input for inputting a kana character of mute is performed. In FIG. 5 (a), the kana character “F” is input and the state is indeterminate. At this time, the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 displays input candidates corresponding to the input of “K” as the kana character of Kiyane.

  Thereafter, the finger is once released from the key arrangement unit 41, and then the finger is touched on the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44. At this time, input candidates are often displayed at the part touched by the finger, but after touching, the finger is slid toward the key arrangement unit 41. When the finger is released without such a slide operation, the input candidate located at the touched portion is output and output (displayed) on the character display unit 34. However, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44, the finger is slid toward the key arrangement unit 41 so as to exceed the border area 46.

  When the CPU 20 detects such a slide operation that exceeds the border area 46 from the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44, the CPU 20 determines that the trigger operation is to switch the kana character of the clear sound to the kana character of the muddy sound. . For this reason, the unsettled clear kana character “fu” is switched to the muffled kana character “bu” and output to the character display unit 34. Note that the output of the kana character to the character display unit 34 is in an unconfirmed state, and thereafter, the input candidate displayed on the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 is touched to display the character in the confirmed state as a character display. Can be output to the unit 34 (the same applies to the input of other characters, symbols, etc.).

  In this way, the already input Kiyane kana character can be easily switched from the Kiyane kana character to the muffled kana character by sliding on the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 in the vicinity of the flick input. In particular, in a normal smartphone or the like, the key 50 for switching from clear sound to muddy sound is often assigned to a specific key 50 such as the key 524, for example. For this reason, for example, in the kana character of the “ka” line and the kana character of the “sa” line, the key 524 is far away, which makes it troublesome to switch from the kana sound to the kana sound. However, when switching from Kiyane kana characters to muddy sound kana characters by slide using the prediction / conversion candidate display portion 44, the prediction / conversion candidate display portion 44 is near kana characters that can be switched to muddy sounds. , User convenience can be improved.

  Here, when a semi-turbid sound is input, it is necessary to perform an operation for distinguishing from a case where a muddy sound is input. As an operation for distinguishing, for example, when a finger touches the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 described above, it does not immediately go to the border area 46 (key arrangement unit 41), but in the first sliding direction. After the finger is slid, the finger may be slid in a second sliding direction different from the first sliding direction. Specifically, the first slide direction may be, for example, parallel to the border area 46 or away from the border area 46, but any orientation that is different from the second slide direction may be used. Orientation is acceptable. As an example of the first slide direction and the second slide direction, for example, a figure “7” is drawn (a letter “L” is rotated 180 degrees).

  However, inputting the semi-turbid sound is not limited to the above-described operation. For example, before the operation of first touching the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 when the finger is slid, the finger is once tapped on the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 and is again displayed on the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44. By touching and sliding the finger toward the border area 46, it may be distinguished from the input of muddy sound.

  As for kana characters in the “a” line, for example, by sliding on the prediction / conversion candidate display section 44, it is possible to input lowercase letters “a”, “i”, “ぅ”, “e”, “ぉ”. , "Wa", "Wee", "Wee", "Wu" can be entered, "Vu", "Vee", "Vu", "Ve", "Vu" Output control may be performed so that input is possible.

(3) Input of prompt sound Next, a case where a prompt sound is input will be described. First, the case where the prompt sound “tsu” is input using the current flick input will be described. For example, when inputting “K”, which is a prompt sound, such as “Kata”, “tsu” is input after inputting a kana character (for example, “ka”) located before the prompt sound, and then, for example, the key 524. By pressing etc., the prompt sound “tsu” is entered. Therefore, when inputting “tsu”, “tsu” is entered by flicking in the key 522 to which the kana character of the “ta” line is assigned, and then the key 524 is pressed to input “tsu”. ing.

  Here, when flicking “T” with the key 522, the input is performed so as to slide to the character display unit 34 side. The direction of the slide is opposite to the direction toward the key 524. Therefore, in order to input the prompt sound “tsu”, it is necessary to move the finger in the direction opposite to the slide in the flick and press the key 524 after the flick input. Therefore, it takes time to input, and comfort is impaired.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, the finger is slid and released with the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 as a starting point. When the CPU 20 detects such a sliding operation, the CPU 20 determines that the kana character “tsu” is input. FIG. 6A shows a slide operation in which “tsu” is input after the predictive conversion candidate corresponding to “ka” is displayed after the input of “ka” as the kana character. That is, a prompt sound “tsu”, which is another character, is added together with the input character.

  Here, if a kana character such as “ka”, which can be a kana character of a muddy sound by inputting a muddy point, is input and then slides as described above, “ga” may be input. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish from such a case where “ga” is input. For this reason, when prompting sound is input, it may be slid from the prediction / conversion candidate display section 44 diagonally to the upper right as shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the method of inputting the prompt sound “t” is to input a kana character (for example, “ka”) before the prompt sound as shown in FIG. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7B, the finger is slid starting from the prediction / conversion candidate display section 44, and after the border area 46, the finger is moved with the kana character (for example, “ta”) after the prompt sound. Release. When the CPU 20 detects such a sliding motion, the CPU 20 determines that the prompt kana character “” exists between the unconfirmed kana character “ka” and the unconfirmed kana character “ta”. judge. Therefore, “Done” is output to the character display unit 34.

  Here, if a kana character such as “ka” that can also become a kana character of muddy sound by inputting a muddy point is slid toward “ta”, “gata” is entered. It is necessary to distinguish it from. For this reason, when prompting sound is input, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, after the finger is slid in the first sliding direction, such as drawing a number “7”, the first slide is performed. The finger may be slid in a second sliding direction different from the direction.

  In this way, as described with reference to FIG. 6B, the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 is slid slightly diagonally to the upper right, and then the number “7” is drawn without releasing the finger. In this manner, the finger is released with the kana character (for example, “ta”) after the border area 46 is exceeded. Then, “T” can be entered. That is, in the case of only the first slide direction, if the prompt sound “tsu” slides in the second slide direction in succession to the slide in the first slide direction, the prompt sound “tsu” and “ "Character" can be entered. In this way, the single / continuous operation and the single / continuous input characters are appropriately associated with each other, so that it is possible to provide an input method that is easy for the user to understand and has good operability.

  In addition, when inputting a kana character with stuttering and muddy sound, output control may be performed as follows. That is, for example, kana characters in the “A” row or “I” row are input by flicking the kana characters in the “ka”, “sa”, “ta”, and “ha” lines, which can be kana characters of muffled sound. Thereafter, starting from the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44, the key 533 of the “YA” line is long slid without releasing the finger, and the key 533 is released. After that, the flick input with the key 533 is performed. As a result, for example, “G”, “Gyu”, “Gyo”, “Ja”, “Ju”, “Jo”, etc. Outputs a combination of the small kana characters "nya", "yu", and "yo" on the line.

  In addition, when inputting the kana character of a roar and a clear sound, you may control output as follows. That is, the “a” or “i” column in the kana characters of the “ka”, “sa”, “ta”, “na”, “ha”, “ma”, and “ra” lines Flick the kana character of. After that, the user slides long without releasing the finger from the last part where the flick input is performed to the key 533 of the kana character in the “ya” line, and releases the finger with the key 533. After that, the flick input with the key 533 is performed. As a result, for example, “K”, “Kyu”, “Kyo”, “Sha”, “Sh”, “Sh”, etc. The combination of small kana characters “nya”, “yu”, and “yo” in the “” line is output.

(4) Case of inputting numbers by handwriting Next, a case of inputting numbers by handwriting will be described. At present, when inputting numbers in a smartphone or the like, it is necessary to input by switching to a dedicated keyboard (key arrangement unit) for inputting numbers. However, in the present embodiment, numbers can be easily input as follows.

  Specifically, for example, the case of inputting numbers “1” and “2” will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, a finger is touched on the possible appearance area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44), and then the software keyboard 40 is slid so as to draw numbers in the manner of handwriting input. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image of such handwriting input. FIG. 9A shows an image in which the number “1” is input by handwriting, and FIG. 9B shows an image in which the number “2” is input by handwriting. ing. In this handwriting input process, the starting point for inputting numbers is positioned in the possible appearance area 45. Then, the finger slides on the key arrangement portion 41 from the appearable area 45 beyond the border area 46. When the CPU 20 detects such a slide operation that exceeds the border area 46 from the possible appearance area 45, the CPU 20 determines that the handwriting input has been switched.

  Even in the stage before it is determined that the input has been switched to the handwriting input, the locus of the slide operation in the appearable area 45 and the border area 46 is stored in the memory 21. Even after the slide operation reaches the key arrangement unit 41 beyond the border area 46, the subsequent slide operation is stored in the memory 21. And a finger | toe is slid and the operation | movement which draws a number by handwriting is complete | finished. Then, the CPU 20 outputs a number indicated by the locus from the locus by handwriting input stored in the memory 21 and displays it on the character display unit 34.

  In this way, by first touching the possible appearance area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44) and then interposing an operation that exceeds the border area 46, the CPU 20 starts from the input using the key arrangement unit 41. Switch the keyboard to input by handwriting input. Thereby, a number can be input by handwriting input.

  At this time, the keyboard itself may be interpreted as being switched to a handwritten keyboard, or the reception state of an already displayed keyboard may be interpreted as being switched to a mode in which handwriting can be input.

  When inputting numbers, if there are kana characters that are unconfirmed and can be switched to muddy sound, it is often unclear whether to input numbers by handwriting or to switch to muddy kana characters. Therefore, when inputting numbers, it is preferable that there are no kana characters that can be switched to uncertain and muddy sound. In addition, the stroke of a finger when inputting numbers is usually longer than the stroke for switching kana characters to muddy sounds. Therefore, even if there are kana characters that are uncertain and can be switched to muddy sound, if the finger slides for a length exceeding a certain length, it is determined that the number is input by handwriting, A corresponding number may be output.

  Here, when inputting the numbers “5” and “4” by hand, depending on the user, after drawing a vertical line, the user once lifts the finger from the software keyboard 40 and immediately touches the software keyboard 40. In some cases, the continuation is drawn. In this case, if the number is recognized at the moment when the finger is released from the software keyboard 40, the number “1” is output even though the number “5” or “4” is originally intended to be input. It can happen. For this reason, even if the finger is released from the software keyboard 40, the number “1” is not output when the finger touches a predetermined range that can continue the number within a short time such as 1 second. Alternatively, the CPU 20 may determine that the input is to be continued and not output to the character display unit 34 until drawing is completed.

  Here, handwriting input is not limited to numbers, but may be applied to other than numbers. For example, kana characters, kanji, alphabets, symbols, and the like may be input by handwriting in the same manner as described above.

(5) Case of inputting numbers while causing a dedicated keyboard for inputting numbers to appear Next, a case of inputting numbers while causing a dedicated keyboard for inputting numbers will be described below. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image for inputting numbers while a dedicated keyboard for inputting numbers appears. As shown in FIG. 10, when inputting numbers, it is possible to use a dedicated keyboard as shown in FIG. 10 instead of handwriting input as shown in FIG.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10A, after the finger touches the appearance possible area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44), the finger is moved toward the key arrangement unit 41 beyond the border area 46. Slide. When the CPU 20 detects such a slide operation that exceeds the border area 46 from the appearable area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44), the CPU 20 inputs a number as shown in FIG. 10B. It is determined that this is a trigger operation for causing a dedicated keyboard (hereinafter referred to as a numeric input unit 48) to appear. And CPU20 makes the number input part 48 appear. The numeric input section 48 is provided with numeric keys 56 from 0 to 9. Further, the number input unit 48 appears in a portion of the key arrangement unit 41 adjacent to the border area 46 so that it is easy to input numbers, but may appear in another portion. Then, when the finger is released with the target number key 56 among the number keys 56, a number corresponding to the target number key 56 is output to the character display unit 34.

  Here, until the number input unit 48 as shown in FIG. 10B is displayed, it is unclear whether or not the slide over the border area 46 is directed to the target number key 56. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11A, after the number input unit 48 is displayed, the sliding direction is corrected so as to be directed to the target number key 56, thereby improving user convenience. Can be made.

  In addition, as shown in FIG.11 (b), if a finger | toe is lifted after inputting a number, the number input part 48 will be in the state which is not displayed again. However, the number input unit 48 may be in a state of being continuously displayed even if the finger is released after the number is input. At this time, for example, a kana character may be returned to the input by a separate return operation such as tapping the possible appearance area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display section 44). For example, when inputting “10 o'clock” or the like, “0” is input immediately after inputting the number “1”, but in response to such a case, the number input unit immediately after the finger is released. For example, the appearance may be continued for a short time such as within one second without disappearing.

  The number input unit 48 may be of the type shown in FIG. More specifically, in the number input unit 48 of the type shown in FIG. 10, there is only one number key 56. However, the numeric key 56 may be configured to exist in two stages as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the numeric input unit 48 may have a key other than the numeric key 56. FIG. 13 illustrates a case where a symbol key 57 capable of inputting symbols such as “&” and “/” is displayed in addition to the numeric keys 56. In these symbol keys 57 as well, when the finger is released with the target symbol key 57, the symbol corresponding to the target symbol key 57 is output to the character display unit 34.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the numeric input unit 48 may include not only the numeric key 56 but also an alphabet key 58 capable of inputting 26 alphabetic characters. Also in these alphabet keys 58, when the finger is released at the target alphabet key 58, the alphabet corresponding to the target alphabet key 58 is output to the character display unit 34.

(6) Case where an alphabet is entered while a dedicated keyboard for inputting alphabets appears Next, a case where an alphabet is entered while a dedicated keyboard for inputting alphabets appears will be described below. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an image of inputting an alphabet while a dedicated keyboard for inputting the alphabet appears. As shown in FIG. 15A, when inputting an alphabet, it may be input using a dedicated keyboard (key arrangement unit 41).

  That is, after a finger touches the appearable area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44), the finger is slid toward the key arrangement unit 41 beyond the border area 46 as shown in FIG. When the CPU 20 detects such a slide operation that exceeds the border area 46 from the appearable area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display section 44), the CPU 20 inputs an alphabet as shown in FIG. It is determined that this is a trigger operation for causing the dedicated keyboard (hereinafter referred to as the alphabet input unit 49) to appear. And CPU20 makes the alphabet input part 49 appear.

  The alphabet input section 49 is provided with an alphabet key 58 of 26 alphabets from A to Z, and the one shown in FIG. 15A has a so-called QWERTY arrangement. Therefore, there are 10 alphabet keys 58 in the upper row, 9 alphabet keys 58 in the middle row, and 7 alphabet keys 58 in the lower row.

  The alphabet input unit 49 also appears in a portion of the key arrangement unit 41 adjacent to the border area 46 so that the alphabet can be easily input. However, it may appear in another part such as a lower part. Further, the alphabet input section 49 is provided with only the minimum necessary keys 50 for input. For this reason, in the alphabet input section 49 shown in FIG. 15A, there is no key 50 other than the shift key and the delete key other than the alphabet key 58, and the alphabet key 58 and the like are increased accordingly. ing. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, it is also possible to have a key 50 having other functions besides a line feed key and a space key.

  In addition, when inputting an alphabet using the alphabet input unit 49 as shown in FIG. 15A, it is often desirable not only to input one alphabet but also to input several characters in succession. . For this reason, it is preferable that the alphabet input unit 49 keeps being displayed even when the finger is released. FIG. 15C is a diagram showing a specific image of such input. FIG. 15C illustrates the case where “BCG” is input. In the example shown in FIG. 15C, since the alphabet input unit 49 continues to be displayed even if the finger is once removed from the alphabet, it is possible to continuously input many letters of the alphabet.

  For example, by touching an appropriate position on the software keyboard 40 such as the possible appearance area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display section 44) and sliding the finger very shortly, the input of kana characters or the like is restored. Alternatively, the input may be returned to the input of kana characters or the like by a separate return operation such as tapping the possible appearance area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display section 44).

  Here, when the number input unit 48 as shown in FIG. 10 appears and the number is input, the alphabet input unit 49 appears at the timing different from the number input and the alphabet is input. It is necessary to distinguish between the appearance of the numeric input unit 48 and the alphabet input unit 49 due to the slide. Therefore, when the alphabet input unit 49 appears, for example, a finger is drawn in the first sliding direction, such as drawing a number “7” (“L” rotated 180 degrees). After sliding, the finger may be slid in a second sliding direction different from the first sliding direction.

  Further, in the state where the alphabet input section 49 as shown in FIG. 15A or 16 is being displayed, as shown in FIG. 17, the number input section 48 may also be displayed as being overlaid. good. In this case, with the alphabet input part 49 already appearing, the finger touches the appearance possible area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display part 44), and then, for example, the number “7” as described above, for example. A second slide that is different from the first slide direction after the finger is slid in the first slide direction, such as the one that draws (L is rotated 180 degrees) Slide your finger in the direction. When the CPU 20 detects this operation, the CPU 20 determines that this is a trigger operation for causing the numeric input unit 48 to appear in a superimposed manner as shown in FIG. And CPU20 makes the number input part 48 appear in the state superimposed on the alphabet input part 49. FIG.

  In addition, when the number input unit 48 appears in a state of being superimposed on the alphabet input unit 49, when the finger is released after the number is input, the number input unit 48 is not displayed again. Accordingly, the alphabet key 58 hidden by the top of the number input unit 48 can be pressed.

<4. About effect>
According to the software keyboard program configured as described above, the character input device in which the software keyboard program is mounted, and the character input method, the key arrangement unit 41, the output control means, and the appearance area 45 are functionally realized. Is done. Among these, the key arrangement | sequence part 41 is provided with the key 50 which can input at least any one of a kana character, an alphabet, and a number. Further, the output control means controls the output of characters to the character display unit 34 in response to an input to the key 50 of the key arrangement unit 41 displayed on the touch panel. In addition, the possible appearance area 45 allows a prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 to display a conversion input candidate or a prediction input candidate for the character based on the input of the character in the key arrangement unit 41.

  Then, regardless of whether the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 appears or not, when the slide that passes through the possible appearance area 45 is performed in a state where the possible appearance area 45 is pressed by a pressing means such as a finger. Depending on the slide operation, the output control means changes the character output to the character display unit 34 based on the input character to a different character, or adds another character together with the input character ( For example, it is changed to a key arrangement portion 41 of a different type of prompting sound.

  For this reason, the convenience of character input can be improved. For example, it is possible to easily switch from a kana character of clear sound to a kana character of muddy sound, which is troublesome by pressing a key 524 or the like. Also, at present, when inputting the prompt sound “tsu”, the same consonant key 50 is pressed twice, “X”, “T” and “U” are pressed, or “L” and “T”. Although it appears by pressing “U”, it is possible to input easily without pressing the key 50 of such a consonant twice or pressing the three keys 50. In addition, switching to the key arrangement unit 41 that allows easy numeric input by sliding operation in the possible appearance area 45 without switching to a keyboard dedicated to numeric input, which is troublesome by pressing the key 511 or the like. Alternatively, the key arrangement unit 41 can be switched to facilitate alphabet input by a sliding operation in the possible appearance area 45.

  In the present embodiment, a border area 46 is provided between the appearable area 45 and the key arrangement unit 41. In the slide operation, when the border area 46 is exceeded, the character output to the character display unit 34 based on the input character can be changed to a different character, or can be changed to a different kind of key arrangement unit. . In this case, it is possible to easily distinguish whether or not the slide operation is intended to change the character output or the key arrangement portion to a different type. Therefore, it can be prevented that the character output is unintentionally changed to a different type or changed to a different type of character output unit. For example, when an input candidate is selected by touching the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44, even if the finger slides slightly, the intended input candidate can be selected as long as it does not exceed the border area 46. In addition, if there is a slide operation exceeding the border area 46, it can be easily determined that the input candidate is not selected.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the output control means, when the unconfirmed kana inputted by the key arrangement unit 41 can be switched from clean sound to muddy sound or semi-turbid sound, In accordance with the slide operation, it is possible to switch from Kiyane kana characters to makuon kana characters or semi-sound kana characters.

  Here, when inputting a muddy sound or a semi-turbid sound, for example, in the 12 keyboard of a smartphone, it is necessary to press the key 524 etc. assigned to the lower left, but in that case, the distance to move the finger becomes longer, When the size of the key 524 is small, the operability for inputting a kana character of a muddy sound or a semi-voiced sound is deteriorated, such as a mistake in pressing. However, when the kana character of clear sound is easily switched to the kana character of muddy sound or semi-voiced sound by the slide operation from the appearable area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44), the distance to move the finger is shortened. In addition, it is possible to reduce pressing errors by sliding the appearance possible area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display section 44) having a relatively large area while pressing it. Therefore, operability can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, when the slide operation from the appearance area 45 toward the key arrangement unit 41 is performed, the output control means determines the length of the locus drawn by the slide operation. When the specified length is exceeded, it is determined that a number is input by handwriting input, and the number corresponding to the locus can be output to the character display unit 34 when the slide operation ends. . In the case of such a configuration, it is possible to easily input numbers and improve operability.

  In other words, at present, when a kana character is being input, for example, when it is necessary to input a number such as “24” or “11:55”, a mode for inputting a number (keyboard) ), And the number is entered after the switch. However, as shown in FIG. 9, when a slide operation from the appearance area 45 toward the key arrangement unit 41 is detected and a number corresponding to the slide trajectory is output, the mode (keyboard) is purposely input for the number input. Switching operation is not necessary. In addition, numerical input can be performed by one action of sliding operation, so that operability can be improved compared to the case where two or more current actions of selecting a number after switching modes (keyboards) are required.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the output control means is the key arrangement unit 41 realized before the slide operation is performed when the slide operation from the appearable area 45 toward the key arrangement unit 41 is performed. The key arrangement unit 41 is changed to a different type. Further, when the pressing means such as a finger is released from the key arrangement unit 41, the output control unit accepts an input to the key 50 existing at the position where the pressing unit is released, and the character display unit 34 receives the key 50. The output of the corresponding character can be controlled.

  In this case, various key arrangement parts 41 as shown in FIGS. 10 to 17 can appear by the sliding operation, for example. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to press the key arrangement portion 41 such as the keys 511, 513, and 514, and the movement distance of the finger can be shortened. In addition, after the sliding operation, the finger is brought to the target character or symbol without releasing the finger, and when the finger is released, the input corresponding to the key 50 at the released position is made. A target character, number, symbol, or the like can be input. Therefore, convenience when the user inputs a character or the like can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, when the pressing means such as a finger is released from the key arrangement unit 41, the output control means accepts an input to the key 50 existing at the position where the pressing means is released, and before the change. The key arrangement unit 41 can be restored. Here, for example, in many cases, after inputting a character (for example, a number) different from the kana character, such as “10 o'clock”, the input is returned to the original type and input again. Can be matched with the purpose by returning immediately when the key is separated from the key arrangement unit 41.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the pressing means such as a finger is released from the key arrangement unit 41, the output control means receives an input to the key 50 existing at the position where the pressing means is released, and after the change. The appearance of the character output unit 41 can be continued. For example, even when the pressing means such as a finger such as “END”, “ON”, “OFF” is separated from the character output unit 41, there are many cases where it is desired to continue the input at the character output unit 41 after the change. When the subsequent appearance of the character output unit 41 is continued, it can be matched with the purpose.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the output control means restores the changed key arrangement portion to the key arrangement portion 41 before the change when a slide operation from the possible appearance area 45 toward the key arrangement portion 41 is performed. It can also be controlled. For example, after switching from the key arrangement part 41 for inputting kana characters as shown in FIG. 4 to the key arrangement part 41 for inputting alphabets as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the kana characters are again inputted. When it is desired to do so, it can be returned by simply sliding a pressing means such as a finger so as to go from the appearable area 45 to the key arrangement portion 41. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

<5. Modification>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be variously modified in addition to this. This will be described below.

  In the above-described embodiment, the key arrangement unit 41 has the keys 50 in four stages and three rows (or three stages and four rows). However, the key arrangement | sequence part 41 is not restricted to the structure which starts. For example, there may be three or more rows and stages.

  In the above-described embodiment, when a finger or the like slides from the appearable area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44) to the key arrangement unit 41 beyond the border area 46, the output control unit performs the sliding operation. Accordingly, the character output to the character display unit 34 based on the input character is changed to a different character, or is changed to a different kind of key arrangement unit 41. However, even when a slide exceeding a predetermined length is performed in the possible appearance area 45 (prediction / conversion candidate display section 44) without exceeding the border area 46, the same as described above, the character display section 34 is displayed. The character output may be changed to a different character, or may be changed to a different type of key arrangement unit 41.

  In the above-described embodiment, the appearance possible area 45 in which the prediction / conversion candidate display unit 44 can appear is arranged on the upper side (back side) of the character key arrangement unit 42. However, the possible appearance area 45 may be configured to be displayed on the left side and / or the right side of the character key arrangement unit 42.

  In the above-described embodiment, a Japanese input mode for inputting Japanese and an English input mode for inputting alphabets are described. However, in addition to inputting Japanese and English, the present invention may be applied when inputting another language using alphabets. Languages that use the alphabet include German "¨" (umlaut), Spanish reverse exclamation mark, tilde and acute accents, French circumflex and grave accents such as Grave accents, Chinese The present invention can be applied when inputting phonetic notation characters such as pinyin and other special symbols and special characters.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Portable information terminal, 10 ... Housing | casing, 11 ... Display, 11a ... Display surface, 12 ... Touch sensor, 13 ... Key operation part, 20 ... CPU (an example of an output control means), 21 ... Memory, 22 ... Image processing Circuit 22a ... VRAM 23 ... Key input circuit 24 ... Communication module 26 ... Alphabet 30 ... Keyboard display 31 ... Prediction / conversion display 32 ... Border display 33 ... Key display 34 ... Character display DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 40 ... Software keyboard, 41 ... Key arrangement part, 42 ... Character key arrangement part, 43 ... Function key arrangement part, 44 ... Prediction / conversion candidate display part, 45 ... Appearance possible area, 46 ... Border area, 47 ... Flick input Part, 48 ... numeral input part, 49 ... alphabet input part, 50,511-514,521-524,531-534,541-544,551 54 ... key, 56 ... numeric keys, 57 ... symbol keys, 58 ... alphabetic keys

Claims (8)

A software keyboard program that is executed by a computer having a touch panel and that realizes a software keyboard serving as a user interface on the touch panel,
The computer,
A key arrangement part having keys that are displayed on the touch panel and can input at least one of kana characters, alphabets, and numbers;
Output control means for controlling output of characters to the character display portion of the touch panel in response to an input to the keys of the key arrangement portion displayed on the touch panel;
Based on the input of characters in the key arrangement portion, an appearance possible area in which a prediction / conversion candidate display unit that displays conversion input candidates or prediction input candidates for the characters can appear,
As well as
A border area is provided between the appearable area and the key arrangement part,
With the prediction / conversion candidate display part appearing , the pressing means is moved from the appearing possible area to the arbitrary position beyond the border area in a state where an arbitrary position of the appearable area is pressed by the pressing means. When sliding, the output control means changes the character output to the character display unit based on the input character to a different character, adds a sound with the input character, or different types of the sound Change to the key layout,
A software keyboard program characterized by that. A software keyboard program according to claim 1 , wherein
When the undecided kana inputted by the key arrangement unit can be switched from a clear sound to a muddy sound or a semi-voiced sound, the output control means is configured to change the kana sound from a clear sound to a kana character of muddy sound or Switch to kana characters with semi-voiced sound,
A software keyboard program characterized by that. A software keyboard program according to claim 1, wherein
The output control means, when a slide operation is performed from the possible appearance area toward the key arrangement unit, the key arrangement unit of a type different from the key arrangement unit realized before the slide operation is performed. To
The output control means, when the pressing means is released from the key arrangement portion, receives an input to the key existing at a position where the pressing means is released, and the character display portion receives a character corresponding to the key. Control the output,
A software keyboard program characterized by that. A software keyboard program according to claim 3 ,
When the output control means releases the pressing means from the key arrangement portion, the output control means receives an input to the key existing at a position where the pressing means is released, and returns to the key arrangement portion before the change,
A software keyboard program characterized by that. A software keyboard program according to claim 4 ,
The output control means receives an input to the key existing at a position where the pressing means is released when the pressing means is released from the key arrangement part , and continues appearance of the changed key arrangement part. ,
A software keyboard program characterized by that. A software keyboard program according to claim 5 , wherein
The output control means, when a slide operation starting from the appearable area is made, returns the key arrangement part after the change to the key arrangement part before the change,
A software keyboard program characterized by that. A character input device comprising a touch panel and realizing a software keyboard as a user interface on the touch panel,
A key arrangement part having keys that are displayed on the touch panel and can input at least one of kana characters, alphabets, and numbers;
Output control means for controlling output of characters to the character display portion of the touch panel in response to an input to the keys of the key arrangement portion displayed on the touch panel;
Based on the input of characters in the key arrangement portion, an appearance possible area in which a prediction / conversion candidate display unit that displays conversion input candidates or prediction input candidates for the characters can appear,
Bei to give a,
A border area is provided between the appearable area and the key arrangement part,
With the prediction / conversion candidate display part appearing , the pressing means is moved from the appearing possible area to the arbitrary position beyond the border area in a state where an arbitrary position of the appearable area is pressed by the pressing means. When sliding, the output control means changes the character output to the character display unit based on the input character to a different character, adds a sound with the input character, or different types of the sound Change to the key layout,
A character input device characterized by that. A character input method comprising a touch panel and realizing a software keyboard as a user interface on the touch panel,
An input portion appearance step for causing a key arrangement portion to be displayed with a key that can be displayed on the touch panel and capable of inputting at least one of kana characters, alphabets, and numbers;
An output control step for controlling output of characters to the character display unit of the touch panel in response to an input to the key of the key arrangement unit displayed on the touch panel;
An area realization step for realizing an appearable area where a prediction / conversion candidate display unit for displaying a conversion input candidate or a prediction input candidate for the character based on the input of the character in the key arrangement unit can appear;
A border area step for providing a border area between the appearable area and the key arrangement portion;
With
In the output control step, in a state where the prediction / conversion candidate display section appears, an arbitrary position of the appearable area is pressed by a pressing unit, and an arbitrary area beyond the border area from the appearable area is displayed . When sliding to a position, the character output to the character display unit based on the input character is changed to a different character, or a sound is added together with the input character, or a different kind of the key arrangement unit change,
Character input method characterized by this.