JP6874964B2 - 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.

In recent years, touch panel methods for inputting characters and the like have become widespread, including smartphones and tablet terminals. In the input of characters and the like by such a touch panel method, a so-called software keyboard is displayed on the screen, and characters and the like can be input by touching the touch panel corresponding to the screen. Further, as an input using a software keyboard, a flick input is widely used in order to enable speedy character input. In general flick input, related keys are displayed on at least one of the touched keys on the top, bottom, left, and right, and characters can be input by sliding a finger toward the surrounding keys and touching them.

By the way, when inputting voiced sound or semi-voiced sound by flick input, generally, kana characters are input by flick input, and the input is not confirmed yet, and a dedicated key in another place ( For example, it is realized by pressing the key to the left of the "wa" key). For such an input, there is an input method as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, as a means for further facilitating the input.

The input method disclosed in Patent Document 1 enables input of voiced sound or semi-voiced sound by touching a voiced sound mark or a semi-voiced sound mark arranged diagonally in the direction of the touched key in a state where the kana character is undecided. There is. The input method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is implemented in a specific smartphone as "curve flick".

US2012 / 0302291A1 (US918907)

By the way, in the curve flick as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that erroneous input tends to occur and it is difficult to input because the trajectories in which the fingers slide when inputting voiced sound or semi-voiced sound are close to each other. .. This is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 26, in the curve flick disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a trajectory for inputting the voiced sound “bu”, a trajectory for inputting the voiced sound “ba”, and a semi-voiced sound “pe”. Is set in close proximity to the trajectory for inputting.

Therefore, even if the trajectory on which the finger slides is slightly disturbed, characters based on another trajectory will be input. Therefore, characters different from those intended by the user are output, resulting in erroneous input. In particular, for example, in a smartphone or the like, since the touch panel is not so large, such an approximation of the trajectory becomes remarkable, and erroneous input increases.

Further, in the curve flick disclosed in Patent Document 1, as a measure for reducing such an erroneous input, the flick determination is controlled by making the length of the finger slide longer than that of the normal flick input. Also mentions. However, such control forces the user to slide a long finger, which causes a problem of poor operability. Further, when the control is such that the slide length is lengthened, there is a problem that the user cannot adjust the slide length to suit himself / herself.

Such a problem will be described with reference to FIG. 27. In general flick input, it is controlled so that flick determination of up / down / left / right is possible even for a short slide in the key area touched first. However, when this flick input is applied to the curve flick disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operation of sliding diagonally through a short slide in the key area as shown in FIG. 27 (a) and the direct diagonal direction I can't distinguish the operation of sliding to. In the case of FIG. 27A, even if the user intends to input the "bu", the "ba" is controlled to be output.

On the other hand, when the input of "bu" is intended, in order to output "bu" correctly, as shown in FIG. 27 (b), slide the finger for a long time in the flick area of "fu". I need to let you. Therefore, the user is forced to slide a long finger, and the operability is poor.

Further, in the actual flick input, the finger does not slide straight on the touch panel, and in many cases, the finger is slightly curved with the base of the finger as a fulcrum, for example. In that case, in Patent Document 1, the problem as shown in FIG. 28 also occurs. As shown in FIG. 28A, for example, the trajectory for inputting the “fu” is similar to the trajectory for inputting the voiced sound “bu”, and erroneous input tends to occur. This is also based on the fact that curve flicks force longer finger slides, as described above. In order to prevent such erroneous input of "fu" and "bu", if the slide amount of the finger for inputting "bu" is shortened, as shown in FIG. 28 (b), this time, "ba" is input. Since it approximates the trajectory of the above, the defect described with reference to FIG. 27 occurs.

Further, in the curve flick disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the key in which the input of the kana character of the "ha" line is set, the guide in the slide direction in which the voiced sound mark is marked at the stage when the finger touches the key and the semi-voiced sound mark are half. The guides in the sliding direction with the mark of the voiced sound mark are displayed at the same time in a state of being symmetrical or vertically symmetrical. Moreover, the trajectory in which the finger slides to input the voiced sound and the trajectory in which the finger slides to input the semi-voiced sound are symmetrical orbits that differ only in line symmetry. Here, in each guide, the voiced sound mark and the semi-voiced sound mark are only displayed small, so it is difficult to instantly determine whether the voiced sound mark or the semi-voiced sound mark is entered. It tends to occur.

Also, if you move your finger according to each guide, the guide will be hidden under your finger. Therefore, during the slide operation, it becomes difficult to confirm whether the voiced sound or the handakuon is input, and even if the voiced sound and the handakuon are mistaken, it is difficult to recognize. In addition, even if either orbit is selected without relying on the guide, there is a problem that both orbits have the same shape with different line symmetry, so that it is easy to make a mistake.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is a software keyboard program capable of reducing unintentional erroneous input when inputting kana characters of voiced sound or semi-voiced sound, and character input. It is intended to provide a device and a character input method.

In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the software keyboard program of the present invention is a software keyboard program that is executed by a computer provided with a touch panel and realizes a software keyboard that serves as a user interface on the touch panel. Is displayed on the touch panel and has a character input unit equipped with a key capable of inputting a pseudonym character, and when a pseudonym character is input, flick input can be performed for at least one character in the character input unit. The key arrangement part is set to function as an output control means for controlling the output of characters to the character display part of the touch panel in response to the input to the software keyboard displayed on the touch panel, and the key arrangement part is Kana for keys for which flick input of kana characters in "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When you first press with the pressing means when entering a character, the initial recognition area for recognizing the pseudonym character of the "A" stage Kiyone of the pressed line is set, and the key arrangement part has four different flick directions. A flick area is set for each of the flick areas, and in each flick area, the flick characters are "i" dan Kiyone's kana character, "u" dan Kiyone's kana character, "e" dan Kiyone's kana character, and " Set the pseudonym character of "O" Dan Kiyone, and set the axis from the center of the initial recognition area to the center of the flick area as the flick axis, and from the flick area, the initial recognition area that the pressing means first touches while maintaining the touch state. Set a return recognition area to recognize when the slide direction is changed in the direction of shortening the slide distance on the flick axis based on the position where the key is first touched toward and its surroundings, and the return recognition area is set. The area is set to one or two or three areas that do not overlap each other, and the key arrangement part is different from the flick characters set in the return recognition area in four different flick directions. A slide that sets a character string larger than a character, slides the pressing means without releasing it from the touch panel, passes through the flick area, and then reaches the return recognition area without passing through the area for recognizing other pseudonym characters. The operation is called a return clear sound slide, and the output control means outputs the first character of a character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area as a flick character set in the flick area in the case of the return clear sound slide. The control means is In response to the operation of the return clear sound slide, a character string of two or more characters set in the return recognition area is specified as an input target, and the return recognition areas pass through the return recognition area while the pressing means continues to touch. Even if it does not reach another return recognition area, the input target continues to be held, and when the touch by the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output, and the key arrangement is used. The part is a key in which flick input of kana characters in the "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the pressing means slides into the flick area in the first flick direction in which the kana characters in the "i" stage are set, three return recognition areas are set and the character strings to be set in each return recognition area. Is set as the first character of the kana character in the "i" stage, and is set as the kana character of the "i" stage with the kana character of "ya", "yu", or "yo" as the second character, and output control is performed. The means is to set the kana character of the first character "i" of the "i" stage, which is set in the return recognition area, as the kana character of the "i" stage kiyone in the case of the return Kiyone slide, and output control. The means specifies, in response to the operation of the return clear sound slide, the roaring sound of the "I" stage set in the return recognition area as an input target, and when the touch by the pressing means is released in the return recognition area, The return recognition area is controlled so that the input target is output, and the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the first character, and the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the second character with the kana character in the "yu" stage. The return recognition area is called the "yu" return recognition area, and the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the first character, and the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the second character with the kana character in the "yo" stage. Called the return recognition area, the key array section sets an external recognition area outside the return recognition area when the output control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area. In the recognition area, "u" or "-" is added to the end of the kana in the "i" stage specified by the output control means as the input target in the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area. Set the kana character of the character so that there is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yu" return recognition area, and between the external recognition area and the "yo" return recognition area. In the state where there is no other return recognition area, the output control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area by the return clear sound slide, and further external recognition without releasing the pressing means from the touch panel. Slide into area By detecting the pressing by the pressing means in the external recognition area, the three kana characters set in the external recognition area are designated as the input target, and the touch by the pressing means is released in the external recognition area. In that case, it is characterized in that the input target is controlled to be output.

Further, another aspect of the software keyboard program of the present invention is a software keyboard program that is executed by a computer provided with a touch panel and realizes a software keyboard that serves as a user interface on the touch panel, and displays the computer on the touch panel. A key that has a character input unit with a key that allows input of kana characters, and that allows flick input for at least one character in the character input unit when a kana character is input. The key arrangement part functions as an output control means for controlling the output of characters to the character display part of the touch panel in response to the input to the arrangement part and the software keyboard displayed on the touch panel, and the key arrangement part is a "ka" line. When entering kana characters for keys for which flick input of kana characters is set for the "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line When you first press with the pressing means, the initial recognition area for recognizing the kana character of the "A" stage Kiyone of the pressed line is set, and the key arrangement part flicks in each of the four different flick directions. Set the area, and in each flick area, use the kana characters of "i" dan Kiyone, the kana characters of "u" dan Kiyone, the kana characters of "e" dan Kiyone, and the kana characters of "o" dan Kiyone as flick characters. Set the kana character, and set the axis from the center of the initial recognition area to the center of the flick area as the flick axis, and from the flick area toward the initial recognition area and its surroundings that the pressing means first touched while maintaining the touch state. Then, set the return recognition area to be recognized when the slide direction is changed in the direction of shortening the slide distance on the flick axis based on the position where the key is first touched, and the return recognition area is one or more. , It is set to any number of 2 or 3 as areas that do not overlap each other, and the key arrangement part is a character string of 2 or more characters different from the flick characters set in 4 different flick directions in the return recognition area. Set, slide the pressing means without releasing it from the touch panel, and slide the operation to the return recognition area via the flick area and then without the area for recognizing other kana characters. Called a slide, the output control means uses the first character of a character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area as the flick character set in the flick area in the case of a return clear sound slide, and the output control means returns. Kiyone slide Depending on the operation, a character string of two or more characters set in the return recognition area is specified as an input target, and even if the pressing means passes through the return recognition area while continuing to touch the return recognition areas, Unless the other return recognition area is reached, the input target is continuously held, and when the touch by the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output. For keys for which flick input of kana characters in the "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, and "ha" line is set, outside the flick area and the initial recognition area in the flick direction where the flick input was performed. , Set a dakuten recognition area for recognizing the dakuten kana character with a dakuten added to the dakuten kana character set in the flick area, and the dakuten recognition area is the flick area from the center of the initial recognition area with respect to the flick area. It exists on one side of the first orthogonal direction orthogonal to the flick axis direction toward the center of, and the output control means slides the pressing means without separating from the touch panel and passes through the flick area to the dakuten recognition area. By detecting the pressing by the pressing means, the pseudonym character of the dakuten with the dakuten added to the kana character set in the flick area that passed through is specified as the input target, and the touch by the pressing means is released in the dakuten recognition area. In this case, the input target is controlled to be output, and the return recognition area is first directed from the dakuten recognition area toward the initial recognition area and its surroundings that the pressing means first touches while maintaining the touch state. It is set to recognize when the slide direction is changed in the direction of shortening the slide distance on the flick axis with the position where the key is touched as the base point and returned, and the return recognition area is a different area from the dakuten recognition area. The slide operation that goes through the flick area, further through the voiced sound recognition area, and then to the return recognition area without going through the area for recognizing other pseudonym characters is called a return voiced sound slide. The output control means sets the first character of a character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area as a voiced sound pseudonym character in which a voiced sound is added to the flick character set in the flick area in the case of a return voiced sound slide, and output control is performed. The means specifies a character string of two or more characters set in the return recognition area as an input target according to each operation of the return clear sound slide and the return voiced sound slide, and the key arrangement part is the "ka" line, "sa". For keys that are set to flick input of kana characters in the "" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line , When the pressing means slides into the flick area in the first flick direction where the kana characters in the "i" stage are set, three return recognition areas are set, and the character string to be set in each return recognition area is set. , The kana character of the "i" stage is set as the first character, and the second character is set as the kana character of the "i" stage accompanied by one of the kana characters of "ya", "yu", and "yo", and the output control means Is the kana character of the first character of the "i" stage, which is set in the return recognition area, as the kana character of the "i" stage, in the case of the return Kiyone slide, and in the case of the return muddy sound slide. Is set as the kana character of the "I" stage muddy sound, and the output control means specifies the "I" stage muddy sound set in the return recognition area as the input target according to the operation of the return clear sound slide and the return muddy sound slide. At the same time, when the touch by the pressing means is released in the return recognition area, the input target is controlled to be output, the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the first character, and the second character is "yu". The return recognition area in which the kana character of the "i" stage is set is called the "yu" return recognition area, the kana character of the "i" stage is the first character, and the second character is "yo". The return recognition area in which the "i" stage sound accompanied by kana characters is set is called the "yo" return recognition area, and in the key arrangement part, the output control means is the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area. When the above is reached, an external recognition area is set outside the return recognition area, and the output control means designates the external recognition area as an input target in the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area. Set a three-character kana character with "u" or "-" added to the end of the "i" column, and there is another return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yu" return recognition area. It is assumed that there is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yo" return recognition area, and the output control means is a return clear sound slide or a return muddy sound slide. By reaching the return recognition area or the return recognition area, and further sliding the pressing means to the external recognition area without separating from the touch panel to detect the pressing by the pressing means in the external recognition area, the external recognition area is reached. It is characterized in that the set three kana characters are designated as input targets, and when the touch by the pressing means is released in the external recognition area, the input target is controlled to be output.

Further, in another aspect of the software keyboard program of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned invention, the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the first character, and the second character is accompanied by the kana character "ya". The return recognition area in which the humming sound of the "" stage is set is called the "ya" return recognition area, and the key arrangement part is the "ya" return recognition area, which is the first flick direction of the flick axis of the "i" stage. Set on the opposite side, the "yu" return recognition area and the "yo" return recognition area are one of the axes in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the center of the initial recognition area with respect to the flick axis direction of the "i" stage. The external recognition area is set to a different position for each of the "yu" return recognition area and the "yo" return recognition area, and the position is set to the "yu" return recognition area. It is preferable to set the axis parallel to the flick axis of the "I" stage to the first flick direction side for each of the "yo" return recognition areas.

Further, another aspect of the software keyboard program of the present invention is, in addition to the above invention, a display that causes the computer to display an input guide window for displaying flick input based on control by the output control means. together to function as a control means, display control means, the key pressing means has first touched, when the flick determination is recognized in accordance with the flick operation toward different four flick direction of the flick region, the input guide window A flick character display area is provided in the flick character display area, and the flick character set in the flick character display area is highlighted, and the display control means displays a character string of one or more characters in the flick character display area. If it is set as a highlighting area and the pressing means reaches either the return recognition area or the external recognition area while maintaining the touch from the flick area of the "I" stage, it is designated as an input target in each recognition area. When the return recognition area is set in the area other than the highlighting area that emphasizes the input target character in the input guide window, the display control means controls so that the character string is highlighted in the highlighting area. , The last character of the character string set in the return recognition area, and when the external recognition area is set, the last character of the character string set in the external recognition area is recognized to indicate each recognition area. It is preferable to display as an area guide, and when the pressing means reaches each recognition area while maintaining the touch from the flick area, control is performed so as to highlight the recognition area guide indicating the recognition area .

Further, another aspect of the software keyboard program of the present invention is, in addition to the invention described above, a display that causes the computer to display an input guide window for displaying flick input, based on control by the output control means. In addition to functioning as a control means, the display control means displays the input guide window when a flick determination is recognized in response to a flick operation from the key first touched by the pressing means toward the flick area in each of the four different flick directions. A flick character display area is provided, and the flick character set in the flick character display area is highlighted, and the display control means highlights the flick character display area to display one or more character strings. If it is set as a display unit and the pressing means reaches any of the dakuten recognition area, the return recognition area, and the external recognition area while maintaining the touch from the flick area of the "I" stage, the input target is in each recognition area. The character string specified as is controlled to be highlighted in the highlighting section, and the display control means sets a voiced sound recognition area in the area other than the highlighting section that highlights the input target character in the input guide window. If so, the dakuten mark is set, if the return recognition area is set, the last character of the character string set in the return recognition area is set, and if the external recognition area is set, it is set in the external recognition area. The last character of the character string is displayed as a recognition area guide indicating each recognition area, and when the pressing means reaches each recognition area while maintaining the touch from the flick area, the recognition area is displayed. It is preferable to control so as to highlight the indicated recognition area guide.

Further, one aspect of the character input device of the present invention is a character input device that is executed by a computer provided with a touch panel and realizes a software keyboard that serves as a user interface on the touch panel, and is displayed on the touch panel and kana characters. The touch panel has a key arrangement section that has a character input section with keys that allow you to enter kana characters, and is set to allow flick input for at least one character in the character input section when you enter kana characters. It is equipped with an output control means for controlling the output of characters to the character display section of the touch panel according to the input to the displayed software keyboard, and the key arrangement section includes "ka" line, "sa" line, and "ta" line. For keys for which flick input of kana characters on the "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set, first press with the pressing means when entering the kana character. Then, the initial recognition area for recognizing the kana character of the "A" stage Kiyone of the pressed line is set, and the key arrangement part sets the flick area in each of the four different flick directions, and each of them. In the flick area, set the kana characters of "i" dan Kiyone, the kana characters of "u" dan Kiyone, the kana characters of "e" dan Kiyone, and the kana characters of "o" dan Kiyone as flick characters. The axis from the center of the recognition area to the center of the flick area is the flick axis, and the key is first touched from the flick area toward the initial recognition area and its surroundings that the pressing means first touched while maintaining the touch state. A return recognition area is set to recognize when the slide direction is changed in the direction of shortening the slide distance on the flick axis with the position as the base point, and the return recognition area is set to one or a non-overlapping area. It is set to any number of 2 or 3, and the key arrangement part sets a character string of 2 or more characters different from the flick characters set in 4 different flick directions in the return recognition area, and presses the pressing means. The slide operation that slides without releasing from the touch panel, passes through the flick area, and then reaches the return recognition area without passing through the area for recognizing other kana characters is called a return clear sound slide, and output control is performed. The means is the first character of the character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area, and in the case of the return clear sound slide, the flick character set in the flick area is used, and the output control means responds to the operation of the return clear sound slide. , Input a character string of two or more characters set in the return recognition area In addition to designating as an elephant, even if the pressing means passes through the return recognition area while continuing to touch the return recognition areas, the input target is retained as long as it does not reach another return recognition area. , When the touch by the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output, and the key arrangement part is the "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "na" line. Press the flick area in the first flick direction where the kana character in the "i" column is set for the key for which the flick input of the kana character in the "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the means slides, three return recognition areas are set, and the character string to be set in each return recognition area is that the pseudonym character in the "i" column is the first character and the second characters are "ya" and "". It is set as the "i" stage of the "i" stage with a pseudonym character of either "yu" or "yo", and the output control means is the "i" stage of the first character of the "i" stage of the "i" stage set in the return recognition area. In the case of the return Kiyone slide, the pseudonym character of is set as the pseudonym character of the "I" stage Kiyone, and the output control means is set to the "I" stage in the return recognition area according to the operation of the return Kiyone slide. When the touch by the pressing means is released in the return recognition area, the input target is controlled to be output, and the pseudonym character in the "i" stage is set as the first character, and 2 The return recognition area in which the "i" stage squealing sound accompanied by the "yu" pseudonym character is called the "yu" return recognition area, and the "i" stage kana character is the first character and two characters. The return recognition area in which the humming sound of the "i" stage with the pseudonym character of "yo" is set is called the "yo" return recognition area, and the output control means is the "yu" return recognition area or the key arrangement part. When the "yo" return recognition area is reached, an external recognition area is set outside the return recognition area, and the output control means is set in the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area in the external recognition area. A three-character pseudonym character with "u" or "-" added to the end of the "i" column specified as the input target is set, and between the external recognition area and the "yu" return recognition area, It is assumed that there is no other return recognition area, and that there is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yo" return recognition area. By reaching the "return recognition area" or the "yo" return recognition area and further sliding the pressing means to the external recognition area without separating from the touch panel to detect the pressing by the pressing means in the external recognition area, the external recognition area is detected. Set to It is characterized in that the three kana characters are designated as input targets, and when the touch by the pressing means is released in the external recognition area, the input target is controlled to be output .

Further, one aspect of the character input method of the present invention is a character input method in which a touch panel is provided and a software keyboard serving as a user interface is realized on the touch panel, which is displayed on the touch panel and can input kana characters. A key appearance step that has a character input unit with a key, and when a kana character is input, a key arrangement unit that is set so that flick input can be performed for at least one character of the character input unit appears. It is equipped with an output control step in which the output of characters to the character display section of the touch panel is controlled by an output control means according to the input to the software keyboard displayed on the touch panel, and in the key appearance step, the "ka" line, When entering kana characters for keys that are set to flick kana characters in the "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line When you first press with the pressing means, the initial recognition area for recognizing the kana character of the "A" stage Kiyone of the pressed line is set, and the key arrangement part flicks in each of the four different flick directions. Set the area, and in each flick area, use the kana characters of "i" dan Kiyone, the kana characters of "u" dan Kiyone, the kana characters of "e" dan Kiyone, and the kana characters of "o" dan Kiyone as flick characters. Set the kana character, and set the axis from the center of the initial recognition area to the center of the flick area as the flick axis, and from the flick area, while maintaining the touch state, aim at the initial recognition area and its surroundings that the pressing means first touched. Then, set the return recognition area to be recognized when the slide direction is changed in the direction of shortening the slide distance on the flick axis based on the position where the key is first touched, and the return recognition area is one. , It is set to any number of 2 or 3 as areas that do not overlap each other, and the key arrangement part is a character string of 2 or more characters different from the flick characters set in 4 different flick directions in the return recognition area. Set, slide the pressing means without releasing it from the touch panel, and slide the operation to the return recognition area via the flick area and then without passing through the area for recognizing other kana characters. Called a slide, the output control means uses the first character of a character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area as the flick character set in the flick area in the case of a return clear sound slide, and the output control means returns. Set in the return recognition area according to the operation of the Kiyone slide. As long as the return recognition areas do not reach other return recognition areas even if the pressing means passes through the return recognition area while continuing to touch the return recognition areas, while specifying the character string of two or more characters as the input target. The state in which the input target is held is continued, and when the touch by the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output, and the key arrangement part is the "ka" line, the "sa" line, and the "ka" line. The kana characters in the "i" column are set for the keys for which the flick input of the kana characters in the "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the pressing means slides into the flick area in the first flick direction, three return recognition areas are set, and the character string set in each return recognition area is set to the first character of the kana character in the "i" column. The second character is set as the sound of the "i" stage with one of the kana characters "ya", "yu", and "yo", and the output control means is the "i" stage set in the return recognition area. In the case of a return Kiyone slide, the kana character of the first character of the 拗 子 is set as the kana character of the "I" stage Kiyone, and the output control means recognizes the return according to the operation of the return Kiyone slide. In addition to specifying the roaring sound of the "I" stage set in the area as the input target, when the touch by the pressing means is released in the return recognition area, the input target is controlled to be output, and the "I" stage is controlled. The return recognition area in which the kana character of is set as the first character and the kana character of "yu" is set as the second character is called the "yu" return recognition area. The return recognition area in which the kana character is the first character and the kana character of the "yo" is set in the second character is called the "yo" return recognition area, and the key arrangement part outputs it. When the control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area, an external recognition area is set outside the return recognition area, and the output control means "yu" return recognition in the external recognition area. Set the three kana characters with "u" or "-" added to the end of the "i" stage syllabary specified as the input target in the area or "yo" return recognition area, and set the external recognition area and "yu". There is no other return recognition area between the return recognition area, and there is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the return recognition area. The output control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area by the return clear sound slide, and further slides the pressing means to the external recognition area without releasing the touch panel to press the pressing means in the external recognition area. To detect As a result, the three kana characters set in the external recognition area are specified as the input target, and when the touch by the pressing means is released in the external recognition area, the input target is controlled to be output. , Is characterized.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce unintentional erroneous input when inputting kana characters for voiced sound or semi-voiced sound.

It is a figure which shows the appearance shape of the mobile information terminal which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the mobile information terminal of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which displays the keyboard display of the software keyboard on the display surface in the mobile information terminal of FIG. 1, and is able to accept the key input. It is a figure which shows the input guide window for guiding a flick input. In the input guide window shown in FIG. 4, it is a figure which shows the state which showed the dakuten mark about the dakuten added to the kana character of the seion. In addition to the voiced sound mark mark shown in FIG. 5, is a diagram showing a state in which a semi-voiced sound mark mark added to the kana character of the line is shown. It is a figure which shows an example of the key layout in a software keyboard. It is a figure which shows the image of the flick input, and shows the case where the flick input is performed with the key corresponding to the kana character of "ha". FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which a flick input portion having an initial recognition area and a flick area is shown when a pressing means such as a finger touches the vicinity of the boundary between adjacent keys according to a modified example of FIG. is there. It is a figure which shows the flick input part and the input guide window when the key corresponding to the kana character is pressed. It is a figure which shows the state of the flick input part and the input guide window when a finger slides in the flick area which shows "hi" of a flick input part. It is a figure which shows the state which the pressing means such as a finger touches the dakuten recognition area of a flick input part. It is a figure which shows the state which the pressing means such as a finger touches the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area of a flick input part. It is a figure which shows the trajectory of the pressing means such as a finger for inputting a voiced sound and a handakuon in a flick input part. It is a figure which shows the trajectory of the pressing means when inputting the kana character "ba" of a voiced sound, and the display state of an input guide window. It is a figure which shows the trajectory of the pressing means when inputting the pseudonym character "pa" of a semi-voiced sound, and the display state of an input guide window. It is a figure which shows the case where the pressing means touches the "ka" key. It is a figure which shows the state which the pressed part was slid to the flick area of the kana character of "I" stage. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a return recognition region in a form in which the tip portion of the home base type is cut out according to a modified example of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the pressing part is located in the 2nd return recognition area for inputting the "kyo" of a yoon. It is a figure which shows the image which sets another return recognition area. It is a figure which shows the state which the pressing means slides from the initial recognition area to the flick area for inputting the kana character "ko", and the kana character "ko" is the input target. It is a figure which shows the image which the return recognition area is set by the pressing means returning to the flick axis L2 side, and the two-character kana character "ko" is input. It is a figure which shows the state which the external recognition area appears and the finger slides to the external recognition area when the kana character "kyo" of the yoon is specified. It is a figure which shows the state which the external recognition area appears and the finger slides to the external recognition area when the kana character "kyu" of the yoon is specified. It is a figure which shows an example of the trajectory in which a finger slides when inputting the kana of the voiced sound and the kana of the semi-voiced sound in the conventional curve flick. It is a figure which shows an example of the pseudonym input using the conventional curve flick, and (a) is approximate to the trajectory of the slide of "ba" when trying to input with a short slide when inputting "bu". (B) is a diagram showing a state in which the trajectories of the slides of the "bu" and the "ba" can be clearly distinguished by sliding the finger for a long time when inputting the "bu". It is a figure which shows an example of the pseudonym input using the conventional curve flick, (a) is the trajectory of the finger for inputting "fu", and when the finger is slid for a long time to input "bu". The orbits are similar, and (b) shows that the trajectory of the finger for inputting "ba" and the trajectory when the finger is slid briefly to input "bu" are similar. It is a figure which shows the state.

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

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

The mobile information terminal 1 has a housing 10 having a rectangular shape when viewed in a plan view. 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 allows the displayed image or the like to be visually recognized from the outside. The display 11 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and may be another display device such as an organic EL display.

The touch sensor 12 is arranged on the display surface 11a and detects an input position with respect to the display surface 11a. The touch sensor 12 is formed in the shape of a transparent sheet, and the display surface 11a can be seen through the touch sensor 12. The touch sensor 12 is a capacitance type 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 this input position. Is output to the CPU 20 described later.

The user can tap, slide, flick, swipe, long tap, etc. by touching the touch sensor 12 with his or her finger or a pressing means such as a touch pen (hereinafter, simply referred to as "finger" for simplicity). Various operations can be performed. Here, the touch sensor 12 is not limited to the capacitance type touch sensor 12, and may be an ultrasonic type, a pressure sensitive type, a resistance film type, a light detection type, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, a key operation unit 13 including a home button for displaying the home screen on the display surface 11a is provided below the touch panel. The key operation unit 13 may have only a home button, or may be provided with other buttons (for example, a setting button for performing various settings).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the mobile information terminal 1. The mobile 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 the VRAM 22a 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 22a to the display 11 by the LCD controller.

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

The communication module 24 includes an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves for telephone calls and communications. The communication module 24 converts the signal input from the CPU 20 into a wireless signal, and transmits the converted wireless signal to a communication destination such as a base station or another communication device via an antenna. Further, the communication module 24 converts the wireless 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 imparting a control function to the CPU 20 and various applications. For example, the memory 21 displays a keyboard screen display as shown in FIG. 3 (hereinafter, the screen display of the keyboard is referred to as a keyboard display 30) on the display surface 11a so that key input can be accepted. The application software for this (corresponding to the character input program) is also stored.

Further, various programs such as a call, an e-mail, and a web browser are stored in the memory 21, and the various programs include a software keyboard program corresponding to the software keyboard. By processing with the CPU 20 based on the software keyboard program, an output control means for controlling the output of characters to the character display unit 32 of the touch panel according to the input to the software keyboard displayed on the touch panel is also realized. Further, a display control means for controlling the display on the display 11 is also realized. The memory 21 is also used as a working memory for storing various data temporarily used or generated when the application is executed.

The application software corresponding to the software keyboard causes the above-mentioned keyboard display 30 to be displayed on the display surface 11a based on the control by the CPU 20. At this time, a plurality of key displays 31 are displayed on the keyboard display 30. The key display 31 also includes a key display 31 for character input in 4 columns and 3 columns or 3 columns and 4 columns to which kana characters A to Wa are assigned. Here, the kana characters are assigned to 10 key displays 31 out of the key displays 31 for character input in 4 columns and 3 columns or 3 columns and 4 columns, but are assigned to more key displays 31. Is also good. Further, the key display 31 for character input in 4 columns and 3 columns or 3 columns and 4 columns may be assigned not a kana character but a number or an alphabet 26 characters, and the number or the alphabet 26 characters may be assigned together with the kana character. It may be assigned.

In addition, the application software corresponding to the software keyboard is generated when the area of the touch sensor 12 superimposed on the key display 31 is touched with a finger based on the control by the CPU 20 in addition to the display. The corresponding character is displayed on the character display unit 32 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 so that key input can be accepted. Each key display 31 is assigned not only one character as shown in FIG. 3 but also a plurality of characters. Then, when a finger is slid on the (corresponding) touch sensor 12 superimposed on a certain key display 31, if a character is assigned in the slided direction, the assigned character is displayed as a character. It is displayed in unit 32.

Further, in the application software corresponding to the software keyboard, when the flick determination is recognized in the CPU 20 in response to the flick operation toward the flick area 441 in each of the four different flick directions (at the time of flick input), FIG. The input guide window 33 for guiding the flick input as shown in is displayed. The input guide window 33 is displayed at a position slightly distant from the portion where the flick input is performed. Therefore, it goes without saying that the input guide window 33 may be displayed so as to overlap the keyboard display 30.

The input guide window 33 is an input guide for the key display 31 (key 50) touched by a pressing means such as a finger. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, an initial key display 331 corresponding to the first touched key display 31 (key 50) is displayed in the central portion of the input guide window 33, and from the initial key display 331. The flick character display area 332 is displayed on the upper side, the lower side, the right side, and the left side, respectively. When any flick operation is performed, the flick character display area 332 corresponding to that direction is highlighted. The highlighting is, for example, changing the shade of color from other parts, changing the thickness of characters, or enclosing the corresponding flick character display area 332 so as to make the corresponding flick character display area 332 stand out. The color of the part may be changed, but it goes without saying that other highlighting may be performed.

In addition, characters and symbols that can be input by an operation after the flick operation are displayed at the corners of the input guide window 33. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the voiced sound mark 333 relating to the voiced sound mark added to the kana character of Kiyone is shown, and in the example shown in FIG. The semi-voiced sound mark 334 added to the kana character is shown.

Since the input guide window 33 as described above is displayed, the flick input display (corresponding to the display of the flick input unit 44 described later) for indicating the part where the flick input is performed is not displayed. There is. That is, although the flick input display is not displayed, the flick input unit 44, which will be described later, exists as a function. However, the flick input display described above may be displayed together with the input guide window 33.

As described above, the software keyboard program has a function of accepting input in the key area corresponding to the key display 31 of the touch sensor 12 and pressing each key area of the touch sensor 12 based on the control of the CPU 20. When it is pressed, it has a function to control the output according to the pressed key area. Further, it has a function of displaying characters / symbols based on the output control on the character display unit 32, and further has a function of displaying the input guide window 33 on top of the character display unit 32 and the keyboard display 30.

In the following description, a keyboard display 30 including a key display 31 and a software having a function of accepting the input when the touch sensor 12 is touched and displaying characters / symbols corresponding to the key display 31 on the character display unit 32 are used. , It is also simply referred to as a software keyboard 40, and each key display 31 constituting the software keyboard 40 is also referred to as a key 50. The software keyboard 40 also corresponds to one having a function of displaying the input guide window 33. Here, the flick input display 33 displayed on the character display unit 32 and the characters / symbols corresponding to each part of the flick input display 33 by receiving the input when the touch sensor 12 is touched are displayed on the character display unit 32 or the keyboard. A device having a function of being superimposed on the display 30 is also simply referred to as a flick input unit 44. The flick input unit 44 includes a portion for actually performing flick input by sliding a pressing means such as a finger.

The above-mentioned input guide window 33 has only a display function, and does not have a function of accepting an input even if the touch sensor 12 is touched. However, the input guide window 33 may have a function of accepting input.

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

<2. About the keyboard layout example of the software keyboard 40>
Next, an example of the key layout of the software keyboard 40 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the key layout in the software keyboard 40. As shown in FIG. 7, the software keyboard 40 has a key layout unit 41.

The key layout unit 41 is a portion in which various keys are arranged. The key layout unit 41 is provided with a character key layout unit 42 and a function key layout unit 43. The character key layout unit 42 is a portion in which keys for inputting characters are arranged. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7, the character key layout unit 42 is provided with a total of 10 keys 50 for inputting kana characters. In addition, the key 524 is usually assigned in a state in which, for example, voiced sound or handakuon can be selected. However, the key 524 may have no voiced or handakuon assignment. Further, instead of the key 524, another key 50 may have a voiced sound or handakuon assignment. Punctuation marks are usually assigned to the key 544. However, punctuation may be assigned to another key 50 instead of key 544. Although the character key layout unit 42 corresponds to the character input unit, it may be understood that the key layout unit 41 corresponds to the character input unit.

Here, when inputting kana, a plurality of kana characters are assigned (set) to each key 50 in the key layout unit 41, and one of the kana characters can be input by flicking. Can be selected. So to speak, characters and the like for flick input are also assigned to the key 50.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image of flick input, and shows a case where flick input is performed with the key 542 corresponding to the kana character of “ha”. As described above, since the flick input display is not displayed, the flick input unit 44 is a sensing portion when a pressing means such as a finger touches it.

When performing flick input as shown in FIG. 8, a flick input unit 44 is set in the key layout unit 41, and in the flick input unit 44, a portion first touched by a pressing means such as a finger (in FIG. 8). Flick areas 441 are set in a cross shape from the key 542 to a predetermined position) in the vertical and horizontal directions. In the following description, in the flick input unit 44, the portion first touched by the pressing means such as a finger is referred to as the initial recognition area 442, and the flick area 441 is arranged so as to surround the initial recognition area 442. Here, the flick region 441 may be a region larger than that shown in FIG. 8 or a smaller region.

As shown in FIG. 8, the initial recognition area 442 may be a part of the key 50 touched by the pressing means such as a finger (key 542 in FIG. 8), but the key 50 touched by the pressing means such as a finger. The whole is fine. Further, the initial recognition area 442 may straddle the adjacent keys 50 when the pressing means such as a finger touches the vicinity of the boundary between the adjacent keys 50. An example of such a situation is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 9, a flick input unit 44 having an initial recognition area 442 and a flick area 441 when a pressing means such as a finger touches the vicinity of the boundary between adjacent keys 50 is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the pressing portion P1 touched by the pressing means such as a finger is indicated by a hatched circle, and the circle is the center of the initial recognition area 442. The circle also serves as the center of the flick input unit 44. Therefore, the flick input unit 44 is configured to be set at an arbitrary position centered on a portion touched by a pressing means such as a finger. However, when the flick input unit 44 touches a certain key 50, the center of the flick input unit 44 does not come to an arbitrary position by setting the center of the key 50 to be the center of the flick input unit 44. It may be set as.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a kana character is assigned to the flick area 441, and a pressing means such as a finger is slid to the flick area 441 to which the kana character is assigned, and the pressing means is touched. When separated from the sensor 12, the corresponding kana character is input. For example, when a finger is slid into the flick area 441 to the left of the key 542 and the finger is released from the flick area 441 to the left of the flick area 441, the kana character "hi" is input.

Here, "up flick" is when the finger is pressed against the key 50 and slides upward, "down flick" is when slides downward, "left flick" is when slides to the left, and when slides to the right. Is described as a "right flick".

The flick input setting is not limited to that shown in FIG. 8, and may be in a separate form. Further, as is clear from FIG. 8 and the like, since the initial recognition area 442 can be set smaller than the key 50, flick input may be performed even if the pressing portion does not move out from the key 50. .. In particular, when the mobile information terminal 1 is placed horizontally instead of vertically, the software keyboard 40 is also horizontally long, and each key 50 is also horizontally long. In particular, in such a case, the flick region 441 may be set to fit within the key 50 of the pressing portion.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the function key layout unit 43 is a portion in which keys 50 for realizing various functions other than character input are arranged. Such functions include, for example, switching to a software keyboard for inputting numbers (key 511), arrow keys for moving a cursor or the like to the left (key 512), and software for inputting alphabets. There is a switch to the keyboard (key 513) and a switch to the software keyboard for entering symbols (key 514). Further, as the above-mentioned functions, a delete key (key 551) for deleting a character or symbol input on the left side of the cursor, an arrow key (key 552) for moving the cursor or the like to the right side, and a blank are input. There is a space key (key 553) for performing, a return key (key 554) for performing line breaks, confirmation, and the like.

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

(1) Input of kana characters for voiced sound and semi-voiced sound First, the basic output control of character input according to the present embodiment will be described, but first, the control of character input which is widely used at present will be described. To do. At present, in the kana input, FIG. 10 shows a case where a voiced sound or a handakuon is desired to be input. As shown in FIG. 10, in the current flick input, the key 50 corresponding to any kana character is first pressed. FIG. 10 shows the case where the key 542 is pressed.

At this time, the flick areas 441 constituting the flick input unit 44 are summed up, down, left and right so as to form a cross shape centering on the initial recognition area 442 which is the part touched by the pressing means such as a finger. Four are set. In the following description, if necessary, the flick area 441 located on the left side of the initial recognition area 442 corresponding to the central key 50 is flicked area 441a, the flick area 441 located on the upper side is flicked area 441b, and the flick area 441 is located on the right side. The flick region 441 located is referred to as a flick region 441c, and the flick region 441 located below is referred to as a flick region 441d.

The input guide window 33 is also displayed on the character display unit 32 or the software keyboard 40. Unlike the flick input unit 44, the input guide window 33 is not a part for inputting characters by touching it, but in order to prevent the key 50 from becoming difficult to see due to the flick input unit 44 being hidden by a finger or the like. , Is a part displayed separately from the flick input unit 44.

Then, when a flick input is performed by sliding a pressing means such as a finger in a predetermined flick direction from the state shown in FIG. 10, in the input guide window 33, the character display of the flick character display area 332 corresponding to the flick direction is displayed. It will be highlighted. Hereinafter, the portion where the character display is emphasized is referred to as a highlight display unit 335 as shown in FIG. The highlighting unit 335 may exist in the flick character display area 332, but the characters highlighted in the input guide window 33 are shown in FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 17, and 20. As in the example shown in 21, it may exist in different places and different sizes.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state of the flick input unit 44 and the input guide window 33 when a finger slides into the flick area 441a indicating the “hi” of the flick input unit 44. In the state shown in FIG. 11, in the input guide window 33, there is a highlighting unit 335 in which the kana character “hi” is highlighted.

Further, when a pressing means such as a finger slides into the flick area 441a, a dakuten recognition area 45 is newly set in the flick input unit 44. As will be described later, when a pressing means such as a finger touches the voiced sound recognition area 45, the voiced sound kana character is input instead of the voiced sound pseudonym character. Further, the dakuten mark 333 is also displayed in the input guide window 33.

Here, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the dakuten recognition region 45 is set in the space portion 47 below the flick region 441a. That is, considering the flick axis direction from the center of the initial recognition area 442 toward the center of the flick area 441a, the dakuten recognition area 45 is the space portion 47 on the lower side (one side) in the first orthogonal direction orthogonal to the flick axis direction. Is located in. The space portion 47 below the flick region 441a is located on the left side of the flick region 441d. Depending on the shape and size of the dakuten recognition area 45, for example, the space portion 47 in which the dakuten recognition area 45 shown in FIG. 11 exists may be covered with the dakuten recognition area 45 without any gap.

The dakuten mark 333 is also displayed below the flick character display area 332 (this is referred to as the flick character display area 332a) displaying the kana character of "hi". That is, when the first direction in which the dakuten recognition area 45 is located when viewed from the center of the initial recognition area 442 of the key 50 touched first is applied to the input guide window 33, the first direction is viewed from the center of the input guide window 33. A dakuten mark 333 indicating the dakuten recognition area 45 is displayed at the corner portion closest to the orientation. The dakuten mark 333 corresponds to the recognition area guide.

So to speak, the position where the voiced sound recognition area 45 exists in the flick input unit 44 and the position where the voiced sound mark 333 exists in the input guide window 33 have a corresponding relationship, so that the user can use the kana character of the voiced sound. It is in a state that does not cause a sense of discomfort in the input of.

The flick axis direction is not only the direction from the center of the initial recognition region 442 to the center of the flick region 441a, but also the center of the flick region 441b, the center of the flick region 441c, and the flick region from the center of the initial recognition region 442, respectively. The direction toward the center of 441d also corresponds to the flick axis direction.

Then, in the state shown in FIG. 11, when the pressing means such as a finger is released from the touch sensor 12, the kana character "hi" is output to the character display unit 32. On the other hand, even when the state shown in FIG. 11 is reached, the pressing means such as a finger is slid to the dakuten recognition region 45 without separating the pressing means such as a finger from the touch sensor 12. Then, in the input guide window 33, the voiced sound mark 333 is highlighted, and the kana character in the flick character display area 332a is changed to a state in which the voiced sound pseudonym character is displayed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which a pressing means such as a finger touches the dakuten recognition region 45. In FIG. 12, when a pressing means such as a finger slides from the flick area 441a to the dakuten recognition area 45, a highlighting unit 335 in which the kana character “bi” is highlighted appears. In FIG. 12, the highlighting unit 335 appears at a position overlapping the flick character display area 332a, but at least a part thereof may be different from the flick character display area 332a (this point). The same applies to other highlighting units 335 described later). Further, in FIG. 12, the voiced sound mark 333 is also highlighted.

Then, in the state shown in FIG. 12, when the pressing means such as a finger is released from the touch sensor 12, the kana character “bi” of the voiced sound is output to the character display unit 32. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when a pressing means such as a finger slides into the voiced sound mark recognition area 45, a semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 is newly set in the flick input unit 44. As will be described later, when a pressing means such as a finger touches the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46, the semi-voiced sound mark kana character is input instead of the previous voiced sound mark kana character. Further, the semi-voiced sound mark 334 is also displayed in the input guide window 33.

Here, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the semi-voiced sound mark recognition region 46 is displayed above the flick region 441a. That is, considering the flick axis direction from the center of the initial recognition area 442 toward the center of the flick area 441a, the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 is located on the upper side (the other side) in the first orthogonal direction orthogonal to the flick axis direction. There is.

The semi-voiced sound mark 334 is also displayed above the flick character display area 332a displaying the kana characters of "hi" or "bi". That is, when the second direction in which the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 is located when viewed from the center of the initial recognition area 442 of the key 50 touched first is applied to the input guide window 33, the second direction is viewed from the center of the input guide window 33. A semi-voiced sound mark 334 indicating the semi-voiced sound mark recognition region 46 is displayed at the corner portion where the two directions are closest to each other. The semi-voiced sound mark 334 also corresponds to the recognition area guide.

In this case as well, the position where the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 exists in the flick input unit 44 and the position where the semi-voiced sound mark mark 334 exists in the input guide window 33 have a corresponding relationship, so that the user can use the user. It is in a state that does not cause a sense of discomfort when inputting kana characters for voiced sound.

Here, even when the state shown in FIG. 12 is reached, the pressing means such as a finger is slid to the semi-voiced sound mark recognition region 46 without separating the pressing means such as a finger from the touch sensor 12. Then, in the input guide window 33, the semi-voiced sound mark 334 is highlighted, and the kana character in the flick character display area 332a is changed to a state in which the kana character of the handakuon is displayed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a pressing means such as a finger touches such a semi-voiced sound mark recognition region 46. In FIG. 13, when a pressing means such as a finger slides from the voiced sound mark recognition area 45 to the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46, the highlighting unit 335 in which the kana character “pi” is highlighted is displayed in the input guide window 33. , The state of appearance at a position overlapping the flick character display area 332a is shown. Further, in FIG. 13, the semi-voiced sound mark 334 is also highlighted.

Here, FIG. 14 shows the trajectory of the pressing means such as a finger for inputting the voiced sound and the handakuon in the flick input unit 44. Note that FIG. 14 describes the case where the kana characters of the voiced sound and the kana characters of the handakuon are input for the kana characters of the “ha” line, and the trajectory indicated by the solid line arrow is the case of inputting the kana characters of the voiced sound. The trajectory of the pressing means such as the finger is shown, and the trajectory indicated by the broken arrow indicates the trajectory of the pressing means such as the finger when inputting the kana character of the handakuon. Here, among the kana characters in the "ha" line, the orbits for inputting the dakuon and handakuon kana characters of "hi", "fu", "he" and "ho" are indicated by the solid line arrows. The dakuten recognition region 45 exists near the end of the orbit shown by. In addition, a semi-voiced sound mark recognition region 46 exists near the end of each orbit indicated by the broken line arrow.

Regarding the orbit for inputting the dakuon and semi-voiced kana characters of "ha" among the kana characters in the "ha" line, the "a" stage dakuon is near the end of the orbit indicated by the solid arrow. The recognition area 45A is set, and the “pa” recognition area 46A is set near the end of the orbit indicated by the broken arrow.

Regarding kana characters other than the "ha" line (kana characters in the "ka" line, kana characters in the "sa" line, and kana characters in the "ta" line), from the state shown in FIG. There is no input of (that is, only the orbit indicated by the solid line arrow exists and the orbit indicated by the broken line arrow does not exist), but the input of the kana character of the voiced sound is the same as in the case of FIG. It is possible to do it.

As shown in FIG. 14, among the kana characters in the "ha" line, the input of the semi-voiced sound kana characters of "hi", "fu", "he" and "ho" is from the initial recognition area 442 to the flick area. The trajectory of the finger from 441, the voiced sound recognition area 45 to the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 is, so to speak, a trajectory that draws the number “7”.

Further, the voiced sound recognition area 45 for inputting the kana character of the voiced sound of “Hi” appears in the space portion 47 below the flick area 441a and on the left side of the flick area 441d. Further, the voiced sound recognition area 45 for inputting the kana character of the voiced sound of "fu" appears in the space portion 47 above the flick area 441a and on the left side of the flick area 441b. Further, the voiced sound recognition area 45 for inputting the kana character of the voiced sound of “he” appears in the space portion 47 below the flick area 441c and on the right side of the flick area 441d. Further, the voiced sound recognition area 45 for inputting the kana character of the voiced sound of “ho” appears in the space portion 47 below the flick area 441c and on the right side of the flick area 441d, similarly to “he”.

Therefore, for the four kana characters "hi", "fu", "he", and "ho", the part where the voiced sound recognition area 45 appears for inputting the voiced sound is three of the four space parts 47. Is used. In FIG. 14, these three spaces are a lower left space portion 47a, an upper left space portion 47b, and a lower right space portion 47d. However, one of the four space portions 47, the space portion 47c on the right side of the flick region 441b and above the flick region 441c, recognizes the dakuten of "hi", "fu", "he", and "ho". The region 45 is prevented from appearing. However, in the space portion 47c, the “a” stage voiced sound recognition region 45A that recognizes the voiced sound of “ha” appears. Hereinafter, such a point will be described in detail.

The "a" stage dakuon recognition area 45A for inputting "ba" and the dakuten recognition area 45 for inputting the kana characters of other "ha" lines such as "bu" and "be" are provided. When they exist in the same space portion 47 among the four space portions 47, erroneous input occurs frequently as described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28. That is, the trajectory for inputting the voiced sound "ba" and the trajectory for inputting the voiced sound "bu" and "be" are similar, and unintended erroneous input frequently occurs between them. It ends up.

That is, even when the intention is to input the kana character "ba" of the voiced sound of "ha", the "bu" is recognized in the same space portion 47 where the voiced sound recognition area 45 for recognizing the "ba" exists. If there is a voiced sound recognition area 45 or a voiced sound recognition area 45 that recognizes "be", if a pressing means such as a finger passes through any of the flick areas 441 in the process of reaching these recognition areas, the voiced sound area recognition area 45 or the voiced sound area recognition area 45 The kana character in which the dakuten is added to the kana character corresponding to the flick area 441 is the input target. Specifically, when the pressing means such as a finger passes through the flick area 441b even a little, "bu" is the input target, and when the pressing means such as a finger passes the flick area 441c even a little, "be" is input. Is the input target. Then, in the actual operation, the flick area 441 is often grabbed even a little, and an unintended erroneous input as described above occurs.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the dakuten recognition area 45 for inputting the dakuon kana character of the other "ha" line is not allocated to the space portion 47c of one of the four space portions 47. Only the "A" stage voiced sound recognition area 45A for inputting "ba" is assigned to. Therefore, it is configured to prevent unintentional erroneous input by approximating the trajectory as described above.

Further, if the flick area 441 is passed before reaching the "a" stage voiced sound recognition area 45A for inputting the voiced sound pseudonym character of the "ha" line, the kana of the flick area 441 is input at the passing stage. However, after that, if the "a" stage voiced sound recognition area 45A for inputting the voiced sound kana character of the "ha" line is reached, the input target may be switched to the kana character "ba". In this way, even if the orbit curves in the middle, the "ba" can be finally input, so that it is possible to prevent erroneous input even better.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the “A” stage voiced sound recognition area 45A for inputting the “ba” is assigned to the space portion 47c. However, instead of the space portion 47c, the "a" stage voiced sound recognition area 45A for inputting the "ba" may be assigned to any of the space portions 47a, 47b, and 47d. In this way, when allocating the "A" stage voiced sound recognition area 45A for inputting "ba" to any of the space units 47a, 47b, 47d other than the space unit 47c, in order to input "ba". In the space section 47 to which the "a" stage voiced sound recognition area 45A is assigned, the voiced sound recognition area 45 for inputting the kana characters of the voiced sound of the other "ha" line is not assigned.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the "pa" recognition area 46A for inputting the kana character "pa" of the semi-voiced sound of "ha" is a space portion above the flick area 441a and on the left side of the flick area 441b. It appears in 47b. However, the "pa" recognition region 46A may appear in the space portion 47d below the flick region 441c and on the right side of the flick region 441d.

FIG. 15 shows a case where the kana character “ba” is input based on the above description of FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the trajectory of a pressing means such as a finger when inputting the dakuon kana character “ba” and the display state of the input guide window 33. In FIG. 15, there is a side where the flick region 441b of "fu" and the flick region 441c of "he" are in contact with each other, but a gap is provided in this portion so that both flick regions 441 can pass through. Instead, the configuration may be such that the initial recognition area 442 can be slid to the “A” stage voiced sound recognition area 45A of the “ba”.

As shown in FIG. 15, when a pressing means such as a finger slides from the initial recognition area 442 to the “a” dakuon recognition area 45A for inputting the kana character “ba”, the kana character “ba” is displayed. It becomes an input target. At that time, the highlighting unit 335 in which the kana character "ba" is highlighted appears in the input guide window 33. However, the appearance position of the highlighting unit 335 is different from that of the highlighting unit 335 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 in that the appearance position is the corner portion (upper right portion in FIG. 15) of the input guide window 33. There is. However, the highlighting unit 335 in which the kana character "ba" is highlighted may be positioned so as to overlap the initial key display 331, for example.

In the state shown in FIG. 15, since the highlighting unit 335 appears at the corner of the input guide window 33, the dakuten mark 333 is not displayed in the input guide window 33.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the trajectory of a pressing means such as a finger when inputting the kana character “pa” of the semi-voiced sound, and the display state of the input guide window 33. As shown in FIG. 16, pressing a finger or the like from the “a” dakuon recognition area 45A for inputting the kana character “ba” to the “pa” recognition area 46A for inputting the kana character “pa”. As the means slides, the highlighting unit 335 in which the kana character "pa" is highlighted appears in the input guide window 33. However, the appearance position of the highlighting unit 335 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 15 to the corner portion (upper left portion in FIG. 16) of the input guide window 33. However, the highlighting unit 335 in which the kana character "ba" is highlighted may be positioned so as to overlap the initial key display 331, for example, and remains at the upper right corner of the input guide window 33 as shown in FIG. Is also good.

Further, even in the state shown in FIG. 16, since the highlighting unit 335 appears at the corner of the input guide window 33, the semi-voiced sound mark 334 is not displayed in the input guide window 33.

If the "A" stage voiced sound recognition area 45A for inputting "ba" is assigned to any of the space portions 47a, 47b, and 47d other than the space portion 47c, the allocated space portion 47a A "pa" recognition area 46A for inputting "pa" can be allocated to the space portion 47 adjacent vertically or horizontally to, 47b, 47d.

In the above-mentioned example, the "a" stage voiced sound recognition area 45A, the "pa" recognition area 46A, the voiced sound mark recognition area 45, and the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 are fixedly present in a specific area in the space portion 47. Is also good. However, the positions of the "a" stage voiced sound recognition area 45A, the "pa" recognition area 46A, the voiced sound mark recognition area 45, and the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 may move according to the pressing position of the pressing means such as a finger. In this case, for example, when the pressing means such as a finger is removed from the initial recognition region 442, the “A” dakuon recognition region 45A that surrounds the pressing portion can be provided. Similarly, when the pressing means such as a finger is removed from the “a” dakuon recognition region 45A, the “pa” recognition region 46A surrounding the pressing portion can be provided. Similarly, when the pressing means such as a finger is removed from the flick region 441, the voiced sound mark recognition region 45 can be provided so as to surround the pressing portion, and further, the finger or the like can be provided from the voiced sound recognition region 45. When the pressing means is released, a semi-voiced sound mark recognition region 46 that surrounds the pressing portion can be provided. Further, as the pressing portion moves in or near the space portion 47, the regions of the “a” stage voiced sound recognition area 45A, the “pa” recognition area 46A, the voiced sound mark recognition area 45, and the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 also move. can do.

According to the software keyboard program, the character input device, and the character input method as described above, the computer is displayed on the touch panel, and the character key layout unit 42 (character input unit) including the key 50 capable of inputting kana characters is provided. ), And the key layout unit 41 set so that flick input can be performed for at least one character of the character key layout unit 42 when a pseudonym character is input, and the software keyboard 40 displayed on the touch panel. It functions as an output control means for controlling the output of characters to the character display unit 32 of the touch panel in response to the input to.

In addition, the keyboard layout unit 41 allows flick input of kana characters in the "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line. When the set key 50 is first pressed by the pressing means when inputting the kana character, the initial recognition area 442 for recognizing the kana character of the "A" stage seion of the pressed line is set. Further, the key arrangement unit 41 sets a flick area 441 in each of the four different flick directions, and in each flick area 441, the kana character of "i" stage seion and the "u" stage seion are used as flick characters. Set the kana character of "e", the kana character of "e" dan seion, and the kana character of "o" dan seion.

Then, the key arrangement unit 41 flicks the key 50 in which the flick input of the kana characters of the "ka" line, the "sa" line, the "ta" line, and the "ha" line is set. Outside the flick area 441 and the initial recognition area 442 in the above, a voiced sound recognition area 45 for recognizing the voiced sound kana character in which the voiced sound kana character set in the flick area 441 is given a voiced sound is set. The dakuten recognition region 45 exists on one side of the flick region 441 in the first orthogonal direction orthogonal to the flick axis direction from the center of the initial recognition region 442 toward the center of the flick region 441.

Further, the output control means sets the flick area 441 via the flick area 441 by sliding the pressing means without releasing the touch panel and detecting the pressing by the pressing means in the dakuten recognition area 45 via the flick area 441. A kana character of a voiced sound with a voiced sound added to the kana character is designated as an input target, and when the touch by the pressing means is released in the voiced sound recognition area 45, the input target is controlled to be output.

Therefore, when outputting the dakuon kana character, it is not necessary to press the dedicated key 50 for switching from the dakuon kana character to the dakuon kana character. Therefore, it is possible to quickly input dakuon kana characters in a one-stroke writing state.

Further, the key arrangement unit 41 sets the "ha" in the flick area through which the key 50 in which the flick input of the kana character of the "ha" line is set is set when the pressing means approaches the voiced sound mark recognition area 45. A semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 for recognizing a kana character in which a semi-voiced sound mark is added to the kana character of the line is set, and the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 is the other side in the first orthogonal direction from the voiced sound mark recognition area 45. Exists in. Further, the output control means passes through the flick area 441 without separating the pressing means from the touch panel, further passes through the voiced sound mark recognition area 45, and then detects the pressing force by the pressing means in the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46. A semi-voiced sound mark with a semi-voiced sound mark added to the kana character on the "ha" line set in the flick area 441 is specified as an input target. Then, when the touch by the pressing means is released in the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46, the kana character of the semi-voiced sound to be input is controlled to be output.

Here, if the trajectory for inputting the kana character of the voiced sound and the trajectory for inputting the kana character of the semi-voiced sound are displayed symmetrically at the same time, the kana character of the voiced sound and the kana character of the semi-voiced sound are instantly displayed. , It is difficult to determine whether to slide left or right, and it is easy to make an incorrect input. However, in the present embodiment, the trajectory of the pressing means such as a finger when inputting the kana character of the voiced sound and the trajectory of the pressing means such as the finger when inputting the kana character of the semi-voiced sound are not symmetrical. Instead, they will be different. In particular, the trajectory of the pressing means such as a finger for inputting the kana character of the handakuon is, for example, a trajectory that draws the number "7". Therefore, it becomes easy to distinguish the trajectory of the pressing means such as a finger for inputting the kana character of the voiced sound, and it is possible to reduce an unintended erroneous input.

Further, in the present embodiment, even when the kana character of the handakuon is output, the kana character of the handakuon can be output from the kana character of the seion via the kana character of the handakuon, so that the kana character of the handakuon or the handakuon can be output. It is not necessary to press the dedicated key 50 for switching to the kana character of, for example, twice. Here, with the current software keyboard, when inputting the kana character "pi" of the semi-voiced sound, press the "ha" key and then flick to switch to "hi", and then switch to the voiced or semi-voiced sound. The key for switching is pressed twice, and the key is pressed a total of three times. However, in the present embodiment, it is possible to quickly input the semi-voiced kana character in the state of one-stroke writing, and when inputting the semi-voiced kana character as in the conventional software keyboard, the key is pressed three times. There is no need to press it.

Further, in the present embodiment, the key arrangement unit 41 arranges four flick regions 441 in a cross shape, and in a rectangular region including the four flick regions 441 in the cross-shaped arrangement, four cross-shaped flick regions. For three of the four corners (corresponding to the space 47) excluding 441, there are dakuten in the kana characters of Kiyone in the "i", "e", "u", and "o" stages. The dakuten recognition area 45 for recognizing the kana character to which is given is set. Then, for the remaining one of the four corners (space portion 47), the "a" stage dakuon recognition area 45A for recognizing the kana character in which the kana character of the "a" stage is given a dakuten is provided. Set.

Then, the output control means (CPU20) slides the pressing means without releasing it from the touch panel, and detects the pressing by the pressing means in the “A” stage voiced sound recognition area 45A, thereby detecting the Kana character of the “A” stage voiced sound. Specify the kana character of the voiced sound with the voiced sound added to the input target. Then, when the touch by the pressing means is released in the “A” stage voiced sound recognition area 45A, the input target is controlled to be output.

Here, as described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, in the case of a curve flick as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a trajectory for inputting a voiced sound “bu” and a voiced sound “ba”. The trajectory for inputting "" and the trajectory for inputting the handakuon "pe" are set in close proximity, so the trajectory on which the finger slides is slightly disturbed and is based on another trajectory. Characters are entered. Therefore, characters different from those intended by the user are output, resulting in erroneous input.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, one corner (space 47) of the above four corners (space 47) is a voiced sound in which a voiced sound is added to the kana character of "A" stage seion. Since the "a" stage muddy sound recognition area 45A is allocated for inputting the kana character of "a" stage, it is possible to prevent erroneous input of the dakuten kana character in which the dakuten is added to the kana character of "a" stage seion.

Further, in the present embodiment, with respect to the key 50 in which the flick input of the kana character of the "ha" line is set, the key layout unit 41 assigns a semi-voiced sound mark to the kana character of "ha". A "pa" recognition area 46A for recognizing characters is set. In the "pa" recognition area 46A, of the cross-shaped flick area 441 described above, the "a" stage voiced sound recognition area 45A is on one side with respect to the flick axis of the flick region 441 adjacent to the "a" stage voiced sound recognition area 45A. It exists on the other side when it exists on the side.

Then, the output control means (CPU20) slides the pressing means without releasing it from the touch panel to recognize the kana character "ba" in which the kana character "ha" of the seion in the "a" stage is given a dakuten. Control to output the kana character of "pa" to the character display unit 32 when the touch by the pressing means is released in the "pa" recognition area 46A via the "a" staged voiced sound recognition area 45A. There is.

Therefore, when inputting the kana character "pa" of the semi-voiced sound, it is possible to easily distinguish it from the kana character "ba" of the voiced sound, and it is possible to prevent an unintended erroneous input. Further, in order to distinguish between the dakuon kana characters and the semi-voiced kana characters, it is not necessary to force a long finger slide or the like, so that good operability can be ensured.

Further, in the present embodiment, the computer is displayed above the key 50 to which the rectangular input guide window 33 is first touched, separately from the character display unit 32, based on the control by the output control means (CPU 20). It functions as a display control means (CPU 20). Then, the display control means (CPU 20) inputs when the flick determination is recognized in response to the flick operation toward the flick area 441 in each of the four different flick directions from the key 50 first touched by the pressing means such as a finger. The flick character display area 332 is provided at a position where the guide window 33 is slid in the slide direction by flick operation from the center.

The flick character set in the flick area 441 is highlighted in the flick character display area 332. Therefore, even if the flick input unit 44 moves a finger and the flick input unit 44 displays an input guide for guiding the input, and the input guide is hidden under the finger or the like, the highlighting unit of the input guide window 33 The 335 can be visually recognized. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm which of the voiced sound and the handakuon is being input during the slide operation of the flick input, and it is possible to prevent a mistake between them.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display control means (CPU 20) displays (A) the voiced sound mark 333 when the (A) voiced sound mark recognition area 45 is set in the area other than the highlighting unit 335 in the input guide window 33. B) When the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 is set, the semi-voiced sound mark mark 334 is displayed as a recognition area guide. Therefore, according to these voiced sound mark 333 and semi-voiced sound mark 334, the kana character of the voiced sound mark and the kana character of the semi-voiced sound mark can be easily input.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the dakuten recognition area 45 is set, the display control means (CPU 20) has a second position where the dakuten recognition area 45 is located when viewed from the center of the initial recognition area 442 of the key 50 touched first. When one direction is applied to the direction viewed from the center of the input guide window 33, the recognition area guide (dakuten mark) indicating the dakuten recognition area 45 is located at the corner closest to the first direction when viewed from the center of the input guide window 33. 333) is displayed. When the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 is set, the second direction in which the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 is located as seen from the center of the initial recognition area 442 of the key 50 touched first is viewed from the center of the input guide window 33. A recognition area guide (semi-voiced sound mark 334) indicating the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 is displayed at the corner portion closest to the second direction when viewed from the center of the input guide window 33 when applied to the above directions.

Therefore, the positions of the voiced sound recognition area 45 and the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46 in the flick input unit 44 correspond to the positions of the voiced sound mark 333 and the semi-voiced sound mark 334 in the input guide window 33. It becomes easier to imagine the input of kana characters, and it becomes easier to input those kana characters.

(2) Input of Kana Characters Using Return Recognition Area 48 Next, input of kana characters using the return recognition area 48 will be described. It should be noted that the input of the kana character of the yoon using the return recognition area 48 described below may be performed together with the input of the kana character of the voiced sound and the semi-voiced sound described in (1), and the voiced sound and the voiced sound described in (1). You may do it without inputting the kana character of the semi-voiced sound.

First, a case of inputting the kana character of the kana character in the "i" stage of the seion will be described. In FIG. 17, the case of the kana character in the “ka” line is illustrated, and the case where the pressing means touches the “ka” key 50 is shown. In FIG. 17, the portion touched by the pressing means such as a finger is referred to as the pressing portion P1. The above-mentioned initial recognition area 442 is set around the pressing portion P1, and a flick area 441 is also set so as to surround the initial recognition area 442.

Next, the pressing portion P1 is slid by a pressing means such as a finger toward the flick area 441a of the kana character in the “I” stage. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which the pressing portion P1 is slid into the flick region 441a of the kana character in the “I” stage. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the flick input unit 44 is set with the return recognition area 48 centered on the initial recognition area 442 that was first touched. That is, the setting of the flick area 441b, 441c, 441d is completed, and the return recognition area 48 is set.

The return recognition area 48 is a part for inputting the kana characters of the yoon (for example, “kya”, “kyu”, “kyo”, etc.). Since there are three kana characters for the yoon as described above, the first return for inputting the yoon (“kyu” in FIG. 18) accompanied by the small kana character “yu” in this return recognition area 48. A recognition area 48a, a second return recognition area 48b for inputting a yoon with a small kana character "yo" ("kyo" in FIG. 18), and a yoon with a small kana character "ya" ("ya" in FIG. 18). There is a third return recognition area 48c for inputting "kya").

The first return recognition area 48a corresponds to the "yu" return recognition area, the second return recognition area 48b corresponds to the "yo" return recognition area, and the third return recognition area 48c corresponds to the "ya" return recognition area. Correspond.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the flick character display area 332 is no longer displayed in the input guide window 33, and instead, three sutegana display areas 336 are displayed. Of these kana display areas 336, in the upper abandoned kana display area 336, "yu", which is the last character of the kana character of Yoon, is displayed. Further, in the lower abandoned kana display area 336, "yo", which is the last character of the kana character of Yoon, is displayed. Further, in the sutegana display area 336 on the right side, "ya", which is the last character of the kana character of Yoon, is displayed.

The sutegana display area 336 corresponds to the recognition area guide. The portion where the sutegana display area 336 is displayed is a portion close to the central portion of the side of the input guide window 33. That is, the direction (third direction; three third directions in FIG. 18) where the return recognition area 48 viewed from the center of the initial recognition area 442 of the key 50 touched first is viewed from the center of the input guide window 33. When applied to the same direction, the discard pseudonym display area 336 indicating the return recognition area 48 is displayed at a position close to the center of the side of the input guide window 33 closest to the third direction.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, these first return recognition area 48a, second return recognition area 48b, and third return recognition area 48c include a part of the portion that was the initial recognition area 442. Therefore, these three return recognition regions 48 have a form similar to that of the home base in the example shown in FIG. Further, the first return recognition area 48a and the second return recognition area 48b are arranged in series (vertical direction) with the input guide window 33. On the other hand, the third return recognition region 48c is located on the farthest side from the flick region 441a, and is aligned with the flick region 441a in the left-right direction (direction orthogonal to the vertical direction).

In the example shown in FIG. 18, the flick region 441a is also changed to a form similar to the home base, similarly to the return recognition region 48. However, the flick region 441a may be in its original form. Further, since the input target is switched to the kana character in the "i" stage by the slide of the pressing means to the flick area 441a, the flick area 441a may be switched to the area of another function by the switching. Further, after the pressing portion P1 slides into the flick region 441a and the kana character in the "I" stage is set as the input target, the flick region 441a may no longer exist.

The return recognition area 48 is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, the return recognition area 48 may be set to have a simple rectangular shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the tip portion of the home base type may be cut out. In the form shown in FIG. 19, a cancel region 49 is provided in a portion surrounded by three return recognition regions 48 and one flick region 441a. The cancel area 49 has a function of canceling the flick input. Specifically, when the pressing part P1 moves to the flick area 441a, the kana character in the "i" stage is input, but after that, when the pressing part P1 moves to the cancel area 49, the kana in the "i" stage is entered. The characters are canceled from the input target, and the kana characters in the "A" column become the input target.

That is, the cancel area 49 is a portion that can be returned to the kana character in the "a" stage after being accidentally slid to the flick area 441a corresponding to the kana character in the "i" stage. After returning to the cancel area 49, the flick area 441 and the initial recognition area 442 can be set again so that the flick input described above can be performed. In the case where the pressing means passes through the canceling region 49 while sliding from the flick region 441a to the third return recognition region 48c, the pressing portion P1 is within the region of the canceling region 49 so that the canceling is not effective during the passage. It may be controlled so that the cancellation becomes effective when the vehicle is stopped for several milliseconds.

It should be noted that the portion surrounded by the three return recognition regions 48 and the one flick region 441a is not configured to have the cancel region 49, and there is no reaction even if a pressing means such as a finger touches it. It may be an area.

Returning to the flick input based on the return recognition area 48, as shown in FIG. 18, the pressing portion P1 is located in the flick area 441a, and while the pressing is continued, a finger or the like is placed in any of the return recognition areas 48. When the pressing means of is slid, the kana character of the yoon set in the pressed return recognition area 48 becomes an input target. FIG. 20 shows a case where the pressing portion P1 is located in the second return recognition area 48b for inputting the “kyo” of the yoon. In this state, when the pressing means such as a finger is released from the touch sensor 12, the kana character "kyo" of the yoon is input.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, a case where the kana character “kyo” of the yoon is input by pressing the second return recognition area 48b is described. However, when the pressing portion P1 is located in the flick region 441a and the pressing means such as a finger is slid to the first return recognition region 48a or the third return recognition region 48c while the pressing is continued, the kana character of the yoon "Kyu" or "Kya" is the input target. When the pressing means such as a finger is released from the touch sensor 12 in this state, the kana character "kyu" or "kya" of the yoon is input. Further, in the above example, the kana characters of the yoon including "ki" have been described, but "shi", "chi", "ni", "hi", "mi", "ri", etc. other than "ki" have been described. Of course, it is possible to input the Kana characters of Kiyone in the "I" stage in the same way. After inputting the kana characters of the Kiyone of the "i" stage, the return recognition area 48 is reached without passing through the area for recognizing other kana characters (including the dakuten recognition area 45). The slide operation is called a return Kiyone slide.

Further, regarding the dakuon kana characters of the “i” stage such as “gi”, “ji”, “ji”, and “bi”, the pressing portion P1 is located in the flick region 441a, and the pressing is continued as described above. When the return recognition area 48 is reached via the voiced sound recognition area 45, the voiced sound and the voiced sound (voiced sound) can be input. In this way, it goes through the flick area 441a for inputting the kana characters in the "i" stage, further through the dakuten recognition area 45, and then without going through the area for recognizing other kana characters. The slide operation reaching the return recognition area 48 is referred to as a return voiced sound slide.

Regarding "pi", which is a kana character of the semi-voiced sound in the "i" stage, the pressing portion P1 is located in the flick region 441a, and the above-mentioned voiced sound recognition area 45 and the semi-voiced sound recognition area 46 are in a state where the pressing is continued. When the return recognition area 48 is reached via the above, a yoon and a semi-voiced sound (a semi-voiced sound) can be input. In this way, the kana character in the "i" stage is passed through the flick area 441a, the voiced sound mark recognition area 45, the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46, and then another kana character is recognized. The slide operation that reaches the return recognition area 48 without passing through the area for performing is referred to as a return semi-voiced sound slide.

As described above, when the pressing means such as a finger is slid and the pressing portion P1 reaches the return recognition area 48 and then the pressing means such as a finger is released in the return recognition area 48, the return recognition of the pressed portion is recognized. The kana characters of the yoon assigned to the area 48 are input.

The setting of the return recognition area 48 is not limited to that described above. Other examples will be described below.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an image of setting another return recognition area 48. In this case, when the pressing portion P1 pressed by the pressing means such as a finger moves, the return recognition region 48 is set along with the movement of the pressing portion P1 in the flick region 441a. The return recognition area 48 is set as follows. Specifically, it is assumed that a pressing means such as a finger slides as shown in FIG. The orbit of the slide at this time is the orbit K1. Further, the flick region 441a flicked in FIG. 21 extends in a direction orthogonal to the flick axis L1 connecting the center of the flick region 441b and the center of the flick region 441d.

At this time, in the flick region 441a where the orbit K1 is located, the return recognition region 48 (the region of the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 21) is set with the maximum flick position M1 farthest from the flick axis L1 as a reference (reference position). Then, the player returns from the maximum flick position M1 to the flick axis L1 side, the arrival point of the pressing portion P1 is within the set return recognition area 48, and the pressing means such as a finger is separated from the touch sensor 12 at that portion. For example, the kana characters set in the return recognition area 48 are input.

The return recognition area 48 does not have to be set with reference to the maximum flick position M1. Examples of other settings include those based on the trajectory length of the slide of the pressing means such as a finger. Further, when the above-mentioned reference position is used as a reference for setting the return recognition area 48, how far the return recognition area 48 is set from the reference position and how large the return recognition area 48 is. Whether or not to do so can be set arbitrarily.

In this way, when the pressing portion P1 is located closer to the flick axis L1 than the maximum flick position M1, the return recognition region 48 is set with the pressing portion P1 as a reference, so that the return recognition region can be set to an arbitrary position. 48 can be set.

In some cases, the return recognition area 48 shown in FIG. 21 may be desired to be provided separately from the dakuten recognition area 45. In this case, for example, when the pressing portion P1 is farther from the flick axis L1 than a specific distance, the return recognition area 48 is not set, but if it is within the specific distance, the return recognition area 48 is set to recognize the dakuten. The area 45 and the return recognition area 48 can be distinguished.

Further, also in the case shown in FIG. 21, a plurality of return recognition areas 48 can be set. Also in this case, the plurality of return recognition areas 48 can be set at appropriate positions according to the reference for setting the reference position and the like described above.

Further, the return recognition area 48 is not limited to the one for inputting the kana characters of the yoon. That is, the return recognition area 48 may be set even when inputting other kana characters or the like. Representative examples of such cases are shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. In FIG. 22, a pressing means such as a finger slides from the initial recognition area 442 to the flick area 441d for inputting the kana character “ko”, and the kana character “ko” is input. It is shown. Since FIGS. 22 and 23 are examples, it goes without saying that kana characters in other "o" columns may be input instead of "ko".

At this time, the highlighting unit 335 in which the kana character "ko" is highlighted appears in the input guide window 33. Further, the pressing portion P1 slides in a direction away from the flick axis L2 connecting the center of the flick region 441a and the center of the flick region 441c. Further, a return recognition area 48 is set in the flick input unit 44. FIG. 22 shows a state in which the fourth return recognition area 48d, the fifth return recognition area 48e, and the sixth return recognition area 48f are set. Of these, the fourth return recognition area 48d is set on the right side of the flick input unit 44 in FIG. 22, and this position corresponds to the third return recognition area 48c of the flick input unit 44 shown in FIG. It is a position.

The fourth return recognition area 48d is a part for inputting the kana character "u" following the kana character "ko". In addition, in FIG. 22, a fifth return recognition area 48e for inputting by changing to the kana character “ku” and a sixth return recognition area 48f for inputting the number “2” are also provided. Has been done.

In FIG. 22, the input guide window 33 displays a diphthong display area 337, a change display area 338, and a number display area 339. The diphthong display area 337 is a part for displaying the kana character "U" corresponding to the fourth return recognition area 48d described above. Further, the change display area 338 is a part for displaying the kana character "ku" corresponding to the fifth return recognition area 48e. Further, the number display area 339 is a part for inputting the number "2" corresponding to the sixth return recognition area 48f. The diphthong display area 337, the change display area 338, and the number display area 339 correspond to the recognition area guide.

From such a state shown in FIG. 22, slide as shown in FIG. 23. The orbit of the slide at this time is the orbit K2. In FIG. 23, in the orbit K2, the maximum flick position M2 farthest from the flick axis L2 returns to the flick axis L2 side. Then, the return recognition area 48 is set with reference to the returned pressing portion P1. Then, in the input guide window 33, a highlighting unit 335 in which the two-character kana character “ko” is highlighted appears.

That is, in FIG. 23, the kana character “ko” constituting the diphthong is assigned to the return recognition area 48. For example, in a kana character such as "ko", a diphthong is often composed by a series of "u" after that. Therefore, in order to enable quick input of diphthongs, as shown in FIG. 23, the kana character "ko" whose second character constituting the diphthong is the vowel "u" is set in the return recognition area 48. It is assigned.

The second vowel that constitutes a diphthong is not limited to the kana character "u". For example, in the case of a kana character in the "e" stage, such as "kei", a character string ending with the kana character "i" can be assigned to the return recognition area 48, and for example, "su". In the case of a kana character in the "u" stage, a character string ending with the kana character "u" can be assigned to the return recognition area 48. Further, only one return recognition area 48 may be provided, or a plurality of return recognition areas 48 may be provided as in the case of inputting the kana characters of the yoon.

In addition, as a component of the diphthong, a kana character in the "o" stage such as the above-mentioned "ko" and a long note "-" instead of the kana character "u" are added to the return recognition area 48. You may set it.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, from the flick region 441 or the dakuten recognition region 45 toward the initial recognition region 442 and its surroundings that the pressing means such as a finger first touches while maintaining the touch state. , The slide distance on the flick axis based on the position where the key 50 is first touched (that is, the pressing portion P1 and the flick axis L1 or L2 orthogonal to the flick axis when the pressing portion P1 advances in the flick direction). The return recognition area 48 is set to recognize when the slide is turned back in the direction of shortening the distance). The return recognition region 48 is a region different from the dakuten recognition region 45, and the return recognition region 48 is set to one, or two or three regions that do not overlap each other.

Further, the keyboard layout unit 41 sets a character string of one or more characters different from the flick characters set in the four different flick directions in the return recognition area 48. Further, the output control means (CPU 20) is set in the return recognition area 48 by sliding the pressing means such as a finger without releasing the touch panel and detecting the touch by the pressing means in the return recognition area 481. Specify a character string of characters or more as an input target. At the same time, even if the pressing means passes through the return recognition area 48 while continuing to touch, the input target continues to be held and the touch by the pressing means continues as long as it does not reach another return recognition area 48. Control to output the input target after it is released.

Therefore, by passing through the return recognition area 48, it is possible to specify a character string of one or more characters assigned to the return recognition area 48 as an input target. For example, when it passes through at least the flick area 441 of the kana character "hi" (when it passes through the dakuten recognition area 45, it becomes the kana character "bi", and when it passes through the semi-dakuten recognition area 46, it becomes the kana character. If a voiced sound with any of "yu", "yo", and "ya" is assigned to the three return recognition areas 48, the dakuten goes through one of the return recognition areas 48. As a result, it is possible to output the kana character of the voiced sound (it becomes the kana character of the voiced sound when passing through the voiced sound recognition area 45, and becomes the kana character of the voiced sound when passing through the voicedakuten recognition area 46). it can.

In this way, when the return recognition area 48 is assigned a yoon with any of "yu", "yo", and "ya", it is possible to write with one stroke without touching the key 50 many times as in the past. In the state, you can easily enter the kana characters of Yoon.

Further, in the present embodiment, the pressing means is slid without being separated from the touch panel to reach the return recognition area 48 via the flick area 441 and then without passing through the area for recognizing other kana characters. The slide operation is called a return Kiyone slide. Further, a slide operation of passing through the flick area 441, further passing through the voiced sound recognition area 45, and then reaching the return recognition area 48 without passing through the area for recognizing other kana characters is called a return voiced sound slide. To do. Further, a slide operation that reaches the return recognition area 48 via the flick area 441, further through the voiced sound recognition area 45, and further via the semi-voiced sound recognition area 46 is referred to as a return semi-voiced sound slide.

Then, the keyboard layout unit 41 sets a character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area 48, and the output control means (CPU 20) returns the first character of the character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area 48. In the case of a clear sound slide, the flick character set in the flick area 441 is used. Further, in the case of a dakuon slide, the flick character set in the flick area 441 is a dakuon kana character in which a voiced sound point is added. Further, in the case of a return handakuon slide, the flick character set in the flick area 441 is used as a semi-voiced sound pseudonym character in which a semi-voiced sound mark is added. Then, the output control means (CPU 20) designates a character string of two or more characters set in the return recognition area 48 as an input target according to each operation of the return clear sound slide, the return voiced sound slide, and the return handakuon slide. At the same time, when the touch by the pressing means is released in the return recognition area 48, the input target is controlled to be output.

Therefore, it is possible to easily input a character string of two or more kana characters, such as a kana character of a yoon (or a dakuon or a semi-dakuon), on a one-stroke slide.

Further, in the present embodiment, the key layout part is a pseudonym of "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line. For the key 50 in which the flick input of the character is set, when the pressing means slides into the flick area 441 in the first flick direction in which the kana character of the "I" stage is set, the three return recognition areas 48 are displayed. It is set. Then, as the character string set in each return recognition area 48, the kana character in the "i" column is set as the first character, and the kana character of "ya", "yu", or "yo" is set as the second character. It is set as the accompanying "I" stage yoon.

Further, the output control means (CPU 20) uses the kana character of the first character of the "i" stage of the "i" stage set in the return recognition area 48, and in the case of the return clear sound slide, the kana character of the "i" stage of the "i" stage. In the case of a return muddy sound slide, it is set as a kana character of "i" stage muddy sound, and in the case of a return semi-muddy sound slide, it is set as a kana character of "i" stage semi-muddy sound. Further, the output control means (CPU 20) designates the yōon of the “I” stage set in the return recognition area 48 as an input target according to each operation of the return clear sound slide, the return voiced sound slide, and the return semi-voiced sound slide. At the same time, when the touch by the pressing means is released in the return recognition area 48, the input target is controlled to be output.

Therefore, it is possible to easily input the kana characters of the yoon (or the voiced sound or the semi-voiced sound) in a single stroke by passing through any of the three return recognition areas 48. In addition, it is not necessary to press a separate key 50 to input the yoon, and it is possible to quickly input the kana characters of the yoon. For example, two kana characters such as "gyo" can be easily input on a one-stroke slide. In this case, at present, flick input with a slide operation is performed twice, such as flick input of "ki", pressing of the dakuten key, flick input of "yo", pressing of the lowercase key, and other keys. The key is slid and pressed twice, for a total of four times (dakuten and lowercase), and it takes time to input. However, as described above, it is possible to input two kana characters such as "Gyo" on the one-stroke slide, so that the input speed can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the key layout unit 41 is of the "ka" line, the "sa" line, the "ta" line, the "na" line, the "ha" line, the "ma" line, and the "ra" line. For the key in which the flick input of the kana character is set, the return recognition area 48 is set when the pressing means slides into the flick area 441d in the second flick direction in which the kana in the “O” column is set. Then, the character string set in the return recognition area 48 is a two-character kana character in which the kana character in the "o" column is the first character and the second character is either "u" or "-". Set as.

Further, the output control means (CPU 20) sets the kana character of the first character "o" of the two kana characters set in the return recognition area 48, and in the case of the return seion slide, the kana character of the "o" stage. In the case of a return muddy sound slide, it is set as a kana character of "O" stage muddy sound, and in the case of a return semi-muddy sound slide, it is set as a kana character of "O" stage semi-muddy sound. Further, the output control means (CPU 20) designates two kana characters set in the return recognition area 48 as input targets according to each operation of the return clear sound slide, the return voiced sound slide, and the return semi-voiced sound slide. , When the touch by the pressing means is released in the return recognition area 48, the input target is controlled to be output.

Therefore, for example, it is possible to quickly input a diphthong such as "ko" or a long note part of "ko" in a word such as "coat". That is, the first kana character and the second kana character "u" or two characters with a long note "-" can be quickly entered in a single stroke without pressing a separate key 50. can do.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display control means (CPU20) sets the flick character display area of the "I" stage as the highlighting unit 335 for displaying a character string of one or more characters, and the pressing means is "I". When the return recognition area 48 is reached while maintaining the touch from the flick area of the column, the character string designated as the input target in the return recognition area 48 is highlighted in the highlighting section. Therefore, even if the flick input unit 44 moves a finger and the flick input unit 44 displays an input guide for guiding the input, and the input guide is hidden under the finger or the like, the highlighting unit of the input guide window 33 The 335 can be visually recognized. Therefore, during the slide operation of the flick input, it is easy to determine whether or not the input is performed in the return recognition area 48, and if there are a plurality of return recognition areas 48, which return recognition area 48 is input. Can be confirmed in. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous input.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display control means (CPU 20) returns when the return recognition area 48 is set in the area other than the highlighting unit 335 that emphasizes the input target character in the input guide window 33. The last character of the character string set in the recognition area 48 is displayed as a recognition area guide. Then, when the pressing means reaches the return recognition area 48 while maintaining the touch from the flick area 441, the recognition area guide (discarded pseudonym display area 336) indicating the return recognition area 48 is highlighted. doing.

Therefore, even if the flick input unit 44 moves a finger and the flick input unit 44 displays an input guide for guiding the input, and the input guide is hidden under the finger or the like, the recognition area guide of the input guide window 33 (Abandoned pseudonym display area 336) can be visually recognized. In this way, by visually recognizing the sutegana display area 336 during the slide operation of the flick input, it is possible to easily confirm which return recognition area 48 the character string assigned to is input. Since it can be done, it is possible to prevent a mistake between them.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the return recognition area 48 is set, the display control means (CPU 20) has a position where the return recognition area 48 viewed from the center of the initial recognition area 442 of the key 50 touched first is located. When the three directions are applied to the directions viewed from the center of the input guide window 33, the recognition area guide indicating the return recognition area 48 at a position close to the center of the side of the input guide window 33 closest to the third direction. (Abandoned pseudonym display area 336) is displayed.

Therefore, since the position of the return recognition area 48 in the flick input unit 44 corresponds to the position of the recognition area guide (discarded kana display area 336) in the input guide window 33, the input of kana characters using the return recognition area 48 It becomes easier to perform the image of, and it becomes easier to input those kana characters.

As described above, the input regarding the return recognition area 48 may be performed together with the input of the kana characters of the voiced sound and the semi-voiced sound described in (1), but the kana characters of the voiced sound and the semi-voiced sound described in (1). You may go without inputting. Further, it may be performed together with the return voiced sound slide or the return handakuon slide described in (2), but it may be performed without the return voiced sound slide or the return handakuon slide described in (2). In addition, as one form of the software keyboard program of the present invention, the form in which the kana character of the semi-voiced sound is not input and the return semi-voiced sound slide is not performed is as follows. Needless to say, other matters described in the present specification may be dependent on the form of the present invention (may be combined with other configurations, controls, operations, etc.).
A software keyboard program that is executed by a computer equipped with a touch panel and realizes a software keyboard that serves as a user interface on the touch panel, and includes keys that can display the computer on the touch panel and input pseudonym characters. A key arrangement unit that has a character input unit and is set so that flick input can be performed for at least one character of the character input unit when the pseudonym character is input, and the touch panel displayed on the touch panel. It functions as an output control means for controlling the output of characters to the character display unit of the touch panel in response to input to the software keyboard, and also functions as an output control means.
In the key arrangement part, flick input of kana characters of "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the kana character is first pressed by the pressing means, the initial recognition area for recognizing the kana character of the "A" stage Kiyone of the pressed line is set, and the key arrangement unit is set. Sets flick areas in each of the four different flick directions, and in each flick area, the kana characters of "i" dan Kiyone, the kana characters of "u" dan Kiyone, and "e" are used as flick characters. Set the kana characters of Dan Kiyone and the kana characters of "O" Dan Kiyone,
The keyboard layout unit is the key in the flick direction in which the flick input is performed for the key in which the flick input of the kana characters of the "ka" line, the "sa" line, the "ta" line, and the "ha" line is set. Outside the flick area and the initial recognition area, a voiced sound recognition area for recognizing the voiced sound kana character in which the voiced sound kana character set in the flick area is given a voiced sound is set.
The dakuten recognition region exists on one side of the flick region in a first orthogonal direction orthogonal to the flick axis direction from the center of the initial recognition region toward the center of the flick region.
The output control means slides the pressing means without separating from the touch panel, passes through the flick region, and detects the pressing by the pressing means in the dakuten recognition region, thereby passing through the flick region. In addition to specifying the dakuon kana characters with dakuten added to the kana characters set in, as the input target,
When the touch by the pressing means is released in the voiced sound recognition area, the input target is controlled to be output.
From the flick area or the dakuten recognition area, while maintaining the touch state, the flick with the position where the key is first touched as a base point toward the initial recognition area first touched by the pressing means and its surroundings. Set the return recognition area to be recognized when the slide is turned back in the direction of shortening the slide distance on the axis.
The return recognition region is a region different from the dakuten recognition region.
The return recognition area is set to one, or two or three areas that do not overlap each other.
The keyboard layout unit sets a character string of two or more characters different from the flick characters set in four different flick directions in the return recognition area.
The slide operation of sliding the pressing means without releasing it from the touch panel, passing through the flick area, and then reaching the return recognition area without passing through the area for recognizing other kana characters is performed by the return clear sound. Called a slide,
A slide operation that reaches the return recognition area via the flick area, further through the voiced sound recognition area, and then without passing through the area for recognizing other kana characters is called a return voiced sound slide.
The output control means sets the first character of a character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area as the flick character set in the flick area in the case of the return clear sound slide, and in the case of the return voiced sound slide. Is a dakuon kana character with a voiced sound added to the flick character set in the flick area.
The output control means designates a character string of two or more characters set in the return recognition area as an input target according to each operation of the return clear sound slide and the return voiced sound slide.
With respect to the return recognition areas, even if the pressing means passes through the return recognition area while continuing to touch, the input target continues to be held as long as it does not reach another return recognition area.
When the touch by the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output.
A software keyboard program that features this.

It can be understood that the character input device and the character input method of the present invention also correspond to one form of the above-mentioned software keyboard program invention. Further, it may be a form of the invention further different from these.

(3) Input when adding "U" or the like using the external recognition area 60 Next, a case where a character string to which a kana character such as "U" is added using the external recognition area 60 is to be input will be described. To do. In addition, the following description may be performed separately from the input of the kana characters of the voiced sound and the semi-voiced sound of (1) and the input of the kana characters of the yoon of (2), and these (1) and It may be combined with at least one of (2).

As described with reference to FIG. 20, when a pressing means such as a finger slides from the flick area 441a of the kana character in the “I” stage to the return recognition area 48, the kana character of the yoon is input. Of these, for example, the kana characters of the yoon such as "kyu" and "kyo" are often accompanied by the kana characters of the vowel "u" such as "kyu" and "kyo".

However, if flick input is performed after moving to another key 50 in order to input the kana character "U" from the return recognition area 48, it takes time to input. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to input the kana character "u" after the kana character of the yoon as follows.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a state in which the external recognition area 60 appears when the kana character “kyo” of the yoon is specified. In the present embodiment, the external recognition area 60 is provided at a position where it slides away from the flick axis L1 and in the direction opposite to the direction from the flick area 441a toward the second return recognition area 48b. In FIG. 24, the external recognition area 60 is provided in the space portion 47a. Therefore, the trajectory on which the pressing means such as a finger slides from the initial recognition area 442 to the flick area 441a, the second return recognition area 48b, and finally to the external recognition area 60 is the alphabetic "Z". The orbit is symmetrical.

Further, as shown in FIG. 24, in the input guide window 33, an external display area 340 as an input guide for the kana character “U” corresponding to the external recognition area 60 is also displayed. The external display area 340 is displayed at the following positions in the input guide window 33. That is, when the external recognition area 60 is set in the flick input unit 44, the fourth direction in which the external recognition area 60 viewed from the center of the initial recognition area 442 of the first touched key 50 is located is set in the input guide window 33. When applied to the orientation viewed from the center, the external display area 340 is controlled to be displayed at the corner (lower right portion in FIG. 24) closest to the fourth orientation when viewed from the center of the input guide window 33. There is. The external display area 340 corresponds to the recognition area guide.

In FIG. 24, when the trajectory as described above is drawn and the external recognition area 60 is reached, the kana character “kyo” including the yoon becomes an input target. In this state, when the pressing means such as a finger is released from the touch sensor 12, the kana character "kyo" including the yoon is input. Further, in the input guide window 33, "today" is displayed as the highlighting unit 335.

FIG. 25 shows a state in which the external recognition area 60 appears when the kana character “kyu” of the yoon is specified. In this case, it slides from the initial recognition area 442 to the flick area 441a, then to the first return recognition area 48a, and further to the external recognition area 60. Also at this time, the external recognition area 60 is provided at a position where it slides in the direction opposite to the direction from the flick area 441a toward the first return recognition area 48a. The position where the external recognition area 60 is set is the space portion 47b, unlike FIG. 24. Therefore, the trajectory on which the pressing means such as a finger slides from the initial recognition area 442 to the flick area 441a, the first return recognition area 48a, and finally to the external recognition area 60 is the alphabetic "Z". It is a trajectory that draws "" from the opposite direction.

Further, in FIG. 25, the external display area 340 (corresponding to the recognition area guide) as an input guide for the kana character “U” is displayed in the upper right portion of the input guide window 33. Also in this case, when the external recognition area 60 is set in the flick input unit 44, the input guide window sets the fourth direction in which the external recognition area 60 viewed from the center of the initial recognition area 442 of the first touched key 50 is located. When applied to the orientation viewed from the center of 33, the external display area 340 is controlled to be displayed at the corner (upper right portion in FIG. 25) closest to the fourth orientation when viewed from the center of the input guide window 33. ing.

It should be noted that FIGS. 24 and 25 describe a case where a yoon including a kana character in the “i” stage of the seion and a kana character including the kana character “u” are input. However, the case of inputting the yoon including the kana character in the dakuon "i" stage and the kana character including the kana character "u" is as follows. That is, the initial recognition area 442 passes through the flick area 441a, then the dakuten recognition area 45, then the return recognition area 48, and then the external recognition area 60. Then, it is possible to input the yoon including the kana character in the dakuon "i" stage and the kana character including the kana character "u".

In addition, the case of inputting the yoon including the kana character of the semi-voiced sound "i" and the kana character including the kana character "u" is as follows. That is, the initial recognition area 442 passes through the flick area 441a, then the voiced sound mark recognition area 45, then the semi-voiced sound mark recognition area 46, then the return recognition area 48, and then the external recognition area 60. Via. Then, it is possible to input the yoon including the kana character in the "i" stage of the handakuon and the kana character including the kana character "u".

The external recognition area 60 may be set with a long note "-" instead of the kana character "u". That is, one with a kana character in the "i" stage of Kiyone and a long note "-", one with a kana character in the "i" stage of muddy sound and one with a "-" in a long note, and a semi-turbid sound "-". The external recognition area 60 may be set to include a kana character in the "i" stage and a choonpu with a "-" in the choonpu.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the return recognition area 48 in which the kana character of the “i” stage is set as the first character and the yoon of the “i” stage accompanied by the kana character of “yu” is set as the second character. It reaches the first return recognition area 48a (corresponding to the "yu" return recognition area), or the kana character in the "i" stage is the first character, and the second character is the "i" with the kana character "yo". When the second return recognition area 48b (corresponding to the “yo” return recognition area), which is the return recognition area 48 in which the “Yōon” is set, is reached, the external recognition area 60 is set outside the return recognition area 48.

In the external recognition area 60, "U" or "U" or "U" or "U" or "U" or "U" or " Set 3 kana characters including "-". Then, no other return recognition area 48 exists between the external recognition area 60 and the first return recognition area 48a (“yu” return recognition area). In addition, there is no other return recognition area 48 between the external recognition area 60 and the second return recognition area 48b (“yo” return recognition area).

Then, the output control means (CPU20) uses the return clear sound slide, the return voiced sound slide, or the return handakuon slide to perform the first return recognition area 48a (“yu” return recognition area) or the second return recognition area 48b (“yo”). The three characters set in the external recognition area 60 are reached by reaching the return recognition area) and further sliding the pressing means to the external recognition area 60 without releasing the touch panel to detect the pressing by the pressing means in the external recognition area 60. The kana character of is specified as an input target, and when the touch by the pressing means is released in the external recognition area 60, the input target is output.

Therefore, for example, three kana characters such as "kyu", "gyo", and "pyu" can be easily input on a one-stroke slide. In particular, for example, when inputting "Gyo", at present, flick input of "ki", press of the dakuten key, flick input of "yo", press of the lowercase key, and flick input of "u". , And so on, flick input with slide operation is performed 3 times, and other key presses (dakuten and lowercase) are performed 2 times, for a total of 5 key slides and presses, and it takes time to input. It has become a thing. However, as described above, since it is possible to input three kana characters such as "gyo" on a one-stroke slide, the input speed can be overwhelmingly improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the return recognition area 48 in which the kana character of the "i" stage is set as the first character and the yōon of the "i" stage accompanied by the kana character of "ya" is set as the second character is set to the third. Return recognition area 48c (
It is called "ya" return recognition area). Then, in the key layout unit 41, the third return recognition area 48c (“ya” return recognition area) is on the side opposite to the first flick direction (left direction in FIG. 19) of the flick axis L2 in the “i” stage. Set to (right side in FIG. 19). Further, the first return recognition area 48a (“yu” return recognition area) and the second return recognition area 48b (“yo” return recognition area) are in the direction of the flick axis L2 (see FIG. 22) of the “i” stage. , The axes in the orthogonal direction (flick axis L1; see FIG. 21) orthogonal to the center of the initial recognition area 442 are set in one direction and the other direction, respectively. The external recognition area 60 is set at different positions with respect to the first return recognition area 48a (“yu” return recognition area) and the second return recognition area 48b (“yo” return recognition area). The position is parallel to the flick axis of the "I" stage with respect to each of the first return recognition area 48a ("yu" return recognition area) and the second return recognition area 48b ("yo" return recognition area). In the axis, it is set on the first flick direction side (see FIGS. 24 and 25).

Therefore, it is possible to reliably input each of the three yoon kana characters. Further, for example, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, three kana characters such as "kyu" and "kyo" are slid by a pressing means such as a finger in an inverted or inverted form of "Z". By doing so, you can enter it. In this case, since the trajectory drawn by the pressing means such as a finger is folded, the slide range of the pressing means such as a finger can be kept within a predetermined range. So to speak, it is possible to make it easy to input three kana characters without having to slide a large amount beyond the movable range of a finger or the like in a certain direction.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display control means (CPU20) sets the flick character display area of the "I" stage as the highlighting unit 335 for displaying a character string of one or more characters, and the pressing means is "I". When the return recognition area 48 is reached while maintaining the touch from the flick area of the column, the character string designated as the input target in the return recognition area 48 is highlighted in the highlighting section. Therefore, even if the flick input unit 44 moves a finger and the flick input unit 44 displays an input guide for guiding the input, and the input guide is hidden under the finger or the like, the highlighting unit of the input guide window 33 The 335 can be visually recognized. Therefore, during the slide operation of the flick input, it is easy to determine whether or not the input is performed in the return recognition area 48, and if there are a plurality of return recognition areas 48, which return recognition area 48 is input. Can be confirmed in. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous input.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display control means (CPU 20) externally recognizes the external recognition area 60 in the area other than the highlighting unit 335 that emphasizes the input target character in the input guide window 33. The last character of the character string set in the recognition area 60 is displayed as a recognition area guide (external display area 340). Then, when the pressing means reaches the external recognition area 60 while maintaining the touch from the flick area 441, the recognition area guide (external display area 340) indicating the external recognition area 60 is controlled to be highlighted. ing.

Therefore, even if the flick input unit 44 moves a finger and the flick input unit 44 displays an input guide for guiding the input, and the input guide is hidden under the finger or the like, the recognition area guide of the input guide window 33 (External display area 340) can be visually recognized. In this way, by visually recognizing the external display area 340 during the slide operation of the flick input, the character string assigned to the external recognition area 60 can be easily confirmed, which improves convenience. Moreover, it is possible to prevent erroneous input.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the external recognition area 60 is set, the display control means (CPU 20) indicates the direction in which the external recognition area 60 viewed from the center of the initial recognition area 442 of the key 50 touched first is located. When (fourth direction) is applied to the direction viewed from the center of the input guide window 33, the recognition area guide indicating the external recognition area 60 at the corner closest to the fourth direction when viewed from the center of the input guide window 33. (External display area 340) is displayed.

Therefore, since the position of the external recognition area 60 in the flick input unit 44 and the position of the external display area 340 in the input guide window 33 correspond to each other, it is easy to imagine inputting a kana character of a voiced sound or a kana character of a semi-voiced sound. Therefore, it becomes easy to input those kana characters.

As described above, the input when the return recognition area 48 and the external recognition area 60 are combined may be performed together with the input of the kana characters of the voiced sound and the semi-voiced sound described in (1), but will be described in (1). It may be performed without inputting the kana characters of the voiced sound and the semi-voiced sound. Further, it may be performed together with the return voiced sound slide or the return handakuon slide described in (2), but it may be performed without the return voiced sound slide or the return handakuon slide described in (2). When the return recognition area 48 and the external recognition area 60 are combined, one form of the software keyboard program of the present invention when the kana characters of the voiced sound and the semi-voiced sound are not input is as follows.
A software keyboard program that is executed by a computer equipped with a touch panel and realizes a software keyboard that serves as a user interface on the touch panel, and includes keys that can display the computer on the touch panel and input pseudonym characters. A key arrangement unit that has a character input unit and is set so that flick input can be performed for at least one character of the character input unit when the pseudonym character is input, and the touch panel displayed on the touch panel. It functions as an output control means for controlling the output of characters to the character display unit of the touch panel in response to input to the software keyboard, and also functions as an output control means.
In the key arrangement part, flick input of kana characters of "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the kana character is first pressed by the pressing means, the initial recognition area for recognizing the kana character of the "A" stage Kiyone of the pressed line is set, and the key arrangement unit is set. Sets flick areas in each of the four different flick directions, and in each flick area, the kana characters of "i" dan Kiyone, the kana characters of "u" dan Kiyone, and "e" are used as flick characters. Set the kana characters of Dan Kiyone and the kana characters of "O" Dan Kiyone,
The slide distance on the flick axis from the flick area toward the initial recognition area first touched by the pressing means and its surroundings while maintaining the touch state, with the position where the key is first touched as a base point. Set the return recognition area to be recognized when the slide is turned in the direction of shrinking and returned.
The return recognition area is set as an area that does not overlap with each other.
In the keyboard layout part, flick input of kana characters of "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the pressing means slides into the flick area in the first flick direction in which the kana character of the "I" stage is set for the key, three return recognition areas are set.
The character string to be set in each of the return recognition areas is "i", with the kana character in the "i" column as the first character, and the second character with any of the kana characters "ya", "yu", and "yo". Set it as a "I" stage yoon,
The output control means slides the pressing means without releasing the touch panel to detect a touch by the pressing means in the return recognition area.
Even if the "i" stage yōon set in the return recognition area is designated as an input target and the pressing means passes through the return recognition area while continuing to touch the return recognition areas, the other As long as the return recognition area of is not reached, the state in which the input target is held is continued, and when the touch by the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output.
With
The return recognition area in which the kana character in the "i" stage is the first character and the yōon in the "i" stage with the kana character "yu" in the second character is set is called the "yu" return recognition area.
The return recognition area in which the kana character in the "i" stage is the first character and the yōon in the "i" stage with the kana character in the second character is set is called the "yo" return recognition area.
The keyboard layout part
When the output control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area, an external recognition area is set outside the return recognition area.
In the external recognition area, "u" or "-" is added to the end of the yōon of the "i" stage designated as the input target by the output control means in the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area. Set the added 3 kana characters and set
There is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yu" return recognition area, and another return recognition area is between the external recognition area and the "yo" return recognition area. The return recognition area does not exist.
The pressing means is slid without being separated from the touch panel to reach the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area via the flick area, and further, the pressing means is not separated from the touch panel. By sliding to the external recognition area and detecting the pressing by the pressing means in the external recognition area, the three kana characters set in the external recognition area are designated as input targets, and the external recognition area is specified. When the touch with the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output.
A software keyboard program that features this.

<5. Modification example>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be modified in various ways. This will be described below.

In the above-described embodiment, the specific kana characters are illustrated and described. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is applied not only to specific kana characters but also to other kana characters. For example, the matter concerning the kana character of the voiced sound is applicable to all the kana characters of the voiced sound, and the matter concerning the kana character of the handakuon is applicable to all the kana characters of the handakuon. In addition, the matters related to the kana characters of Yoon can be applied to all the kana characters of Yoon.

Further, for example, for the kana character on the "A" line, a lowercase letter area using the same area as the voiced sound recognition area 45 and the "A" stage voiced sound recognition area 45A is set, and the case passes through the lowercase letter area. May make the kana characters on the "a" line lowercase. Further, for the return recognition area 48, kana characters other than those described above may be assigned.

1 ... Mobile information terminal, 10 ... Housing, 11 ... Display, 11a ... Display surface, 12 ... Touch sensor, 13 ... Key operation unit, 20 ... CPU (an example of output control means), 21 ... Memory, 22 ... Image processing Circuit, 22a ... VRAM, 23 ... key input circuit, 24 ... communication module, 26 ... alphabet, 30 ... keyboard display, 31 ... key display, 32 ... character display, 33 ... input guide window, 40 ... software keyboard, 41 ... Key layout part, 42 ... Character key layout part (corresponding to character input part), 43 ... Function key layout part, 44 ... Flick input part, 45 ... Dakuten recognition area, 45A ... "A" stage voiced sound recognition area, 46A ... "Pa" recognition area, 46 ... semi-voiced sound mark recognition area, 47, 47a to 47d ... space part, 48 ... return recognition area, 48a ... first return recognition area, 48b ... second return recognition area, 48c ... third return recognition Area, 48d ... 4th return recognition area, 48e ... 5th return recognition area, 48f ... 6th return recognition area, 49 ... Cancel area, 50 ... Key, 331 ... Initial key display, 332 ... Flick character display area, 333 ... Dakuten mark (corresponding to the recognition area guide), 334 ... Semi-voiced sound mark (corresponding to the recognition area guide), 335 ... Highlighting unit (corresponding to the recognition area guide), 336 ... Discarded pseudonym display area (corresponding to the recognition area guide), 337 ... Continuous vowel display area (corresponding to recognition area guide) 338 ... Change display area (corresponding to recognition area guide) 339 ... Numerical display area (corresponding to recognition area guide) 340 ... External display area (corresponding to recognition area guide) Correspondence), 441, 441a to 441d ... flick region, 442 ... initial recognition region, K1, K2 ... orbit, L1, L2 ... flick axis, P1 ... pressing part

Claims (7)

A software keyboard program that is executed by a computer equipped with a touch panel and realizes a software keyboard that serves as a user interface on the touch panel.
The computer
It has a character input unit that is displayed on the touch panel and has a key for inputting kana characters, and when the kana characters are input, flick input can be performed for at least one character in the character input unit. The key arrangement part set to be possible and
An output control means for controlling the output of characters to the character display unit of the touch panel in response to an input to the software keyboard displayed on the touch panel.
As well as functioning as
In the key arrangement part, flick input of kana characters of "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the kana character is first pressed by the pressing means, the initial recognition area for recognizing the kana character of the "A" stage Kiyone of the pressed line is set, and the key arrangement unit is set. Sets flick areas in each of the four different flick directions, and in each flick area, the kana characters of "i" dan Kiyone, the kana characters of "u" dan Kiyone, and "e" are used as flick characters. Set the kana characters of Dan Kiyone and the kana characters of "O" Dan Kiyone,
The axis from the center of the initial recognition area to the center of the flick area is defined as the flick axis.
From the flick area, while maintaining the touch state, the slide distance on the flick axis with the position where the key is first touched as a base point toward the initial recognition area first touched by the pressing means and its surroundings. Set the return recognition area to be recognized when the slide is turned in the contraction direction and returned.
The return recognition area is set to one, or two or three areas that do not overlap each other.
The keyboard layout unit sets a character string of two or more characters different from the flick characters set in four different flick directions in the return recognition area.
The slide operation of sliding the pressing means without releasing it from the touch panel, passing through the flick area, and then reaching the return recognition area without passing through the area for recognizing other kana characters is performed by the return clear sound. Called a slide,
The output control means sets the first character of the character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area as the flick character set in the flick area in the case of the return clear sound slide.
The output control means designates a character string of two or more characters set in the return recognition area as an input target in response to the operation of the return clear sound slide, and at the same time,
With respect to the return recognition areas, even if the pressing means passes through the return recognition area while continuing to touch, the input target continues to be held as long as it does not reach another return recognition area.
When the touch by the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output.
In the keyboard layout part, flick input of kana characters of "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the pressing means slides into the flick area in the first flick direction in which the kana character of the "I" stage is set for the key, three return recognition areas are set.
The character string to be set in each of the return recognition areas is "i", with the kana character in the "i" column as the first character, and the second character with any of the kana characters "ya", "yu", and "yo". Set it as a "I" stage yoon,
The output control means
The kana character of the first character of the "i" stage of the yoon set in the return recognition area is the kana character of the "i" stage.
In the case of the return Kiyone slide, set it as the kana character of "I" Dan Kiyone.
The output control means designates the yōon of the “I” stage set in the return recognition area as an input target in response to the operation of the return clear sound slide, and touches the return recognition area with the pressing means. Is canceled, the input target is controlled to be output, and
The return recognition area in which the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the first character and the yōon in the "i" stage is set as the second character with the kana character of "yu" is called the "yu" return recognition area.
The return recognition area in which the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the first character and the yōon in the "i" stage is set as the second character with the kana character of "yo" is called the "yo" return recognition area.
The keyboard layout part
When the output control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area, an external recognition area is set outside the return recognition area.
In the external recognition area, "u" or "u" or "u" or is added to the end of the yōon of the "i" stage designated as the input target by the output control means in the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area. Set 3 kana characters with "-" added,
There is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yu" return recognition area, and there is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yo" return recognition area. It is assumed that the other return recognition area does not exist.
The output control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area by the return clear sound slide, and further slides the pressing means to the external recognition area without releasing the touch panel to the outside. By detecting the pressing by the pressing means in the recognition area, the three kana characters set in the external recognition area are designated as the input target, and the touch by the pressing means in the external recognition area is performed. When released, control is performed so that the input target is output.
A software keyboard program that features this. A software keyboard program that is executed by a computer equipped with a touch panel and realizes a software keyboard that serves as a user interface on the touch panel.
The computer
It has a character input unit that is displayed on the touch panel and has a key for inputting kana characters, and when the kana characters are input, flick input can be performed for at least one character in the character input unit. The key arrangement part set to be possible and
An output control means for controlling the output of characters to the character display unit of the touch panel in response to an input to the software keyboard displayed on the touch panel.
As well as functioning as
In the key arrangement part, flick input of kana characters of "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the kana character is first pressed by the pressing means, the initial recognition area for recognizing the kana character of the "A" stage Kiyone of the pressed line is set, and the key arrangement unit is set. Sets flick areas in each of the four different flick directions, and in each flick area, the kana characters of "i" dan Kiyone, the kana characters of "u" dan Kiyone, and "e" are used as flick characters. Set the kana characters of Dan Kiyone and the kana characters of "O" Dan Kiyone,
The axis from the center of the initial recognition area to the center of the flick area is defined as the flick axis.
From the flick area, while maintaining the touch state, the slide distance on the flick axis with the position where the key is first touched as a base point toward the initial recognition area first touched by the pressing means and its surroundings. Set the return recognition area to be recognized when the slide is turned in the contraction direction and returned.
The return recognition area is set to one, or two or three areas that do not overlap each other.
The keyboard layout unit sets a character string of two or more characters different from the flick characters set in four different flick directions in the return recognition area.
The slide operation of sliding the pressing means without releasing it from the touch panel, passing through the flick area, and then reaching the return recognition area without passing through the area for recognizing other kana characters is performed by the return clear sound. Called a slide,
The output control means sets the first character of the character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area as the flick character set in the flick area in the case of the return clear sound slide.
The output control means designates a character string of two or more characters set in the return recognition area as an input target in response to the operation of the return clear sound slide, and at the same time,
With respect to the return recognition areas, even if the pressing means passes through the return recognition area while continuing to touch, the input target continues to be held as long as it does not reach another return recognition area.
When the touch by the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output.
The keyboard layout unit is the key in the flick direction in which the flick input is performed for the key in which the flick input of the kana characters of the "ka" line, the "sa" line, the "ta" line, and the "ha" line is set. Outside the flick area and the initial recognition area, a voiced sound recognition area for recognizing the voiced sound kana character in which the voiced sound kana character set in the flick area is given a voiced sound is set.
The dakuten recognition region exists on one side of the flick region in a first orthogonal direction orthogonal to the flick axis direction from the center of the initial recognition region toward the center of the flick region.
The output control means slides the pressing means without separating from the touch panel, passes through the flick region, and detects the pressing by the pressing means in the dakuten recognition region, thereby passing through the flick region. In addition to specifying the dakuon kana characters with dakuten added to the kana characters set in, as the input target,
When the touch by the pressing means is released in the voiced sound recognition area, the input target is controlled to be output.
The return recognition area is based on the position where the key is first touched from the dakuten recognition area toward the initial recognition area first touched by the pressing means and its surroundings while maintaining the touch state. It is set to recognize when the slide direction is changed in the direction of shortening the slide distance on the flick axis and returned.
The return recognition region is a region different from the dakuten recognition region.
A slide operation that reaches the return recognition area via the flick area, further through the voiced sound recognition area, and then without passing through the area for recognizing other kana characters is called a return voiced sound slide.
The output control means adds the first character of a character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area, and in the case of the return dakuon slide, a dakuon pseudonym in which a dakuten is added to the flick character set in the flick area. As a character
The output control means designates a character string of two or more characters set in the return recognition area as an input target according to each operation of the return clear sound slide and the return voiced sound slide.
In the keyboard layout part, flick input of kana characters of "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the pressing means slides into the flick area in the first flick direction in which the kana character of the "I" stage is set for the key, three return recognition areas are set.
The character string to be set in each of the return recognition areas is "i", with the kana character in the "i" column as the first character, and the second character with any of the kana characters "ya", "yu", and "yo". Set it as a "I" stage yoon,
The output control means
The kana character of the first character of the "i" stage of the yoon set in the return recognition area is the kana character of the "i" stage.
In the case of the return Kiyone slide, the kana character of "I" Dan Kiyone is used.
In the case of the return voiced sound slide, set it as the kana character of the "i" stage voiced sound.
The output control means designates the yōon of the "I" stage set in the return recognition area as an input target in response to the operation of the return clear sound slide and the return voiced sound slide, and the return recognition area. When the touch by the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output.
The return recognition area in which the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the first character and the yōon in the "i" stage is set as the second character with the kana character of "yu" is called the "yu" return recognition area.
The return recognition area in which the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the first character and the yōon in the "i" stage is set as the second character with the kana character of "yo" is called the "yo" return recognition area.
The keyboard layout part
When the output control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area, an external recognition area is set outside the return recognition area.
In the external recognition area, "u" or "u" or "u" or "" is added to the end of the "i" stage yōon designated as the input target by the output control means in the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area. Set 3 kana characters with "-" added,
There is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yu" return recognition area, and there is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yo" return recognition area. It is assumed that the other return recognition area does not exist.
The output control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area by the return clear sound slide or the return voiced sound slide, and further, the external recognition area without releasing the pressing means from the touch panel. By detecting the pressing by the pressing means in the external recognition area by sliding to, the three kana characters set in the external recognition area are designated as the input target, and the external recognition area is used. When the touch by the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output.
A software keyboard program that features this. The software keyboard program according to claim 1 or 2.
The return recognition area in which the kana character in the "i" stage is the first character and the yōon in the "i" stage with the kana character in the second character is set is called the "ya" return recognition area.
The keyboard layout part
The "ya" return recognition area is set on the side opposite to the first flick direction of the flick axis in the "i" stage.
The "yu" return recognition area and the "yo" return recognition area are one and the other of the axes in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the center of the initial recognition area with respect to the flick axis direction of the "i" stage. Set each direction,
The external recognition area is set at different positions with respect to the "yu" return recognition area and the "yo" return recognition area, and the positions are the "yu" return recognition area and the "yo". For each of the return recognition areas, the axis parallel to the flick axis in the "I" stage is set to the first flick direction side.
A soft keyboard program that features that. The software keyboard program according to claim 1 or 3.
The computer
Based on the control by the output control means, it functions as a display control means for displaying an input guide window for displaying a flick input, and also functions as a display control means.
The display control means displays a flick character in the input guide window when a flick determination is recognized in response to a flick operation toward a flick area in four different flick directions from the key first touched by the pressing means. An area is provided, and the flick character set in the flick area is highlighted in the flick character display area, and the flick character is highlighted.
The display control means sets the flick character display area as a highlighting unit for displaying a character string of one or more characters.
When the pressing means reaches either the return recognition area or the external recognition area while maintaining the touch from the flick area in the "I" stage, a character string designated as an input target in each recognition area. Is controlled to be highlighted in the highlighting section,
The display control means
Areas other than the highlighting area that emphasizes the characters to be input in the input guide window
When the return recognition area is set, the last character of the character string set in the return recognition area is set.
When the external recognition area is set, the last character of the character string set in the external recognition area is set.
Displayed as a recognition area guide showing each recognition area,
When the pressing means reaches each recognition area while maintaining the touch from the flick area, it is controlled to highlight the recognition area guide indicating the recognition area.
A software keyboard program that features this. The software keyboard program according to claim 2 or 3.
The computer
Based on the control by the output control means, it functions as a display control means for displaying an input guide window for displaying a flick input, and also functions as a display control means.
The display control means displays a flick character in the input guide window when a flick determination is recognized in response to a flick operation toward a flick area in four different flick directions from the key first touched by the pressing means. An area is provided, and the flick character set in the flick area is highlighted in the flick character display area, and the flick character is highlighted.
The display control means sets the flick character display area as a highlighting unit for displaying a character string of one or more characters.
When the pressing means reaches any of the dakuten recognition area, the return recognition area, and the external recognition area while maintaining the touch from the flick area in the "I" stage, it is used as an input target in each recognition area. Controls the specified character string to be highlighted in the highlighting unit,
The display control means
Areas other than the highlighting area that emphasizes the characters to be input in the input guide window
When the voiced sound recognition area is set, the voiced sound mark is marked.
When the return recognition area is set, the last character of the character string set in the return recognition area is set.
When the external recognition area is set, the last character of the character string set in the external recognition area is set.
Displayed as a recognition area guide showing each recognition area,
When the pressing means reaches each recognition area while maintaining the touch from the flick area, it is controlled to highlight the recognition area guide indicating the recognition area.
A software keyboard program that features this. A character input device that is executed by a computer equipped with a touch panel and realizes a software keyboard that serves as a user interface on the touch panel.
It has a character input unit that is displayed on the touch panel and has a key for inputting kana characters, and when the kana characters are input, flick input can be performed for at least one character in the character input unit. The key arrangement part set to be possible and
An output control means for controlling the output of characters to the character display unit of the touch panel in response to an input to the software keyboard displayed on the touch panel.
With
In the key arrangement part, flick input of kana characters of "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the kana character is first pressed by the pressing means, the initial recognition area for recognizing the kana character of the "A" stage Kiyone of the pressed line is set, and the key arrangement unit is set. Sets flick areas in each of the four different flick directions, and in each flick area, the kana characters of "i" dan Kiyone, the kana characters of "u" dan Kiyone, and "e" are used as flick characters. Set the kana characters of Dan Kiyone and the kana characters of "O" Dan Kiyone,
The axis from the center of the initial recognition area to the center of the flick area is defined as the flick axis.
From the flick area, while maintaining the touch state, the slide distance on the flick axis with the position where the key is first touched as a base point toward the initial recognition area first touched by the pressing means and its surroundings. Set the return recognition area to be recognized when the slide is turned in the contraction direction and returned.
The return recognition area is set to one, or two or three areas that do not overlap each other.
The keyboard layout unit sets a character string of two or more characters different from the flick characters set in four different flick directions in the return recognition area.
The slide operation of sliding the pressing means without releasing it from the touch panel, passing through the flick area, and then reaching the return recognition area without passing through the area for recognizing other kana characters is performed by the return clear sound. Called a slide,
The output control means sets the first character of the character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area as the flick character set in the flick area in the case of the return clear sound slide.
The output control means designates a character string of two or more characters set in the return recognition area as an input target in response to the operation of the return clear sound slide, and at the same time,
With respect to the return recognition areas, even if the pressing means passes through the return recognition area while continuing to touch, the input target continues to be held as long as it does not reach another return recognition area.
When the touch by the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output.
In the keyboard layout part, flick input of kana characters of "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the pressing means slides into the flick area in the first flick direction in which the kana character of the "I" stage is set for the key, three return recognition areas are set.
The character string to be set in each of the return recognition areas is "i", with the kana character in the "i" column as the first character, and the second character with any of the kana characters "ya", "yu", and "yo". Set it as a "I" stage yoon,
The output control means
The kana character of the first character of the "i" stage of the yoon set in the return recognition area is the kana character of the "i" stage.
In the case of the return Kiyone slide, set it as the kana character of "I" Dan Kiyone.
The output control means designates the yōon of the “I” stage set in the return recognition area as an input target in response to the operation of the return clear sound slide, and touches the return recognition area with the pressing means. Is canceled, the input target is controlled to be output, and
The return recognition area in which the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the first character and the yōon in the "i" stage is set as the second character with the kana character of "yu" is called the "yu" return recognition area.
The return recognition area in which the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the first character and the yōon in the "i" stage is set as the second character with the kana character of "yo" is called the "yo" return recognition area.
The keyboard layout part
When the output control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area, an external recognition area is set outside the return recognition area.
In the external recognition area, "u" or "u" or "u" or is added to the end of the yōon of the "i" stage designated as the input target by the output control means in the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area. Set 3 kana characters with "-" added,
There is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yu" return recognition area, and there is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yo" return recognition area. It is assumed that the other return recognition area does not exist.
The output control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area by the return clear sound slide, and further slides the pressing means to the external recognition area without releasing the touch panel to the outside. By detecting the pressing by the pressing means in the recognition area, the three kana characters set in the external recognition area are designated as the input target, and the touch by the pressing means in the external recognition area is performed. When released, control is performed so that the input target is output.
A character input device characterized by the fact that. It is a character input method that is equipped with a touch panel and realizes a software keyboard that serves as a user interface on the touch panel.
It has a character input unit that is displayed on the touch panel and has a key for inputting kana characters, and when the kana characters are input, flick input can be performed for at least one character in the character input unit. The key appearance step to make the key arrangement part set as possible appear, and
An output control step in which an output control means controls the output of characters to the character display unit of the touch panel in response to an input to the software keyboard displayed on the touch panel.
With
In the key appearance step, flick input of kana characters in the "ka" line, the "sa" line, the "ta" line, the "na" line, the "ha" line, the "ma" line, and the "ra" line is set. When the kana character is first pressed by the pressing means, the initial recognition area for recognizing the kana character of the "A" stage Kiyone of the pressed line is set, and the key arrangement unit is set. Sets flick areas in each of the four different flick directions, and in each flick area, the kana characters of "i" dan Kiyone, the kana characters of "u" dan Kiyone, and "e" are used as flick characters. Set the kana characters of Dan Kiyone and the kana characters of "O" Dan Kiyone,
The axis from the center of the initial recognition area to the center of the flick area is defined as the flick axis.
From the flick area, while maintaining the touch state, the slide distance on the flick axis with the position where the key is first touched as a base point toward the initial recognition area first touched by the pressing means and its surroundings. Set the return recognition area to be recognized when the slide is turned in the contraction direction and returned.
The return recognition area is set to one, or two or three areas that do not overlap each other.
The keyboard layout unit sets a character string of two or more characters different from the flick characters set in four different flick directions in the return recognition area.
The slide operation of sliding the pressing means without releasing it from the touch panel, passing through the flick area, and then reaching the return recognition area without passing through the area for recognizing other kana characters is performed by the return clear sound. Called a slide,
The output control means sets the first character of the character string of two or more characters in the return recognition area as the flick character set in the flick area in the case of the return clear sound slide.
The output control means designates a character string of two or more characters set in the return recognition area as an input target in response to the operation of the return clear sound slide, and at the same time,
With respect to the return recognition areas, even if the pressing means passes through the return recognition area while continuing to touch, the input target continues to be held as long as it does not reach another return recognition area.
When the touch by the pressing means is released, the input target is controlled to be output.
In the keyboard layout part, flick input of kana characters of "ka" line, "sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, and "ra" line is set. When the pressing means slides into the flick area in the first flick direction in which the kana character of the "I" stage is set for the key, three return recognition areas are set.
The character string to be set in each of the return recognition areas is "i", with the kana character in the "i" column as the first character, and the second character with any of the kana characters "ya", "yu", and "yo". Set it as a "I" stage yoon,
The output control means
The kana character of the first character of the "i" stage of the yoon set in the return recognition area is the kana character of the "i" stage.
In the case of the return Kiyone slide, set it as the kana character of "I" Dan Kiyone.
The output control means designates the yōon of the “I” stage set in the return recognition area as an input target in response to the operation of the return clear sound slide, and touches the return recognition area with the pressing means. Is canceled, the input target is controlled to be output, and
The return recognition area in which the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the first character and the yōon in the "i" stage is set as the second character with the kana character of "yu" is called the "yu" return recognition area.
The return recognition area in which the kana character in the "i" stage is set as the first character and the yōon in the "i" stage is set as the second character with the kana character of "yo" is called the "yo" return recognition area.
The keyboard layout part
When the output control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area, an external recognition area is set outside the return recognition area.
In the external recognition area, "u" or "u" or "u" or is added to the end of the yōon of the "i" stage designated as the input target by the output control means in the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area. Set 3 kana characters with "-" added,
There is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yu" return recognition area, and there is no other return recognition area between the external recognition area and the "yo" return recognition area. It is assumed that the other return recognition area does not exist.
The output control means reaches the "yu" return recognition area or the "yo" return recognition area by the return clear sound slide, and further slides the pressing means to the external recognition area without releasing the touch panel to the outside. By detecting the pressing by the pressing means in the recognition area, the three kana characters set in the external recognition area are designated as the input target, and the touch by the pressing means in the external recognition area is performed. When released, control is performed so that the input target is output.
Character input method characterized by that.

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