JP7094040B2 - Character input system, character input device, character input program, and character input method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a character input system, a character input device, a character input program, and a character input method using an input means having a plurality of keys.

Conventionally, a key layout conversion system for changing the layout of a keyboard for inputting characters has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-164610

However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 changes the layout of the keyboard to execute an application that performs an operation different from character input.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a novel character determination system.

In one example of the present invention, the following configuration was adopted in order to solve the above problems.

The character determination system according to an example of the present invention is based on a signal receiving means for receiving a MIDI signal corresponding to an input to the plurality of keys from an input means capable of outputting a MIBI signal having a plurality of keys, and the signal receiving means. A character determination means for determining an input character corresponding to a plurality of input keys based on a received MIBI signal is provided.

According to the above, it is possible to provide a novel character determination system using an input device capable of outputting a MIDI signal.

Further, in another configuration, a storage control means for storing data corresponding to the MIDI signal received by the signal receiving means in the storage means may be further provided.

According to the above, the MIDI signal corresponding to the input to the input means can be stored as data.

In other configurations, the character input system may further include reading means for reading data according to the MIDI signal stored in the storage means. The character determination means may determine input characters corresponding to a plurality of input keys based on the MIDI signal received by the signal receiving means or the MIDI signal read by the reading means.

According to the above, the characters can be determined by reading the data stored as a MIDI signal.

Further, in another configuration, the character determination means determines the first character when the first key of the input means is input, and the character determination means determines the first character when the second key of the input means is input. When a second character different from the first character is determined and the first key and the second key are input at the same time, the first character and the third character different from the second character are input. The character of may be determined.

According to the above, the third character can be input by simultaneously inputting the first key corresponding to the first character and the second key corresponding to the second character.

Further, another invention is a character input program executed by a computer of an information processing apparatus, and the computer may function as the input signal receiving means and the character determining means. Further, another invention may be a character input method using an input means capable of inputting a plurality of keys at the same time.

According to the present invention, the user can input characters by using an input device capable of outputting a MIDI signal.

A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the character input system 1 of the present embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the MIDI keyboard 2 of this embodiment and its arrangement. The figure which shows an example of the left side area and the right side area of two MIDI keyboards 2. A diagram showing an example of an alphabet assigned to each key of two MIDI keyboards 2. The figure which shows an example of the kana character correspondence table which corresponded the alphabet and the kana character assigned to each key of the MIDI keyboard 2. The figure which shows an example of the input of the character of voiced sound and handakuon Figure showing other examples of voiced sound and handakuon character input The figure which shows an example of the input of lowercase letters and normal characters according to the keystroke strength. The figure which shows an example of the case of expressing the character of voiced sound and handakuon by combination with other keys. A diagram showing an example of expressing lowercase letters in combination with other keys. The figure which shows an example of the input of the character of sound repellency ("n") The figure which shows an example of the input of the character of a sokuon ("tsu") Figure showing an example of key assignment corresponding to multiple kana characters A diagram for explaining a case where a character string of "easy" is input by pressing a plurality of keys in the left area and the right area at the same time. Diagram showing an example of simultaneous input of multiple keys A flowchart showing the details of the character input process according to the present embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the relationship between the character input using the character input system 1 of this embodiment and time. The figure which shows an example of the assignment of the alphabet to each key of the MIDI keyboard 2 in another embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the correspondence between the alphabet character and the kana character in another embodiment.

(Configuration of character recognition device)
Hereinafter, a character input system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The character input system of the present embodiment is a system for inputting characters using a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) keyboard for playing music. By inputting characters using a MIDI keyboard, it is possible to input characters faster than when inputting characters using a normal 101 keyboard having 101 keys or a 109 keyboard having 109 keys. ..

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the character input system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the character input system 1 includes a MIDI keyboard 2 and an information processing device 3.

The MIDI keyboard 2 is, for example, a keyboard connected to a personal computer and commercially available as a keyboard for playing music. The MIDI keyboard 2 has a plurality of keys. Further, the MIDI keyboard 2 includes, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal. The MIDI keyboard 2 outputs a MIDI signal according to a key input by the user. Specifically, the MIDI keyboard 2 has information indicating the type of key input by the user, information indicating the strength (speed) of keystroke, and the length of keystroke (when the key is pressed). Outputs a MIDI signal containing information (when separated from). Further, the MIDI keyboard 2 can output information regarding the timbre as a MIDI signal. Further, the MIDI keyboard 2 can output octave (8-degree pitch) change information, scale, pitch, tempo change information, sustain (vibration) information, and event mute (silence) as MIDI signals. Further, the MIDI keyboard 2 can output information indicating that the key is pressed more strongly as a MIDI signal when the key is pressed more strongly after the key is pressed. Further, when a plurality of keys are input at the same time, the MIDI keyboard 2 has information on the plurality of input keys (information indicating the type of key, information on the strength of keystroke, information indicating that the key has been pressed more strongly, etc. ) Is output at the same time.

The information processing device 3 includes a MIDI signal receiving unit 31, a character determination unit 32, a setting unit 33, and a storage device 34. The information processing device 3 is, for example, a personal computer, and includes a CPU, RAM, a storage device (hard disk, non-volatile memory, etc.), and a plurality of USB ports. The CPU of the information processing apparatus 3 functions as each unit 31 to 33 shown in FIG. 1 by executing the character input program of the present embodiment.

The MIDI signal receiving unit 31 receives a MIDI signal from the MIDI keyboard 2. The MIDI signal receiving unit 31 outputs the MIDI signal received from the MIDI keyboard 2 to the character determination unit 32.

The character determination unit 32 determines the input character input by the user based on the MIDI signal from the MIDI signal reception unit 31. The character determination unit 32 stores a correspondence table in which each key of the MIDI keyboard 2 is associated with a character (kana character), and determines an input character based on the correspondence table. The correspondence table between keys and characters will be described later. Then, the character determination unit 32 outputs the determined input character to another application (Japanese conversion application, document creation application).

The setting unit 33 sets a correspondence table in which each key of the MIDI keyboard 2 and a character (kana character) are associated with each other based on the input from the user. This allows the user to set a correspondence table, edit the correspondence table for ease of use, or add a new record with one or more keys and characters to the correspondence table. Can be done.

The storage device 34 is a storage device such as a non-volatile memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk or a floppy disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk. The storage device 34 may be built in the information processing device 3 or may be externally attached. The storage device 34 stores a MIDI file corresponding to the MIDI signal from the MIDI keyboard 2. Further, the character determination unit 32 reads the MIDI file stored in the storage device 34 and converts the MIDI signal into character information.

The information processing device 3 can convert a MIDI signal corresponding to an input to the MIDI keyboard 2 by the user into characters, and can store the MIDI signal as a MIDI file in the storage device 34. Further, the information processing apparatus 3 (character determination unit 32) can convert the MIDI signal into characters by reading the saved MIDI file. The storage device 34 is arranged on a network such as a LAN or the Internet, and the information processing device 3 accesses the storage device 34 via the network to obtain a MIDI file corresponding to the MIDI signal from the MIDI keyboard 2. You may save or retrieve the saved MIDI file.

The MIDI keyboard 2 and the information processing device 3 are connected via, for example, a USB port. In this embodiment, two MIDI keyboards 2 are connected to the information processing device 3.

The MIDI keyboard 2 and the information processing device 3 may be connected wirelessly. For example, the MIDI keyboard 2 and the information processing device 3 may be connected by a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

Further, as the information processing device 3, any information processing device may be used, and for example, a notebook computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like may be used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the MIDI keyboard 2 of the present embodiment and its arrangement. As shown in FIG. 2, the MIDI keyboard 2 includes a MIDI keyboard 2A and a MIDI keyboard 2B.

As shown in FIG. 2, the MIDI keyboard 2A includes, for example, 25 keys (keys 21-45). For example, the MIDI keyboard 2A has a key 21 corresponding to "do", a key 23 corresponding to "re", a key 25 corresponding to "mi", a key 26 corresponding to "fa", and a key corresponding to "so". 28, a key 30 corresponding to "la", a key 32 corresponding to "shi", and the like are provided. Further, the MIDI keyboard 2A includes a control key 46 for changing the keyboard setting. For example, the control key 46 is used as a key for changing the timbre.

The same applies to the MIDI keyboard 2B. In this embodiment, the same model of keyboard is used as the MIDI keyboard 2A and the MIDI keyboard 2B. The MIDI keyboard 2A and the MIDI keyboard 2B may be different types of keyboards. For example, the MIDI keyboard 2A and the MIDI keyboard 2B may have different numbers of keys.

As shown in FIG. 2, the MIDI keyboard 2A and the MIDI keyboard 2B are arranged vertically. Specifically, the MIDI keyboard 2A arranged on the upper side is arranged in a normal orientation. On the other hand, the MIDI keyboard 2B arranged on the lower side is arranged upside down. That is, the MIDI keyboard 2A is arranged so that the key 21 corresponding to the leftmost (bass side) "do" is on the left side, and the MIDI keyboard 2B corresponds to the leftmost (bass side) "do". The key 21 to be used is arranged so as to be on the right side. Further, as will be described later, the MIDI keyboard 2A arranged on the upper side is arranged so as to be shifted to the left side from the MIDI keyboard 2B arranged on the lower side so that the characters assigned to each key are symmetrical. For example, two keyboards are arranged so that the key 32 of the upper MIDI keyboard 2A and the key 33 of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B are arranged one above the other.

The information processing device 3 may distinguish between the upper MIDI keyboard 2A and the lower MIDI keyboard 2B, for example, depending on which port of the plurality of USB ports of the own device is connected to the MIDI keyboard 2. Further, the information processing apparatus 3 may distinguish between the upper MIDI keyboard 2A and the lower MIDI keyboard 2B according to the order in which the two MIDI keyboards 2 are connected. For example, the MIDI keyboard 2 first connected to the information processing device 3 may be recognized as the upper MIDI keyboard 2A, and the second connected MIDI keyboard 2 may be recognized as the lower MIDI keyboard 2B.

Further, the information processing apparatus 3 causes the user to input one of the keys of the MIDI keyboard 2 when activating the character input program of the present embodiment, thereby causing the upper MIDI keyboard 2A and the lower MIDI keyboard 2B. May be recognized.

Further, when the two MIDI keyboards 2 and the information processing device 3 are wirelessly connected, the information processing device 3 may recognize the upper MIDI keyboard 2A and the lower MIDI keyboard 2B by the wireless channel. .. When the two MIDI keyboards 2 and the information processing device 3 are wirelessly connected, the information processing device 3 recognizes the upper MIDI keyboard 2A and the lower MIDI keyboard 2B according to the order in which they are wirelessly connected. May be.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, two MIDI keyboards 2 are arranged, and a user inputs a character by inputting a key with his / her left and right hands.

In the following, when distinguishing between the upper and lower keyboards, they are referred to as "MIDI keyboard 2A" and "MIDI keyboard 2B", and when the upper MIDI keyboard 2A and the lower MIDI keyboard 2B are collectively referred to, they are referred to as "MIDI keyboard 2A" and "MIDI keyboard 2B". Notated as "MIDI keyboard 2".

(Alphabet assignment to each key of MIDI keyboard 2)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a left side region and a right side region of two MIDI keyboards 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an alphabet assigned to each key of the two MIDI keyboards 2.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the two MIDI keyboards 2 are divided into a left side region and a right side region. Specifically, the two MIDI keyboards 2 are divided into a left side region and a right side region with a boundary between the key 32 and the key 33 of the two MIDI keyboards 2. The left area is an area input using the user's left hand. The right area is an area input using the user's right hand. For example, the left region includes keys 21-32 of the upper MIDI keyboard 2A and keys 33-45 of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B. Further, the right side region includes keys 33 to 45 of the upper MIDI keyboard 2A and keys 21 to 32 of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B. The definition of the area shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and the definitions of the left side area and the right side area are not limited to those shown in FIG.

For each key in the left area, for example, the alphabets "Y", "K", "S", "M", "R", "U", "A", "Z", "X", "V" 10 characters are assigned. In addition, "* (asterisk)" is assigned to the key in the left area. Further, 10 characters of the same alphabet and "*" are assigned to each key in the right area.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the key 33 in the left region of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B corresponds to "*", the key 34 corresponds to "U", and the key 35 corresponds to "U". Key 36 corresponds to "A", key 37 corresponds to "S", key 38 corresponds to "R", key 40 corresponds to "X", and key 42 corresponds to "Y". Corresponds to "V". Further, the key 30 in the left region of the upper MIDI keyboard 2A corresponds to "Y", the key 28 corresponds to "K", the key 26 corresponds to "M", and the key 25 corresponds to "Z". ..

Further, the key 32 in the right area of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B corresponds to "*", the key 31 corresponds to "U", the key 30 corresponds to "Y", and the key 29 corresponds to "A". The key 28 corresponds to "S", the key 26 corresponds to "R", the key 25 corresponds to "X", and the key 23 corresponds to "V". Further, the key 35 in the right region of the upper MIDI keyboard 2A corresponds to "Y", the key 37 corresponds to "K", the key 38 corresponds to "M", and the key 40 corresponds to "Z". .. Other keys are assigned as function keys (keys to which fixed actions and functions can be assigned).

Each key in the left area is arranged in a positional relationship in which the user can press a plurality of keys at the same time using the left hand. For example, the key 34 on the lower MIDI keyboard 2B and the key 25 on the upper MIDI keyboard 2A are relatively far apart, but each key can be pressed simultaneously by the user with his left hand. Each alphabet is associated. The same applies to each key in the right area, and each key in the right area is arranged so that the user can simultaneously press a plurality of keys in the right area using the right hand. That is, in consideration of the physical size of each key of the MIDI keyboard 2, the distance between the keys, the size of a person's hand, etc., each key can be pressed by a person with one hand. And the alphabet are associated.

In addition, multiple alphabets that are likely to be input at the same time are placed close to each other.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each character is assigned in three stages. Four characters "Y", "K", "M", and "Z" are assigned to the first row (upper line). Six characters "*", "Y", "S", "R", "X", and "V" are assigned to the second row (middle line). "U" and "A" are assigned to the third row (lower row). With respect to the left area, the user, for example, presses "A", "U" with the first finger of the left hand, presses "K", "S", "Y" with the second finger of the left hand, and presses the second finger of the left hand. Press "M" and "R" with three fingers, press "Z" and "X" with the fourth finger of the left hand, and press "V" with the fifth finger of the left hand. The user presses one or more keys assigned to each finger. For example, the user hits three types of "U", "A", and "AU" with the first finger of the left hand. In addition, the user hits seven types of "K", "S", "KS", "Y", "KY", "SY", and "KSY" with the second finger of the left hand. The same applies to the characters assigned to other fingers, and the user can distinguish a plurality of combinations by pressing one or a plurality of characters with the assigned fingers.

Similarly for the right area, press "A" and "U" with the first finger of the right hand, press "K", "S" and "Y" with the second finger of the right hand, and press the third finger of the right hand. Press "M" and "R", press "Z" and "X" with the 4th finger of the right hand, and press "V" with the 5th finger of the right hand.

The correspondence between each key of the MIDI keyboard 2 and the alphabet is merely an example, and each key may be associated with another alphabet. In the above, the 10-letter alphabets "Y", "K", "S", "M", "R", "U", "A", "Z", "X", and "V" are used. Although assigned to the keys, a different 10-character alphabet may be assigned to each key, and not limited to 10 characters, an alphabet of less than 10 characters or 11 or more characters may be assigned to each key.

Further, the user can set the correspondence shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 by himself / herself. For example, the user may associate the key 32 of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B with an alphabet different from "Y", or may associate the key 40 with another new alphabet.

(Input of kana characters (seion))
Next, the input of Japanese kana characters will be described. As mentioned above, the keys of the two MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B are "Y", "K", "S", "M", "R", "U", "A", "Z", "X". , "V" is assigned to any of the 10 characters. The character determination unit 32 determines the input kana character based on the fact that the key corresponding to the alphabet of these 10 characters is pressed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a kana character correspondence table in which the alphabet assigned to each key of the MIDI keyboard 2 and the kana character are associated with each other.

As shown in FIG. 5, when one or more keys corresponding to each character of the alphabet are pressed (keystroked), the character determination unit 32 determines that the kana character shown in FIG. 5 has been input. do.

For example, when the key corresponding to "A" is pressed, the character determination unit 32 determines that "A" has been input. Specifically, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the key 36 or the key 29 of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B is pressed, it is determined that "A" has been input.

Further, when the four keys corresponding to "M", "R", "K" and "S" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "I" has been input. Specifically, when the key 26 and the key 28 of the upper MIDI keyboard 2A and the key 37 and the key 38 of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "I" has been input. Alternatively, when the key 37 and the key 38 of the upper MIDI keyboard 2A and the key 26 and the key 28 of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "I" has been input.

Further, when the key corresponding to "U" is pressed, it is determined that "U" has been input. Specifically, when the key 34 or the key 31 of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B is pressed, it is determined that "U" has been input.

Further, when the key corresponding to "Y" is pressed, it is determined that "e" has been input. Specifically, when any one of the key 35 and the key 30 of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B and the key 35 and the key 30 of the upper MIDI keyboard 2A is pressed, it is determined that "e" has been input.

Further, when the two keys corresponding to "A" and "U" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "O" has been input. Specifically, when the key 36 and the key 34 of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "O" has been input. Alternatively, when the key 29 and the key 31 of the lower MIDI keyboard 2B are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "O" has been input.

When inputting each character in the "ka" line, basically, "K" is input at the same time in addition to each character in the "a" line. For example, when two keys corresponding to "K" and "A" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "ka" has been input. Further, when the key corresponding to "K" is pressed, it is determined that "ki" has been input. Further, when the two keys corresponding to "K" and "U" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "ku" has been input. Further, when the two keys corresponding to "K" and "Y" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "ke" has been input. Further, when the three keys corresponding to "K", "A" and "U" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "ko" has been input.

When inputting each character in the "sa" line, basically, "S" is input at the same time in addition to each character in the "a" line. For example, when two keys corresponding to "S" and "A" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "sa" has been input. Further, when the key corresponding to "S" is pressed, it is determined that "" has been input. Further, when the two keys corresponding to "S" and "U" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "su" has been input. Further, when the two keys corresponding to "S" and "Y" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "se" has been input. Further, when the three keys corresponding to "S", "A" and "U" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "so" has been input.

Further, when inputting each character of the "ta" line, basically, "K" and "S" are input at the same time in addition to each character of the above "a" line. For example, when three keys corresponding to "K", "S" and "A" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "" has been input. Further, when the two keys corresponding to "K" and "S" are pressed, it is determined that "chi" has been input. Further, when the three keys corresponding to "K", "S" and "U" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "tsu" has been input. Further, when the three keys corresponding to "K", "S" and "Y" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "" has been input. Further, when the four keys corresponding to "K", "S", "A" and "U" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "to" has been input.

The same applies to other kana characters. Alphabets corresponding to the consonants indicating the "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line, "ya" line, "ra" line, and "wa" line are assigned, respectively, and the alphabet corresponding to the consonant and the vowel. The input character is determined based on whether or not the alphabet corresponding to (“A”, “U”, “Y”, etc.) is pressed at the same time.

The kana character correspondence table shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the correspondence between the alphabet and kana characters is not limited to this. In addition, the user can change the correspondence between the alphabet and the kana character by himself / herself, or add a new record in which the alphabet and the kana character are associated with each other.

(Input of voiced sound and handakuon according to keystroke strength)
Next, the input of voiced sound and handakuon will be described. The characters of voiced sound and handakuon are determined according to the strength (speed) of keystroke when the key is pressed. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of inputting characters of voiced sound and handakuon.

As described above, the MIDI signal output from the MIDI keyboard 2 contains information indicating the keystroke strength (keystroke strength, or keystroke speed) of the key. For example, keystroke strength is represented by a value between 0 and 127. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, it is assumed that the kana character "hi" corresponds to the letters "R" and "S" in the alphabet. In this case, the keys corresponding to "R" and "S" (for example, keys 35 and 33 of the MIDI keyboard 2B) are simultaneously pressed with a keystroke strength of "weak" (for example, a keystroke strength in the range of 1 to 45). At that time, it is determined that Kiyone "Hi" has been input. Further, when the keys corresponding to "R" and "S" are simultaneously pressed with a keystroke strength of "medium" (for example, a keystroke strength in the range of 46 to 90), it is determined that the voiced sound "bi" has been input. Further, when the keys corresponding to "R" and "S" are simultaneously pressed with the keystroke strength "strong" (for example, the keystroke strength in the range of 91 to 127), it is determined that the handakuon "pi" is input. ..

In addition, when a plurality of keys are pressed, it is determined whether the plurality of keys are keyed with a keying strength of "strong", "medium", or "weak" based on the total keying strength of the plurality of keys. May be good. Then, a clear sound, a voiced sound, or a handakuon may be discriminated according to the total keying strength of the plurality of keys.

Note that FIG. 6 shows an example in which a clear sound, a voiced sound, and a handakuon are discriminated according to the absolute keying strength when the key is pressed. It is not limited to the above example. As another discrimination method, a clear sound, a voiced sound, or a handakuon may be discriminated according to the relative keying strength of each key. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of inputting characters of voiced sound and handakuon.

As shown in FIG. 7, for example, when the keys corresponding to "R" and "S" are simultaneously pressed with the same strength (for example, when the difference in keying strength is within a predetermined range (for example, less than 10)). ), It may be determined that Kiyone "Hi" has been input. Further, when the keys corresponding to "R" and "S" are pressed at the same time, and the key corresponding to "R" is pressed more strongly than the key corresponding to "S" (for example, the key of "R" is pressed). It may be determined that the value obtained by subtracting the keystroke strength of "S" from the strength is a predetermined positive value (for example, 10) or more) and the voiced sound "bi" is input. Further, when the keys corresponding to "R" and "S" are pressed at the same time, and the key corresponding to "S" is pressed more strongly than the key corresponding to "R" (for example, the key of "R" is pressed). It may be determined that the value obtained by subtracting the keystroke strength of "S" from the strength is a predetermined negative value (for example, -10) or less) and the handakuon "pi" is input.

The same applies to characters with other voiced sounds and handakuons, and clear sound, voiced sound, and handakuon are determined according to the keystroke intensity.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even when the same key is pressed, the clear sound, the voiced sound, and the handakuon are discriminated according to the keying strength (keying speed). This makes it possible to input various characters even if the number of keys is small.

The keystroke strength may be used to distinguish other characters. Dakuon, handakuon, and lowercase letters can be distinguished by combining with other characters, and the keystroke strength may be used for other purposes. For example, the keystroke strength may be used for changing the size, font, color, etc. of characters, or may be used for separating hiragana and katakana. Further, the keystroke strength may be used for inputting a line feed or a space. For example, with a keystroke strength in a predetermined range, a certain character is input when a certain key is pressed, but with a keystroke strength exceeding a predetermined range, even when the key is pressed, instead of the certain character ( Or, in addition to the certain character), a line feed code may be entered.

(Enter lowercase letters according to keystroke strength)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of inputting lowercase letters and normal characters according to the keystroke strength. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, the key corresponding to “A” (key 36 or key 27 of the MIDI keyboard 2B) is keyed with a keystroke strength “strong” (for example, a keystroke strength in the range of 31 to 127). At that time, it is determined that the normal "A" has been input. On the other hand, when the key corresponding to "A" is keyed with a keystroke strength of "weak" (for example, a keystroke strength in the range of 1 to 30), it is determined that a lowercase "a" is input. Similarly for other characters with lowercase letters ("i", "u", "ya", etc.), if a certain key is pressed with a keystroke strength of "strong", the normal character is input and the certain key is entered. If is pressed with a keystroke strength of "weak", it is determined that the lowercase letters of the characters corresponding to the key have been input. The relationship between the keystroke strength and the input characters may be reversed. That is, it may be determined that a normal character is input when the keystroke strength is "weak", and it may be determined that a lowercase letter is input when the keystroke strength is "strong".

(Entering voiced sound, handakuon, and lowercase letters in combination with other keys)
In FIGS. 6 to 8, voiced sound, handakuon, and lowercase letters are input according to the keystroke strength, but instead of keystroke strength, voiced sound, handakuon, and lowercase letters are input by combining with other keys. You may.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a case where characters of voiced sound and handakuon are expressed by combining with other keys. Further, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a case where lowercase letters are expressed by combining with other keys.

As shown in FIG. 9, in addition to the normal characters, for example, when "M" is input at the same time, the voiced sound corresponding to the normal characters may be input. For example, if the characters corresponding to the clear sound "hi" are "R" and "S", and if "M" is input at the same time in addition to "R" and "S", the voiced sound "bi" is input. May be good. Further, in addition to the normal characters, for example, when "K" is input at the same time, a handakuon may be input. For example, when "K" is input at the same time in addition to "R" and "S", the handakuon "pi" may be input. The same is true for other normal characters that represent Kiyone.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the normal characters, for example, when "R" and "K" are input at the same time, lowercase letters of the normal characters may be input. For example, when "R" and "K" are input in addition to "A" corresponding to the normal character "A", a lowercase "A" is input. If "R" and "K" are input at the same time for other characters, it is determined that the lowercase letters corresponding to the characters have been input.

(Input of sound repellency and sokuon)
Next, the input of the sound repellent (“n”) and the sokuon (“tsu”) will be described. When inputting a sound repellency (“n”), press “Z” at the same time in addition to each character described above. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of inputting a character of sound repellent (“n”).

As shown in FIG. 11, for example, when inputting "an", a key corresponding to "A" indicating "a" (for example, key 36 of the MIDI keyboard 2B) and a key corresponding to "Z" (for example, a key corresponding to "Z"). For example, the key 25) of the MIDI keyboard 2B is pressed at the same time. When inputting "kan", the two keys corresponding to "K" and "A" indicating "ka" and the key corresponding to "Z" are pressed at the same time. When inputting "san", the two keys corresponding to "S" and "A" indicating "sa" and the key corresponding to "Z" are pressed at the same time. When inputting "tan", the three keys corresponding to "K", "S" and "A" indicating "ta" and the key corresponding to "Z" are simultaneously pressed.

When inputting a sokuon (“tsu”), press “Z” and “X” at the same time in addition to the above-mentioned characters. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of inputting a character of a sokuon (“tsu”).

As shown in FIG. 12, for example, when inputting "ka", two keys corresponding to "K" and "A" indicating "ka" and two keys corresponding to "Z" and "X" are input. Press the key at the same time. When inputting "sa", the two keys corresponding to "S" and "A" indicating "sa" and the two keys corresponding to "Z" and "X" are simultaneously pressed. When inputting "ta", three keys corresponding to "K", "S" and "A" indicating "ta" and two keys corresponding to "Z" and "X" are simultaneously used. Press. The same applies to characters having other sokuon.

In addition to those shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, one or a plurality of keys corresponding to any two or more kana characters may be assigned. For example, a plurality of keys corresponding to a character string of two or more characters, which is relatively frequently used in Japanese, may be assigned.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of key assignment corresponding to a plurality of kana characters. As shown in FIG. 13, for example, when a key corresponding to "X" is input at the same time in addition to a key corresponding to a certain kana character, "i" is added to the certain kana character. For example, if the key corresponding to "A" (the key corresponding to "A") and the key corresponding to "X" are pressed at the same time, it may be determined that the character string "Ai" has been input. .. Also, when the key corresponding to "X" is pressed at the same time in addition to the two keys corresponding to "K" and "A" (the key corresponding to "ka"), the character string "kai" is input. It may be determined that it was. Further, when the key corresponding to "X" is pressed at the same time in addition to the two keys corresponding to "S" and "A" (the key corresponding to "sa"), the character string "sai" is input. It may be determined that it was. In addition, when the key corresponding to "X" is pressed at the same time in addition to the three keys corresponding to "K", "S" and "A" (the key corresponding to "ta"), the character string "tai" is used. May be determined to have been entered.

In addition, a key indicating a yoon (for example, "ya", "kyu", "kyo", etc.) may be assigned.

In addition, a key corresponding to the repetition of characters may be assigned. For example, if the kana character "shin" corresponds to the key corresponding to "S" and "Z", in addition to the key corresponding to "S" and the key corresponding to "Z", another key ( For example, when the key corresponding to "V") is pressed at the same time, it may be determined that "shinshin" has been input.

Further, the character determination unit 32 has a long sound (extending sound, for example, "ku" or "ko") according to the time during which the key is continuously pressed (the time from the start of pressing to the end of pressing). (This)) may be determined. For example, in the character determination unit 32, when the key corresponding to "K" and the key corresponding to "U" are pressed at the same time, the time from the start of pressing the key to the end of pressing (pressing time) is a predetermined threshold value. If it is (for example, 500 msec) or more, it may be determined that "ku" or "ku" has been input, and if the key pressing time is less than a predetermined threshold value, it may be determined that "ku" has been input. That is, when the key pressing time is less than the predetermined threshold value, the character determination unit 32 determines that the kana character (no long vowel) corresponding to the pressed key has been input, and the key pressing time is equal to or longer than the predetermined threshold value. In the case of, it may be determined that the long vowel of the corresponding kana character has been input. An alphabet corresponding to a long sound may be assigned, and it may be determined whether or not the sound is a long sound based on whether or not the keys of the alphabet corresponding to the long sound are pressed at the same time.

Further, the character determination unit 32 may determine a character based on the information indicating that the key is pressed more strongly when the key is pressed more strongly after the key is pressed.

Further, one or a plurality of keys corresponding to a plurality of other frequently used kana characters may be assigned. For example, one or more kana characters corresponding to multiple kana characters such as "yes", "yes", "was", "koto", "desu", "masu", "thank you", "yes", etc. Key may be assigned.

In addition, a key indicating conversion from hiragana to kanji or katakana may be assigned. For example, a key corresponding to any of the above 10-character alphabets may be used as a key indicating conversion to Chinese characters or katakana. Alternatively, a key other than the key associated with the 10-character alphabet (for example, the key 39 or the key 21 of the MIDI keyboard 2B) may be used as a key indicating conversion to Chinese characters or katakana.

Further, a foot pedal (sustain pedal) may be connected to the MIDI keyboard 2 or the information processing device 3, and the foot pedal may be used as a key indicating conversion from hiragana to kanji or katakana. In this case, the user can input hiragana by pressing the MIDI keyboard 2 with both hands or one hand, and by stepping on the foot pedal, the input hiragana can be converted into kanji or katakana, and the kanji or katakana can be converted. You can quickly enter Japanese including.

Further, the character determination unit 32 may determine that different kana characters have been input according to the set tone color. For example, using the control key 46 of the MIDI keyboard 2, one of a plurality of tones including a first tone (for example, a piano) and a second tone (for example, an electone) is set. For example, when the key corresponding to "A" (for example, the key 36 of the MIDI keyboard 2B) is pressed and the first tone is set, it is determined that the hiragana "A" has been input. When the second tone is set, it may be determined that the katakana "a" has been input. Further, when the key corresponding to "A" is pressed, it is determined that "A" has been input when the first tone is set, and when the second tone is set, it is determined. It may be determined that another character (for example, "i") has been input. Further, the correspondence between the keys and the alphabet may differ depending on the setting of the tone color of the MIDI keyboard 2.

Further, although the case of inputting kana characters has been basically described above, characters of other alphabets may be input by using a plurality of keys corresponding to the above 10-character alphabet. For example, if the key corresponding to "A" is input, it is determined that the alphabet "a" is input, and if the key corresponding to "U" is input, the alphabet "u" is input. If the key corresponding to "A" and the key corresponding to "U" are input at the same time, it may be determined that the alphabet "b (or B)" is input. The input of hiragana, katakana, and alphabet (English characters) may be switched according to, for example, the above-mentioned tone color setting. For example, if the first tone is set, hiragana is input, if the second tone is set, katakana is input, and if the third tone is set, English characters are input. You may.

(Priority processing of the left area)
Next, the priority processing of the left side region will be described. As described above, the two MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B are divided into a left side area input by the user's left hand and a right side area input by the user's right hand. The user can simultaneously press a plurality of keys in the left region and the right region using both hands. Here, for example, a case where the character string "easy" is input will be described.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a case where a character string of “simple” is input by simultaneously pressing a plurality of keys in the left side region and the right side region.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the left region of the MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B, the three keys corresponding to "Z", "K" and "A" are simultaneously pressed, and in the right region, "Z", It is assumed that the four keys corresponding to "K", "S" and "A" are pressed at the same time. When the three keys corresponding to "Z", "K" and "A" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "Kan" has been input as described above (see FIG. 11). Further, when the four keys corresponding to "Z", "K", "S" and "A" are pressed at the same time, it is determined that "tan" has been input (see FIG. 11).

In this case, the input for the left area takes precedence over the input corresponding to the right area. Specifically, when the input to the left area and the input to the right area are performed at the same time, it is considered that the input to the left area is input first and the input to the right area is input later. As a result, when "Kan" is input in the left area and "Tan" is input in the right area at the same time, it is assumed that "Easy" is input. When inputting "tankan", the user inputs "tan" (four keys corresponding to "Z", "K", "S" and "A") in the left area, and at the same time, the right side. Enter the "tan" (three keys corresponding to "Z", "K" and "A") in the area.

By giving priority to the left side area over the right side area in this way, the user can input a desired character string composed of a plurality of characters by simultaneously inputting the keys of the left and right areas.

The above-mentioned one or more characters may be input using both the keys in the left area and the right area. For example, when the key corresponding to "K" is pressed in the left area and "A" is pressed in the right area at the same time, "Kia" is displayed instead of "ka" due to the priority processing of the left area. It is determined that the input has been made. Therefore, in order to input "ka", the user needs to simultaneously press the key corresponding to "K" and the key corresponding to "A" in one of the left side area and the right side area. be.

Here, when both the keys in the left side area and the right side area are pressed at the same time, if the kana character corresponding to the above-mentioned key combination cannot be determined only in one area, the character determination unit 32 uses the left side area and the right side. It may be determined that one kana character has been input by using the keys of both areas of the area. For example, when the two keys corresponding to "M" and "R" are pressed in the left area and the two keys corresponding to "K" and "S" are pressed in the right area at the same time, the character determination unit 32 May determine that the kana character "i" has been input using the keys in the left and right areas. Only the two keys corresponding to "M" and "R" do not correspond to any kana character. Further, only the two keys corresponding to "K" and "S" do not correspond to any kana character. Therefore, in this case, the character determination unit 32 determines that the four keys have been input at the same time using the keys in the left and right areas without performing the priority processing in the left area, and the kana character corresponding to these four keys. It is determined that "i" has been input.

Further, in the above, the left side region is prioritized over the right side region, but conversely, the right side region may be prioritized over the left side region.

(Determination of simultaneous input)
Here, a method for determining whether or not a plurality of keys have been pressed at the same time will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of simultaneous input of a plurality of keys.

As shown in FIG. 15 (a), for example, the press of the key corresponding to "K" and "A" is detected at the time point t1, and the press of the key corresponding to "K" and "A" is performed at the time point t2. When it is no longer detected, it is assumed that the key corresponding to "K" and the key corresponding to "A" are pressed at the same time.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, for example, the pressing of the key corresponding to "K" is detected at the time point t1, the pressing of the key corresponding to "A" is detected at the subsequent time point t2, and then the pressing of the key is detected. When the pressing of the keys corresponding to "K" and "A" is no longer detected at the time point t3, it is assumed that the key corresponding to "K" and the key corresponding to "A" are pressed at the same time.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15 (c), for example, the pressing of the key corresponding to "K" and "A" is detected at the time point t1, and the pressing of the key corresponding to "K" is detected at the time point t2. When the key pressing corresponding to "A" is no longer detected at the time point t3 after the lapse of Δt time smaller than the predetermined threshold value (for example, 100 msec) from the time point t2, the key corresponding to "K" and the "K" are used. It is assumed that the keys corresponding to "A" are pressed at the same time.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 15A to 15C, it is determined that the key corresponding to "K" and the key corresponding to "A" are pressed at the same time. Therefore, the kana character correspondence table shown in FIG. Therefore, it is determined that the kana character "ka" has been input.

In FIG. 15C, when the difference Δt between the time point t2 and the time point t3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the key corresponding to “K” and the key corresponding to “A” are pressed at the same time. Not done. Specifically, the key corresponding to "K" that does not detect the press at the time point t2 is determined to have been input first, and the key corresponding to "A" that does not detect the press at the time point t3 is later. It is determined that the input has been made. In this case, it is determined that two characters are input in the order of "ki" and "a" according to the kana character correspondence table shown in FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not a plurality of keys are pressed at the same time based on the time when the key press is no longer detected. Specifically, when the presses of a plurality of keys are no longer detected at the same time, or when the presses of a plurality of keys are not detected within a predetermined threshold value (for example, 100 msec), the plurality of keys are pressed at the same time. It shall be.

In FIG. 15, it was determined whether or not a plurality of keys were input at the same time based on the time when the key press was no longer detected. In another example, it may be determined whether or not a plurality of keys have been input at the same time based on the time when the key press is started to be detected. For example, if it is determined that a plurality of keys are pressed at the same time, or if the press start points of a plurality of keys are within a predetermined threshold value (for example, within 100 msec), it is determined that the plurality of keys are pressed at the same time. good.

Further, it may be determined whether or not a plurality of keys are pressed at the same time based on both the pressing start time and the pressing end time. Further, the predetermined threshold value used for the determination of simultaneous input is merely an example, and other values may be used or may be changed by the user.

As described above, in the character input system 1 of the present embodiment, the information when the key of the MIMO keyboard 2 is pressed (type of pressed key and keystroke strength), and the information while the key is pressed (pressed). The input character is judged based on the time, the information indicating that the key is pressed more strongly after the key is pressed), and the information when the key is released (information on the timing when the key is no longer detected). Will be.

The user inputs kana characters with the left and right hands by simultaneously inputting multiple keys arranged in the left area using the left hand and simultaneously inputting multiple keys arranged in the right area using the right hand. be able to. In addition, by pressing a plurality of keys at the same time, various kana characters can be input even with a small number of keys, and characters can be input quickly.

(Details of character input processing)
Next, the details of the character input processing performed in the information processing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the character input process according to the present embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 16 is performed by the CPU of the information processing apparatus 3 executing the character input program of the present embodiment. The CPU of the information processing device 3 simultaneously executes a document creation application and a Japanese conversion application in addition to the character input program of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the information processing apparatus 3 first performs a setting process (step S1). Here, the information processing apparatus 3 recognizes two MIDI keyboards 2 and sets an upper MIDI keyboard 2A and a lower MIDI keyboard 2B. For example, the information processing apparatus 3 sets the first connected MIDI keyboard 2 as the upper MIDI keyboard 2A and the second connected MIDI keyboard 2 as the lower MIDI keyboard 2B. Further, in the setting process of step S1, the tones of the MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B may be set. Further, in the setting process of step S1, the correspondence between the keys shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the alphabet is set, and the correspondence between the alphabet and the kana characters shown in FIGS. 5 to 13 is set according to the user's operation. Relationship settings may be made. Further, in the setting process of step S1, it may be set whether the left side area is prioritized or the right side area is prioritized according to the user's operation.

After executing the setting process of step S1, the information processing apparatus 3 repeatedly executes the processes of the next steps S2 to S7 at predetermined time intervals (for example, 1 msec intervals). While the processes of steps S2 to S7 are being repeated, the tone color is set, the correspondence between each key and the alphabet is set, and the correspondence between the alphabet and the kana character is set according to the user's instruction. Etc. may be performed.

Specifically, in step S2, the information processing apparatus 3 receives MIDI signals from the MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B. The MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B repeatedly transmit MIDI signals to the information processing apparatus 3 at predetermined time intervals (for example, 1 msec intervals). The information processing apparatus 3 receives MIDI signals from the MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B in step S2.

Next, the information processing apparatus 3 performs a keystroke type and keystroke strength determination process based on the received MIDI signal (step S3). Specifically, the information processing apparatus 3 determines which of the plurality of keys of the MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B is pressed based on the received MIDI signal, and at the same time, the keystroke strength of the keystroked key is determined. Determine (keystroke speed). Further, the information processing apparatus 3 determines the tone color settings of the MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B.

Next, the information processing apparatus 3 performs simultaneous input discrimination processing for discriminating whether or not a plurality of keys are simultaneously pressed based on the result of the discrimination processing in step S3 (step S4). Specifically, the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether or not a plurality of keys have been pressed and has not been pressed, and compares the timing at which each key is no longer pressed. Then, when the timing at which the plurality of keys are no longer pressed is within a predetermined threshold value (for example, within 100 msec), the information processing apparatus 3 determines that the plurality of keys are pressed at the same time. The information processing apparatus 3 may determine that the plurality of keys are pressed at the same time when the timing at which the plurality of keys are started to be pressed is within a predetermined threshold value as described above.

Next, the information processing apparatus 3 performs character discrimination processing (step S5). Specifically, the information processing apparatus 3 searches for the character corresponding to the pressed key from the correspondence table shown in FIGS. 5 to 13, and determines the input kana character. Here, the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether or not it is a voiced sound, whether it is a semi-voiced sound, or whether it is a lowercase letter, based on the type of the pressed key and the keystroke strength when the key is pressed. .. Further, the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether or not the sound is a long sound according to the type of the pressed key and the pressing time of the key (the time during which the pressing is continued). Further, the information processing apparatus 3 may determine the character based on whether or not the key is pressed more strongly after the key is pressed, in addition to the type of the pressed key.

Following step S5, the information processing apparatus 3 performs left area priority processing (step S6). Specifically, the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether each pressed key is a key in the left region or a key in the right region, and when the key in the left region and the key in the right region are pressed at the same time, the left region region. It is considered that the kana character corresponding to the key of is input first, and the kana character corresponding to the key in the right area is input later. Then, the information processing apparatus 3 determines the character string in which the kana character corresponding to the key in the left area is arranged first and the kana character corresponding to the key in the right area is arranged later as the input character input by the user. .. When the key in the left area and the key in the right area are pressed at the same time, if the character corresponding to only the key in the left area cannot be found in the correspondence table shown in FIGS. 5 to 13, information processing is performed. The device 3 may determine the characters corresponding to both the pressed left region and right region keys from the correspondence table shown in FIGS. 5 to 13.

Next, the information processing apparatus 3 outputs the characters determined based on the processing results of steps S3 to S6 (step S7). Specifically, the information processing apparatus 3 outputs the determined characters to another Japanese conversion application or document creation application executed by the own machine. When the discriminated character is output to the Japanese conversion application and the Japanese conversion key (for example, any key of the foot pedal or MIDI keyboard 2) is pressed, the discriminated character is converted into Chinese characters or the like. Then, the characters converted into Chinese characters or the like are passed to the document creation application, and the characters converted into Chinese characters or the like are displayed on the screen of the information processing apparatus 3 in the document creation application, and the storage means (RAM, hard disk, etc.) is stored. It is stored in the device). Further, the information processing apparatus 3 may save the MIDI signal from the MIDI keyboard 2 as it is as a MIDI file.

The information processing apparatus 3 executes the process of step S2 again after the process of step S7. This is the end of the description of the process shown in FIG.

The process shown in FIG. 16 is merely an example, and the order of each step may be changed, other processes may be executed between each step, and a part of the above steps may be omitted. May be good. Further, the threshold value and the like used for the determination in each step are merely examples, and other values may be used as the determination threshold value.

Next, with reference to FIG. 17, an example of the character input during the execution of the process shown in FIG. 16 will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between characters and time input using the character input system 1 of the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows the relationship between the keys (alphabet) of the MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B in which the press is detected and the time. The characters in each rectangle of FIG. 17 indicate the alphabet corresponding to the pressed key, the short side on the left side of each rectangle indicates the start time of pressing, and the short side on the right side of each rectangle indicates the end time of pressing.

As shown in FIG. 17, for example, at time point t1, MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B are used to correspond to "Z", "X", "S", "A", "U", and "K". It is assumed that six keys are pressed at the same time. Specifically, using the keys in the left region of the MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B, the five keys "Z", "X", "S", "A", and "U" are pressed, and the MIDI keyboard 2A And using the keys in the right area of 2B, one key of "K" is pressed.

Next, at time point t2, it is assumed that the hands are released from the six keys corresponding to "Z", "X", "S", "A", "U", and "K".

Next, at time point t3, using MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B, the seven keys corresponding to "X", "K", "S", "A", "X", "K" and "A" are It is assumed that they are pressed at the same time. Specifically, in the left area of the MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B, the four keys corresponding to "X", "K", "S" and "A" are simultaneously pressed, and in the right area of the MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B. , "X", "K" and "A" are pressed at the same time. Then, at time point t4, it is assumed that the pressing of these seven keys is completed.

In this case, the input during the period from time point t1 to t2 is the input corresponding to the kana character "so" in addition to the three keys "S", "A", and "U" corresponding to the kana character "so", as well as "Z" and "X" corresponding to the sokuon. Is entered at the same time, so it is recognized as the kana character "so". At the same time, the "K" input in the right area is recognized as the kana character "ki". Since the left side region has priority over the right side region as described above, the input in the period from the time points t1 to t2 is recognized as "just". Further, for the input during the period from time point t3 to t4, the four keys "X", "K", "S" and "A" corresponding to "tai" are input in the left area, and the input corresponds to "kai" in the right area 3 Since the two keys "X", "K", and "A" have been input, it is recognized as "Taikai" by the priority processing of the left area.

Therefore, it is determined that the character string "Shorthand (shorthand competition)" has been input during the period from time points t1 to t4.

As described above, in the character input system 1 of the present embodiment, various characters can be input in a short time by inputting a plurality of keys of the MIDI keyboard 2 at the same time and combining a plurality of keys smaller than those of a normal 101 keyboard or 109 keyboard. Can be entered.

For example, when inputting the above-mentioned character string "Sokkitaikai" using a normal 101 keyboard or 109 keyboard, it is necessary to input "sokkitaikai" and an 11-character alphabet in order. Assuming that it takes, for example, 0.3 seconds to input one key, it takes 3.3 seconds to input "sokkitaikai" using a normal 101 keyboard or 109 keyboard.

On the other hand, when the character input system 1 of the present embodiment is used, since a plurality of keys can be input at the same time, the operation related to the input can be performed only twice. Therefore, it is possible to substantially input 13 keys in the time required to input two keys in order. Therefore, if it takes, for example, 0.3 seconds to enter one or more keys (if the time required for one operation is 0.3 seconds), 0.6 seconds will be used. It is possible to input the character string of "Kitaikai", and it is possible to input characters faster than when inputting the same characters using a normal 101 keyboard or 109 keyboard. Further, although handwritten shorthand cannot be saved as character data, in the present embodiment, shorthand using a keyboard can be realized and can be saved as character data.

Further, in the character input system 1 of the present embodiment, all kana characters can be input using, for example, only one area of the left side area or the right side area of the MIDI keyboards 2A and 2B. Each key corresponding to the 11 characters in the left area is arranged at a position where the fingers of the left hand can reach, and even the farthest characters can be input simultaneously with only the left hand. The same applies to the right area. Therefore, various kana characters can be input with only one hand, and even a person with a handicap can input characters.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the MIDI keyboard 2 is used, the input character can be discriminated based on the type of the pressed key, the pressing strength of the key, and the pressing time. Therefore, the input characters can be changed depending on the key input method, and various characters can be input even with a small number of keys.

Further, since the MIDI keyboard 2 is used in the present embodiment, the sound can be output by using another music reproduction program based on the MIDI signal corresponding to the key input by the user. As a result, characters can be recognized by sound, and the user can be entertained by sound beyond simple character input. In addition, the MIDI signal can be saved as a MIDI file, and the voice information input using the MIDI keyboard can be saved in real time. As a result, not only can it be saved as character information, but it can also be saved as voice information, and the saved MIDI file can be connected to a musical instrument or the like to reproduce sound.

Further, the information processing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment can save a MIDI file corresponding to a MIDI signal, or can read a saved MIDI file and convert it into character information. Therefore, for example, the first user of the information processing apparatus 3 can read the MIDI file saved by the second user and convert it into character information by exchanging the MIDI file with another second user. As a result, the first user and the second user can exchange character information using a MIDI file (voice data). Since the MIDI file stores the audio signal, it cannot be easily recognized as character information by a third party. Therefore, the first user and the second user can exchange MIDI files with each other as ciphertext. Further, by predetermining a correspondence table (for example, the correspondence table of FIGS. 4 to 13) that stores the correspondence between each key of the MIDI keyboard and the character between the first user and the second user, these correspondence tables can be obtained. It can be used as an encryption key and a MIDI file can be used as a ciphertext to perform encrypted communication between a first user and a second user.

(Modification example)
Although the character input system 1 of the present embodiment has been described above, the character input system 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned example.

For example, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 13, alphabetic characters are assigned to each key, and alphabetic characters and kana characters are associated with each other. The correspondence of is not limited to this.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of assigning an alphabet to each key of the MIDI keyboard 2 in another embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between alphabet characters and kana characters in another embodiment. In FIG. 18, characters different from the characters shown in FIG. 3 are assigned to each key. Further, in FIG. 19, the correspondence between the alphabet characters and the kana characters is different from that in FIG. Also in this case, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 13, one or more alphabetic characters are used for a special character or character string (dakuon, handakuon, lowercase letter, narration, sokuon, character string in FIG. 13). Is set.

Not limited to characters, numbers and symbols, enter key, shift key, Caps Lock key, control key, ortho key, tab key, function key, cursor key, escape key, kanji conversion key, input character conversion key, non-conversion key, number Lock key, backspace key, derate key, page up key, page down key, home key, end key, four-way calculation key, half-width full-width key, context menu key, Windows (registered trademark) key, etc. may be entered. In addition, input characters may be converted into numbers, symbols, or shortcut keys for work instructions.

For example, in the above embodiment, two MIDI keyboards 2 are used, but in other embodiments, one MIDI keyboard capable of outputting MIDI signals may be used, or three or more keyboards may be used. May be good. For example, characters may be input using one keyboard in which a plurality of keys are arranged in a horizontal direction and three in the vertical direction (upper line, middle line, lower line). Further, the characters are not limited to the upper, middle, and lower lines, and characters may be input using the keys of the four lines or the keys of the upper and lower lines may be used, for example.

Further, in the above embodiment, one MIDI keyboard 2 is divided into a left side region and a right side region. In another embodiment, the keyboard input by the user's left hand and the keyboard input by the user's right hand may be different keyboards. In this case, one or more keyboards may be used as the left-handed keyboard, and one or more keyboards may be used as the right-handed keyboard.

Further, in the above embodiment, a MIDI keyboard for playing music capable of outputting a MIDI signal is used, but the MIDI keyboard is not limited to the MIDI keyboard, and other keyboards may be used. For example, in another embodiment, even if the information processing apparatus 3 inputs characters by using another keyboard capable of determining the keystroke strength (keystroke speed) and the keystroke time in addition to the type of the keystroked key. good. Further, any keyboard may be used as long as it is a keyboard capable of inputting a plurality of keys at the same time.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the key in the left area and the key in the right area are pressed at the same time, the character corresponding to the key in the left area is first arranged as the priority process in the left area, and the key in the right area is used. The character string in which the corresponding character is placed after is determined as the input character. In another embodiment, when the key in the left region and the key in the right region are pressed at the same time, only the character corresponding to the key in the left region may be determined as the input character as the priority processing in the left region.

Further, when a predetermined signal is output from the MIDI keyboard 2, characters may be input in a separate frame as a memo or an annotation for the keystroke signal after the predetermined signal. For example, when a signal indicating mute is output from the MIDI keyboard 2, characters may be input to a separate frame as a memo, an annotation, or a subtitle input for the subsequent keystroke signal. Further, a key for repeating the character or information input immediately before is assigned, and when the key is pressed, the character or information input immediately before may be re-entered.

Further, in the above embodiment, the MIDI keyboard 2 and the information processing apparatus 3 are locally connected to realize the character input system 1. In another embodiment, the character input system 1 may be composed of a plurality of devices arranged at physically separated locations. For example, the MIDI keyboard 2, the MIDI signal receiving unit 31, the character determination unit 32, and the setting unit 33 of the information processing device 3 are arranged in physically different places, and each unit is connected by a network such as the Internet. A character input system may be configured.

For example, a user terminal equipped with a MIMO keyboard, a server that determines input characters based on information from the user terminal, and a database that stores a correspondence table in which alphabets and pseudonym characters are associated are connected via the Internet. , The character input system described above may be configured. In this case, the information input in the user terminal is transmitted to the server via the Internet, and the server connects to the database via the Internet and determines the character according to the information from the user terminal. Then, the determined character is returned to the user terminal.

Further, a part or all of the above-mentioned processing may be performed by a plurality of processors or may be performed by a dedicated circuit.

1 Character input system 2 MIDI keyboard 3 Information processing device 32 Character judgment unit

Claims (5)

A signal receiving means for receiving a MIDI signal corresponding to an input to the plurality of keys from an input means capable of outputting a MIDI signal having a plurality of keys, and a signal receiving means.
A character determination means for determining an input character corresponding to a plurality of input keys based on a MIDI signal received by the signal receiving means is provided .
The input means includes an upper left area and a lower left area operated by the user's left hand, and an upper right area and a lower right area operated by the user's right hand.
The character determination means is
When the key included in the upper left area or the lower left area is input, it is determined that the first character has been input, and it is determined that the first character has been input.
When the key included in the upper right area or the lower right area is input, it is determined that the first character has been input.
When a plurality of keys included in the upper left area and the lower left area are input at the same time, it is determined that two or more predetermined characters have been input.
A character determination system that determines that a predetermined character has been input when a plurality of keys included in the upper right area and the lower right area are input at the same time . The character determination system according to claim 1, further comprising a storage control means for storing data corresponding to the MIDI signal received by the signal receiving means in the storage means. Further equipped with a reading means for reading data corresponding to the MIDI signal stored in the storage means,
The character determination means determines an input character corresponding to a plurality of input keys based on a MIDI signal received by the signal receiving means or a MIDI signal read by the reading means, claim 1. Or the character determination system according to 2. The character determination means is
When the first key of the input means is input, the first character is determined and the first character is determined.
When the second key of the input means is input, a second character different from the first character is determined.
According to any one of claims 1 to 3, when the first key and the second key are input at the same time, the first character and the third character different from the second character are determined. Described character judgment system. A character determination program executed by a computer of a character determination device, wherein the computer is used.
A signal receiving means for receiving a MIDI signal corresponding to an input to the plurality of keys from an input means capable of outputting a MIDI signal having a plurality of keys, and a signal receiving means.
Based on the MIDI signal received by the signal receiving means, it functions as a character determining means for determining an input character corresponding to a plurality of input keys .
The input means includes an upper left area and a lower left area operated by the user's left hand, and an upper right area and a lower right area operated by the user's right hand.
The character determination means is
When the key included in the upper left area or the lower left area is input, it is determined that the first character has been input, and it is determined that the first character has been input.
When the key included in the upper right area or the lower right area is input, it is determined that the first character has been input.
When a plurality of keys included in the upper left area and the lower left area are input at the same time, it is determined that two or more predetermined characters have been input.
A character determination program that determines that a predetermined character has been input when a plurality of keys included in the upper right area and the lower right area are input at the same time .

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