JPH05173692A - Key input method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily and speedily input characters by using a ten-key and inputting row numbers and column numbers by arraying the vowels at positions of a row and columns which have the same number in the key array matrix of a key array storage part. CONSTITUTION:The vowels are arranged at the positions of the row and columns having the same number in the key array matrix in the key array storage part (display windows 22 and 23). The key array is read out of the storage part to display the key array picture in the display windows 22 and 23. The character corresponding to a row number 23 and a column number 24 is obtained from key array data. This character data is displayed in a display window 21 and when there is the possibility of Roman character conversion, next input is expected, but when not, the processing is ended. The vowels are used frequently, so when an operator inputs characters on the ten-key, the operation is facilitated and the time required for the operation is shortened. This key input method is applicable to a compact, inexpensive information processor such as an electronic pocketbook.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key input method in a portable, compact and inexpensive information processing device such as an electronic notebook.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various key input systems have been devised and put into practical use with the development of information processing apparatuses. For example, keyboard input, touch panel input,
There is a method of inputting by selecting the key layout on the screen using the cursor movement and the execution key.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional method, in order to make a portable information processing device compact and inexpensive, in the case of inputting with a keyboard, a key must be arranged on the device. Since it is not necessary to be simple, it is not possible to make it very compact because there is a limit to the interval and size of key buttons that can be pressed because of key input with a finger, and in the case of input on the touch panel as well, There is a problem in that the space and size are limited, and the cost for making a touch panel is high. Also, in the case of the method of inputting the key arrangement on the screen by selecting the cursor movement and the execution key without these problems, use the cursor movement keys to select the character on the screen. Since it is necessary to move the cursor to the position of any key, there is a problem that the burden on the user is large and the operation takes time.

The present invention analyzes these problems, and an object thereof is to provide a key input method for inputting a character by inputting a row number and a column number using a numeric keypad.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention has a key arrangement on a matrix, and row input and column number are equal because vowels are frequently used in Roman alphabet input. It has a configuration arranged at a position.

[0006]

With the above arrangement, the present invention operates so that characters can be input using the numeric keypad.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing apparatus in which the present invention is implemented. Here, 11 is a ten-key for the operator to specify a row number and a column number when inputting characters, 12 is an execution key, and 13 is a release key. The above input means
It is connected to the central processing unit (CPU unit) 14. CP
The U unit 14 is connected to the key layout storage unit 15 and the screen control unit 16 and controls screen processing. The keyboard layout storage unit 15 stores the keyboard layout. The screen control unit 16 controls the screen such as displaying characters and deleting characters when the operator inputs characters. The display unit 17 displays alphabets, hiragana, etc.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention. 21
Is a temporary display window until the conversion is confirmed, and 22 and 23 are line numbers (2) for the operator to input the alphabet.
2), column numbers (23) and 24 are alphabetic matrix tables. Vowels are placed at positions where the row number and the column number are equal. If the operator inputs 25, R is displayed in the display window. FIG. 3 shows the contents of the key layout storage unit that stores the key layout data.

The operation of the key input method of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step 1, the key layout is read from the key layout storage unit on the display plane and the key layout screen is displayed. In step 2, the row number and the column number are read. In step 3, characters corresponding to the row number and the column number are obtained from the key layout data shown in FIG. In step 4, the character data obtained in step 3 is displayed on the display window 21.
In step 5, it is determined whether the Roman character conversion can be performed. If you cannot convert Romaji, step 2
Move to. If you can convert Romaji, step 6
Move to. The process ends in step 6.

As described above, according to the key input method of the embodiment of the present invention, the numeric keypad, the execution key, the cancel key, and the key arrangement storage section are provided, and the vowels are stored in the key arrangement matrix in the key arrangement storage section in the same row and column of the same number. Since it is located at the position, you can easily enter characters using only the numeric keypad.

[0012]

As is apparent from the above embodiments, according to the present invention, in a portable, compact and inexpensive information processing device such as an electronic notebook, the operator can easily perform the operation when inputting characters. Also, it is possible to provide a key input method that shortens the time required for the operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an information processing apparatus using a key input method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a key input method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a content diagram of a key layout storage unit in the same method.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation in the method.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 numeric keypad 14 CPU unit (central processing unit) 15 key layout storage unit

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An input unit including a numeric keypad for designating a row number and a column number when a character is input, a key array storage unit for storing a key array of the numeric keypad, the input unit and the key. A key input method comprising a central processing unit for controlling processing of an array storage unit, wherein vowels are arranged at row and column positions of the same number in a key array matrix of the key array storage unit.