JPH05189117A - Character input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily input the many kinds of character data by a little numeral input means. CONSTITUTION:According to the rules of one-to-one correspondence between a numeral at the digit of 10 in a numeral having two digits and the row of Japanese syllabary (KANA) in a KANA character and one-to-one correspondence between a numeral at the digit of 1 and the column of KANA in the KANA character, KANA characters or the like excepting for numerals allocated to the numeral having two digits are registered on a numeral/KANA conversion table T. When the numeral having two digits is inputted by hitting ten keys on a menu sheet MS with a cursor 52a of a digitizer 52, a host computer 1 converts the numeral having two digits related to the input to the other character by retrieving the numeral/KANA conversion table T, and the character is processed not as the numeral having two digits but as the other inputted character as the converted result.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character input device suitable for easily inputting a large number of types of character data by a small number input means such as a numeric keypad.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a computer mapping system has been constructed which manages the arrangement status of various facilities such as gas, water and electric power by a computer.

This computer mapping system constructs a facility map database, which is a database of facility information of gas pipes, water pipes, electric power transmission lines, etc., corresponding to map data of road lines, block lines, etc. To manage the facility map and build an equipment map database,
In addition to coordinate data indicating the location of equipment such as gas pipes,
It is necessary to input character data indicating the name of a house, etc., and digitizers are generally used for inputting these coordinate data and character data.

That is, paste an equipment map (shown below) in which the arrangement positions of the equipment are described on the digitizer, and a menu sheet on which a menu for inputting layer attributes on the equipment map database is printed. After specifying the menu on the menu sheet with the cursor, the position coordinate data of the equipment was input by specifying the position of the equipment such as the gas pipe shown in the figure below with the cursor.

By the way, in the portion where the figure below and the menu sheet overlap, the menu is prioritized over the position coordinate data, so that the position coordinate data cannot be input based on the figure below. Therefore, it is desirable that the menu sheet is small, usually A4 size, even if it is large B4
Limited to. Also, the menu on the menu sheet is
Only the number of attributes of all layers is required.
It can be 0. For these reasons, numbers, Roman letters,
It is difficult to make a large menu area for characters such as kana and kanji, and only numbers are provided as a menu for characters. In the early days, when entering a character other than a number, such as hiragana, the JIS Kanji code No. I was typing.

However, JIS Kanji code No. To enter character data with, the operator must enter the JIS Kanji code No. of each character. Had to be memorized or referred to the code table, and the operator's burden was so great that it was not possible to input it quickly.

Therefore, recently, for the characters other than numbers, the pronunciation contents thereof are input in Roman letters by a keyboard.
In this case, when inputting Kanji in the middle of figure inputting with the digitizer, after instructing the Kanji input from the menu on the menu sheet pasted on the digitizer, input the Kanji reading using Roman characters. Then, after converting kana-kanji, I input the position and direction of the kanji by digitizer.

[0008]

However, in the case of using the digitizer and the keyboard together to input characters as described above, the digitizer is too large to be placed on a desk and placed on the side of the desk or the like. Since it is unavoidable, the operator has to move his seat or change the direction each time the operation target is changed to the digitizer or keyboard, which lowers the work efficiency and requires the operator to be familiar with the operations of both the digitizer and the keyboard. There was an extra burden on the operator.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a character input device capable of easily inputting various kinds of character data by a small number of number input means. Is.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the character input device according to the present invention, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 1, for example, digitizes the positions of the numbers printed on the menu sheet. A number input means a configured to input a number by designating
For example, the first digit of the two-digit number and the Japanese syllabary line or row of the kana characters are made to correspond one-to-one, and the second digit number and the Japanese syllabary row or row of the kana character are set to one. According to a rule such as corresponding to one to one, at least kana character allocating means b configured to allocate at least one to one kana character to the entire two-digit number input by the number input means a.
And a conversion means c for converting a two-digit number input by the number input means a into a kana character assigned by the kana character assignment means b.

Also, the character input device according to the present invention stores the numeral kana character conversion table, a numeral input key for inputting a numeral, and a numeral inputted by the numeral input key, converted into a kana character. When the setting key for enabling the conversion and the setting of the number kana to character conversion are enabled by the setting key, at least every two numbers input by the number input key are stored in the storage means. It is characterized by further comprising a numerical kana conversion means for sequentially converting to a kana character based on a numerical kana character conversion table.

[0012]

Now, the kana character allocating means b is, for example, for the first digit of the two-digit number 1, 2, ... Corresponding to the row of "...", the row of "a", the row of "ka" of the Japanese syllabary for the second digit numbers 1, 2, ... 9 are ...
It is assumed that the kana characters are assigned to the entire two-digit number in a one-to-one manner according to the rule of associating the lines of "ra".

In this example, when "12" is input by the number input means a, for example, the kana character assigning means b
Assigns "i" to "12" and assigns "so" to "35" when "35" is input.

Then, the conversion means c converts "12" into "I".
To “35” and “35” to “so”. Ie 2
It is processed as if a kana as the conversion result was input instead of a digit.

As described above, the input two-digit number is converted into a kana and input according to a predetermined rule. That is, the kana of the Japanese syllabary is input only by operating the numeral input means such as ten kinds of ten keys according to a predetermined rule.

Therefore, it is possible to easily input many kinds of character data with a small number of numeral input means.

Further, according to the present invention, when the setting key is set to be capable of converting the numerical kana characters, at least every two numbers input by the numerical input key are stored in the storage means. Based on the conversion table, the kana characters are sequentially converted by the numeric kana conversion means.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0019] One practical example Figure 2 is a system configuration diagram of the applied computer mapping system character input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The computer mapping system is
The host computer 1 is used as a core for maintaining and managing arrangement information of equipment such as a gas pipe. An external storage device 3 is connected to the host computer 1 by a bus 2.
A plurality of terminal groups 5 are connected by the communication line 4.

The external storage device 3 has a database area E1 for storing a facility map database and a program area E2 for storing various programs of the mapping system.
In addition to this, a table area E3 for storing a digit kana conversion table T described later and the like are formed. In the program area E2, in addition to a program for searching the equipment map database, an input processing program for inputting various data when creating the equipment map database is stored. A conversion subroutine is also included. A work area for performing various data processing operations is formed in an internal memory (not shown) in the host computer 1.

The terminal group 5 has a graphic display 51 and a digitizer 52. The graphic display 51 displays the information on the equipment database stored in the external storage device 3 in a graphic format, and also displays the pattern of characters input by the digitizer 52. At this time, it is preferable that the block lines are displayed in green and the gas pipes are displayed in yellow, for example. The graphic display 51 is an intelligent terminal, and also controls data transmission with the host computer 1.

The digitizer 52 is used, for example, to input position coordinate data of a gas pipe, character data (including numerical data) such as material and thickness of a gas pipe, name of a house, and to instruct work contents. To be done. At this time, the work content is instructed and characters are input by pasting the menu sheet MS on which the work content and characters are printed as a menu onto the digitizer 52 and selecting a desired menu with the cursor 52a. Further, the position coordinate data of the equipment such as the gas pipe is input by pasting the menu sheet MS on the digitizer 52 together with the MP in the following figure and designating the position of the equipment described in the MP in the following figure by the cursor 52a. Below, the menu on the menu sheet MS and the MP below
Inputting by specifying the position of the equipment printed on the screen with the cursor 52a is called hit input.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a menu on the menu sheet MS, where Z is the mesh number. , Admin N
o. , A point input, a line input, a surface input, a leader line, a character input, an end, a common area consisting of a common group of menus, etc., A to F are layers for hit input of the attributes of each layer of the equipment map database. Area NM is a ten-key area for hitting numbers. As described above, by printing only the numerical menu as the character menu on the menu sheet MS, the size of the menu sheet MS is made as small as possible and the inputtable area of the position coordinate data based on MP in the figure below is widened. is doing. Then, in order to enable input of non-numeric characters such as kana, kanji, and romaji only with the menu for numbers, the input processing program converts the numbers into kana and further into kanji or romaji. It is configured as follows.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the digit-kana conversion table T, showing the numbers, kana characters, roman letters, control functions, etc. assigned to these two-digit numbers in correspondence with the two-digit numbers. The code is registered. A JIS kanji code (JIS X 0208-1983) is used as a code indicating numbers, kana characters, and Roman characters.

In the digit kana conversion table T of FIG.
The numbers "0" to "9" are assigned to "00" to "09", and it seems that it is inconvenient because one number is input by two hit operations of the ten keys, but it will be described later. Since it is possible to input the number without inputting the control code for inputting the number assigned to “89” of No. 1, it is convenient to use it when there are few numbers such as “National Highway No. 1”.

In addition, in order to easily store and input the hiragana characters, the lines A, K, and L are placed in the tens digits 1, 2, and 9 respectively. , To 5 are assigned to correspond to the stage, the stage, and the stage, respectively.
For example, “ki” is assigned to “22”. However, "wa", "n", and "wo" are "82" and
It is assigned to “84” and “86”.

Roman letters are 1 to 7 of the digit 10 and 1
Are assigned to correspond to the digits 6 to 9. Control functions similar to those of a normal word processor are assigned to the other two-digit numbers. For example, "30" is assigned a control code for instructing Kanji conversion, and "40" is assigned.
Is assigned a control code instructing no conversion. The control code assigned to "50" is a control code that cyclically switches the mode for inputting hiragana / uppercase letters or katakana / lowercase letters.
For example, if "50" is hit and then "34" is hit, "34" is converted to "se" and "5" is added.
If you hit "0" and hit "34", you get "3".
"4" is converted to "se". Also, "87" is the JI
A control code for instructing to directly input the S Kanji code is assigned, and it is used for inputting special Kanji or Greek characters, or characters that are frequently used and memorized JIS Kanji code by the operator. Further, in order to quickly input a large number of consecutive numbers, a control code for instructing to input one number by one hit operation of the ten keys is assigned to "89".
After that, in order to return to the conversion input for converting and inputting the two-digit number, a menu which is less frequently used such as “+” in the ten-key area NM is used.

The assignment in FIG. 4 is an example and can be modified in various ways. At this time, in order to facilitate the storage and input of hiragana, the rows from A to A are 1 digit or 10 rows.
In 9 consecutive numbers, the columns from 10 to 10.
Or it should be considered to be assigned such that it corresponds to five consecutive numbers of one digit. Further, the control code may be directly hit-input from the menu.

Next, the outline of the input operation will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the operator pastes the MP shown below and the menu sheet MS on the digitizer 52 (step F-101). Then, the three predetermined positions as the position coordinates of the menu sheet MS, for example, the lower left and right corners and the upper left corner are hit-inputted, and then the points at the four corners of the figure MS below are hit-inputted (step F-102). .. As a result, each menu on the menu sheet MS and the following figure M
An environment is set in which the position coordinate data (graphic data) of the equipment based on S is hit-input by the cursor 52a of the digitizer 52.

Then, using the ten keys, the mesh number.
When a hit input is made (step F-103), the host computer 1 sets the data to be input subsequently as the mesh number. Is prepared to be stored in the area on the external storage device 3 corresponding to.

Next, when a desired layer is selected from the layers on the menu sheet MS and hit-inputted (step F-104), the selected layer is discriminated (steps F-105, F-120). , F-121) and enter the program for that layer.

Next, for example, when the house layer A is selected, the coordinate data indicating the shape of the house are sequentially hit-input based on the figure MS below (step F-106). In this case, every time the coordinate data is hit-input, the middle stage of the shape of the house is displayed on the graphic display 51. When the input of the coordinate data indicating the shape of the house is completed, the end is hit-input in the menu (step F-107), and the input of the shape of the house is completed. Next, when the type of the attribute data is selected from the house layer A and hit-inputted (step F-108), the type of the selected attribute data is discriminated (steps F-109, F-11).
5, F-118), and input according to the type.

That is, the house No. If you select
House No. Is hit input (step F-110), and this house No. The position coordinates for displaying the note are hit-input (step F-111).

When the input of the attribute data relating to the selection is completed, the menu is instructed as to whether or not the input of the attribute data is continued, that is, the hit input is made (step F-11).
2). In this case, when instructing to continue, the process returns to step (F-108) and the input work of other attribute data is continued. For example, if the house name is selected and designated as an attribute when returning to step (F-108), step (F-108)
-109), and (F-115) to step (F-
In step 116, the house name is hit-input with the ten keys, and the position coordinates for displaying the note of the house name are hit-input (step F-117). Step (F-11)
Proceed to 2), and instruct from the menu whether to continue inputting attribute data. If the house floor area is selected and designated as an attribute when returning to step (F-108), steps (F-109), (F-115), and (F-11)
Proceed to step (F-119) via step 8), enter the house floor area with the numeric keypad, and then enter step (F-1).
Proceed to 12).

In step (F-112), when it is instructed to end the input of the attribute data, it is instructed from the menu whether or not to continue the data input for the layer currently specified (step F- 113). In this case, when it is instructed to continue, the process returns to step (F-106), and when it is instructed not to continue, the data input work for the layer currently specified is continued.
-114). In step (F-114), when the data input of all layers is completed, the input operation of this flow is ended by hitting the end in the menu. When the data input of all layers is not completed, the menu is instructed to start the data input of other layers, and the process returns to step (F-104) to continue the data input work of other layers. To do. The operation flow in other layers is the same as in layer A.

Next, details of the operation of inputting characters other than numbers in step (F-116) of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the host computer 1 defines two Kanji code arrangements, a character code arrangement, variables KJ and KI, K, KS, and a hiragana flag KH for storing the input two-digit number, respectively (step). F-2
00). Here, * 2 indicates that the code of one character is composed of two bytes. Then, initial values are set in the hiragana flag KH and the like (step F-201).

Next, a two-digit number is hit-input with the ten key of the menu. For example, to input "A", hit "11" with the ten keys on the menu sheet MS. When the two-digit number is input, the host computer 1 sets it in the variable KS (step F-
202), and determines whether or not a code other than the control code is assigned to the input two-digit number (step F-203). As a determination method, IF-THE
There is a method of making a judgment by using a mathematical expression such as repeating the N command or assigning the first digit number to the number “0” except “00” in addition to the control code “99”. In the above input example, a code other than the control code is assigned, so proceed to step (F-204),
It is determined whether a kana code is assigned. In the above input example, since the JIS kanji code indicating the hiragana "a" is assigned, the process proceeds to step (F-205) to determine whether or not the hiragana flag KH is "0". In this case, since the hiragana flag KH is still initially set to "0", the JIS kana code of the hiragana assigned to the input two-digit number "11" is searched on the digit kana conversion table T (step F-206), the retrieved JIS Kanji code "0402" is stored in variable K (I) (step F-207), and variables K (1) to K (1) -K are stored.
The contents of (I) are displayed on the graphic display 51 in a shaded manner (step F-208). In this case, the character pattern "A" is displayed. Next, step F- (20
Proceed to 9) and set I + 1, that is, I = 2, and return to step (F-202).

Upon returning to step (F-202),
Suppose that "12" is hit-input with the ten keys to input "i". In this case, the process proceeds to the step (F-209) along the above route, but as a result, the change is that K (2) = 0404, I = 3, and the displayed content is “Ai”.

Next, it is assumed that "30" is hit-input in order to convert into Kanji when returning to Step (F-202) from Step (F-209) again. In this case, the process proceeds to step (F-210) through step (F-203), and since the variable KS is “30”, further step (F
Go to -211). In step (F-211), Kanji rank order JJ = 0, K (1) = 0402, and K (2) = 0.
The Kana-Kanji conversion subroutine is called with 404 as an argument. Then, in step (F-212), the kanji code KI (1) = 1605 from the kana-kanji conversion subroutine.
And the number of characters N = 1 is given. Then, the step (F-
213), KJ (1) = 1605, and the step (F
In "-214)," sorrow "is shaded on the graphic display 51. Next, when returning to step (F-203) from step (F-214), if "90" is hit-input with the ten keys, the process proceeds to step (F-221) for obtaining the next candidate kanji. , Where JJ is changed to 1 and the process proceeds to step (F-211). After step (F-211), the same as above, except that KI (1)
= 1606, that is, it is changed to “love” and displayed in a shaded manner. Here, since "love" is the desired kanji, if you hit "99" with the ten keys when you returned to step (F-202), step (F-2
15), the determination routine is entered, and since N = 1, the step (F-216) is followed by the step (F-21).
Proceed to 7), where J = 0 is changed to J = 1, and JJ =
After resetting 0 and N = 0, in step (F-218), "love" is fixedly displayed, that is, displayed without shading.
Next, returning to step (F-202), hitting “11” and repeating the same operation, KJ (2) = 30
27 is obtained. Next, when the user returns to step (F-202) from step (F-218) and hits "99", the determination routine is again entered, but in this case N = 0, so step (F-216) ) To step (F-219), the basic program has an argument J =
2, KJ (1) = 1606, KJ (2) = 1606 are passed to complete the conversion input operation.

Incidentally, for example, step (F-202)
If you hit "16" at
-226) to (F-228), the input "16" is converted to Roman alphabet "A" based on the digit kana conversion table T, and the JIS kanji code of "A" as the conversion result. Is stored in K (J + 1) and confirmed and displayed, the number of confirmed characters J is incremented, N = 0, and the process returns to step (F-202). Also, "50"
For example, if you hit "11" and hit "99" after hit input, step (F-22
4) to (F-225) routines, hiragana flag KH
Is changed to KH = 1, the step (F-
229) to (F-231) are converted into the katakana "A", the JIS kanji code of "A" as the conversion result is stored and displayed in K (J + 1), and the fixed character number J is incremented. , N = 0, and the process returns to step (F-202). Further, when "80" corresponding to the previous candidate is hit-input in a state where the Chinese characters are shaded, the conversion candidate No. is determined in the routine of steps (F-222) to (F-223). After the decrement is performed, the process returns to the routine of steps (F-211) to (F-214) to display the previous Kana-Kanji conversion candidate.

In this way, the two-digit number is converted into hiragana, katakana, uppercase letters, lowercase letters, etc., and these conversion results are processed as input. That is, a large number of characters can be input using a small number of ten keys. Moreover, the two-digit number and the other characters above are
Since the correspondence is established according to a predetermined rule, the correspondence can be easily stored. Further, since the conversion to the kanji is executed via the conversion to the hiragana, it is not necessary to store the correspondence relationship between the numbers and the huge number of kanji.

The character conversion may be performed purely by software using a command such as an IF-THEN command without using a conversion table. Further, the two-digit number to which the hiragana or the like is assigned may be a hexadecimal number other than the decimal number.

Another Embodiment FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention. This is an example of a business terminal device used for a gas meter reading or the like having a character input device according to the present invention.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 71 denotes a host computer, which manages customer master data and creates meter reading data.

Reference numeral 72 denotes a business terminal device, which is connected to the host computer 1 and includes a ROM 201, a RAM 202, and a CP.
U203, keyboard 204, display 205, P
IO 206, printer 207, PIO 208, SIO2
Has 09.

The ROM 201 stores a BIOS and a numeric kana character conversion program.

The RAM 202 stores downloaded processing data and control programs, and stores processing results. Further, the RAM 202 has a numeric kana character conversion table shown in FIG. 8 as a storage means.

The keyboard 204 has a numeric keypad 204a as a numeral input key and a function key 204b as a setting key.

The CPU 203 downloads the processing data from the host computer 1 and uploads the processing result stored in the RAM 202 to the host computer 1. When the function key 204b is set to enable the conversion of numeric kana characters, the CPU 203 serves as a numeric kana conversion means to convert the numbers input by the numeric keypad 204a into at least two numbers, R.
It is for sequentially converting into kana characters based on the numeric kana character conversion table stored in the AM 202.

The display 205 is connected to the bus 210 via the PIO 206, and is for displaying data from the host computer 1 and key operation results.

The printer 207 is connected to the bus 210 via the PIO 208 and outputs print data. The SIO 209 is connected to the bus 210 and the host computer 71.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the digit kana character conversion program stored in the ROM 201.

When the function key 204b is operated, in step S91, a state in which digit-kana conversion can be performed is set. Then, in step S92, the numeric keypad 20
When a number is input by 4a, in step S93,
The entered number is divided into two to make a two-digit number.
Then, in step S94, it is determined whether or not the input two-digit number is "99". As a result of the determination, if the determination is affirmative, the original state, that is, if the number is input,
Enable output of numbers.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S94, the process proceeds to step S95, and in step S95, the numeral kana character conversion table shown in FIG.
Convert the 2-digit number to kana characters, and in step S96,
The kana characters obtained by the conversion are stored in the RAM 202 and displayed on the display 205.

For example, by using the ten-key pad 204a, "203
If "402" is input, "20", "34",
ASC that separates from “02” and replaces “20” with “service”
AS converted to II code and corresponding "34" to "TO"
ASCI that corresponds to "C" with "02" in the CII code
Convert to I code.

Since this is done in the present embodiment, it is possible to input the kana characters by holding the business terminal device with one hand and operating the function keys 204b and the ten keys 204a with the other hand. Therefore, it is also possible to print the new customer name in kana characters by the printer 207 on the memo describing the same contents as the meter reading slip.

Of course, the kana characters stored in the RAM 202 can be sent to the host computer 71.

[0061]

As described above, according to the character input device of the present invention, a large number of kinds of character data can be easily input with a small number of input means, and in particular, a large number of input means such as keys are provided. Even when it is not possible, the type of input data can be dramatically increased.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of a computer mapping system to which a character input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a menu on a menu sheet.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of contents of a numerical kana conversion table.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a basic input operation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of a conversion input operation.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a numeric kana character conversion table used in another embodiment.

9 is a flow chart showing an example of a program for converting numerals and kana characters stored in the ROM 201 shown in FIG. 7;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Host Computer 3 External Storage Device 5 Terminal Group 51 Graphic Display 52 Digitizer 52a Cursor MS Menu Sheet T Numerical Kana Conversion Table E2 Program Area E3 Table Area 71 Host Computer 72 Business Terminal 201 ROM 202 RAM 203 CPU 204 Keyboard 205 Display 206 , 208 PIO 207 Printer 209 SIO 210 Bus

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G06F 15/20 502 A 6798-5L 528 A 6798-5L

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A numeral input means for inputting a numeral, and a kana character allocating means for allocating at least one kana character at least one to one according to a predetermined rule with respect to the entire two-digit numeral inputted by said numeral input means, A character input device comprising: a conversion unit that converts a two-digit number input by a number input unit into a kana character assigned by the kana character assignment unit. 2. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the numeral input means inputs a numeral by designating a position of the numeral printed on the menu sheet by a figure input device. 3. The kana character assigning means associates the first digit of the two-digit number with the Japanese syllabary line or column of the kana character in a one-to-one correspondence, and the second digit of the digit and the kana character. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the Japanese syllabary or the Japanese syllabary of the Japanese syllabary is associated with the one-to-one correspondence, and the kana characters are assigned to the entire two-digit number in a one-to-one correspondence. 4. A storage means for storing a numeric kana character conversion table, a numeric input key for inputting a numeric value, and a setting key for making it possible to convert a numeric value input by the numeric input key into a kana character. When the setting key is set to enable the conversion of numeric kana characters, at least two numbers input by the numeric input key are sequentially output based on the numeric kana character conversion table stored in the storage means. A character input device comprising: a digit kana conversion means for converting into a kana character.