JPH08179869A - Key input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To reduce the number of times of inputs in the case of Roman characters by providing a compound input detecting means for detecting simultaneously keyed keys and a double vowel processing means for arranging and outputting vowels in the order set in advance. CONSTITUTION: When any key is inputted by a key input part 140 arranging respective key areas, it is detected by a compound input detecting means 141 whether that key input is a single input (the key is inputted one by one) or compound input (plural keys are simultaneously inputted). When the single input is judged, the signal (character string) of the inputted key is sent to a display device control part 143 and displayed on a screen 144. When the compound input is judged, on the other hand, character string generating processing is performed by a character string generating processing means 142. Namely, when two of vowel keys setting Japanese vowels are included in the plural keys keyed at the same time, the character string generating means generates the character string by arranging these two vowels in the order set in advance.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key input device used in the field of a character input device or an input method, and more specifically, a small electronic notebook, a small word processor (word processor), a personal computer (personal computer), etc. The present invention relates to a key input device capable of performing an input operation as a keyboard used in.

[0002]

[Background Art] Word processors and personal computers have excellent functions such as inputting, editing, printing, and saving of various characters, symbols, figures, etc., including "Kanji and Kana mixed sentences". It has become an indispensable tool ("writing instrument") in the age of. What everyone thinks while using a word processor or personal computer is the difficulty and difficulty of typing a keyboard when inputting Japanese. In addition, there are various ways of striking, and even with the well-known method, "JIS kana", "Romaji input (QWERT
Y array) ”,“ thumb shift ”,“ new JIS kana ”, etc. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages, and when considering the future, it is difficult to make choices.

For example, in the case of "JIS kana", there are many keys according to the number of "kana characters", and 4
It is hard to hit because it is arranged in steps. In addition, the character arrangement has no regularity and is complicated, and it is difficult to achieve a branded touch because of the difficulty of remembering its position.
Some are arranged side by side in the order of aiueo, but if you want to input a voiced sound or semi-voiced sound, key in the pure sound and then the voiced sound symbol “″” or the semi-voiced sound symbol “°” again. After all, the operability is poor, such as having to press the key twice.

In addition, in the case of "thumb shift" which seems to be the most rational and excellent in Japanese input method and "new JIS kana" which is similar to it, two characters are assigned to one key. Separate them by shifting your thumb or little finger. Therefore, the number of keys is small and the design is efficient because it is easy to hit with a blind touch. However, the difficulty of mastering the position of characters is "JIS
It's not so different from "Kana", so many people are reluctant considering the future penetration rate and compatibility with other boards.

On the other hand, in the case of "Romaji input", it is similar to English input with a small number of characters, has a small number of keys, and has a three-step arrangement that is easy to type, so it is relatively easy to work on blind touch. Currently, it is said that more than 80% of men in the general word processor and personal computer population, excluding specialists, are Roman characters.

[0006]

However, even in seemingly efficient "Romaji input", the character keys are divided into consonants and vowels, and one "Kana character" must be input by striking it twice. . Therefore, there is an undeniable drawback that the number of times a key is pressed is larger than that of "JIS kana" and the input time is long.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above circumstances. An object of the present invention is to improve the operability by reducing the hitting operation of the key input in the "Romaji input" with a small number of keys. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a key input device that can shorten the input time.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a composite input detection means for detecting the simultaneously struck keys when a plurality of keys are struck simultaneously, and a plurality of keys struck at the same time in Japan. Vowels "A", "I", "U",
A double vowel that generates a character string by arranging two struck vowels in a preset order when two vowel keys of the vowel keys for which “E” and “O” are set are included. And a processing means.

At this time, the composite input detecting means simultaneously releases the first released key among the plurality of pressed keys and the released key within a certain time from when the key is released. It is preferable that it is set so that it is determined that the key is hit, that is, the timing when the key is released and raised. Further, the double vowel processing means, when the two vowel keys are pressed, the character string output by pressing the two vowel keys is "A".
"I", "AU", "AE", "AO", "UI", "E"
It is preferable that the setting is made such that any one of “I”, “OI”, “OU”, and “OE” is rearranged in this order.

[0010]

According to the present invention, when a plurality of keys are struck like a chord of a piano, if two vowel keys are included in the plurality of struck keys,
The two vowels struck by the double vowel processing means are arranged in a preset order and output as a character string. For example, when one consonant key and two vowel keys are struck, "consonant + vowel + vowel" is arranged, and the double vowel part where the vowels are consecutive is arranged in a preset order. As a result, it is possible to input a two-syllable character with a single hitting operation, which improves the operability in inputting Roman characters. For example, it becomes possible to input a word such as “accounting (KAIKEI)” with (KAI) once and with (KEI) once.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an example in which the present invention is applied to a word processor main body 1 in which a liquid crystal screen 2a is hinge-coupled to a special key input device 3 having a reduced key arrangement will be described.

The word processor main body 1 is provided with a lid 2 with a liquid crystal screen 2a rotatably provided on a rear wall portion 1a of the word processor main body 1 via a hinge 1b. It is adapted to be locked to the word processor main body 1 by the provided cap portion 2b. Also, the key input device 3
Is a main key area 3A located on the rear wall portion 1a side of the word processor main body 1 and composed of a group of 15 keys arranged vertically in three rows and in five rows
And a control key area 3B located on the front wall portion 1c side of the word processor main body 1 and having keys arranged in one row below the main key area 3A, and a word processor main body arranged in a line with the main key area 3A. The sub-key area 3C in which keys are arranged in one row and three stages on the left side of 1 is mainly configured.

While holding the word processor main body 1 with the left hand, strike the keys of the main key area 3A and the control key area 3B with the right finger, and strike the keys of the sub key area 3C with the thumb of the left hand. May be used.
In this case, it is also possible to strike two adjacent subkeys simultaneously with the belly of the left thumb. Alternatively, the word processor main body 1 may be placed on a desk, and the forefinger and the middle finger of the left hand may be added to the sub key area 3C for input. In this case, the sub key can be hit with the left index finger and the middle finger, and part of the control key can also be hit with the left thumb.

FIG. 2 shows the main key area 3A shown in FIG.
Focusing on inputting Japanese into 15 keys in the upper and lower 3 rows and 5 columns in the left and right, 4 keys in 1 row forming the control key area 3B, and 3 keys forming the sub key area 3C This is an example of allocating the "word processor array". In this example, Roman letters are used as input characters so that Japanese and English can be entered in a common array.
Further, in FIG. 2, as is apparent from the drawing, the numbers / symbols / functions / modes are made to coexist with the 15 character keys of the upper, lower, third, left and right, five columns forming the main key area 3A to form the control key area 3B. It is designed to use 4 keys in 1 row and 3 keys that make up the sub-key area 3C so that the numbers, symbols, functions and modes are not carried to the remote position, There is an advantage that you can input without looking at.

Further, the arrangement of the character keys in the main key area 3A is such that the order of ease of hitting each key in the main key area 3A and the frequency of use of the vowels and consonants of the alphabet when inputting Roman characters. The vowels and consonants are arranged in the middle, upper, and lower rows in the order of ease of tapping on this key arrangement, in descending order of frequency of use. , The key of each step has a structure arranged from the reference side to the opposite side.

The three keys 120 and 12 of the sub key area 3C arranged next to the main key area 3A are provided.
Reference numerals 1 and 122 are mainly used for inputting a conversion function (abbreviation conversion, abbreviation conversion, etc.) provided in a word processing function, common symbols, numeric keys, etc. Use three keys in combination. To operate the word processing function.

As described above, the key input device 3 according to the present embodiment has a key layout having a very distinctive feature, but since it is difficult to understand because there are portions that are not directly related to the present invention, Japanese Roman letters are used. FIG. 3 shows only the sequences used for input. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the characters appearing when inputting Roman characters are arranged in a total of 15 main key areas 3A in three rows of upper and lower rows and five columns of left and right rows. It is designed to be input using. That is, one side (the left side in the illustrated example) of the main key area 3A is set as the reference side where the index finger becomes the home position.
The area consisting of the keys in the row is set as the vowel area 3D for inputting vowels, and the remaining 3 of the main key area 3A.
An area composed of a group of keys is set as a consonant area 3E for inputting a consonant.

Then, 101, 102, 106, 107, and 1 are provided in the vowel area 3D composed of two rows of keys on the reference side.
Six keys 11 and 112 are provided, and each of these keys 1
01, 102, 106, 107, 111, and 112 represent vowels "A", "I", "U", "E",
The "O" vowel keys are arranged as follows. That is, among the vowel keys, the middle keys 107 and 106 are arranged with the "A" and "I" strike keys, and the upper keys 102 and 101 are the "U" and "E" strike keys, respectively. Further, the lower keys 112 and 111 are arranged with an “O” and a sound-repelling “n” strike key.

In this arrangement, the right forefinger is placed in the vowel area 3D.
When the home position of the forefinger is set to the home position of the index finger, the key 107, which is frequently used, is placed on the key 107.
Key is arranged, the "I" key is arranged on the key 106 next to it, and further, as going to the upper and lower rows,
The keys of "U", "E", and "O" are arranged in the order of frequency of use. Note that the arrangement on the vowel area 3D in the illustrated example does not necessarily match in the order of the frequency of use of the characters, but as the order goes to the middle, upper, and lower stages,
This is because consideration is given to the ease of remembering the characters so that they are "A", "I", "U", "E", and "O".

Further, in the illustrated example, the key 107 is formed with a home position indicating means 130 for indicating a home position. Here, the home position instruction means 13
A square frame is formed so as to surround the character A on the key 107, and the inside of the square frame is a convex portion so that the key 107 can be recognized when a finger is placed. However, the home position instructing means 130 is not limited to such an illustrated example, and other means (for example, changing the color of the key 107 or blinking the LED) as long as the key 107 can be recognized. Means).

On the other hand, in the consonant areas 3E on the right three columns, "K", "S", "T", "N", which represent Japanese consonants,
Consonant keys of "H", "M", "Y", "R", and "W" are arranged. More specifically, the middle key 108,
109 and 110 are "K", "S", and "T" in order from the left side.
Keys, and the upper keys 103, 104, 105
Is the key of "N", "H", "M" in order from the left side,
Further, the keys 113, 114, and 115 in the lower row have a basic structure in which keys “Y”, “R”, and “W” are sequentially arranged from the left side. And these arrays are "ka" lines,
"Sa" line, "ta" line, "na" line, "ha" line, "ma" line,
This is because the consonants of the “ya” line, the “ra” line, and the “wa” line are arranged in order of Akasatana in the middle, upper, and lower rows of the key, and further from the reference side to the opposite side.

It is needless to say that such an array is set in consideration of the order of ease of hitting and the order of frequency of use of Roman letters, like the array of vowels. When the home position of the area 3D is set, the key 108 at the home position of the middle finger of the middle row is
The key of "K" which is frequently used in Japanese is arranged. A key 109 provided with "S" is provided next to the key 108 at the middle finger position, and a "T" key is provided next to the key 110 next to the key 109. And
As you go to the upper and lower rows, the keys in each row are arranged in the order of frequency of use from the reference side to the opposite side.
3 is “N”, key 104 is “H”, key 105
"M", key 113 "Y", key 114 "R", and key 115 "W".

On the other hand, in the shift state of the consonant keys (the state in which the shift keys 116 arranged in the control key area 3B and switching each key of the main key area 3A to either the shift state or the non-shift state are operated for shift operation). , Punctuation ",", reading ".", Long consonant "-", consonant "tsu", and vowels to combine semi-voiced voice and voiced voice "P", "B", "G", "Z", "D". Is assigned. Specifically, "N", "H" in the upper row,
The striking keys 103, 104 and 105 corresponding to "M" are arranged with "P", "B" and "tsu", and striking corresponding to "K", "S" and "T" in the middle row. Key 108,
"G", "Z", and "D" are arranged in 109 and 110, and the hitting keys 113, 114, and 115 corresponding to "Y", "R", and "W" in the lower row have a punctuation mark "." , ”, The reading point“. ”, And the long sound“ − ”are arranged. In the embodiment, the key arrangement is for the case of operating with the right hand, but it is needless to say that when operating with the left hand, the reference side is the reverse of the illustrated example and is arranged in the left-right direction.

On the other hand, to supplement the explanation of the keys in the control key area 3B, four keys 116, 1 arranged in these control key areas 3B will be described.
Keys 17, 118, and 119 mainly have functions of conversion, non-conversion, shift, etc., and are combined with 15 keys arranged in the main key area 3A.
It is designed to operate various functions in. In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a shift key 116 having a function of shifting and kana-kanji conversion from the reference side (left side), and F
(Function) F shift key 117 having a function of shifting and kana-kanji conversion, a function shift key 118 having a function of operating a key in the main key area and a space input function, and a kana lower case input function And L shift key 11 with menu recall function
9 and this L shift key 11
9 is compared with other keys 116, 117, 118, etc.
The width is approximately doubled to make it easier to hit.

By the way, the key arrangement shown in FIG. 2 also allows the setting of an English key arrangement because the operability when inputting English is taken into consideration as described above. That is, the English input mode (English character mode) and the Japanese input mode (Japanese input mode using Roman characters) can be switched by an appropriate switching means. In the English input mode,
The character on the left side of the "/" display of each key is input, and in the Japanese input mode, the character on the right side of the "/" display of each key is input. In addition,
For the keys that are not divided by the "/" key, the same characters are set to be input in each of the English and Japanese input modes. For example, the key 108 of the home position of the middle finger is arranged as a character "C / K", and the key "C / K" becomes "K" in the Japanese mode and becomes the alphabet mode character. Is set to be the letter "C". Other,
Various function execution keys are set to the keys shown in FIG. 2, but the description thereof is omitted because they are not directly related to this embodiment.

Next, the function of the key input device 3 having the above-described key arrangement will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 4 and the flowchart shown in FIG. When a key is input in the key input unit 140 in which the above-described key areas 3A, 3B, 3C are arranged (step 1, hereinafter "step" is abbreviated as "S"), the key input is a single input (key. Are input one by one) or composite input (inputting a plurality of keys at the same time) is detected by the composite input detecting means 141 (S2). If it is determined that the input is a single input, a signal (character string) of the input key is sent to the display device control section 143 and displayed on the screen 144 (S5).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the input is a composite input, the character string generation processing means 142 performs character string generation processing (S3). This character string generation processing (S3) will be described in detail later. In addition, depending on the number of keys pressed simultaneously,
Since it may not be possible to determine all the characters in one character string generation process (S3), it is determined whether all the characters have been determined (S4), and the character string generation process (S3) is repeated as necessary.

When all the characters are confirmed (S4),
The signal (character string) of the confirmed input key is sent to the display device control unit 143 and displayed on the screen 144 (S5). At this time, if the combination of input keys is wrong,
Display an error. Further, depending on the key operation, various functions such as cursor movement and backspace may be executed. When a key combination instructing such an operation is input, a function process (S6) is performed.

The conversion key 116 and the non-conversion key 117 are also included.
When is pressed, various conversion processes (S7) such as kana-kanji conversion are performed. As described above, when the processing for one hitting operation is completed and the next key input is made, the above processing is repeated to successively perform the key input.

Next, the procedure in the key input section 140 and the composite input detecting means 141 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the key input device 3 has “DOWN-TMP” (for storing the data of the pressed key) and “UP” (for storing the data of the key that is lifted when the hand is released from the key). ), "DOWN-ING" (for storing the data of the key that is continuously pressed) data storage areas 151, 15
2, 153 are provided. Each data storage area 15
1, 152, 153 are counters (CNT) 151A, 152A, 153A for storing the number of pressed keys, released keys, and the number of continuously pressed keys, and a buffer for storing the key number of each key. 151B, 152B, 15
3B is provided.

First, an interrupt input is made in accordance with a preset sampling time (S11), and it is checked whether or not there is a change in the state of the key. If any key is pressed (S12), the number of the key is stored in the DOWN-TMP buffer 151B and the number of the DOWN-TMP counter 151A is incremented by 1 (S13).

After that, the presence or absence of a change in the state of the key is checked again, and if another key is pressed, the process of S13 is repeated. As a result, the total number of pressed keys is stored in the DOWN-TMP counter 151A, and the number of each pressed key is stored in the DOWN-TMP buffer 151B.

When checking the change of the state of the key, if the key is not pressed, it is checked whether or not there is a released key (S14). Here, if there is no key that has been raised, the check for the change of the key state is repeated. On the other hand, if there is a key that went up, enter the number of that key.
The value is stored in the UP buffer 152B and the number of the UP counter 152A is incremented by one. Further, the number of DOWN-TMP counters 151A is decremented by 1 and a timer for measuring the elapse of a fixed time is started (S15).

Then, it is detected whether a preset elapsed time has passed (timed up) or the number of DOWN-TMP counters 151A has become 0 (S16).
Here, the time is not up and the counter 151A is 0.
If not, check whether there is a raised key (S1
7) If there is an up key, the key number is stored in the UP buffer 152B, the number of UP counter 152A is incremented by 1, and the number of DOWN-TMP counter 151A is decremented by 1 (S18). ).

Then, the process returns to S16 to continue the check. Also, if there is no key that has been raised in S17, S
Return to 16 to continue the check.

In S16, when the time is up or the counter 151A becomes 0, the key number currently pressed in the DOWN-ING buffer 153B (the data of the DOWN-TMP buffer 151B to the UP buffer 151B). However, when a raised key is detected,
If the key number that has gone up is deleted from the DOWN-TMP buffer 151B, the DOWN-TMP buffer 151B
The content of can be transferred as it is. ), DOWN-I
The number of keys currently pressed on the NG counter 153A (=
The DOWN-TMP counter 151A data is stored (S
19).

In the present embodiment, the detection of the simultaneous input is detected at the timing when the key is released and is raised for the following reason. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the key (1) released at the same time is compared with the timing deviation t1 when a plurality of keys (1) to (5) are simultaneously pressed.
This is because the timing deviation t2 of (4) to (4) is smaller and the variation is smaller, so that the simultaneous input keys can be reliably detected. It should be noted that t2 may be set to, for example, about 5 to 10 msec, but since there are individual differences, the set value may be appropriately changed. Further, the key (5) which is kept pressed even after t2 is exceeded is the DOWN-ING buffer 153.
B and the counter 153A.

Then, the number and the number of the raised key (UP
Counter 152A, buffer 152B) and the number and number of keys that are continuously pressed (DOWN-ING counter 15
3A, buffer 153B) and the character string generation processing means 14
2 (if the number of keys is one, it is transmitted to the display device control unit 143) (S20). The plurality of key numbers are processed by the character string generation processing means 142, and the corresponding character strings are displayed on the screen 14.
4 is displayed.

The character string generation processing means 142, as shown in FIG. 9, is a subkey processing means 161, a double vowel processing means 1.
62, consonant 2 key processing means 163, sound-repellent key processing means 1
64, each processing means of English sentence processing means 165, corresponding processing means according to the number of the transmitted key (usually one processing means, but a plurality of processing depending on the hit key) It may be processed by means) to generate a character string for the key hit.

The sub-key processing means 161 includes the sub-keys 120 and 12 shown in FIG.
In this embodiment, "I, U, Ki, Ku, Chi, Tsu, Tsu", which has a high appearance frequency at the second syllable, is defined in the present embodiment. It is set so that you can enter characters that cannot be entered with one key (except for vowels and "n"), "ki-ku-chi-tsu-tsu".

The double vowel processing means 162 includes the vowel keys 101 and 10 shown in FIG.
It defines the processing when two keys out of 2, 106, 107 and 112 are pressed, and will be described in detail later.

The consonant 2 key processing means 163 outputs the character above each key in the consonant area 3E by pressing another adjacent consonant key instead of the normal output method of pressing the shift key 116 at the same time. Is defined. In the present embodiment, the consonant key to the right of each consonant key (the key 10 diagonally above the rightmost key 110, 115 to the left).
(4, 109) are pressed simultaneously to output the characters above each key.

The sound-repellent key processing means 164 defines the processing when the sound-repellent "n" key 111 is hit among a plurality of hit keys. That is,
If the "n" key 111 is included, "consonant,
(Y), vowels, n ”are output in this order. For example, when the number of characters struck is 2 (vowel + N, A, etc.), when the number of characters is 3 (consonant + vowel + N, KA, etc.), when the number of characters is 4, (consonant + Y + vowel + N, SYA etc.). When the number of characters is 2, and there is no consonant, there is no corresponding Roman character, so that it is set to be specially processed as “consonant + UU” (YUU etc.).

The English sentence processing means 165 defines the processing when a plurality of keys are input while the English character mode is set.

Next, the double vowel processing means 162 which is a feature of the present invention among the character string generation processing means 142 will be described. Since the double vowel processing means 162 utilizes the frequent tendency in Japanese, that will be explained first.

(1) Characteristic of onomatopoeia Japanese is expressed in three origins, namely onomatopoeia (originating in Chinese), kunomi (words in Japanese), and katakana (foreign words). To be done. The percentage of onomatopoeia in all Japanese sentences is quite high, and most of the idioms of kanji are onomatopoeia. By the way, there is an interesting law in the Nakane system shorthand, called "Inktsuki method (or Tsukiichikun method)," according to which an on-reading word that appears frequently in Japanese has the following regularity (By the way, "SKY array Or "M
In the expression, the same idea as in the shorthand is applied to the array. ). 1) All syllable single Kanji consists of one or two syllables, and no more than three syllables. 2) The second syllable of the single kanji in the onomatopoeia must be "i-u",
It will be one of "Ki, Ku, Chi, Tsu, Tsu". 3) Of these, the ones whose second syllable is "i" are "AI.
It becomes a double vowel of either "UI / EI". 4) If the second syllable becomes “u”, it becomes a double vowel of “UU · OU”.

For example, the following two-character idioms of Chinese characters can be given as the on-reading words. 1) Example of a kanji whose second syllable is “i” (double vowel “AI”
・ UI / EI ”) ・ Holding (KAI SAI) ・ Inside and outside (NAI GAI) ・ Accounting (KAI KEI) ・ Analog (RUI SUI) ・ Estimation (SUI TEI) ・ Cumulative (RUI KEI) ・ Management (KEI EI) ・ Economy (KEI ZAI) 2) Example of Kanji whose second syllable is “U” (Double vowel “UU”
・ Example of either "OU") ・ Method (HOU HOU) ・ Structure (KOU ZOU) ・ Factory (KOU ZYOU) ・ Tokyo (TOU KYOU) ・ Ventilation (TUU FUU) ・ Central (TYUU OU) ・ Distribution (RYUU) TUU) ・ Common (KYOU TUU) 3) Example of Kanji whose second syllable is "n" ・ Safety (A-ZE) ・ Easy (KA-TA) ・ Chaos (KO-TO) ・ Newspaper (SHI) Bun) ・ Simple (TA, JU) ・ Judgment (HA, DA) ・ Private (MI, KA) ・ Person selection (ZI, SE) 4) Kanji whose second syllable is “ki” Examples of the following: ・ Easy (HE and E) ・ Precise (TE and KA) ・ Painting (KA and SA) ・ Power (HA and RYO) ・ Prison (FU and E) ・ Instant (SO and SE)・ Purpose (MO Ku TE Ki) ・ Nemesis (SYU Ku TE Ki) 5) Example of Kanji in which the second syllable changes to "Ji Tsu Tsu" ・ One day (I and NI Chi) ・ Yoshihi (KI and ZI Tsu) ) ・ Quality (SI or ZI) ・ Activity (SE or ZI) ・ One day (I or NI) ・ Active (KA or PA) ・ Real (ZI) SI SI) ・ Departure (SYU PA PA) The above are just examples, and they are used quite often in ordinary sentences. However, this regularity is common to all phonetic words and has no exceptions.

As described above, the clear regularity of the onomatopoeia depends on the regularity of Chinese, which is the original kanji, but the complex pronunciation with the intonation peculiar to Chinese is adjusted to monotonous Japanese. It's also because it's simplified. This is the reason why many modern single-kanji characters and idioms have many homonymous objections. However, conversely, if this characteristic is used, it becomes possible to input all the phonetic reading kanji by a single strike input by compound input. Therefore, as for the double vowel in the phonetic reading word, 1) an example of a kanji whose second syllable is “i” (an example which is one of “AI, UI, EI” of a double vowel) and 2) 2
Example of Kanji whose syllable is “U” (double vowel “UU · OU”)
It may be processed in consideration of the example).

(2) Characteristics of Kunyomi words Kunyomi words have completely different pronunciation forms from the onyomi words, and the Japanese syllabary is used almost uniformly, so it is impossible to find a certain regularity. In addition, Katakana has a wide range of etymology and its regularity cannot be specified, but since it has many foreign words, it tends to sound a little like on-reading words. In addition, the Kunyomi word is expressed in Kana as it is in the original Japanese language, or is applied to Kanji, so the same reading, for example, "See, see, see, see, watch, see, see." There are many homophones with slightly different nuances, and it is harder to use them differently than phonetic reading. Therefore, the double vowels in the kun-reading word should be processed in consideration of "AU, AE, AO, OI, OE", which are sequences that appear relatively frequently in kun-reading.

Considering the tendency of the double vowels in the above phonetic reading and kun reading, the double vowel processing means 162 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the order in which two vowel keys are simultaneously input is defined, and processing is performed according to the rule. Specifically, if "A, I" is input, it is rearranged into "AI", and hereinafter "A, U" is changed to "AU" and "A, I".
"E" is "AE", "A, O" is "AO", "I, U" is "UI", "I, E" is "EI", "I, O" is "OI"
In addition, “U, O” is set to “OU” and [E, O ”is set to“ OE ”. In addition, in FIG.
The combined portion of "U" and "E" is blank, but this is because the order is not specified because there is no clear superiority between "UE" and "EU". Therefore,
When a double vowel having continuous "U" and "E" is included, each vowel may be input separately (for example, one syllable).

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the double vowel has a long sound "AA, II, UU, EE, OO" in which the same vowel overlaps, but as described above, different vowel keys are simultaneously pressed for input. Therefore, in this embodiment, the subkey 12
It is set so that you can input by pressing 0 and 121 at the same time. In addition, the compound input that becomes the double vowel "UU" is
It is used only in the case of "consonant + UU", so while striking the consonant with the middle finger, ring finger, or little finger, you can input "n" instead of "UU" with your thumb or forefinger. .

Next, a specific key operation in the key input device 3 of this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the characters above each key are input by a shift operation by the consonant 2 key processing means 163 (adjacent finger shift) in principle. This operation, as shown in FIG.
When you hit a character at the shift position of each key, you can simultaneously press the key with the "shi" mark next to the right or upper left, which is connected to the same key with a line, with the ring finger or little finger at the same time and perform shift operation instead of the thumb Is. However, since the "thumb shift" that has been performed while pressing the shift key 116 can be used as it is, when the punctuation mark is to be entered, the shift key 116 can be hit with the left thumb to input at high speed.

1) Composite input (2
Double vowel “AI / UI / EI” composite input) Double vowel “AI / UI / EI” composite input is “A / U / EI”.
Type "E" with your index finger while simultaneously typing "I" with your thumb. If there is a consonant before, it is input by simultaneously striking it with the middle finger, ring finger, or little finger. 2) Composite input where the second syllable becomes "U" (double vowel "UU"
・ Composite input of either "OU") To enter a double vowel "OU", type "O" with your thumb and "U" with your index finger at the same time.
If there is a consonant before, it is input by simultaneously striking it with the middle finger, ring finger, or little finger. In addition, the compound input that becomes "UU" is "N" while striking the consonant with the middle finger, ring finger, or little finger.
The keys 111 are simultaneously entered to input.

In the case of a compound input in which the second syllable is "n" (any compound input of "A, I, U, E, O"), "Consonant + While typing "vowel" or "vowel", type "n" with your thumb at the same time. In this case, the method of striking is different from the above-mentioned “consonant + UU”, so that there is no confusion. In FIG. 12, the second syllable is “a.
In the case of the right hand, when the right hand is pressed, the characters such as applicable, traffic, majestic, eternity, level, and humankind can be generated.

3) Compound input which becomes a double vowel "AU / AE / AO / OI / OE". In a compound input which becomes a double vowel "AU / AE / AO / OI / OE", a double vowel "A + U / A + E".・ A ＋ O ・ O ＋ I ・ O ＋ E
Type with the index finger and thumb at the same time. However, if there are consonants before, they are input by simultaneously striking them with the middle finger, the ring finger, or the little finger. 4) Composite input for long sound "AA, II, UU, EE, OO" 1 for composite input for long sound "AA, II, UU, EE, OO"
While pressing 50 syllables with your right finger, "Sub I key" 1
Simultaneously hit 20 with the left finger and "Sub III key" 121 with the left finger or the right thumb to input a long sound. FIG. 13 shows an example of compound input of kunyomi words. Using the five fingers of the right thumb, right index finger, right middle finger, right ring finger, and right little finger at the positions shown in the figure, "thinking", "quote" Characters such as ",""loud","small","wrong", and "I miss you" can be input.

14 to 17 show "ka line", "ka line", "sa line", "ta line", "na line", "ha line", "ma line", "la line", The following is an example of compound input of double vowels for "ga line", "za line", "da line", "ba line", and "pa line". Right thumb, right index finger, right middle finger, right ring finger, A double vowel can be input by using the five fingers of the right little finger in the positions shown in the figure.

According to the present embodiment as described above, by simultaneously pressing a plurality of vowel keys, it is possible to input a double vowel with a single hitting operation. Therefore, in romaji input, even two syllable characters can be input with a single tap operation, and there are drawbacks in romaji input, such as a decrease in operability and a long input time due to the large number of inputs. It can be solved, and characters can be input quickly and with good operability.

Even when a plurality of vowel keys are simultaneously pressed, the output sequence of the vowels is ruled by the double vowel processing means 162 in consideration of the characteristics of Japanese language in advance, so that the generated character string is retouched. There is almost no need, and the operability can be further improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the composite input detection means 141 checks whether or not a plurality of keys are simultaneously pressed by detecting the timing when the keys are released, which has less variation during operation, At the same time, it is possible to reliably detect the pressed keys, and it is possible to eliminate a character input error or the like due to an erroneous detection. Further, since the key input device 3 is provided with the three types of buffers 151A to 153A and the counters 151B to 153B, it is possible to detect not only the pressed keys but also the pressed keys continuously. A key combination can be realized, and various functions can be easily realized by the key combination.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the input device 3 having a smaller number of keys than that of an ordinary keyboard is used, the size can be reduced and the operation with one hand can be performed. In particular, the key input device 3 of the present embodiment includes a main key area 3A having at least 15 rows of three rows of upper and lower rows and five rows of left and right sides, and one of the left and right sides thereof is a reference side, and the main key area 3A Of these, the area consisting of the two rows of keys on the reference side is set as the vowel area 3D for inputting vowels, and the area consisting of the remaining three rows of keys of the main key area 3A is set as the consonant area 3E for inputting consonants. Therefore, if you put your hand on these three-row, five-row keys during key input, the vowel area 3D becomes the index finger position, and the consonant area 3E becomes the middle finger, ring finger, or little finger position, and the index finger with a large amount of activity. With this, it is possible to perform an input operation of a vowel having a high appearance frequency.

Further, vowels and / or consonants are arranged in the keys of the vowel area 3D and / or the consonant area 3E based on a predetermined order of ease of tapping, respectively, in descending order of frequency of use. Since the order of ease is the order from the reference side of the middle row to the opposite side, from the reference side of the upper row to the opposite side, and from the reference side of the lower row to the opposite side, it has the best unique action and activity of the fingers. The most frequent character is arranged on the index finger, and further, alphabetical characters are arranged in the order of the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger in order of frequency, and the operability at the time of key input can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, QW
The present invention may be applied to a key input device (keyboard) having an ERTY arrangement or a Dvorak arrangement, in short, each vowel (A,
The present invention can be applied to any key input device in which keys for inputting (I, U, E, O) are independently provided. Further, the key input device of the present invention is not limited to the one having the screen 2a integrated like the word processor main body 1 of the above embodiment, but may be a key input device having only keys such as a keyboard of a desktop personal computer. Can also be used. In short, the present invention can be widely used as an input device for various devices such as word processors and personal computers.

[0063]

As described above, the present invention has the following excellent effects. According to the key input device of claim 1, when a plurality of arranged keys are simultaneously struck, a composite input detecting means for detecting the simultaneously struck keys, and a plurality of the simultaneously struck keys. Since it has a double vowel processing means for arranging and outputting the vowels in a preset order when two keys for inputting the vowels are included, "AI", "UI", " E
Input a word with double vowels such as “I”, “UU”, “OU”, for example, “accounting (KAIKEI)” with (KAI) once and with (KEI) once with hammering operation. Will be possible. For this reason, the number of times of input in Roman letters can be reduced, operability can be improved, and input time can be shortened.

Further, according to the key input device of the second aspect, the composite input detecting means for detecting the simultaneous input of a plurality of keys at a timing when a plurality of pressed keys are released (raised) is provided. Therefore, the keys struck at the same time can be surely detected, and an input device can be provided in which detection without erroneous detection, that is, error input is small.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a key input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of the key input device of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of character allocation when inputting Roman characters in the key input device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the key input device of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the key input device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the composite input detection means of the above embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a data storage area provided in the key input device of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of keystroke timings shown for explaining a compound input of the key input device of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a character string generation processing means of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a rearrangement rule when a double vowel is input in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a plan view for explaining the adjacent finger shift function of the key input device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of composite input of phonetic reading words.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of compound input of a kunyomi word.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of composite input of double vowels.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of composite input of double vowels.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of composite input of double vowels.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of composite input of double vowels.

FIG. 18 is a plan view shown for explaining a QWERTY array and a Dvorak array.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 word processor main body 2 lid 2a screen 3 key input device 3A main key area 3B control key area 3C sub key area 3D vowel area 3E consonant area 140 key input unit 141 composite input detection means 142 character string generation processing means 161 sub key processing means 162 2 Double vowel processing means 163 Consonant 2 key processing means 164 Sound repellency key processing means 165 English sentence processing means

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A composite input detecting means for detecting that a plurality of keys are simultaneously struck, and Japanese vowels "A", "I", "U" for a plurality of simultaneously struck keys.
A double vowel that generates a character string by arranging two struck vowels in a preset order when two vowel keys of the vowel keys for which “E” and “O” are set are included. A key input device comprising a processing means. 2. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the composite input detection means is a key that is first released among a plurality of keys that are being pressed, and is constant after the key is released. A key input device characterized in that it is set so as to judge a key released at the same time as a key hit at the same time. 3. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the double vowel processing means outputs characters by pressing the two vowel keys when the two vowel keys are pressed. The columns are "AI", "AU", "AE",
"AO", "UI", "EI", "OI", "OU",
A key input device, which is set to be rearranged in any order of "OE".