JPH11327762A - Input device provided with mouse function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key input device capable of improving the operability of character input and mouse operation, being easily made small in size and reducing cost. SOLUTION: This device 10 has plural keys 21 to 32 and 51 to 60. Four keys 25, 27, 29 and 31 set cursor move function for moving a cursor on a screen connected to the key input device 10, and other two keys 58 and 60 set a mouse button function. Also, a mode switching means 103 is provided for switching a character input mode in which a character is inputted when the key is pressed to a mouse mode in which movement of the cursor or a click function of the mouse button is executed. It is possible to have a key used in common by character input and the mouse operation and input operability is improved.

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 for inputting Japanese and English, and more particularly, to a key input device for inputting characters and the like and a mouse operation on a notebook or desktop personal computer (PC). The present invention relates to a key input device with a mouse function that can be performed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, personal computers (PCs), which are increasingly used in businesses and homes, have a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for selecting and inputting icons and the like displayed on a screen with a mouse so that even a beginner can easily operate. interface)
Is used.

As an input device in a personal computer using such a GUI, in addition to a keyboard for inputting characters, various pointing devices such as a mouse and a trackball are used in order to perform an operation of selecting the icons and the like. Although most commonly, mice are used.

[0004]

However, when a mouse is used, when the character input and the mouse operation are alternately performed by the keyboard, the user must release his / her hand from the keyboard once and hold the mouse, thereby deteriorating the operability. There was a problem.

[0005] Further, the mouse must be moved on a flat portion such as on a desk or the like, and there is a problem that it is not suitable for use in PDAs (portable information terminals), notebook computers, mobile phones, and the like. In particular, with the spread of personal computer communication and the Internet, everyone can use two-way text communication (e-mail, etc.)
The need for character input, including for portable computers, has increased, and the use of a pointing device, such as a mouse, to operate each software requires the use of a desktop. In addition, there has been a demand for an input device capable of improving the character input operability and the mouse operability regardless of whether the operation is performed while carrying the device.

[0006] In addition, a trackball other than a mouse,
Even with various pointing devices using sticks and small touchpads, it is necessary to release the finger from the keys, operability is reduced, and a member other than character input keys such as a ball, stick, pad, etc. However, there is a problem that the space must be prepared and the cost increases.

An object of the present invention is to provide a key input device with a mouse function that can improve the operability of character input and mouse operation, and can be easily reduced in size and reduced in cost.

[0008]

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Key input device 10 provided with at least four keys 2 to 32, 51 to 60 of the plurality of keys.
5, 27, 29, 31 are set with a cursor moving function for moving a cursor on the screen 4 connected to the key input device 10, and two keys 5 among other keys.
8 and 60, a mouse button function is set, and the mode is switched between a character input mode in which a character is input when the key is pressed and a mouse mode in which a cursor is moved and a mouse button click function is executed. It is characterized by comprising a mode switching means 103.

As the cursor moving function, for example, a function of moving the cursor in four directions, that is, up, down, left, and right, and moving the cursor in four directions, obliquely upward and downward, includes four functions. You only need to set each key. At this time, it is preferable that the keys to which these cursor moving functions are set are set according to the moving direction. For example, to move the cursor up, down, left, and right, four keys 25, 27, 29,
The cursor movement function may be set for each of the reference numerals 31. When the cursor is moved diagonally upward or diagonally downward, the cursor movement function may be set for each of four keys arranged in an “X” shape diagonally upward and downward with a predetermined key interposed therebetween. Good. By arranging each key in accordance with the cursor moving direction in this way, the operation when each key is pressed can be easily grasped, and the operability is improved.

When two cursor movement keys are simultaneously pressed to move the cursor in the middle direction of each cursor movement direction, for example, up, down, left and right, the cursor is moved obliquely upward or downward. May be moved.

[0011] Such a key input device 1 with a mouse function
In the case of 0, by switching between the character input mode and the mouse mode by the mode switching means 103, a key for inputting a character can be used also as a cursor movement and a mouse button. For this reason, the same key input device 10 can be used for character input and mouse operation, and key input is performed at the time of switching between character input and mouse operation as in the case of using a conventional keyboard and mouse together. Apparatus 10
Since it is not necessary to release the hand, the input operability can be improved.

Further, the cursor on the screen can be moved by pressing the keys 25, 27, 29, 31 to which the cursor moving function is set, so that the key input device 10 itself is moved on a desk or the like as in the case of a mouse. There is no need to operate the key input device 10 with one hand while holding the key input device 10 with the other hand. For this reason, the operation space can be reduced, and the portable operation is also possible, so that it can be used as an input device such as a handheld computer or a notebook personal computer used for a PDA or a mobile device.

Further, some of the keys for character input can be used as mouse buttons, and the cursor movement keys are also used as character input keys, so that buttons, balls, sticks, pads, etc. are separately provided in addition to the keys. No need,
The key input device 10 can be easily reduced in size, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Preferably, at least one of the plurality of keys has a jump movement function for jumping a cursor to a corresponding predetermined position on the screen 4 in the mouse mode.

If a jump movement function is set in addition to the cursor movement function, the cursor can be quickly moved from a distant position to a predetermined position on the screen 4, thereby improving operability. The jump function includes the center of the screen 4, each corner (corner), the center of the upper and lower edges in the left-right direction,
A plurality of (for example, 7 to 8) keys may be set so as to be able to jump to the center part in the vertical direction of the left and right edges.

It is preferable that at least one of the plurality of keys has an icon moving function for moving a cursor for each icon or menu displayed on the screen 4 in the mouse mode.

If an icon moving function is provided, the screen 4
Can quickly and easily select an icon or menu displayed on the screen, thereby improving operability. Since icons and menus are arranged vertically and horizontally, it is preferable to set the icon movement function to four keys, that is, up and down and left and right.

Further, any two keys 56 and 57 of the plurality of keys are displayed on the screen 4 in the mouse mode.
It is preferable that a page move function for performing page up and page down is set. If the page moving function is set, the page moving operation can be easily performed, and the operability can be further improved.

Further, it is preferable that a scroll movement function for scrolling up and down the screen 4 in the mouse mode is set to any two keys 56 and 57 of the plurality of keys. If the scroll movement function is set, the scroll movement operation can be easily performed, and the operability can be further improved.

The key input device 10 includes a plurality of character keys 21 to 32 for inputting characters and a plurality of function keys 51 to 60 for executing various functions, and the cursor movement function is set to a character key. The mouse button function is preferably set to a function key. Character keys 21 to
Since 32 are provided in positions and in numbers that are easy to perform a character input operation, it is easy to set a cursor movement function that requires at least four or more keys, and the operability of cursor movement can be improved. On the other hand, the mouse button function may be set to two keys, and it is preferable to set the mouse button function to a function key because it is pressed less frequently than the cursor movement key.

In particular, the key input device 10 includes a main key area 20 provided with twelve character input keys 21 to 32, four of which are arranged on one of the upper and lower sides or on the left and right, and three on the other. And a plurality of function keys 51 to 60 arranged at least below the main key area 20.
A function key area 50 is provided, and the character keys 25, 27, 29, 31 are provided with a cursor movement function, and the function keys 58, 60 arranged below the main key area are provided with mouse buttons. Preferably, the function is set.

With this configuration, for example, the mouse button function is set with the thumb while operating the keys 25, 27, 29, and 31 having the cursor movement function set with the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the like. Key 58, 60 can be pressed, and can be operated with one hand in the mouse mode, so that the operability especially when carrying can be improved.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates a key input device 10 according to the first embodiment. This key input device 10
Is used as an input device of a desktop type personal computer having a personal computer body (not shown) and a display 3 composed of a liquid crystal or a CRT as shown in FIG.

The key input device 10 includes a total of twelve main keys 21 to 32 arranged in upper and lower four rows and three columns arranged in a main key area 20 substantially at the center of the key input device 10.
Ten function keys 51 to 6 arranged in a U-shaped function key area 50 around the main key area
0 is provided.

Main keys 21 to 32 and function keys 51 to 6
In 0, each character and function are set. That is, character keys such as alphabets used for Japanese or English input in Roman characters are set at the key tops of the main keys 21 to 32.

Here, the arrangement of the character keys on the main keys 21 to 32 is such that a vowel key is set on the upper side and a vowel key is set on the lower side in combination with the vowel key in Roman alphabet input. ~ Consonant keys for inputting "Wa" are arranged.

One of the features of this key layout is that Japanese input on a conventional mobile phone or the like is based on the Japanese syllabary arrangement of kana characters, whereas Roman input is adopted. Since the Roman character input has a smaller number of characters than the 50 kana characters, the key input device 2 and the like having a small number of keys are easier to operate than the case where 50 kana characters are set for each key. With the spread of personal computers
Most users who enter Japanese use Roman characters to input, which has the advantage of being easy to work on.

Further, in the input of Roman characters, the appearance frequency of each character has a regularity, the frequency of vowels is the highest, and consonants appear almost in the order of the Japanese syllabary "K, S, T, N ...".
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vowel keys are set collectively on the upper main keys 21 to 25, and the consonant keys are arranged on the lower keys 26 to 32 in descending order of frequency. In addition, the order is easy to hit.

More specifically, each of the keys 21 to 25 has "A", "I",
“U”, “E”, and “O” are arranged as the first character keys. This arrangement includes left to right and first to second
As you go down the steps, "A", "I", "U", "E",
The letter "O" is set in consideration of the ease of remembering the character.

On the other hand, each of the keys 27 to 32 has, as a first character key, "K", "S",
The consonant keys “T”, “N”, “H”, and “R” are arranged, and the key 26 is arranged with a consonant key “Y”.
These arrays contain "ka" rows, "sa" rows, "ta" rows,
The "na" line, the "ha" line, the "ra" line, and the "ya" line are arranged so that the consonants are arranged in the order of akasatana. Further, on the keys 32 and 26, consonant keys "M" and "W" are arranged as second character keys. This arrangement is such that the remaining “ma” and “wa” rows are arranged.

On the keys 27 to 29 and 31, consonant keys "G", "Z", "D" and "B" are arranged as second character keys. That is, the "ga" line,
Consonants "G" to input "za" line, "da" line, "ba" line,
"Z", "D", and "B" are Kiyone "ka" lines, "sa" lines,
"K", "S", to input "ta" line, "ha" line,
The tone is set so as to correspond to “T” and “H”, and the tone is arranged so as to correspond to the muddy tone.

In the key 31 to which "H" and "B" for inputting "ha" line and "ba" line, "P" for inputting "@" line as a third character key is set. "Is set, and the input of the" @ "line can be performed easily and with good operability.

The key 30 in which "N" for inputting the "na" line is set is a sound-repellent "n" in Roman alphabet input.
It is also used as a key for inputting.

Further, the vowel keys 21 and 24 to which "A" and "E" are set are long vowels "-" and "-" as the second character keys.
The prompting sound “tsu” is a set long tone setting vowel key and a prompting sound setting vowel key, respectively.

In the keys 26 to 29, "X", "F", "J", and "V" are set as third character keys, respectively. In the key 30, "C" is set as a second character key in the English input mode, and "Q" is set as a third character key. Also, key 32
, “L” is set as the third character key.

Therefore, regarding the 26 letters of the alphabet, five of the twelve main keys 21 to 32 are used.
Vowels "A", "I", "U", "E",
“O” is set alone, and the other keys 26 to 32 are set with three other 21 characters. Specifically, the key 26 is “YWX”, the key 27 is “KGF”, and the key 28
"SZJ", key 29 "TDV" and key 30 "N
CQ ", key 31 is" HBP ", key 32 is" RML "
Are set respectively.

On the upper side of the key tops of the main keys 21 to 32, numerals "7", "8", "9", which are inputted when the respective keys 21 to 32 are depressed in the numerical mode described later.
"4", "5", "6", "1", "2", "3",
“0”, comma “,”, and period “.” Are set. Further, on the lower side of the key tops of the main keys 21 to 32, various symbols to be input at the time of a symbol input operation described later are set.

More specifically, symbols “(”, ““ ”,“ * ”,
“:”, “!”, “￥”, “＠”, “/”, “+”,
".", "," And "." Are respectively set, and the symbols ")", ""","#",";",and"?" ”,“ ＄ ”,
"&", "%", "-", "'", "~", And "=" are set.

On the other hand, in the function keys 51 to 60, various functions used for switching operation modes and inputting characters are set.

The input mode is roughly divided into a character input mode for inputting various characters such as alphabets, numbers, hiragana, katakana, and kanji, and a mouse mode for moving a cursor. Can be switched by simultaneously pressing the function key 60 (Shift key) and the Enter key 58.

In the character input mode, as shown in FIG.
Further, there are "direct input" for directly inputting alphabets and numbers by pressing the main keys 21 to 32, and "Japanese input system" for inputting hiragana, katakana, kanji and the like. Switching between these two inputs is performed by using the function key 59 (Alt
This is performed by pressing the function key 52 (Kana key) while pressing the key. The Alt key 59 is used for the Alt key 5
By pressing the key 9 and the keys 21 to 32, 51 to 58 at the same time, a symbol set below the key top of each key can be input and various functions can be executed. Therefore, below the key top of the key 52, "Kanji" representing a function of switching between direct input and a Japanese input system is provided.
Is displayed, and it can be understood that the input can be switched by pressing the key 52 and the Alt key 59 at the same time.

The direct input includes an "alphabet mode" for inputting alphabets and a "numerical mode" for inputting numbers. These can be switched each time the function key 51 (alphanumeric key) is pressed. . For this reason, the function key 51
"Keyword / number" is written on the key top of "."

Switching between lowercase and uppercase letters is performed by pressing the alphanumeric key 51 while holding down the function key 60 (Shift key). Shift key 60
Contrary to the t key 59, the Shift key 60 and each key 21 to 3
By pressing the keys 2, 51 to 58 at the same time, it is set so that a number set on the upper side of each key can be input and various functions can be executed. Therefore, key 51
"Caps (CapsLock)", which indicates switching between lowercase and uppercase letters, is written above the key top of the key.
It can be seen that the input can be switched by pressing the 1 and Shift keys 60 simultaneously.

The input modes in the Japanese input system include "Hiragana mode", "Katakana mode", "English mode", and "Numeric mode". Switching between these modes is set so as to be performed by the following operation as shown in FIG. Switching from another mode to the hiragana mode is performed by pressing the kana key 52. Switching between the hiragana mode and the katakana mode is also performed by pressing the kana key 52.

Switching from another mode to the alphabet mode is performed by pressing the alphanumeric key 51. Switching between the alphabetic mode and the numeric mode is also performed by pressing the alphanumeric key 51. Further, switching between lowercase letters and uppercase letters is performed by pressing the alphanumeric key 51 while pressing the Shift key 60.

Switching between full-width and half-width is performed by pressing the Kana key 52 while pressing the Shift key 60. For this reason, “half-width” is written above the key top of the key 52. FIG. 4 summarizes the input modes and the switching between full-width half-width, lowercase, and uppercase in the Japanese input system described above.

Each function key 5 including the functions of the above function keys
The input when pressing 1 to 60 is the operation mode switching (Shif
Except for the t key 60 + the Enter key 58), as shown in FIG. 5, the setting is made so as to correspond to the input of various function keys set on a general keyboard. For example, the function key 53 (BS key) is “Back Space”, “Del”, “Es
c ”is used for input. Also, function keys 54 to 57
Are the cursor movement keys, "Home", "End", "Page U
Functions as keys for "p" and "Page Down". The function key 58 functions as an “Enter” key. In this case, the cursor movement keys 54 to 57 and the BS / Del key 53 are set so as to be continuously input when the key is continuously pressed, and are input a number of times corresponding to the time for which the key is kept pressed. On the other hand, the Enter key 58, the non-conversion key 59, the Space / conversion key 60, and each of the main keys 21 to 32 are set so that continuous input is not performed even when the key is kept pressed.

Next, an input processing function in the key input device 10 having the above-described key arrangement will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG. First, the keys 21 to 32, 5
Key input detecting means 101 for determining whether keys 1 to 60 have been hit
To detect. For example, a fixed cycle (for example, 1 to 10 m
In s), a timer interrupt is performed, and keys 21 to 32, 51 to 6
The I / O port or the like assigned to 0 may be checked to determine whether there is a key input.

If it is determined that there is no key input, the timer interrupt is repeated at a constant cycle and the key input is waited. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a key input, the key input processing means 102 performs an input process. When an input mode switching operation is performed, the mode switching unit 103 is operated, and the input mode of the key input processing unit 102 is appropriately switched and set to a character input mode, a mouse mode, or the like.

The key input processing means 102 performs processing such that predetermined characters, numbers, and the like are output and the cursor moves according to the set input mode and the input key. Then, the output characters and numbers are displayed on the screen control unit 1.
04 is displayed on the screen 4.

The input of characters, numbers, and symbols in the key input device 10 is specifically performed as follows. [Hiragana mode / Katakana mode (Japanese input system)] In the hiragana mode, the main keys 21 to 32
When you press, Hiragana is input by inputting Roman characters.
That is, if the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed once, a vowel is input, and if the consonant keys 26 to 32 and the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed, a hiragana by a Roman character input is input as “consonant + vowel”.

At this time, each of the consonant keys 26 to 32 has the first
Three consonants of a character to a third character are respectively set, and these are set to the respective keys 26 to 26 similarly to the first embodiment.
By pressing 32 one to three times, it is possible to select and input. That is, as also shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,
Press once to enter the character on the left of each keytop, twice to enter the center character, and three times to enter the right character.

In the katakana mode, the main keys 21 to 3
When 2 is pressed, katakana is input by romaji input as in the hiragana mode.

In the hiragana mode and the katakana mode,
When the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed, the vowel is input.
The long sound setting vowel key 21 and the prompt sound setting vowel key 24
When the button is pressed continuously more than once, as shown in FIG. 9, a long sound and a prompt sound are input according to conditions.

That is, when the long vowel key 21 is pressed twice after another vowel, a long vowel "-" is input. on the other hand,
When the long vowel key 21 is pressed alone or twice after a consonant, "AA" is input. Further, when the long vowel setting vowel key 21 is pressed three times in succession, "vowel + long sound", that is, "A-" is input regardless of whether there is no character before, after the vowel, or after the consonant.

On the other hand, when the prompt sound setting vowel key 24 is pressed twice after another vowel, the prompt sound "tsu" is input. On the other hand, if the prompting sound setting vowel key 24 is pressed alone or twice after the consonant, "EE" is input. Furthermore, when the prompting sound setting vowel key 24 is pressed three times in succession, "vowel + prompting sound", that is, "E" is input regardless of whether there is no character before, after the vowel, or after the consonant.

When each of the keys 21 and 24 is pressed four times, the state returns to the pressed state once, and thereafter, the input processing when the key is pressed one to three times is repeated according to the number of times the key is pressed.

Further, the consonant key 30 to which "N" is set
As shown in FIG. 8, as in the first embodiment,
"N" is input by pressing once, "N" is input by pressing twice, and "N" and "N" are input in order of "+ N" by pressing three times. It has become. By hitting the key 30 four times in succession, the state in which the key 30 is hit once is returned. Also, set key 30 to 1
When the key is hit twice, "N" is basically input.
When a key other than a vowel is input after the key 30, "n" is input.

When the consonant key 26 to which "Y" is set is pressed three times, "X" is input. When "vowel", "tu" (TU), etc. are input next, As in the first embodiment, the “X” key functions as a lowercase input function, and a lowercase vowel “ぁ ぃ ぅ ぇ ぉ” and a prompt “tsu” are input.
Similarly, when the consonant key 32 to which "R" is set is pressed three times, "L" is input, followed by "vowel" and "T (T
U), "Ya (YA)", "Yu (YU)", "Yo (Y
"O)" is input, the "L" key functions as a lowercase input function, as in the first embodiment, and the lowercase vowel "や", the prompt "tsu", and the lowercase "ゃ ゅ" Is input.

[Alphabetic mode (common to direct input / Japanese input system)] In the English mode (common to direct input / Japanese input system), when the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, each alphabet is input. At this time, each time the vowel keys 21 to 25 are pressed, the alphabet is input one by one. On the other hand, when the consonant keys 26 to 32 are pressed once, the character on the left of each key top is input, when pressed twice, the central character is input, and when pressed three times, the character on the right is input.

When a consonant set to the same key is continuously input, the function key ("→" feed key) 55 is depressed to delimit the input, and then the key is depressed. The repeat key 55 is also provided with a repeat function.
That is, when the same character continues such as "ALL", after the first character (L) is determined by the feed key 55 and then the feed key 55 is pressed, the same character as the previously determined character is input. It has become. Thereby, when the same character continues, it can be input by a simple operation.

The uppercase and lowercase letters can be input by switching the input mode first. However, when uppercase letters and lowercase letters are mixed as in ordinary English sentences, the operation becomes complicated. For this reason, in the present embodiment, in the alphabet mode, the main keys 21 to 3 are held while pressing the Shift key 60.
By pressing 2, it is possible to switch between uppercase and lowercase and input. In this case, each of the main keys 21 to 32 is pressed one to three times while pressing the Shift key 60, and the input of the alphabet is completed when the Shift key 60 is released.

[Numerical Mode (Common to Direct Input / Japanese Input System)] When the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed in the numeric mode (common to direct input / Japanese input system), FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, the numbers written above the keys 21 to 32 and ",", "." Are input. If the key is pressed a plurality of times, each number is input by the number of times the key is pressed. In addition, numbers are often entered in Japanese sentences,
In that case, switching the input mode makes the operation complicated. For this reason, in the case of a Japanese input system, the main keys 21 to 3 are held while pressing the Shift key 60.
By pressing 2, a numeral written above each of the keys 21 to 32 and "," and "." Can be input.

However, the Shift key 60 and the main keys 21 to
The operation of pressing 32 is also used for the operation of switching between uppercase and lowercase in English, and it is relatively difficult to make the same operation process different depending on each mode. For this reason, Shift key 60
Numerical input using "" may not be performed. Also,
Main key 2 while pressing function key (Enter key) 58
A number may be input by pressing 1 to 32. In this case, since it is different from other operations, it can be set as a numeric input operation in each mode.

[Input of Symbol] Input of a symbol is directly input,
By pressing the main keys 21 to 32 while holding down the Alt key 59 in both the Japanese input system, FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 11, a symbol written on the lower left side of each of the keys 21 to 32 is input. By pressing the main keys 21 to 32 twice while holding down the Alt key 59, each key 21 to 32 is pressed.
A symbol written on the lower right side of ~ 32 is input. At this time, in each mode, the main keys 21 to 32 are pressed once or twice while pressing the Alt key 59, and when the Alt key 59 is released, the input of the symbol is completed. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the symbol marked with “*” is different from the symbol indicated on the key input device 10. This is because, in the key input device 10, symbols that can be entered in Japanese full-width characters (such as parentheses "") are described, but there is no corresponding symbol in half-width symbols in alphabetic and numeric characters. This is because the setting is made so that different symbols can be input.

In each of the above modes, the main key 21
FIG. 12 shows a summary of the input processing when -32 is pressed alone, when pressed together with the Shift key 60, and when pressed together with the Alt key 59.

[Conversion / No Conversion / Next Candidate / Previous Candidate] In the Japanese input system, when the Shift key 60 is pressed and released by itself before the character or number is determined (before the function key 58 is determined), the Kana-Kanji character The conversion function is activated, and the input characters and numbers are appropriately converted to kanji and kanji. If the Alt key 59 is pressed and released alone before the character or number is determined, the non-conversion function operates and the input character or number is input as it is.

The next candidate at the time of conversion is selected with the Shift key 60 or the down arrow key (function key 57), and the previous candidate is selected with the up arrow key (function key 56) and confirmed with the return key 58. Since conversion list candidates are numbered,
It can also be determined by pressing the numbers of the main keys 21 to 32 while pressing the Shift key 60.

As described above, the Shift key 60 can be used to enter a number or a function above the key top by pressing it together with another key, and also works as a conversion function when pressed alone before the character is determined. It also has the function of Specifically, Shift in the normal state with no undetermined characters
When the key 60 is pressed and released alone, a space is input. In this case, if the Shift key 60 is continuously pressed for more than a predetermined time, for example, 2 seconds after being pressed by the Shift key 60, spaces are continuously input. That is, if another key is pressed within a fixed time (for example, 2 seconds) after pressing with the Shift key 60, the shift function is activated. Conversely, if no other key is depressed within a certain period of time, the conversion function operates if there is an undetermined character, and the space input function operates if there is no undetermined character.

[Function Input / Shortcut Input] In a general personal computer or the like, a function key such as “F1, F2, F3... In addition, by pressing the “control (Ctrl) key” and the “character key” at the same time for frequently used functions in each application (for example, Ct
rl + S) A shortcut key set to be executable may be provided.

In order to realize such a function, in the present embodiment, while pressing the Alt key 59 and the Enter key 58 (by selecting the Fn: function key function described below the Enter key 58). When each of the main keys 21 to 32 is pressed, "F1 to F
12 "function can be input. Thus, by assigning a predetermined function to F1 to F12, the function can be easily executed. F10 is the Alt key 59 + Enter key 58+
The input is made with the "0" key 30, and the F11 is input with the Alt key 59+
Enter key 58+ “,” key 31
Is set so as to be input by the Alt key 59 + Enter key 58+ “.” Key 32.

The shortcut input is performed by the Alt key 5
While pressing 9 and the Shift key 60 (Ctrl: select the control key function described below the Shift key 60) and pressing each of the main keys 21 to 32, “Ctrl + alphabet” (for example, Ctrl + S) The functions work and various functions can be easily executed. In this case, press the Alt key 59+
The input is completed when the Shift key 60 is released.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, each of the keys is also set with various functions that operate when the mode is switched to the mouse mode. That is, the keys 25, 27, 29, 31
Has a cursor moving function for moving a cursor displayed on the screen 4 of the display 3 up, down, left and right. Specifically, the key 25 has an up-moving function,
Has a left movement function, key 29 has a right movement function, and key 3 has a
1 is set with a downward movement function.

The keys 25, 27, 29 and 31 are
When pressed once, the cursor moves by one line or one character, but when pressed continuously, the cursor continues to move until the cursor reaches the end of the screen. At this time, the operation after the cursor reaches one end of the screen 4 may be, for example, to move from the opposite end or to stop at that end.
These can be set freely. When one of the keys 25 and 31 for moving up and down and one of the keys 27 and 29 for moving left and right are pressed at the same time, the direction in which the moving directions of the pressed keys are combined, that is, obliquely upward or obliquely downward. May be set so that the cursor moves to.

The keys 21 to 24, 26, 28, 3
At 0 and 32, a jump movement function for jumping the cursor to a corresponding position on the screen 4 shown in FIG. 2 is set. That is, a function for jumping the cursor to the upper left position 4A of the screen 4 is set to the key 21, a function for jumping the cursor to the center position 4B in the horizontal direction at the upper end of the screen 4 is set to the key 22, and a key 23 is set. Is set with a function of jumping the cursor to the upper right position 4C of the screen 4. The key 24 has a function for jumping the cursor to the vertical center position 4D at the left end of the screen 4, and the key 26 has a function for jumping the cursor to the vertical center position 4E at the right end of the screen 4. Have been. Further, the key 28 has a function of jumping the cursor to the center 4F of the screen 4 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Besides, the key 30
The function for jumping the cursor to the lower left 4G of the screen 4 is set to the key 32, and the function for jumping the cursor to the lower right 4H of the screen 4 is set to the key 32.

The keys 54 to 57 have an icon moving function for moving the cursor for each icon or menu displayed on the screen 4. Specifically, the key 54
Is set with a function to move to the icon or menu to the left of the icon or menu at which the cursor is currently positioned, a key 55 is set to a function to move to the icon or menu to the right, and a key 56 is set to a function to move to the upper icon or menu. The function to move to the icon or menu on the lower side is set to the key 57 in the key 57.

Further, functions of the mouse buttons are set to the keys 58 and 60. That is, the left button (Left Click) function of the mouse is set to the key 60 and the key 58 is set.
Has a mouse right button (Right Click) function. Since these keys 58 and 60 have the same functions as the respective buttons of the mouse, for example, each of the cursor movement keys 2 while holding down the Shift key (left button) 60
By pressing 5, 27, 29, and 31, dragging of icons, menus, and the like can be performed.

Further, the keys 56 and 57 include the Alt key 5
A page up function and a page down function which function when pressed together with the button 9 are set. The keys 56 and 57 are set with a scroll-up function and a scroll-down function that function when pressed together with the Enter key 58. The page-up and page-down functions are a function of displaying a file displayed on the screen with the screen display area as one page and switching the screen for each page, and the scroll-up and scroll-down functions are screens. Is a function of gradually switching and displaying the file displayed on the screen, for example, one line at a time, and is the same as a function provided in a general application.

Although the arrow symbols for the mouse mode shown in the figure are not displayed on the actual key tops as shown in FIG. 1, a blank portion of each key top, for example, one of the left and right numbers It may be displayed at the position.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. 1) According to the key input device 10 of the present embodiment, the character input mode and the mouse mode can be switched by the mode switching means 103, and each of the main keys 21 to 32 and the function keys 51 to 60 are used to move the cursor. Or as a key for a mouse button. For this reason, the same key input device 10 can be used for character input and mouse operation, and key input is performed at the time of switching between character input and mouse operation as in the case of using a conventional keyboard and mouse together. Since there is no need to release the hand from the device 10,
The operability can be improved, and particularly the input operability when a mouse operation is performed while characters are being input can be significantly improved.

2) Cursor movement keys 25, 27, 29,
By pressing 31, the cursor on the screen 4 can be moved, so that there is no need to move the key input device 10 on a desk or the like as in the case of a mouse. Therefore, the space for operating the key input device 10 can be reduced, and the installation space for the personal computer including the key input device 10 can be reduced. In addition, the key input device 10 can be operated with the other hand while being held by one hand, and can be operated while being carried, and can be operated by a hand-held computer or a notebook computer used for a PDA or a mobile device. It can also be used as a device.

3) The function keys 58, 60 are used as mouse buttons, and the cursor movement keys 25, 27,
Since the keys 29 and 31 are also used as character keys, there is no need to separately provide mouse buttons, balls, sticks, pads, and the like, so that the key input device 10 can be downsized and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

4) Keys 21 to 24, 26, 28, 30,
32, a jump movement function for jumping to the corresponding position 4A to 4H of the screen 4 is set, so that the cursor can quickly move to a predetermined position on the screen 4 regardless of the position of the cursor on the screen 4. Operability can be further improved.

5) Further, what is set by the jump movement function is each corner position 4A, 4C,
4G, 4H, and center positions 4B, 4D,
4E and the screen center position 4F, the GU where the menus, icons, function buttons, etc. are arranged at these positions.
Operability in an application employing I can be further improved.

6) Since an icon moving function is set for the keys 54 to 57, icons and menus displayed on the screen can be selected quickly and easily.
Operability in an application using I can be improved.

7) The keys 56 and 57 are set with a page move function of moving up and down the screen by pressing the Alt key 59 at the same time, so that the page move operation can be easily performed. Operability can be further improved.

8) Further, the keys 56 and 57 are
Pressing simultaneously with key 58 scrolls up the screen,
Since the scroll movement function for scrolling down is set, the scroll movement function can be easily performed, and the operability can be further improved.

9) Cursor movement keys 25, 27, 29,
31 is arranged in a cross shape up and down and left and right across the key 28 and corresponds to the moving direction set for each of the moving keys 25, 27, 29 and 31.
The operation when the user presses 9, 31 can be easily grasped, and the operability can be further improved.

10) Jump movement keys 21 to 24, 26,
28, 30, and 32 also have a key arrangement almost corresponding to the jump destination position on the screen.
It is possible to easily grasp the destination when the buttons 4, 26, 28, 30, 32 are pressed, and to further improve the operability.

11) Cursor movement keys 25, 27, 29,
Around 31, jump movement keys 21 to 24, 26, 2
Since 8, 30, and 32 are arranged, it is possible to easily use these keys properly, and to intuitively operate the keys. Therefore, even if these arrow marks are not described on the key top, the mouse operation can be easily performed.

12) Cursor movement keys 25, 27, 29,
Since the mouse button function is set to the function keys 58 and 60 disposed below the 31, the mouse button keys 58 and 60 are pressed with the thumb and the thumb while pressing the moving keys 21 to 32 with the index finger, the middle finger and the ring finger. It can be easily pressed with the little finger, and the operability in the mouse mode can be improved.

13) Even in the character input mode, Shift
Since the keys 60, the Alt key 59, and the Enter key 58 can be pressed with the thumb, the keys can be easily pressed simultaneously with other keys, and the input operability can be further improved. In addition, [Alt] + [Shif
The [t] key and [Alt] + [Enter] key can be pressed with the thumb alone, and it is easy to simultaneously press other keys while holding down these two keys. Function key input and Ctrl key input can be easily operated.

14) Not only character input but also mouse operation can be performed by using the twelve main keys 21 to 32, which is much smaller than a conventional keyboard, so that the key input device 10 can be downsized and portable. It can be easily applied to very small devices such as a telephone and a wristwatch, etc., and the position of the keys is easy to remember, and can be operated with one hand, so that even a beginner can easily learn.

15) In addition, since ten function keys 51 to 60 are arranged around the main keys 21 to 32 frequently used for character input and cursor movement, the function keys 51 to 60 are provided from the main keys 21 to 32. For example, when the keys 24 to 26 are in the home position, not only the main keys 21 to 32 but also the function keys 51 to 60 can be easily hit, and the operability can be improved. It can be further improved.

16) Further, in this embodiment, the number of keys is 2
The size of each key can be reduced to two, and the keys can be arranged collectively so that various characters and functions necessary for a personal computer can be input and a mouse operation can be performed. Therefore, with the same fingering and speed as pressing a numeric keypad, characters, numbers, and symbols can be easily input, and the mouse can be operated easily.Since the key size does not spread horizontally, it is easy to press with one hand. Key input device 1
Can be 0. Furthermore, since the occupied area of the key input device 10 is smaller than that of a general full-size keyboard and can be operated with one hand, it is possible to input characters and operate the mouse with the right hand while handling documents with the left hand. Therefore, according to the key input device 10 of the present embodiment, the space around the desktop can be saved, and a comfortable input environment can be provided.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, the key input device 600 of this embodiment has main keys 621 to 632 arranged in three rows and four rows (upper and lower three rows and four rows). In the present embodiment, the same or similar components as those of the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

The key input device 600 includes the key input device 60
A total of twelve main keys 621 to 632 arranged in upper and lower three rows and four columns arranged in a main key area substantially at the center of 0, and are arranged in a U-shaped function key area around the main key area. 10 function keys 551 to 560
Are provided.

Main keys 621 to 632 and function key 55
Although characters and functions are set in 1 to 560, the setting, input mode, function, and the like of each key are the same as those of the key input device 10 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, in the key input device 600, similarly to the first embodiment, various functions which operate when the mode is switched to the mouse mode are set.
That is, the keys 624, 622, 628, and 626
A cursor movement function for moving the cursor displayed on the screen 4 of the display 3 up, down, left, and right is set. Specifically, the key 624 has an up-moving function, the key 622 has a left-moving function, the key 628 has a right-moving function, and the key 628 has a
26, a down movement function is set.

The keys 552, 621, 623, 62
5, 627, 629, 630 to 632 are set with jump movement functions for jumping the cursor to corresponding positions on the screen 4 of the display 3 respectively. That is, a function to jump the cursor to the upper left position 4A of the screen 4 is set to the key 621, a function to jump the cursor to the center position 4B in the left and right direction at the upper end of the screen 4 is set to the key 630, and the key 627 is set. Is set with a function of jumping the cursor to the upper right position 4C of the screen 4. Also, the cursor is displayed on the screen 4 on the key 552.
A function for jumping the cursor to the vertical center position 4D at the left end of the screen 4 is set, and a function for jumping the cursor to the vertical center position 4E at the right end of the screen 4 is set for the key 631. Further, a function of jumping the cursor to the center position 4F in the vertical and horizontal directions on the screen 4 is set to the key 625. In addition, a function to jump the cursor to the lower left 4G of the screen 4 is set to the key 623, and a function to jump the cursor to the lower right 4H of the screen 4 is set to the key 629. Further, a function is set for the key 632 to jump the cursor to the center position in the left-right direction at the lower end of the screen 4.

The keys 554 to 557 have an icon moving function for moving a cursor for each icon or menu.

Further, functions of mouse buttons are set to the keys 558 and 560. That is, the key 560
Has a mouse left button (Left Click) function set therein, and a key 558 has a mouse right button (Right Click) function set therein.

The keys 556 and 557 are set with a page up function and a page down function which function when pressed together with the Alt key 559. Also,
The keys 556 and 557 are set with a scroll-up function and a scroll-down function that function when pressed together with the Enter key 558.

In this key input device 600, a state where the index finger is placed on key 625 to which “A” is set, the middle finger is placed on key 628 where “N” is set, and the ring finger is placed on key 631 where “S” is set is shown. Home position. And
The index finger is mainly located in the vowel zone where vowels are set.
Is used to press each of the two keys 621 to 626,
The middle finger is used when pressing the three keys 627 to 629 in the consonant zone where the consonant key is set, and the ring finger is used when pressing the three keys 630 to 632 in the consonant zone. In other words, the area where each finger is used is set to the range of keys vertically adjacent to the home position of the finger (the index finger also includes the three key ranges in the left column).

The lower four function keys 557-56
0 can be input with the thumb, and therefore, the operation of simultaneously pressing the mouse buttons 558 and 560 while pressing the cursor movement keys 624, 622, 628 and 626 can be easily performed.

In this embodiment as well, the same functions and effects as 1) to 16) of each of the above embodiments can be obtained. 17) In addition, since the twelve main keys 621 to 632 are arranged in three rows and four rows, it is possible to make a key arrangement that allows the blind touch with one hand most easily. In particular, each key 621-632
Is located adjacent to the home position of each finger,
In particular, in the area of the middle finger and ring finger, it is only necessary to move each finger one key up and down from the home position, and since there is no left and right movement, the key position can be easily remembered and the blind touch is very easy to operate And mouse operation can be realized.

18) Left and right jump movement keys 55
2 and 631 are arranged outside the left and right cursor movement keys 622 and 628, and the jump movement keys 621, 623, 627 and 629 to the corners of the screen are set to "x" around the jump movement key 625 to the center of the screen. By arranging them in a letter shape, the arrangement of each key can be made to correspond to the cursor movement by those keys, and the operation can be performed intuitively. Therefore, even if these arrow marks are not described on the key top, the mouse operation can be easily performed.

19) The mouse buttons 558 and 560 are located almost symmetrically with respect to the arrangement of the cursor movement keys.
Further, since both keys 558 and 560 are formed twice as large as the other keys, keys 558 and 560 can be easily pressed with a thumb or the like, and even when pressed simultaneously with a cursor movement key or the like. Operability can be improved.

20) Further, twelve main keys 621 to 621
Since 632 are arranged in three rows and four rows, each function key 558 to
560 can be arranged below the main key, and keys 558 and 560 can be set as wide keys. Therefore, when inputting [Shift], [Alt], [Num], etc., each key 55
8 to 560 can be easily pressed and input with a thumb. In addition, the thumb is aside and two keys 558, 559
And the keys 559 and 560 are simultaneously pressed.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes other configurations that can achieve the object of the present invention, and the following modifications are also included in the present invention.
For example, the functions of the key input device at the time of the mouse mode may be at least four cursor movement keys and two mouse button keys, a jump movement function, an icon movement function, a page movement function, and a scroll movement. The mechanism may be appropriately selected and set for implementation.

Further, in the above embodiment, the cursor movement keys are set so as to be movable in four directions of up, down, left and right, but are set so as to be movable in four oblique directions of upper right, lower right, upper left, and lower left. You may. Furthermore, these four directions may be combined so as to be movable in eight directions. In short, the cursor movement keys may be provided so as to be movable in at least four orthogonal directions and set so as to be able to move to all positions on the screen 4 of the display 3.

The jump movement may be set so as to jump to at least one place on the screen 4, for example, a home position at the upper left of the screen, and the movement position may be set as appropriate for execution. Furthermore, it is preferable that the jump movement key be set to a different key from the cursor movement key in that the operability can be improved. For example, when the input operation is separated by simultaneous input with the function key, the same key is set. Is also good.

In the above embodiment, four icon movement keys 54 to 57, 554 to 557 are provided. However, this icon movement function may be provided with only two keys, or may be provided with one key. . For example, when the up / down icon movement function is set for two keys, for example, after moving to the top or bottom icon on the screen, pressing the up / down key, the icon at the bottom of the icons arranged on the left side Alternatively, the icon may be moved to the icon at the upper end of the icons arranged on the right side. When only one key is set, it may be set so that pressing the key at the same time as another key moves in a direction opposite to that when the key is pressed alone.

In the above-described embodiment, the mouse button function is set to the keys 58 and 60 arranged below the cursor movement key. However, the mouse button function is assigned to the left and right positions of the cursor movement key and the keys arranged above the cursor movement key. A function may be set.
However, it is preferable to dispose the mouse button function below the cursor movement key as in the above embodiment, since the mouse button key can be pressed with the thumb or the like and the operability can be improved.

Further, the cursor movement key may be set not only to the character input key but also to the function key portion, or the mouse button key may be set to the character input key. May be set appropriately.

Furthermore, the key input device 10 of the above embodiment
Was set so that Japanese input could be performed.
As shown in FIG. 6, the key input device 10 may be configured such that each function key is written in English and only English input is performed. In the key input device 10, the same mouse function as in the first embodiment can be set.

The key input device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the key input device 10 for a personal computer, but may be a mobile phone, a normal desk phone or FAX, a wristwatch, a calculator, an electronic notebook, a portable personal computer. , A PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a remote controller for inputting characters or the like on a screen of a TV receiver, or changing a channel. Therefore, the present invention can be applied not only to a device having a separate screen but also to a device having a screen integrated. In short, the key input device of the present invention can be applied to various devices that require character input and mouse operation (cursor movement operation). In particular, the number of keys is about 12 to 15, and Japanese, numerals, and English can be input. Since it can be operated, it is suitable for input devices of various small information devices.

[0118]

As described above, according to the key input device of the present invention, the operability of character input and mouse operation can be improved, and the size can be easily reduced and the cost can be reduced. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of a key input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a display according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an input mode switching operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an input mode switching operation including a full-width mode and a half-width mode in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing functions of a general keyboard corresponding to function keys in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an input processing procedure performed by the key input device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an input in a kana mode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an input in a kana mode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing input of a long tone setting vowel key and a prompt sound setting vowel key in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating input in an alphabetic mode and a numeric mode in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating input in an alphabetic mode and a numeric mode in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing correspondence between main key input processing in each input mode in the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a key arrangement in a mouse mode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of a key input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a key arrangement in a mouse mode according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a key arrangement of a key input device according to a modification of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 3 display 4 screen 10 key input device 20 main key area 21 to 32 key 50 function key area 51 to 60 function key 101 key input detecting means 102 key input processing means 103 mode switching means 104 screen control means 551 to 560 function keys 621 to 621 632 key

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A key input device provided with a plurality of keys, wherein at least four of the plurality of keys have a cursor for moving a cursor on a screen connected to the key input device. A movement function is set, and a mouse button function is set to two of the other keys, and a character input mode in which a character is input when the key is pressed, and a movement of a cursor. A key input device with a mouse function, comprising: a mode switching unit for switching between a mouse mode in which a mouse button is clicked and a mouse mode. 2. The key input device with a mouse function according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of keys is provided.
A key input device with a mouse function, wherein a jump movement function for jumping a cursor to a corresponding predetermined position on the screen in a mouse mode is set to one of the keys. 3. The key input device with a mouse function according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of keys includes an icon or a menu displayed on the screen in a mouse mode. A key input device with a mouse function, wherein an icon movement function for moving a cursor is set. 4. The key input device with a mouse function according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of keys have a page up and a page down of the screen in a mouse mode. A key input device with a mouse function, wherein a page moving function for performing a key operation is set. 5. The key input device with a mouse function according to claim 1, wherein any two of the plurality of keys are scrolled up and down on the screen in a mouse mode. A key input device with a mouse function, wherein a scroll movement function for performing a scroll function is set. 6. The key input device with a mouse function according to claim 1, wherein the key input device comprises:
It comprises a plurality of character keys for inputting characters and a plurality of function keys for executing various functions, wherein the cursor movement function is set as a character key, and the mouse button function is set as a function key. Key input device with mouse function. 7. The key input device according to claim 1, wherein the key input device comprises four
A main key area provided with twelve character keys for character input, three on the other, and a function key area including a plurality of function keys disposed at least below the main key area. A key input device with a mouse function, wherein a cursor movement function is set to the character key, and a mouse button function is set to a function key arranged below the main key area. .