KR101136367B1 - Devices and method for inputting alphabet - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an input device for an information apparatus and a character input method capable of quickly and accurately inputting one or more characters (phonemes) in one continuous input operation.

An input device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an input means for performing a radial movement input, a sensing means for generating a sensing signal according to the movement input, and a control unit for extracting letters / numbers / symbols corresponding to the sensing signal. In the input device, different characters are arranged in the outer column and the inner column of each of the radially located movement paths so that different characters are selected and input according to the movement direction of the input means within the same movement path, but the input means also moves in the circumferential direction. It is characterized in that it is possible to enter within each movement path.

In addition, the character input method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for inputting a character to the input device arranged in the outer column and the inner column different letters / numbers / symbols on the movement path of the input means is arbitrary When moving from the center to the outside along the movement path of the character of the outer column is input, when moving from the outside to the center is characterized in that the characters of the inner column.

Input device, input method, mobile input, combination, pumping input, character input, Korean input, English input, Japanese input, information equipment, PC, PDA, mobile phone, notebook, input key, input button, input means, sensing means, sensor , Light sensor, pressure sensor, contact sensor

Description

Input device and method for inputting {Devices and method for inputting alphabet}

1 is a model diagram showing an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the input means is omitted.

Figure 2 is a plan view showing the arrangement of Hangul consonants and vowels as an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the English alphabet as an input device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

4 is an exemplary view illustrating various ways in which numbers are arranged in an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a model diagram showing a disk-type input means according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a model diagram showing an upper portion (re) according to an example of the disk-type input means shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the upper portion (re) shown in FIG. 6. FIG.

8 is a model showing a case in which the silicone compounding rubber is used as an elastic body for automatic return of the input unit as an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a perspective view of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a model showing a case in which a guide means of a rotating plate type is adopted as an input device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a model diagram showing the bottom shape of the input means according to an embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a model showing a coupling relationship between the circular guide means and the input means according to an embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a model diagram showing another example of FIG. 12.

Figure 14 is a model showing the bottom shape of the guide means according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a model showing a form in which the sensing means is installed on the radial movement path of the input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a model diagram showing another example of FIG. 15.

17 is a model diagram of an input terminal employing an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

18 is an exemplary view showing a case in which the movement of the input means according to an embodiment of the present invention is detected by a ball mouse method.

19 is a model diagram showing a lower structure of the input means according to an embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a model showing the shape of the upper end (re) of the input means according to an embodiment of the present invention.

21 is a model diagram showing a state in which a protrusion causing a tactile sensation is installed on a movement path (particularly, a radiation movement path) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

22 is a model diagram showing an example of an input terminal provided with an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23 is a model showing the top protrusion input means according to an embodiment of the present invention.

24 is an exemplary view showing a schematic configuration of an input terminal employing an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Description of Drawing Reference]

12... . Outer column 14. Inner column

20 ... Input means 22. Elastomer

24 ... Button 52 ... Top

62... Rotary wheel 72... Rubber dome switch

74... Support plate 76... bearing

82... Circular guide means 90.. Interconnect

92... Radial movement path 94... Detection means

96.. Guide segment 98... Wonju Travel Path

102... Projection 104.. Click home

106... Metal ring 112... ball

122... Detection means 124. Support ring

142... Bottom 144... Center

172... Input terminal 174... button

182... X-axis rolling 184... Y-axis rolling

192... Bottom pillar 194... Pressure sensor

202... Recess 212... spin

222... Screen 224 ... Dial (Graphics)

The present invention relates to an input device for information equipment and a character input method.

With the development of software, semiconductor technology and information processing technology, information devices are becoming smaller and smaller, and the amount of input and importance of information devices are increasing day by day.

However, many problems have been revealed in the input of various characters or commands in such information devices. For example, input devices such as keyboards used in PCs / laptops have limitations in reducing their size, which makes it difficult to miniaturize these information devices. In the touch screen method used in PDAs or keypad methods used in mobile phones, the input speed is slow and wrong. It is often inconvenient to input.

In order to input letters / numbers / symbols at a higher speed in the above-described information devices such as PCs / laptops / PDAs / mobile phones, so-called 'one to one phoneme' inputs in which one phoneme (character) is input in one input operation. This needs to be done, and if the 'one other one phoneme' input is for Korean, a button or input key for inputting 24 or more characters needs to be arranged in the information device. If the target language is English, Japanese, or other foreign languages, more buttons or input keys may need to be added than in Korean.

However, since the conventional input device used in various information apparatuses arranges letters on each input key and taps or presses them with a finger, the input size of a finger size is required for a personal portable information terminal such as a mobile phone having a narrow array of input keys. It is difficult to arrange more than 24.

This has been the reason why the keyboard has been difficult to miniaturize until now. In the case of a mobile phone, since only 12 buttons are used to input all 24 characters of Korean characters, it is inevitable to overlap multiple characters in one button. 'Repeat input' frequently occurs twice and three times to input phonemes). Therefore, the input was slowed and uncomfortable.

In order to solve this problem, a character input method for inputting a combination of predetermined characters such as 'Cheonjiin' has been proposed, but the repeated input phenomenon has not been solved even by this method.

In addition, various types of input devices have recently been introduced.

For example, a keyboard that can be rolled around and a virtual laser keyboard that detects the position of a finger and inputs it when a user performs an operation such as projecting an image of a keyboard keyboard on the floor and using a finger to input a keyboard thereon are released. will be.

However, this type of input device is inconvenient to carry around at all times, and it is not suitable to be applied to a personal portable information terminal that needs to be input by hand while moving because the input is possible only when it is placed on the floor.

As described above, in order to input more quickly, each character should be accurately selected and input according to the user's intention while arranging a sufficient number of characters in a narrow arrangement space, but this is almost impossible with a conventional input method or a conventional input device. .

In this regard, the present applicant introduces a new type of input means which can move in the horizontal direction and / or the vertical direction as an alternative to improve the problems of the conventional input device, characterized in that one or more phonemes are input during the movement of the input means. .

In this case, the input means movable in the horizontal direction and / or vertical direction in the center of the input device proposed in the present invention so that the user can easily move in the desired direction while minimizing the moving distance to each character, It is desirable for the positional movement to be radial.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the conventional input device, and by introducing a new type of input means capable of horizontal movement and vertical movement, at least one character (phoneme) can be input quickly and accurately with a single continuous input operation. Characterized in that it can be.

On the other hand, all technical terms and scientifically related terms that are not separately defined in the present invention represent the conventional meaning commonly used in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. However, the following terms are defined as follows to clarify the scope of the present invention.

Definition of Terms

1) In the present specification, the "moving input" is intended by the user by moving the center point of the input means such as moving the entire input means provided in the input apparatus of the present invention in an arbitrary direction on the same plane or tilting it in an arbitrary angle / direction. This is defined as the act of entering one letter / number / symbol.

However, the operation form of the input means is not limited to the form described above. Even if it does not have the above operation form, that is, if the input means is made of elastic (fluid) material and the sensing means for detecting the slight flow of the input means is applied, the force is applied to the input means in the horizontal or vertical direction. When the overall position of the input means is not moved, the controller can deliver the same effect as the input means is moved. Therefore, the term " moving input " in the present specification is not limited to the operation and / or form of the input means, and pushes the input means in a horizontal direction or a horizontal direction close to horizontal with a finger and consequently the input device. It includes all the operations that bring the input means moved to the control unit of the input.

2) In this specification, "pumping input" is defined as the act of pressing down the entire input means by a finger.

3) In the present specification, "single input" refers to an act of pressing a button or vertically pressing the input means such as "pumping input" when a button for input is provided at the center of the upper portion (re) of the input means. It is defined as.

4) In this specification, the term “array” refers to a state in which an input can be made when a number / letter / symbol is printed by pressing a finger (single input) or by moving an input means to a corresponding point (moving input). It is defined as.

5) In the present specification, "vowel" is defined as a alphabet belonging to a relatively small number of alphabetic groups when the pronunciation corresponds to the Korean vowel or when the alphabet of the foreign language is divided into two types according to linguistic classification criteria. .

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings and the description of the claims, the configuration and operation of the input device for an information device and the character input method according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Claim 1 of the present invention, the input means for making a movement input by moving in a radial direction, the sensing means for generating a detection signal according to the movement input of the input means, the control unit for extracting letters / numbers / symbols corresponding to the detection signal In the input device comprising a, different characters are arranged in the outer column and the inner column of each of the movement paths radially arranged so that different characters are selected and input according to the movement direction of the input means in the same movement path, the input means in the circumferential direction An input device is also disclosed, which is also moved and can be entered in each movement path.

Here, “outer column” means a letter / number / symbol first encountered when the input means moves outward from the center of the input area, and “inner column” refers to a character that meets first when moving from the outside to the center of the input area. / Number / symbol

When the input device of the present embodiment is used for Hangul input, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, Hangul consonants are arranged in the outer column 12, and Hangul vowels or Hangul vowels and some consonants are mixed in the inner column 14. It can be arranged in the form. (Claim 2)

In addition, when the input device of the present embodiment is used for foreign language input, the alphabet of the foreign language may be arranged as shown in FIG. 3.

The alphabetical arrangement may be performed by arranging consonants in the outer column 12 in the mash direction of the twelfth ordered time series as shown in FIG. 1 and arranging some consonants and vowels in the inner column 14 which are not arranged in the outer column. (In case of Korean) 과 As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, most of the vowels and consonants are arranged in 8 directions of the guide means with the elastic body 22 interposed between the input means 20, and some consonants and And / or a method of arranging a vowel on the center button 24 of the input means 20. In particular, in the case of FIG. 2, the vowel 'ㅡ' may be input to the manipulation of the button 24, and the vowel 'ㅣ' may be input by the pumping input.

In addition, the input device of the present embodiment may be arranged in a number of ways, as shown in Figure 4, according to (A) and (C) of the figure by the linear movement of the input means 20 to the number arrangement On the other hand, in the case of (B), two numbers are arranged in the same direction, so that another input operation, for example, movement in the circumferential direction or a specific input operation such as pumping input, is combined to complete the number input.

The input means 20 used in the input device of the present embodiment is preferably horizontally moved as described in claim 3, and viewed from the bottom of the input means 20 as shown in FIG. 112 is formed, or the pillar 192 shown in FIGS. 19 and 21 is formed to be a stick type to be moved in any direction, or as shown in FIG. 5, the upper portion (re) 52 is pressed in an arbitrary direction. It may be a disk type. (Claims 3 and 5)

In addition, a "single input" function may be implemented in the input means itself as in claim 6, which is performed by a membrane or a rubber dome type button (switch) described in claim 7, or the entire input means in claim 8 It may be performed by a "pumping input" moving up and down.

6 and 7 show the disk-type input means 20 in more detail, wherein the button 24 located at the center and the rotary wheel 62 installed on the outside of the button are moved separately, and these buttons and the rotary wheel are respectively moved. At the bottom of the rubber dome switch 72 for detecting a finger press is installed. Here, the rotary wheel is rotatable by contact with the lower bearing 76 in contact with the support plate 74, the hemispherical sliding surface is formed as shown in Figure 7 attached.

Therefore, the rotation wheel can rotate even when the button 24 is pressed by this configuration, and the upper end portion (re) of the disk-type input means described above can be pressed in each direction by a finger. In particular, in the present embodiment, the button 24 positioned at the center of the input means has a small size and a flat surface so that the user does not input unless the user intentionally pushes the button.

In relation to the input of the consonants / vowels, when the state of (B) is reached by pressing one of the upper ends (re) with a finger in the standby state as shown in FIG. When the installed switch / sensor is pressed to input the consonant, or when the finger is released in the state of (B) to return to the standby state of (A), the vowel in the direction where the detection signal is cut is inputted, or claim 8 and (C You can also press down to make the pump input. In addition, an input may be made by simply placing a finger on the rotating wheel, or the single input function and the moving input of the input means may be combined so that letters, numbers, and symbols different from the original may be input as claimed in claim 10. Claim 12 describes the method.

On the other hand, the sensing means used for the single input function of the input means may be any one of a membrane / rubber dome type switch / pressure sensor / contact sensor / contact switch / optical sensor. (Claim 9)

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the input means is moved while the single input function is performed, the control unit may call another character set so that another consonant or vowel may be input. (Claim 11) This function is especially useful when you want to enter a letter / number / symbol of the next rank that the input means meets as it travels through a route.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, when entering a character by the single input function, enter / cancel / space / period / comma / letter / number / symbol functions are performed, A switching function for switching between upper and lower case and the like may be performed, and a call / end function may be performed during a call. (Claim 13)

That is, the input device of each embodiment described above inputs each command with a single input function having a pumping input having a vertical movement and a button at the center by a pumping operation of pressing the input means with a finger, or such single input and input means. By combining the inputs of each other, it is possible to extract different input values from the database in which various sets of letters / numbers / symbols are input.

Hereinafter, the shape of the input means applicable to each embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the guide means for guiding the movement input of the input means, and the coupling relationship between these components will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

1 and 8 are exemplary views illustrating each component of claim 14.

In the figure, circular guide means 82 for circumferentially guiding the input means 20 in which the upper surface is concave is provided at a distance around the input means, and an elastic body 22 is interposed therebetween. (Claim 48) As the material of the elastic body 22, a silicone or a rubber material as claimed in claim 49 may be used, and preferably, a flexible compounding rubber in which a silicon: rubber material is blended in a ratio of 9: 1. will be. According to this configuration, after the movement input of the input means is completed as claimed in claim 48 of the present invention, the input means is returned to the center (of the input area) in its original position by the return action of the elastic body 22.

9 illustrates a case in which a guide means for moving the input means in the correct direction, for example in the correct radial direction, is provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Claim 15)

As shown in the figure, an input means 20 is disposed in the center of the guide means composed of twelve guide segments 96 to allow movement in the radial direction, and radial movement to allow movement of the input means in the radial direction. Paths 92 are formed in 12 directions of the time series with respect to the input means 20, and a plurality of sensing means 94, such as a photosensor or a photointerrupter, are disposed on these radiation movement paths. Here, reference numeral 90 denotes an interconnector made of conductive silicone rubber, and reference numeral 98 denotes a circumferential movement path.

According to this configuration, it is possible to input various letters / numbers / symbols by operating the button 24 provided in the input means, pumping the entire input means up and down or moving the input means in the horizontal direction. .

Claim 16 is claimed an input device characterized in that the guide means of the rotating plate type to rotate in place, Figure 10 is a shape thereof.

In this figure, the guide means of this embodiment provided in the form of a rotating plate has a projection 102 for giving a click feeling to the cross-sectional portions of the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock directions, and has a click groove 104 corresponding to the protrusion. An elastic member 106 is provided on the outside of the guide means so as to be flush with the protrusion. Accordingly, when the guide means rotates, the protrusion 102 comes into contact with the click groove 104 and gives a click feeling with a click sound. (Claim 52)

11 is a schematic view showing the bottom shape of the input means according to an embodiment of the present invention as shown in claim 19 and claim 21, the ball 112 that is rotatable while flowing up and down and left and right installed at the bottom of the input means 20 It is. As a material of the ball 112, acetal having a strong durability without slipping and wearing may be used. In addition, the ball can be replaced by the (bottom) pillar 192 shown in Figures 19 and 21, this pillar can also be rotated.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the support ring 124 may be further inserted between the input means 20 and the circular guide means 82 as disclosed in FIGS. 12 and 13 and 22. In this case, it is preferable to insert two kinds of elastic bodies 22 having different degrees of elasticity or strength between the input means / support ring / circular guide means (claim 23), and the circumference of the input means in these elastic bodies 22. A plurality of detection means 122, such as a contact switch / pressure sensor / contact sensor can be installed to detect the movement in the direction. Here, the elastic body may be filled in a filling method as shown in FIG. 12 or may have a structure of a strip form as shown in FIG. 13, and a harder elastic body may be disposed toward the circular guide means.

Attached Figure 14 is a model showing the bottom shape of the guide means according to an embodiment of the present invention as described in claim 24, so that the ball 112 shown in Figure 11 or the pillar of claim 18 can easily enter The bottom 142 on the radiation path is inclined outward from the central portion 144 where the inner end of the radiation path is concentrated. On the other hand, acetal may be used as the material of the guide means, and the surface of the bottom may be coated with silicon (TR 55) to allow the ball to slide more smoothly.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, as disclosed in claim 25, a rotation ring for reducing friction during the movement input (radial or circumferential) is additionally installed on the inner surface between the circumference of the input means or the circular guide means. It may be.

Further, as shown in the claims and FIGS. 9 and 15, two or more sensing means 94 are installed on the radial movement path partitioned by the guide segment 96 to sense the direction of movement of the input means. After that, the character can be processed according to a set rule.

Further, as can be seen in claims 27 and 16, a plurality of sensing means 94 are respectively installed on the radial movement path 92 and the circumferential movement path 98 to move the input means according to the sensing sequence of the sensing means. The direction can be detected and different characters can be entered from it. For example, in the sensing means indicated by the lowercase letters a / b / c, when the detection signal is generated in the order a → b, the letter A is input, when the detection is b → c, D is input. Is input, and if it is detected in order c → b, the letter C is inputted.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the guide means is a rotary plate type, as shown in claim 28, letters / numbers / symbols corresponding to the angles at which the guide means are rotated may be input. In addition, when the input means is detected by a plurality of sensing means while moving along the circumferential movement path formed in the circular guide means or the guide means, a letter / number / symbol corresponding to the sensing signal of the last sensing means may be input. have. (Claim 29)

In most languages, consonants are longer than 12 characters. The direction of movement of the input means in the radial direction may be determined in a number of directions, such as four or six directions or eight directions or twelve directions or other directions. When the movement direction is eight or twelve directions, consonants are eight directions. Or since it is difficult to arrange all in the 12 directions, it is preferable that a plurality of characters are arranged in the movement path in one direction. This can be achieved by arranging multiple sensing means in the radial path of movement described above (claim 30).

The sensing means may be further installed on the wall surface of the circumferential movement path to which the radial movement path is connected (claim 31), or may be installed in each direction of the support ring as shown in FIG. (Claim 32)

Alternatively, a single input function may select and process a consonant character set different from the original one when moving input. Alternatively, a pressure sensor may be installed in the circular guide means, and a different consonant character set may be selected and processed according to the intensity. (Claim 38)

In addition, as shown in FIG. 17 schematically illustrating claim 33, a quick input or enter / cancel of letters / numbers / symbols is provided on the side or bottom of an input terminal 172 such as a PDA or a mobile phone employing the input device of each embodiment described above. Multiple buttons may also be installed that perform / cursor / combination / transition functions.

In addition, the sensing means may be a membrane or a rubber dome type switch (claim 34) or a light switch (claim 36) or a pressure sensor (claim 37) such as a contact switch or a contact sensor (claim 35) or a color sensor / photointerruptor. Can be used.

In particular, when the sensing means is a pressure sensor, as shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of pressure sensors are installed on one surface of the support ring as a first row, and another pressure sensor is placed as a second row on the contact portion between the circular guide means and the elastic body. Multiple installations allow the pressure sensors in the first and second rows to operate under different pressures.

In this case, more types of character / symbol / number sets can be recorded and stored in a control unit controlling the input device of this embodiment or a RAM or a database configured to be controlled by the control unit. (Claim 38) Here, the sensors and switches are well known in structure / installation method / function and so on, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, the input means of each embodiment is any one of the method of the optical sensor (infrared) matrix, surface wave (ultrasound) method used in the ball mouse (trackball) method, optical mouse method, touch panel and the like. Can be detected. Claim 39 to claim 42 attached to Figure 18 shows a case of detecting the movement (position) of the input means by a ball mouse method, the ball 112 is installed freely rotatably at the bottom of the input means X-axis rolling ( 182 and the Y-axis rolling 184 are supported in contact.

In addition, when the input means according to an embodiment of the present invention takes a movement similar to the stick used in the notebook, as shown in Figure 19 to form a wide surface under the lower column 192 of the input means pressure sensor (194) By attaching), when the entire input means is tilted in an arbitrary direction or when one side of the upper part (re) of the input means is pressed with a finger, at least one of the pressure sensors attached to the wide surface generates a detection signal in the form of a coordinate. Alphanumeric characters can be entered. (Claim 43)

Claims 44 to 47 are directed to the shape of the upper end portion (re) of the input means or its material. FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the input means disclosed in claim 44, wherein a recess 202 for preventing a finger from slipping is formed in the center of the upper surface of the upper portion (re). Further, as a structure for preventing the sliding of the finger in the shape side, the unevenness of claim 47 is also possible. In addition, the upper end portion (ash) of the input means can be manufactured in a hemispherical shape with the surface convex upward. (Claim 51)

On the other hand, it is possible to prevent the slip of the finger from the side of the material, for example, by putting a rubber-based slip prevention material having good contact with the fingertips on the upper end (re) of the input means as in claim 45 or the input means as in claim 46 The whole can also be made of rubber.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the input means is configured to be initialized (reset) when it is returned to the center of the input area. Claim 50 may be achieved by mounting the program in the control unit.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 21, a projection 212 giving a click feeling may be formed immediately before or behind the sensing means on the radial movement path or the circumferential movement path of the guide means. (Claim 53) Alternatively, for example, as disclosed in claim 54, the character at the point where the input means is moved may be expressed as a sound, which may be expressed through a speaker provided in the input terminal (information device). have.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display means for visually expressing the arrangement of letters / numbers / symbols implemented in the input means, the guide means and the circular guide means may be connected (claim 55). Through the input action of the user or the current position of the input means can be displayed through. 22 is an example of an input terminal 172 in which such a function is implemented. In the graphic form in which the current position of the input means is displayed in the left corner of the screen 222 when the input means is moved. Is displayed on the dial 224.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the dimming function may be implemented in the input device, the input means or the input terminal so as to smoothly input in a dark room or at night. (Claim 57) Since the dimming function is a function commonly found in information devices such as mobile phones, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

In addition, when the input means according to an embodiment of the present invention is pulled up as shown in Figure 23, it can be configured to perform the same function as the (joy) stick. (Claim 58) Such a function as a (joy) stick can be achieved by mounting the corresponding program on a control unit for controlling each unit of the input device or the input terminal.

In addition, the input means of the present embodiment may also function as a mouse. The mouse function is, for example, by setting one of the buttons provided in the input means as a mouse switch key (button) and detecting the on-off thereof by the controller. Can be performed. (Claim 59)

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the rotating wheel as shown in Figure 6 performing the scroll function of the mouse so that the search for music / messages, etc. in the input terminal, such as PDA or mobile phone can be made quickly and easily on the outside of the input means. It may be further provided or performed by rotating in the input means itself. Claims 60 and 62 may also be configured in such a way that the input means can rotate itself for purposes other than searching and scrolling functions. (Claim 61)

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present invention, when a finger moves in a radial direction from the center of the input area to the outside without the input means, letters / numbers / symbols of the outer column are input and the center of the input area is located from the outside. As you move your finger toward it, you can configure it to enter letters / numbers / symbols in the inner row. (Claim 63) At this time, it is preferable that a sensing means for detecting the proximity or touch of the finger is provided in the movement path of the finger moving in the input area (claim 64), and more preferably, the movement (distribution) of the finger is maximized. It is to install a plurality of sensing means on the left and right sides of the finger movement path to detect a lot. (Claim 65)

In addition, the movement of the finger can be detected by a sensing method in a touch panel (touch screen or touch pad) as claimed in claim 66, for example, finger pressure applied to the surface of the input area in which the pressure sensor is densely arranged. Decompression type (Claim 67) detected by the coordinate form by the electric charge (charge of current) on the screen surface is installed by the sensor (electric current flow) to detect the degree of charge loss in contact with the finger to detect the contact point ( 68) or (iii) the resistive sensing method, the surface wave (ultrasound) sensing method, the capacitive sensing method, or the like.

In addition, according to another example of the present invention, irregularities or protrusions may be formed in the movement path of the finger so as to know the position where the letters / numbers / symbols are arranged (Claim 70), and the letters input for the hearing impaired are sounded. Informing sound function may be implemented. (Claim 71)

In addition, the input device of the embodiment may be characterized in that to calculate the position of the detected finger by the coordinates to extract the corresponding data value as an input value (claim 72), the movement of the finger in two or more directions are detected Can be configured to recognize the direction in which the sensing pressure is greater or the sensing area is wider. (Claim 73)

On the other hand, with respect to the method for inputting characters and the like with the input device of each embodiment, claim 74 is to input characters to the input device arranged in the outer column and the inner column different letters / numbers / symbols on the movement path of the input means is moved In the method, the character input method is characterized in that the character of the outer column is input when the input means moves from the center to the outer side along an arbitrary movement path, and the character of the inner column is input when moving from the outside to the center. . In this case, preferably, consonants are input through the outer column, and vowels or vowels and some consonants are input through the inner column. (Claim 75) Also, more preferably, such a text input method is performed by moving a pen or a finger along a movement path graphically implemented on a touch screen. (Claim 76)

24 is a view showing a schematic configuration of an input terminal employing an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a button provided on the input means for inputting letters, numbers, symbols, etc. or activating other additional functions. In case of operating or moving the input means in the horizontal or vertical direction, the sensing means detects it and transmits the sensing signal to the controller, and the controller that receives the sensing signal inputs a letter / number / symbol corresponding to the sensing signal. The user's request can be met by extracting from / B and displaying through the display means or by loading a program required to perform the additional function. In this case, the alphabet associated with various foreign languages may be pre-stored in the D / B, but may be stored and used as a download method whenever alphabet-related data or various graphic data are needed by using a wired / wireless communication function provided in an input terminal. .

As described above, according to the character input method using the input device and the input device proposed in the present invention, a single continuous input through a new type of input means manufactured to move in a desired direction while minimizing the moving distance. As an input operation, at least one character (phone) can be input quickly and accurately.

In addition, text input and call connection are possible even when one hand is unavailable.

In addition, since all major characters can be arranged in a narrow area, the size of a computer system or a personal portable device such as a PDA / IMT-2000 / cell phone requiring character input can be significantly slimmed / lightened.

Claims (76)

An input device comprising an input means for performing a radial movement input, a sensing means for generating a sensing signal according to the movement input of the input means, and a controller for extracting letters / numbers / symbols corresponding to the sensing signal. In In order to select and input different characters according to the movement direction of the input means within the same movement path, different characters are arranged in the outer column and the inner column of each radially arranged movement path, and the input means also moves in the circumferential direction. Input device, characterized in that the entry into the movement path. The method of claim 1, The consonant is arranged in the outer column, the vowel is arranged in the inner column. The method of claim 1, The input means is Input device, characterized in that the whole is a horizontal movement or stick type. delete The method of claim 1, The input means is Input device characterized in that the upper end is a disk-type pressed in each direction. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, On the input means itself Input device, characterized in that the single input function is implemented. delete The method of claim 6, The input function is Input device characterized in that the entire input means is performed by a pumping input moving up and down. delete The method of claim 6, By a combination of the single input function and the mobile input Input device, characterized in that the input is different from the original. The method of claim 10, When the input means is moved while the single input function is performed And the control unit calls another character set to input another consonant or vowel. delete delete The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, The input device further comprises a guide means for guiding the movement of the input means. The method of claim 14, The guide means is an input device, characterized in that the circumferential movement path in the circumferential direction or the radial movement path in the radial direction. The method of claim 14, The guide means Input device, characterized in that the rotating plate rotating in place. The method of claim 15, The guide means And the input device supports or guides the input means when the input means is moved in a radial or circumferential direction. delete delete delete delete The method of claim 14, Between the input means and the guide means Input device, characterized in that the support ring is inserted. 23. The method of claim 22, Between the input means and the support ring and the guide means Input devices, characterized in that each of the elastic body is inserted. The method of claim 14, The entrance bottom of the guide means Input device characterized in that the inclined to easily enter the column or ball installed at the bottom of the input means. The method of claim 14, To the input means or the guide means. Input device characterized in that the rotary ring is installed to reduce the friction during the movement input. delete The method of claim 15, The input device, characterized in that the movement direction of the input means is detected in accordance with the sensing order of the sensing means installed in the circumferential movement path or the radial movement path. delete The method of claim 15, When the input means is detected by a plurality of sensing means while moving along the circumferential movement path, the input device, characterized in that the input character / number / symbol corresponding to the detection signal from the last sensing means. The method of claim 15, On the radiation path Input device, characterized in that a plurality of sensing means is installed. 28. The method of claim 27, And a sensing means is provided on a wall of the circumferential movement path facing the direction of the radiation movement path. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete The method of claim 3, On the upper end (re) of the input means Input device characterized in that the slip-resistant material is installed. delete The method of claim 3, On the upper end (re) of the input means Input device, characterized in that the irregularities formed to prevent the sliding of the finger. The method of claim 3, And an elastic body for automatically returning the input means to its original position after completion of the movement input. delete delete The method of claim 3, The upper end (re) of the input means An input device, characterized in that the surface is convex, hemispherical. The method of claim 16, Projections protrude from the edge of the guide means, An input device, characterized in that the click groove corresponding to the projection formed on the outside of the guide means. The method of claim 15, An input device, characterized in that a projection giving a click feeling on the radial movement path or the circumferential movement path. delete The method of claim 14, The input device And a display means for visually expressing an arrangement of letters / numbers / symbols implemented in the input means and the guide means. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete In the character input method for inputting characters by moving the input means along the movement path implemented graphically on the touch screen, And a character arranged in an outer column when the input means moves from the center toward the outside along the movement path, and inputs a character arranged in the inner column when moving from the outside to the center. The method of claim 74, wherein Consonants are arranged in the outer column, The vowel or vowel and consonants are arranged in the inner column. delete

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