KR20080010266A - Character input device - Google Patents

Abstract

A text input device is provided to allow a user to input characters quickly by inputting one or more formants at a time by combining a directional movement input and a directional pressing input. An input unit(10) is provided on a base such that the first directional input, which moves to one of a plurality of first directional indication positions radially spaced apart based on a reference position within a certain input radius, and the second directional input, which selects one of a plurality of second directional indication positions radially spaced apart at the input unit itself, are independently performed. The first sensing unit(61) senses a movement of the input unit(10). The second sensing unit(63) senses the second directional input. A controller(51) extracts the first character assigned to the first directional indication position, to which a movement of the input unit(10) has been sensed or the second character assigned to the second directional indication position to which the second directional input has been sensed, from a memory unit(55) and executes them.

Description

Character input device {CHARACTER INPUT DEVICE}

1 is a block diagram of a character input apparatus according to the present invention;

2 is a perspective view of a portable mobile communication terminal equipped with a character input device according to the present invention;

3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a character input apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is an operation diagram showing each input operation at the first direction input, the second direction input and the center input in the input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention,

5 is an operation diagram showing the radial movement and the circumferential movement of the input of the present invention,

6 is an operation diagram illustrating an input operation in various embodiments in which a first direction input and a second direction input according to the present invention are combined;

7 is an operation diagram showing an input state through the input unit according to an embodiment of the present invention,

8 is an enlarged perspective view of the input unit illustrated in FIG. 7;

9 is a plan view showing an input unit and a guide unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

10 is a perspective view, a plan view, and a sectional view of an input unit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

11 is a perspective view of an input unit according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a central combined input of the present invention;

13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a direction combination input of the present invention and a plan view of the input unit;

14 is a plan view of the support for explaining the direction of rotation input of the present invention;

15 is a table showing an embodiment of a character array of each country allocated to each input operation in the character input apparatus according to the present invention;

16 to 18 are main parts of a character input device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

19 is an operation diagram showing an input state in a portable terminal provided with two inputs left and right of the present invention,

20 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state in which the text input device of the present invention is separated from the portable terminal shown in FIG. 19;

21 and 22 are conceptual views illustrating various combination examples of each input operation when two input units of the present invention are provided;

23 is a main view showing the input portion and the elastic member of the present invention,

24 is a plan view showing that the rotary wheel is provided around the input of the present invention,

25 is an operation diagram showing an operation relationship between the character input device and the connection member according to the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a usage state diagram illustrating an example of character input through an input unit in a character input apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

1: Character input device 10: Input unit

25: support part 51: control part

55 memory unit 61 first detection unit

63: second detection unit 65: third detection unit

67: touch sensing unit M: first direction input

P: 2nd direction input C: Center input

CM, CP: Center combination input MP, PM: Direction combination input

The present invention relates to a character input apparatus, and in particular, by allowing the first direction input and the second direction input to be simultaneously or sequentially performed in one input unit, the number of characters that can be input in one operation in a minimum input space can be maximized. At the same time, the present invention relates to a character input device capable of quickly and accurately inputting one or more phonemes in one operation.

Recently, with the development of software, semiconductor technology, and information processing technology, information devices are becoming smaller and smaller, and the input of characters in various information devices is also increasingly important.

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 personal computers (PCs) or notebooks (Notebooks) have limitations in reducing their size, which makes it difficult to miniaturize these information devices, and touch screen methods used in personal data assistants (PDAs) The keypad method used in mobile phones is inconvenient because the input speed is often slow and mistyped.

In order to input letters, numbers or symbols at a higher speed in the above-described information devices such as PCs, laptops, PDAs or mobile phones, so-called 1 operation 1 phoneme input is performed in which one phoneme (character) is input in one input operation. There is a need.

In the case where the operation 1 phoneme input is for Korean, the buttons or input keys for inputting 24 or more characters need to be arranged in the information apparatus.

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, the conventional input device used in various information devices is a method of assigning a letter to each input key and tapping or pressing with a finger.

Therefore, in a personal portable information terminal such as a mobile phone having a relatively small space for arranging input keys, it is difficult to arrange more than 24 input keys of a finger size. This has been the reason why keyboards have never been miniaturized so far.

Particularly, in the case of a mobile phone, it is inevitable that a plurality of characters are repeatedly arranged in one button since all Korean characters are inputted with 24 or more characters with 12 buttons.

Therefore, the repeated input phenomenon of repeatedly inputting twice and three times to input a single character (phoneme) occurs frequently, so that the input time is long and there are many typos.

In addition, the input method itself is very complicated and takes a long time to get used to it.

In order to solve this problem, a character input method for inputting a combination of predetermined characters, such as 'Cheonjiin', has been proposed.

However, the above-mentioned method has the advantage of reducing the number of input buttons for allocating characters because the desired characters are generated by combining the basic characters, but the input buttons must be repeatedly pressed until the desired characters are combined. As a result, the input time was longer.

In addition, technologies such as a keyboard that can be rolled around or 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 the keyboard keyboard on the floor and inputting the keyboard with a finger thereon are also used. It has been proposed.

However, this type of input device has a problem that it is always inconvenient to carry and carry, and can be input only in a state placed on the floor, there is a problem that it is not applicable to a personal portable information terminal that needs to be input by hand while moving.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a new input unit in which the first direction input and the second direction input are performed separately or in combination, thereby minimizing the space required for the input of characters and the like, and all the desired characters in one input operation. It is to provide a character input device that can input quickly and accurately.

In addition, the present invention provides a character input device capable of inputting one or more phonemes in one input operation by adding or combining various input methods in addition to the first direction input and the second direction input.

Character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; The input unit 10 and the-input unit 10 provided on the base 110 are arranged in a plurality of first radially spaced apart from the reference position S from the reference position S within the predetermined input radius 111. The first direction input M moving to any one of the direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,..., And a plurality of second direction indicating positions P ₁ radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself. A second direction input (P) for selecting any one of P ₂ ,. A first sensing unit 61 sensing a movement of the input unit 10; A second sensing unit 63 sensing a second direction input P; And a second direction indication position P in which a first character or a second direction input P, which is assigned to the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,..., In which movement of the input unit 10 is detected. _And a control unit 51 which extracts and executes the second character allocated to ₁ , P ₂ , ..) from the memory unit 55.

The first direction input M slides the input unit 10 from the reference position S toward the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., or moves the input unit 10 in the first direction. It may be performed by tilting toward any one of the indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,.

The second direction input P is performed by tilting the input unit 10 toward any one of the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... It can be performed by selecting the pressing portion 11 provided in correspondence with P ₁ , P ₂ , ..).

Here, one or more of the first direction input (M) or the second direction input (P) may be provided to enable two or more stages multi-stage input.

The input unit 10 may select the central input key 13 provided at the center of the input unit 10 or move the entire input unit 10 up and down with respect to the base 110 to perform the central input (C). The input C may also be provided to enable two or more stages of multi-stage input.

On the other hand, the combination of any one of the first direction input (M) or the second direction input (P) and the central input (C) to input the new data assigned to the input operation, unlike the characters originally assigned to each direction indication position Central combination input (CM, CP) can be provided to perform.

Alternatively, the direction combination inputs MP and PM for inputting new data may be provided by performing the other while the first direction input M or the second direction input P is performed first. Can be.

Meanwhile, in each of the above examples, the input unit 10 may be input to the base 110 by providing two or more input units 10.

The character input device 1 may be mounted directly on an external device and used, but may be detachable by providing a transceiver (not shown) for transmitting and receiving data with the external device.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; Two input units 10 provided on the base 110-each of the input units 10 are four first direction indicating positions M ₁ radially spaced from each reference position S about the reference position S. , M ₂ ,... The first direction input (M) moving to any one of, and four second direction indicating positions (P ₁ , P ₂ , .. radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself). Second direction input P for selecting any one of the plurality of terminals) is provided to be performed in two or more stages, respectively; A first sensing unit 61 sensing the first direction input M; A second sensing unit 63 sensing a second direction input P; And a second direction indication position P in which a first character or a second direction input P, which is assigned to the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,..., In which movement of the input unit 10 is detected. _And a control unit 51 for extracting the second character allocated to ₁ , P ₂ , ..) from the memory unit 55.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; Two input units 10 provided in the base 110-each of the input units 10 are eight first direction indicating positions M ₁ radially spaced from each reference position S about the reference position S. , M ₂ ,... The first direction input (M) moving to any one of, and four second direction indicating positions (P ₁ , P ₂ , .. radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself). A second direction input P for selecting any one of A first sensing unit 61 sensing the first direction input M; A second sensing unit 63 sensing a second direction input P; And a second direction indicating position (P) in which a first letter or a second direction input (P) assigned to the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) in which movement of the input unit 10 is detected. _And a control unit 51 for extracting the second character allocated to ₁ , P ₂ , ..) from the memory unit 55.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; Two input units 10 provided on the base 110-each of the input units 10 are four first direction indicating positions M ₁ radially spaced from each reference position S about the reference position S. , M ₂ ,... The first direction input M moving to any one of, and eight second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself. A second direction input P for selecting any one of A first sensing unit 61 sensing the first direction input M; A second sensing unit 63 sensing a second direction input P; And a first character assigned to the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... Where the movement of the input unit 10 is detected, or a second direction indicating position at which the second direction input P is detected. And a control unit 51 for extracting the second character allocated to P ₁ , P ₂ ,... From the memory unit 55.

Here, one or more of the first direction input (M) or the second direction input (P) may be provided to perform two or more stages multi-stage input.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; The input unit 10 provided in the base 110-the input unit 10 are arranged in a plurality of first directions radially spaced from the reference position S from the reference position S within the predetermined input radius 111. The first direction input M which is slid to any one of the instruction positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And a plurality of second direction instruction positions P ₁ , which are radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself. A second direction input (P) for selecting any one of the pressing parts (11) provided at the upper end of the input part (10) corresponding to P ₂ , ..) is provided to be independently performed; A first sensing unit 61 sensing a movement of the input unit 10; A second sensing unit 63 sensing a selection of the pressing unit 11; And a first character assigned to the first direction indicating position M ₁ , M ₂ , ... or the second direction based on the detection result of the first sensing unit 61 and the second sensing unit 63. And a controller 51 for extracting and inputting the second character allocated to the instruction positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... From the memory unit 55.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; The input unit 10 provided in the base 110-the input unit 10 are arranged in a plurality of first directions radially spaced from the reference position S from the reference position S within the predetermined input radius 111. The first direction input M which is slid to any one of the instruction positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And a plurality of second direction instruction positions P ₁ , which are radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself. A second direction input P inclined toward any one of P ₂ , ..) is provided to be independently performed; A first sensing unit 61 sensing a movement of the input unit 10; A second sensing unit 63 which detects tilt of the input unit 10; And a first character assigned to the first direction indicating position M ₁ , M ₂ , ... or the second direction based on the detection result of the first sensing unit 61 and the second sensing unit 63. And a control unit 51 for extracting and inputting the second character allocated to the instruction positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... From the memory unit 55.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; The input unit 10 provided in the base 110-the input unit 10 are arranged in a plurality of first directions radially spaced from the reference position S from the reference position S within the predetermined input radius 111. The first direction input M which is slid to any one of the instruction positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And a plurality of second direction instruction positions P ₁ , which are radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself. A second direction input P, in which the entire input unit 10 is tilted toward one of P ₂ ,. A support part 25 provided between the input part 10 and the base 110 to slide simultaneously with the input part 10 and to support the tilting movement of the input part 10; A first sensing unit 61 sensing a movement of the input unit 10; A second sensing unit 63 sensing tilt movement of the input unit 10; And a first character assigned to the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) or the corresponding second based on the detection result of the first sensing unit 61 and the second sensing unit 63. And a control unit 51 for extracting and inputting the second character allocated to the direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... From the memory unit 55.

Alternatively, the character input device 1 according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the base 110; The input unit 10 provided in the base 110-the input unit 10 includes a plurality of first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ , radially spaced from the reference position S about the reference position S. ... one of the first direction input (M), the tilting movement in which the entire input unit 10 is tilted to one of the ... and a plurality of second direction indicating position (P) radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself ₂ , the second direction input P inclined toward any one of ₁ , P ₂ ,. A support part 25 provided between the base 110 and the input part 10 to support tilt movement of the input part 10; A first sensing unit 61 sensing a movement of the input unit 10; A second sensing unit 63 of the inclination of the input unit 10; And a first character assigned to the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) or the corresponding second based on the detection result of the first sensing unit 61 and the second sensing unit 63. And a control unit 51 for extracting and inputting the second character allocated to the direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... From the memory unit 55.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail with respect to the present invention.

1 is a block diagram of a character input apparatus 1 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable mobile communication terminal 100 equipped with the character input apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the character input apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes an input unit 10 provided with a base 110, a first direction input M and a second direction input P, respectively, and an input unit. Detection of the first sensing unit 61 for detecting the movement of the 10, the second sensing unit 63 for sensing the second direction input, the first sensing unit 61 and the second sensing unit 63 And a controller 51 for extracting and inputting the characters assigned to each direction indicating position from the memory unit 55 based on the result.

Hereinafter, a configuration and an embodiment of the character input device 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for each input operation.

First direction input (M)

In the present specification, the first direction input M refers to a plurality of first direction indication positions M ₁ and M in which the input unit 10 is radially spaced about the reference position S from the reference position S. FIG. ₂ , ... are moved to any one of the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) is to enter the characters.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the combination of the input unit 10 and the base 110 according to the present invention shown in FIG.

Referring to the drawings, a reference position S (see FIG. 2) is provided at one side of the input radius 111 provided in the base 110, and a plurality of first direction indication positions are radially centered on the reference position S. M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) are spaced apart.

In addition, the base 110 is provided with a first sensing unit 61 that senses a movement of the input unit 10 corresponding to each of the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,...

Therefore, when the input unit 10 moves from the reference position S toward the predetermined first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,..., The first sensing unit (. Based on the detection signal of 61, the controller 51 extracts and inputs, from the memory unit 55, the first character assigned to the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,...

The first sensing unit 61 may be provided in various types, for example, may be provided as a pressure sensor, an optical sensor or a contact sensor, or may be provided as a touch pad provided in the entire input radius 111. It may be provided in a track pointer method.

Here, the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) can be provided in various numbers as necessary, as shown in Figure 3, eight (M ₁ ~ M ₈ ) may be provided, may be provided in four, may be provided in six.

The first direction input M may be performed in various ways. For example, the first direction input position is determined from a state in which the input unit 10 is located at the reference position S (see (a) of FIG. 4). Sliding toward (M ₅ ) (or horizontal movement, see (b) of Figure 4) can be performed.

Here, the sliding or horizontal movement is not limited to the exact horizontal to the bottom surface of the base 110, the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) from the reference position (S) It includes all possible angles and directions towards.

In this case, when the input unit 10 performs the first direction input M, the input unit 10 may move radially around the reference position S, as shown in FIG. 5C. It may also be performed while sliding in the circumferential direction about the reference position (S) within the radius (111).

5 is for inputting the 'high' in the Hangul character input, the input unit 10 is the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ... After sliding toward (see (b) of FIG. 5), it moves in the circumferential direction and inputs 't' (see (c) of FIG. 5).

Here, the input of the second direction input P and the vowel character 'ㅗ' will be described later.

In the above example, when the input unit 10 is moved in the circumferential direction, the input unit 10 may be detected by the plurality of first sensing units 61, in which case the control unit 51 finally detects the movement of the input unit 10. Only the detection signal of the first detection unit 61 may be effectively determined.

Alternatively, various function commands may be input by circumferential movement of the input unit 10. For example, when the input unit 10 is circumferentially moved in the counterclockwise direction, a cancel command is performed. You can also make this input.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, a support part 25 provided between the input part 10 and the base 110 to support the movement of the input part 10 may be further provided.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the first direction input M may be performed while the input unit 10 is inclined toward any one of the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... have.

In this case, the input unit 10 may further include a support 25 for supporting the spaced apart from the base 110 by a predetermined height.

Therefore, when performing the first direction input (M), as shown in Figure 7, the two or more fingers holding the input unit 10 and the input unit 10 to each of the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ... input at an angle (see M in Fig. 6 (b)), and when the second direction input (P) is performed, the input section 10 with respect to the support section 25 a predetermined second direction indicating position ( It can be entered by tilting toward P ₁ , P ₂ , .. (see P in FIG. 6B).

Here, the operation form of the input unit 10 for the first direction input (M) is not limited to the above-described form, the input unit 10 is made of a material that can be partially or entirely deformed by external pressure during the input operation It may be to detect the deformation direction of the input unit 10.

Alternatively, the first direction input M may be performed by providing a sensing unit (for example, a touch pad or a touch screen) that detects movement of a finger instead of providing the input unit 10.

Meanwhile, a guide part 40 provided on the base 110 to guide the movement of the input part 10 may be further provided. When the input unit 10 moves, the guide unit 40 moves in the correct direction intended by the user, so that an accurate input is made without interference when the first direction input M is performed.

Guide portion 40 may be provided in various kinds, for example, a predetermined shape toward the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) from the reference position (S) to the base 110 It may be provided with a linear guide formed of a groove.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, a disk-shaped groove corresponding to the input radius 111 is formed in the base 110 to limit the moving distance in the radial direction of the input unit 10 and at the same time the input unit 10. Can guide the movement in the circumferential direction.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, it may be provided as a concave groove corresponding to each of the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,.

In this case, the input unit 10 is provided in a shape corresponding to the guide unit 40, so that when the user performs the first direction input (M), as shown in FIG. Even if 10) is moved in an incorrect direction, it may be moved along the guide portion 40 to a predetermined first direction indicating position M ₁ , M ₂ ,...

Here, the guide portion 40 may be provided with a variety of materials, for example, may be provided with an elastic material.

On the other hand, the first direction input (M) may be provided to enable two or more stages multi-stage input according to the difference in the moving distance of the input unit 10 or the strength of the moving pressure.

That is, when the first direction input M is performed through the horizontal movement (or sliding) of the input unit 10, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), each first direction instruction from the reference position S is indicated. Two or more first sensing units 61 may be sequentially provided on a movement path of the input unit 10 facing the positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,...

Alternatively, when the first direction input M is performed by tilting the input unit 10 as shown in FIG. 6 or 7, the optical sensor which detects the tilt of the input unit 10 or the support unit 25 is tilted. One or more may be provided depending on the angle.

Alternatively, as shown in (b) of FIG. 10, each of the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... in the elastic member 21 provided at the edge of the input unit 10 or the input unit 10 itself. The first contact portion 27a or the second contact portion 27b having different projecting lengths may be provided in correspondence with. In this case, the relatively long first contact portion 27a contacts the base 110 first, and then the second contact portion 27b contacts the base 110 according to the degree of movement of the input unit 10.

The contact portions 27a and 27b may be provided as conductive members having elasticity.

Here, the method of the first sensing unit 61 for detecting the two-stage input is not limited to the above-described example, and various modifications are possible.

Here, an example of a signal processing method of the control unit 51 at the time of the multi-stage input will be described.

For example, in the case of performing the second stage input in the case of the first stage input M of the second stage, the first stage input is performed first, and the controller 51 performs the first direction input M of the first stage. After that, it is possible to determine whether the second stage input is performed by waiting for whether the second stage first direction input M is performed within a predetermined waiting time.

Preferably, the control unit 51 processes the first stage input without waiting for the waiting time once the first direction input M of the first stage is performed, but the first stage input when the second stage input is performed within the waiting time. Can be canceled and changed to 2-stage input. In this case, it is possible to prevent the input from being delayed during the waiting time.

Alternatively, whether the first stage input is released instead of whether the predetermined time has elapsed (for example, whether the first stage input M is performed and then returned to the reference position S, or the first stage input detection signal is It is also possible to determine whether or not the first stage input is changed according to the case of turning off.

That is, the final input decision is made when the first stage input is released.

In this way, input processing is performed as soon as 1st stage input is performed, and input decision is made when releasing 1st stage input, but proceeds further without releasing 1st stage input regardless of waiting time, When it is executed, 1st stage input is canceled and it is changed to 2nd stage input.

In the above signal processing method, when the first stage input is processed due to an incorrect input when performing the second stage input, the second stage input is directly performed in the state of the first stage input processing without canceling the first stage input. Further, the first stage input may be changed to a two stage input, thereby enabling faster input processing.

As described above, when a predetermined input signal is detected, the input processing is performed immediately, but when the input is released, so that the final input decision is made, when the first direction input M or the second direction input P is wrong, When input is performed, input can be easily corrected to the desired input before the final input decision is made without having to delete the input contents and perform the input again.

Alternatively, when the first sensing unit 61 or the second sensing unit 63 is provided as a pressure sensor, it may be determined as the maximum pressure value generated within the waiting time.

Alternatively, the first sensing unit 61 may distinguish the first stage input and the second stage input based on the sensing time when the first sensing unit 61 detects the input unit 10.

For example, if the detection time is less than 0.5 seconds, it can be determined as a single stage input, and if it exceeds 0.5 seconds, it can be determined as a two stage input.

In the case of the pressure sensor, as described above, when the first stage input is performed, the input processing is performed immediately, and when the first stage input is released, the input is determined. If detected, the first stage input can be canceled and the second stage input can be determined.

Here, with respect to the signal processing of the controller 51 for the multi-stage input described above, in addition to the first direction input M, the second direction input P, the center input C, the direction combination input MP, PM, and the center Note that the same can be applied to combination input (CM, CP).

As described above, when the first direction input M is configured in multiple stages, the number of characters (or the number of characters that can be input through the first direction input M) increases accordingly.

Therefore, when a large number of characters are to be input through the first direction input M, the number of first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... Can be solved through the multi-stage input without any increase. The optimal input environment can be realized by appropriately adjusting the number of first direction indicating positions (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and multi-step input.

On the other hand, when two first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... Are overlapped with each other when the first direction input M is selected, for example, the input unit 10 has two first direction indications. When the movement of the input unit 10 is simultaneously detected by two first sensing units 61 by moving to the middle region of the positions M ₁ and M ₂ , interference between the input signals may occur.

In this case, the controller 51 may effectively determine only the first detection signal generated from the plurality of detection signals.

That is, the first input signal is effectively input processed, and the input signal is input before the first signal is released (for example, before performing the first direction input M and returning to the reference position S) or within a predetermined time. Other signals can be ignored.

Alternatively, all signal values that can be detected due to interference can be processed in a database. For example, when a detection signal is generated in one, two, or three first sensing units 61 at a predetermined position, a predetermined signal may be detected by making a database of input values for each case. When the database outputs the input value.

When the first detection unit 61 is provided as a pressure sensor, only the detection position showing the maximum pressure value can be effectively determined.

The input unit 10 may be provided in various shapes.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a disc shape may be provided, or a polygonal plate shape may be provided, and as shown in FIG. 9, each first direction indication position M ₁ , M ₂ , It may be provided in a shape in which the side protrudes in the ...) direction.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,.

In this case, a button-shaped protrusion 52 may be formed on the upper surface of the input unit 10 corresponding to each of the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,...

The input unit 10 may be made of various materials, for example, may be made of an elastic material.

There is no limitation on the moving radius of the input unit 10 during the first direction input M. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 26, the moving unit may move within the moving radius of one finger held by the input unit 10. can do.

As illustrated in (a) of FIG. 11, an upper surface of the input unit 10 may be provided with a non-slip unit 51 so that a finger contacting the input unit 10 does not slip when the first direction input M is performed. .

The anti-slip unit 51 may be provided in various kinds, for example, may form irregularities on the upper surface of the input unit 10, or may form a concave groove in the center of the input unit 10.

Alternatively, as shown in (b) or (c) of FIG. 11, the input unit 10 has protrusions 54a and 54b on one side of the upper side to facilitate gripping and manipulation of the finger during the second direction input P. It may be related.

On the other hand, as shown in (d) of FIG. 11, the input unit 10 protrudes from the center of the upper surface to smoothly manipulate the input unit 10 when the first direction input M or the second direction input P is performed. It may further include a protrusion 53 for letting.

The protrusion 53 is intended to facilitate input even when using the character input device 1 according to the present invention on a table or the ground, when using not only a thumb but also a finger such as an index finger or a middle finger.

The protrusion 53 may be provided in various shapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 11D, the protrusion 53 may be provided in a ring shape, or may be provided in a convex or concave shape.

On the other hand, further comprising an operation rod 56, one end of which is inserted into the protrusion 53, the protrusion 53 is inserted into the protrusion 53 by providing the engaging portion 55 into which the operating rod is inserted. It is also possible to operate the input unit 10 with one step.

Second direction input (P)

In the present specification, the second direction input P corresponds to the second direction input P by selecting any one of a plurality of second direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. radially spaced apart from the input unit 10 itself. It is assumed that the second character assigned to the second direction indication position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) is input.

That is, the first direction input M is performed while the entire input unit 10 moves toward the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... Arranged outside the input unit 10. The two-way input P selects the second direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. disposed on the input unit 10 itself, so that horizontal movement (or sliding) or tilt movement of the entire input unit 10 is performed. Not performed.

The second direction input P may be performed in various ways. For example, as illustrated in (c) of FIG. 4, the input unit 10 may include the second direction indication positions P ₁ , P ₂ , and the like. Can be performed by tilting towards any of the.

In this case, the lower portion of the input unit 10 and the base 110 may further include a support 25 for supporting the input unit 10 to be tilted in any radial direction from an initial horizontal state.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the second direction input P may include any one of the pressing parts 11 provided in the input unit 10 corresponding to the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... It may also be done by selecting one.

Here, the pressing unit 11 is any shape that can independently select each of the second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) on the top of the input unit 10 (excluding the tilt of the input unit 10 itself) It includes.

For example, it may be a push button or a push switch separately provided corresponding to each of the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. on the input unit 10, and each second direction on the top of the input unit 10. It may be a pressing position in which only the second sensing unit 63 is provided corresponding to the instruction positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,...

On the other hand, the second direction input (P) can also be circumferential input like the first direction input (M), the input function and signal processing associated with the circumferential input is the same as the first direction input (M).

Here, the input unit 10 may be provided in various sizes. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 26, when the pressing unit 11 is provided on the input unit 10, the input unit 10 may be one finger. Within the moving radius of the pressing portion 11 may be provided with a size that can be selected. .

Alternatively, when the second direction input P is performed by tilting the input unit 10, as shown in FIG. 11B, a finger is contacted with one finger in contact with the input unit 10. It is preferable that the inclined input unit 10 be tilted to the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,...

The second sensing unit 63 may be provided in various ways according to the form in which the second direction input P is performed.

For example, when the second direction input P is performed by tilting the input unit 10, a step of sequentially contacting the base 110 according to the tilt of the input unit 10 at the lower edge of the input unit 10 is performed. It may be provided as a contact sensor for detecting the contact of the input unit 10 and the base 110 in the step or the base 110, or may be provided as an optical sensor for detecting the inclination of the input unit 10.

Alternatively, when the second direction input P is performed by each pressing unit 11 provided in the input unit 10, the second direction input P may be provided as a contact sensor, a push switch, a pressure sensor, or the like provided below the pressing unit 11. Can be.

On the other hand, the second direction input (P) may be provided to enable two or more stages multi-stage input.

For example, the multi-stage input may be separately input according to the inclination point of the input unit 10 or the difference in the pressing intensity or the pressing distance of the pressing unit 11.

Referring to FIG. 4E, when the second direction input P is provided in two stages, for example, a step is formed along the lower edge of the input unit 10, and the first stage is inclined by one stage. The lower second sensing unit 63a may be in contact with the base 110, and the second sensing unit 63b may be in contact with the base 110 by tilting the second stage.

Alternatively, as shown in (c) of FIG. 10, each of the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. in the elastic member 21 provided under the input unit 10 or the input unit 10 itself. Correspondingly, the first contact portion 27a or the second contact portion 27b having different protrusion lengths may be provided. In this case, the relatively long first contact portion 27a contacts the base 110 first, and then the second contact portion 27b contacts the base 110 according to the degree of inclination of the input unit 10.

Here, the contact portions 27a and 27b may be provided as conductive members having elasticity.

Here, the method described above in the first direction input M may be similarly applied to the signal processing in the controller 51 when the second direction input P of the multi-stage is performed.

On the other hand, each second direction indication location by detecting the approach or contact to the _{(P 1, P 2, ..} ) the second direction indicating positions _{(P 1, P 2, ..} ) for inputting the other characters in the duplicate assignment The touch input may be provided to be performed.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the finger approaches or contacts the upper end or each pressing part 11 of each input part 10 corresponding to each of the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,... The touch sensing unit 67 may be provided.

For example, in FIG. 8, the letter 'A' is input by contact with a predetermined second direction indicating position P ₂ , and the second direction input P of the second direction indicating position P2 is input. Is the letter 'B' is entered.

Therefore, the number of characters that can be allocated to the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. through the touch input can be increased, and the number of characters that can be assigned to the second direction input P in multiple stages can be increased. Character can be assigned.

Here, the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and the second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) may be provided in various numbers, for example, 4 to 12 It may be provided in any one of the directions.

Here, it is preferable that the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and the second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) be provided with 8 or less, which is a human finger. This is because when the number of input directions that can be operated exceeds eight, the distance between the direction indication positions becomes narrow, which may lower the input accuracy.

In this case, with respect to the number of insufficient direction indicating positions, by combining the central input (C) described later, or by providing the input unit 10 in two left and right directions, it is possible to implement the optimum input conditions while arranging all the characters necessary for input. .

Also, the first direction indicating positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. may be provided in the same number or in different numbers. .

The first direction input M and the second direction input P are combined Example

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments in which the first direction input M and the second direction input P are combined in the character input device 1 according to the present invention will be described.

First, as a first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the first direction input M is provided by the input unit 10 from the reference position S to the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ , ... Sliding toward) is performed, the second direction input (P) selects the pressing portion 11 provided corresponding to each of the second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) on the top of the input unit 10. Is performed.

4 and 6 (d) shows a character input device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the drawings, the first direction input M is performed while the input unit 10 slides from the reference position S toward the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,..., And the second direction. The input P is performed while the input unit 10 is inclined toward one of the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. from the horizontal position.

Here, the support 25 for supporting the input unit 10 to be tilted may be further provided. Of course, the support 25 may be provided in various kinds.

Alternatively, the input unit 10 itself may be provided with an elastic material without providing the support 25, as well as an elastic body that is deformable between the input unit 10 and the base 110 may be tilted. This may be possible.

FIG. 6C shows a character input device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the first direction input M is performed while the input unit 10 slides from the reference position S toward the first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,..., And the second direction. The input P is performed by tilting toward the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,...

Here, the 'tilt movement' means that the entire input unit 10 is moved inclined toward a predetermined direction (or simultaneously with the support unit 25), and the 'M' and (c) in FIG. This corresponds to 'P' or 'P' in (e).

On the other hand, 'tilt' means that the input unit 10 is inclined with respect to the support 25, 'P' in Fig. 6 (b), 'P' in (d) or 'P' in (e) 'Corresponds to this.

Here, although not the aforementioned 'tilt movement', as shown in (d) of FIG. 6, the first direction input M is performed by sliding, and the second direction input P is performed by the input unit 10. It may also be performed by tilting.

Or, as performed by the, (c) a first input direction (M) is sliding in Figure 6, as shown in (e) of Figure 6 is the second direction input (P) is carried out by a tilting movement In addition, the input unit 10 may be tilted in place (see P ').

In this case, a plurality of side pressing parts 15 (see FIG. 8) may be further provided along the side outer circumferential surface of the input unit 10.

Side pressing portion 15 is provided separately from the pressing portion 11 for the second direction input (P), each side pressing portion 15 may be assigned a letter, symbols, numbers or various function commands are assigned May be

In each of the above-described embodiments, the input unit 10 may be provided to protrude and accommodate in and out of the base 110, as shown in FIG. 6A.

Therefore, the volume can be minimized by accommodating the input unit 10 into the base 110, and an easy operation is possible when protruding the input unit 10.

6 (b) shows a character input device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the first direction input M is performed by 'tilting movement' of the input unit 10, and the second direction input P is performed by tilting the input unit 10.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the first direction input M or the second direction input P may have the same number of direction indicating positions or may have different number of direction indicating positions.

In addition, one or more of the first direction input M or the second direction input P may be provided to enable multi-stage input.

For example, the first direction input M may be provided as a first stage input, and the second direction input P may be provided as a two stage input. In this case, the consonant letters may be input by the second direction input P, and the vowels may be input by the first direction input P.

This is because the number of consonants is higher in number and frequency of use than most vowels in most national characters, and the second direction input P may be easier than the first direction input M when inputting multiple stages. Because there is.

As described above, the character input device 1 according to the present invention can input fast and accurate characters by combining the first direction input M and the second direction input P having different input operations. .

This is because the consonants and vowels can be input separately according to each input operation in the input of almost all national characters in which consonants and vowels are repeatedly mixed and arranged.

Furthermore, since the first direction input M and the second direction input P are not bound between each input operation (that is, to perform one input operation necessarily another input operation, etc.) a plurality of inputs By performing the operations in succession, they can be performed as if they were a single input operation.

For example, referring to FIG. 26, an input example of the character input apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described. When an alphabetic character 'CAR' is to be input, the second direction indicating position to which the consonant 'C' is assigned ( After tilting the input unit 10 (or selecting the pressing unit 11) toward P ₇ ), the input unit 10 is moved toward the first direction indicating position M ₁ to which the vowel 'A' is assigned. Next, the input unit 10 may be inclined again toward the second direction indicating position P ₂ to which the consonant 'R' is assigned. Here, the three operations described above may be performed sequentially with the same or slight difference, so that a word composed of a plurality of letters may be input like a continuous operation.

Each of the above-described embodiments has described a basic form in which the first direction input M and the second direction input P are combined in the character input device 1 according to the present invention. As well as possible, modification of the shape, size, material, etc. of each component is possible without limitation.

Hereinafter, additional configurations and various modifications that may be included in the above-described basic form will be described in detail.

Each configuration to be described later can be applied alone as well as two or more may be applied at the same time, in this case it is noted that various combinations are possible.

Center input (C)

In the present specification, the central input C refers to a central input key 13 provided in the center of the input unit 10 separately from the first direction input M or the second direction input P, or the input unit 10. ) Is to be performed while lifting itself up and down.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the central input C may include a central input key 13 selectable at the center of the input unit 10 and a third sensing unit sensing selection of the central input key 13. 65 may be performed.

Alternatively, as shown in (d) of FIG. 4, the central input C is provided such that the entire input unit 10 is movable up and down with respect to the base 110, and the input unit 10 or the base 110 is moved. It may be provided by any one of the third detection unit 65 to detect the vertical movement of the input unit 10.

Here, only one of the above-described two types of central input C may be provided, but of course, may be provided at the same time.

On the other hand, the center input (C) is of course possible to input two or more stages according to the pressing distance or pressing strength of the center input key 13, or the lifting distance of the input unit 10 itself.

Meanwhile, a touch input for inputting another character allocated to the central input key 13 may be performed by sensing an approach or a contact with the central input key 13.

In this case, the central input key 13 is provided with a central input key detecting unit 69 for detecting the approach or contact of a finger.

Here, when the central input key detecting unit 69 is provided, the control unit 51 ignores the detection result of the touch detecting unit 67 when the contact of the finger is detected by the central input key detecting unit 69 for a predetermined time or more. The touch input may not be performed.

Center combination input CM , CP )

In the present specification, the central combined inputs CM and CP are assumed to be performed simultaneously with either the first direction input M or the second direction input P.

For example, when performing the first direction input M as shown in FIG. 4B, while the center input key 13 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed, the input unit 10 is moved to a predetermined first direction indication position ( While moving toward M ₁ , M ₂ , ..., or while performing the second direction input P as shown in (c) of FIG. 4, hold down the input unit 10 while pressing the center input key 13. Tilt toward a predetermined second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ ,...).

12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an input method of the central combined input CM and CP.

For example, a case in which the first direction input M and the center input C are combined will be described with reference to the drawings. In the process of moving the input unit 10 to a predetermined first direction indication position M ₁ , the center is moved. When the input C is moved, the direction combination input CM ₁ is performed, whereas when only the input unit 10 is moved without performing the central input C, the first direction input M ₁ is performed.

Here, the center combination input CM and CP may be applied to the case where at least one of the first direction input M, the second direction input P, or the center input C is provided with two or more stage multi-stage inputs.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the first direction input M is provided in two stages, the first direction input M1 ₁ and the central input C in one stage are combined. the central input combination (CM1 ₁₎ and the first direction input of the second stage (M2 ₁₎ and a central combined input of central input (C) is a combination of a two-stage (CM2 ₂₎ is possible.

On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 18, the first direction input M is configured in one stage and the center inputs C1 and C2 are configured in two stages, thereby forming the center of the first direction input M ₁ and the first stage. input (C1) by the central combination input of the combined first stage (C1M ₁₎ and a second direction input (M ₁₎ a central combination type of the two-stage central input (C2) the combined second stage of the (C2M ₁₎ is It may be possible to arrange.

Therefore, when the central combination input CM, CP is provided to perform, the first direction indication position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and the second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..) Since the characters can be assigned to each other in duplicate, the input capacity (the number of characters that can be input) can be increased without additional configuration.

In the above two cases, the central combination input CM and CP may be combined with the second direction input P instead of the first direction input M.

That is, the central combination input CM and CP may be combined without limitation the first direction input M and the second direction input P of all types described above and the above-described central input C of all types.

Direction combination input MP , PM )

In the present specification, the direction combination input MP or PM refers to the input operation when one of the first direction input M and the second direction input P is performed in succession while the other is performed in succession. It is assumed that the third character assigned to is input.

That is, as shown in (b) of FIG. 4, the direction combination inputs MP and PM perform the first direction input M first, that is, the input unit 10 receives the first direction indication position M. FIG. In the state of moving to the second direction input (P) as shown in (c) of FIG. 4 is performed, or vice versa.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for describing a method of inputting direction combination inputs MP and PM.

Referring to the drawings, the direction combination input (M ₁ P ₁ ) is the second direction input position (P ₁ ) in the second direction input position (P ₁ ), while moving the input unit 10 to the first direction indication position (M ₁ ) The case where P) is performed is shown.

On the contrary, the direction combination input P ₁ M ₁ is the first direction input M to the first direction direction position M ₁ while the second direction input P is performed to the second direction direction position P ₁ . This is the case when performed.

Of course, it is possible to input by changing the direction of the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and the second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..), for example, the first direction if the indicated position (M _2), the second input direction in a state of moving the input unit 10 to a second direction indication location (P ₄₎ (P) is carried out is carried out direction combination input (M _2, P _4).

As described above, the direction combination inputs M ₁ P _{1 and} P ₁ M ₁ may have different characters according to the order of the first direction input M and the second direction input P which are combined. However, the same characters may be input regardless of the combination order.

That is, the same character may be input by the direction combination input M ₁ P ₁ and the direction combination input P ₁ M ₁ .

On the other hand, if the direction combination input (MP, PM) is not provided possible, even if the first direction input (M) and the second direction input (P) is performed at the same time, each input is of course performed independently.

That is, in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, when the second direction input P for inputting 'ㅗ' and the first direction input M for inputting 'b' are simultaneously performed, the new characters combined together. Rather than being input, the Korean character 'no' is input by each input operation.

Here, the above-described center input C, the center combination input CM, CP, and the direction combination input MP, PM may be freely combined in addition to the first direction input M and the second direction input P as necessary. Of course, it is also possible to change the number and direction of the direction indicating position in each input can be used without limitation.

Directional rotation input (R)

In the present specification, the direction rotation input (R) means that the input unit 10 inputs the assigned character or data while rotating itself in the left and right direction about the reference position on the base 110.

Rotation of the input unit 10 may be implemented in various ways. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14A, the first support unit 25a and the second unit which allow the support unit 25 to move relative to each other may be used. It can divide and provide by the support part 25b.

Here, the first support portion 25a may be fixed and the second support portion b may rotate in the direction of the first support portion 25a, or vice versa.

Rotation sensing parts 68a and 68b are provided between the 1st support part 25 and the 2nd support part 25 in the rotation direction, respectively.

Accordingly, when the input unit 10 is rotated in the right direction R1, the first support unit 25a rotates to detect the rotation in the rotation detecting unit 68b, and when the input unit 10 is rotated in the left direction R2, the first support unit 25a rotates. The sensing unit 68a detects rotation.

Alternatively, as shown in (b) of FIG. 14, the rotation protrusion 77 is formed on one side of the input unit 10, and the left and right sides of the rotation protrusion 77 are respectively rotated in the direction of the rotation distance of the rotation protrusion 77. The rotation sensing units 68c, 68d, 68e, and 68f sequentially arranged may be provided.

The left and right rotation of the input unit 10 can be rotated in two stages according to the rotation distance (or rotation angle). That is, when the input unit 10 is rotated one stage to the right, the first rotation detection unit 68c on the right side can be rotated. When the first rotation is sensed, and the second rotation detection unit 68d on the right side detects the second rotation when the second rotation detection unit 68 rotates the input unit 10 further to the right.

Array of characters

In the present specification, the term "character" means a character having a narrow meaning according to each language, such as Korean, English, or Japanese.

However, data that can be input in the character input device according to the present invention is not limited to the above characters, and may include various function commands such as numbers, symbols or enters, spaces, and cancellations.

In addition, in the present specification, a "vowel" in the case of a foreign language corresponds to a Korean vowel, or when the alphabet of the foreign language is divided into two types according to linguistic classification criteria, it is assumed to belong to a relatively small number of alphabet groups.

In the character input device 1 according to the present invention, the above-described first direction input M, second direction input P, center input C, center combined input CM, CP or direction combined input MP , PM), there is no particular limitation on the way of placing characters.

However, for more efficient character input, it is possible to arrange characters in the following manner.

First, in arranging the characters of each country, input of consonant characters and vowel characters may be input by different input operations.

For example, a consonant character may be input by the first direction input M, and a vowel character may be input by the second direction input P, or vice versa.

this is. Since the user can immediately associate a character input for each input operation, there is an advantage that the user can easily become familiar with the character input apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

15 is a table showing an example of arrangement of characters of each country according to the above-described embodiment.

Referring to the drawings, consonants of characters of each country may be arranged in the first direction input M of two stages, and vowel characters of characters of each country may be arranged of the second direction input P of two stages.

At this time, the consonants and vowels are basically divided into the first direction indicating positions (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) and the second direction indicating positions (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..), but in the case of Korean characters Vowels 'ㅒ' and 'ㅖ' are arranged at the first direction indication positions (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...), or in the case of alphabets, consonants 'V, Z' are second direction indication positions (P ₁ , P ₂ ,. Of course, they may be assigned to different direction indication positions as necessary.

In this case, in addition to the vowel, the second direction command position P ₁ , P ₂ ,.

In addition, in the case of the alphabet, a continuous character with a high frequency of use, for example, 'CH' or 'ING', may be assigned to one direction indicating position.

Here, in addition to the vowels 'A, E, I, O, U' of the alphabet, 'W, X, Y' has the same effect as vowels and is defined herein as a vowel.

Meanwhile, a mode change window may be assigned to the central input C1 at the first stage, and a mouse mode switching function may be assigned to the central input C2 at the second stage.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 16, four second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. are provided, and second direction input P is provided to enable input in two stages. In this case, when arranging the alphabet, 'A, X', 'E, I', 'W, Y', 'O, U' are assigned to the second direction indication positions (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..), Each of the above-mentioned characters assigned by the second direction input P of the first and second stages may be distinguished and input.

That is, 'E (P1 ₂ )' may be input by the second direction input P in one stage, and 'I (P2 ₂ )' may be input in the second direction input P in the second stage. .

Alternatively, when arranging Hangul characters, as shown in (b) of FIG. 16, 'ㅏ, ㅑ', 'ㅓ, ㅕ', 'ㅗ, ㅛ', 'TT, ? 'Can be duplicated and assigned so that the respective characters allocated by the second direction input of the first and second stages are distinguished and input.

Of course, contrary to that shown in Fig. 16, the first direction input M has four first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... The vowel character can also be entered by M).

In the case of arranging letters of similar shape as described above in the alphabet and Korean, the shape of the vowel character is associated with the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,.

Particularly, in the case of Hangeul, if the vowels are arranged in the East, West, South, and North as described above, the shape of the vowel is reminiscent according to the direction, so the user can easily become familiar with it. have.

Alternatively, in the alphabetical arrangement, similar characters may be arranged in a bundle.

For example, 'b, d', 'p, q', 'i, j', 'm, w', 'u, v', 'k, x', 'c, o', 'a, e assign two characters to the same direction indication position, such as', 's, z', 'l, r', 'f, t', 'n, h', 'y, g', The input may be distinguished from each other by two multi-stage inputs.

Alternatively, any one of the two bundled letters may be assigned to the first direction input M, and the other may be assigned to the second direction input P.

Meanwhile, any one of a number, a symbol, various function commands or a mode change may be performed by either the first direction input M or the second direction input P, and by the central input C Various function commands, such as switching the input mode or pressing enter or OK, may be performed.

In this case, the call mode may be performed as a call / end button.

Meanwhile, the character input device 1 according to the present invention may perform a function of a mouse or a joystick by using the input unit 10. In this case, in the mouse input mode, the first direction input M of the input unit 10 is performed. ), The pointer moves, and the second direction input P performs the left and right buttons or the scroll function.

In this case, when the first direction input M is performed while the second direction input P in the direction corresponding to the left mouse button is performed, dragging or dragging is possible as in the mouse. The signal processing associated with this can be used as the signal processing method in a mouse generally used.

Alternatively, when the first direction input M is performed in multiple stages, the movement speed of the mouse pointer / game character may be adjusted step by step.

Alternatively, in the game mode, movement of the character may be performed by the first direction input M, and various operation commands of the character may be performed by the second direction input P. FIG.

Here, the above-described conversion to the mouse mode or the joystick mode may be performed using a separate mode switch key 121, but may be performed through the input unit 10, for example, the input unit 10 in the circumferential direction. The input mode may be switched by moving, performing the central input C of one or two stages, or performing the first direction input M in two stages.

When the central input C is performed, an input mode change window for moving to other modes is displayed, and the user can move to various modes through the first direction input M or the second direction input P. FIG.

Alternatively, various modes, for example, a Korean input mode, an alphabet input mode, a numeric input mode, and a symbol input through the first direction input M or the second direction input P while performing the central input C, are performed. Mode, mouse or joystick input mode can be selected. That is, while the center input C is maintained, the respective input modes are displayed in the character display unit 72 or the keyboard display unit 74 instead of the characters originally assigned to the direction indication positions.

2 suits

Character input device 1 according to the present invention may be provided in the base 110 or more.

19 is an operation diagram illustrating an example of an input in a state in which two left and right input units 10 and 10 'are provided on the base 110 of the portable mobile communication terminal 100.

In this case, the two input units 10 and 10 'may be provided in the same configuration or may be provided in different configurations.

That is, the input unit 10 on the left side is provided with the first direction input M, the second direction input P, and the center input C, and the input unit 10 'on the right side has the first direction input M. In addition to the second direction input P and the central input C, the central combined input CM and CP or the combined direction input MP and PM may be provided.

In addition, the number of direction indicating positions may be different from each other, and either side may be provided to enable two-stage input.

21 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of each input unit 10, 10 'when the input units 10, 10' are provided in duplicate.

Referring to the drawings, each input unit 10, 10 'is composed of a first direction input (M) of two stages and a second direction input (P) of two stages, the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂₎ , ...) and the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ ,.

Accordingly, the number of characters that can be input through the input units 10 and 10 'is 16 through the first direction input M and 16 through the second direction input P, except for the central input C. A total of 32 pieces are provided, and since the input units 10 and 10 'are provided with two left and right, the total number of characters that can be input is 64.

This is an input capacity remaining even after arranging 24 Korean characters and 26 alphabetic characters. Therefore, one operation and one phoneme can be input, and a symbol, a number, or various function commands may be additionally input to the remaining direction indication position.

Therefore, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. can be directly input without changing a mode, thereby enabling rapid character input.

For example, a character is input by the second direction input P of two stages of each of the two input units 10 and 10 ', and the mouse pointer / game character is moved by the first direction input M. FIG. Function commands such as Enter, Space, Cancel, etc., mode change, direction indication input, etc. can be performed. Through the direction indication input, cursor movement, menu movement, channel / volume adjustment, and the like can be performed.

Here, the first direction input (M) may be composed of only a single stage input, as shown in Figure 21, when configured as a two-stage input, numerals, symbols, etc. may be further arranged.

On the contrary, a character is input by the first direction input M of two stages of each of the two input units 10 and 10 ', and a function command, a mode change, and a direction command input are input by the second direction input P. Or the like.

Alternatively, any one input unit 10 inputs a character, and the other input unit 10 'performs the above-described movement of a mouse pointer / game character, a function command, a mode change, a direction command input, and the like. Alternatively, numbers or symbols may be input.

In this case, text input and mouse can be used at the same time, and the effect of using both the keyboard and mouse at the same time on a desktop computer can be obtained. There is an advantage that can be performed in the terminal.

Even in the above-described case, when one or more of the first direction input M or the second direction input P is configured in two stages, the numbers, symbols, etc. may be further inputted.

FIG. 22 is a conceptual view illustrating the configuration of the input units 10 and 10 'according to another embodiment, and each illustrates only one of two input units 10 and 10' having the same configuration.

First, in FIG. 22A, the first direction input M has eight first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And the second direction input P has four It has a second direction indicating position (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..).

On the contrary, in the case of FIG. 22B, the first direction input M has four first direction indication positions M ₁ , M ₂ ,... And the second direction input P has eight first direction input positions. It has two direction indication positions (P ₁ , P ₂ , ..).

Therefore, in each embodiment, since the total number of characters that can be input through one input unit 10 is 12, a total of 24 characters may be input through two input units 10 and 10 '.

Here, if one of the first direction input M and the second direction input P is configured as a two-stage input, the number of allocated characters can be further increased.

That is, when the first direction input M is configured in two stages in FIG. 22A, a total of 20 characters can be assigned to one input unit 10, and the second direction input P is configured in two stages. In this case, a total of 16 characters can be allocated.

When the input unit 10 is provided in the base 110 in duplicates, the characters assigned to each of the input units 10 and 10 'and the input operation may be arranged in various ways.

For example, a vowel character may be assigned to only one of the two input units 10 and 10 ', or the first direction input M or the second direction input performed by each of the input units 10 and 10'. The vowel may be divided and assigned to any of (P).

On the other hand, when switching to the mouse or the game mode, the movement of the pointer or the movement of the game character is performed by one of the two input units 10, and the operation of the pointer or various operation commands of the game character is performed by the other. This can be done.

Etc

The input unit 10 may have a return function that automatically returns to the reference position S after the first direction input M or the second direction input P is performed.

The return function may be implemented in various ways. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first direction input M may be provided by providing an elastic member 21 between the input unit 10 and the base 110. After that, the input unit 10 may be returned to the reference position S. FIG.

Alternatively, in the case of the input unit 10 shown in FIG. 6, the support unit 25 may be provided as an elastic member. Alternatively, in the case of the second direction input P, the input unit 10 may be provided with an elastic material.

In addition to the return function, the above-described elastic member 21 may be configured to separately input each input when the first direction input M is performed in multiple stages.

That is, as shown in FIG. 23, when the first direction input M is provided in two stages, the elastic members 21 are provided in two having different elastic moduli (see 21a and 21b of FIG. 21). Can be.

Here, the elastic modulus of each elastic member 21 is arranged in order to gradually increase as it moves away from the input unit 10 (that is, k _21a <k _21b ), so that the elastic modulus at the interface between the first stage input and the second stage input It is desirable to feel the resistance according to the difference.

Therefore, in order to perform the two-stage input according to the difference in the elastic modulus, a larger force is required than the one-stage input, so that the user can distinguish the one-stage input and the two-stage input.

On the other hand, the above-described method can be equally applied to the second direction input (P).

Here, the support ring 22 may be further provided between the elastic members 21a and 21b.

On the other hand, when one or more of the first direction input (M), the second direction input (P) or the center input (C) is performed, click means for giving a feeling of click may be further provided.

The click means may be applied to a variety of known types, for example, in the case of the first direction input (M) by providing a projection on the movement path of the input unit 10 to deliver a feeling of click when the input unit 10 passes. Can be.

The click means may be applied to each input operation as a whole, or may be applied to only some of them. For example, when the first direction input (M), the second direction input (P) or the center input (C) is provided to enable the multi-stage input, the user feels that the click feeling is generated only when the second stage input is performed. It is possible to distinguish between single input and two input.

Referring to FIG. 2, one side of the base 110 further includes one or more of a mode switch key 121 for switching an input mode or a function key 123 for inputting a function command such as enter, cancel, or cursor. Can be.

Here, the above-described mode switch key 121 or function key 123 may be provided in a touch sensing method.

On the other hand, the other side of the base 110 may be provided with a display 130 for displaying the input command extracted by the controller 51.

In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the display unit 130 may be provided with a keyboard display unit 74 that displays input contents according to a user's input operation or an assigned character in a selected input mode.

Here, as shown in FIG. 20, the display 130 may be detachably provided to the base 110.

That is, the character input device 1 according to the present invention may be detachably provided to the main body of the external device on which the display unit 130 is mounted. In this case, the character input device 1 may be connected to the external device by wire or wireless. It may be further provided, the transmission and reception unit for transmitting and receiving the data extracted by the control unit 51 may further include.

Thereby, the character input device 1 according to the present invention can also be used as a remote control for remote control of a computer or a television. In this case, either the first direction input M or the second direction input P can be used. You can change channel or adjust volume.

Alternatively, numerical input or various mode changes may be performed by the first direction input M, and channel or volume control may be performed by the second direction input P. FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 16, either the base 110 or the input unit 10, each of the first direction indicating position corresponding to each of the first direction indicating position (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) The first letter display unit 72a on which the first letter assigned to (M ₁ , M ₂ , ...) is displayed and each second direction corresponding to each of the second direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , .. A second character display unit 72b may be further provided on which the second character assigned to the direction indicating positions P ₁ , P ₂ , ...

In the case where two or more characters are duplicated, the first character display unit 72a and the second character display unit 72b may be displayed by changing the input characters according to the input mode.

For example, by providing the first character display unit 72a or the second character display unit 72b with an LCD window, only Korean characters are displayed when inputting Korean characters, and only English characters are displayed when inputting English characters. can do.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, it may further include a reference position detection unit 68 provided in the reference position (S) for detecting that the input unit 10 is located at the reference position (S).

The reference position detecting unit 68 detects that the input unit 10 is located at the reference position S, and the detection signal of the reference position detecting unit 68 may be used as a reset signal for input of a character or the like.

Referring to FIG. 24, a rotation wheel 76 may be further provided adjacent to the input radius 111 of the base 110 to perform scroll, volume control, or search functions according to the input mode of the input unit 10. have.

Alternatively, instead of the rotary wheel 76, a circular band-shaped sensing means for performing a function such as scrolling or a plurality of sensing means arranged in a circle around the input unit 10 may be provided.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 25, by providing a connecting member 80 to move the entire input unit 10 relative to the base 110, it is possible to allow the user to change the input position freely.

The connection member 80 may be provided in various kinds. For example, the main body 81 having a belt shape and the main body 81 may be provided, and the input unit 10 may include the first direction input M and the first direction input. It includes a receiving portion 82 that can receive the two-way input (P) and the moving support portion 85 which is coupled to the slide groove 85 provided on the base 110 at the both ends of the main body 81 is sliding. can do.

According to the character input apparatus according to the present invention having the above-described structure, it is possible to accurately input each character according to the user's intention while minimizing the space required for character input.

In addition, by combining the direction movement input and the direction pressing input, one or more phonemes can be input in one input operation, thereby enabling rapid character input.

In addition, since the input space can be minimized and the product can be miniaturized and slimmed, it can be applied to various portable electronic devices such as PDAs, notebooks, and portable mobile communication terminals.

Claims (65)

Base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit comprises: a first direction input moving to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position with respect to the reference position within a predetermined input radius; Second direction inputs for selecting any one of a plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input unit itself are provided so as to be independently performed; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And A controller which extracts and executes a first character assigned to the first direction indication position from which the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position from which the second direction input is detected from the memory unit; Character input device comprising a. The method of claim 1, The input unit is a character input device, characterized in that the central input is provided to perform. The method of claim 2, The central input is, And a third input unit provided at the center of the input unit and a third sensing unit detecting selection of the central input key. The method of claim 2, The central input is, And the third input unit is configured to move the entire input unit up and down with respect to the base and to detect the movement of the input unit. The method of claim 2, The central input is a character input device, characterized in that the multi-stage input of two or more stages are provided. The method of claim 1, And the second direction input is input such that the input unit is inclined toward any one of the plurality of second direction indicating positions. The method of claim 1, And the second direction input selects and inputs any one of pressing parts provided corresponding to the second direction indication positions to the input unit. The method of claim 1, And the first direction input is performed while the input unit slides from the reference position toward each of the first direction indication positions. The method of claim 1, And the first direction input is performed while the input unit is tilted toward one of the first direction indication positions. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The second direction input is a character input device characterized in that it is possible to input two or more stages by any one of the difference between the degree of tilt of the input unit, the pressing strength of the pressing portion or the pressing distance. The method of claim 10, The first direction input is a character input device, characterized in that the multi-stage input can be provided in two or more stages according to the difference in the moving distance of the input unit or the strength of the moving pressure. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The first direction input is a character input device characterized in that it is possible to input two or more stages according to the difference in the moving distance of the input unit, the degree of tilt movement or the strength of the moving pressure. The method of claim 2, Characters characterized in that new data different from the character originally assigned to each direction indication position is inputted by a central combination input in which the center input is performed simultaneously with either the first direction input or the second direction input. Input device. The method of claim 1, And a vowel character is assigned only to any one of the first direction indication position and the second direction indication position. The method of claim 1, At least one of the first direction input and the second direction input is performed while the input unit is moved in the circumferential direction with respect to the reference position within the input radius. The method according to claim 1 or 15, Character input device provided in the base, further comprising a guide for guiding the movement of the input unit. The method of claim 16, And the guide part includes a plurality of linear guides for guiding the input part to be radially moved from the reference position toward each of the first direction indication positions. The method of claim 16, The base is provided with a disk-shaped groove corresponding to the input radius, limiting the movement distance in the radial direction of the input unit, and at the same time guides the movement in the circumferential direction of the input unit. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And a click means for giving a feeling of click when one or more of the first direction input, the second direction input, or the center input is performed. The method of claim 16, Character guide device characterized in that the guide portion is provided with an elastic material. The method of claim 12, Between the input unit and the base, each having a different modulus of elasticity and provided with a number corresponding to the multi-stage input, and sequentially disposed so that the elastic modulus gradually increases from the input portion toward each first direction indicating position. Character input device, characterized in that the first direction input further comprises a plurality of elastic members that are separated by each step according to the difference in the elastic modulus to enable input. The method of claim 1, And the first direction indicating position and the second direction indicating position are each provided in one of four to twelve input directions. The method of claim 22, And the first direction indicating position and the second direction indicating position are provided in different numbers.  The method of claim 6 or 9, The apparatus further includes a support part spaced apart from the base to a predetermined height to hold the input part with two or more fingers during the first direction input and tilt the input part to each of the first direction indication positions. Character input device, characterized in that for inputting the input unit inclined toward the second direction indicating position with respect to the support portion. The method of claim 1, And the input unit protrudes and accommodates in and out of the base. The method of claim 1, Character input device, characterized in that a plurality of side pressing portion is further provided along the side outer peripheral surface of the input unit. The method of claim 1, Character input device, characterized in that the input unit is provided with an elastic material. The method of claim 1, Character input device, characterized in that the non-slip unit is provided on the upper surface of the input unit. The method of claim 1, And a reference position detecting unit provided at the reference position to detect that the input unit is located at the reference position. The method of claim 2, Character input device characterized in that for switching the input mode or various function commands are performed by the central input. The method of claim 1, One side of the base is a character input device characterized in that one or more of the mode switching key for switching the input mode or a function key for inputting a function command, such as enter, cancel, cursor. The method of claim 1, And a display unit for displaying the input command extracted by the control unit. 33. The method of claim 32, And the display unit is detachably provided at the base. 33. The method of claim 32, And the display unit is provided with a keyboard display unit which displays input contents according to a user's input operation or assigned characters in a selected input mode. The method of claim 1, The input unit is a character input device, characterized in that the self-rotation is provided in the left and right direction about the reference position on the base. The method of claim 1, Character input device, characterized in that the input unit is provided with two or more in the base. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or 36, At least one of the upper end of each input unit corresponding to each of the second direction indicating positions or each pressing unit or at least one of the central input keys is provided with a touch sensing unit for sensing the approach or contact of a finger. Character input device characterized in that the touch input is provided in addition to the input. The method of claim 37, The control unit may further include a central input key sensing unit provided on the central input key to sense a touch of a finger. When the touch of the finger is detected by the central input key sensing unit for a predetermined time, the controller ignores the detection result of the touch sensing unit. Character input device characterized in that the touch input is not performed. The method of claim 1, Character input device, characterized in that a button-shaped projection formed on the upper end of the input portion corresponding to each of the second direction indicating position. The method of claim 1, Character input device further comprises a transceiver for transmitting and receiving the data extracted by the controller to the external device provided to be connected to the external device by wire or wireless. The method of claim 1, And the input unit has a return function to automatically return to the reference position after performing the first direction input or the second direction input. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Any one of the first direction input or the second direction input may have two direction inputs having four direction indication positions, and a vowel character is assigned to each direction indication position. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Any one of the base or the input unit may include: a first character display unit displaying a first character assigned to each of the first direction indicating positions corresponding to the first direction indicating position; And a second character display unit displaying a second character assigned to each of the second direction indication positions in correspondence with each of the second direction indication positions. The method of claim 43, And the first text display unit and the second text display unit change the displayed text according to an input mode when two or more characters are duplicated. The method of claim 36, When switching to the mouse or the game mode, the movement of the pointer or the movement of the game character is performed by one of the two input units, and the other is the operation of the pointer or various operation commands of the game character. Character input device. The method of claim 36, Character input device, characterized in that the vowel character is assigned to only one side of the two input unit. The method of claim 1, Characterized in that the direction combination input to input the third character assigned to the input operation is performed when any one of the first direction input or the second direction input is performed in succession after the other is performed Character input device. The method of claim 47, The direction combination input is a character input device, characterized in that different characters are input in accordance with the order of the first direction input and the second direction input to be combined. The method of claim 1, And a protrusion protruding from the center of the input unit to smoothly manipulate the input unit when the first direction input or the second direction input is performed. The method of claim 1, The input unit is a character input device, characterized in that one or more projections are provided at the edge of the top to facilitate the gripping and manipulation of the finger. The method of claim 1, When the mouse is switched to the input mode, the character input device characterized in that the movement of the pointer is performed by the first direction input of the input unit, the left and right buttons or the scroll function is performed by the second direction input. The method of claim 1, Character game apparatus, characterized in that the movement of the character is performed by the first direction input in the game mode, and various operation commands of the character is performed by the second direction input.  The method of claim 1, A main body having a belt shape, a receiving part provided in the main body, the first receiving part capable of receiving the first direction input and the second direction input; Character input device further comprises a connection member including a support. The method of claim 49, Further comprising a manipulation rod that is inserted into one end of the protrusion, Character input device, characterized in that the protrusion is provided with a coupling portion for inserting the operating rod. The method of claim 36, Character input device, characterized in that the input of the character by any one of the two input units, the movement of the mouse pointer / game character, direction instruction, function command or mode change by the other. The method of claim 36, Each input unit is provided with a second direction input capable of multi-stage input of two or more stages, and inputs a character by a second direction input of each input unit, and a mouse pointer / game character by a first direction input of each input unit. Character input device, characterized in that for performing the movement, direction indication, function command or mode change. Base; Two input units provided on the base-each input unit includes: a first direction input moving to any one of four first direction indicating positions radially spaced from each reference position about the reference position, and the input unit itself Second direction inputs for selecting any one of the four second direction indication positions radially spaced at each other are operable to be provided in multiple stages or more; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And And a controller configured to extract, from a memory unit, a first character assigned to the first direction indication position where the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position where the second direction input is detected. Character input device. Base; Two input units provided on the base-each input unit includes: a first direction input moving from one reference position to one of eight first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position, and the input unit itself; A second direction input for selecting one of the four second direction indication positions radially spaced at is provided operable; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And And a controller configured to extract, from a memory unit, a first character assigned to the first direction indication position where the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position where the second direction input is detected. Character input device. Base; Two input units provided on the base-each input unit includes: a first direction input moving to any one of four first direction indicating positions radially spaced from each reference position about the reference position, and the input unit itself A second direction input for selecting any one of the eight second direction indication positions radially spaced at is provided operable; A first sensing unit sensing the first direction input; A second sensing unit sensing the second direction input; And And a controller configured to extract, from a memory unit, a first character assigned to the first direction indication position where the movement of the input unit is detected or a second character assigned to the second direction indication position where the second direction input is detected. Character input device. The method of claim 58 or 59, At least one of the first direction input and the second direction input is characterized in that the two or more stages multi-stage input is provided to perform. Base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit includes: a first direction input sliding to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position about the reference position within a predetermined input radius; A second direction input for selecting any one of the pressing parts provided on the upper end of the input part corresponding to the plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input part itself so as to be independently performed; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing a selection of the pressing unit; And A controller for extracting and inputting a first character assigned to the first direction indicating position or a second character assigned to the second direction indicating position from the memory unit based on the detection result of the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit; Character input device comprising a. Base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit includes: a first direction input sliding to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position about the reference position within a predetermined input radius; Second direction inputs inclined toward any one of a plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input unit itself are provided to be independently performed; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit which detects tilt of the input unit; And A controller for extracting and inputting a first character allocated to the first direction indicating position or a second character allocated to the second direction indicating position from the memory unit based on the detection result of the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit; Character input device comprising a. Base; An input unit provided in the base-the input unit includes: a first direction input sliding to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position about the reference position within a predetermined input radius; A second direction input in which the entire input part is tilted and moved toward one of the plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input part itself is provided to be independently performed; A support part provided between the input part and the base and simultaneously sliding with the input part to support a tilt movement of the input part; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit sensing a tilt movement of the input unit; And A controller for extracting and inputting a first character allocated to the first direction indicating position or a second character allocated to the second direction indicating position from the memory unit based on the detection result of the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit; Character input device comprising a. Base; Input unit provided in the base-The input unit, the first direction input to the tilting movement is performed in which the entire input unit is tilted to any one of a plurality of first direction indication positions radially spaced from the reference position with respect to the reference position And a second direction input inclined toward any one of a plurality of second direction indicating positions radially spaced apart from the input unit itself; A support part provided between the base and the input part to support a tilt movement of the input part; A first sensing unit sensing a movement of the input unit; A second sensing unit which detects tilt of the input unit; And A controller for extracting and inputting a first character assigned to the first direction indicating position or a second character assigned to the second direction indicating position from the memory unit based on the detection result of the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit; Character input device comprising a. The method of any one of claims 61-64, At least one of the first direction input and the second direction input is characterized in that the two or more stages multi-stage input is provided to perform.

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