WO2008029492A1

WO2008029492A1 - Input device

Info

Publication number: WO2008029492A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/321081
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kunifumi Sukehara
Original assignee: Wizwin Inc.
Priority date: 2006-09-06
Filing date: 2006-10-23
Publication date: 2008-03-13
Also published as: TW200823725A; JPWO2008029492A1; KR20090046925A; CN101542418A

Abstract

It is possible to provide an input device capable of rapidly selecting and confirming an input character with simple operation without changing the group configuration of the numbers and characters fixed to the push buttons already widely spread as input devices of numbers and characters of a mobile device such as a mobile telephone and a mobile terminal. The input device includes: two key groups formed by keys 11 to 20, to each of which a plurality of character data are assigned and which are arranged in left and right rows; an auxiliary display (21) used when a first signal is inputted by one of the keys 11 to 20, for displaying the plurality of character data assigned to the key in a tandem so as to correspond to the key arrangement of the opposite key group at the left or the right side; and a control unit (30) used when a second signal is inputted by one of the keys of the key group of the opposite side after the first signal is inputted by one of the keys 11 to 20, for inputting the character data corresponding to the key which has inputted the second signal according to the arrangement of the plurality of character data displayed in the auxiliary display (21).

Description

Specification

Input device

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device for inputting character data such as characters and symbols to a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a mobile terminal.

Background art

Conventionally, push buttons from 1 to 0 have been used as input devices for inputting a telephone number to a mobile phone. In addition, since character communication is performed by a mobile phone, a character symbol is assigned to the push button for inputting the telephone number to enable input. In the first place, from the development history of mobile phones, the number of pushbuttons for entering numbers 1 to 0, letters, symbols, etc., with 3 columns and 4 rows has become widespread worldwide. , The combination of numbers from 0 to 1 and letters from A to Z, etc. is composed of almost the same numbers and character groups. In Japan, as shown in Fig. 1, most mobile phones 1 employ a keyboard 2 in which a kana character arrangement is combined with these numbers and character groups.

[0003] However, with conventional keyboards for mobile phones, V, the so-called “key-tapping method”, is the mainstream as a character input method. In this key stroke method, multiple letters and symbols are assigned to one push button (hereinafter synonymous with “key”), so in order to determine the only letter symbol, the alphabetic character is used once or four times. , Kana characters must be pressed 1 to 5 times. In addition, in order to continuously input characters assigned to the same key, it is necessary to move forward one character with the direction key, and it is pointed out as a disadvantage that it takes time and complexity.

[0004] As an invention to overcome this drawback, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, when one key is pressed, a predetermined second key character group is displayed on the key portion adjacent to the pressed key. There is one that can select a desired character from these.

[0005] Also, in Patent Document 2, an alphabetic character or the like is assigned to a numeric key arranged in one or two rows, and a combination of the numeric key and a numeric key determined by the arrangement order on the numeric key such as an alphabetic character. Numeric keypad that allows input of character symbols with 2 strokes The board is listed.

[0006] Patent Document 3 describes a device interface having a plurality of keys on the left and right of one main display provided in a housing. In this device interface, when the left and right keys of the main display are pressed, the character symbols assigned to the pressed keys are displayed along the left and right keys of the main display. The user inputs a desired character by selecting and pressing a key corresponding to the character to be input from the characters displayed on the main display.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Translation of Special Publication 2004-534318

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3440236

Patent Document 3: US Patent Application Publication No. 2005Z0043063 Specification

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] As described in Patent Document 1, the method of displaying information on the key portion adjacent to the pressed key is very complicated in structure and cost, which is structurally and visually impractical. It is not realistic because it works. In addition, the numeric keyboard described in Patent Document 2 has a problem of having to remember the arrangement order of alphabetical characters assigned to each numeric key!

[0009] Further, in the device interface described in Patent Document 3, keys are arranged on the left and right of the main display, and it is difficult to operate with the hand while holding the casing in one hand. Also, with this device interface, when characters are entered with one key, the character symbols that can be entered with the left and right keys are displayed side by side on the main display, so there is little space left on the main display to display the entered text. Therefore, when inputting a long sentence, it is difficult to input while looking at the input sentence.

[0010] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is that numbers and characters addressed to push buttons that are already widely used as input devices for numbers and characters of mobile devices such as mobile phones and mobile terminals. An object of the present invention is to provide an input device that can easily determine the input character selection without changing the group structure and easy operation.

Means for solving the problem [0011] The input device of the present invention is a plurality of keys for inputting character data, each of which is arranged in two rows of key forces in which a plurality of character data is assigned to one key. When the first signal is input by any one of the key group and the key of the key group arranged in the left and right two rows, a plurality of keys assigned to the key to which the first signal is input The character data of the first signal is displayed in one vertical column corresponding to the key arrangement of the key group on the side where the key where the first signal is input and the left and right opposite side, and in the left and right columns After the first signal is input by one of the keys of the arranged key group, the key on the opposite side to the side where the key to which this first signal is inputted is placed. When the second signal is input by any one of the In which a control unit which receives the character data data corresponding to the key which the second signal is input according to the arrangement of a plurality of character data that appears in the tray.

[0012] According to the input device of the present invention, when the primary selection is performed by any one of the keys of the key group arranged in the left and right columns, the first signal is input, and the first signal Is a plurality of character data assigned to the input key, and the character data that can be input by the key group key on the opposite side to the side where the key to which the first signal is input is arranged. , One vertical column is displayed on the display according to the key arrangement of the key group. When a secondary selection is made by one of the keys on the side opposite to the side where the key on which this primary selection has been made is placed, the second signal is input and displayed on the display. Character data corresponding to the key to which this second signal is input is input as input data according to the arrangement of the plurality of displayed character data.

[0013] Here, the key is a plurality of character data assigned one by one to a matrix having m rows and n columns, and is assigned to each row or column of the matrix. Determine any group of rows or columns of the matrix when a signal is input, and determine whether a column or row is within this determined group when a second signal is input It is desirable that the character data used as input data is determined by the above. As a result, a plurality of character data can be allocated to the matrix, and the character data input by the first signal and the second signal can be easily managed.

[0014] Further, the input device of the present invention includes a display between the two right and left key groups. It is desirable to have a configuration. As a result, when the primary selection is performed by one of the keys of the key group arranged in the left and right columns, the character data of the secondary selection candidate corresponds to the key array of the key group. Since it is displayed in the vicinity of, it is possible to easily select a key for inputting desired character data.

[0015] Further, the display is preferably configured separately from the main display for displaying input data. This makes it possible to select a desired character and make a secondary selection while viewing the display on a display that is configured separately from the main display, without reducing the space on the main display where the input character data is displayed. It becomes possible.

[0016] In addition, the display can be configured independently for each row of the two left and right key group. This makes it possible to display the display by color for each key for secondary selection, or to darken a display that does not display characters.

[0017] Alternatively, the left and right two-row key groups may be arranged below the display. This makes it possible to share the main display and the display that displays the selected character candidate. At this time, since the selected character candidates are displayed in one vertical column on the same side as the two left and right key groups, it is easy to understand the correspondence between the displayed selected character candidates and the keys.

[0018] Further, the keys are elongated horizontally and have an average fingertip width, or longer than the average fingertip width, and the vertical distance between the keys in each row is It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the thickness is about the average fingertip thickness or wider than the average fingertip thickness.

[0019] In addition, in a state where the first signal is continuously input, the control unit causes the key to which the second signal is continuously input by the continuous input of the second signal. It is desirable that multiple character data can be input continuously by using the corresponding character data as input data. This makes it possible to continuously input characters belonging to the same character group if secondary selection is performed while the primary selection key is held down.

The invention's effect

[0020] (1) According to the present invention, the primary selection is performed with the keys of either one of the left and right key groups. When a character group including a plurality of character data is determined, a secondary selection is performed using the keys of the key group on the opposite side to the side where the key on which the primary selection has been performed is arranged. Since the characters in the character group are determined and entered, it is possible to quickly confirm the selection of the input characters by a simple operation with a good rhythm such as hitting a tennis ball. In particular, the secondary selection uses either the left or right key corresponding to the character displayed on the display, and uses the key on the opposite side of the key on which the primary selection has been performed, so the operation is extremely simple. Also, when operating with both hands, the left and right fingers do not cross each other, and they are used alternately so that input efficiency is good.

[0021] (2) Due to the configuration in which a display is provided between the left and right two-row key groups, if a primary selection is made with either of the left and right two-row key group keys, the secondary selection candidate characters Data force Since it is displayed near each key corresponding to the key arrangement of the key group, it is possible to easily select the key for inputting the desired character data, and further confirm the selection of the input character. It becomes possible to carry out easily and quickly.

[3] (3) Display power Configured separately from the main display that reduces the space of the main display where the input character data is displayed by being configured separately from the main display that displays the input data While looking at the display, it is possible to select a desired character and make a secondary selection.

[0023] (4) Display power According to the configuration that is configured independently for each row of the left and right two columns of key groups, the display is displayed in different colors or characters are not displayed for each key for secondary selection. Since the display can be darkened, the positional relationship of the keys corresponding to the character to be secondarily selected becomes clear, and the selection can be further facilitated.

[0024] (5) Two groups of left and right key group forces According to the configuration arranged below the display, it is possible to share the main display and the display that displays the selected character candidates, thereby reducing costs. It becomes possible.

[0025] (6) The keys are elongated horizontally and are formed to have an average fingertip width or longer than the average fingertip width, and the vertical distance between the keys in each row is In addition, according to the configuration arranged so that it is about the thickness of the average fingertip or wider than the average fingertip thickness, it is not difficult to hold the key even if the number of rows increases, and the key top display is also portable Phone body Can be printed, which contributes to a reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0026] (7) In the state in which the first signal is continuously input, the control unit continuously inputs the second signal to each key to which the second signal is continuously input. By using the corresponding character data as input data, it is possible to input multiple character data continuously. Characters belonging to a character group can be entered continuously, eliminating the need for conventional single-character feed operations, and enabling high-speed input equivalent to single-stroke input despite basically two-stroke input. It becomes.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a front view of a conventional mobile phone.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which the arrangement of the auxiliary display of the mobile phone in the embodiment of the present invention is changed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example where the arrangement of the auxiliary display of the mobile phone in the embodiment of the present invention is changed.

FIG. 5 is a front view for explaining an operation example of the mobile phone in FIG. 1.

6 is a front view for explaining an operation example of the mobile phone in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing another embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention.

8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operation example of the mobile phone in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing another embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing another embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view showing another embodiment of the mobile phone of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an input comparison between the present invention and a conventional example.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing input comparison between the present invention and a conventional example.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an input comparison between the present invention and a conventional example.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an input comparison between the present invention and a conventional example.

Explanation of symbols

[0028] 11 Number 1 key 12 2nd key

13 3rd key

14 Key 4

15 Key 5

16 6th key

17 7th key

18 Key number 8

19 Key 9

20 Key 0

21 Main display

22 Character mode switch key

23, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 selection display

24 Mobile phone

26 fingers

30 Control unit

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone as the mobile device in the embodiment of the present invention includes a mobile phone body 24, a control unit 30, a main display 23, a character mode switching key 22, a selection display 21, and numbers. 1 key 11 to 5 key 15 left key group, 6 key 16 to right key 20 right key group, “* (asterisk)”, “sign”, It is equipped with an input device that is also configured with a “# (sharp)” key force. In the mobile phone according to the present embodiment, the key group from the 1st key 11 to the 0th key 20 is a number key on the upper left like the push button arrangement of the conventional general mobile phone shown in FIG. Beginning with "1" 3 columns 4 rows keyboard 2 array not as shown in Figure 2, left column 1 key starts with 11 forces, 5 column down to 15 rows down to 5 rows, then right It is an array of 2 columns and 5 rows, with 5 rows arranged in the vertical column from the 6th key 16 to the 20th key 20 of the column.

[0030] Further, in this input device, in order to be able to input data of numbers, characters and symbols by 10 keys 11 to 20, 10 numbers and at least 26 characters are input to keys 11 to 20. No The alphabet and at least 10 kana characters are assigned as follows. That is, “1 @ (at sign) a” is assigned to the first key 11, “2 ABC power” is assigned to the second key 12, “3 DEF” is assigned to the third key 13, and the fourth key 14 “4 GHI TA” in the 5th key, “5 JKL” in the 15th key 15, “6 MNO” in the 6th key 16 and “7 PQRS” in the 7th key 17 “8 TUV” is assigned to key 18, “9 WXYZ et al” is assigned to key 19 and “0. (Period), (comma) Wanon” is assigned to key 20 .

[0031] Table 1 shows a 5-column, 10-line kana table in which one kana character is assigned to each Matritas that has 5 columns and 10-line power. This 5-column, 10-row kana table is a very commonly known table in which 50 sounds are arranged in a matrix of 10 rows in the vertical column and 5 columns in the horizontal column. In addition, the 5-column 10-line English table in Table 2 was created following the Kana table in Table 1. Ten keys 11 to 20 are assigned character groups in each row of Table 1 and Table 2, respectively. It is also possible to add an optional character symbol to the blank in the table.

[0032] [Table 1]

5 X 1 0 Kana table

[0033] [Table 2] 5 X 1 0 Alphabet table

[0034] In the illustrated example, the 1st key 11 to the 5th key 15 are arranged in the left column, the 6th key 16 force is also arranged in the right column with the 0th key 20 in the right column. However, the left column and the right column can be interchanged, and this does not impair the essence of the present invention. Also, since it is a well-known method to assign a cloud point, a cloud point, a prompt sound, etc. to keys such as “*”, “symbol”, and “#”, a special description is omitted. Note that the alphabet combinations assigned in the present embodiment are the most popular combinations all over the world, and can be used for ambiguous input such as the T9 method, which is popular in Europe. In language spheres that do not use force ^ characters, it is possible to omit the kana character assignment. In languages that use characters other than the above, arbitrary characters and symbols can be assigned.

[0035] When the first signal is input by pressing any one of the keys 11 to 20, the selection display 21 displays a plurality of character data assigned to the key to which the first signal is input. Are displayed in a single vertical column corresponding to the key arrangement of the key duplication on the opposite side to the side where the key to which the first signal is input is arranged. The selection display 21 is arranged at an intermediate position between the left column key group and the right column key group. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the selection display 21 is configured separately from the main display 23 that displays the character data input by the keys 11 to 20 and the like.

[0036] It should be noted that the position where the selection display 21 is arranged can be the left end arrangement of the key drape as shown in FIG. 3 or the right end arrangement as shown in FIG. However, the force that is considered to obtain the same effect as the intermediate arrangement shown in FIG. 2 is the most preferred arrangement in terms of visibility and operability.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the reason why the key arrangement is 2 columns and 5 rows is that the numbers from 1 to 0 necessary for inputting the telephone numbers are 1 to 5 and 6 to 0. It can be divided into two groups of 5 each, and the key on one side of the central row is not interfered with the keys on the other row as in the 3-row configuration. The alphabet of button-type telephones has a maximum of 4 characters, and the powerful 50-sound table, which is the standard for powerful characters, is a matrix array consisting of 5 columns and 10 rows. It depends on what can be used. Moreover, it is because it is possible to facilitate memory and learning by arranging information in units of 5 rows and 5 columns.

[0038] The operation of the input device in the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 2, the primary selection is performed by pressing one key in the left key group from the first key 11 to the fifth key 15 in FIG. Then, this key press is input to the control unit 30 as a first signal, and information (character data) of a plurality of character groups assigned to the selected key in advance is stored in the left column key group and the right column. This is displayed in one vertical column on the selected display 21 placed in the middle position of the key group. At this time, the number of characters in the relevant character group is set within the number of lines, and each character displayed is always the primary selection by the key group in the left column, that is, the opposite side of the primary selection key. When the is done, it is addressed one-to-one to the key next to the right column. Thus, when the secondary selection is performed by pressing the key next to the right column corresponding to the character to be selected, this key press is input to the control unit 30 as the second signal. Thus, the control unit 30 determines the character data corresponding to the key to which the second signal is input as input data according to the arrangement of the plurality of character data displayed on the selection display 21.

On the other hand, in FIG. 2, the key groups in the right column from the 6th key 16 to the 0th key 20 are shown. When a primary selection is made by pressing one key, this key press is input to the control unit 30 as the first signal, and information on a plurality of character groups that are assigned in advance to the selected key is obtained. It is displayed in one vertical column on the selection display 21 placed in the middle position between the key group in the right column and the key group in the left column. At this time, the number of characters in the character group is set within the number of lines, and each displayed character must be the opposite side of the primary selected key, that is, in this case, right next to the left column. Each key is addressed one to one. Thus, if a secondary selection is made by pressing the key next to the left column corresponding to the character to be selected, this key press is input to the control unit 30 as the second signal, and this is the same as described above. The character data corresponding to the key to which the second signal is input is determined as the input data.

[0040] For example, when the character mode switching key 22 is operated to switch to the alphabetic mode and the key 17 in the right column is pressed, the control unit 30 is assigned to the seventh key 17 in the right column. The character group “PQRS” on the seventh line in Table 2 is displayed on the selection display 21 as a candidate character as shown in FIG. These candidate characters “PQRS” correspond to each of the keys 11 to 15 right next to the left column! /. Therefore, for example, when the third key 13 in the left column is pressed, the control unit 30 The character “R” corresponding to the key 13 is confirmed as input data and displayed on the main display 23.

[0041] Similarly, when the character mode switching key 22 is operated to switch to the powerful character mode and the second key 12 in the left column is pressed, the control unit 30 The kana character assigned to the key 12, that is, the character group “Kakikukeko” in the second row of Table 1 is displayed on the selection display 21 as a candidate character as shown in FIG. Since these candidate characters “Kakiku Keko” correspond to the keys 16 to 20 right next to the right column, for example, when the key 19 in the right column is pressed, the control unit 30 The character “K” corresponding to the key 19 is confirmed as input data and displayed on the main display 23. If the character mode switching key 22 is operated to switch to the number mode, the numbers of the corresponding keys 11 to 20 are input to the main display 23.

[0042] In the input device according to the present embodiment, when inputting the kana character's muddy sound, semi-muddy sound, lowercase letters, etc., it is possible to select by inputting the same key continuously during the primary selection. Yes. For example, when inputting the muddy sound of the line, if you press the key 12 twice in succession, “Gagugugego”, the muddy sound of the character group “Kakikukeko” on the second line in Table 1, will be used as a candidate character. Displayed on selection display 21. Similarly, in the case of the muddy sound of the lane, the lane, and the lane, you can press the keys 13, 14, 16 twice in succession. In addition, when entering the semi-voiced sound of Pa-Line, pressing key 16 three times in succession will result in “Papi-Peppo”, the semi-turbid sound of the character group “Hahifheho” on the sixth line in Table 1. Is displayed on the selection display 21 as a candidate character. Similarly, in the case of lowercase letters, it is possible to input by pressing a predetermined number of times continuously.

[0043] Also, in the input device according to the present embodiment, if the secondary selection is performed in a state where the primary selected key is pressed, that is, the first signal is continuously input, the same character group It is possible to continuously input characters belonging to. At this time, in a state where the first signal is continuously input, the control unit 30 responds to the key to which the second signal is continuously input by the continuous input of the second signal. The character data to be processed is processed as input data. Therefore, in the past, the force that had to be advanced by one character with the direction key in order to continuously input the characters assigned to the same key. Although it is not necessary, it can be input at high speed equivalent to 1 stroke input even though it is basically 2 stroke inputs.

[0044] Conventionally, there is an example in which a method of displaying candidates by primary selection and confirming by secondary selection is used. As a method of secondary selection, follow the information displayed on the key top, Or it depends on the information displayed on the main display, and it takes time to make an intuitive determination of the secondary selection input, which is a practical problem especially for devices installed in mobile phones and mobile terminals. However, in the present embodiment, the primary selection is performed with one of the keys in the left and right columns to determine a character group including a plurality of characters, and then the key in the column on the opposite side to the primary selection key. This is a method of determining the characters in this character group by secondary selection with. The secondary selection uses the left or right key near the key corresponding to the character displayed on the selection display 21, and the key on the opposite side of the key used for the primary selection is used. The operation is extremely simple.

[0045] Compared to the conventional 3-column 4-row array including one column in the center, the two-columns in this embodiment In the case of a 5-row array, the finger pressing the key does not interfere with other keys. In particular, according to the usage method of operating the left row of keys 11-15 with the thumb of the left hand and operating the right row of keys 16-20 with the thumb of the right hand, the first stroke is a state where the finger is held with one finger. The second stroke can be input continuously with the other finger. As a result, as described above, although the input method in the present embodiment is basically a two-stroke input, it is possible to obtain a high-speed input efficiency equivalent to a one-stroke input.

In addition, as described above, the input device according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized by the arrangement of 2 columns and 5 rows, which is not the conventional arrangement of 3 columns and 4 rows, but the array of 2 columns and 5 rows. Then, the number of lines increases vertically, and it may be difficult to hold the keys close together. As an improved embodiment in this case, each of the keys 11 to 20 is elongated in the horizontal direction and is formed to have a length approximately equal to the average fingertip width or longer than the average fingertip width. Figure 7 shows an input device in which the vertical spacing between keys is about the average fingertip thickness or wider than the average fingertip thickness. According to this input device, as shown in FIG. 8, the finger 26 that presses the second key 12 is in an arrangement relationship that makes it difficult to touch the first key 11 and the third key 13. According to this embodiment, it is not difficult to hold down the key even if the number of lines increases, and the key top display can be printed on the mobile phone body, which contributes to a reduction in manufacturing cost.

[0047] In addition, as a result of the elongate sideways and the key, it is usually more efficient to operate the key closer to the center when operating the key with one hand, while at both ends when operating with the thumb of both hands. It is better to be able to handle both methods. Fig. 9 shows another example of the mobile phone of Fig. 7 used in a language area that does not require kana characters. The kana characters are omitted, and the character groups of keys 1 to 20 of numbers 1 to 0 are omitted. The structure has been changed. In this way, omitting kana characters can increase the number of alphabetic characters assigned to each key, so continuous input for secondary selection with the previously selected key held down is possible. It can be done effectively.

Further, FIG. 10 is a modified example including selection displays 211, 212, 213, 214, and 215 that are independent for each row of the left and right columns of keynope instead of the selection display 21 of FIG. Show. In this example, when the primary selection is performed with the left and right key groups, the information of the character group assigned to the selected key is displayed in each selection display. One character is displayed on each of the rays 211, 212, 213, 214, and 215. In this case, each selection display 211 to 215 can be displayed by color for each key to be subjected to the secondary selection, or the selection display 211 to 215 can be displayed in a dark state when a character selected by the selected character is not displayed. Therefore, the positional relationship of the keys corresponding to the characters to be selected secondarily becomes clear, and the selection becomes easier.

FIG. 11 shows a modification in which the selection display 21 in FIG. 7 is omitted and a part of the main display 23 is used as the selection display. In this example, when the primary selection is performed by the left and right key groups, information on the character group assigned to the selected key is displayed on the main display 23. Here, on the left and right of the main display 23, numbers 1 to 5 and 11 to 15 and 6 to 0 and 16 to 20, respectively, are assigned and assigned to the selected key. Each character group information is displayed one-to-one near the position where the corresponding key number is written. Therefore, also in this example, it is possible to perform secondary selection with the corresponding keys while viewing the display on the main display 23, and it is possible to easily input characters.

Example

[0050] Input comparison was performed between the input by the array of 2 columns and 5 rows according to the present invention shown in FIG. 2 and the input by the conventional array of 3 columns and 4 rows shown in FIG. Fig. 12 shows an example of comparison of the number of times of input when "A ヽぉ," is entered, Fig. 13 shows an example of comparison of the number of times of input when "e, gyo" is entered, and Fig. 14 shows "SIGHT" ”Is an example in which the number of inputs is compared, and FIG. 15 illustrates an example in which the number of inputs is compared when“ LIVE ”is input.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 12, when "Aioi" is continuously input in the powerful character mode, "A""I""O""I" Since all of the characters are assigned to the 1st key, press the 1st key once and enter "A", then move 1 character with the direction key and press the 1st key to 2 Press once and enter “Yes”. Similarly, for the characters “O” and “I”, the direction key is used to feed one character and the first key is pressed continuously, so the key is finally pressed 12 times. On the other hand, in the case of the input by the arrangement of 2 columns and 5 rows according to the present invention, the 6th key 16, the 7th key 17, the 0th key 20, the 7th key with the right finger while the 1st key 11 is pressed with the left finger. It is enough to press key 17 continuously. The As a result, it was possible to reduce the number of key presses by 58% by 58% compared to the previous case.

[0052] Also, as shown in FIG. 13, in the case of continuous input of "Eigyo", in the case of conventional input with an array of 3 columns and 4 rows, the "E" and "I" After entering the character, press the 2nd key twice to enter the character “ki”, and then press the “*” key to enter the muddy point. And to enter the character “Yo”, press the 8th key three times and press the “lowercase” key, or press the 8th key 6 times and press the 1st key 3 times. Enter the letter “u”. In this case, the key is finally pressed 17 times or 19 times. On the other hand, in the 2-column 5-row array input according to the present invention, the characters “e” and “i” are input in the same manner as described above, and then the number 2 key 12 is pressed twice to enter the cloud point mode. Enter number "17" by pressing number key 17. Then, to enter the character “Yo”, press the 8th key 18 twice to enter the semi-turbid sound mode, press the 3rd key 13, press the 1st key 11 and press the 8th key 18 Enter “u”. In this case, the key is finally pressed 12 times. As a result, the number of key presses was reduced by 5 to 7 times compared to the conventional case, and the number of key presses was reduced by 29% to 36%.

Also, as shown in FIG. 14, when “SIGHT” is continuously input in the alphabetic mode, in the conventional input by the arrangement of 3 columns and 4 rows, the 7th key is pressed four times to “S”. Enter the letter "I" by pressing the 4th key three times. Here, the character “G” to be input next is assigned to the same 4th key as the character “I” previously input. Therefore, after sending 1 character with the direction key, press the 4th key. Press once to enter the letter “G”. Even if the next letter “H” is V 4, it is assigned to the same key # 4 as the letter “G” entered before. Similarly, after feeding one character with the direction key, 4 Press the number key twice and enter the letter “H”. Then press the 8th key once and enter the letter “T”. In this case, the key is finally pressed 13 times. On the other hand, in the case of the input by the arrangement of 2 columns and 5 rows according to the present invention, the seventh key 17 is pressed once with the right finger and then the fourth key 14 is pressed with the left finger to input the character “S”. . Since the next letters “I”, “G” and “H” are all assigned to the 4th key 14, hold down the 4th key 14 with the left hand and use the 8th key 18, 6 Numbers 16 and 7 can be entered simply by pressing 17 continuously. Then press 8th key 18 once with your right finger After that, press the 1st key 11 with your left finger and input the next character of “τ”. In this case, the key is finally pressed 8 times. As a result, it was possible to reduce the number of key presses by 38% compared to the previous case by 38%.

[0054] Also, as shown in FIG. 15, when "LIVE" is continuously input in the alphabetic mode, in the conventional input by the arrangement of 3 columns and 4 rows, the fifth key is pressed three times and "L" Enter the letter "I" by pressing the 4th key three times. Next, press the 8th key three times to enter the letter “V”, then press the 3rd key twice to enter the letter “E”. In this case, the key will eventually be pressed once. On the other hand, in the case of the input by the arrangement of 2 columns and 5 rows according to the present invention, the fifth key 15 is pressed once with the left finger, then the eighth key 18 is pressed once with the right finger and the letter “L” is displayed. input. Next, enter the letter “I” by pressing the 4th key 14 once with your left finger and then pressing the 8th key 18 once with your right finger. Enter the letter “V” by pressing the 8th key 18 once with your right hand and then pressing the 3rd key 13 once with your left finger. Enter the letter “E” by pressing the third key 13 once with your left finger and then pressing the seventh key 17 once with your right finger. In this case, the key is finally pressed 8 times. As a result, the number of key presses, which is three times less than the previous key press, was reduced by 27%.

[0055] Next, the input method using the array of 2 columns and 5 rows according to the present invention and the conventional input method using the array of 3 columns and 4 rows are compared in terms of input efficiency. Table 3 shows the number of equivalent keystrokes by multiplying the general occurrence frequency of alphabetic characters by the number of keystrokes when alphabetic characters are entered. According to the calculated value, the number of equivalent keystrokes is 200 for the array with 2 columns and 5 rows, whereas it is 214 for the array with 3 columns and 4 rows. However, in the case of an array of 3 columns and 4 rows, the group character in the same key has a 3 to 4 for 26 characters, so the probability of sending one character with the direction key is 12% corresponding to the occurrence probability. Multiply the number of equivalent keys by 240. This comparison shows that the input method according to the present invention improves the input efficiency by 17% over the conventional method.

[0056] Also, in Table 3, the equivalent number of keystrokes of the QWERTY formula is 100, and the force that is 1 to 2 compared to the equivalent number of keystrokes of 200 in the 2 rows and 5 rows array. If it becomes 3: 1 and the key layout memory, keystroke proficiency, and fingering efficiency are taken into consideration, the two-row, five-row layout key of the present invention may be easier to operate than the Q WERTY keyboard. It was confirmed experimentally.

[Table 3]

Next, the case of inputting Kana characters will be compared. Tables 4 and 5 show the number of equivalent keystrokes by multiplying the general frequency of occurrence of kana characters by the number of keystrokes. However, turbidity Sounds, semi-voiced sounds, and lowercase letters (promotional sounds, etc.) are omitted, so even if the number of keystrokes is set to 1, the total does not reach 100. According to the calculated value, the number of equivalent keystrokes in the array of 2 columns and 5 rows is 155, whereas it is 211 in the array of 3 columns and 4 rows. However, in the case of an array of 3 columns and 4 rows, for group characters in the same key, the probability of sending one character with the direction key is 5 for 50 characters, so multiply by 10% corresponding to the occurrence probability. The number of equivalent keys is 232. This comparison shows that the input method according to the present invention improves the input efficiency by 33% over the conventional method. A comparison between Examples 1 and 2 demonstrates that the input method according to the present invention is easier and faster than the conventional method.

[0059] [Table 4]

[0060] [Table 5]

In addition, if we add the advantage of the 2-column 5-row array, in the Kana array, the “Amatasa” group has an appearance frequency ratio of 68% to 32% compared to the “Hayamarawa” group. And out By gathering groups with high current frequency on one side, it becomes easier to learn the position of the key to be pressed, and the input of the present invention can be compared with the 3 column 4 row arrangement method, which is somewhat volatile. It is thought that efficiency improves as the method becomes familiar.

[0062] Also, comparing Table 1 and Table 2 with the two-stroke input method known as the so-called "pager method" shown in Table 6, the line and column force shown in Table 1 and Table 2 are determined. It can be seen that the method of the present invention makes it much easier to determine characters than the so-called “bokeh method” in which the arrangement table of 10 columns and 10 rows shown in Table 6 is stored or referenced.

[0063] [Table 6] Pager type table

Key to press in the second digit

Industrial applicability

The input device of the present invention is useful as a device for inputting character data such as characters and symbols to a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a mobile terminal.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A plurality of keys for inputting character data, each of which has a key force in which a plurality of character data is assigned to one key. A key group arranged in two left and right columns, and the two left and right columns. When the first signal is input by any one of the keys of the key group arranged in, a plurality of character data assigned to the key to which the first signal is input are converted to the first signal. A display that displays in one vertical column corresponding to the key group of the key group on the opposite side to the side where the key is entered,

After the first signal is input by one of the keys of the key group arranged in the left and right rows, the key group on the opposite side to the side where the key to which the first signal is input is arranged When the second signal is input by any one of the keys, the character data corresponding to the key to which the second signal is input is input according to the arrangement of the plurality of character data displayed on the display. Data control

An input device.

[2] The key is a plurality of character data forces S assigned to a matrix having m rows and n column forces, one for each row or column of the matrix, and the control unit When a first signal is input, a group of either rows or columns of the matrix is determined, and when the second signal is input, a group of columns or rows is determined within the determined loop. The character data to be used as the input data is determined by determining either

The input device according to claim 1.

[3] The input device according to [1], wherein the display is provided between the left and right two rows of key groups.

4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein the display is configured separately from a main display that displays the input data.

5. The input device according to claim 4, wherein the display is configured independently for each row of the left and right two-column key groups.

6. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the two left and right key groups are arranged below the display.

[7] The keys are horizontally long and have an average fingertip width or longer than the average fingertip width, and the vertical distance between the keys in each row is The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device is arranged so as to have an average fingertip thickness or wider than an average fingertip thickness.

[8] The key is elongated horizontally and has an average fingertip width, or a length longer than the average fingertip width, and the vertical distance between the keys in each row is The input device according to claim 2, wherein the input device is arranged so as to have an average fingertip thickness or wider than an average fingertip thickness.

[9] The key is horizontally long and has an average fingertip width, or longer than the average fingertip width, and the vertical distance between the keys in each row is 4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein the input device is arranged so as to have an average fingertip thickness or wider than the average fingertip thickness.

[10] The keys are horizontally long and have an average fingertip width or longer than the average fingertip width, and the vertical distance between the keys in each row is 5. The input device according to claim 4, wherein the input device is arranged to have an average fingertip thickness or wider than the average fingertip thickness.

[11] The key is horizontally long and has an average fingertip width or a length longer than the average fingertip width, and the vertical distance between the keys in each row is 6. The input device according to claim 5, wherein the input device is arranged so as to be approximately equal to an average fingertip thickness or wider than an average fingertip thickness.

[12] The keys are horizontally long and have an average fingertip width or a length longer than the average fingertip width, and the vertical distance between the keys in each row is 7. The input device according to claim 6, wherein the input device is arranged so as to have an average fingertip thickness or wider than the average fingertip thickness.

[13] In the state in which the first signal is continuously input, the control unit is configured so that each of the keys to which the second signal is continuously input is input by continuously inputting the second signal. 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of character data can be continuously input by using the corresponding character data as input data.

[14] In the state in which the first signal is continuously input, the control unit is configured so that the second signal is continuously input to each key to which the second signal is continuously input. 3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of character data can be continuously input by using the corresponding character data as input data.

[15] In the state in which the first signal is continuously input, the control unit is configured so that the second signal is continuously input to each key to which the second signal is continuously input. 4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of character data can be continuously input by using the corresponding character data as input data.

[16] In the state in which the first signal is continuously input, the control unit is configured so that the second signal is continuously input to each key to which the second signal is continuously input. 5. The input device according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of character data can be continuously input by using the corresponding character data as input data.

[17] In the state in which the first signal is continuously input, the control unit is configured so that the second signal is continuously input to each key to which the second signal is continuously input. 6. The input device according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of character data can be continuously input by using the corresponding character data as input data.

[18] In the state where the first signal is continuously input, the control unit is configured such that the second signal is continuously input to each key to which the second signal is continuously input. 7. The input device according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of character data can be continuously input by using the corresponding character data as input data.

[19] In the state in which the first signal is continuously input, the control unit is configured so that the second signal is continuously input to each key to which the second signal is continuously input. 8. The input device according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of character data can be continuously input by using the corresponding character data as input data.