WO2012169190A1

WO2012169190A1 - Text character input device and display change method

Info

Publication number: WO2012169190A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/003718
Authority: WO
Inventors: 岩間　智大; 輝泰河又; 池田　豊; 博文玉川
Original assignee: パナソニック株式会社
Priority date: 2011-06-08
Filing date: 2012-06-06
Publication date: 2012-12-13
Also published as: JPWO2012169190A1; KR20140030097A; CN103189833A; TW201303705A

Abstract

An objective of the present invention is to allow easily changing either sizes or number of input areas in which a text character is inputted in a prescribed text character input area. A text character input device comprises: a display unit which displays a text character input area of a prescribed size having one or more input areas wherein text characters are inputted; a detection unit which detects a specified operation which changes either the sizes or the number of the one or more input areas; a change unit which changes either the sizes or the number of the one or more input areas when the specified operation is detected by the detection unit; and a control unit which displays the one or more post-change input areas on the display unit.

Description

Character input device and display change method

The present invention relates to a character input device provided with a touch panel and a display change method.

Patent Document 1 discloses a character input device that allows a user to specify or change the size of a character input frame according to his / her preference by using a change button for changing the size of the character input frame.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 5-089290

However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if the size of the character input area can be changed, the number can not be changed. Further, since the button is arranged in the display screen in order to change the size of the character input area, a space for arranging the button is necessary when the screen size is restricted. Therefore, the change of the character input area is limited.

An object of the present invention is to provide a character input device and a display change method capable of easily changing the size or the number of input areas for inputting characters in a predetermined character input area.

The present invention is a display unit for displaying a character input area of a predetermined size having one or more input areas for inputting characters, and a detection for detecting a specific operation for changing the size or number of the one or more input areas. Unit, a changing unit for changing the size or number of the one or more input areas when the specific operation is detected by the detection unit, and the display unit for the one or more input areas after the change. And a control unit for displaying.

According to the character input device and display change method of the present invention, the size or the number of input areas for inputting characters in a predetermined character input area can be easily changed.

Figure (1) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention Diagram (2) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 100 Diagram (3) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 100 Diagram (4) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 100 Block diagram showing the configuration of the character input device 100 A diagram showing the number of input areas held by the change input area size holding unit 115 and the size thereof Flow of character input device 100 (1) Flow of character input device 100 (2) Figure (1) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 100 Diagram (2) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 100 Diagram (3) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 100 Block diagram showing the configuration of the character input device 100 (A), (b) is a handwriting input detection method (1) (A) and (b) are the handwriting input detection method (2) (A) A list of the number and size of input frames after change corresponding to handwriting input, (b) a prescribed input frame held by the prescribed input frame holding unit 113 Example of change to specified input frame (1) Example of change to specified input frame (2) Diagram for explaining the modification example of the division input frame Diagram for explaining a modified example of equally dividing the input frame Example of changing input frame (1) Example of changing input frame (2) Operation flow of the character input device 100 The figure (a)-(c) for demonstrating the relationship between the input area which is a closed area, and a handwriting

The character input device according to the first aspect is a display unit for displaying a character input area of a predetermined size having one or more input areas for inputting characters, and a specification for changing the size or number of the one or more input areas A detection unit that detects an operation of the changer, a change unit that changes the size or the number of the one or more input areas when the specific operation is detected by the detection unit, and the one or more inputs after the change And a control unit that displays an area on the display unit.

The character input device according to the second aspect is the character input device according to the first aspect, wherein the character input device holds a plurality of combinations of sizes and numbers of the one or more input areas that can be displayed at one time in the character input area. An area holding unit is provided, and when the specific operation is detected by the detection unit, the changing unit is based on a combination of the size and the number of the one or more input areas held by the change input area holding unit. , Changing the size or the number of the one or more input areas.

The character input device according to a third aspect is the character input device according to the second aspect, wherein the change unit detects, as the specific operation, a pinch-in operation starting from inside the at least one input area by the detection unit. If it is selected, the number and size of the current input area are changed to a combination including a smaller number of input areas than the number of current input areas among the combinations held in the change input area holding unit.

The character input device according to a fourth aspect is the character input device according to the third aspect, wherein the change unit detects, as the specific operation, a pinch out operation starting from within the at least one input area by the detection unit. If it is detected, the number and size of the current input area are changed to a combination including the number of input areas larger than the number of current input areas among the combinations held in the change input area holding unit.

The character input device according to a fifth aspect is the character input device according to the second aspect, wherein the change unit is a pinch operation with the inside of the at least one input area as a start point by the detection unit as the specific operation. If it is detected, the number and size of the current input area are changed to a combination including the number of input areas larger than the number of current input areas among the combinations held in the change input area holding unit.

The character input device according to a sixth aspect is the character input device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the change unit detects, as the specific operation, a pinch in operation starting from inside the at least one input area by the detection unit. If it is selected, the number and size of the current input area are changed to a combination including a smaller number of input areas than the number of current input areas among the combinations held in the change input area holding unit.

The character input device according to the seventh aspect does not display handwriting in the input area when the specific operation is detected in the character input device according to any of the first to sixth aspects.

The character input device according to an eighth aspect is the character input device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the input area is any one of a rectangle, a polygon, an ellipse or a circle.

A display change method according to a ninth aspect is a display unit including a character input area of a predetermined size having one or more input areas for inputting characters, and a display area for displaying characters input to the input area, The detection step of detecting an input operation for changing the size or the number of the one or more input areas, and when the pinch out operation or the pinch operation is detected among the input operations, the detection step And V. changing the size or number thereof.

The character input device according to a tenth aspect is the character input device according to the first aspect, wherein the detection unit detects a specific handwriting input for changing the size or the number of the one or more input areas, and the change unit The size of the one or more input areas or the size of the one or more input areas when a handwriting input straddling the closed area is detected for the closed area defining the input area of the one or more input areas by the detection unit. Change the number.

The character input device according to an eleventh aspect is the character input device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the closed region is any one of a polygon, an ellipse and a circle.

The character input device according to a twelfth aspect is the character input device according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, wherein the change unit is configured to, from the one side among four sides of the rectangle forming the closed region, by the detection unit. When the handwriting input straddling the other side opposite to the one side is detected, the input area is divided into two, and the control unit displays a character input area including the divided input area.

The character input device according to a thirteenth aspect is the character input device according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the change unit divides the display unit into two in the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction along the handwriting input, and the control unit And displaying a character input area including an input area divided into two in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction of the display unit.

The character input device according to a fourteenth aspect is the character input device according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, wherein the display unit includes a character input area of a predetermined size having a plurality of input areas, and the change unit is the detection When the handwriting input is detected by the unit across one side from the other side among the four sides of the plurality of rectangles defining the plurality of input areas, the input areas are combined, and the control is performed. The unit displays a text input area including a combined input area.

The character input device according to a fifteenth aspect is the character input device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the display unit includes a character input area of a predetermined size having a plurality of input areas, and the change unit is operated by the detection unit When a handwriting input is detected that straddles the other side from one side among the four sides of the plurality of rectangles defining the plurality of input areas, the input areas are combined, and the control unit Display the text input area including the combined input area.

The character input device according to a sixteenth aspect is the character input device according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein the change unit is configured to, among the four sides of a plurality of rectangles defining the plurality of input areas, face each other by the detection unit. When a handwriting input straddling one side from the side of is detected, the input area is divided into two, and the control unit displays a character input area including the divided input area.

The character input device according to a seventeenth aspect is the character input device according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the change unit divides the display unit into two in the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction along the handwriting input, and the control unit And displaying a character input area including an input area divided into two in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction of the display unit.

The character input device according to an eighteenth aspect is the character input device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the display unit includes a character input area of a predetermined size having a plurality of input areas, and the change unit is operated by the detection unit When a handwriting input straddling one other side from one adjacent side among the four sides of a plurality of rectangles defining the closed region is detected, the plurality of input areas are combined, and the control unit Displays a text input area that includes the combined input area.

The character input device according to a nineteenth aspect is the character input device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the display unit includes a character input area of a predetermined size having one or more input areas, and the change unit is the detection unit By dividing the one or more input areas included in the specific area of the character input area according to the number of times the handwriting input across the closed area defining the specific area of the character input area is detected, The control unit displays a character input area including equally divided input areas.

The character input device according to a twentieth aspect is the character input device according to any of the tenth to nineteenth aspects, wherein the start point and end point of a specific handwriting input for changing the size or the number of the one or more input areas. Are located outside the closed region.

The character input device according to a twenty-first aspect is the character input device according to the tenth aspect, further comprising a storage unit for holding a size and a number of prescribed input areas in association with a specific handwriting input, and the change unit When the detection unit detects a handwriting input straddling the closed region with respect to the closed region defining the input area of the one or more input areas, the predetermined input area stored in the storage unit The one or more input areas are changed to the size and the number, and the control unit displays a character input area including the changed one or more input areas.

The character input device according to a twenty-second aspect is the character input device according to any of the tenth to twenty-first aspects, wherein the display unit is a touch panel provided with the character input area.

A display changing method according to a twenty-third aspect changes a size or number of the one or more input areas, and a display unit for displaying a character input area of a predetermined size having one or more input areas for inputting one character. A detection unit that detects a specific handwriting input; a changing unit that changes the size or number of the one or more input areas when the specific handwriting input is detected by the detection unit; A display change method for a character input device, comprising: a control unit for displaying a plurality of input areas on the display unit, wherein the detection unit performs handwriting input across closed areas defining the one or more input areas. The detecting step of detecting, the changing step of changing the size or the number of the one or more input areas by the changing unit, and the one or more input areas changed by the control unit And a display step of displaying a non-character input area.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
First, the background to the first embodiment will be described.

As described above, in the prior art of Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-089290), although the size of the character input area can be changed, the number thereof can not be changed, and the change of the character input area is limited. There are challenges such as being

Further, in the reference patent 1 (Japanese Patent No. 3188039), when the size of the area including the character entry frame is changed, the size of the character entry frame or the number thereof according to the size based on the predetermined change mode. A character input device that automatically changes the character is disclosed. In the technique of this patent document 1, it is necessary to switch between the change mode of the frame size of the character input frame and the change mode of the number of frames. Therefore, there is a problem that the operation is troublesome for the user.

In addition, in the reference patent document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-1968668), when the "setting" button on the screen is pressed, a menu of "frame number setting" and "frame size setting" is displayed. A character input device is disclosed that displays a frame number input / frame size input screen when any one of the menus in (1) is selected. In the technology of this reference patent document 2, it is necessary to input the frame size / number of frames of the character input frame from the screen, and there is a problem that the operation is troublesome for the user.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, the character input device and display change method capable of changing the size or the number of input areas for inputting characters in a predetermined character input area intuitively without going through complicated operation procedures. To illustrate.

In the character input device 100 according to the first embodiment, the number of input areas or the size thereof can be changed in the limited screen size by the input area changing operation. Hereinafter, a specific method of changing the number of input areas and the size thereof will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the present embodiment, the input area or the divided input area is included in the input area display range S having a predetermined size. Characters are input in one input area or one divided input area.

In the present embodiment, the input area or the divided input area is a closed closed area and is rectangular. Characters are input in this input area.

In the present embodiment, the input area after division may be called a divided input area in order to distinguish between before and after division of the input area, but the divided input area is also an example of the input area.

[Basic operation of the first embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram (1) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 100. As shown in FIG. A screen 1-1 shown in FIG. 1 is a character input screen on the touch panel 101. In the screen 1-1, the characters handwritten in the input area F1 are displayed in the display area T1. The input area F1 is rectangular, and four sides facing each other form a closed area. Characters are input to the input area F1.

Also, two arrows shown in the figure indicate pinch out operation. The arrow tip is the end point P2 of the pinch out operation, and the end opposite to the arrow tip indicates the start point P1 of the pinch out operation.
Moreover, the input area display range S shows the range which can display an input area.
The candidate character input area T2 is an area for displaying candidate characters, words and the like displayed based on the recognition result of the characters input to the input area F1.

As shown in FIG. 1, when a pinch out (Pinch out) operation A1 in the input area F1 by the user is detected (screen 1-1), one input area F1 is divided into divided input areas D1 and D2 (Screen 1-2).

The detected pinch out operation A1 may be performed if the start point P1 of the pinch out operation A1 is in the input area F1, and the end point P2 of the pinch out operation A1 is in the input area F1 or outside the input area F1 good. In the pinch-out operation A1, the character input device 100 does not perform character recognition processing and handwriting display processing.

FIG. 2 is a diagram (2) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 100. A screen 2-1 shown in FIG. 2 is a character input screen on the touch panel 101. In the screen 2-1, the characters handwritten in the divided input areas D1 and D2 are displayed in the display area T1. The divided input areas D1 and D2 are both rectangular, and four sides opposing each other form a closed area. Characters are input to each of the divided input areas D1 and D2.

Also, two arrows shown in the figure indicate pinch out operation. The arrow tip indicates the end point P4 of the touch panel operation, and the end opposite to the arrow tip indicates the start point P3 of the pinch out operation.
Moreover, the input area display range S shows the range which can display an input area.
The candidate character input area T2 is an area for displaying candidate characters, words and the like displayed based on the recognition result of the characters input to the input area F1.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the pinch out operation A2 is detected in the divided input area D1 by the user (screen 2-1), the two divided input areas D1 and D2 are divided into six divided input areas D3 to D8. Will be displayed (screen 2-2). Even if the pinch out operation A2 is detected in the divided input area D2, the two divided input areas D1 and D2 are similarly divided into six divided input areas D3 to D8.

Although the number of input areas after division is also illustrated, it is not limited to this, and the number of input areas after division may be determined in advance. Note that in this figure, the detected pinch out operation A2 is only required if the start point P3 of the pinch out operation A2 is in any of the divided input areas, and the end point P4 of the pinch out operation A2 is in any of the divided input areas Or even outside of it. In the pinch-out operation A2, the character input device 100 does not perform character recognition processing and handwriting display processing.

As described above, in the character input device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the size and the number of input areas can be changed by a pinch-out operation without going through complicated operation procedures. Further, in the character input device 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to divide an actual input area by a pinch out operation that reminds the user of an image for separating the input area. Therefore, the size and the number of desired input areas can be changed by the touch panel operation (pinch out operation) that matches the intuitive image of the user.

FIG. 3 is a diagram (3) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 100. A screen 3-1 shown in FIG. 3 is a character input screen on the touch panel 101. On the screen 3-1, characters input by handwriting in the divided input areas D3 to D8 are displayed in the display area T1. The divided input areas D3 to D8 are all rectangular, and four sides opposing each other form a closed area. Characters are input to each of the divided input areas D3 to D8.

Also, two arrows shown in the figure indicate pinch-in operation. The arrow tip indicates the end point P6 of the pinch-in operation, and the end opposite to the arrow tip indicates the start point P5 of the pinch-in operation.
Moreover, the input area display range S shows the range which can display an input area.
The candidate character input area T2 is an area for displaying candidate characters, words and the like displayed based on the recognition result of the characters input to the input area F1.

As shown in FIG. 3, when a pinch-in operation A3 is detected in any of the divided input areas D3 to D8 (screen 3-1), the six divided input areas D3 to D8 are divided into two divided input areas. It decreases to D1 to D2 (screen 3-2).

Although the case where the number of divided input areas after the change is two is illustrated in the figure, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of divided input areas after the change may be determined in advance. Note that in this figure, the pinch-in operation A3 to be detected only needs to have the start point P5 in any of the divided input areas, and the end point P6 is outside the divided input area even if it is in any of the divided input areas It is good. In the pinch-in operation A3, the character input device 100 does not perform character recognition processing and handwriting display processing.

FIG. 4 is a diagram (4) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 100. A screen 4-1 shown in FIG. 4 is a character input screen on the touch panel 101. In the screen 4-1, the characters handwritten in the divided input areas D1 and D2 are displayed in the display area T1. The divided input areas D1 and D2 are both rectangular, and four sides opposing each other form a closed area. Characters are input to each of the divided input areas D1 and D2.

Also, two arrows shown in the figure indicate pinch-in operation. The arrowhead indicates the end point P8 of the pinch-in operation, and the end opposite to the arrowhead indicates the start point P7 of the pinch-in operation.
Moreover, the input area display range S shows the range which can display an input area.
The candidate character input area T2 is an area for displaying candidate characters, words and the like displayed based on the recognition result of the characters input to the input area F1.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the pinch-in operation A4 is detected in one of the divided input areas D1 and D2, the two divided input areas D1 and D2 are reduced to one input area F1.

Although the case where the number of divided input areas after the change is one is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of divided input areas after the change may be determined in advance. In this figure, the pinch-in operation A4 to be detected only needs to have the start point P7 in any of the divided input areas, and is outside the divided input area even if the end point P8 is in any of the divided input areas It is good. In the pinch-in operation A4, the character input device 100 does not perform character recognition processing and handwriting display processing.

As described above, in the character input device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the size and the number of input areas can be easily changed by the pinch-in operation. Further, in the character input device 100 according to the present embodiment, the number of actual input areas can be reduced by the pinch-in operation that reminds the user of the image connecting the input areas. Therefore, it is possible to change the size and number of desired input areas by the touch panel operation (pinch-in operation) that matches the intuitive image of the user.

[Configuration of the first embodiment]
The configuration of the character input device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the character input device 100 according to the present embodiment. The character input device 100 shown in FIG. 5 includes a touch panel 101, an input area change operation detection unit 103, a character recognition unit 105, an input area change unit 107, a control unit 109, a handwriting display unit 111, and an input size storage. A section 113 and a change input area size holding section 115 are provided.

The control unit 109 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 109 performs general control of the character input device 100 and performs various other arithmetic processing, control processing, and the like. The function of the control unit 109 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), or a program. The control unit 109 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the built-in information recording medium.

The touch panel 101 detects handwriting input on the touch panel, and outputs the detection result to the input area change operation detection unit 103 and the handwriting display unit 111. That is, the touch panel 101 provides an input interface between the character input device 100 and the user. The touch panel 101 may be a touch panel using capacitive, resistive, infrared, surface acoustic wave technology, and other proximity sensor arrays, or a plurality of touch sensitivity technologies for determining the touch point with the touch panel 101. 101 can detect any movement or interruption of movement due to the above touch and touch.

The handwriting display unit 111 provides an output interface between the character input device 100 and the user. The handwriting display unit 111 displays a visual output to the user as an output interface. This visual output can include text, graphics, video, and any combination thereof. The visual output corresponds, for example, to a user interface object. The handwriting display unit 111 may be provided integrally with the touch panel 101.

The input area change operation detection unit 103 receives the detection result (handwriting) of the touch panel 101 as an input, and determines whether the detection result is a touch panel operation for changing the size and the number of the input area. Here, in the present embodiment, the touch panel operation for changing the size and the number of input areas is the pinch-in operation (see FIGS. 1 and 2) as described with reference to FIGS. Or it is pinch out operation (refer to FIG. 3, FIG. 4). Then, the input area change operation detection unit 103 outputs the determination result to the input area change unit 107 and the handwriting display unit 111.

Based on the determination result of the input area change operation detection unit 103, the input area change unit 107 changes the number and size of the current input area based on the touch panel operation input from the touch panel 101. The input area changing unit 107 counts the number and size of the change input area held in the change input area size holding unit 115, and the number and size of the current input area held in the input size storage unit 113. Refer to Here, in the present embodiment, the input area changing unit 107 increases or decreases the number of input areas using the entire input area display range S. However, a part of the input area display range S is used. The number of input areas may be increased or decreased.

[Input area change operation]
<Pinch out operation>
When the touch panel operation input from the touch panel 101 is a pinch out operation, the input area changing unit 107 divides the current input area and increases the number by using the entire input area display range S. Change the number and size of the input area to. For example, when a pinch out operation is detected when the current input area is the input area F1, the input area changing unit 107 changes the input area F1 into divided input areas D1 and D2 (see FIG. 1). For example, when the current input area is divided input areas D1 and D2, when a pinch out operation is detected, input area changing unit 107 changes divided input areas D1 and D2 to divided input areas D3 to D8. (See Figure 2).

<Pinch-in operation>
Further, when the touch panel operation input from the touch panel 101 is a pinch in operation, the input area changing unit 107 combines the current input areas to reduce the number by using the entire input area display range S. Change the number and size of the input area to. For example, when the current input area is the divided input areas D3 to D8 and the pinch-in operation is detected, the input area changing unit 107 converts the divided input areas D3 to D8 into divided input areas D1 and D2. Change (see Figure 3). For example, when the current input area is the divided input areas D1 and D2, when the pinch-in operation is detected, the input area changing unit 107 changes the divided input areas D1 and D2 to the input area F1 (see FIG. 4). ).

The change input area size holding unit 115 holds the number and size of input areas to be changed by the pinch-in or pinch-out operation. FIG. 6 shows the number of input areas held by the change input area size holding unit 115 and the size thereof.

As shown in FIG. 6, the size of the input area F1 is defined by the height H1 and the width W1, and the number is one. That is, one input area F1 can be displayed in the input area display range S (see FIGS. 1 and 4). The sizes of the divided input areas D1 and D2 are defined by the height H2 and the width W2, and the number is two. That is, two divided input areas D1 and D2 can be displayed in the input area display range S (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The sizes of the divided input areas D3 to D8 are defined by the height H3 and the width W3, and the number is six. That is, six divided input areas D3 to D8 can be displayed in the input area display range S (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

In the present embodiment, the number of input areas held in the change input area size holding unit 115 and the size thereof are not limited to the three types shown in FIG. It is also possible to add the number of input areas and their size in advance by initial setting or the like. For example, depending on the type of input character, the size of a vertically-long input area having a larger value of height than width, or a horizontally-long input area having a value of width greater than height may be held.

In the present embodiment, although the input area is displayed using the entire input area display range S, the input area may be displayed using a part of it.

The input size storage unit 113 holds the current number and size of input areas on the touch panel 101. When the number and size of input areas after change are input from input area change section 107, input size storage section 113 changes the number of input areas on the touch panel currently held and the size of input areas after change. And overwrite its size. Therefore, in the input size storage unit 113, the number and the size of the current input area displayed on the touch panel 101 are always held.

The handwriting display unit 111 displays the handwriting input from the touch panel 101 in the input area based on the determination result of the input area change operation detection unit 103. That is, when the input area change operation detection unit 103 determines that the touch panel operation for changing the size and the number of input areas is not performed, the handwriting display unit 111 displays the handwriting input from the touch panel 101 in the input area. Do. When the input area change operation detection unit 103 determines that the touch panel operation is to change the size and number of the input area, the handwriting display unit 111 sets the handwriting input from the touch panel 101 to the input area. Do not show.

The character recognition unit 105 includes a character recognition engine, and recognizes characters based on handwriting input of an input area on the touch panel 101 displayed by the handwriting display unit 111. The control unit 109 displays candidate characters, words, and the like in the candidate character input area T2 based on the result of character recognition of the character recognition unit 105.

[Operation flow of the first embodiment]
FIG. 7 shows a flow (1) of the character input device 100 according to the first embodiment. The flow (1) shown in FIG. 7 shows normal character recognition processing.

In step S 701, handwritten characters are input to the input area of touch panel 101. In step S703, handwriting is displayed in the input area of the touch panel 101. In step S705, the character recognition unit 105 recognizes a character from handwriting input in the entry area.

FIG. 8 shows a flow (2) of the character input device 100 according to the present embodiment. A flow (2) shown in FIG. 8 shows an input area change process.

In step S801, the input area change operation detection unit 103 detects an input area change operation on the input area. In step S803, when the input area change operation is detected, the handwriting display unit 111 does not display the handwriting in the input area. In step S805, the input area changing unit 107 changes the number and size of the input areas based on the pinch operation.

As described above, in the character input device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the size and the number of input areas can be easily changed by the pinch out operation or the pinch in operation. Further, in the character input device 100 according to the present embodiment, an actual input area can be divided by a pinch out operation that recalls an image for separating the input area. Therefore, the size and the number of desired input areas can be changed by the touch panel operation (pinch out operation) that matches the intuitive image of the user.

Further, in the character input device 100 according to the present embodiment, the actual input areas can be connected and the number thereof can be reduced by the pinch-in operation that recalls the image connecting the input areas. Therefore, it is possible to change the size and number of desired input areas by the touch panel operation (pinch-in operation) that matches the intuitive image of the user.

Further, in the character input device 100 according to the present embodiment, even if the user interface object for performing the operation to change the size and the number of the input area is not displayed on the touch panel 101, the pinch out operation or the pinch in operation is performed. Input area can be changed. Therefore, in the character input device 100 according to the present embodiment, even with the limited screen size of the touch panel 101, the size of the input area can be secured to the maximum, and the size or the number of the input areas can be changed.

In the present embodiment, depending on the number of pinch-in operations or pinch-out operations, all or part of input area display range S is used to divide or connect the current input area into input areas of equal size. It is good.

In the present embodiment, the current input area is changed by one pinch-in operation or pinch-out operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. The current input area may be changed in advance by a predetermined number of pinch operations or pinch out operations.

The current input area may be divided or linked to input areas of equal size according to the number of pinch-in operations or pinch-out operations using a part of the entire range of the input area display range S.

In the present embodiment, the pinch in operation or the pinch out operation may extend over a plurality of input areas or may be completed in one input area.

In the present embodiment, as long as the start point of the pinch-in operation or the pinch-out operation is within the input area, the end point of these operations may be within the input area or outside the input area.

In the present embodiment, if the pinch-in operation is detected, the number of current input areas is reduced, and if the pinch-out operation is detected, the number of current input areas is increased, the input area is increased. The change is not limited to this. Conversely, if a pinch in operation is detected, the number of current input areas is increased, and if a pinch out operation is detected, the input areas are changed to reduce the number of current input areas. Also good.

In the present embodiment, although the case where the shape of the input area is rectangular is described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the input area may be a polygon, a circle, or an ellipse. Even if the shape of the input area is other than rectangular, the end point of the pinch operation may be either inside or outside the input area as long as the start point of the pinch operation is within the input area.

In the present embodiment, the number of input areas held by the change input area size holding unit 115 and the size thereof are not limited to the three types shown in FIG. The user can freely set the number and size of input areas in advance. At that time, if the number and size of the input area are set so that the input area display range S can be used to the maximum, the limited screen can be used effectively. The number and size of the input areas may be set so that the input areas are displayed in part of the input area display range S.

In this embodiment, when changing the number of input areas and the size thereof, the input area before change and the input area after change are changed by various animations such as slide-in / slide-out or fade-in / fade-out. The user feedback for the switching operation may be displayed visually.

As described above, according to the character input device and the display changing method according to the present embodiment, the size of the input area for inputting characters in a predetermined character input area or intuitively without going through complicated operation procedures or the size of the input area You can change the number.

Second Embodiment
Next, the background to the second embodiment will be described.

According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-015684, a stroke across a character input area or a stroke extending out of a character input area is detected, and the detected stroke is regarded as a command input and processed. Discloses a character input device capable of According to the technology of this patent document 3, although arbitrary processing can be executed by using not only the inside of the character input area but also the stroke input to the outside as a command, the user can execute many strokes corresponding to various commands. Need to be remembered.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the character input can change the size or the number of input areas for inputting characters in a predetermined character input area without going through complicated operation procedures such as operations corresponding to various commands. An apparatus and the display change method are illustrated.

In the character input device 200 according to the second embodiment, the number or the size of the input frame can be changed within the limited screen size by the simple handwriting input for the user. Hereinafter, a specific method of changing the number and size of the input frame will be described with reference to the drawings.

Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the input frame or the division frame is included in the character input area having a predetermined size. It is assumed that one character is input in one input box or one division box. Here, the input area refers to a closed area closed by an input frame or a division frame, and characters are input to this input area.

Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the stroke that the user inputs on the touch panel 201 is referred to as handwriting input.

[Basic operation of the second embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a diagram (1) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 200. As shown in FIG. A screen 5-1 shown in FIG. 9 is a character input screen on the touch panel 201. On the screen 5-1, the characters handwritten in the input frame F21 are displayed on the display frame T21. The input frame F21 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S21, a lower side S22, a left side S23, and a right side S24, which face each other. One character is input to the input box F21. In addition, an arrow A21 indicates handwriting input. The direction of arrow A21 indicates the direction of handwriting input. Further, the arrow tip of the arrow A21 indicates the end point of handwriting input, and the end opposite to the arrow tip indicates the start point of handwriting input.

The user performs handwriting input straddling two sides (upper side S21 and lower side S22) facing each other among four sides of the input frame F21. The direction of handwriting input is a direction from the upper side S21 to the lower side S22 opposed to the upper side S21. In other words, the direction of this handwriting input is the vertical direction (or vertical direction) of the screen 5-1. In order to distinguish from handwriting input for character input, handwriting input for dividing the input frame F21 starts from the outside of the input frame F21 and ends outside the input frame F21. In the screen 5-1, the arrow A21 indicating handwriting input starts from the outside of the input frame F21 with respect to the upper side S21 and ends outside the input frame F21 with respect to the lower side S22.

The character input screen on the touch panel 201 transitions to the screen 5-2 when the handwriting input for dividing the input frame F21 on the screen 5-1 is detected. On the screen 5-2, split input frames D21 and D22 in which the input frame F21 is divided in the vertical direction (or the vertical direction) are displayed. The division direction in which the input frame F21 is divided coincides with the direction of handwriting input on the screen 5-1, that is, the vertical direction (or the vertical direction) of the screen 5-1. Therefore, in the character input device 200 according to the present embodiment, the screen size is limited along the direction of the handwriting input straddling two sides (upper side S21, lower side S22) facing each other among the four sides of the input frame F21. The input frame F21 can be divided into two in the vertical direction.

In addition, in order to distinguish the input frame before and behind a change, although the input frame after a division | segmentation is called a division | segmentation input frame, a division | segmentation input frame is also one of the input frames.

FIG. 10 is a diagram (2) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 200. Screen 6-1 is a character input screen on touch panel 201. On the screen 6-1, the characters handwritten in the input frame F21 are displayed on the display frame T21. The input frame F21 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S21, a lower side S22, a left side S23, and a right side S24, which face each other. One character is input to the input box F21. In addition, an arrow A22 indicates handwriting input. The direction of the arrow A22 indicates the direction of handwriting input. Further, the arrow tip of the arrow A22 indicates the end point of handwriting input, and the end opposite to the arrow tip indicates the start point of handwriting input.

The user performs handwriting input straddling two sides (left side S23 and right side S24) facing each other among the four sides of the input frame F21. The direction of handwriting input is from the left side S23 toward the right side S24 opposite to the left side S23. In other words, the direction of this handwriting input is the lateral direction (or lateral direction) of the screen 6-1. In addition, the handwriting input which changes the input frame F21 (dividing in this screen) in order to distinguish from the handwriting input for character input is started from the outer side of the input frame F21 and is the handwriting input which ends outside the input frame F21 It is. In the screen 6-1, the arrow A22 indicating handwriting input starts from the outside of the input frame F21 with respect to the left side S23 and ends outside the input frame F21 with respect to the right side S24.

The character input screen on the touch panel 201 transitions to the screen 6-2 when the handwriting input for dividing the input frame F21 on the screen 6-1 is detected. On the screen 6-2, divided input frames D23 and D24 in which the input frame F21 is divided in the horizontal direction (or horizontal direction) are displayed. The dividing direction in which the input frame F21 is divided matches the direction of handwriting input on the screen 6-1. That is, in the character input device 200 according to the present embodiment, the screen size is limited according to the direction of the handwriting input across two opposing sides (left side S23 and right side S24) of the four sides of the input frame F21. Among them, the input frame F21 can be changed (divided into two in the horizontal direction).

As described above, in the character input device 200 according to the present embodiment, since the direction in which the input frame is divided differs according to the direction of the handwriting input, the user recalls the handwriting input to be changed to the desired divided frame. It is easy to do, and it is not necessary to learn complicated touch panel operation procedures.
Further, in the character input device 200 according to the present embodiment, the input frame is divided by the handwriting input as described above, without displaying the user interface object for executing the operation of dividing the input frame on the touch panel 201. can do. Therefore, in the character input device 200 according to the present embodiment, even with the limited screen size of the touch panel 201, the size of the input frame can be secured as much as possible, and the input frame can be divided.

FIG. 11 is a diagram (3) for explaining the basic operation of the character input device 200. A screen 7-1 shown in FIG. 11 is a character input screen on the touch panel 201. On the screen 7-1, the characters input by handwriting in the divided input frames D21 and D22 are displayed on the display frame T21. The divided input frame D21 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S25, a lower side S26, a left side S27, and a right side S28, which face each other. The divided input frame D22 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S29, a lower side S30, a left side S31, and a right side S32, which face each other. One character is input to each of the divided input frames D21 and D22. An arrow A29 indicates handwriting input. The direction of the arrow A29 indicates the direction of handwriting input. Also, the arrowhead of arrow A29 indicates the end point of handwriting input, and the end opposite to the arrowhead indicates the start point of handwriting input.

The user performs handwriting input straddling two opposing sides (the lower side S26 of the divided input frame D21 and the upper side 29 of the divided input frame D22) among the four sides of the divided input frame D21 or D22. In order to distinguish from handwriting input for character input, handwriting input that combines the divided input frames D21 and D22 starts from the outside of the divided input frame D21 or D22 and ends at the outside of the divided input frame D21 or D22 It is an input. In the screen 7-1, the arrow A29 indicating handwriting input starts from the outside of the divided input frame D21 than the lower side S26 of the divided input frame D21, and ends outside the divided input frame D22 than the upper side S29 of the divided input frame D22. Do. The character input screen on the touch panel 201 transitions to the screen 7-2 when the handwriting input that combines the divided input frames D21 and D22 on the screen 7-1 is detected. In the screen 7-2, the divided input frames D21 and D22 are combined and the input frame F21 is displayed.

Here, the direction of the handwriting input for dividing the input frame as described with reference to FIG. 9 is the direction from the upper side S21 to the lower side S22 of the input frame F21, while in FIG. The direction of handwriting input for connecting the frames is a direction from the lower side S26 of the divided input frame D21 to the upper side S29 of the divided input frame D22. In other words, the direction of the handwriting input that combines the divided input frames is opposite to the direction of the handwriting input that divides the input frame. Therefore, the user can easily recall the operation of combining the divided input frames, and does not need to learn complicated operations.

In FIG. 11, the direction of handwriting input for connecting the divided input frames is a direction from the lower side S26 of the divided input frame D21 to the upper side S29 of the divided input frame D22, but is not limited thereto. In FIG. 11, the handwriting input may be any one from the lower side of one of the divided input frames D21 and D22 to the opposite upper side of one of the divided input frames D21 and D22.

As described above, in the character input device 200 according to the present embodiment, the number or the size of the input frame can be changed within the limited screen size by the simple handwriting input operation for the user. In addition, since the direction of handwriting input for dividing the input frame into two matches the direction in which the input frame is divided into two, the user can easily recall the operation of dividing the input frame into two, and remembers complicated operations. It is not necessary. Furthermore, the direction of the handwriting input for combining the two divided input frames is opposite to the direction of the handwriting input for dividing the input frame into two, so that the user combines these two divided input frames. You can easily recall handwriting input and do not have to learn complicated operations.

[Configuration of Second Embodiment]
The configuration of the character input device 200 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the character input device 200. As shown in FIG. The character input device 200 shown in FIG. 12 includes a touch panel 201, an input coordinate acquisition unit 203, an input coordinate storage unit 205, an input frame size storage unit 207, an input frame change operation detection unit 209, and an input frame change unit 211. , A prescribed input frame holding unit 213, and a control unit 215.

The control unit 215 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 215 performs general control of the character input device 200 and performs various other arithmetic processing, control processing, and the like. The function of the control unit 215 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), or a program. The control unit 215 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the built-in information recording medium.

In addition, the control unit 215 includes a character recognition engine, and can recognize characters from handwriting input on the touch panel 201 and display the characters on the display unit.

The touch panel 201 has a display unit integrally formed, and provides both an output interface and an input interface between the character input device 200 and the user.

When the touch panel 201 functions as an input interface, the touch panel 201 simultaneously detects one or a plurality of touches, and outputs the detection result to the input coordinate acquisition unit 203. Here, the one or more contacts detected by the touch panel 201 are, for example, the contacts of one or more fingers of the user operating the touch panel 201. The direct touch on the touch panel may be a device such as a touch pen instead of the user's finger.

The touch panel 201 displays a visual output to the user as an output interface. This visual output can include text, graphics, video, and any combination thereof. The visual output corresponds to the user interface object. In addition, although the display frame T21 as an output interface is displayed on the touch panel 201, this display frame T21 may be displayed not on the touch panel 201 but on another display device.

Note that the touch panel 201 is a touch panel using capacitive, resistive, infrared, surface acoustic wave technology, and other proximity sensor arrays, or a plurality of touch sensitivity technologies for determining the touch point with the touch panel 201. 201 can detect any movement or interruption of movement due to the above touch and touch.

The input coordinate acquisition unit 203 acquires a handwriting input on the touch panel 201 as absolute coordinates on the touch panel 201 using the detection result on the touch panel 201 as an input. Then, the input coordinate acquisition unit 203 outputs the handwriting input on the touch panel 201 to the input coordinate storage unit 205 as absolute coordinates on the touch panel 201. The handwriting input includes handwriting input for inputting characters and handwriting input for changing the input frame. The former starts handwriting in the input frame, and the latter starts from outside the input frame. It is started.

The input coordinate storage unit 205 holds absolute coordinates corresponding to handwriting input on the touch panel 201. Among the absolute coordinates held in the input coordinate storage unit 205, the absolute coordinates corresponding to the handwriting input started from within the input frame are referred to by the control unit 215, and the character recognition engine incorporated therein performs character recognition .

The input frame size storage unit 207 holds the current number and size of input frames on the touch panel 201. When the input frame size and the size of the input frame after the change are input from the input frame changing unit 211, the input frame size storage unit 207 changes the number and size of the input frames on the touch panel currently held. Overwrite Therefore, in the input frame size storage unit 207, the number and the size of the current input frame displayed on the touch panel 201 are always held.

In the present embodiment, the input frame is all rectangular, and the size of the input frame is the height H, which is the length of the input frame in the vertical direction (or the vertical direction), and the horizontal direction (or the horizontal direction). It shall be specified by width W which is the length of). In addition, in the area of the input frame F21 (see FIG. 9 and the like), the size is changed (split, combined, and the like) according to the number of input frames.

Based on the absolute coordinates corresponding to the handwriting input on the touch panel 201 held in the input coordinate storage unit 205, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 determines whether the handwriting input is a handwriting input for changing the input frame. Is detected, and the detection result is output to the input frame changing unit 211.

[Input frame change operation]
(Detection of handwriting input that divides the input frame)
Here, with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a method of detecting handwriting input for dividing an input frame into two will be described as an example of handwriting input for changing the input frame. Although FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate the input frame F21 as an example of the input frame, the present invention can be applied to any input frame.

The size of the current input frame F21 is defined by its height Ha and its width Wa.
An arrow A31 indicating handwriting input represents handwriting input in which the input frame is divided into two along the vertical direction (or the vertical direction) of the input frame. Similarly, an arrow A32 indicating handwriting input represents handwriting input in which the input frame is divided into two along the lateral direction (or left and right direction) of the input frame.
A rectangle Q21 indicated by a broken line indicates a circumscribed rectangle of handwriting input represented by an arrow A31. Similarly, a rectangle Q22 indicated by a broken line indicates a circumscribed rectangle of handwriting input represented by an arrow A32.

As shown in FIG. 13A, an arrow A31 indicating handwriting input is handwriting input that divides the input frame F21 into two along the vertical direction (or the vertical direction) of the input frame F21. In this case, the width Wa of the current input frame F21 is larger than the width Wb1 of the circumscribed rectangle Q21, and the height Ha of the current input frame F21 is smaller than the height Hb1 of the circumscribed rectangle Q21. Further, the direction of the handwriting input is from the upper side to the lower side of the input frame F21. That is, the direction of the handwriting input is lower than the start point.

As described above, when the handwriting input illustrated in FIG. 13A is detected, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 is a handwriting input that is divided along the vertical direction (or the vertical direction) of the input frame F21. The detection result is output to the input frame change unit 211.

As shown in FIG. 13B, an arrow A32 indicating handwriting input is handwriting input that divides the input frame F21 into two along the lateral direction (or left and right direction) of the input frame F21. In this case, the width Wa of the current input frame F21 is smaller than the width Wb2 of the circumscribed rectangle Q21, and the height Ha of the current input frame F21 is larger than the height Hb2 of the circumscribed rectangle Q21. Furthermore, the direction of handwriting input is from the left side to the right side of the input frame F21. That is, the direction of handwriting input is to the left of the start point.

As described above, when the handwriting input shown in FIG. 13B is detected, it is said that the input frame change operation detection unit 209 is a handwriting input divided along the lateral direction (or the horizontal direction) of the input frame F21. The detection result is output to the input frame change unit 211.

(Detection of handwriting input for combining divided input frames)
Here, with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B, a method of detecting handwriting input for combining divided input frames will be described as an example of handwriting input for changing the input frame. Although FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate the divided input frame as an example of the input frame, the present invention can be applied to any input frame.

In FIG. 14A, the sizes of the two current divided input frames D21 and D22 are defined by the height Hc1 and the width Wc1. In FIG. 14B, the sizes of the current two divided input frames D23 and D24 are defined by the height Hc2 and the width Wc2.

An arrow A33 indicating handwriting input represents a handwriting input that combines two vertically long divided input frames D21 and D22. Similarly, an arrow A34 indicating handwriting input represents a handwriting input which combines two horizontally long divided input frames D23 and D24.
A rectangle Q23 indicated by a broken line indicates a circumscribed rectangle of handwriting input represented by an arrow A33. Similarly, a rectangle Q24 indicated by a broken line indicates a circumscribed rectangle of handwriting input represented by an arrow A34.

As shown in FIG. 14A, an arrow A33 indicating handwriting input is handwriting input which combines two vertically long divided input frames D21 and D22.
In this case, the width Wc1 of the current divided input frame D21, D22 is larger than the width Wb3 of the circumscribed rectangle Q23, and the height Hc1 of the divided input frame D21, D22 is smaller than the height Hb3 of the circumscribed rectangle Q23. .

Further, the direction of the handwriting input is from the lower side to the upper side of the divided input frame D21 or D22. That is, the direction of handwriting input is upward from the start point. The direction of the handwriting input is opposite to the direction of the handwriting input which divides the input frame F21 described with reference to FIG. 13A into two in the vertical direction (or the vertical direction).

As described above, when the handwriting input shown in FIG. 14A is detected, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 detects the detection result that the handwriting input is to combine two vertically long divided input frames D21 and D22. It is output to the input frame change unit 211.

As shown in FIG. 14B, an arrow A34 indicating handwriting input is handwriting input that combines two horizontally long divided input frames D23 and D24.
In this case, the width Wc2 of the current divided input frame D23, D24 is smaller than the width Wb4 of the circumscribed rectangle Q24, and the height Hc2 of the current divided input frame D23, D24 is greater than the height Hb4 of the circumscribed rectangle Q24. growing.

Further, the direction of handwriting input is from the right side to the left side of the divided input frame D23 or D24. That is, the direction of handwriting input is to the right of the start point. The direction of the handwriting input is opposite to the direction of the handwriting input which divides the input frame F21 described with reference to FIG. 13B into two in the lateral direction (or the lateral direction).

As described above, when the handwriting input shown in FIG. 14B is detected, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 detects the detection result that the handwriting input is to combine two horizontally long divided input frames D23 and D24. It is output to the input frame change unit 211.

The input frame change unit 211 calculates the number and size of the input frames based on the detection result of the input frame change operation detection unit 209, and outputs the calculation result to the control unit 215. When the handwriting input for changing the input frame is input, the input frame changing unit 211 changes the current input frame on the touch panel 201 to an input frame corresponding to the handwriting input. Calculate the number and size of the new input frame of. When the handwriting input for changing the input frame is not input, the current input frame on the touch panel 201 is not changed, so the input frame changing unit 211 changes the number and size of the new input frame. Not calculated

Then, the input frame changing unit 211 outputs the calculated number and size of the input frames to the input frame size storage unit 207.

The control unit 215 changes the input frame on the touch panel 201 based on the calculation result of the input frame changing unit 211.

FIG. 15A is a list of the number and size of input frames after change corresponding to handwriting input.
FIG. 15 (a) shows the number and size of input frames corresponding to the modification of the input frame shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 15A, divided input frames D21 and D22 are changed input frames changed by handwriting input represented by an arrow A21. That is, the number of input frames after change is 2, and the size thereof is defined by the height Hc1 and the width Wc1. Further, the input frames after the change which are changed by the handwriting input represented by the arrow A22 are divided input frames D23 and D24. That is, the number of input frames after change is 2, and the size thereof is defined by the height Hc2 and the width Wc2. Furthermore, the input frame after the change which is changed by the handwriting input represented by the arrow A29 is the input frame F21. That is, the number of input frames after change is 1, and the size thereof is defined by the height Ha and the width Wa.

For example, in the modification of the input frame F21 shown in FIG. 9, the current input frame F21 has a height of Hc1 and a width of Wc1 based on the handwriting input (arrow A21) for changing the input frame 2 It is changed to one divided input frame D21, D22. Similarly, in the modification of the input frame F21 shown in FIG. 10, the current input frame F21 has a height of Hc2 and a width of Wc2 based on the handwriting input (arrow A22) for changing the input frame. It is changed to two divided input frames D23 and D24.

[Another example of input frame change operation]
<Change input box: Specified input box>
Further, the input frame changing unit 211 can change the current input frame to the defined input frame stored in the defined input frame holding unit 213 based on the detection result of the input frame changing operation detection unit 209.

An example of changing to a prescribed input frame will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 (b), 16 and 17. FIG. FIG. 15B shows a list of defined input frames held by the defined input frame holding unit 213. FIGS. 16 and 17 show examples (1) and (2) of changing to the specified input frame. As shown in FIG. 15B, the specified input frame holding unit 213 holds the number and the size of the specified input frame corresponding to the corresponding handwriting input.

A screen 8-1 shown in FIG. 16 is a character input screen on the touch panel 201. In the screen 8-1, the characters handwritten in the input frame F21 are displayed in the display frame T21. The input frame F21 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S21, a lower side S22, a left side S23, and a right side S24, which face each other. One character is input to the input box F21. Further, an arrow A23 indicates handwriting input. The direction of the arrow A23 indicates the direction of handwriting input. Also, the arrowhead of arrow A23 indicates the end point of handwriting input, and the end opposite to the arrowhead indicates the start point of handwriting input.

The user performs handwriting input across two opposing sides of the four sides of the input frame F21. The direction of handwriting input is from the left side S23 toward the right side S24 opposite to the left side S23. In other words, the direction of this handwriting input is the lateral direction (or lateral direction) of the screen 8-1. In addition, the handwriting input which changes the input frame F21 (dividing in this screen) in order to distinguish from the handwriting input for character input is started from the outer side of the input frame F21 and is the handwriting input which ends outside the input frame F21 It is. In the screen 8-1, the arrow A23 indicating handwriting input starts from the outside of the input frame F21 with respect to the left side S23 and ends with the outside of the input frame F21 with respect to the right side S24.

The character input screen on the touch panel 201 transitions to the screen 8-2 when the handwriting input for dividing the input frame F21 on the screen 8-1 is detected. In the screen 8-2, split input frames D25 to D30 are displayed in which the input frame F21 is divided into two in the vertical direction (or vertical direction) and into two in the horizontal direction (or horizontal direction). As in the input box F21, one character is input to each divided input box.

In the modification shown in FIG. 16, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), the number and size of division of the input frame F <b> 21 are preset based on handwriting input for changing the input frame F <b> 21. Therefore, when the handwriting input (arrow A23) for changing the input frame F21 shown in the screen 8-1 is detected, the input frame F21 is divided into six divided input frames D25 having sizes (height Hc3 and width Wc3). It is changed to D30 (Screen 8-2).

Screen 9-1 shown in FIG. 17 is a character input screen on touch panel 201. In the screen 9-1, the characters handwritten in the input frame F21 are displayed in the display frame T21. The input frame F21 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S21, a lower side S22, a left side S23, and a right side S24, which face each other. One character is input to the input box F21. An arrow A24 indicates handwriting input. The direction of the arrow A24 indicates the direction of handwriting input. In addition, the arrowhead of arrow A24 indicates the end point of handwriting input, and the end opposite to the arrowhead indicates the start point of handwriting input.

The user performs handwriting input across two opposing sides of the four sides of the input frame F21. The direction of handwriting input is a direction from the upper side S21 to the lower side S22 opposed to the upper side S21. In other words, the direction of the handwriting input is the vertical direction (or the vertical direction) of the screen 9-1. In addition, the handwriting input which changes the input frame F21 (dividing in this screen) in order to distinguish from the handwriting input for character input is started from the outer side of the input frame F21 and is the handwriting input which ends outside the input frame F21 It is. In the screen 9-1, the arrow A24 indicating handwriting input starts from the outside of the input frame F21 with respect to the upper side S21 and ends outside the input frame F21 with respect to the lower side S22.

The character input screen on the touch panel 201 transitions to the screen 9-2 when the handwriting input for dividing the input frame F21 on the screen 9-1 is detected. On the screen 9-2, split input frames D31 to D34 in which the input frame F21 is divided into four in the vertical direction (or the vertical direction) are displayed. As in the input box F21, one character is input to each divided input box.

In the modification shown in FIG. 17, as shown in FIG. 15 (b), the number and size of division of the input frame F21 are set in advance based on handwriting input for changing the input frame F21. Therefore, when the handwriting input (arrow A24) for changing the input frame F21 shown in the screen 9-1 is detected, the input frame F21 has four divided input frames D31 to D31 having sizes (height Hc4, width Wc4). It is changed to D34 (Screen 9-2). The divided input boxes D31 to D34 are particularly suitable for alphanumeric input because they are vertically long input boxes.

As described above, in the character input device 200 according to the present embodiment, the input frame F21 has a limited screen size according to the handwriting input across two opposing sides of the four sides of the input frame F21. Can be divided into prescribed input boxes. The number and size of the prescribed input frame shown in FIG. 15 (b) are an example and not limited to this.

In addition, in the character input device 200 according to the present embodiment, the user can select the number and size of input frames preferred by the user by previously registering a plurality of types and sizes of input frames for which the user can easily input characters. It can be easily changed. In addition, by making it possible to change only to a predetermined combination, it is possible to prevent the input frame from being changed to a number and size that the user does not want.

The correspondence between the handwriting input and the input frame shown in FIG. 15B is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, divided input frames D31 to D34, which are defined input frames, may be made to correspond to handwriting input represented by arrow A23. Similarly, divided input frames D25 to D30, which are defined input frames, may be made to correspond to the handwriting input represented by the arrow A24. Furthermore, the handwriting input represented by the arrows A23 and A24 may correspond to the number and size of other input frames.

The input frame change unit 211 changes the number and size of the current input frame based on the detection result of the input frame change operation detection unit 209, or inputs the rule stored in the rule input frame holding unit 213. As to whether to change to a frame, an icon or the like for changing to a prescribed input frame may be displayed on the character input screen so that the user can change it at any time.

<Modification 1: Division of divided input frame>
In the above-mentioned example, although change operation of the input frame to input frame F21 is explained, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the same change operation of the input frame is possible in the present embodiment even for a divided input frame in which the input frame F21 is already divided into two.

A modification of the divided input frame will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in order to distinguish the input frame before and behind a change, although the input frame after division | segmentation is called a division | segmentation input frame, a division | segmentation input frame is also one of the input frames.

A screen 10-1 shown in FIG. 18 is a character input screen on the touch panel 201.
On the screen 10-1, the characters input by handwriting in the divided input frames D21 and D22 are displayed on the display frame T21. The divided input frame D21 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S25, a lower side S26, a left side S27, and a right side S28, which face each other. The divided input frame D22 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S29, a lower side S30, a left side S31, and a right side S32, which face each other. One character is input to each of the divided input frames D21 and D22. An arrow A25 indicates handwriting input. The direction of the arrow A25 indicates the direction of handwriting input. Further, the arrow tip of the arrow A21 indicates the end point of handwriting input, and the end opposite to the arrow tip indicates the start point of handwriting input.

The user performs handwriting input straddling a pair of two sides (left side S27, right side S28) (left side S31, right side S32) among the four sides of the divided input frames D21 and D22. The direction of handwriting input is a direction from the left side S27 to the right side S28 opposite to the left side S27 (or a direction from the left side S31 to the right side S32 opposite to the left side S31). In other words, the direction of the handwriting input is the left-right direction (or the horizontal direction) of the screen 10-1. Note that the handwriting input for changing (dividing on this screen) the divided input frame D21 and D22 in order to distinguish it from the handwriting input for character input is started from the outside of the divided input frame D21 and is outside the divided input frame D22. It is a handwriting input ending with. In the screen 10-1, the arrow A25 indicating handwriting input starts from the outside of the divided input frame D21 with respect to the left side S23 and ends outside the divided input frame D22 with respect to the right side S32.

The character input screen on the touch panel 201 transitions to the screen 10-2 when the handwriting input for dividing the divided input frames D21 and D22 on the screen 10-1 is detected. On the screen 10-2, two sets of divided input frames (D35, D36), (D37, D38) are displayed in which the divided input frames D21, D22 are divided in the left-right direction (or in the horizontal direction). The division direction in which the division input frames D21 and D22 are divided matches the direction of handwriting input on the screen 10-1. That is, in the character input device 200 according to the present embodiment, handwriting input straddling two sides (left side S27, right side S28) and (left side S31, right side S32) facing each other among the four sides of divided input frames D21, D22. Depending on the direction, the divided input frames D21 and D22 can be divided into two in the horizontal direction within the limited screen size.

As described above, in the character input device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the number and size of divided input frames can be changed in a limited screen size by a simple handwriting input operation for the user . Further, since the division direction in which the divided input frame is divided matches the direction of the handwriting input, the user can easily recall the operation for dividing the divided input frame, and does not need to learn complicated operations.

As the input frame F21 is changed to a prescribed input frame (see FIGS. 16 and 17), each divided input frame D21 and D22 shown in the screen 10-1 of FIG. 18 is defined as shown in FIG. It is possible to change to the input frame of. That is, when handwriting input (A25) for dividing the divided input frames D21 and D22 on the screen 10-1 is detected, each of the divided input frames D21 and D22 is further displayed with the number of predetermined input frames shown in FIG. You may change to the size. In this case, for example, in FIG. 15B, the prescribed input frames D31 to D34 assigned to the handwriting input A24 may be assigned to the handwriting input A25.

Note that it is possible to change only one of the two divided input frames D21 and D22 shown in the screen 10-1 of FIG. 18. For example, in the case of dividing the divided input frame D21 in the horizontal direction, handwriting input is performed across two sides (left side S27, right side S28) facing each other among the four sides of the divided input frame D21. In this case, divided input frames (D35, D36) in which divided input frame D21 is divided in the left-right direction (or horizontal direction) and divided input frame D22 are displayed on touch panel 201.

<Modification 2: Equal Division of Input Frame in Default Area>
In the above-mentioned example, although change operation of the input frame to input frame F21 is explained, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the input frame F21 in the handwriting input area R21 on the touch panel 201 is equally divided in the same direction as the handwriting input direction according to the direction and the number of handwriting input for changing the input frame. Operation is also possible.

A modification of the input frame will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 19, the area R <b> 21 where handwriting can be input will be described as the entire area where handwriting can be input on the touch panel 201. The handwriting input area R21 encloses the input frame F21.

A screen 11-1 shown in FIG. 19 is a character input screen on the touch panel 201. On the screen 11-1, the character input by handwriting is displayed in the display frame T21 in the input frame F21 surrounded by the area R21 where handwriting can be input. The handwriting input area R21 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S33, a lower side S34, a left side S35, and a right side S36 which face each other. One character is input to the input box F21. An arrow A26 indicates handwriting input. The direction of arrow A26 indicates the direction of handwriting input. Also, the arrowhead of arrow A26 indicates the end point of handwriting input, and the end opposite to the arrowhead indicates the start point of handwriting input.

The user performs handwriting input straddling two sides (upper side S33, lower side S34) facing each other among the four sides of the area R21 where handwriting can be input. The direction of handwriting input is from the upper side S33 toward the lower side S34 opposite to the upper side S33. In other words, the direction of the handwriting input is the vertical direction (or the vertical direction) of the screen 11-1. In order to distinguish from handwriting input for character input, handwriting input for dividing the input frame F21 starts from the outside of the area R21 where handwriting can be input and ends outside the area R21 where handwriting can be input. In the screen 11-1, the arrow A26 indicating handwriting input starts from the outer side than the upper side S33 of the handwriting input area R21 and ends outside the lower side S34 of the handwriting input area R21.

The character input screen on the touch panel 201 transitions to the screen 11-2 when handwriting input for dividing the input frame F21 on the screen 11-1 is detected. In the screen 11-2, divided input frames D 39 and D 40 in which the input frame F 21 surrounded by the area R 21 in which handwriting can be input is equally divided into two in the vertical direction (or vertical direction) are displayed. The division direction in which the input frame F21 is divided matches the direction of handwriting input on the screen 11-1, that is, the vertical direction (or the vertical direction) of the screen 11-1.

Furthermore, the character input screen on the touch panel 201 is a handwriting input for dividing the divided input frames D39 and D40 on the screen 11-2, that is, two sides (upper sides) of four sides of the area R21 where handwriting can be input. When a handwriting input straddling S33 and lower side S34) is detected, the screen 11-3 is displayed. In the screen 11-3, divided input frames D41, D42, and D43 in which the input frame F21 surrounded by the area R21 where handwriting can be input is equally divided into three in the vertical direction (or the vertical direction) are displayed. The division direction in which the input frame F21 is divided matches the direction of handwriting input on the screen 11-1, that is, the vertical direction (or the vertical direction) of the screen 11-2.

That is, in the character input device 200 according to the present embodiment, the direction of the handwriting input straddling two sides (upper side S33, lower side S34) facing each other among the four sides of the area R21 where handwriting can be input Therefore, the input frame F21 can be changed (equally divided in the vertical direction) within the limited screen size.

<Modification 3: Combination of split input frames 1>
In the character input device 200 according to the present embodiment, the user does not only divide the number and size of the input frames within the limited screen size by a simple handwriting input operation for the user, but also allows the user to divide the divided input frames It is also possible to combine by a simple handwriting input operation.

A screen 12-1 shown in FIG. 20 is a character input screen on the touch panel 201. On the screen 12-1, the characters input by handwriting in the divided input frames D21 and D22 are displayed on the display frame T21. The divided input frame D21 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S25, a lower side S26, a left side S27, and a right side S28, which face each other. The divided input frame D22 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S29, a lower side S30, a left side S31, and a right side S32, which face each other. One character is input to each of the divided input frames D21 and D22. Further, an arrow A28 indicates handwriting input. The direction of the arrow A28 indicates the direction of handwriting input. Further, the arrowhead of arrow A28 indicates the end point of handwriting input, and the end opposite to the arrowhead indicates the start point of handwriting input.

The user performs handwriting input across two adjacent sides (upper side S29 and right side 32) of the four sides of the divided input frame D22. In order to distinguish from handwriting input for character input, handwriting input for changing (combining on this screen) divided input frames D21 and D22 starts from the outside of divided input frame D22 and ends outside of divided input frame D22 Handwriting input. In the screen 12-1, the arrow A28 indicating handwriting input starts from the outside of the divided input frame D22 with respect to the upper side S29 of the divided input frame D22 and ends outside the divided input frame D22 with respect to the right side S32 of the divided input frame D22. Do. The character input screen on the touch panel 201 transitions to the screen 12-2 when a handwriting input that combines the divided input frames D21 and D22 is detected on the screen 12-1. In the screen 12-2, the divided input frames D21 and D22 are combined, and the input frame F21 is displayed.

Here, in the handwriting input for dividing the input frame, although the handwriting input straddles two opposing sides (screen 5-1 etc. in FIG. 9), in the handwriting input for connecting the divided input frames, they are adjacent to each other. It is considered as handwriting input straddling two sides that fit. Therefore, the user can easily recall the operation of combining the divided input frames, and does not need to learn complicated operations.

Although FIG. 20 illustrates handwriting input straddling two adjacent sides (upper side S29 and right side S32) of the divided input frame D22 as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. In FIG. 20, instead of the handwriting input straddling two adjacent sides (upper side S29 and right side S32) of the divided input frame D22, handwriting input straddling adjacent two sides of the divided input frame D21 may be used.

<Modification 4: Combination of split input frames 2>
A screen 13-1 shown in FIG. 21 is a character input screen on the touch panel 201. On the screen 13-1, the characters input by handwriting in the divided input frames D21 and D22 are displayed in the display frame T21. The divided input frame D21 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S25, a lower side S26, a left side S27, and a right side S28, which face each other. The divided input frame D22 is rectangular, and includes an upper side S29, a lower side S30, a left side S31, and a right side S32, which face each other. One character is input to each of the divided input frames D21 and D22. Arrow A30 indicates handwriting input. The direction of the arrow A30 indicates the direction of handwriting input. Also, the arrowhead of arrow A30 indicates the end point of handwriting input, and the end opposite to the arrowhead indicates the start point of handwriting input.

The user performs handwriting input across two opposing sides of the divided input frames D21 and D22. In the screen 13-1, handwriting input straddling the left side S27 and the right side S28 of the divided input frame D21, and the left side S31 and the right side S32 of the divided input frame D22 is performed. The handwriting input for changing (combining on this screen) divided input frames D21 and D22 to distinguish from handwriting input for character input is started from the outside of divided input frame D21 or D22, and divided input frame D21 or D22. It is a handwriting input that ends outside of.

In the screen 13-1, the arrow A30 indicating handwriting input starts from the outside of the divided input frame D21 with respect to the left side S27 of the divided input frame D21, and the right side S28 of the divided input frame D21, the left side S31 of the divided input frame D22, and the right side Step S32 straddles each side in the order of the left side S31 of the divided input frame D22 and the right side S28 of the divided input frame D21, and ends outside the divided input frame D21 than the left side S27 of the divided input frame D21. The character input screen on the touch panel 201 transitions to the screen 13-2 when a handwriting input that combines the divided input frames D21 and D22 is detected on the screen 13-1. In the screen 13-2, the divided input frames D21 and D22 are combined and the input frame F21 is displayed.

Here, the handwriting input that combines the divided input frames is a handwriting input that straddles two opposing sides of the divided input frames D21 and D22. The user can easily recall the operation of combining the divided input frames and does not have to learn complicated operations.

[Operation flow of the second embodiment]
FIG. 22 is an operation flow of the character input device 200 according to the second embodiment. In step S1401, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 calculates the size (width, height) of the circumscribed rectangle of the handwriting input. Then, the process proceeds to step S1403.

In step S1403, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 acquires the size (width, height) of the current input frame. Then, the process transitions to step S1405.

In step S1405, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 compares the size of the current input frame with the size of the circumscribed rectangle of handwriting input. Then, as a result of comparison, the width Wa of the current input frame is larger than the width Wb of the circumscribed rectangle of the handwriting input, and the height Ha of the current input frame is greater than the height Hb of the circumscribed rectangle of the handwriting input If it is low (in the case of YES), the input frame change operation detection unit 209 determines to change the current input frame in the vertical direction (or in the vertical direction), and transitions to step S1407. In the case of NO, the process transitions to step S1411.

Then, in step S1407, in order to determine the direction of handwriting input, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 determines whether the end point of the handwriting input is below the start point or above the start point. judge. Then, the process proceeds to step S1409.

In step S1409, when the end point of the handwriting input is below the start point, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 determines that the current input frame is divided into two in the vertical direction (or the vertical direction), and the handwriting is If the end point of the input is above the start point, it is determined that the current input frame is combined. Then, the process transitions to step S1417.

In step S1411, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 compares the size of the current input frame with the size of the circumscribed rectangle of handwriting input. Then, as a result of comparison, the width Wa of the current input frame is smaller than the width Wb of the circumscribed rectangle of the handwriting input, and the height Ha of the current input frame is greater than the height Hb of the circumscribed rectangle of the handwriting input If the input frame is high (in the case of YES), the input frame change operation detection unit 209 determines that the current input frame is to be changed in the horizontal direction (or in the horizontal direction), and transitions to step S1413. In the case of NO, the process transitions to step S1421.

In step S1413, in order to determine the direction of handwriting input, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 determines whether the end point of handwriting input is to the right of the start point or to the left of the start point. judge. Then, the process transitions to step S1415.

In step S1415, when the end point of the handwriting input is on the right side of the start point, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 determines that the current input frame is divided into two in the horizontal direction (or the horizontal direction), If the end point of the handwriting input is to the left of the start point, it is determined that the current input frame is combined. Then, the process transitions to step S1417.

In step S1417, the input frame change unit 211 calculates the number and size of new input frames after change based on the detection result of the input frame change operation detection unit 209.

In step S1419, the control unit 215 changes the input frame displayed on the touch panel 201 based on the calculation result. Then, the process ends.

In step S1421, the input frame change operation detection unit 209 determines that the input frame is not changed. Then, the process ends.

The character input device 200 according to the present embodiment is applicable to any electronic device having an input interface, such as a smartphone, a personal computer, and a mobile phone. In particular, the present invention is suitable for small electronic devices such as smartphones and mobile phone devices whose input area is limited.

[Modification of input area]
In addition, although the character input device 200 which concerns on this Embodiment prescribed | regulated the input area as a rectangle, it does not restrict to this. Even when a closed area defined by a polygon, an ellipse, a circle or the like is used as the input area, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained by detecting the handwriting input straddling the closed area.

(A) to (c) of FIG. 23 are diagrams for explaining the relationship between an input area which is a closed area and handwriting. Arrows A31, A32, A33, and A34 indicate handwriting input. The direction of each arrow indicates the direction of handwriting input. Also, the arrowhead of each arrow indicates the end point of handwriting input, and the end opposite to the arrowhead indicates the start point of handwriting input.

When the input area is a closed area formed by a rectangle formed by four sides S37 to S40, the handwriting A31 straddling the closed area is on the outside of one side S37 as shown in (a) of FIG. Starting from a point, it passes at least one point in the closed region and includes the outside of the other opposite side S39 as an end point. The other handwriting A34 shown in (a) of FIG. 23 is outside the closed region formed by the rectangle formed by the four sides S37 to S40, so it is not a handwriting input straddling this closed region.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 23, the input area may be defined by a closed region formed by a pentagon formed by five sides S41 to S45. The handwriting A32 straddling the closed region starts at a point outside the side S41 of the pentagon, passes at least one point in the closed region, and includes the outside of the side S43 as an end point.

Further, as shown in (c) of FIG. 23, the input area may be defined by a closed area formed by the ellipse V. The handwriting A33 straddling the closed region starts from a point outside the closed region, passes at least one point in the closed region, and includes a point outside the closed region as an end point.

As described above, according to the character input device and the display change method according to the present embodiment, without using a complicated operation procedure, the input area for inputting characters in a predetermined character input area by intuitive operation. You can change the size or the number.

Although the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, the components in the above embodiment may be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application filed on June 8, 2011 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-128118), Japanese Patent Application filed on June 13, 2011 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-131435), and the contents thereof are as follows. It is incorporated here as a reference.

The character input device and the display changing method according to the present invention have an effect that the size or the number of input areas for inputting characters in a predetermined character input area can be easily changed, and as a character input device of a portable terminal It is useful.

100, 200

character input device

101, 201 touch panel 103 input area change operation detection unit 105 character recognition unit 107 input area change unit 109 control unit 111 handwriting display unit 113 input size storage unit 115 change input area size holding unit 200 character input device 201 Touch panel 203 Input coordinate acquisition unit 205 Input coordinate storage unit 207 Input frame size storage unit 209 Input frame change operation detection unit 211 Input frame change unit 213 Specification input frame holding unit 215 Control unit

Claims

A display unit for displaying a character input area of a predetermined size having one or more input areas for inputting characters;
A detection unit that detects a specific operation of changing the size or number of the one or more input areas;
A changing unit that changes the size or the number of the one or more input areas when the specific operation is detected by the detection unit;
A control unit that displays the one or more input areas after change on the display unit;
Character input device with.
The character input device according to claim 1, wherein
A change input area holding unit that holds a plurality of combinations of the size and the number of the one or more input areas that can be displayed at one time in the character input area;
The change unit is
When the specific operation is detected by the detection unit, the size of the one or more input areas or the size of the one or more input areas is determined based on the combination of the size of the one or more input areas held by the change input area holding unit and the number thereof. Change its number,
Character input device.
The character input device according to claim 2, wherein
The change unit is
In the case where the detection unit detects a pinch-in operation starting from the inside of the at least one input area as the specific operation,
Changing the number and size of the current input area to a combination including a smaller number of input areas than the number of current input areas among the combinations held in the change input area holding unit;
Character input device.
The character input device according to claim 3, wherein
The change unit is
In the case where the detection unit detects a pinch-out operation starting from the inside of the at least one input area as the specific operation,
Changing the number and size of the current input area to a combination including the number of input areas larger than the number of current input areas among the combinations held in the change input area holding unit;
Character input device.
The character input device according to claim 2, wherein
The change unit is
In the case where the detection unit detects a pinch-out operation starting from the inside of the at least one input area as the specific operation,
Changing the number and size of the current input area to a combination including the number of input areas larger than the number of current input areas among the combinations held in the change input area holding unit;
Character input device.
The character input device according to claim 5, wherein
The change unit is
In the case where the detection unit detects a pinch-in operation starting from the inside of the at least one input area as the specific operation,
Changing the number and size of the current input area to a combination including a smaller number of input areas than the number of current input areas among the combinations held in the change input area holding unit;
Character input device.
The character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
When the specific operation is detected, the handwriting is not displayed in the input area,
Character input device.
The character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein
The input area is either a rectangle, a polygon, an ellipse or a circle.
Character input device.
A display unit including a character input area of a predetermined size having one or more input areas for inputting characters, and a display area for displaying characters input to the input area,
Detecting an input operation for changing the size or the number of the one or more input areas;
A changing step of changing the size or the number of the one or more input areas when a pinch out operation or a pinch operation is detected among the input operations;
Display change method.
The character input device according to claim 1, wherein
The detection unit detects a specific handwriting input that changes the size or the number of the one or more input areas,
The change unit is configured to, when the detection unit detects a handwriting input straddling the closed region with respect to a closed region defining an input area of the one or more input areas, the one or more input areas Change the size or number of,
Character input device.
The character input device according to claim 10, wherein
The closed region is either a polygon, an ellipse or a circle,
Character input device.
12. The character input device according to claim 10, wherein
The change unit is
The input area is divided into two when the detection unit detects a handwriting input that straddles the other side of the four sides of the rectangle forming the closed region and faces the one side from the one side. And
The control unit displays a character input area including an input area divided into two.
Character input device.
The character input device according to claim 12, wherein
The change unit is
According to the handwriting input, it is divided into two in the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction of the display unit,
The control unit displays a character input area including an input area divided into two in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction of the display unit.
Character input device.
A character input device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein
The display unit is
Including a character input area of a predetermined size having a plurality of input areas,
The change unit is
When a handwriting input straddling one side from another side among the four sides of the plurality of rectangles defining the plurality of input areas is detected by the detection unit, the input areas are combined,
The control unit displays a character input area including a combined input area.
Character input device.
The character input device according to claim 10, wherein
The display unit is
Including a character input area of a predetermined size having a plurality of input areas,
The change unit is
The input area is combined when the detection unit detects a handwriting input that straddles the other side from one side among the four sides of the plurality of rectangles that define the plurality of input areas,
The control unit displays a character input area including a combined input area.
Character input device.
The character input device according to claim 15.
The change unit is
When a handwriting input straddling one side from the other side among the four sides of the plurality of rectangles defining the plurality of input areas is detected by the detection unit, the input area is divided into two. ,
The control unit displays a character input area including an input area divided into two.
Character input device.
The character input device according to claim 16.
The change unit is
According to the handwriting input, it is divided into two in the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction of the display unit,
The control unit displays a character input area including an input area divided into two in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction of the display unit.
Character input device.
The character input device according to claim 10, wherein
The display unit is
Including a character input area of a predetermined size having a plurality of input areas,
The change unit is
When the detection unit detects a handwriting input that straddles one other side from the adjacent one side among the four sides of the plurality of rectangles that define the closed region, the plurality of input areas are combined. And
The control unit displays a character input area including a combined input area.
Character input device.
The character input device according to claim 10, wherein
The display unit is
Including a character input area of a predetermined size having one or more input areas,
The change unit is
The one or more input areas included in the specific area of the character input area are equal according to the number of times the handwriting input across the closed area defining the specific area of the character input area is detected by the detection unit. Split
The control unit displays a character input area including equally divided input areas.
Character input device.
The character input device according to any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein
The start and end points of a specific handwriting input that changes the size or number of the one or more input areas are located outside the closed area,
Character input device.
The character input device according to claim 10, wherein
Furthermore, a storage unit is provided which holds the size and number of prescribed input areas in association with a specific handwriting input.
The change unit is
When a handwriting input straddling the closed area is detected for the closed area defining the input area of the one or more input areas by the detection unit, the predetermined input area stored in the storage unit Change the one or more input areas to size and number,
The control unit displays a character input area including one or more changed input areas.
Character input device.
22. A character input device according to any one of claims 10 to 21, wherein
The display unit is
A touch panel provided with the character input area;
Character input device.
A display unit for displaying a character input area of a predetermined size having one or more input areas for inputting one character; and a detection unit for detecting a specific handwriting input for changing the size or number of the one or more input areas A change unit that changes the size or number of the one or more input areas when the specific handwriting input is detected by the detection unit, and the display unit displays the one or more input areas after the change A control unit for changing the display of the character input device,
A detection step of detecting handwriting input straddling a closed region defining the one or more input areas by the detection unit;
Changing the size or the number of the one or more input areas by the changing unit;
A display step of displaying a character input area including the changed one or more input areas by the control unit;
Display change method.