JP2002366288A - Mobile terminal and its character input method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] A portable terminal capable of selecting and confirming input characters in another input mode corresponding to the input operation even if a character input operation is performed in a specific input mode. Realize. An operation unit includes a CPU that performs a character input process that enables input of characters in a plurality of input modes, and uses any one of the plurality of input modes.
When the input operation is performed by the CPU 1, the CPU 1 determines that the input character corresponding to the input operation in the used input mode, the input character corresponding to the input operation in the input mode different from the used input mode, Is held as a determination target candidate.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable terminal capable of inputting characters in a plurality of input modes, and a method for inputting characters.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, portable telephones and PDAs (Personal D
Portable terminals such as digital assistants (personal information devices) have become widespread. These portable terminals have been miniaturized to improve their portability, but in order to realize the miniaturization, the number of input keys has been reduced. For example, in a mobile phone, "1" to
There are numeric keys "9" and "0", and these numeric keys are also used when inputting characters of character types other than numbers.

As described above, when the number of input keys is reduced and limited keys are used for character input of a plurality of character types, input modes corresponding to the respective character types are generally provided and shared. Characters are associated with the keys according to each input mode. When the user enters characters,
An input mode is selected and an input operation is performed, and the input characters of the input mode being selected for this input operation are determined. For example, as input modes, a kana input mode for inputting hiragana, an alphabet input mode for inputting alphabets, a numeric input mode for inputting numbers, and the like are provided.The user selects an input mode as appropriate. It is possible to input a character of the selected character type.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional portable terminal, once an input mode is selected and an input operation is performed, characters are determined according to the selected input mode. If an input operation is performed in an incorrect input mode, it is necessary to delete the input characters and then select the input mode again to input. Therefore,
Since a character input operation in an incorrect input mode is wasted, there is a problem that the efficiency of character input is reduced. Further, the user needs to always perform the character input operation while being conscious of the input mode, and this may be troublesome for the user in some cases.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to perform a character input operation even when a character input operation is performed in a specific input mode (for example, a kana input mode). It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable terminal capable of selecting and confirming an input character in another input mode (for example, an English character input mode) corresponding to the above, and a character input method thereof.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable terminal capable of inputting characters in a plurality of input modes. When an input operation is performed using any one of the input modes, an input character corresponding to the input operation in the used input mode and the input operation in an input mode different from the used input mode And an input character corresponding to the above is stored as a candidate for determination.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the portable terminal according to the first aspect, wherein each of the input characters corresponding to the input operation is displayed in each of the plurality of input modes. The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that an input mode corresponding to an input character selected as a determination target among input characters of the determination target candidate is set to an input mode used for a subsequent input operation. The mobile terminal according to claim 1.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a character input method for a portable terminal capable of inputting a character in a plurality of input modes, wherein the input terminal uses any one of the plurality of input modes. A step of obtaining an input character corresponding to the input operation in the used input mode when an input operation is performed, and a step of obtaining an input character corresponding to the input operation in an input mode different from the used input mode And a step of retaining the obtained input characters as candidates for determination.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each part of the circuit. This CPU 1 performs a character input process. Reference numeral 2 denotes an RO in which a program of the CPU 1 is stored.
M (read only memory). Reference numeral 3 denotes a RAM (random access memory) for temporarily storing data.

Reference numeral 4 denotes an operation unit provided with numeric keypads for character input and various function keys. In the operation unit 4, the numeric keypad has ten keys corresponding to the numbers “1” to “9” and “0”. The function keys include a character input mode setting key, an exchange key for exchanging input characters between different input modes, and a decision key for confirming character input. Reference numeral 5 denotes a liquid crystal display panel and a display control circuit,
This is a display unit including a call display lamp and the like. In addition,
FIG. 1 does not show blocks relating to application functions unique to the mobile terminal.

Reference numeral 11 denotes an input character assignment table recorded in the ROM 2 in advance. The input character allocation table 11 stores each numeric key of the operation unit 4 and input characters in association with each other, and has a table for each input mode. FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 are diagrams showing a configuration example of the input character allocation table 11, which is a table 11- for each input mode.
1 to 3. The input character assignment table 11-1 shown in FIG. 2 is a table for the kana input mode. In the table 11-1 for the kana input mode, each ten-key is assigned a kana character in a row to a row, and the number of times the ten-key is pressed and a kana character (upper or lower case) in any of the lines Are associated as input characters of the number of times of pressing. In addition, when the number of times of pressing the numeric keypad is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the association is recorded so that the association is repeated until the number is less than the predetermined number.

For example, a kana character (upper case and lower case) of the line is assigned to the “1” key, and the upper case “a” to “o” are depressed up to 1 to 5 times. The input character of the number of times, and in the case where the number of presses is 6 to 10 times, the lowercase characters “ぁ” to “ぉ” are the input characters of each number of presses. When the number of times the "1" key is pressed is 11 or more, the correspondence of the input character to the number of times 1 to 10 is repeated.

An input character assignment table 11- shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 2 denotes a table for the alphabet input mode. In the table 11-2 for the alphabet input mode, alphabets and symbol characters are assigned to each numeric keypad, and the number of times the numeric keypad is pressed and the characters are associated as input characters of the number of times the keypad is pressed. Also, as in FIG. 2, the number of times the numeric keypad is pressed a predetermined number or more is recorded so that the association is repeated until the number is less than the predetermined number.

An input character assignment table 11- shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a table for a numeric input mode. In the table 11-3 for the numeral input mode, the numeral is associated with each numeric key as an input character.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an operation when a user inputs characters to the portable terminal shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a screen displayed on the display unit 5 illustrated in FIG. Screen 10 of FIGS. 5 and 6
1 to 110 are an input mode display area P1 and an input area P2.
And sample display areas P3 and P4. The input mode currently selected by the input mode setting key of the operation unit 4 is shown in the input mode display area P1. The input area P2 is a main display screen for displaying characters input by the ten keys of the operation unit 4, and displays input characters in the selected input mode. Sample display area P3, P4
Is a sub-display screen for displaying characters input by the ten keys of the operation unit 4, and displays input characters in an input mode that is not selected.

In the following description, an example will be described in which the user attempts to input an alphabetical character "KYOCERA" while selecting the kana input mode. Screens 101 to 110 in FIGS. 5 and 6 correspond to a series of operation contents performed by the user. Further, the CPU 1 of FIG. 1 performs, based on the contents of the input character assignment tables 11-1 to 11-3 of FIGS.
Find the input character corresponding to the input operation. First, when the user selects a kana input mode using the input mode setting key, the CPU 1 adds an underline to “kana” in the input mode display area P1 to indicate that the kana input mode is being selected. In addition, the sample display area P3 is used as a sub-display screen for displaying input characters in the non-selected alphabet input mode, and "English" indicating that is displayed. In addition, the sample display area P4 is used as a sub-display screen for displaying input characters in the non-selected numeral input mode, and a "number" indicating that is displayed. Also, the cursor B1 is displayed at the input position of the input area P2 (screen 101 in FIG. 5).

Next, when the user presses the "5" key twice, the CPU 1 refers to the input character assignment table 11-1 to find the input character "ni" corresponding to the input operation.
This input character “Ni” is displayed in the input area P2 as a candidate for determination in the kana input mode. Here, the CPU 1 refers to the input character assignment table 11-2 to find the input character "K" corresponding to the "5" key being pressed twice in the non-selected alphabet input mode, and this input character "K" Is displayed in the sample display area P3 as a candidate for determination in the alphabet input mode. Similarly, the “5” key 2 of the non-selected number input mode
For the input characters “5” and “5” corresponding to the multiple presses,
The sample display area P4 is obtained with reference to the input character assignment table 11-3 and is determined as a candidate for determination in the numeric input mode.
(Screen 102 in FIG. 5).

Next, when the user presses the "0" key once, the CPU 1 similarly executes the input character assignment table 11
Referring to -1 to -3, "wa" is additionally displayed as a determination target candidate in the input area P2, "Y" is additionally displayed as a determination target candidate in the sample display area P3, and "0" is also displayed.
Is additionally displayed in the sample display area P4 as a determination target candidate. Here, in the input area P2, the CPU 1 adds a broken line to the input character "ni" to indicate that the character is an undetermined character (screen 103 in FIG. 5).

Similarly, the user presses the "6" key three times, further presses the "2" key three times, further presses the "3" key twice, and further presses the "7" key three times. When the key is pressed and the "2" key is pressed once, the CPU 1 additionally displays the kana character of the determination target candidate in the input area P2 in accordance with each key press, and also displays the alphabet of the determination target candidate as a sample. The additional display is performed in the area P3, and the number of the candidate to be determined is displayed in the sample display area P4 (screen 1 in FIG. 5).
04 to 106, screens 107 and 108 in FIG. 6).

As a result, "Niwafukushika" is displayed in the input area P2 as a candidate to be determined in the kana input mode, and "KYOCERA" is displayed in the sample display area P3 as a candidate to be determined in the alphabetic input mode. In the sample display area P4, “550666622337772” is displayed as a candidate for determination in the number input mode. In addition, in the input area P2, a broken line is added to “Niwafukushim”, and the last input “KA” is displayed at the position of the cursor B1 (screen 10 in FIG. 6).
8). In this state, the main display screen (input area P
The input character “Niwafukushika” of the currently selected kana mode displayed in 2) is to be determined.

Next, the input character "Niwafukushika" of the kana mode selected by the user is exchanged with the input character "KYOCERA" of the non-selected alphabet input mode, and the non-selected alphabet input mode is changed. The exchange key is pressed once so that the input character "KYOCERA" is determined. As a result, the CPU 1 sets “KYOC” in the sample display area P3.
ERA "with an underline B2 added to the input characters" KYOCE
RA "has been selected as the input character to be determined. Here, the CPU 1 sets the input mode (English character input mode in this example) corresponding to the input character selected as the determination target as the input mode to be used for subsequent input operations, and sets “English” in the input mode display area P1. Is underlined to indicate that the alphabet input mode is being selected. (Screen 109 in FIG. 6). If the exchange key is pressed twice,
The CPU 1 sets “55066622” in the sample display area P4.
2337772 "is selected as the input character to be determined.

Next, when the user presses the enter key,
The CPU 1 executes the input character “KYOC” with the underline B2 added.
ERA "is determined, and" KYOCERA "is entered in the input area P.
2 is displayed. Further, the sample display area P3 is set as a sub-display screen for displaying input characters in the non-selected kana input mode, and "kana" indicating that is displayed (screen 11 in FIG. 6).
0). Thereafter, the user can perform input to the main display screen (input area P2) in the alphabet input mode.

According to the above-described embodiment, the character input means (the operation unit, the input character allocation table, and the CPU) capable of inputting characters in a plurality of input modes (a kana input mode, an alphabet input mode, and a numeric input mode) is provided. One of the input modes (for example, kana input mode)
When an input operation is performed by using an input character (for example, “ni”) corresponding to the input operation in the used input mode, an input mode (for example, an alphabetic character) different from the used input mode An input character (for example, “K”) corresponding to the input operation in the input mode) is held as a determination target candidate. Thus, even if the user performs a character input operation in a specific input mode (for example, a kana input mode), input characters in another input mode (for example, an alphabet input mode) corresponding to the input operation Can be selected and confirmed.

Therefore, even if the user performs a character input operation in an erroneous input mode at the time of character input, it is sufficient to select and confirm an input character in a correct input mode. Since it is not wasted, it is possible to obtain an effect that character input can be performed efficiently. Further, unlike the related art, it is not necessary to always perform the character input operation while being conscious of the input mode, and it is possible to provide a comfortable character input environment for the user.

The portable terminal according to the present invention includes a so-called CDMA (code division multiple access) system and a PDC (Personal Digital Assistant).
al PDA (Personal Digital Assistants: Personal Information Equipment), as well as a mobile phone such as an al Digital Cellilar System (PDI) and a PHS (Personal Handyphone System).
In the case of a PDA, a communication means may be built in,
Communication means may be externally connected.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and a design change or the like may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. included.

[0027]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When an input operation is performed using one of a plurality of input modes, an input character corresponding to the input operation in the used input mode and an input different from the used input mode Since an input character corresponding to the input operation in the mode is held as a candidate for determination, even if a character input operation is performed in a specific input mode (for example, a kana input mode), the input operation is not performed. Can be selected and determined in another input mode (for example, an alphabet input mode) corresponding to.

Therefore, even if the user performs a character input operation in an incorrect input mode at the time of character input, it is sufficient to select and confirm an input character in a correct input mode, and the character input operation in the incorrect input mode can be performed. Since it is not wasted, it is possible to obtain an effect that character input can be performed efficiently. Further, unlike the related art, it is not necessary to always perform the character input operation while being conscious of the input mode, so that a comfortable character input environment can be provided to the user.

Further, by displaying each input character in a plurality of input modes corresponding to the input operation, it is possible to present the user with a determination target candidate based on the input operation. As a result, it is possible to obtain the effect that the user can easily confirm the input characters to be determined.

If the input mode corresponding to the input character selected as the determination target among the input characters of the determination target candidate is set to the input mode used for the subsequent input operation, the input mode is automatically set. This makes it possible to perform the character input more efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a first diagram showing a configuration example of an input character assignment table 11 recorded in a ROM shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a second diagram showing a configuration example of the input character assignment table 11 recorded in the ROM shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a third diagram showing a configuration example of the input character assignment table 11 recorded in the ROM shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a first diagram showing a configuration example of a screen displayed on a display unit 5 shown in FIG. 1;

6 is a second diagram showing a configuration example of a screen displayed on the display unit 5 shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CPU 2 ROM 3 RAM 4 Operation part 5 Display part 11 Input character allocation table

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A portable terminal capable of inputting characters in a plurality of input modes, wherein when one of the plurality of input modes is used to perform an input operation, the mobile terminal is used. A portable terminal, wherein input characters corresponding to the input operation in the input mode and input characters corresponding to the input operation in an input mode different from the used input mode are held as determination target candidates. 2. The mobile terminal according to claim 1, wherein input characters in each of the plurality of input modes corresponding to the input operation are displayed. 3. An input mode corresponding to an input character selected as a determination target among input characters of the determination target candidate is set to an input mode used for a subsequent input operation. Mobile terminal described in. 4. A character input method for a portable terminal capable of inputting characters in a plurality of input modes, wherein when an input operation is performed using one of the plurality of input modes, A step of obtaining input characters corresponding to the input operation in the used input mode; a step of obtaining input characters corresponding to the input operation in an input mode different from the used input mode; and the obtained input characters. Holding a character as a determination target candidate.