Character input method, character input program, and character input device

Abstract

In the prior art, during character input using a character input device such as a keyboard, there are many keys used for inputting and it is necessary to press the keys by moving the fingers to locations that are far away from each other. Therefore, the keys are difficult to press and it is time consuming to perform the character input. A character input method according to the present invention comprises: an information allocation step for allocating group information, which includes attribute information and detail information corresponding to the attribute information, to character keys of a character input device; an information display step for depressing a first character key to which the attribute information is allocated so as to display the group information in a prescribed area of a display device; and an information selection step for operating the first character key so as to display the group information while operating a location information input device toward a direction in which detail information to be selected is displayed so as to select one piece of the group information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a character input method, a character input program, and a character input device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, kana character input, romaji input, toggle input, and flick input have been known as methods for inputting Japanese kana. Furthermore, when converting kana into kanji, a method is known in which the space key is pressed repeatedly to select the kanji corresponding to the reading of the kana. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Kana character input has the advantage of allowing users to type kana characters exactly as they are written, but it has the disadvantage that it takes time to memorize and master the key layout because it uses over 40 keys, and because the kana characters are arranged in four rows on the keyboard, users have to move their fingers far away from the so-called home position to type the keys, making it difficult to type.

[0004] On the other hand, with romaji input, the user must mentally convert kana characters into romaji notation before inputting them, which places a burden on the user when inputting; it is tedious because multiple keys must be pressed to type a single kana character; it cannot be used by young children who have not memorized romaji notation; and although it uses fewer keys than kana input, it uses more than 20 keys, so it takes time to remember and master the key layout.

[0005] Another input method known as toggle input has been around for some time. Toggle input is a character input method in which multiple characters are assigned to a single key, and the character to be input can be switched by repeatedly pressing the key. While this method has the advantage of having a relatively small number of keys and making the layout easy to remember, it generally assigns multiple characters to each number key and selects the character by pressing them in alphabetical order. For example, to select a character located in the fifth row, such as "o" in the "a" row, five keystrokes are required, resulting in a large number of keystrokes to reach the desired character. Furthermore, when consecutively inputting characters from the same row of the 50 kana syllables, the [→] key must be pressed each time, which has the disadvantage of requiring a long time to input characters.

[0006] Another input method known as flick input has been known for some time. Flick input is a method in which the kana characters in the A-row (aka-sa-ta-na-ha-ma-ya-ra-wa) of each row are arranged like a numeric keypad on a touchpad, with the other four kana characters in the I-row, U-row, E-row, and O-row potentially arranged in a cross-like pattern around them. Characters are input by pressing the A-row kana key and sliding your finger in the direction of the desired character. While flick input has the advantage of having a small number of keys and making the layout easy to remember, it has the disadvantage of requiring the start and end points of the pressure to be within a certain narrow, limited range, which requires fingering that accurately determines the start and end points within that range, making input tedious.

[0007] In addition, in the past, when converting Japanese kana to kanji, the mainstream method was for the user to select from among the conversion candidates displayed in a linear line pointing downward on the window of the display unit 4 by pressing the space bar and typing a key. However, because the candidates are displayed in a linear line pointing downward, it is difficult to see at a glance, and the desired character does not appear easily, and because the method requires pressing the space bar and typing a key to select, the number of keystrokes required to reach the desired character is large. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The character input method according to the present invention is characterized by comprising an information allocation step of allocating group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information to a character key of a character input device; an information display step of pressing a first character key to which the attribute information is allocated to display the group information in a predetermined area of ​​a display device; and an information selection step of operating the first character key to display the group information, while operating a position information input device in the direction in which the detailed information to be selected is displayed, to select one of the group information.

[0009] The character input method according to the present invention allows input using a relatively small number of keys on a keyboard compared to kana input and romaji input, requires relatively fewer keystrokes compared to toggle input, and does not require finger movement to a specific narrow area on a touch panel as in flick input, allowing characters to be input with a relatively simple finger movement.

[0010] The character input method according to the present invention may further include a group information determination step of determining the selected group information when the first character key is released, thereby making it possible to determine the selected group information when the first character key is released.

[0011] Furthermore, in the character input method according to the present invention, the information selection step may be configured such that, when selecting one of the group information, the area of ​​the displayed detailed information moves each time the position information input device is operated. Since the area of ​​the displayed detailed information moves each time the position information input device is operated, the group information can be easily selected.

[0012] In the character input method according to the present invention, the information allocation step may include an attribute information allocation step of allocating the attribute information to character keys of a character input device, and a detailed information allocation step of allocating detailed information corresponding to the character keys to which the attribute information is allocated.

[0013] The character input program of the present invention executes an information allocation process of allocating group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information to character keys of a character input device, an information display process of pressing a first character key to which the attribute information is allocated to display the group information in a predetermined area of ​​a display device, and an information selection process of operating the first character key to display the group information and operating a position information input device in the direction in which the detailed information to be selected is displayed to select one of the group information.

[0014] The character input program according to the present invention may further include a group information determination process for determining selected group information when the first character key is released.

[0015] A character input device according to the present invention comprises a storage device for storing group information including attribute information assigned to character keys of the character input device and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information, a display device for displaying the group information in a predetermined area, and a calculation unit for selecting predetermined attribute information or detailed information from the group information. When a first character key of the character input control device is pressed, the group information is read from the storage device and displayed on the display device, and one of the group information is selected by operating a position information input device in the direction in which the selected detailed information is displayed.

[0016] Furthermore, the character input device according to the present invention may be configured such that, when selecting one piece of group information, the area of ​​the displayed detailed information moves each time the position information input device is operated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] This method allows input using a relatively small number of keys on the keyboard compared to kana input and romaji input, and requires fewer keystrokes than toggle input.Furthermore, unlike flick input, which requires moving your finger to a specific narrow area on the touch panel, characters can be input with relatively simple finger movements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic calculator 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the keyboard 2 and the touchpad 3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a bird's-eye view when fingers are placed on the keyboard 2 and the touchpad 3. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic calculator 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "na" row ("na", "ni", "nu") according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "na" row ("ne" and "no") according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a guide display of the attribute information "na" according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a guide display in which the attribute information "na" is highlighted according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a diagram showing the display unit 4 on which a guide display of the attribute information "na" is displayed according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "ta" row ("ta", "chi", "tsu") according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "ta" row ("te" and "to") according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a guide display of the attribute information "ta" according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a guide display in which the attribute information "ta" is highlighted according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a guide display in which the detailed information "chi" is highlighted according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a guide display in which the detailed information "tsu" is highlighted according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "ma" row ("ma", "mi", "mu") according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "ma" row ("me" and "mo") according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a guide display for the attribute information "ma" according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "ka" row ("ka", "ki", and "ku") according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "ka" row ("ke" and "ko") according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a guide display of the attribute information "ka" according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the display unit 4 on which a guide display of the attribute information "ka" is displayed according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "wa row" character according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a guide display of the attribute information "wa" according to the first embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a guide display when the character group of "a row" is displayed as detailed information in the first embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a plan view showing the keyboard 8 and the touchpad 3 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a plan view showing the keyboard 9 and the touchpad 3 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "ka" row ("ka", "ki", "ku") according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "ka" row ("ke" and "ko") according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining a guide display of the attribute information "ka" according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a guide display in the form of a single vertical character for the attribute information "ka" according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "ra" row ("ra", "ri", "ru") according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "ra" row ("re" and "ro") according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a guide display of the attribute information "ra" according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "wa" row according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining a guide display of the attribute information "wa" according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of "Natsu" kanji conversion input ("Natsu" "Summer" "Natsu") according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of "natsu" kanji conversion input ("natsu" "natsu") according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a diagram for explaining a guide display for attribute information "summer" according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a plan view of a character input control device dedicated to this input method. [Figure 41]FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "ta" row ("ta", "chi", "tsu") in a format of selection by pressing and releasing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a diagram for explaining a flow diagram of inputting the "ta" row ("te" and "to") in the format of selection by pressing and releasing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a plan view showing the keyboard 50 and the touchpad 3 in which the attribute information keys are arranged one row ahead of the home position. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a bird's-eye view of the keyboard 50 and the touch pad 3 when fingers are placed on them. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a bird's-eye view of keyboard 51 and touchpad 3 when working with a mouse with the right hand and simultaneously inputting characters with the left hand. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a diagram for explaining a diagram showing the display unit 4 in which the guide display of the attribute information "ka" is displayed in a position other than the cursor position according to the first embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a diagram for explaining the display unit 4 displaying attribute information in a list on the screen. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a diagram for explaining a diagram showing the display unit 4 when guide displays are displayed in a list in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 is a diagram for explaining a table showing the relationship between the row selection keys of each row, which are attribute information, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, in the first embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a diagram for explaining a table showing an example of the relationship between the row selection keys of each row, which is attribute information, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, in the second embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 is a diagram for explaining a table showing an example of the relationship between the row selection keys of each group, which is attribute information, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, in the third embodiment. [Figure 52]FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining a table showing an example of the relationship between the row selection keys of each row, which is attribute information, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 is a diagram for explaining a guide display in the form of a vertical single character (rectangle shape) of attribute information "ka" (when attribute information is arranged at the top) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 54] Figure 54 is a diagram illustrating a table showing the relationship between the row selection keys for each row, which is attribute information, and the characters, which are detailed information, displayed in each area, when the guide display is in the form of a single vertical character (strip shape) in the fourth embodiment (and the attribute information is placed in the top row). [Figure 55] Figure 55 is a diagram for explaining the flow diagram for inputting the "ka" row ("ka", "ko", "ke") when the guide display is in the form of a single vertical character (strip shape) in the fourth embodiment (and when attribute information is placed in the top row). [Figure 56] Figure 56 is a diagram for explaining the flow diagram for inputting the "ka" row ("ki" and "ku") when the guide display is in the form of a single vertical character (strip shape) in the fourth embodiment (and when attribute information is placed in the top row). [Figure 57] Figure 57 is a diagram for explaining a diagram showing the display unit 4 in which a guide display for the attribute information "ka" is displayed when the guide display is in the form of a vertical single character (strip shape) in the fourth embodiment (and the attribute information is placed in the top row). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] [First embodiment] Next, an embodiment of a character input method will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case where an electronic calculator 1 is used.

[0020] In the following description, the term "display unit" refers to a display panel such as a liquid crystal screen, and has the function of displaying information such as characters output from the processing means.

[0021] A position information input device is an input device that specifies an input position or coordinates on a device. The position information input device (which will be described below using a touchpad as an example) can be small, as long as it can detect the up / down / left / right (or diagonal) direction and number of swipes (pressing the touchpad and then moving a finger in a certain direction). It is desirable that the touchpad be located in a position that can be operated with the thumb when the fingers are placed on the home position of the keyboard.

[0022] In addition, the "position information" transmitted from the position information input device includes position information of the position where the pressing action started, position information of the position where it ended, and position information on the trajectory drawn by the pressing position when the pressing position changes; in addition to position information, temporal information of the pressing can also be used as an element for identifying characters.

[0023] "Attribute information" refers to information for classifying characters into groups, such as groups (rows) based on consonants in kana characters, groups (rows) based on vowels in the kana 50-sound table, groups of alphabetic characters divided into groups, and groups of kanji characters corresponding to the same Japanese kana reading (including those with okurigana), or groups of kanji characters corresponding to Chinese pinyin. For example, the characters "na," "ni," "nu," "ne," and "no" in the "na" row are grouped together, with the "attribute information" being "na." Or, the characters "natsu," "natsu," "ka," "mou," "nazu," "nazu," "nazu," "nazu," "nanato," "nagitsu," and "nazu" are grouped together, with the "attribute information" being "natsu."

[0024] Furthermore, "detailed information" refers to information that distinguishes between characters in a group of the same attribute, such as a single character in the same line of kana characters, or a single character in the same group of alphabetic characters, or a single character or word in a group of kanji characters that corresponds to the same Japanese kana reading, or a single character or word in a group of kanji characters that corresponds to Chinese pinyin. For example, the "a," "i," "u," "e," and "o" in the attribute information "a." Or, for example, the "summer," "na," "natsu," "natsu," "na," "na," "na," "nanato," "nagi," and "nato" in the attribute information "natsu."

[0025] Furthermore, the character input method according to this embodiment or a program for executing the character input method can be executed by a character input device (including electronic computers, mobile terminal devices, etc.). Here, the electronic computers refer to computers such as personal computers, regardless of whether they are notebook (laptop) or desktop. The mobile terminal devices refer to smartphones, mobile phones, PDAs, etc.

[0026] Furthermore, the character input control device (hereinafter, a keyboard will be used as an example for explanation) may be any other type of device as long as it is capable of inputting attribute information.

[0027] Furthermore, as a position information input device for selecting detailed information, as long as it can sense the direction and number of times a finger moves, it is not limited to a touchpad, and other types of pointing devices such as trackballs and trackpoints or other devices may be used to select each detailed information area and detailed information such as the α area group, β area group, γ area group, δ area group, ε area group, and ζ area group described below.

[0028] First, a character input method according to a first embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an electronic computer 1 according to an embodiment of this method. The front, back, up, down, left, and right directions are defined as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic computer 1 includes a character input control device (keyboard 2), a position information input device (touchpad 3), a display unit 4, a control unit (CPU 5), and a storage unit (memory 6 and HDD 7) (other types of storage media may also be used). The electronic computer 1 may also be provided with a communication unit. The program and various data for executing this method may be distributed to the storage unit (memory 6 and HDD 7) from a storage medium included in the host computer via a network.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the keyboard 2 and touchpad 3 of the electronic calculator 1. On the keyboard 2, attribute information keys are arranged in a row in a row on the same line as the home positions of the eight fingers excluding the thumb, and each key has one kana character for each attribute information: "a," "ka," "sa," "ta," "na," "ha," "ma," "ya," "ra," or "wa." In more detail, on keyboard 22, the "A row selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "A" in the QWERTY layout, the "Ka row selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "S" in the QWERTY layout, the "Sa row selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "D" in the QWERTY layout, the "Ta row selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "F" in the QWERTY layout, the "Na row selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "G" in the QWERTY layout, the "Ha row selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "H" in the QWERTY layout, the "Ma row selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "J" in the QWERTY layout, the "Ya row selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "K" in the QWERTY layout, the "Ra row selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "L" in the QWERTY layout, and the "Wa row selection key" is located on the key immediately to the right of the key that corresponds to "L" in the QWERTY layout. Each key has a hiragana character written on it, corresponding to the row selection key: "a," "ka," "sa," "ta," "na," "ha," "ma," "ya," "ra," and "wa." The positions of the voiced sound keys, semi-voiced sound keys, space bar, enter key, shift key, and alt key are the same as those of the conventional JIS keyboard layout 2.

[0030] The touchpad 3 is positioned so that it can be swiped with the thumb when the fingers are placed on the home position of the keyboard 2 (i.e., when the index fingers of each hand are placed on the home position identification protrusions that are generally provided on the keys corresponding to "F" and "J" in the QWERTY layout of the keyboard 2, and the eight fingers other than the thumb are placed in a horizontal row) (Fig. 3). The touchpad 3 may be integrated with the keyboard 2, or may be a separate component placed in an appropriate position and communicate with the CPU 5 wirelessly or via a wire.

[0031] 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic calculator 1. The electronic calculator 1 includes a character input control device (keyboard 2), a position information input device (touchpad 3), a display unit 4, a control unit (CPU 5), and a storage unit (memory 6 and HDD 7) (or other types of storage media). A communication unit, etc. may also be added.

[0032] The input operation when inputting one character using such an electronic calculator 1 will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example the case of inputting the hiragana character "natsumikan."

[0033] 5 and 6 are flow diagrams for inputting the "na" row according to the first embodiment. After starting the input program, the user first specifies the row in the kana 50-sound table (the distinction of kana by consonant), which is the attribute information of the character "na" that the user wants to input. Specifically, the user presses the "na row selection key" on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 5, step S3). Then, information on the pressing of the na row selection key is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, which receives this information.

[0034] The CPU 5 identifies the row of the kana 50-sound table for the character "ichi" from the row selection key information. In this example, since the key pressed was the "na row selection key," it is identified that the character "ichi" is in the "na row."

[0035] When the line selection key is pressed, the CPU 5 displays a guide display (FIG. 7) showing attribute information and detailed information about the attribute on the display unit 4 of the electronic calculator 1 at the cursor position, i.e., at the location where a character is to be input (FIG. 9) (FIG. 5, step S4). The guide display is a display that shows detailed information belonging to the specified attribute based on the attribute information, and displays the character that is identified when an operation is performed according to the guide display. As shown in FIG. 7, the guide display is convex, rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, with the attribute information displayed on the protrusion and the detailed information about the attribute displayed on the base of the convex. Unlike the fourth embodiment described below, the detailed information is displayed not only vertically but also horizontally. It may be displayed either horizontally or vertically, but when inputting horizontally written text from left to right, it is generally displayed to the right to prevent the guide display from obscuring characters of the text that has already been written. When inputting vertically written text from top to bottom, the detailed information may be displayed horizontally and vertically.

[0036] More specifically, in the guide display, one area is provided for each character of detailed information in each line, as shown in Figure 7. The areas are set up in four directions, vertically and horizontally, with the area where the characters of the attribute information are displayed (hereinafter referred to as the attribute information area), from which the area above is the α area group and the area below is the β area group. The α area group and the β area group extend to the right.

[0037] The α region group extends to the right of the upper row of the attribute information region, which is the starting point, with the α1 region and the α2 region provided in order of proximity to the attribute information region. The β region group extends to the right of the lower row of the attribute information region, which is the starting point, with the β1 region and the β2 region provided in order of proximity to the attribute information region. The attribute information region displays the "a row" character of the Japanese syllabary as attribute information, the α1 region displays the "i row" character of the Japanese syllabary as detailed information, the α2 region displays the "u row" character of the Japanese syllabary as detailed information, the β1 region displays the "e row" character of the Japanese syllabary as detailed information, and the β2 region displays the "o row" character of the Japanese syllabary as detailed information. An example of the relationship between the row selection keys of each row, which is attribute information in the first embodiment, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each region, is shown in the table in Figure 49. Group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information is stored in a storage device such as the hard disk drive 6 or memory 7 of the electronic computer 1.

[0038] In this example, the attribute information "na" is displayed in the protruding part, and the detailed information of that attribute "ni," "nu," "ne," and "no" is displayed in the base of the convex shape. The detailed information "ni" is displayed in the α1 area, "nu" in the α2 area, "ne" in the β1 area, and "no" in the β2 area. (Strictly speaking, the displayed "na" is both the attribute information indicating that it is a group of characters in the na row, and the detailed information that "na" is the first character in the na row. The same is true for the other characters in the "a" row.)

[0039] The characters of the selected attribute information and detailed information may be highlighted by changing the color, by displaying the characters in reverse black and white against the background, or by making them bold. Alternatively, the selected area may be highlighted by changing the color. Figure 8 is a diagram of a guide display in which the selected attribute information "na" is displayed in reverse black and white. The guide display may also be in other shapes as long as the attribute information and detailed information are displayed. The number of areas in each of the α area group and the β area group is not limited to two and may be increased or decreased. Furthermore, areas such as γ area, δ area group, etc. may be added around the α area group and the β area.

[0040] Next, the user determines the row in the kana 50-sound table (the distinction between kana by vowel), which is the detailed information of the character to be input. When the user presses the attribute information key, the character in the A row, which is the attribute information, is selected in the guide display at the start of the display. In this example, "na", which is the attribute information of the Na row (and at the same time the character "ichi", which is the detailed information of the Ka row), is selected (Fig. 5, step S4). When the user presses the Na row key (Fig. 5, step S3), information on the Na row selection key press is sent from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, which receives this. As a result, the CPU 5 determines that "na" (here as detailed information) has been specified, and the CPU 5 sends the specified character to the display unit as character information. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character "na". The system then enters a standby state. To select another character in the detailed information of the na row, swipe the touchpad 3 here, but here you want to input "na", but "na" has already been selected at the beginning of the guide display as the attribute information of the na row (and also as the first character in the detailed information of the na row), so you can proceed to input the next character. By pressing one of the attribute information keys again, "na" is identified and input (Figure 5, step S6). At this point, you enter a standby state. For example, if you want to type "na na na", you would press the "na row selection key" three times. Once the character has been identified and input is complete, the guide display for the part of the cursor that corresponds to it disappears.

[0041] In this example, after "na", the kana input of "tsu" is further performed. FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts of the "ta row" input according to the first embodiment. (The user presses the "ta row selection key" on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 10, step S3). Then, by the same process as described above, "ra", which is the attribute information, is displayed on the convex protruding portion, and a guide display (FIG. 12) with "chi", "tsu", "te", and "to", which are the detailed information of the attribute, is displayed on the convex base portion. The detailed information "chi", "tsu", "te", and "to" is separated and displayed horizontally in the upper row based on the attribute information "ta" as "chi", "tsu", and horizontally in the lower row as "te", "to". The selected attribute information "ta" may be highlighted, such as by changing its color, reversing the background and text in black and white display, or making it bold. FIG. 13 is a diagram of the guide display in which the selected attribute information "ta" is displayed with black and white inversion.)

[0042] Next, the user determines one character that is the detailed information. When selecting the character "tsu", the user slides the finger backward (swipes) while pressing on the touch pad 3 with a finger, etc. during the guide display (FIG. 10, step S7). Then, the position information of the start and end positions of the pressing operation is transmitted from the touch pad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), and the CPU 5 receives this.

[0043] The CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the pressing start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the pressing release point. The CPU 5 compares the magnitudes of the absolute value of x3 and the absolute value of y3, and if |x3| < |y3|, it adopts the value of y3, and if |y3| < |x3|, it adopts the value of x3. If x3 < 0, the CPU 5 selects the detailed information of the area adjacent to the left of the currently selected area, if 0 < x3, the detailed information of the area adjacent to the right of the currently selected area, if y3 < 0, the detailed information of the area adjacent to the lower of the currently selected area, and if 0 < y3, the detailed information of the area adjacent to the upper of the currently selected area.

[0044] When there are multiple detailed information areas in the selected direction, the detailed information of the area with a larger contact surface area with the currently selected area is selected. When the contact surface areas are equal, the smaller value of |x3| and |y3| is secondarily used. Among the detailed information of the areas with equal contact surface areas, if x3 < 0, the detailed information of the area immediately to the left of the currently selected area is selected; if 0 < x3, the detailed information of the area immediately to the right of the currently selected area is selected; if y3 < 0, the detailed information of the area immediately below the currently selected area is selected; if 0 < y3, the detailed information of the area immediately above the currently selected area is selected.

[0045] When there is no area in the selected direction, the selection of the detailed information does not move, and the detailed information selected before the swipe is continuously selected. When there is no area in the selected direction, it may be that other detailed information is selected or the attribute information is selected.

[0046] Since the user is currently swiping their finger to the right on the touch pad 3, |y3| < |x3|, and the CPU 5 selects the value of x3. Since the user is currently swiping their finger to the right on the touch pad 3 (Figure 10, step S7), 0 < x for x3. Therefore, the CPU 5 will select either the detailed information of the α1 area, which is the first area of the α area group, or the detailed information of the β1 area, which is the first area of the β area group, of the area immediately to the right of the currently selected attribute information area. However, the contact surface area between the attribute information area and the α1 area is equal to the contact surface area between the attribute information area and the β1 area. Therefore, the smaller value of |x3| and |y3|, which is y3, is secondarily used. If 0 < y, the detailed information "chi" in the "ta" row displayed in the α1 area is selected (Figure 10, step S8). The selected detailed information "chi" may be highlighted, such as by changing its color, inverting the background and text to black and white, or making it bold. Figure 14 is a diagram of the guide display in which the selected detailed information "chi" is displayed with black and white inversion.

[0047] The user further slides (swipes) a finger in the right direction while pressing on the touch pad 3 with a finger or the like (FIG. 10, step S11). Similar to the above, the CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the pressing start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the pressing end point. By the second swipe, if |y3| < |x3| and x3 is 0 < x, the CPU 5 selects the γ2 region "tsu", which is the second region of the β region group (FIG. 10, step S12). FIG. 15 is a diagram of a guide display in which the selected detailed information "tsu" is displayed with black and white reversed.

[0048] The information of "tsu" selection is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 receives this. Thereby, the CPU 5 determines that "tsu" has been selected, and the CPU 5 transmits the specified character to the display unit 4 as character information. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character (FIG. 10, step S14).

[0049] Next, the kana of "mi" is input. FIGS. 16 and 17 are flowcharts of input for the "ma" row according to the first embodiment. The user presses the "ma row selection key" on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 16, step S3). Then, by the same process as described above, a guide display (FIG. 18) in which the attribute information "ma" is on the convex protruding portion and the detailed information "mi", "mu", "me", "mo" of the attribute is displayed on the convex base portion is displayed (FIG. 16, step S4). "Mi" is displayed in the α1 region, "mu" is displayed in the α2 region, "me" is displayed in the β1 region, and "mo" is displayed in the β2 region. The group information including the attribute information and the detailed information corresponding to the attribute information is stored in a storage device such as the hard disk drive 6 and the memory 7 of the electronic computer 1.

[0050] Next, the user determines one character that is the detailed information. When selecting the character "mi", the user slides (swipes) a finger in the right rear direction while pressing on the touch pad 3 with a finger or the like during the guide display. Then, the position information of the start and end positions of the pressing operation is transmitted from the touch pad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), and the CPU 5 receives this (FIG. 16, step S7).

[0051] The CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the pressing start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the pressing release point. If |y3| < |x3|, x3 is 0 < x, and y3 is y < 0, the CPU 5 selects the detailed information "み" of the "ま" row displayed in the α1 region, which is the first region of the α region group (FIG. 16, step S8).

[0052] The information of "み" selection is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 receives this. Thereby, the CPU 5 determines that "み" has been selected, and the CPU 5 transmits the specified character to the display unit 4 as character information. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character "み" (FIG. 16, step S10).

[0053] Next, the user inputs the kana of "か". FIGS. 19 and 20 are flowcharts of the input of the "か" row according to the first embodiment. The user presses the "か row selection key" on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 19, step S3). Then, by the same process as described above, a guide display in which "か", which is the attribute information, is displayed on the convex protruding portion and "き", "く", "け", "こ", which are the detailed information of the attribute, are displayed on the convex base portion (FIG. 21) is displayed on the display unit 4 (FIG. 22). "か" is displayed in the α1 region, "き" is displayed in the α2 region, "く" is displayed in the β1 region, and "け" is displayed in the β2 region. The characters of the selected attribute information and detailed information may be highlighted, such as changing the color, reversing the black and white of the background and the characters, or making them bold. Or the selected region may be highlighted, such as changing the color. The group information including the attribute information and the detailed information corresponding to the attribute information is stored in a storage device such as the hard disk drive 6 and the memory 7 of the electronic computer 1.

[0054] By pressing the "ka row selection key," information for selecting "ka," which is attribute information for the "ka row" (and is also the first character in detailed information for the "ka row"), is sent from keyboard 2 to CPU 5, which receives this information. As a result, CPU 5 determines that "ka" (here, as detailed information) has been selected, and CPU 5 sends the selected character as character information to display unit 4. Display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the identified character "ka" (Figure 19, step S4). At this point, the system enters a standby state. To select another character in the detailed information for the "ka row," one swipes touchpad 3, but in this case, while one wants to input "ka," "ka" has already been selected at the beginning of the guide display as attribute information for the "ka row" (and is also the first character in detailed information for the "ka row"), so one can proceed to input the next character. By pressing any of the attribute information keys, etc. again, "ka" is identified (Figure 19, step S6).

[0055] Next, the kana character "n" is input. Figure 23 is a flow diagram of inputting the "wa" row according to the first embodiment. The user presses the "wa row selection key" on the keyboard 2 (Figure 23, step S3). Then, by the same process as described above, a guide display (Figure 24) is displayed in which the attribute information "wa" is displayed in the protruding part of the convex shape, and the detailed information of the attribute, "wo" and "n", is displayed in the base of the convex shape. The detailed information "wo" and "n" are displayed separately in two directions, above and below the attribute information "wa". The attribute information and group information including the detailed information corresponding to the attribute information are stored in a storage device such as the hard disk drive 6 or memory 7 of the electronic computer 1.

[0056] Next, the user decides on the character "ichi" (one), which is the detailed information. To select the character "n," the user presses the touchpad 3 with a finger or the like while the guide is displayed, and then slides (swipes) the finger toward the right (FIG. 23, step S7). Then, position information on the positions where the pressing action started and ended is transmitted from the touchpad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), and the CPU 5 receives this information.

[0057] The CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the pressing start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the pressing end point. If |y3| < |x3|, x3 is 0 < x, and y3 is y < 0, the CPU 5 selects the detailed information "ん" of the "wa" row displayed in the α1 region, which is the first region of the α region group (FIG. 23, step S11).

[0058] The information of "ん" selection is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 receives this. Thereby, the CPU 5 determines that "ん" has been selected, and the CPU 5 transmits the specified character as character information to the display unit 4. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character "ん" (FIG. 23, step S13).

[0059] The input of voiced sounds, semi-voiced sounds, kana with small "y", and dakuten can be the same as the conventional kana input. For voiced sounds and semi-voiced sounds, after the display of voiceless sounds (in this method, kana other than voiced sounds, semi-voiced sounds, kana with small "y", and dakuten are called voiceless sounds), press the voiced sound key and the semi-voiced sound key for input. For the input of kana with small "y", press the "ya row selection key" simultaneously with the shift key, and input "ya", "yu", "yo" by appropriate forward / backward swipes with appropriate numbers of times. For the input of dakuten, press the "ta row selection key" simultaneously with the shift key, and input "tsu" by appropriate forward / backward swipes with appropriate numbers of times. As in the second embodiment described later, "ga row selection key", "za row selection key", "da row selection key", "dakuten selection key", "ba row selection key", "pa row selection key", and "kana with small 'y' selection key" may be provided for input. The input of punctuation marks may be input by pressing the full stop key and the comma key in the same way as the conventional kana input, but for example, punctuation marks can be set as the detailed information of the attribute information "wa", and display "," in the α2 region and "." in the β2 region of the guide display when pressing the wa row key, and input by appropriate forward / backward swipes with appropriate numbers of times.

[0060] After inputting a kana character, the computer waits for the next character to be input. It is also possible to enter the kanji conversion routine by pressing the space key or the like, or to enter alphabet input mode by pressing the "half-width / full-width kanji" key, in the same manner as in the conventional electronic calculator 1. Kanji conversion may be performed in accordance with the fifth embodiment described below. When input is complete, the input program is terminated.

[0061] With this configuration, the user can display all the clear sounds by tapping 10 keys and swiping up, down, left, or right no more than two times. Because only 10 keys are used for clear sound input, the user can input easily with very little finger movement. Also, because only 10 keys are used for clear sound input, the user can easily memorize and learn the key layout, making touch typing easy. Also, because only 10 keys are used for clear sound input, the keyboard 2 can be made smaller.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the detailed information area of ​​the guide display is expanded in four directions (up, down, left, and right), and a large number of detailed information can be displayed at a glance. Therefore, if the number of detailed information linked to attribute information is increased and the 50 kana characters "a," "i," "u," "e," and "o" are used as attribute information in the guide display, and the characters in each row are used as detailed information (Fig. 25), it will be possible to input all the unsound sounds of the kana using the five attribute information keys.

[0063] [Second embodiment] 26 is a diagram showing the keyboard 8 of the electronic calculator 1. On the keyboard 8 of the electronic calculator 1, in addition to the row selection keys of the first embodiment, a "ga row selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "X" in the QWERTY layout, a "za row selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "C" in the QWERTY layout, a "da row selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "V" in the QWERTY layout, a "shokuon selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "B" in the QWERTY layout, a "ba row selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "N" in the QWERTY layout, a "pa row selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "M" in the QWERTY layout, and a "yoon selection key" is arranged on the key immediately to the right of the key corresponding to "M" in the QWERTY layout. Each key has a hiragana character drawn on it, such as "ga," "za," "da," "tsu," "ba," "pa," or "ya," corresponding to the row selection key.

[0064] The touchpad 3 is positioned so that it can be swiped with the thumb when the fingers are placed on the home position of the keyboard 8 (i.e., when the index fingers of each hand are placed on the home position identification protrusions generally provided on the keys corresponding to "F" and "J" in the QWERTY layout of the keyboard 8, and the eight fingers other than the thumb are placed in a horizontal row). The touchpad 3 may be integrated with the keyboard 8, or may be a separate component placed in an appropriate position and communicate with the CPU 5 wirelessly or via a wire.

[0065] The user selects the input character by pressing each row selection key and swiping the touchpad 3 through the same process as in the selection of clear sounds in the first embodiment, and specifies the kana such as voiced consonants, semi-voiced consonants, double consonants, and palatalized consonants by releasing the shift key. An example of the relationship between the row selection keys of each row, which are attribute information in the second embodiment, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, is shown in the table in FIG.

[0066] In the second embodiment, the number of keys is larger than in the first embodiment, but since only 17 keys are used to input kana, the number of keys used is smaller than in romaji input, allowing users to easily memorize and learn the key layout and to easily touch-type. Furthermore, users can input all kana characters, including unvoiced, semi-voiced, double-consonant, and yo-on, with one row selection keystroke and no more than two swipes, allowing them to quickly reach the desired character. Furthermore, since only 17 keys are used to input kana, the keyboard 8 can be made smaller.

[0067] [Third embodiment] 27 is a diagram showing the keyboard 9 of the electronic calculator 1. On the keyboard 9, attribute information keys are arranged in a row in a row on the same line as the home positions of the eight fingers excluding the thumb, and each key has one letter of the alphabet, "A," "D," "G," "J," "M," "P," "S," "V," "Y," and ".", which are attribute information. In detail, the "A group selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "A" on the QWERTY layout, the "D group selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "S" on the QWERTY layout, the "G group selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "D" on the QWERTY layout, the "J group selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "F" on the QWERTY layout, the "M group selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "G" on the QWERTY layout, the "P group selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "H" on the QWERTY layout, the "S group selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "J" on the QWERTY layout, the "V group selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "K" on the QWERTY layout, the "Y group selection key" is located on the key that corresponds to "L" on the QWERTY layout, and the ". group selection key" is located on the key to the right of the key that corresponds to "L" on the QWERTY layout. Each key has an alphabet character printed on it, corresponding to the row selection key: "A," "D," "G," "J," "M," "P," "S," "V," "Y," and ".". The alphabet characters are arranged in alphabetical order, in groups of three, such as "ABC," "DEF," "GHI," etc., and the user selects input characters by pressing each group selection key and swiping the touchpad 3, following a process similar to selecting kana characters in the Japanese syllabary. An example of the relationship between the row selection keys of each group, which are attribute information in the third embodiment, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, is shown in the table in Figure 51. Group information, which includes attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information, is stored in a storage device such as the hard disk drive 6 or memory 7 of the electronic computer 1.

[0068] The touchpad 3 is positioned so that it can be swiped with the thumb when the fingers are placed on the home position of the keyboard 9 (i.e., when the index fingers of each hand are placed on the home position identification protrusions generally provided on the keys corresponding to "F" and "J" in the QWERTY layout of the keyboard 9, and the eight fingers other than the thumb are placed in a horizontal row). The touchpad 3 may be integrated with the keyboard 9, or may be a separate component placed in an appropriate position and communicate with the CPU 5 wirelessly or via a wire.

[0069] The user goes through the same process as kana selection and selects the input character by pressing each row selection key and swiping the touchpad 3, and then inputs the alphabet.

[0070] The basis for creating the alphabetic group may be other formats and is not limited to alphabetical order.

[0071] This configuration allows all alphabets, commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation marks to be displayed with just one tap of the 10 keys and one swipe up or down, making input easy with minimal finger movement. Furthermore, because only 10 keys are used for input, users can easily memorize and learn the key layout, making touch typing easy. Furthermore, because only 10 keys are used for inputting alphabets, commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation marks, the keyboard can be made smaller.

[0072] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the keyboard 2 of the electronic calculator 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic calculator 1. The keyboard 2 and the functional configuration are the same as those in the first embodiment. It may also be the keyboard 8 according to the second embodiment.

[0073] The input operation when inputting a character using such an electronic calculator 1 will be described with reference to the drawings, taking the case of inputting the hiragana character "Karin" as an example.

[0074] 28 and 29 are flow diagrams for inputting the "ka" row according to the fourth embodiment. First, the user specifies the row in the kana 50-sound table (the distinction of kana by consonant), which is the attribute information of the character "ka" that the user wants to input. Specifically, the user presses the "ka row selection key" on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 28, step S3). Then, the information on the keystroke of the "ka row selection key" is sent from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5. The CPU 5 receives this.

[0075] The CPU 5 identifies the row of the kana 50-sound table for the character "Ichi" from the row selection key information. In this example, since the key pressed was the "Ka row selection key," it is identified that the character "Ichi" is in the "Ka row."

[0076] When the row selection key is pressed, the CPU 5 displays a guide display (FIG. 30) showing attribute information and detailed information about the attribute in the area on the cursor on the display unit 4 of the electronic calculator 1 (FIG. 28, step S4). The guide display is a display that shows detailed information belonging to the attribute based on the specified attribute information, and displays characters that are specified when an operation is performed according to the guide display. As shown in FIG. 31, the guide display is convex, rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, with the attribute information displayed in the protruding portion and the detailed information about the attribute displayed in the base of the convex shape.

[0077] More specifically, in the guide display, one area is provided for each character of the detailed information in each line, as shown in Fig. 30. Unlike the first embodiment, the areas are separated into two directions, upper and lower, and the area above the area where the characters of the attribute information are displayed (hereinafter referred to as the attribute information area), which is the starting point, is called the ε area group, and the area below is called the ζ area group.

[0078] The α area group extends upward from the attribute information area, which is the starting point, with the ε1 area and the ε2 area arranged in order of proximity. The ζ area group extends downward from the attribute information area, which is the starting point, with the ζ1 area and the ζ2 area arranged in order of proximity. The attribute information area displays the character in the "a row" of the Japanese syllabary as attribute information, the ε1 area displays the character in the "u row" of the Japanese syllabary as detailed information, the ε2 area displays the character in the "i row" of the Japanese syllabary as detailed information, the ζ1 area displays the character in the "u row" of the Japanese syllabary as detailed information, and the ζ2 area displays the character in the "e row" of the Japanese syllabary as detailed information. The relationship between the row selection keys of each row, which is attribute information in the fourth embodiment, and the characters, which are detailed information displayed in each area, is as shown in the table in Figure 52. Group information including attribute information and detailed information corresponding to the attribute information is stored in a storage device such as the hard disk drive 6 or memory 7 of the electronic computer 1.

[0079] In this example, the attribute information "ka" is displayed in the protruding part, and the detailed information of that attribute "ki," "ku," "ke," and "ko" is displayed in the convex base part. The detailed information "ki" is displayed in the ε2 area, "ku" in the ε1 area, "ke" in the ζ1 area, and "ko" in the ζ2 area. (Strictly speaking, the displayed "ka" is both the attribute information indicating that it is a group of characters in the ka row, and the detailed information "ka," which is the first character in the ka row. The same applies to other characters in the a row.) The guide display can also be in the form of a single vertical character (Figure 31).

[0080] The text of the selected attribute information and detailed information may be highlighted by changing the color, displaying the text with the background reversed, making it bold, underlining, or the like. Alternatively, the selected area may be highlighted by changing the color, etc. The guide display may also be in any other shape as long as the attribute information and detailed information are displayed. The number of areas in each of the ε area group and the ζ area group is not limited to 2 and may be increased or decreased.

[0081] Next, the user determines the row in the kana 50-sound table (the distinction between kana by vowel), which is the detailed information of the character to be input. When the user presses the attribute information key, the character in the A row, which is the attribute information, is selected in the guide display at the start of the display. In this example, "ka", which is the attribute information of the Ka row (and at the same time the character "ichi", which is the detailed information of the Na row), is selected (Fig. 28, step S4). When the user presses the Na row key (Fig. 28, step S3), information on the Ka row selection key press is sent from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, which receives this. As a result, the CPU 5 determines that "ka" (here as detailed information) has been specified, and the CPU 5 transmits the specified character to the display unit as character information. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the specified character "ka". The system then enters a standby state. To select another character in the detailed information of the ka row, the touchpad 3 is swiped here, but in this case, while it is desired to input "ka", "ka" has already been selected at the beginning of the guide display as attribute information of the na row (and is also the first character in the detailed information of the na row), so the input of the next character can be continued. By pressing any of the attribute information keys etc. again, "ka" is identified and input (Fig. 28, step S6).

[0082] In this example, the kana character "ri" is further input. FIGS. 32 and 33 are flow diagrams of inputting the "ra" row according to the fourth embodiment. The user presses the "ra row selection key" on keyboard 2 (FIG. 29, step S3). Then, by the same process as described above, a guide display (FIG. 34) is displayed in which the attribute information "ra" is displayed in the protruding portion of the convex shape and the detailed information of the attribute, "ri," "ru," "re," and "ro," is displayed in the base of the convex shape (FIG. 32, step S4). The detailed information "ri," "ru," "re," and "ro" are displayed separately in two directions, above and below the attribute information "ra." The selected attribute information "ra" may be highlighted by changing the color, displaying the background and characters in black and white, or by making it bold.

[0083] Next, the user determines a single character which is detailed information. When selecting the character "り", while the guidance display is on, the user slides (swipes) their finger backward while pressing on the touch pad 3 with their finger or the like (Fig. 32, step S7). Then, the position information of the start and end positions of the pressing operation is transmitted from the touch pad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), and the CPU 5 receives this.

[0084] The CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the pressing start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the pressing release point. If y3 is 0 < y, the CPU 5 selects the line detail information "る" displayed in the first region ε1 of the ε region group (Fig. 32, step 8). The selected detail information "る" may be highlighted, such as by changing its color, reversing the background and text to black and white, or making it bold.

[0085] The user further slides (swipes) their finger backward on the touch pad 3 with their finger or the like (Fig. 32, step 11). Similar to the above, the CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the pressing start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the pressing release point. By the second swipe, if y3 is 0 < y, the CPU 5 selects the second region ε2 "り" of the ε region group (Fig. 32, step 14).

[0086] " If there is no region in the selected direction, the selection of the detailed information does not move, and the detailed information selected before the swipe continues to be selected. If there is no region in the selected direction, other detailed information may be selected, or the attribute information may be selected.

[0087] When the user presses any attribute information key or the like again, "り" is specified and input.

[0088] In this example, the kana character "n" is further input as is. Figure 35 is a flow diagram of inputting the "wa row" according to the fourth embodiment. The user presses the "wa row selection key" on the keyboard (Figure 35, step S3). Then, by the same process as described above, a guide display (Figure 36) is displayed in which the attribute information "wa" is displayed in the protruding part of the convex shape, and the detailed information of the attribute, "wo" and "n", is displayed in the base of the convex shape. The detailed information "wo" and "n" are displayed separately in two directions, above and below the attribute information "wa". The attribute information and group information including the detailed information corresponding to the attribute information are stored in a storage device such as the hard disk drive 6 or memory 7 of the electronic computer 1.

[0089] Next, the user decides on the character "ichi," which is the detailed information. To select the character "n," the user presses the touchpad 3 with a finger or the like while the guide is displayed, and then slides (swipes) the finger forward. Then, position information of the position where the pressing action started is sent from the touchpad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x1, y1), which is received by the CPU 5. When the user releases the pressure on the touchpad 3 at any location (lifts the finger), position information of the position where the pressing action ended is sent from the touchpad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x2, y2), which is received by the CPU 5.

[0090] CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3(x2-x1), y3(y2-y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the pressure start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the pressure release point. If y3 satisfies y<0, CPU 5 selects the detailed information "n" of the wa row displayed in area ζ1, which is the first area in the ζ area group (Figure 35, step S11). CPU 5 transmits the identified character to display unit 4 as character information. Display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the identified character "n".

[0091] After entering kana characters, the system waits for the next character input. Additionally, by pressing keys such as the space key, one can enter the Chinese character conversion routine, or enter the alphabet input mode using the "Half-width / Full-width Chinese Characters" key. These operations can be the same as those of a conventional electronic computer 1. For Chinese character conversion, the fifth embodiment described below may be used.

[0092] In the fourth embodiment, the position information used for detailed information selection is not limited to being based on whether 0 < y or y < 0. One may also select each region of the ε region group and the ζ region group by swiping a finger left or right and using criteria such as whether 0 < x or x < 0.

[0093] In the fourth embodiment, when the guide display is in the form of a single vertical character (strip shape), the attribute information may be arranged at the uppermost row (FIG. 53). In this case, the ε region group extends upward from the lowermost row of the guide display, and the ε1 region and the ε2 region are provided in order from the bottom. The ζ region group extends downward from the attribute information region which is the starting point, and the ζ1 region and the ζ2 region are provided in order closer to the attribute information region. Similar to the above, from the state where the attribute information region is selected, if y3 is 0 < y due to the user's swipe, the ε1 region is selected, and if y < 0, the ζ1 region is selected. If the user continues to swipe, if y3 is 0 < y, the region adjacent above the currently selected region is selected, and if y3 is y < 0, the region adjacent below the currently selected region is selected. An example of the relationship between the row selection keys of each row which are the attribute information and the characters which are the detailed information displayed in each region in the case where the guide display is in the form of a single vertical character (strip shape) in the fourth embodiment is as shown in the table of FIG. 54. The flowcharts of the "ka row" input in the same case are shown in FIGS. 55 and 56. FIG. 57 is a diagram showing the display unit 4 on which the guide display of the attribute information "ka" (when the attribute information is arranged at the uppermost row) in the case where the guide display is in the form of a single vertical character (strip shape) in the fourth embodiment is displayed. The selected attribute information and the characters of the detailed information may be highlighted, such as changing the color, reversing the background and the characters to be black and white display, or making them bold. Or the selected region may be highlighted, such as changing the color. Also, the entire guide display may be sequentially moved so that the currently selected detailed information is always located above the currently input character string.

[0094] In the fourth embodiment, the ε region and the ζ region expand only in two directions, and the information on the movement of the finger on the touch pad 3 is simplified in two directions. Therefore, the user is not required to make fine finger operations, and it is possible to swipe extremely fast. Instead, since the detailed information region expands linearly only in two directions, compared to the first embodiment where the detailed information region expands two-dimensionally in four directions, the number of swipes required to reach the target character may increase. Therefore, when the number of detailed information is not large and it is not necessary to display a large number of detailed information in a list, it becomes a more effective embodiment.

[0095] To input voiced or semi-voiced consonants, press the voiced or semi-voiced consonant key after the clear consonant is displayed, to input a yōon consonant, press the 'ya row selection key' at the same time as the shift key, and to input a sōon consonant, press the 'ta row selection key' at the same time as the shift key, and swipe back and forth the appropriate number of times. As in the second embodiment, a 'ga row selection key', a 'za row selection key', a 'da row selection key', a sōon selection key, a 'ba row selection key', a 'pa row selection key', and a sōon selection key may also be provided.

[0096] With this configuration, users can display all the clear sounds by tapping 10 keys and swiping forward or backward no more than two times. Because only 10 keys are used for clear sound input, users can input easily with very little finger movement. Also, because only 10 keys are used for clear sound input, users can easily memorize and learn the key layout, making touch typing easy. Also, because only 10 keys are used for clear sound input, the keyboard can be made smaller.

[0097] [Fifth embodiment] The first, second, and fourth embodiments above show the input of Japanese kana. After inputting a kana character, the system waits for the next character to be input. Alternatively, the system may enter a kanji conversion routine by pressing or pressing (pressing and releasing) the space key. When the system enters the kanji conversion routine, kanji conversion may be performed using the conversion method used in conventional Japanese input methods, but it is also possible to convert kana to kanji using this fifth embodiment by using the word of kana characters as attribute information and the group of kanji characters corresponding to the reading as detailed information.

[0098] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the keyboard 2 of the electronic calculator 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic calculator 1. The keyboard 2 and its functional configuration are the same as those in the first embodiment. It may also be the keyboard 8 according to the second embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, a space key or the like is used as the "attribute information key at conversion". The "attribute information key at conversion" is a key that notifies the CPU 5 that the kana character input routine has been switched to the kanji conversion routine, and also transmits the information of the kana characters that are in a standby state when the key is pressed to the CPU 5 as attribute information. In other words, it is both a kanji conversion key and an attribute information key. The "attribute information key at conversion" may be assigned to a key other than the space key.

[0099] The input operation when converting kana into kanji using such an electronic calculator 1 will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example the case of converting hiragana "natsu" into kanji "summer."

[0100] 37 and 38 are flow diagrams of the kanji conversion input for "summer" according to the fifth embodiment. First, the user inputs the kana "summer," which is attribute information for the kanji "summer" that the user wants to input, using any method such as the first embodiment (FIG. 37, step S2). The kana characters are put into a standby state. Next, the user presses a "conversion attribute information key" such as a space key on the keyboard 2 (FIG. 37, step S3). The keystroke information is then transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, which receives it. When the "conversion attribute information key" such as a space key is pressed while the kana characters are in a standby state, the keystroke initiates the kanji conversion routine. The CPU 5 identifies the kana currently displayed in a standby state from the information in the memory 7 when the conversion attribute information key is pressed. In this example, the kana character displayed in a standby state when the conversion attribute information key is pressed is "summer," so the first word is identified as "summer." In the fifth embodiment, this "Natsu" becomes attribute information, and the corresponding kanji notation, such as "Natsu", "Natsu" [nostalgia], "Mourning", and "Natsu", becomes detailed information.

[0101] When the row selection key is pressed, the CPU 5 displays a guide display (FIG. 39) on the display unit 4 of the electronic calculator 1, in the area where the cursor is located, showing the attribute information and detailed information about the attribute. The guide display is a display that displays detailed information about the attribute based on the specified attribute information, and displays characters that are identified when an operation is performed according to the guide display. As shown in FIG. 39, the guide display is convex, rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, with the attribute information displayed on the protruding portion and the detailed information about the attribute displayed on the base of the convex. The detailed information is displayed vertically and horizontally. It may be displayed either horizontally or horizontally, but when inputting horizontally written text from left to right, it is generally displayed to the right to prevent the guide display from obscuring characters already written. When inputting vertically written text from top to bottom, the detailed information may be displayed horizontally and downward.

[0102] More specifically, in the guide display, one area is provided for each character of the detailed information in each line, as shown in Figure 39. The areas are divided into four directions, vertically and horizontally, and from the starting point, where the characters of the attribute information are displayed (hereinafter referred to as the attribute information area), the area above is called the α area group, and the area below is called the β area group. The α area group and the β area group extend to the right.

[0103] The α region group extends to the right of the upper row of the attribute information region, which is the starting point, and is provided with the α1 region, α2 region, and α3 region in order of proximity to the attribute information region. The β region group extends to the right of the lower row of the attribute information region, which is the starting point, and is provided with the β1 region, β2 region, and β3 region in order of proximity to the attribute information region. The γ region group extends to the right of the upper row of the α region group, and is provided with the γ1 region, γ2 region, and γ3 region in order of proximity to the attribute information region. The δ region group extends to the right of the lower row of the β region group, and is provided with the δ1 region and δ2 region in order of proximity to the attribute information region. The number of region groups and regions may be increased or decreased as appropriate depending on the number of detailed information information. The attribute information region displays the kana character "natsu" as attribute information, and each detailed information region displays various kanji characters corresponding to the reading of "natsu."

[0104] In this example, the attribute information "Natsu" is displayed on the protruding part, and the detailed information of the attribute "Natsu," ...

[0105] The text of the selected attribute information and detailed information may be highlighted by changing the color, displaying the text in black and white inversely with the background, or by making the text bold. Alternatively, the selected area may be highlighted by changing the color, etc. The guide display may also be in any other shape as long as the attribute information and detailed information are displayed.

[0106] Next, the user selects the kanji characters to be entered as detailed information. To select the character "summer," the user presses the touchpad 3 with a finger or other object while the guide is displayed, and then slides (swipes) the finger backward. Then, position information of the position where the pressing action started is sent from the touchpad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x1, y1), which is received by the CPU 5. When the user releases the pressure on the touchpad 3 (lifts the finger) at any location, position information of the position where the pressing action ended is sent from the touchpad 3 to the CPU 5 as coordinate information (x2, y2), which is received by the CPU 5.

[0107] The CPU 5 calculates the difference (x3 (x2 - x1), y3 (y2 - y1)) between the coordinate information (x1, y1) of the pressing start point and the coordinate information (x2, y2) of the pressing release point. The CPU 5 compares the magnitudes of the absolute value of x3 and the absolute value of y3, and if |x3| < |y3|, it adopts the value of y3, and if |y3| < |x3|, it adopts the value of x3. If x3 < 0, the CPU 5 selects the detailed information of the area adjacent to the left of the currently selected area, if 0 < x3, the detailed information of the area adjacent to the right of the currently selected area, if y3 < 0, the detailed information of the area adjacent to the bottom of the currently selected area, and if 0 < y3, the detailed information of the area adjacent to the top of the currently selected area.

[0108] When there are multiple detailed information areas in the selected direction, the detailed information of the area with a larger contact surface area with the currently selected area is selected. When the contact surface areas are equal, secondly, the smaller value of |x3| and |y3| is used in combination, and from the detailed information of the areas with contact surfaces of equal size, if x3 < 0, the detailed information of the area adjacent to the left of the currently selected area is selected, if 0 < x3, the detailed information of the area adjacent to the right of the currently selected area is selected, if y3 < 0, the detailed information of the area adjacent to the bottom of the currently selected area is selected, and if 0 < y3, the detailed information of the area adjacent to the top of the currently selected area is selected.

[0109] When there is no area in the selected direction, the selection of the detailed information does not move, and the detailed information selected before the swipe is continuously selected. When there is no area in the selected direction, other detailed information such as the area on the diagonal of the guide display may be selected, or the attribute information may be selected.

[0110] Since the user is currently swiping their finger to the right on the touchpad 3, |y3| < |x3|, and the CPU 5 selects the value of x3. Since the user is swiping their finger to the right on the touchpad 3, x3 > 0. Therefore, the CPU 5 will select either the α1 region, which is the first region of the α region group of the detailed information of the region immediately adjacent to the right of the currently selected attribute information region, or the β1 region, which is the first region of the β region group of the detailed information. However, the contact area between the attribute information region and the α1 region is equal to the contact area between the attribute information region and the β1 region. Therefore, secondly, y3, which is the smaller value of |x3| and |y3|, is also used. If 0 < y, the detailed information "Summer" displayed in the α1 region is selected (FIG. 37, step S10). The selected detailed information "Summer" may be highlighted, such as by changing its color, reversing the background and text to black and white, or making it bold. Here, if we assume a swipe upward, "Huai" will be selected if |x3| < |y3| and 0 < y, "Caizu" will be selected if swiped to the right and |y3| < |x3| and 0 < x, and "Na" will be selected if swiped downward and |x3| < |y3| and y < 0. However, since there are many cases, it is omitted in the flowchart 37. Also, in the embodiment of the fifth embodiment, since there is a large amount of detailed information, in FIGS. 37 and 38, detailed information other than "Summer", "Caizu", "Na", and "Natsu" is omitted.

[0111] When the user presses a confirmation key such as the enter key or the "→" key when the detail information "Summer", which is the detail information of the attribute information "Natsu", is selected, the key press information is transmitted from the keyboard 2 to the CPU 5, and the CPU 5 receives this (FIG. 37, step S9). As a result, the CPU 5 determines that "Summer" has been identified, and the CPU 5 transmits the identified character as character information to the display unit 4. The display unit 4 receives the character information and displays the identified character.

[0112] In each of the above embodiments, when there is a large amount of detailed information described in the guide display, or when the target detailed information is diagonally positioned relative to the currently selected detailed information, swiping up, down, left, or right may be inconvenient. For example, when the guide display of FIG. 39 is being shown, and currently the detailed information "Na" is selected, assume that the target detailed information is "Nadu". In this case, if one were to sequentially select by swiping, such as "Na" → "Ka" → "Kai" → "Natsu" → "Nadu", or "Na" → "Natsu" → "Nagi" → "Natsu" → "Nadu", etc., it would require four swipes in total, which can be inconvenient. Therefore, for example, one of the shift keys can be set as the "diagonal movement key", and when the "diagonal movement key" is pressed and swiped simultaneously, selection can proceed diagonally, similar to the "Kaku" in Japanese shogi. While the "diagonal movement key" is pressed, if x3 and y3 are such that 0 < x and 0 < y, the detailed information in the upper right region is selected; if 0 < x and y < 0, the detailed information in the lower right region is selected; if x < 0 and 0 < y, the detailed information in the upper left region is selected; if x < 0 and y < 0, the detailed information in the lower left region is selected. By doing so, when the "diagonal movement key" is provided, by swiping the touchpad 3 upwards and to the right twice, it is possible to select "Ka" → "Natsu" → "Nadu", enabling more efficient selection of the target detailed information. <> <>

[0113] <> In this method, by using combinations of vowels and consonants arranged regularly, such as the 50 sounds of the Japanese syllabary (the Korean fanqie table, the Thai cokai, etc.), appropriate groups of attribute information and detailed information can be created, allowing input of each foreign language. <> <>

[0114] <> Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, a group of hiragana characters is used as attribute information, and a group of corresponding Chinese characters is used as detailed information to select an appropriate Chinese character. This method can also be applied to input Chinese by using appropriate pinyin as attribute information and the corresponding group of Chinese characters as detailed information. When inputting Chinese in this way, after inputting pinyin in the same way as current Chinese pinyin input, or in the third embodiment or the like, a detailed information selection mode is entered by pressing (depressing and releasing) a "conversion attribute information key" such as a space key, appropriate detailed information is selected by swiping the touchpad 3, and the detailed information is confirmed by pressing (depressing and releasing) a confirmation key such as an enter key or an "→" key, or by inputting the next pinyin. It is also possible to enter a detailed information selection mode by pressing a "conversion attribute information key" such as a space key, select appropriate detailed information by swiping the touchpad 3, and confirm the selection by releasing the "conversion attribute information key."

[0115] Furthermore, by applying the above-described embodiments, it is also possible to input Chinese characters by using appropriate Zhuyin symbols as attribute information, arranging attribute information keys for each Zhuyin symbol on the keyboard, and using the group of Chinese characters corresponding to the Zhuyin symbols as detailed information.

[0116] The layout of the attribute information selection keys in each embodiment is an example, and is not limited to the above, and other layouts may be used. Furthermore, the keyboard 2 is not limited to the JIS layout, and a US keyboard or other keyboard format may be used as long as it is capable of inputting attribute information. Furthermore, the layout of the keys in the fifth embodiment, in which the space key is used as the detailed information selection key, is an example, and is not limited to the above, and other layouts may be used.

[0117] This input method can be implemented using a JIS keyboard, a US keyboard, or other general-purpose keyboards, but it is also possible to use a character input control device dedicated to this input method. Figure 40 shows an example of a dedicated character input control device. It is much smaller than conventional keyboards, allowing you to input characters without taking up space on your desk.

[0118] The direction in which the detailed information area expands onto the display unit 4 is not limited to up, down, left, or right, and other directions such as diagonal may also be used. (In the case of diagonal, similar to when the aforementioned diagonal progress key is pressed, if 0 < x and 0 < y, the detailed information of the area at the upper right position is selected; if 0 < x and 0 < y, the detailed information of the area at the lower right position is selected; if x < 0 and 0 < y, the detailed information of the area at the upper left position is selected; if x < 0 and 0 < y, the detailed information of the area at the lower left position is selected.)

[0119] In each of the first to fourth embodiments described above, when selecting detailed information, even if a guide is displayed by pressing (pressing + releasing) the "attribute information key", and after appropriately selecting the detailed information by swiping the touch pad 3 during display, the detailed information is specified by pressing the "attribute information key" (pressing + releasing) again, as another specific method, a guide may be displayed by pressing the attribute information key, and the user may select the appropriate detailed information by swiping the touch pad 3 while keeping the "attribute information key" pressed, and then specify it by releasing the attribute information key. In this method, the flowcharts for inputting the characters in the "ta" row when using the guide display of Form 1 are shown in FIGS. 41 and 42.

[0120] In the fifth embodiment, when converting kana to kanji, when the kana characters are in the standby state, pressing (pressing + releasing) a conversion key such as the space key enters the detailed information selection mode, and after appropriately selecting the detailed information by swiping the touch pad 3, the characters of the detailed information are determined by pressing (pressing + releasing) a confirmation key such as the enter key or the "→" key. However, when pressing the "attribute information key at the time of conversion" such as the space key, pressing enters the detailed information selection mode, and the user may select the appropriate detailed information by swiping the touch pad 3 while keeping the key pressed, and then confirm it by releasing the "attribute information key at the time of conversion". The same applies when converting the aforementioned PIN to kanji.

[0121] In the first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments described above, when the distance between the keys on the keyboard and the touchpad 3 is great, or when the hands of an infant or the like are small and the thumb cannot reach the touchpad 3 when the eight fingers other than the thumb are placed on the home position, or when it is difficult to operate the touchpad 3, the attribute information keys of the keyboard 50 are arranged one step forward from the home position as shown in Figs. 43 and 44, and the key corresponding to "Z" in the QWERTY arrangement is assigned to the "A" row selection key, the key corresponding to "X" in the QWERTY arrangement is assigned to the "K" row selection key, and the key corresponding to "X" in the QWERTY arrangement is assigned to the "K" row selection key. The "sa row selection key" may be placed on the key corresponding to "C" in the column, the "ta row selection key" on the key corresponding to "V" in the QWERTY layout, the "na row selection key" on the key corresponding to "B" in the QWERTY layout, the "ha row selection key" on the key corresponding to "N" in the QWERTY layout, the "ma row selection key" on the key corresponding to "M" in the QWERTY layout, the "ya row selection key" on the key corresponding to "," in the QWERTY layout, the "ra row selection key" on the key corresponding to "." in the QWERTY layout, and the "wa row selection key" on the key corresponding to " / " in the QWERTY layout. In this case, in the second embodiment, in addition to the above keys, a "ga row selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "S" in the QWERTY layout, a "za row selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "D" in the QWERTY layout, a "da row selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "F" in the QWERTY layout, a "shokuon selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "G" in the QWERTY layout, a "ba row selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "H" in the QWERTY layout, a "pa row selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "J" in the QWERTY layout, and a "yoon selection key" is arranged on the key corresponding to "K" in the QWERTY layout. Each key has a hiragana character drawn on it, corresponding to the row selection key: "a", "ka", "sa", "ta", "na", "ha", "ma", "ya", "ra", or "wa". When combined with embodiment 2, in addition to the above, hiragana characters may be drawn for each row selection key, such as "ga," "za," "da," "tsu," "ba," "pa," and "ya," one character per key.

[0122] While the guide display is being displayed, the mouse pointer function of the touchpad 3 may be stopped. Alternatively, the mouse pointer function may be operated by a mouse separately connected to the electronic computer 1.

[0123] When the mouse pointer function is operated by a mouse separately connected to the electronic computer 1, as shown in FIG. 45, the key corresponding to "A" in the so-called QWERTY layout of the keyboard 51 is assigned an "A row selection key," the key corresponding to "S" in the QWERTY layout is assigned a "Ka row selection key," the key corresponding to "D" in the QWERTY layout is assigned a "Sa row selection key," the key corresponding to "F" in the QWERTY layout is assigned a "Ta row selection key," the key corresponding to "G" in the QWERTY layout is assigned a "Na row selection key," the key corresponding to "Z" is assigned a "Ha row selection key," and the key corresponding to "X" in the QWERTY layout is assigned a " By arranging range attribute information keys that can be operated with one hand, such as placing the "ma row selection key" on the key corresponding to "C" on the QWERTY keyboard, the "ya row selection key" on the key corresponding to "V" on the QWERTY keyboard, and the "wa row selection key" on the key corresponding to "B" on the QWERTY keyboard (and further placing voiced consonant keys, semi-voiced consonant keys, punctuation keys, and comma keys around it), the user can easily operate character input with one hand, and can always hold the mouse with one hand while working and input characters with the other hand at the same time.

[0124] The location where the guide display is displayed is not limited to the area corresponding to the cursor, and may be elsewhere on the display unit 4 (FIG. 46). In this case, the cursor may be displayed with the characters in the area currently selected by the guide display. Also, to enable the user to check the currently typed or pressed key on the screen, attribute information may be displayed in a list on the screen (FIG. 47), and the attribute information of the typed or pressed key may be made recognizable by highlighting or the like. Furthermore, when inputting kana, the attribute information and detailed information of each key may be displayed in a list, and the currently selected area may be made recognizable by highlighting or the like, so that even those who do not have Japanese as their native language and who do not remember the Japanese syllabary can input using this method, or so that even if a group of detailed information is set in an uncommon classification, the method can be used. FIG. 48 is a diagram of the display unit 4 when the guide display is displayed in a list in the fourth embodiment.

[0125] The values ​​of x, y, etc. and the judgment criteria should be selected appropriately. The information used as the judgment criteria can be appropriate information such as the pressed position, number of presses, movement direction, movement distance, pressing time, and the graphic of the trajectory drawn by the pressed position when the finger is moved while pressing. For example, information such as the position and number of taps on the touchpad can be used instead of the information on the swipe motion.

[0126] In this way, this method, by combining a keyboard and a touchpad, allows multiple characters to be selected with a single key. For example, only 10 keys are required to select the clear sounds of kana (in this method, all kana other than voiced, semi-voiced, palatalized, and doubled consonants are called clear sounds). If eight of these keys are located in the so-called home position of the keyboard, the user does not need to move their fingers far from the home position, and can input characters with extremely little finger movement, enabling fast typing. Furthermore, because there are only a few keys whose layout needs to be memorized, touch typing (also known as touch typing) is easy to learn.

[0127] Furthermore, when entering kana, this method uses the 50 kana characters that most Japanese speakers have memorized, so unlike romaji input, even young children who have not memorized romaji notation can easily enter kana.

[0128] Furthermore, in this method, for example, in the first embodiment described below, the user can display all the unspoken sounds by pressing 10 keys and swiping forward, backward, left, or right no more than two times. Because only 10 keys are used for unspoken input, the user can easily memorize and learn the key layout, and touch typing is easy. Also, because only 10 keys are used for unspoken input, the keyboard can be made smaller.

[0129] Also, in this method, unlike the toggle input, there is no need to continuously press the same key on the keyboard, making the input easy. Also, since the character information, which is the detailed information, is arranged in four directions or two directions starting from the attribute information, unlike the toggle input where the detailed information can only be sequentially selected in one direction, the number of swipe operations on the touchpad can be significantly reduced compared to the toggle input until the target character is reached, and the characters can be efficiently selected. Also, since the characters on the guide display are used to select the characters that are the detailed information and other attribute information keys are used for identification, unlike the toggle input, even when continuously inputting characters belonging to the same detailed information group, the user does not need to press the [→] key, enabling simple character input.

[0130] Also, in this method, the position information of the start and end positions of the swipe is simplified into four divisions in the four directions of 0 < y, y < 0, 0 < x, x < 0, or two divisions in the two directions of 0 < y, y < 0. Therefore, for the selection of the characters that are the detailed information, the detailed information can be selected in four directions of up, down, left, and right or in two directions of up and down from the starting area during the guide display. The user can select any four characters of up, down, left, and right or any two characters of up and down with one swipe on the touchpad. In the case of inputting kana characters, ultimately, the user can select all the voiceless sounds in a row with one key press for row selection and within two simple swipes. When row selection keys for voiced sounds, semi-voiced sounds, and kana with small "y" sounds are also provided as in the second form described later, the user can select all the kana with one key press for row selection and within two swipes, enabling quick selection of the target character.

[0131] Also, in this method, regarding the position information of the start and end positions of the swipe, it is simplified into four directions of 0 < y, y < 0, 0 < x, x < 0 or simplified into two in the 0 < y, y < 0 direction. Therefore, the user can use any position on the touchpad as the start and end points of the swipe as long as it is a swipeable position. Therefore, unlike the flick input, the user is not required to perform precise finger operations that confine the start and end positions within a specific narrow range. The user simply moves back and forth (left and right ) direction on the surface of the touchpad, you can simply swipe your finger, making selections with simple finger movements and allowing for extremely fast fingering.

[0132] Furthermore, this method requires only that the touchpad be capable of recognizing the direction and number of swipes, allowing it to be small.

[0133] Furthermore, with this method, the thumb movement when inputting kana is simply a swipe of the finger in a forward / backward (left / right) direction, approximately horizontally on the surface of the touchpad. This movement direction corresponds to the orientation of the thumb joint when both hands are placed in the so-called home position, allowing the user to comfortably select kana characters with natural finger movements that do not put strain on the joints.

[0134] Furthermore, with this method, even when converting Japanese kana into kanji, the conversion candidates are displayed flatly in four directions (up, down, left, right, etc.) on the guide display, so a large number of conversion candidate characters can be displayed in a list, and there is no need to repeatedly press the space bar on the keyboard until the desired character is selected, making input easier.

[0135] As described above, this method is an input method that combines a character input control device such as a keyboard, a position information input device such as a touchpad, and a guide display, thereby enabling efficient and comfortable character input. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1 electronic computer 2, 8, 9, 50, 51 keyboard 3 Touchpad 4 Display section 5 CPU 6 Hard Disk Drive 7. Memory 10,11 Guide display 20, 30, 40 Attribute information area 21 α1 region 22 α2 region 23 β1 region 24 β2 area 31 ε1 field 32 ε2 field 33 ζ1 field 34 ζ2 field

Claims

1. A character input method for inputting characters by operating a keyboard, an information allocation step of allocating group information having detailed information including a plurality of pieces of attribute information and a plurality of characters corresponding to each piece of the attribute information to each of predetermined first character keys of the character input device; an information display step of displaying an arrangement of the first character keys corresponding to each of the assigned attribute information in a first area, pressing the first character key assigned to the attribute information to display the attribute information in a second area different from the first area of ​​the display device, and arranging the plurality of characters included in the group information in a line in a first direction near the attribute information; an information selection step of operating a position information input device to select one of the plurality of characters of the group information while maintaining the state in which the plurality of characters of the group information are displayed in a line, the keyboard has the character input device arranged on a surface side of the keyboard and a position information input device arranged on the surface side near the character input device, a character input method characterized in that, in the information selection step, one character among the plurality of characters of the group information displayed in the second area of ​​the display device is highlighted, the highlighted character is stored and kept on standby, and in response to operation of the position information input device, the highlighted character is used as a new starting point and the highlighted character is shifted in the first direction in which the plurality of characters are arranged or in the direction opposite to the first direction, thereby selecting one of the plurality of characters of the group information.

2. 2. The character input method according to claim 1, further comprising a group information determination step of determining selected group information when the first character key is released.

3. 2. The character input method according to claim 1, wherein, in the information selection step, when selecting one of the group information, the area of ​​the displayed detailed information moves each time the position information input device is operated.

4. A character input program for inputting characters by operating a keyboard, an information allocation process for allocating group information having detailed information including a plurality of pieces of attribute information and a plurality of characters corresponding to each piece of the attribute information to each of predetermined first character keys of the character input device; an information display process of displaying an arrangement of the first character keys corresponding to each of the assigned attribute information in a first area, pressing the first character key assigned to the attribute information to display the attribute information in a second area different from the first area of ​​the display device, and arranging the plurality of characters included in the group information in a line in a first direction near the attribute information; an information selection process of selecting one of the plurality of characters of the group information by operating a position information input device while maintaining the state in which the plurality of characters of the group information are displayed in a line, the keyboard has the character input device arranged on a surface side of the keyboard and a position information input device arranged on the surface side near the character input device, A character input program characterized in that, in the information selection process, one character among the plurality of characters of the group information displayed in the second area of ​​the display device is highlighted, the highlighted character is stored and put on standby, and in response to operation of the position information input device, the highlighted character is used as a new starting point, and the highlighted character is shifted in the first direction in which the plurality of characters are arranged or in the direction opposite to the first direction, thereby executing a process to select one of the plurality of characters of the group information.

5. 5. The character input program according to claim 4, further comprising a group information determination process for determining selected group information when the first character key is released.

6. A character input device for inputting characters by operating a keyboard, a storage device for storing group information having detailed information including a plurality of pieces of attribute information to be assigned to a predetermined first character key of the character input device and a plurality of characters corresponding to each of the pieces of attribute information; a calculation unit that performs information allocation to be allocated to each of predetermined first character keys of the character input device; a display device that displays an arrangement of the first character keys corresponding to each of the assigned attribute information in a first area, and that, when the first character key assigned to the attribute information is pressed, displays the attribute information in a second area different from the first area of ​​the display device, and that displays the plurality of characters included in the group information in a line arrangement in a first direction near the attribute information, the calculation unit operates a position information input device to select one of the plurality of characters of the group information while maintaining the state in which the plurality of characters of the group information are displayed in a line; the keyboard has the character input device arranged on a surface side of the keyboard and a position information input device arranged on the surface side near the character input device, a character input device configured to, when selecting predetermined attribute information or detailed information from the group information, highlight one character among the plurality of characters of the group information displayed in the second area of ​​the display device, store and standby the highlighted character, and, in response to operation of the position information input device, shift the highlighted character starting from the highlighted character in the first direction in which the plurality of characters are arranged or in the direction opposite to the first direction, thereby selecting one of the plurality of characters of the group information.

7. 7. The character input device according to claim 6, wherein when selecting one of the group information, the area of ​​the displayed detailed information moves every time the position information input device is operated.

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