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

Abstract

To provide a technique of intuitively performing a flick input and easily performing a character input.SOLUTION: A character input device includes a character input unit, an operation detection unit, an input locus measuring unit, and a character switching unit. The character input unit receives an input of characters by a flick input. The operation detection unit detects an operation of a character input received by the character input unit. The input locus measuring unit measures a length of an input locus from a start position of the character input to an end position of the character input detected by the operation detection unit. The character switching unit acquires a second character by regularly switching a first character corresponding to the start position of the character input according to the length of the input locus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for assisting character input. [Background technology]

[0002] Various methods have been devised for inputting characters by flick input using a software keyboard installed on an electronic device such as a smartphone. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for inputting a desired character by selecting a line of the character to be input and sliding the operating finger up, down, left, right, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6135947 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the flick input using the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the direction and width of the slide of the finger to operate the character to be input are determined by the software keyboard. More specifically, when inputting "u" in the "a" row, the user first selects the "a" row, and then selects the character "u" by sliding the finger upward over the character "a." This allows the user to input the character "u" that they intend.

[0005] That is, since the direction to input the character "u" is specified as upward, if the finger deviates from this upward direction, the desired character may not be input. If the user inputs a character by mistake, the user must delete the character and then input the desired character while being mindful of the operation direction. This may result in inconvenience for the user.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows intuitive flick input and easy character input. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the character input device of the present invention is configured as follows: Note that the "order of characters in the language of the characters to be input" described below means alphabetical order when the language type is Japanese, and alphabetical order when the language type is English.

[0008] For the sake of convenience, the "input trajectory" shown below will be described as an arc or a straight line. However, any type of line can be used, including wavy lines, zigzag lines, free-form curves, and lines that pass through the same point multiple times, i.e., lines that continue without interruption.

[0009] The character input device includes a character input unit, an operation detection unit, an input trajectory measurement unit, and a character switching unit. The character input unit accepts character input by flick input. The operation detection unit detects the character input operation accepted by the character input unit. The input trajectory measurement unit measures the length of the input trajectory from the start position to the end position of the character input detected by the operation detection unit. The character switching unit regularly switches the first character corresponding to the start position of the character input according to the length of the input trajectory to acquire the second character.

[0010] With this configuration, the user can switch between characters to be input depending on the length of the input trajectory when performing flick input. In other words, the user can perform flick input intuitively, improving convenience.

[0011] The input trajectory measurement unit of this character input device determines that the input trajectory drawn from the start position to the end position is a clockwise arc. As a result, the character switching unit switches the first character to the character order in the language of the input character according to the length of the input trajectory, and acquires the second character.

[0012] The input trajectory measurement unit of this character input device determines that the input trajectory drawn from the start position to the end position is a counterclockwise arc, and the character switching unit switches the first character to the reverse order of the character sequence in the language of the input character to obtain the second character.

[0013] The input trajectory measurement unit of this character input device determines that the input trajectory drawn from the start position to the end position is a straight line. As a result, the character switching unit switches the first character to the character order in the language of the input character according to the length of the straight line, and acquires the second character.

[0014] The waiting time measurement unit of this character input device measures the time that a character input operation is waited for from the start position to the end position. When the waiting time measurement unit determines that the time that the character input operation is waited for at the input position of the second character exceeds a certain time, the character switching unit switches the second character to the first character and further regularly switches the first character to obtain the second character.

[0015] The operation detection unit of this character input device detects the start position and operation direction of character input, and determines the first character. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows for intuitive flick input and easy character input. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an image diagram showing how characters are input using a character input device according to an application example. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the character input device of the first configuration example. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an image diagram showing character input using the character input device of the first configuration example. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing character input using the character input device of the first configuration example. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the character input device in the operational example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing character input using the character input device of the first modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing character input using the character input device of the second modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a character input device according to the second configuration example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an image diagram showing character input using the character input device of the second configuration example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the character input device of the second configuration example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing character input using the character input device of the third modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an image diagram showing character input using the character input device of the fourth modification. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing character input using the character input device of the fifth modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an image diagram showing character input using the character input device of the sixth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to several drawings.

[0019] <1. Application Examples> 1 is an image diagram of character input using a character input device 10. A user creates an email using the character input device 10. The user inputs characters into an email application.

[0020] The character input device 10 is mounted on an electronic device such as a smartphone, etc. Note that the electronic device is not limited to a smartphone, and may be any device that allows character input, such as a tablet or a personal computer.

[0021] A specific example will be described below in which a user inputs characters. The smartphone 80 is equipped with a touch panel. The user starts an application (hereinafter, referred to as an app) installed on the smartphone 80.

[0022] The user starts, for example, an email application. The user inputs a character string into input field 200. In this example, an email application is used for explanation, but the type of application is not limited as long as it has a function that allows character input.

[0023] The character input device 10 accepts the result of a user's operation on the touch panel of the smartphone 80. For example, the user starts an email application to compose an email and inputs characters. The character input device 10 detects the user's operation to start inputting characters. Upon detecting this operation to input characters, the character input device 10 activates the display unit 20 (character input unit 21, candidate display unit 22).

[0024] A procedure for the user to input characters will be described using a more specific example. The user operates the character input unit 21 and inputs the character string "Shin Osaka."

[0025] First, the user taps the input field 200. This activates the character input device 10. As described above, the character input section 21 and the candidate display section 22 are activated on the display section 20.

[0026] Next, the user taps the position of the "sa" row on the character input unit 21 with his / her finger. At this time, the user slides his / her finger clockwise (right). The character input device 10 detects the length of the path of the finger slid clockwise, and switches the characters of the "sa" row, i.e., "sa," "shi," "su," "se," and "so," depending on the length of this path. At this time, the character input device 10 displays input guides for "sa," "shi," "su," "se," and "so," respectively, depending on the path of the finger.

[0027] The user confirms that the character "shi" is displayed by the input guide and stops sliding his / her finger. Next, when the user removes his / her finger from the touch panel, the character "shi" is displayed in the input field 200. Furthermore, the candidate display unit 22 displays conversion candidates (including predicted conversion candidates) for the character "shi."

[0028] With this configuration, the user can slide their finger across the character input unit 21 (touch panel) and input characters according to the distance they slide. In other words, by using the above configuration, the user can input characters more intuitively than by flick input, which can be done by moving the finger up, down, left, and right. This improves user convenience.

[0029] <2.Configuration Example 1> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the character input device 10 of this example. Fig. 3 is an image diagram showing character input using a smartphone 80 to which the character input device 10 of this example is applied. Note that the application of the character input device 10 is not limited to smartphones, and it may be any other electronic device capable of character input.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the character input device 10 includes a display unit 20, an operation detection unit 30, a display control unit 35, and a control unit 40.

[0031] As described above, the display unit 20 includes the character input unit 21 and the candidate display unit 22. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the character input unit 21 and the candidate display unit 22 are arranged on the screen of the smartphone 80. The character input unit 21 displays various keys for character input. The candidate display unit 22 displays conversion candidates acquired by a method described below and narrowed-down conversion candidates. Note that the character input unit 21 is, for example, a software keyboard.

[0032] The smartphone 80 is equipped with a touch panel. This touch panel detects user operations. More specifically, the touch panel detects operations on the input field 200 of the email application, and on the character input section 21 and candidate display section 22 provided on the display unit 20. The detection of an operation includes, for example, the operation position, the length of time the operation is performed, and changes in the operation position over time. The detection results of these operations are output to the operation detection unit 30. Depending on the result input from the touch panel, the operation detection unit 30 outputs this result to the display control unit 35 and the control unit 40. The display control unit 35 outputs the result to the display unit 20 so as to perform a display according to the operation result.

[0033] The control unit 40 includes an input trajectory measurement unit 41 and a character switching unit 42. The control unit 40 is configured with a hardware CPU, a memory, and other electronic circuits. When the hardware CPU executes the character input program according to the present invention, it operates as the input trajectory measurement unit 41 and the character switching unit 42. The memory is configured to have an area for expanding the character input program according to the present invention and an area for temporarily storing data generated when the character input program is executed. The control unit 40 may be an LSI that integrates the hardware CPU, memory, and the like. The hardware CPU is a computer that executes the character input method according to the present invention.

[0034] The input trajectory measurement unit 41 acquires a trajectory when the user operates the character input unit 21 with a finger. More specifically, the input trajectory measurement unit 41 acquires the distance from the position where the user starts inputting characters into the character input unit 21 (hereinafter referred to as the start position) to the position where the user finishes inputting the characters (hereinafter referred to as the end position) from the input trajectory. For example, the input trajectory measurement unit 41 defines the character input unit 21 as an XY plane, and acquires the trajectory (hereinafter referred to as the input trajectory) of the user's finger moving on this XY plane to input characters.

[0035] The character switching unit 42 switches characters depending on the length of the input trajectory acquired by the input trajectory measurement unit 41. Specifically, the user taps on a desired row of the Japanese alphabet to determine the start position. The character switching unit 42 determines in advance the distance (hereinafter referred to as the switching distance) that the finger will move to switch characters along this input trajectory. When the user slides their finger on the character input unit 21 from the start position to the end position, the character is switched for each switching distance, and a guide input is displayed on the character input unit 21. Details will be described later.

[0036] Next, a specific configuration of the character input device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3, a user starts an email application on a smartphone 80. The following example shows a case where the user inputs the character string "Shin Osaka."

[0037] First, a configuration in which the character switching unit 42 of the character input device 10 defines the switching distance will be described. The character switching unit 42 defines the switching distance SD as shown in FIG. 3. For example, in the "sa" row, the distance from the character "sa" to the character "shi" is the switching distance SD. Similarly, the character switching unit 42 sets the switching distance SD for each character in the "sa" row, such as from the character "shi" to the character "su", from the character "su" to the character "se", etc. This switching distance SD is set to a common length for each character. In other words, when the user's finger slides across the character input unit 21, the moving distance of the user's finger switches characters every switching distance SD.

[0038] The input trajectory measuring unit 41 measures the input trajectory of the user's finger on the character input unit 21. The input trajectory measuring unit 41 outputs the movement distance acquired from the input trajectory to the character switching unit 42 every time the user's finger moves.

[0039] The character switching unit 42 compares the movement distance with the switching distance SD. The character switching unit 42 switches characters each time the movement distance exceeds the switching distance SD. More specifically, the character switching unit 42 switches characters, such as from the character "sa" to the character "shi" and from the character "shi" to the character "su" each time the user's finger moves the switching distance SD. Each time the character switching unit 42 switches, the guide display in the character input unit 21 is switched. Note that when the character "so", which is the last character in the "sa" row, is displayed, the character switching unit 42 may switch characters again, starting from the character "sa".

[0040] 1 and 2, a user activates input field 200 of the email application. Operation detection unit 30 detects that input field 200 has been activated, and outputs the detection result to display control unit 35. Display control unit 35 displays character input unit 21 and candidate display unit 22.

[0041] The user uses the character input unit 21 to input the character string "Shin Osaka." As shown in FIG. 4, the user taps the "sa" row. The operation detection unit 30 detects that the "sa" row has been selected. The user slides their finger clockwise (to the right) from the character "sa."

[0042] The user slides their finger on the character input unit 21. The input trajectory measurement unit 41 outputs the movement distance acquired from the input trajectory of the user's finger to the character switching unit 42. The character switching unit 42 compares the movement distance with the switching distance SD. At this time, the character switching unit 42 determines that the user's finger has moved by only the switching distance SD, and switches from the character "sa" to the character "shi". The character switching unit 42 outputs to the character input unit 21 that the character "sa" has been switched to the character "shi". The character input unit 21 displays the character "shi" as an input guide.

[0043] The user recognizes that the desired character "shi" has been selected and removes his / her finger from the character input unit 21. As a result, the character "shi" is displayed in the input field 200. The user then inputs the subsequent characters.

[0044] <3. Example of operation> 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the character input device 10 in the operation example. The processing flow of the character input device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0045] The user launches an email application installed on the smartphone 80. The user taps on the input field 200. The operation detection unit 30 outputs to the display control unit 35 to launch the display unit 20. The display unit 20 displays the character input unit 21 and the candidate display unit 22.

[0046] The input field 200 accepts character input by the user. The operation detection unit 30 detects the start of character input by the user (S101).

[0047] The user selects the "sa" row to input the character "shi" using the character input unit 21. The operation detection unit 30 detects that the user has selected the "sa" row and determines the start position (S102). The display control unit 35 causes the character input unit 21 to display the character "sa" as an input guide.

[0048] The input trajectory measurement unit 41 measures the movement distance obtained from the input trajectory of the user's finger (S103). The input trajectory measurement unit 41 outputs the movement distance to the character switching unit 42 every time it measures the movement of the user's finger.

[0049] The character switching unit 42 compares the movement distance with the switching distance SD (S104). If the movement distance exceeds the switching distance SD (S104: Yes), the character switching unit 42 switches from the character "sa" to the character "shi". The character switching unit 42 outputs to the display control unit 35 that the character has been switched to the character "shi". The display control unit 35 outputs to the character input unit 21 to switch the input guide from the character "sa" to the character "shi". The character input unit 21 switches the input guide from the character "sa" to the character "shi".

[0050] The user determines whether the character "shi" is the desired character (S106). If the user determines that the character "shi" is to be input, the user removes the finger from the character input unit 21. When the operation detection unit 30 detects that the user has removed the finger from the character input unit 21, it ends detection of the input trajectory (S107).

[0051] The display control unit 35 outputs to the display control unit 35 that the character "shi" has been confirmed. The display control unit 35 causes the character "shi" to be displayed in the input field 200 (S108). Furthermore, the display control unit 35 causes the candidate display unit 22 to display conversion candidates (including predicted candidates) for this character "shi" from a dictionary database (not shown) using a known search method.

[0052] In step S104, if the movement distance does not exceed the switching distance SD (S104: No), the character input unit 21 continues to display the character "sa" in the input guide. The user continues to slide the character input unit 21. This causes the input trajectory measurement unit 41 to execute step S103 of measuring the movement distance from the input trajectory.

[0053] Furthermore, in step S106, if the character is not the user's desired character (S106: No), the user continues to slide the character input unit 21. This causes the input trajectory measurement unit 41 to execute step S103 of measuring the movement distance from the input trajectory.

[0054] With this configuration, users can easily input characters according to the distance obtained from the input trajectory of sliding their finger. Therefore, unlike conventional flick input, users can input characters without being concerned about the direction in which they slide their finger up, down, left, or right, improving user convenience and operability.

[0055] Note that the switching distance SD in the above configuration is set to an arbitrary value. More specifically, the switching distance SD may be determined according to the size of the character input unit 21 of a smartphone, tablet, or the like. However, the switching distance SD may also be determined according to the user's operating conditions. In other words, the switching distance SD may be determined based on the user's operating habits during flick input and the operating speed (acceleration) of the flick input.

[0056] In addition, in the above description, when the transition from the character "sa" in the "sa" row to the character "so" is completed, the transition returns to the character "sa" and then the transition from the "sa" row to the character "so" is performed again. However, after the transition from the character "sa" to the character "so" is completed, characters in the "sa" row with voiced consonants, such as the character "za," the character "ji," the character "zu," the character "ze," and the character "zo," may be displayed. Also, if the character is in a row where a handakuten consonant can be added, the transition may be to a character with a handakuten consonant. Furthermore, for example, in the "ta" row, the character "tsu" may be displayed as a glottal stop character "tsu."

[0057] This configuration allows the user to easily input the characters he or she desires, further improving user convenience.

[0058] <4. Variation 1> Next, a character input device according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. In Configuration Example 1, a user inputs characters by sliding the characters clockwise, whereas in Modification 1, the user slides his / her finger in a straight line.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 6, the user taps on the "sa" row. The operation detection unit 30 detects that the "sa" row has been selected. The user slides their finger in a straight line from the character "sa."

[0060] The user slides their finger in a straight line on the character input unit 21. The input trajectory measurement unit 41 outputs the movement distance acquired from the input trajectory of the user's finger to the character switching unit 42. The character switching unit 42 compares the movement distance with the switching distance SD. At this time, the character switching unit 42 determines that the user's finger has moved by only the switching distance SD, and switches from the character "sa" to the character "shi". The character switching unit 42 outputs to the character input unit 21 that the character "sa" has been switched to the character "shi". The character input unit 21 displays the character "shi" as an input guide.

[0061] The user recognizes that the desired character "shi" has been selected and removes his / her finger from the character input unit 21. As a result, the character "shi" is displayed in the input field 200. The user then inputs the subsequent characters.

[0062] This configuration makes it possible to switch characters depending on the distance the user's finger moves during flick input. Therefore, unlike conventional flick input, users can input characters without being concerned about the direction in which they slide their finger up, down, left, or right, improving user convenience and operability.

[0063] <5. Variation 2> Next, a character input device according to Modification 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. While the character input unit 21 in Configuration Example 1 is in a kana input mode, Modification 2 differs in that the character input unit 21 is in an alphabet input mode. Other configurations of the character input device 10A are the same as those of the character input device 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted. Note that the character input unit 21 in FIG. 9 uses a 12-key keyboard (ten-key), but may have a QWERTY keyboard layout.

[0064] The following description will be given by taking an example in which the character input unit 21 is in the English character input mode. However, the type of language input as characters is not limited to the English character input mode, and other types of languages ​​may be used. The type of language may be, for example, Chinese, which is a system in which a user inputs the phonetic notation of a word (desired characters) to be input as characters, or German, etc., which is a system in which a user inputs the spelling of a word to be input as characters. The above-mentioned QWERTY keyboard layout is effective when inputting characters in Vietnamese, French, etc., in which multiple accent marks are assigned to each character.

[0065] The user inputs the letter "C" into the input field 200. At this time, the user taps the position where "ABC" is displayed. The operation detection unit 30 detects that the position of "ABC" has been selected. The user slides their finger clockwise (right-handed) from the letter "A."

[0066] The user slides their finger on the character input unit 21. The input trajectory measurement unit 41 outputs the movement distance acquired from the input trajectory of the user's finger to the character switching unit 42. The character switching unit 42 compares the movement distance with the switching distance SD. At this time, the character switching unit 42 determines that the user's finger has moved by the switching distance SD, and switches from the character "A" to the character "B." The user further moves their finger by the switching distance SD. As a result, the character switching unit 42 determines that the user's finger has further moved by the switching distance SD, and switches from the character "B" to the character "C."

[0067] The user recognizes that the desired character "C" has been selected and removes his / her finger from the character input unit 21. As a result, the character "C" is displayed in the input field 200. The user then inputs the subsequent characters.

[0068] With this configuration, the user can easily input characters even when the character input unit 21 is in the alphabet input mode. Therefore, unlike conventional flick input, the user can input characters without being conscious of the direction in which he or she slides his or her finger, improving user convenience and operability.

[0069] <6.Configuration Example 2> Next, a character input device according to configuration example 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the character input device of configuration example 2. Fig. 9 is an image diagram showing character input to the character input device 10A of configuration example 2. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the character input device of configuration example 2.

[0070] 8, 9, and 10, the character input device 10A according to configuration example 2 differs in the configuration when a user waits for an operation during flick input using the character input device 10 according to configuration example 1. Other configurations of the character input device 10A are the same as those of the character input device 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, an example will be described in which a user inputs a character string "Susumu" (to proceed) including characters in the "sa" row. First, the configuration of the character input device 10A will be described with reference to Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 9, the character input device 10A includes a display unit 20, an operation detection unit 30, a display control unit 35, and a control unit 40A.

[0072] The control unit 40A includes an input trajectory measurement unit 41, a character switching unit 42, and a waiting time measurement unit 43. The waiting time measurement unit 43 measures the time during which the user's operation is waiting when the user slides his / her finger clockwise on the character input unit 21.

[0073] 8, the input trajectory measurement unit 41 outputs the movement distance acquired from the input trajectory each time the user's finger moves to the character switching unit 42. Similarly, the input trajectory measurement unit 41 measures the time (hereinafter, "waiting time") that the user's finger waits (stops operation) during the operation of moving the user's finger. At this time, if the waiting time exceeds a specified time (for example, 2 seconds), the waiting time measurement unit 43 outputs to the input trajectory measurement unit 41 that the input operation is waiting.

[0074] The input trajectory measurement unit 41 resets (initializes) the currently measured input trajectory. As a result, when the user slides his / her finger clockwise on the character input unit 21, an output is sent to the character switching unit 42 to switch the character to the first character of the line.

[0075] Next, a specific image of character input will be explained using Figure 9. The user slides his / her finger clockwise on the character input unit 21. In this case, when sliding his / her finger, the user continues to slide his / her finger even after the desired character "shi" is displayed. As a result, an input guide for the character "su" is displayed on the character input unit 21.

[0076] The user waits for a certain period of time with the input guide for the character "su" selected in the character input unit 21. The waiting time measurement unit 43 measures this waiting time, and if the waiting time exceeds a preset time, the user slides the finger further from the character "su". As a result, the input guide in the character input unit 21 displays the character "sa" again, and a character change is performed from the character "sa".

[0077] On the other hand, if the user does not slide his / her finger from the character input unit 21 at the position of the character "su" and the waiting time exceeds a certain time, it is preferable that the character "su" is confirmed when the user removes his / her finger from the character input unit 21.

[0078] Next, the flow of processing in the character input device 10A will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the character input device 10A of configuration example 2. The flow of processing in the character input device 10A will be described with reference to Figs. 8, 9, and 10.

[0079] The user launches an email application installed on the smartphone 80. The user taps on the input field 200. The operation detection unit 30 outputs to the display control unit 35 to launch the display unit 20. The display unit 20 displays the character input unit 21 and the candidate display unit 22.

[0080] The input field 200 accepts character input by the user. The operation detection unit 30 detects the start of character input by the user (S201).

[0081] The user selects the "sa" row to input the character "su" using the character input unit 21. The operation detection unit 30 detects that the user has selected the "sa" row and determines the start position (S202). The display control unit 35 causes the character input unit 21 to display the input guide "sa."

[0082] The input trajectory measurement unit 41 measures the movement distance obtained from the input trajectory of the user's finger (S203). The input trajectory measurement unit 41 outputs the movement distance to the character switching unit 42 every time it measures the movement of the user's finger.

[0083] The character switching unit 42 compares the movement distance with the switching distance SD (S204). If the movement distance exceeds the switching distance SD (S204: Yes), the character switching unit 42 switches from the character "sa" to the desired character "shi" and then to the character "su". The character switching unit 42 outputs to the display control unit 35 that the character has been switched to the character "su". The display control unit 35 switches the input guide from the character "sa" to the character "shi" and then to the character "su".

[0084] At this time, the user recognizes that the character "su" is displayed, and waits for a certain period of time with the input guide for the character "su" selected in the character input unit 21. The waiting time measurement unit 43 measures this waiting time. The waiting time measurement unit 43 compares the waiting time with a preset time (S206).

[0085] If the waiting time measurement unit 43 determines that the waiting time has not exceeded the predetermined time, it executes step S207. The user determines whether the character "su" is the desired character (S207). If the user determines that the character "su" is to be input, the user removes the finger from the character input unit 21. When the operation detection unit 30 detects that the user has removed the finger from the character input unit 21, it ends detection of the input trajectory (S208).

[0086] The display control unit 35 outputs to the display control unit 35 that the character "su" has been confirmed. The display control unit 35 causes the character "su" to be displayed in the input field 200 (S209). Furthermore, the display control unit 35 causes the candidate display unit 22 to display conversion candidates (including predicted candidates) for this character "su" from a dictionary database (not shown) using a known search method.

[0087] In step S206, if the waiting time measurement unit 43 determines that the waiting time has exceeded the predetermined time, it confirms the character "su" (S210). Furthermore, the waiting time measurement unit 43 outputs to the input trajectory measurement unit 41 to reset the input trajectory (S211). The input trajectory measurement unit 41 resets (initializes) the input trajectory. Thereafter, the process is executed again from step S202 (switching is executed again from the character "sa").

[0088] In step S204, if the movement distance does not exceed the switching distance SD (S204: No), the character input unit 21 continues to display the character "sa" in the input guide. The user continues to slide the character input unit 21. This causes the input trajectory measurement unit 41 to execute step S203, which measures the movement distance from the input trajectory.

[0089] Furthermore, in step S207, if the character is not the user's desired character (S207: No), the user continues to slide the character input unit 21. This causes the input trajectory measurement unit 41 to execute step S203 of measuring the movement distance from the input trajectory.

[0090] Even with this configuration, a user can easily input characters according to the distance obtained from the input trajectory of sliding a finger. Therefore, unlike conventional flick input, a user can input characters without being conscious of the direction of sliding a finger up, down, left, or right, thereby improving user convenience and operability. Furthermore, a waiting time can be measured and a desired character string can be selected based on this waiting time. Furthermore, a user can input a desired character again by sliding a finger again from the position where the finger was waiting. In other words, a desired character can be easily input without returning the finger to the position where the sliding started and then sliding the finger again.

[0091] In addition to the above configuration, a configuration may be adopted in which, when the user's finger has been held for, for example, twice the predetermined time, the character at the standby position is continuously input. For example, if the user does not move his / her finger beyond the standby time at the position of the character "su", the character "su" may be continuously input, such as the character string "sususususu". In this case, the configuration may be such that the number of input characters (the number of characters "su" in the character string "sususususu") is adjusted by releasing the finger.

[0092] <7. Variation 3> Next, a character input device according to Modification 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is an image diagram of character input using the character input device of Modification 3. Compared to Configuration Example 1, the configuration of Modification 3 differs in the action taken when a user moves a finger counterclockwise (leftward). Other configurations of the character input device 10 are the same as those of the character input device 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0093] The user taps the position of the "sa" row on the character input unit 21 with a finger. At this time, the user slides the finger counterclockwise (left). The character input device 10 detects the length of the trajectory of the finger sliding counterclockwise, and switches between characters in the "sa" row, i.e., "sa," "shi," "su," "se," and "so," depending on the length of this trajectory. The input trajectory measurement unit 41 detects that the input trajectory of the user sliding their finger is counterclockwise, and outputs a counterclockwise signal to the character input unit 21. In other words, the input trajectory measurement unit 41 detects the movement distance and the rotation direction of the sliding finger.

[0094] As a result, the character input unit 21 displays input guides for "sa," "so," "se," "su," "shi," and "sa" according to the trajectory of the finger. That is, the character input unit 21 displays the characters in reverse alphabetical order.

[0095] More specifically, the user inputs the character "se." At this time, the input trajectory measurement unit 41 outputs the movement distance acquired from the input trajectory of the user's finger to the character switching unit 42. The character switching unit 42 compares the movement distance with the switching distance SD. At this time, the character switching unit 42 determines that the user's finger has moved by the switching distance SD, and executes a switch from the character "sa" to the character "so." The user further moves his finger by the switching distance SD. As a result, the character switching unit 42 determines that the user's finger has further moved by the switching distance SD, and executes a switch from the character "so" to the character "se."

[0096] The user recognizes that the desired character "se" has been selected and removes his / her finger from the character input unit 21. As a result, the character "se" is displayed in the input field 200. The user then inputs the subsequent characters.

[0097] This configuration allows the user to easily input characters even when sliding their finger counterclockwise (left). For example, if the user wants to input the character "se" or the character "so," the user can simply slide their finger counterclockwise. This allows the user to easily input the desired character.

[0098] Therefore, unlike conventional flick input, users can input characters without being conscious of the direction in which they slide their finger up, down, left, or right, improving user convenience and operability. Furthermore, if users want to input characters in the reverse order of "a-i-u-e-o" (letter order), they can easily obtain the desired characters by sliding their finger counterclockwise.

[0099] <8. Variation 4> Next, a character input device according to Modification 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is an image diagram of character input using the character input device of Modification 4. Compared to Configuration Example 1, the configuration of Modification 4 differs in the operation when a user moves a finger in a clockwise (right) direction and then moves the finger in a counterclockwise (left) direction. The other configurations of the character input device 10 are the same as those of the character input device 10, and a description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0100] In the following example, a case will be described where a user inputs the character "su." The user taps the position of the "sa" row on the character input unit 21 with their finger. At this time, the user slides their finger clockwise (right). The input trajectory measurement unit 41 detects the length of the trajectory of the finger sliding clockwise. The character switching unit 42 switches between characters in the "sa" row, i.e., "sa," "shi," "su," "se," and "so," depending on the length of the trajectory.

[0101] At this time, the user recognizes that the character "so" is displayed as an input guide. The character switching unit 42 temporarily stores the fact that the character "so" is displayed as an input guide.

[0102] The user slides their finger counterclockwise (left) from the position where the character "so" is displayed. The operation detection unit 30 determines that the character "so" displayed as an input guide is the starting position. The input trajectory measurement unit 41 detects the length of the trajectory of the finger sliding clockwise. The character switching unit 42 switches between the characters "so," "se," "su," "shi," and "sa" depending on the length of the trajectory.

[0103] The user recognizes that the desired character "su" has been selected and removes his / her finger from the character input unit 21. As a result, the character "su" is displayed in the input field 200. The user then inputs the subsequent characters.

[0104] This configuration allows the user to combine clockwise (right) and counterclockwise (left) sliding directions of the finger. In other words, even if the user slides his / her finger beyond the character he / she wants to input, he / she can easily input the desired character by simply changing the sliding direction of the finger from clockwise to counterclockwise.

[0105] <9. Variation 5> Next, a character input device according to Modification 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 is an image diagram of character input using the character input device of Modification 5. Compared to Configuration Example 1, the configuration of Modification 5 differs in that it defines areas where a user can input the "ka" row and the "sa" row. Furthermore, the character input device of Modification 5 changes the character to be switched by sliding a finger clockwise or counterclockwise in the above-mentioned area. Other configurations of the character input device 10 are the same as those of the character input device 10, and descriptions of similar parts will be omitted.

[0106] In the following example, the user starts sliding his / her finger from an area where the "ka" row and the "sa" row can be input (hereinafter referred to as the two-line input area). This two-line input area may be determined as an arbitrary area. Note that this two-line input area may be determined by accumulating a history of operations on the character input unit 21 when the user performs flick input.

[0107] The user starts sliding from the two-line input area of ​​the "ka" row and the "sa" row. At this time, the operation detection unit 30 determines whether the user's finger will first flick to the "ka" row or the "sa" row within the two-line input area.

[0108] For example, if the user's finger first flicks to the left, the start position is set to the "ka" row. On the other hand, if the user first flicks to the right, the start position is set to the "sa" row. At this time, the character whose start position has been determined is displayed on the character input unit 21 as an input guide.

[0109] In this case, an example will be described in which the operation detection unit 30 determines that the "sa" row is the start position. The character input unit 21 displays the character "sa" as an input guide. Using this character "sa" as a reference, the user slides their finger clockwise (right). As a result, the input trajectory measurement unit 41 detects the length of the trajectory of the finger sliding clockwise. The character switching unit 42 switches between characters in the "sa" row, i.e., "sa", "shi", "su", "se", and "so", depending on the length of this trajectory.

[0110] On the other hand, the user slides his / her finger counterclockwise (leftward) using the character "sa" as a reference. As a result, the input trajectory measurement unit 41 detects the length of the trajectory of the finger sliding counterclockwise. The character switching unit 42 selects a character in the "ka" row, i.e., "ka", "ki", or "ku", depending on the length of the trajectory. 、「 If the user slides his / her finger counterclockwise, the character switching unit 42 switches between "ko" and "ke". "hair", It may also be displayed as "ku", "ki", or "ka".

[0111] In other words, by determining whether to slide from the start position to the "ka" row or the "sa" row, it is possible to easily select the row of characters to switch to.

[0112] This configuration allows the user to select the character to be switched depending on the sliding direction of the finger in the two-line input area. In other words, even if the keyboard is configured to allow input on two lines at once, the desired character can be easily input simply by switching the sliding direction.

[0113] In the above configuration, a configuration for switching between the "ka" row and the "sa" row is shown. However, the configuration is not limited to two rows such as the "ka" row and the "sa" row, and it may be configured to switch between three or more rows. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the user slides their finger in multiple directions such as up, down, left, and right to determine the starting character (row), and then slides their finger clockwise, counterclockwise, etc. from that position.

[0114] <9. Variation 6> Next, a character input device according to Modification 6 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is an image diagram of character input using the character input device of Modification 6. It differs from Configuration Example 1 in that switching between lines is performed by tapping. Other configurations of the character input device 10 are the same as those of the character input device 10, and descriptions of similar parts will be omitted.

[0115] In the following example, a case will be described where a user inputs characters in the "sa" row. Character input unit 21 does not display a numeric keypad, but instead displays, for example, the "a" row as an initial state. When the user taps on the "a" row, character input unit 21 switches to the "ka" row. Furthermore, when the user taps on the "ka" row, character input unit 21 switches to the "sa" row.

[0116] The user confirms that the character input unit 21 has switched to the "sa" row and starts sliding their finger. For example, by sliding their finger clockwise (right), the characters in the "sa" row are switched. This allows the user to input the desired character.

[0117] That is, even if the area in which the character input unit 21 can be displayed is small, the user can switch between characters in each line by tapping, making it easy to input characters. Furthermore, the user can easily input characters according to the distance obtained from the input trajectory of sliding the finger. Therefore, unlike conventional flick input, the user can input characters without being conscious of the direction in which the finger is slid, improving user convenience and operability.

[0118] As described above, an example has been shown in which characters are switched in alphabetical order by sliding a finger clockwise (right), and characters are switched in reverse alphabetical order by sliding a finger counterclockwise (left). However, a configuration may also be used in which characters are switched in reverse alphabetical order by sliding a finger clockwise (right), and characters are switched in alphabetical order by sliding a finger further counterclockwise (left). In other words, a configuration may be used in which characters are switched in alphabetical order by sliding a finger depending on a direction that is easy for the user to use, the dominant hand, and a setting for selective switching by the user.

[0119] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and that the components can be modified and embodied in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above examples. For example, some components may be omitted from all of the components shown in the above examples. Furthermore, components from different examples may be appropriately combined.

[0120] Furthermore, the correspondence between the configuration according to the present invention and the above-described configuration can be described as follows: <Additional Notes> The character input device (10) includes a character input unit (21), an operation detection unit (30), an input trajectory measurement unit (41), and a character switching unit. The character input unit (21) accepts character input by flick input. The operation detection unit (30) detects the character input operation accepted by the character input unit (21). The input trajectory measurement unit (41) measures the length of the input trajectory from the start position to the end position of the character input detected by the operation detection unit (30). The character switching unit (42) regularly switches the first character corresponding to the start position of the character input according to the length of the input trajectory to acquire the second character. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] SD: Switching distance 10, 10A...Character input device 20…Display section 21...Character input section 22...Candidate display area 30...Operation detection unit 35...Display control unit 40, 40A...Control unit 41...Input trajectory measurement unit 42...Character switching section 43...Waiting time measurement unit 80...Smartphone 200...input field

Claims

1. a character input unit that accepts character input operations by flick input; an operation detection unit that detects a start position of the flick input accepted by the character input unit, an end position of the flick input, and an input trajectory that is a path slid from the start position of the flick input to the end position of the flick input as an operation of inputting the character by the flick input; an input trajectory measuring unit that measures the length of the input trajectory detected by the operation detecting unit; a character switching unit that regularly switches a first character corresponding to a start position of the flick input detected by the operation detection unit and acquires a second character every time the length of the input trajectory measured by the input trajectory measurement unit becomes longer than a switching distance; a waiting time measurement unit that measures a waiting time for the character input operation from the start position to the end position; The character switching unit when the waiting time measurement unit has waited for the character input operation at the input position of the second character for a certain period of time, the waiting time measurement unit switches the second character acquired at that time point to the first character, and resets the length of the input trajectory measured by the input trajectory measurement unit at that time point; Furthermore, when the operation detection unit detects an end position of the flick input, the second character acquired at that time point is set as the character to be input.

2. The character input device of claim 1, wherein the character switching unit switches the second character acquired at that time to the first character when the slide is resumed after the waiting time measurement unit has determined that the character input operation has been waiting at the input position of the second character for a certain period of time.

3. The character input device of claim 2, wherein when the operation detection unit detects the end position of the flick input without the slide being resumed after the waiting time measurement unit has waited for the character input operation at the input position of the second character for a certain period of time, the character switching unit sets the second character that was acquired at the start of waiting as the character to be input.

4. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein, when the waiting time measurement unit determines that the time during which the character input operation has been waiting at the input position of the second character exceeds a certain time, the character switching unit sets the second character acquired at that time as the character to be input, switches the second character acquired at that time to the first character, and resets the length of the input trajectory measured by the input trajectory measurement unit at that time.

5. A character input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the input trajectory measurement unit determines that the input trajectory drawn from the start position to the end position is a clockwise arc, the character switching unit switches the first character to the order of characters in the language of the characters being input according to the length of the input trajectory, and obtains the second character.

6. A character input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the input trajectory measurement unit determines that the input trajectory drawn from the start position to the end position is a counterclockwise arc, the character switching unit switches the first character to the reverse order of the character sequence in the language of the characters being input according to the length of the input trajectory, thereby obtaining the second character.

7. A character input device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the input trajectory measurement unit determines that the input trajectory drawn from the start position to the end position is a straight line, the character switching unit regularly switches the first character to obtain the second character depending on the length of the straight line.

8. 8. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation detection unit detects a start position of the character input and a slide direction of the input trajectory, and determines the first character.

9. A first step of accepting a character input operation by flick input; a second step of detecting, as the character input operation by the flick input, a start position of the flick input, an end position of the flick input, and an input trajectory that is a path slid from the start position of the flick input to the end position of the flick input, which are received in the first step; a third step of measuring the length of the input trajectory detected in the second step; a fourth step of regularly switching a first character corresponding to the start position of the flick input detected in the second step and acquiring a second character every time the length of the input trajectory measured in the third step becomes longer by a switching distance; a fifth step of measuring a time during which the character input operation is waited from the start position to the end position, The fourth step is in the fifth step, when the time during which the character input operation is kept waiting at the input position of the second character exceeds a predetermined time, the second character acquired at that time is switched to the first character, and the length of the input locus measured in the third step is reset; and when the second step detects an end position of the flick input, the second character acquired at that time is set as the character to be input. Steps for entering characters.

10. A first step of accepting a character input operation by flick input; a second step of detecting, as the character input operation by the flick input, a start position of the flick input, an end position of the flick input, and an input trajectory that is a path slid from the start position of the flick input to the end position of the flick input, which are received in the first step; a third step of measuring the length of the input trajectory detected in the second step; a fourth step of regularly switching a first character corresponding to the start position of the flick input detected in the second step and acquiring a second character every time the length of the input trajectory measured in the third step becomes longer by a switching distance; a fifth step of measuring a time during which the character input operation is waited from the start position to the end position; The fourth step is in the fifth step, when the time during which the character input operation is kept waiting at the input position of the second character exceeds a predetermined time, the second character acquired at that time is switched to the first character, and the length of the input locus measured in the third step is reset; and when the second step detects an end position of the flick input, the second character acquired at that time is set as the character to be input. The step is the character input program.

Images