JP4487779B2 - Character input device, character input method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input device, a character input method, and a program. More specifically, the present invention relates to a character input device, a character input method, and a program capable of inputting characters using a numeric keypad as represented by a mobile phone.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when inputting characters in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, an input support function for predicting and displaying input candidates for characters and words based on characters input by a user has been realized.
For example, there is a system that searches for sentences and clauses registered in a memory and displays input candidates such as sentences and clauses including input characters (Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-325253 A (5th and 6th pages, FIG. 3)

The prediction of input character candidates in a conventional portable terminal is generally performed based on dictionary data registered in advance or history data on characters input in the past.
For this reason, in the conventional kana input method, even when characters that are assigned to the same key are to be input consecutively, for example, when the user wants to input “Ao”, the characters associated with the same key are input. Not displayed as a candidate, for example, to input “Ao”, press the key corresponding to that line once to input “A”, then move the cursor to the right and then correspond to that line It is necessary to press the key to be pressed five times to input “o”, and the operation is complicated.
In addition, in the conventional kana input method, for example, if you enter “you” as the place where “you” should be entered, there is a mistake in typing the characters assigned to the same key. Even if you want to correct this, other characters associated with the same key are not displayed as input candidates. For example, immediately after entering “Anita”, the cursor is moved to the left, and an incorrect input is made. It was necessary to delete the character “ni” and re-enter the key of the correct line to input the correct character “na”, which made the operation complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a character input device, a character input method, and a program that improve the operability of character input in a mobile terminal.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a character input device, a character input method, and a program that can facilitate an input operation when characters assigned to the same key are continuously input. .
Another object of the present invention is to provide a character input device, a character input method, and a program capable of facilitating a correction operation when correcting a typing error.

In order to achieve the above object, a character input device according to a first aspect of the present invention provides:
A character input device comprising display means and key input means for inputting a plurality of characters to each key,
Character string storage means for storing a plurality of character strings;
First display control means for detecting an operation of the key input means and displaying a corresponding character and cursor on the display means;
Of the character assigned to the same key as the character displayed by the first display control means and the plurality of character strings stored in the character string storage means, the character is displayed by the first display control means. Input candidate display means for displaying a character string including characters on the display means as input candidates;
Moving means for moving the cursor;
When the cursor is moved by the moving means, candidate display control means for controlling to preferentially display the characters assigned to the same key as the characters displayed with the cursor before the movement as the input candidates ;
A selection means for selecting a character or a character string from the displayed input candidates;
Result of the selection by the selection means, if a character is selected, the display the additional to the selected character in the character displayed by the first display control means, if the character string is selected, Second display control means for causing the display means to display a character string selected by replacing the character displayed by the first display control means;
It is characterized by providing.

A character input device according to a second aspect of the present invention provides:
A character input device comprising display means and key input means for inputting a plurality of characters to each key,
Character string storage means for storing a plurality of character strings;
First display control means for detecting a continuous operation of the key input means and displaying a corresponding character string on the display means;
A character selection means for selecting a specific character from the character string displayed by the first display control means;
A character assigned to the same key as the character selected by the character selection means, and a character displayed by the first display control means among a plurality of character strings stored in the character string storage means Input candidate display means for causing the display means to display a character string as an input candidate;
A selection means for selecting a character or a character string from the input candidates displayed by the input candidate display means;
Result of the selection by the selection means, if a character is selected, the display the selected character by replacing the specific character that has been displayed by the first display control means, when a string is selected A second display control means for causing the display means to display a character string selected by replacing the character displayed by the first display control means;
It is characterized by providing.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the operativity of character input in a portable terminal can be improved.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case where the character input device according to the present invention is a mobile phone will be described as an example.
The appearance of a mobile phone 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view of the mobile phone 50 in an opened state. FIG. 2A is a front view of the mobile phone 50 in a closed state, and FIG. 2B is a rear view of the mobile phone 50 in a closed state.

  The mobile phone 50 includes a main body portion 51, a hinge portion 52, and a lid portion 53. The main body 51 and the lid 53 are connected by a hinge 52. A fixed shaft (not shown in FIG. 1) fixed to the main body 51 side is provided inside the hinge portion 52. The lid 53 is rotated with respect to the main body 51 around the fixed shaft, and the lid 53 and the main body 51 can be opened and closed. A speaker 101 and a main display unit 102 are provided on the front surface of the lid 53. The main display unit 102 includes a monitor screen such as a liquid crystal display. The main body 51 includes a notification speaker 120, a camera key 104, a mail key 105, a cross key 106, an enter key 107, an address book key 108, a net connection key 109, a clear key 110, an on-hook key 111, an off-hook key 112, and a numeric keypad. The unit 113, the microphone 114, the notification LED 17, and the imaging lens 118 are provided.

  The notification speaker 120 outputs a voice for notifying the mobile phone 50 of a call by another telephone, a voice for notifying that a mail has been transmitted, or the like. The camera key 104 is an operation key for performing photographing with the camera. The mail key 105 is a key for shifting to a mail mode for executing a mail-related function. The cross key 106 is an operation key for moving the cursor 1021 displayed on the main display unit 102. In the input mode that enables input of characters and the like, a cursor 1021 for performing an input operation is displayed on the main display unit 102, and the cursor 1021 can be moved by operating the cross key 106. The enter key 107 is an operation key for performing an input for determining the selected content. For example, by operating the determination key 107, it is possible to determine input of a character selected by operating the cursor 1021 from among characters displayed on the main display unit 102.

  The address book key 108 is an operation key for displaying the address book on the main display unit 102. The network connection key 109 is an operation key for connecting the mobile phone 50 to the Internet. The clear key 110 is an operation key for canceling instructions, and is an operation key for canceling the operation content input by operating other operation keys. The on-hook key 111 is an operation key for setting the mobile phone 50 to a state where a call can be made to another phone. The off-hook key 112 serves as a call off key for ending a call and a power key for turning on / off the power. The numeric keypad 113 is provided with a so-called numeric keypad. Each key in the numeric keypad 113 is used for character input, dial input, and the like. Keys representing single-digit numbers from 0 to 9 and symbols such as # and * are arranged.

  The microphone 114 receives sound generated by the user of the mobile phone 50, converts the generated sound into an audio signal, and outputs the sound signal. The notification LED 17 notifies the mobile phone 50 by a light emitting operation when a call or mail is transmitted from another phone. The imaging lens 118 is a lens that forms an image to be photographed on an imaging sensor of an imaging module 139 provided in the mobile phone 50, and is provided as a part of the camera.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the mobile phone 50. As shown in the figure, the mobile phone 50 includes a transmission / reception processing unit 151, a voice input / output unit 152, a system ROM 132, a first RAM 133, an image processing control unit 134, a second RAM 135, a program ROM 136, a display module system driver 137, Notification LED 17, main display unit 102, step motor 138, imaging module 139, digital signal processor 140, sound source IC 142, amplifier (analog amplifier) 143, notification speaker 120, external recording medium drive 144, external interface controller 146, address A data bus processing unit 148, an input unit 153, and a CPU 150 are provided.

The transmission / reception processing unit 151 includes an antenna 103, a radio unit 130, and a communication control unit 131.
The antenna 103 transmits and receives radio signals. A signal received by the antenna 103 is input to the wireless unit 130, and a signal output from the wireless unit 130 is transmitted from the antenna 103. The radio unit 130 is a PSK (Phase
Modulation / demodulation based on a Shift Keying (phase shift modulation) system and radio processing based on a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) system are performed.
The communication control unit 131 controls overall communication processing in the mobile phone 50. The communication control unit 131 includes a communication data processing unit 131a and an audio interface 131b.

  The communication data processing unit 131a includes a CELP audio decoding processing circuit and a packet data generation circuit. The communication data processing unit 131a performs processing such as decoding the signal input from the wireless unit 130, and outputs the processed signal to the audio interface 131b when the input signal is a voice signal associated with a call. If the input signal is a signal other than a voice signal associated with a call, the processed signal is output to the data bus 155. Further, the communication data processing unit 131 a performs processing such as generating packet data from the audio signal input from the audio interface 131 b and the signal input from the data bus 155, and outputs the processed signal to the wireless unit 130.

  The audio interface 131b inputs and outputs audio signals processed by the communication data processing unit 131a. When the cellular phone 50 is a receiver, the audio signal output from the audio interface 131b is input to the speaker 101 in the audio input / output unit 152. The speaker 101 outputs a call sound based on the received audio signal. When the cellular phone 50 is a transmitter, an audio signal output from the microphone 114 in the audio input / output unit 152 is input to the audio interface 131b.

A system ROM (Read Only Memory) 132 stores various data (including a subscriber ID) necessary for authentication of the basic OS and the terminal. The system ROM 132 also stores a control program necessary for control processing of the operation of the mobile phone 50. First RAM (Random
As shown in FIG. 4, the Access Memory 133 stores an address book data area 1331 and a mail data area 1332 as data areas related to the mail function, and a dictionary database 1333 as a database related to the character input function. The input history database 1334 is stored. In addition, other data area 1335 for temporarily storing the mail being edited and the address book data is also stored. The dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334 are for predicting input candidates from input characters. In the dictionary database 1333, for example, a word or the like and data of its reading are registered in advance in association with each other. In the input history database 1334, for example, data such as the number of determinations is accumulated and stored for words that the user has converted and determined for input characters in the past.

The image processing control unit 134 is an MPEG (Moving Picture Expert Group) / JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding).
Encoding and decoding processing based on the Expert Group) standard.
The second RAM 135 stores multimedia data including captured still images and moving images, and image data edited from these images.
The program ROM 136 stores application programs including downloaded programs, various data, and the like.
The display module system driver 137 performs control for displaying an image and characters based on image data and character data on the main display unit 102, and control for causing the notification LED 17 to emit light. When image data or character data is input from the data bus 155, the display module system driver 137 supplies a predetermined control voltage corresponding to these data to a display device constituting the main display unit 102. As a result, the main display unit 102 displays images and characters corresponding to the image data and character data input to the display module system driver 137.

The step motor 138 moves the imaging lens 118 relative to the imaging module 139. When the imaging lens 118 moves, the magnification at which the image to be captured is imaged on the imaging sensor of the imaging module 139 changes.
The imaging module 139 obtains image data to be imaged. The imaging module 139 includes an imaging sensor for obtaining image data. A two-dimensional image to be imaged is imaged through the imaging lens 118 on the sensor surface of the imaging sensor. The imaging sensor captures a two-dimensional image formed on the sensor surface and obtains the image data. Image data obtained by the image sensor is digital data. As an imaging sensor incorporated in the imaging module 139, a two-dimensional CCD (Charge
Coupled Device) sensors (eg, 2 megapixel CCDs) can be used.

The DSP 140 (Digital Signal processor) performs digital signal processing on the image data input from the imaging module 139.
In the sound source IC 142, a sound signal of a predetermined music is recorded in advance. The sound source IC 142 outputs a recorded audio signal in response to an operation signal input. The audio signal output from the sound source IC 142 is input to the amplifier (AMP) 143, and the audio signal amplified by the amplifier 143 is input to the notification speaker 120. Thereby, the notification speaker 120 outputs the sound recorded in the sound source IC 142.
The external recording medium drive 144 inputs / outputs data to / from an external recording medium 145 such as a miniSD card.
The external interface controller 146 inputs and outputs data with external devices connected to the external input terminals 147 and 157. As this external interface controller 146, USB (Universal
It is also possible to provide a device for controlling transmission / reception of data by switching both the interface of the Serial Bus) interface and the 18-core connector. In this case, one of the external input terminals 147 and 157 is a USB port, and the other is a terminal corresponding to an 18-core connector. The address / data bus processing unit 148 controls the address of the communication control unit 131 and the image processing control unit 134 and the data flow of the data bus 155.

  The input unit 153 includes a camera key 104, a mail key 105, a cross key 106, an enter key 107, an address book key 108, a net connection key 109, a clear key 110, an on-hook key 111, an off-hook key 112, and a numeric keypad on the numeric keypad 113. An operation key discrimination signal based on the operation of each of the operation keys is input. The operation key determination signal input to the input unit 153 is a signal corresponding to each operation key. Then, the input unit 153 outputs an input operation detection signal for detecting the operated key to the data bus 155 based on the operation key determination signal. Based on this input operation detection signal, the CPU 150 detects the operated operation key and the operation content.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 150 controls each unit shown in FIG. When the CPU 150 controls each unit shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 150 transmits a control signal via the data bus 155. Further, transmission of signals from each unit shown in FIG. 3 to the CPU 150 is performed via the data bus 155.

  The CPU 150 executes processing for realizing each function such as a camera function, a call function, and a mail function by executing a control program stored in the program ROM 136 or the like. In the present embodiment, a character input function used in the mail function or the like will be described in detail. The character input method in the cellular phone 50 employs a conventional kana input method. For example, each key (hereinafter referred to as a numeric key) on which the numbers 0 to 9 are arranged in the numeric keypad 113 is set to “A”. Kana characters are assigned to each line such as, ka line, sa line, ta line, etc., and the input character can be specified by the number of times of pressing.

The CPU 150 shifts to the mail mode by a predetermined input operation such as pressing the mail key 105. Further, when a predetermined input operation such as selecting “Create Mail” from the processing menu is performed, the mode is shifted to the input mode, and input processing for receiving input of characters and the like is performed.
In the input process, when an input with a key (number key) to which a character is assigned is detected, the character corresponding to the key is displayed on the display screen in the input mode, and the input candidate character string corresponding to the input character is displayed. The prediction is made with reference to the dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334 and displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 for displaying the input candidates on the display screen. Further, when the CPU 150 detects an input with a key related to various functions such as the cross key 106 and the enter key 107 in the input process, the CPU 150 executes various processes corresponding to the key. For example, when the enter key 107 is pressed when the input character is in an unconfirmed state, the CPU 150 performs processing for confirming the unconfirmed input character. For example, when the right button of the cross key 106 is pressed, right cursor processing for moving the cursor 1021 to the right is performed. In this right cursor process, when an input character is unconfirmed, the next input candidate is predicted and displayed based on the character input immediately before in addition to the input candidate. For example, when the left button of the cross key 106 is pressed, the CPU 150 performs left cursor processing for moving the cursor 1021 to the left. In this left cursor processing, when an input character is unconfirmed, a character input candidate for correcting the character on which the cursor 1021 is positioned is predicted and additionally displayed based on the character on which the cursor 1021 is positioned after movement. To do. Details of these right cursor processing and left cursor processing will be described later.

Next, the processing operation in the input mode of the mobile phone 50 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the CPU 150 shifts to the input mode in response to a predetermined input operation, the CPU 150 waits for a key input by the user (step S1). (Step S2).

  In the case of input using numeric keys (step S2: YES), the CPU 150 displays characters corresponding to the input operation on the display screen (step S3) and refers to the input database with reference to the dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334. Are predicted and displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 of the display screen (step S4). An example of a screen on which input characters and input candidates are displayed is shown in FIG. And it returns to step S1 and processes the next input.

  In step S2, when the input is not a numeric key (step S2: NO), the CPU 150 performs various function processes corresponding to the input key (step S5), and then returns to step S1.

  In the various function processes in step S5, corresponding processes are executed according to the pressed key. Here, the right cursor process and the left cursor process related to the features of the present invention will be described below.

In step S5, if the pressed key is the right button of the cross key 106, the CPU 150 executes the right cursor process shown in the flowchart of FIG.
The CPU 150 moves the cursor 1021 to the right in response to pressing of the right button of the cross key 106 (step S11).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the input character is unconfirmed (step S12). If the input character is unconfirmed (step S12: YES), the CPU 150 determines the unconfirmed input character and the character input immediately before. It is determined whether or not input candidates can be predicted based on characters assigned to the same key (same key characters) (step S13). Specifically, input candidates corresponding to the input character string when each character (same key character) assigned to the same key as the previous input character is the next input character are the dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334. If the corresponding input candidate is registered, it is determined that the prediction is possible. For example, if the unconfirmed input character is “Kika”, the immediately preceding input character is “ka”, and each character assigned to the same key as this “ka” “ka”, “ki”, “ku” , “Ke”, “Koko”, each character string when each is the next input character (in this case, “Kikaka”, “Kikikaki”, “Kikaku”, “Kakekaku”, “Kikako” It is determined whether or not the input candidate corresponding to “)” is registered in the dictionary database or the like. For the character strings whose corresponding input candidates are registered in the dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334, the number of the registered character strings is also obtained, and the other data area in the first RAM 133 is associated with the corresponding same key character. 1335 etc. are temporarily held.

  If it is determined in step S13 that prediction based on unconfirmed characters is possible (step S13: YES), the CPU 150 assigns each character (same key character) assigned to the same key as the previous input character. These are arranged in the order based on the determination result of step S13 (prediction order) and displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 of the main display unit 102 in preference to the input candidates displayed in step S4 (step S14). Specifically, for example, based on the determination result of step S13, the characters whose corresponding input candidates are registered in the dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334 are displayed with priority over the character strings of the input candidates. Further, for example, for characters whose input candidates are registered in the dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334, the registered numbers stored in both the databases are referred to and displayed in order from the larger registered number.

  If it is determined in step S13 that prediction based on unconfirmed characters is impossible (step S13: NO), the CPU 150 determines each character assigned to the same key as the immediately preceding input character as fifty. The input candidates displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 of the main display unit 102 in order of appearance in the order of sound (in the order of Aiueo) are displayed in preference to the input candidates displayed in step S4 (step S15).

Then, when an input for selecting any one of the same key characters displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 of the main display unit 102 is made (step S16: YES), the CPU 150 determines that the selected character is unconfirmed. A display is made to add to the input characters (step S17).
Further, when any of the same key characters displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 of the main display unit 102 is not selected (step S16: NO) and selected from the input candidate character strings (step S18: YES), The selected character string is replaced with an undetermined input character string and confirmed (step S19).
If these selection operations are not performed and another input operation is performed (step S18: NO), the present process is terminated and the process returns to step S1 of the main flow.

  If the input character is confirmed in step S12 (step S12: NO), the process is terminated and the process returns to step S1 of the main flow.

An example of the main display unit 102 of the mobile phone 50 in the right cursor process described above will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the user wants to input “Kikaku”, the user inputs “Kika” and then presses the right button of the cross key 106. In response to this, the position of the cursor 1021 is moved to the right, and for each character assigned to the same key of the input character “ka” immediately before, the corresponding character is input next time. It is determined whether the input candidates are registered in the dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334, and according to the determination result (if an input candidate corresponding to any character is registered, in order of prediction or for which character If the corresponding input candidates are not registered, the same key characters are input candidates “plan”, “period”, and “as shown in FIG. 8B”. It is displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 with priority over “opportunity”. Next, when the user presses the down button of the cross key 106, the cursor 1021 is positioned at “ku” in the prediction candidate area 1020 as illustrated in FIG. Then, when the user presses the enter key 107, as shown in FIG. 8D, in response to this, “ku” is added to the input character “Kika” and displayed, and the input history database 1334 is displayed. Updated. On the other hand, when the cursor 1021 is positioned at “plan” in the prediction candidate area 1020 and the determination key 107 is pressed, “unplanned” character string “Kika” is replaced with “plan” as a confirmed character string, and the input history database 1334 is displayed. Updated.

  Next, the left cursor process executed by the CPU 150 when the pressed key is the left button of the cross key 106 in step S5 of the main flow will be described with reference to FIG.

The CPU 150 moves the cursor 1021 to the left in response to pressing of the left button of the cross key 106 (step S21).
Next, it is determined whether or not the input character is unconfirmed (step S22). If the input character is unconfirmed (step S22: YES), the CPU 150 positions the unconfirmed input character and the moved cursor 1021. It is determined whether or not input candidates can be predicted based on the input character and the character assigned to the same key (same key character) (step S23). Specifically, when the input character that is assigned to the same key as the input character on which the cursor 1021 is positioned and the character other than the character on which the cursor 1021 is positioned and the input character on which the cursor 1021 is positioned is corrected with either of them is displayed. It is determined whether or not an input candidate corresponding to the undetermined character string is registered in the dictionary database 1333 or the input history database 1334, and if the corresponding input candidate is registered, it is determined that the prediction is possible. For example, if the unconfirmed input character is “Anita” and the cursor 1021 moves to the left and is positioned at the character “Ni”, it is assigned to the same key as this “Ni”, and “ For each character other than “N”, “N”, “Nu”, “Ne”, “N”, each character string when “N” is modified (in this case, “You”, “Nut”, It is determined whether or not input candidates corresponding to “Aneta” and “Anota”) are registered in the dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334, and if they are registered, prediction is possible. At this time, if the corresponding input candidates are registered in the dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334, they are displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020, and the number of registrations is obtained and associated with the corresponding same key character. And temporarily stored in the other data area 1335 of the first RAM 133.

  When it is determined in step S23 that the prediction based on the unconverted character is possible (step S23: YES), the CPU 150 is assigned to the same key as the input character where the cursor 1021 is located, and the cursor 1021 is The characters other than the positioned characters are arranged in the order (prediction order) based on the determination result of step S23 and displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 of the main display unit 102 in preference to the input candidates (step S24). Specifically, for example, based on the determination result of step S23, the characters whose corresponding input candidates are registered in the dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334 are displayed with priority over the input candidate character strings. Also, for example, for characters whose input candidates are registered in the dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334, the registered numbers are sequentially displayed with reference to the registered numbers stored in both the databases.

  If it is determined in step S23 that prediction based on unconverted characters is impossible (step S23: NO), the CPU 150 is assigned to the same key as the input character where the cursor 1021 is located, and the cursor Characters other than the character where 1021 is located are arranged in the order of appearance in the Japanese syllabary (in the order of AIUEO) and displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 of the main display unit 102 in preference to the input candidates (step S25).

When an input for selecting any of the same key characters displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 of the main display unit 102 is made (step S26: YES), the CPU 150 positions the cursor 1021 with the selected characters. The character to be corrected is corrected (step S27).
Further, when any of the same key characters displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 of the main display unit 102 is not selected (step S26: NO) and selected from the input candidate character strings (step S28: YES), The selected character string is replaced with an undetermined input character string and confirmed (step S29).
If these selection operations are not performed and another input operation is performed (step S28: NO), the present process is terminated and the process returns to step S1 of the main flow.

  If the input character is confirmed in step S22 (step S22: NO), the process is terminated and the process returns to step S1 of the main flow.

An example of the main display unit 102 of the mobile phone 50 in the left cursor process described above will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), when the user wants to correct “Anita” to “you” after entering “Anata”, as shown in FIG. After inputting "Anata", the left button of the cross key 106 is pressed. In response to this, the position of the cursor 1021 is moved to the left and assigned to the same key of the input character “ni” where the cursor 1021 is located, and for each character other than “ni”, the character If the input candidate is registered in the dictionary database 1333 or the input history database 1334, it is determined according to the determination result (when an input candidate corresponding to any character is registered). As shown in FIG. 10B in the prediction candidate area 1020 in the prediction order, or in the order of appearance of the Japanese syllabary when no corresponding input candidate is registered for any character. The same key characters are displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 in preference to the input candidates “brothers” and “brothers”. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 10C, the user presses the down button of the cross key 106 to position the cursor 1021 at “N” in the prediction candidate area 1020. Then, when the user presses the enter key 107, in response to this, as shown in FIG. 10D, “ni” of the input characters “anita” is corrected to “na”, The input history database 1334 is updated. On the other hand, when the cursor 1021 is positioned at the “older brothers” in the prediction candidate area 1020 and the enter key 107 is pressed, the unestablished character string “Anita” is replaced with the “older brothers” as a confirmed character string, and the input history database 1334 is updated.

  The right cursor process executed in response to pressing the right button of the cross key 106 and the left cursor process executed in response to pressing of the left button of the cross key 106 have been described above. In addition to this, in the various function processing in step S5 in the main flow, for example, in response to pressing of the enter key 107, processing for determining an undetermined input character, input conversion in response to pressing of the camera key 104 Various function processes corresponding to the pressed keys are executed, such as a process for switching modes.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability of character input in the mobile terminal. In particular, when it is desired to continuously input characters assigned to the same key (same key characters), the same key character as the previous input character can be displayed as an input candidate simply by pressing the right button. If you want to correct a mistake in typing with the same key character as that character, just press the left button and the same key character of the character located at the destination of the cursor 1021 will be displayed as an input candidate. It can be corrected with the same key character specified by the user.

  The present invention can be variously modified and applied. In the present embodiment, the input of the Japanese syllabary has been described in detail. In the case of a mobile phone, for example, the two keys of the numeric keypad 113 include “A / a”, “B / b”, “C / c”, and three keys. Since “D / d”, “E / e”, and “F / f” correspond to “”, the present invention can also be applied to alphabet input. Hereinafter, a modified example in that case will be described. In this modification, only the Japanese syllabary input is applied to the alphabet, and the main part is the same as that in the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the main display unit 102 of the mobile phone 50 in the right cursor process described above when applied to the alphabet. When it is desired to input “cab” as illustrated in FIG. 11A, the user inputs “ca” and then presses the right button of the cross key 106. In response to this, the position of the cursor 1021 is moved to the right, and when each character assigned to the same key of the immediately preceding input character “a” is input next, it corresponds. It is determined whether the input candidates are registered in the dictionary database 1333 and the input history database 1334, and according to the determination result (if an input candidate corresponding to any character is registered, in order of prediction or for which character If the corresponding input candidates are not registered, the same key characters are input candidates “cabin”, “cabinet”, and “cable” as shown in FIG. 11B. ”Is displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 with priority. Next, when the user presses the down button of the cross key 106, the cursor 1021 is positioned at “b” in the prediction candidate area 1020 as illustrated in FIG. Then, when the user presses the enter key 107, as shown in FIG. 11D, in response to this, “b” is added to the input character “ca” and displayed, and the input history database 1334 is displayed. Updated. On the other hand, when the cursor 1021 is positioned at “cabin” in the prediction candidate area 1020 and the determination key 107 is pressed, “cabin” is displayed as a confirmed character string instead of the unconfirmed character string “ca”, and the input history database 1334 is displayed. Updated.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of the main display unit 102 of the mobile phone 50 in the left cursor process described above when applied to the alphabet.
If “b” is to be corrected to “a” after inputting “cbt” as illustrated in FIG. 12A, the user inputs “cbt” as illustrated in FIG. 12B. Then, the left button of the cross key 106 is pressed. In response to this, the position of the cursor 1021 is moved to the left and assigned to the same key of the input character “b” where the cursor 1021 is positioned, and for each character other than “b”, the character If the input candidate is registered in the dictionary database 1333 or the input history database 1334, it is determined according to the determination result (when an input candidate corresponding to any character is registered). As shown in FIG. 12B, the same key characters are displayed in the prediction candidate area 1020 in the prediction order, or in the alphabetical order when no corresponding input candidate is registered for any character. Excellent input candidates “cat”, “catalog”, and “catapult” when input of the same key character is assumed. It is to display. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 12C, the user presses the down button of the cross key 106 to position the cursor 1021 at “a” in the prediction candidate area 1020. When the user presses the enter key 107, as shown in FIG. 12D, in response to this, “b” of the input characters “cbt” is corrected to “a”, and the input history Database 1334 is updated. On the other hand, when the cursor 1021 is positioned at “cat” in the prediction candidate area 1020 and the enter key 107 is pressed, “cat” is displayed as a confirmed character string instead of the unconfirmed character string “cbt”, and the input history database 1334 is displayed. Updated.

The system of the present invention can be realized using a normal computer system, not a dedicated system. For example, a program for executing the above operation is stored in a computer-readable recording medium (FD, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) and distributed, and the program is installed in the computer to execute the above processing. A portable terminal 50 or the like may be configured. Alternatively, it may be stored in a disk device of a server device on a network such as the Internet and downloaded to a computer, for example.
In addition, when the OS realizes the above functions by sharing the OS or jointly with the OS and the application, etc., only the part other than the OS may be stored and distributed in the medium, or may be downloaded to the computer. Good.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the mobile telephone which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the mobile telephone which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the memory structure of 1st RAM in a block diagram. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the processing operation at the time of the input mode of the mobile telephone which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the screen of the mobile phone on which input characters and input candidates are displayed. It is a flowchart of a right cursor process. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the main display part of the mobile telephone in a right cursor process. It is a flowchart of a left cursor process. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the main display part of the mobile telephone in a left cursor process. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the main display part of the mobile telephone in the right cursor process in a modification. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the main display part of the mobile telephone in the left cursor process in a modification.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... Mobile phone (character input device) 51 ... Main body part 102 ... Main display part (display means) 104 ... Camera key 105 ... Mail key 106 ... Cross Key (selection means), 107... Decision key, 113... Numeric keypad (key input means), 133... First RAM, 136... Program ROM, 150. (Display control means, input candidate display means, second display control means), 153... Input unit, 1020... Prediction candidate area, 1021... Cursor, 1333 ... dictionary database (character string storage means) , 1334... Input history database (character string storage means)

Claims (6)

A character input device comprising display means and key input means for inputting a plurality of characters to each key,
Character string storage means for storing a plurality of character strings;
First display control means for detecting an operation of the key input means and displaying a corresponding character and cursor on the display means;
Of the character assigned to the same key as the character displayed by the first display control means and the plurality of character strings stored in the character string storage means, the character is displayed by the first display control means. Input candidate display means for displaying a character string including characters on the display means as input candidates;
Moving means for moving the cursor;
When the cursor is moved by the moving means, candidate display control means for controlling to preferentially display the characters assigned to the same key as the characters displayed with the cursor before the movement as the input candidates ;
A selection means for selecting a character or a character string from the displayed input candidates;
Result of the selection by the selection means, if a character is selected, the display the additional to the selected character in the character displayed by the first display control means, if the character string is selected, Second display control means for causing the display means to display a character string selected by replacing the character displayed by the first display control means;
A character input device comprising: A character input device comprising display means and key input means for inputting a plurality of characters to each key,
Character string storage means for storing a plurality of character strings;
First display control means for detecting a continuous operation of the key input means and displaying a corresponding character string on the display means;
A character selection means for selecting a specific character from the character string displayed by the first display control means;
A character assigned to the same key as the character selected by the character selection means, and a character displayed by the first display control means among a plurality of character strings stored in the character string storage means Input candidate display means for causing the display means to display a character string as an input candidate;
A selection means for selecting a character or a character string from the input candidates displayed by the input candidate display means;
Result of the selection by the selection means, if a character is selected, the display the selected character by replacing the specific character that has been displayed by the first display control means, when a string is selected A second display control means for causing the display means to display a character string selected by replacing the character displayed by the first display control means;
A character input device comprising: A character input method for an electronic device including a key input unit in which input of a plurality of characters is assigned to each key,
A first display control step of detecting an operation of the key input unit and displaying and outputting a corresponding character and cursor;
Characters assigned to the same key as the characters displayed in the first display control step and characters displayed in the first display control step among a plurality of character strings stored in the memory in advance An input candidate display step for displaying and outputting a character string including
A moving step for moving the cursor;
When the cursor is moved in this movement step, a candidate display control step for controlling to preferentially display the character assigned to the same key as the character displayed together with the cursor before the movement as the input candidate ; ,
A selection step of selecting a character or a character string from the displayed input candidates;
Result of selection by the selecting step, when a character is selected, along with displaying the first display control characters selected in addition to the displayed characters at step, if the string is selected A second display control step for displaying the selected character string by replacing the character displayed in the first display control step;
Character input method characterized by consisting of. A character input method for an electronic device including a key input unit in which input of a plurality of characters is assigned to each key,
A first display control step of detecting a continuous operation of the key input unit and displaying a corresponding character string;
A character selection step of selecting a specific character from the character string displayed in the first display control step;
Characters including the character assigned in the same key as the character selected in the character selection step and the character displayed in the first display control step among a plurality of character strings stored in the memory in advance An input candidate display step for displaying and outputting columns as input candidates;
A selection step of selecting a character or a character string from the input candidates displayed in the input candidate display step;
Result of selection by the selecting step, when a character is selected, the causes to display the selected characters replaced with first said specific characters displayed by the display control step of, character string is selected A second display control step for displaying the selected character string by replacing the character displayed in the first display control step;
Character input method characterized by consisting of. On the computer,
A first display control step of detecting an operation of a key input unit assigned to each key by inputting a plurality of characters and displaying and outputting a corresponding character and a cursor;
Characters assigned to the same key as the characters displayed in the first display control step and characters displayed in the first display control step among a plurality of character strings stored in the memory in advance An input candidate display step for displaying and outputting a character string including
A moving step for moving the cursor;
When the cursor is moved in this movement step, a candidate display control step for controlling to preferentially display the character assigned to the same key as the character displayed together with the cursor before the movement as the input candidate ; ,
A selection step of selecting a character or a character string from the displayed input candidates;
Result of selection by the selecting step, when a character is selected, along with displaying the first display control characters selected in addition to the display character at step, if the string is selected A second display control step for displaying the selected character string by replacing the character displayed in the first display control step;
A program characterized by having executed. On the computer,
A first display control step of detecting a continuous operation of a key input unit in which input of a plurality of characters is assigned to each key, and displaying and outputting a corresponding character string;
A character selection step of selecting a specific character from the character string displayed in the first display control step;
Characters including the character assigned in the same key as the character selected in the character selection step and the character displayed in the first display control step among a plurality of character strings stored in the memory in advance An input candidate display step for displaying and outputting columns as input candidates;
A selection step of selecting a character or a character string from the input candidates displayed in the input candidate display step;
Result of selection by the selecting step, when a character is selected, the causes to display the selected characters replaced with first said specific characters displayed by the display control step of, character string is selected A second display control step for displaying the selected character string by replacing the character displayed in the first display control step;
A program characterized by having executed.

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