JP6907370B2 - Item input device, item input program, and item input method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an item input device, an item input program, and an item input method for inputting text data into a plurality of items.

In recent years, multi-function devices have been developed as multifunction machines in which image forming devices such as printers, copiers, and facsimiles have integrated functions. By integrating a plurality of functions in a multi-function device, the number of input tasks performed by a user in front of a device to execute a job is increasing significantly.

For example, when a document is read by using the scanner function of the multifunction device, the scanned document is transmitted by using the transmission function, and the printed document is printed by the multifunction device at the same time, the user needs to set the parameters of each function. Specifically, in the document scanning function, values such as resolution, density, and color / monochrome for scanning the document are input. In the transmission function, the transmission destination, the title of the manuscript to be transmitted, the comment on the manuscript to be transmitted, and the like are input. Alternatively, in the print function, the size and type of paper are input. Further, in the box function for saving the manuscript, the document name, keyword, comment, index, importance, etc. of the manuscript to be saved are input. The manuscript reading and printing parameters vary depending on the capabilities of the multifunction device and are provided as selectable option values, pull-down menus and a list of options. Transmission parameters are provided as input text fields for inputting text data, selectable choice values, pull-down menus and a list of choices.

Further, when the physical size of the display unit (so-called display) provided to the user is limited, a software keyboard (for example, Patent Document 1) is provided to the user in order to input to the input text field. .. The software keyboard refers to the keyboard displayed on the display screen. By operating the key object on the software keyboard, the user can input to the item in the same manner as the key input operation.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-195164

However, in the above-mentioned conventional technique, when the input of a certain input text field is completed and the item of another input text field is selected and input by using the software keyboard, the software keyboard is always closed once. Then, by selecting another input text field after that, the software keyboard was configured to be displayed again. In other words, if there are multiple input items, the user repeatedly performs the operation of showing / hiding the software keyboard such as [Select input item-> The software keyboard is displayed and input text-> Close the software keyboard]. I needed it. For this reason, it was very troublesome to input the text field.
If multiple input text fields are displayed on the display while the software keyboard is displayed and the input text fields can be selected, input can be continued without closing the software keyboard. However, the display unit of the multifunctional device is generally small, and a large screen is required to display both the software keyboard and the input text field on the screen.

FIG. 12 is an image diagram showing a specific example for explaining the above-mentioned problems. Reference numeral 101 denotes a list screen of a plurality of input text field items and selection items using a pull-down menu. Reference numeral 102 denotes a state in which the software keyboard is displayed by designating the input text field (“document name”) 1010 of the list screen 101 (FIG. 13), and the value of the input text field can be input. When the user inputs an arbitrary input value in the input text field 1020 and presses the OK button 1021, the software keyboard closes. When the software keyboard is closed, the value input by the user in the input text field 1020 is input in the input text field 1010 of the document name, and the list screen 101 is displayed (FIG. 12).

Next, the user can select an arbitrary item on the list screen 101 to input or set an attribute. In 103, the software keyboard is displayed again by specifying another input text field (“keyword”) on the list screen (FIG. 14). Input text Indicates a state in which the value of the field 1030 can be input. When the user inputs an arbitrary input value in the input text field 102 and presses the OK button 1031, the software keyboard closes. From the above explanation, it takes time and effort to open and close the software keyboard every time the input of a certain input text field is completed using the software keyboard and the user moves to the next input text field.

An input device capable of displaying a keyboard including a key for switching a text input field selected as an input target on the input screen to another text input field by a user instruction on the display unit, via the keyboard by the user. The display control means has a display control means for displaying one input screen including at least one first and second text input fields for individually inputting characters on the display unit, and the display control means has the first text input field. said keyboard including the key displayed on the display unit in response to being selected as the input object, the keyboard does not include the key in response to said second text entry field is selected as an input target An input device characterized by displaying on the display unit.

According to the present invention, it is not necessary to close the software keyboard when selecting and inputting the following input text field items. As a result, the user can input the next input item by pressing the button for the next transition, which saves time and effort.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the main part of a copying machine is shown. A plan view showing the configuration of the operation unit shown in FIG. 2 is shown. A diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the operation unit is shown. An example of the input item screen is shown. The input item management table is shown. The flowchart of the screen display task is shown. The flowchart of the item input task is shown. A state in which a software keyboard for inputting text type data of the present invention is displayed is shown. A state in which a software keyboard for inputting text type data of the present invention is displayed is shown. A state in which a software keyboard for inputting text type data of the present invention is displayed is shown. A state in which a software keyboard for inputting text type data of the present invention is displayed is shown. A state in which a software keyboard for inputting text type data of the prior art of the present invention is displayed is shown. A state in which a software keyboard for inputting text type data of the prior art of the present invention is displayed is shown. A state in which a software keyboard for inputting text type data of the prior art of the present invention is displayed is shown.

(Example 1)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Explanation of multifunctional devices>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a multifunctional device (hereinafter, simply referred to as a copying machine) 1001.

The copying machine 1001 includes a controller unit 2000, to which a scanner 2070 as an image input device and a printer 2095 as an image output device are connected, and an operation unit 2012 is connected to the controller unit 2000. Here, the operation unit 2012 has a display unit for displaying the screens shown in FIGS. 3, 7 to 13. Although the display unit is composed of a touch panel type LCD or the like here, the display unit is not limited to this and may be composed of an organic EL or a plasma display or the like. Further, the controller unit 2000 has a CPU 2001. The CPU 2001 starts the operating system (OS) by the boot program stored in the ROM 2003. On this OS, the application program stored in the HDD (hard disk drive) 2004 is executed, and various processes are executed by this. The HDD 2004 stores a program for realizing the item input device of the present invention. RAM 2002 is used as the work area of the CPU 2001. The RAM 2002 provides a work area and an image memory area for temporarily storing image data. HDD 2004 stores the above application program and image data. The operation unit I / F (operation unit interface) 2006 and the network I / F (network interface) 2010 are connected to the CPU 2001 together with the ROM 2003 and the RAM 2002 via the system bus 2007. Further, the modem 2050 and the image bus I / F (image bus interface) 2005 are connected to the CPU 2001.

The operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface with the operation unit 2012 having a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. Here, the operation unit 2012 is displayed and controlled by the CPU 2001 based on the program stored in the HDD 2004 via the operation unit I / F. The image data to be displayed is, for example, the image shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 8 to 14. Display keys such as "next input" and "previous input" to select multiple items to be entered, keyboard, text display area and other items. Further, the operation unit I / F 2006 sends the information input by the user in the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001.

Next, the network I / F 2010 is connected to the LAN 1006, and inputs / outputs information to / from each device on the LAN 1006 via the LAN 1006. For example, it is used to send and receive e-mails and files, and to print contents on the WEB. The modem 2050 is connected to the public telephone line 1008 and transmits / receives, for example, facsimile information via the public telephone line 1008.

The image bus I / F 2005 is a bus bridge for connecting the system bus 2007 and the image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed and converting the data format. For example, the image bus 2008 is composed of a PCI bus or IEEE 1394. A raster image processor (hereinafter referred to as “RIP”) 2060, a device I / F 2020, a scanner image processing unit 2080, a printer image processing unit 2090, an image rotating unit 2030, and an image compression unit 2040 are provided on the image bus 2008. .. Here, as an example of the controller unit 2000, a configuration using a system bus 2007, an image bus 2008, and two buses has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The system bus 2007 and the image bus 2008 may be composed of a single bus. Alternatively, it may be composed of three or more buses.

RIP2060 is a processor that expands the PDL code into a bitmap image. A scanner 2070 and a printer 2095 are connected to the device I / F 2020, and the device I / F 2020 performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. The scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits the input image data. The printer image processing unit 2090 performs correction, resolution conversion, and the like according to the printer 2095 on the print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates the image data. The image compression unit 2040 compresses the multi-valued image data into PEG data and the binary image data into data such as JBIG, MMR, and MH, and performs decompression processing thereof.

The controller unit 2000 performs the following controls. Control is performed to realize a copy function of printing and outputting the image data read by the scanner 2070 by the printer 2095. Further, the controller unit 2000 controls for transmitting and receiving image information, device status information, and the like by connecting to the LAN 1006 or the public line 1008 (WAN). Further, the controller unit 2000 controls to develop the received print data into a bitmap image by RIP2060 and print it.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation unit 2012 shown in FIG.
The LCD display unit 2013 is controlled by the CPU 2001 according to the program stored in the HDD 2004. The LCD display unit 2013 has a structure in which a touch panel sheet is attached on the LCD. Further, in the standby state of the copying machine 1001, the operation screen of the copying machine as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. When the key displayed on the operation screen is touched, the position information is transmitted to the CPU 2001. 2014 is a start key, which is used when starting a document reading operation. 2015 is a stop key, which is operated to stop the operation during operation. 2016 is an ID key, which is used to input the user ID of the user. 2017 is a reset key, which is used when initializing the settings of the operation unit 2012 (settings such as the number of copies).

FIG. 3 shows an example of an operation screen displayed on the operation unit 2012 in the standby state of the copying machine 1001. This operation screen is created by the CPU 2001 according to the program stored in the HDD 2004. The same applies to the various screens described below.

At the top of the operation screen of the operation unit 2012, a copy tab 901, a send / fax tab 902, a box tab 903, a browser tab 904, and a right arrow tab 905 for selecting various functions are displayed, which are composed of touch keys.

FIG. 3 shows an initial screen of the copy function in the standby state of the copying machine 1001 or when the touch key of the copy tab 901 is pressed. The display related to the copy function is performed in the area 906. From the top of the area 906, the status to be displayed by the copy function is displayed in the area where "Can be copied" is displayed. Further, in the area below it, the magnification, the selective paper feed stage, and the number of sheets are displayed. Further, as touch keys for setting the operation mode of the copy function, keys such as 1x magnification, magnification, paper selection, sorter, double-sided, interrupt, density adjustment, and characters are arranged. The left arrow key corresponding to thinning for density adjustment, the right arrow key corresponding to thickening, and the automatic key for automatically adjusting the density are displayed. Further, the operation mode designation screen that cannot be displayed on the initial screen is hierarchically displayed in the area 906 by pressing the application mode key.

Further, the display area 907 is an area for displaying the status of the copying machine 1001, for example, displaying an alarm message such as a jam or a status message indicating that PDL printing is in progress when PDL printing is being performed. The area. The system status / stop touch key 908 is displayed in the display area 907, and when the system status / stop touch key 908 is pressed, a screen for displaying device information of the copying machine 1001 and a screen for displaying the print job status (shown in the figure). ) Is displayed. On this screen, it is possible to cancel the job.

When the transmission / FAX tab 902 is pressed, a screen for transmitting the image read by the scanner 2007 is displayed. From this screen, transmission using the E-MAIL protocol for transmission to the device on LAN1006, transmission using the FTP protocol, or facsimile transmission using the public line 1008 can be selected.

When the box tab 903 is pressed, the following screen is displayed. The image read on the copier 1001 is saved in the box area in the HDD 2004, the image data saved in the box area is specified and printed, and the image is transmitted to the device on the LAN 1006 as described above. Display the setting screen (not shown). When the browser tab 904 is pressed, a screen for inputting a URL for acquiring data, a screen for instructing to save the data acquired from the input URL, and a screen for instructing printing are displayed.

When the controller unit 2000 is equipped with five or more functions, the following screen is displayed. The right arrow key 905 is displayed on the right side of the four function tabs 901 to 904 of copy, send / fax, box, and browser, and when the right arrow key 905 is pressed, a screen for another function is displayed. It has become like.

The list screen 101 of FIG. 4 is an example of input items displayed on the LCD display unit 2013. Reference numeral 101 denotes an example of a text field item and a selection item using a pull-down menu. This operation screen is created by the CPU 2001 according to the program stored in the HDD 2004. The same applies to the various screens described below. The transmission / FAX tab 902, the box tab 903, the browser tab 904, etc. are pressed, and the E-MAIL address, the subject, and the items about the image stored in the box are input.

FIG. 5 shows a management table for input item fields used for inputting each item displayed on the list screen of FIG. The management table will be described in detail. The input specification screen indicates the displayed screen. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the “list screen” of FIG. 5 is displayed. In addition, as the input screen, for example, there is a screen for the user to log in. The input item name indicates the name of the item to be input. Required / Optional indicates whether the input of the item indicated by the input item name is required or optional. The type indicates the type of data to be input in the item indicated by the input item name. For items described as text type, input text data such as alphabet, kana, and kanji from the software keyboard. For the item described as pull-down system, when data is input to the item indicated by the input item name, the corresponding data is selected from the pull-down menu. The order indicates the order selected as the input item. The initial value indicates the initial value when displaying the specified input item. When an input item with an initial value is selected, the initial value is displayed in the text field when no text data has been input yet. The purpose of use of each item is as follows. The table showing the input items on the standby screen of FIG. 3 is not shown, but is configured in the same manner as the list screen and the login screen.

FIG. 6 shows a task of selecting a screen to be displayed on the LCD display unit 2013 of the operation unit 2012. The CPU 2001 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 according to the program stored in the HDD 2004.

When the screen display task starts, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not the task is to display the standby screen (step 601). When it is determined that the task is to display the standby screen, the CPU 2001 reads out the management table shown in FIG. 5 (step 605) and displays the input field of the input item (step 606). When the CPU 2001 determines that the standby screen is not displayed, it determines whether to display the login screen next (step 602). When the CPU 2001 determines that the login screen is to be displayed, the CPU 2001 reads out the management table shown in FIG. 5 (step 607) and displays an input field for input items (step 608). If it is determined that the login screen is not displayed, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not to display the list screen (step 603). When it is determined that the list screen is to be displayed, the CPU 2001 reads out the management table shown in FIG. 5 (step 609) and displays the input field of the input item (step 610). On the other hand, if it is determined that the list screen is not displayed, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not to display another screen (step 604). In the case of displaying other screens, the management table shown in FIG. 5 is read (step 611), and the input field of the input item is displayed (step 612). On the other hand, if other screens are not displayed, the screen display task is terminated.
FIG. 7 is a task for inputting data in each input item field of the screen displayed by the screen display task of FIG. The CPU 2001 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 according to the program stored in the HDD 2004.

When the item input task starts, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not there has been an input (step 801). Whether or not there is an input is determined by whether the corresponding item input field is touched or whether the cursor (not shown) is moved to the corresponding item input field. Since it is known to specify an input item by moving or touching the cursor, it will not be described in detail.

Next, the CPU 2001 determines whether the type of the input item is the pull-down type area shown in FIG. 5 (step 802). In the case of the pull-down type, a pull-down list is displayed (step 803), and the user is made to select a desired option from the list (step 804). Selecting from the list returns to step 801. On the other hand, if it is not a pull-down type area, the CPU 2001 determines whether the input item type is a text type area (text field) shown in FIG. If it is not a text type area, enter the item according to the entered value. On the other hand, in the case of a text type input area, the CPU 2001 sets a pointer for selecting an input item (step 807). Here, the data representing the order shown in FIG. 5 is set in the pointer. In this embodiment, the input item can be moved to another item different from the selected item by incrementing or decrementing the value of the pointer.

Next, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not the text input area is specified for the first time in the displayed screen (step 808). When the text input area is specified for the first time, as shown in FIG. 8, the "previous input" button for returning to the previously input input item is not displayed (step 809). Similarly, the CPU 2001 determines whether it is the last input item (step 810). When it is the last input item, as shown in FIG. 10, the "next input" button for moving to the next input item is not displayed (step 811).

Here, whether or not it is the last input item is determined based on whether or not all the other input items have been input. Alternatively, the determination may be made based on the data representing the order shown in FIG.

If it is neither the first designated text area nor the last designated text area, the CPU 2001 displays both the "previous input" button and the "next input" button as shown in FIG.

Next, the CPU 2001 displays a keyboard for inputting characters such as the alphabet as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 (step 812). This keyboard displays a keyboard for entering text. In addition, the text data display area for displaying the input text data is displayed. Furthermore, the "next input" or "previous input" key for selecting another input item and the "OK" key for confirming the input text are displayed. At this time, the input item name for specifying the item being input and the priority information indicating whether the input to the input item is mandatory or optional are also displayed on the displayed keyboard. As a result, even if the list screen is hidden by the displayed keyboard, it is possible to know the input item name and the input priority. By displaying the list screen representing the display area of a plurality of items and the keyboard in an overlapping manner in this way, there is a remarkable merit that the input screen can be made smaller.

The keyboard for inputting characters into the input items may be a known QWERTY keyboard, numeric keys, or the like, in addition to the displayed ones. When the text is input, the CPU 2001 stores the input text in the text buffer area of the RAM 2002, which is a temporary holding area (step 814).

Next, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not the "next input" button has been operated (step 815). When it is determined that the "next input" button has been pressed, the CPU 2001 corresponds the data in the text buffer area, which is a temporary holding area that has been input so far, with the input item of the input item name that has been input so far. And save it (step 816). Here, the input item name is specified by the pointer. Further, the CPU 2001 clears the text buffer for the next input item (step 817). When the text buffer area is cleared, the pointer for managing the input item name is incremented to specify the next input item (step 818). At this time, while maintaining the display of the keyboard, the input item name and priority information for specifying the item being input on the keyboard are changed to the input item name and priority information indicated by the pointer (step 819). .. As a result, the input items can be moved.

For example, if the item name and priority information that were entered before the "Next Input" button was pressed were "Document Name" and "Required" on the "List Screen" shown in FIG. 5, "Next". When the "Enter" button is pressed, the following is displayed. That is, while maintaining the keyboard display, the input item name and priority information are changed to "comment" and "input required" according to the order data shown in FIG. This eliminates the need for the user to open and close the keyboard. Further, even if the list screen showing the display area of a plurality of items is hidden by the keyboard, there is a remarkable merit that the information about the item to be input can be immediately recognized.

At this time, if the text data has already been input and saved in the comment field, it is preferable to display the saved text data in the text display area.

If it is determined that the "next input" button has not been pressed, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not the "previous input" button has been operated (step 820). When it is determined that the "previous input" button has been pressed, the CPU 2001 corresponds the data in the text buffer area, which is a temporary storage area that has been input so far, to the input item of the input item name that has been input so far. To save (step 821). Here, the input item name being input is specified by the pointer. Further, the CPU 2001 clears the text buffer in order to display the data of the previous input item. When the text buffer area is cleared, the pointer that manages the input item name is decremented to specify the previous input item (step 822). If there is text data that has already been entered and saved in the previous input item, the saved text data will be displayed.

At this time, while the keyboard display is continued, the input item name and priority information for indicating the item being input on the keyboard are changed to the input item name and priority information indicated by the pointer (step 824). As a result, the input items can be moved.

If the "previous input" button is not pressed, the CPU 2001 determines whether the "OK" button is pressed (step 825). When it is determined that the "OK" button has been pressed, the CPU 2001 saves the data in the text buffer area, which is a temporary storage area that has been input so far, in correspondence with the input item of the input item name that has been input so far. (Step 826). Further, the CPU 2001 clears the text buffer (step 827). When the text buffer area is cleared, the keyboard is hidden (step 828) and this process ends. If it is determined that the "OK" button has not been pressed, the process returns to step 813.

When this process is completed, the text data saved in step 816, step 820, and step 825 may be displayed on the list screen. That is, the input text data may be displayed for the input items of the text type such as "document name", "keyword", and "comment" on the list screen shown in FIG. By doing so, the user has a remarkable merit that all the input items can be confirmed at once.

Here, the example in which the input items of the text type are sequentially displayed using the order data shown in FIG. 5 and the input items are changed while the keyboard display is continued is not limited to this.

It is possible to reduce the user's opening and closing operation of the software keyboard by using only the type of data shown in FIG. 5 without using the sequence data. The CPU 2001 executes the following processing according to the program stored in the HDD 2004.

For example, if the CPU 2001 determines in step 815 that the "next input" button has been operated, the next process may be performed instead of incrementing the pointer. That is, the CPU 2001 determines whether or not there is another text-based input item name, and if there is another text-based input item, executes the following processing. Instead of step 816, the data in the text buffer, which is a temporary holding area for the text data input so far, is saved in association with the input items previously input. In that case, the process proceeds to step 819 without processing step 818.

Since the "previous input" button is the same as the "next input" button, the description thereof will be omitted.

Further, by using the priority information data shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to reduce the user's opening and closing operation of the software keyboard.

For example, if the CPU 2001 determines in step 815 that the "next input" button has been operated, the next process may be performed instead of incrementing the pointer. That is, the CPU 2001 first determines whether or not there is another input item whose priority information is "essential". Next, if there is another input item for which priority information is required, instead of step 816, the data in the text buffer area, which is a temporary holding area that has been input so far, is input to the input item that has been input so far. Save it corresponding to the input item of the name. In that case, the process proceeds to step 819 without processing step 818.

On the other hand, if there is no input item whose priority information is "required", it is determined whether or not there is another input item whose priority information is "arbitrary". If there is another input item whose priority information is "arbitrary", instead of step 816, the data in the text buffer area, which is a temporary holding area that has been input so far, is input as the input item name. Save it corresponding to the input item of. In that case, the process proceeds to step 819 without processing step 818.

If there are no other input items of "required" or other input items of "arbitrary", the same processing as the "OK button" shown in FIG. 7 is performed. That is, instead of step 826, the data in the text buffer area, which is a temporary holding area that has been input so far, is saved in correspondence with the input item of the input item name that has been input so far. Following this, steps 827 and 828 are executed.
The same applies when the "previous input" button is operated, so the description thereof will be omitted.

The list screen 101 of FIG. 8 provides the same function for this specific example, and shows a list screen of the item of the input text field and the attribute item of the selection item using the pull-down menu. Reference numeral 110 denotes a state in which the software keyboard is displayed by pressing the input text field (“document name”) of the list screen 101, and text data can be input to the text display area 1101 of the software keyboard. Information on input items ("document name" and "required input") is displayed on the software keyboard. The "Next Input" button 1100 is displayed on the software keyboard. After inputting the text into the text buffer for display in the text display area, the user presses the "next input" button 1100. When the "next input" button 1100 is pressed, the information of the input item is switched from "document name" and "input required" to "comment" and "input required" while the software keyboard remains displayed. As a result, the text buffer held for displaying the data in the text buffer in the text display area is switched to the text buffer for inputting the text for the input item "comment". On the soft keyboard 111 of the input item "comment", the "previous input" 1110 and the "next input" 1111 buttons are displayed. When the "previous input" 1110 button is pressed, the software keyboard remains displayed and transitions to the soft keyboard 110 of the previous input item "document name". As a result, the text buffer held for displaying the data in the text buffer in the text display area is switched to the text buffer for inputting the text for the input item "document name". When the "next input" 1111 button is pressed, the information of the input item is switched from "comment" and "input required" to "keyword" and "input optional" while the software keyboard remains displayed. As a result, the text buffer held for displaying the data in the text buffer in the text display area is switched to the text buffer for inputting the text for the input item "keyword" (FIG. 10).

113 of FIG. 11 is a software keyboard of the input item “document name” displayed when the “previous input” 1110 button is pressed (similar to the soft keyboard 110 of the input item “document name”). In this case, the value input in the previous input is input in advance in the text display area 1130 as an input initial value in the text buffer for displaying in the text display area.

Reference numeral 112 denotes a soft keyboard for the input item "keyword" displayed when the "next input" 1111 button is pressed.

The following items are displayed in common to all of the above-mentioned input item "document name" 110, input item "comment" 111, and input item "keyword" 112. It is an item for showing the priority information of the input item name 1120 and whether the input is mandatory or optional "input optional" 1121. Furthermore, the text display area, the text input key, the conversion key, the OK key that confirms the data held in the text buffer and hides the software keyboard, and the like are displayed.

Further, since 112 does not have the next input item, only the above-mentioned "previous input" button 1122 is used.

Here, the "next input" and "previous input" keys are displayed on the software keyboard, but the present invention is not limited to this. These keys may be provided in a place other than the software keyboard. In that case, in step 809 and step 811, the "next input" and "previous input" keys are not displayed, but the processing may be as follows. That is, if the process of invalidating the "previous input" key input is performed in step 809, and even if the "previous input" key is pressed, the input is ignored or a warning is given that the input is invalid. good. Similarly, in step 811, the process of invalidating the "next input" key input is performed, and even if the "next input" key is pressed, the input is ignored or the input is warned that the input is invalid. Just do it.

The present invention can be achieved by supplying a storage medium (or recording medium) that stores a program code of software that realizes the above-described functions to a system or an apparatus. It is also achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized. Not only this, the operating system (OS) running on the computer can perform a part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. The processing also includes the case where the function of the above embodiment is realized.

Further, when the program code read from the storage medium is written in the storage medium provided in the function expansion card inserted in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, it is as follows. Based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing.

Further, the present invention is as follows when the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is distributed via the network. It is stored in a storage means such as a hard disk or a memory of a system or a device, or a storage medium such as a CD-RW, a CD-R, or a USB memory. It is also achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device reading and executing the program code stored in the storage means or the storage medium.

600 Input item providing device 6000 Input means 6001 Input item management means 6002 Control means 6003 Information storage unit (memory / HD)

Claims (10)

An input device capable of displaying a keyboard including a key for switching a text input field selected as an input target to another text input field by a user instruction on the display unit.
It has a display control means for displaying on the display unit one input screen including at least one first and second text input fields in which characters are individually input by the user via the keyboard.
The display control means
The keyboard including the key is displayed on the display unit in response to the selection of the first text input field as the input target, and the second text input field is selected as the input target. An input device comprising displaying the keyboard not including the keys on the display unit. The input screen has an input field between the first text input field and the second text input field where data is input without going through the keyboard.
When the switching instruction by the key is received when the first text input field is selected as the input target, the second text input field without selecting the input field in which data is input without going through the keyboard is not selected as the input target. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the text input field of is selected as an input target. The input screen is
It has a menu bar between the first text input field and the second text input field.
When the switching instruction by the key is received when the first text input field is selected as the input target, the second text input field is selected as the input target without selecting the menu bar as the input target. The input device according to claim 1 or 2. The input device according to claim 3 , wherein the items listed by selecting the menu bar are displayed by a pull-down menu. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the second text input field is the text input field last displayed on the input screen. Any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the operation of the key is accepted, the selected state of the input field selected as the input target is canceled and another input field is selected as the input target. The input device described in the section. When the operation of the key is accepted, the text input field included in the input screen and selected as the input target is switched to another text input field included in the input screen. Item 6. The input device according to any one of Items 1 to 6. The display control means
When the first text input field is selected as an input target, the key is displayed on the display unit regardless of the input state of the first text input field by the user, and the second text input field is input. The input according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the key is not displayed on the display unit regardless of the input state of the second text input field by the user when the target is selected. Device. It is a control method of an input device capable of displaying a keyboard including a key for switching a text input field selected as an input target to another text input field by a user instruction on the display unit.
It has a display control means for displaying on the display unit one input screen including at least one first and second text input fields in which characters are individually input by the user via the keyboard.
The display control means
The keyboard including the key is displayed on the display unit in response to the selection of the first text input field as the input target, and the second text input field is selected as the input target. A method for controlling an input device, which comprises displaying the keyboard not including the keys on the display unit. A program for making a keyboard including a key for switching a text input field selected as an input target to another text input field by a user instruction function as an input device that can be displayed on the display unit.
It has a display control means for displaying on the display unit one input screen including at least one first and second text input fields in which characters are individually input by the user via the keyboard.
The display control means
The keyboard including the key is displayed on the display unit in response to the selection of the first text input field as the input target, and the second text input field is selected as the input target. A program for functioning as an input device , characterized in that the keyboard not including the keys is displayed on the display unit.

Images