WO2017086396A1 - Touch operation-based character input device, method, and program - Google Patents

Touch operation-based character input device, method, and program Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017086396A1
WO2017086396A1 PCT/JP2016/084149 JP2016084149W WO2017086396A1 WO 2017086396 A1 WO2017086396 A1 WO 2017086396A1 JP 2016084149 W JP2016084149 W JP 2016084149W WO 2017086396 A1 WO2017086396 A1 WO 2017086396A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
input
character
hexagonal
key
touch operation
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PCT/JP2016/084149
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
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知己 半司
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知己 半司
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Publication of WO2017086396A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017086396A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
    • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03M—CODING; DECODING; CODE CONVERSION IN GENERAL
    • H03M11/00—Coding in connection with keyboards or like devices, i.e. coding of the position of operated keys
    • H03M11/02—Details
    • H03M11/04—Coding of multifunction keys

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus that realizes efficient character input by a touch operation on a liquid crystal display, and an input method and program related thereto.
  • Portable information devices equipped with a liquid crystal display such as smartphones and tablets, have become widespread. These devices provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based on an intuitive operation based on the touch of a finger or a stylus pen.
  • GUI Graphic User Interface
  • Non-patent document 1 When inputting characters with these portable information devices, a virtual keyboard based on a conventional QWERTY key arrangement or a group of buttons simulating mobile phone number buttons is often used (for example, Non-patent document 1). While these input methods have the advantage of being familiar to users, they cannot be said to fully utilize the GUI technology of liquid crystal displays.
  • the QWERTY array is an array based on physical restrictions of the mechanical typewriter era and is not directly related to the efficiency of character input.
  • the method of assigning characters in each line of the Japanese syllabary to each number button of the mobile phone is not directly related to the efficiency of character input.
  • the movement of fingers and stylus is unnecessarily increased, which causes a decrease in input efficiency and an input error.
  • a character input device a method, and a program that provide an intuitive key layout that is easy for a user to understand, have high input efficiency even in a narrow input screen space, and have few input errors.
  • the invention of the present application is a character input device including display means and touch sensing means, wherein the display means displays six second hexagonal regions arranged in alignment around the first hexagonal region.
  • the touch sensing means provides a character input device that accepts a character corresponding to the hexagonal area as an input when the first touch operation is sensed in one of the second hexagonal areas. To do.
  • the display means detects the second hexagon in which the touch operation is sensed.
  • Six third hexagonal areas are arranged and displayed around the area, and when the touch sensing means senses a third touch operation on one of the third hexagonal areas, the six hexagonal areas are displayed.
  • the problem is solved by providing the character input device described in paragraph 0011 that accepts a character corresponding to a rectangular region as input.
  • the display means detects the third hexagon in which the touch operation is sensed.
  • Six fourth hexagonal areas are arranged and displayed around the area, and each of the fourth hexagonal areas is associated with a character corresponding to one of the third hexagonal areas.
  • Paragraph 0012 that corresponds to a character string
  • the touch sensing unit receives a character string corresponding to the hexagonal region as an input when sensing a fifth touch operation on one of the fourth hexagonal regions.
  • the present invention further includes an input word candidate dictionary, wherein the display means reads the input word candidate dictionary using one or more characters accepted as input as a key, and reads a plurality of read input word candidates.
  • the display means reads the input word candidate dictionary using one or more characters accepted as input as a key, and reads a plurality of read input word candidates.
  • Each of the displayed areas is arranged and arranged around the six second hexagonal areas, and the touch sensing means is arranged on one of the areas where the plurality of input word candidates are displayed.
  • the character input device according to any one of paragraphs 0011, 0012, and 0013 that accepts an input word candidate corresponding to the region as an input is provided to solve the problem. .
  • the present invention further includes an input word candidate dictionary, wherein a plurality of characters are assigned to each of the second hexagonal areas, and the seventh touch operation is detected in any of the second hexagonal areas.
  • the second hexagonal region is referred to as a first selected hexagonal region
  • the second hexagonal region is referred to as the second hexagonal region
  • a character string assigned to the first selected hexagonal region as the first character and a character string assigned to the second selected hexagonal region as the second character.
  • the problem is solved by providing a character input device according to any one of paragraphs 0011, 0012, and 0013 that reads input word candidates from the input word candidate dictionary and displays them as input word candidates.
  • the display means displays six second hexagonal regions arranged in alignment around the first hexagonal region.
  • a character input method including a procedure and a procedure of receiving a character corresponding to the hexagonal region as an input when the touch sensing means senses a first touch operation in one of the second hexagonal regions.
  • the display unit detects the second hexagon in which the touch operation is sensed.
  • a procedure for arranging and displaying six third hexagonal regions around the region, and when the touch sensing means senses a third touch operation on one of the third hexagonal regions The problem is solved by providing the character input method according to paragraph 0016 including a procedure of receiving a character corresponding to the hexagonal region as an input.
  • the display means detects the third hexagon in which the touch operation is sensed.
  • the related character strings correspond to each other, and when the touch sensing unit senses a fifth touch operation on one of the fourth hexagonal regions, the touch sensing unit accepts a character string corresponding to the hexagonal region as an input.
  • the character input device further includes an input word candidate dictionary, and the display means reads and reads the input word candidate dictionary using one or more characters accepted as input as a key.
  • a character according to any one of paragraph 0016, paragraph 0017, or paragraph 0018 including a procedure of receiving an input word candidate corresponding to the region as an input when a sixth touch operation is sensed on one of the defined regions The problem is solved by providing an input method.
  • the character input device further includes an input word candidate dictionary, and a plurality of characters are assigned to each of the second hexagonal regions.
  • a procedure for sensing the seventh touch operation (the second hexagonal region is referred to as a first selected hexagonal region) and a procedure for sensing the eighth touch operation in either the second hexagonal region (the first hexagonal region)
  • the second hexagonal region is referred to as a second selected hexagonal region
  • the first character includes the character string assigned to the first selected hexagonal region
  • the second hexagonal region is assigned to the second selected hexagonal region.
  • the present invention also provides a computer program that causes a computer to function as the character input device according to any one of paragraphs 0011, 0012, 0013, 0014, and 0015.
  • a character input device a method, and a program that provide an intuitive key layout that is easy for a user to understand, have high input efficiency even in a narrow input screen space, and have few input errors.
  • FIG. 1 shows an overall view of an example of information equipment provided with a character input device according to the present invention.
  • the information device is typically a portable device such as a smart phone, a tablet, a notebook computer, and a wearable terminal such as a smart watch, but is not limited thereto.
  • the information device is a computer that includes hardware such as a processor and a memory and executes a predetermined software program. Since the hardware is a well-known technique, it is not shown.
  • the touch input means (101) is a component that performs input to the software program in accordance with a touch operation by a user's finger or a stylus pen held by the user.
  • Typical touch operations used in the input means according to the present invention include taps (operations in which a target area on the screen is hit once with a finger or a stylus pen), long taps (targets with a finger or a stylus pen) Operation that keeps the area left for a certain period of time (also called long press)), slide (after placing the finger or stylus pen in the target area and then sliding it to another area without releasing it from the screen) Motion away from the screen), swipe (motion that moves in a specific direction after touching the screen with a finger or a stylus pen (unrelated to slide, it is irrelevant in which area is separated from the screen)).
  • the display means (102) is typically a liquid crystal display, but any technique may be used as long as it is a component capable of displaying any figure / character by a software program.
  • the input subsystem (103) is a software program executed on hardware in order to execute a function of receiving an input from the touch input means (101) and passing it to the application program (106).
  • the input buffer (104) is an area (usually a character string variable area in a memory) managed by the input subsystem (103) for temporarily storing an input unconfirmed character string.
  • the input word candidate dictionary (105) is a database used by the input subsystem (103) to display input word candidates. It is used to search for a word (or word string) candidate that is determined to be highly likely to be finally input by the user using the already input content as a key.
  • the application program (106) receives a character string input by the user from the input subsystem (103) via the input buffer (104), and executes a predetermined function (for example, creation of a mail document or editing of a document). It is a program.
  • touch input means (101) and the display means (102) are physically integrated as one component (a so-called touch display).
  • 101) for example, a trackpad
  • the display means (102) may be separate components.
  • the input operation to the touch input means (101) is not limited to touch with a finger or a stylus pen, but the coordinates on the display device and the touch operation are transmitted by human intentions, such as a gaze operation and an electroencephalogram operation. Any method that can be used may be used.
  • the touch operation including a finger or a stylus pen is included.
  • the description “release the finger from the screen” includes an operation of releasing the stylus pen from the screen and a specific operation for ending the touch operation by the input unit.
  • the character input device is preferably provided with two modes, a normal input mode and a key selection mode.
  • a normal input mode (English)
  • a key selection mode (key selection mode)
  • FIG. 2 shows an initial state of the screen when inputting English in the normal input mode.
  • the screen of the information device (201) is divided into an application display area (202) and an input area (203).
  • the application display area (202) is an area in which the output of the application program (106) is displayed.
  • the input area (203) is an area for displaying keys and receiving a user's touch input under the control of the input subsystem (103).
  • the touch input means (101) and display means (102) in FIG. It has both functions. In the following, operations according to the display of the input area (203) and the touch input by the user will be described.
  • Hexagons have the most corners (close to circles) among regular polygons that can be filled with congruent figures, so that keys that are easy to operate for users can be realized while effectively using limited space on the screen. Above is a reasonable shape.
  • the size and position of the screen components such as the key area in the input area (203) can be adjusted by the user himself / herself according to the user's dominant hand, finger size, visual acuity, etc. desirable.
  • a confirmation key When a key with a hexagon at the center (referred to as a confirmation key) is tapped, the input word is confirmed, and the input subsystem (103) sends the contents of the input buffer (104) to the application program (106).
  • Six keys (referred to as input keys) displaying “a”, “e”, “i”, “o”, “t”, “u” are displayed without any gaps around the confirmation key. Reasons for using such an assignment will be discussed later.
  • the part other than the keys of the input area (203) is called a background area and is used for performing a special operation described later.
  • Characters not displayed in the initial state of FIG. 3A can be input by a finger or stylus slide operation (characters displayed in the initial state can be input by a tap operation or a slide operation).
  • characters displayed in the initial state can be input by a tap operation or a slide operation.
  • FIG. 3b when the "o" key is touched, six different character keys ("m", “n”, “p” displayed in this example are shaded). ",”! “,”? “,”. ”) Are displayed in the form of overwriting the previously displayed key. Note that the newly displayed keys are shaded for clarity of explanation, but the actual input device does not change the color even if the newly displayed keys are displayed in different colors. May be displayed.
  • the finger is slid to and released from one of the six newly displayed keys ("m” in this example) as shown in FIG. 3C)
  • the character assigned to that key is input.
  • FIG. 3 d another six keys are displayed around the key “m” when the finger crosses the boundary between the keys “o” and “m”. This is used for continuous
  • FIG. 4 shows an example of an English character array that can be input by such a slide operation.
  • Keys indicated by shading in FIG. 4A are keys that are developed and displayed around the “a” key with the finger placed on the “a” key.
  • b) in FIG. 4 is a key expanded around the “e” key
  • c) in FIG. 4 is a key expanded around the “i” key
  • d) in FIG. Is a key expanded around the “o” key
  • e) in FIG. 4 is a key expanded around the “t” key ([sp] represents a space)
  • f in FIG. ) Is a key expanded and displayed around the “u” key
  • g) in FIG. 4 represents a key expanded and displayed around the confirmation key (the same as the initial state).
  • 26 alphabetic characters and frequently used symbols can be input by a single slide operation or a tap operation. Similar arrangements can be applied to numbers, symbols, emoticons and the like.
  • the character and key assignment method shown in FIG. 4 is reasonable in the following points.
  • the finger movement range when inputting 24 characters other than the alphabet “x” and “z” can be stored within the shaded area (501) of FIG. You can enter English characters with.
  • FIG. 4 has clear advantages, any arrangement other than that of FIG. 4 may be used. Further, the user may be able to set a unique arrangement.
  • FIG. 6 a when the “u” key is touched, six hexagonal keys are displayed around it (the same as described above).
  • FIG. 6 b) when a slide operation is performed toward the “y” key, the timing at which the finger crosses the boundary line between the “u” key and the “y” key, c in FIG. )
  • the six consecutive input character candidate hexagonal keys with one character added after "y" are displayed around the "y” key (note that if you release your finger from the input screen in this state)
  • the letter "y” is entered as described above).
  • d) of FIG. 6 when a finger is slid to the hexagonal key corresponding to “yo”, the hexagonal key corresponding to “yo” as shown in FIG.
  • the six consecutive input candidate hexagon keys starting with "yo" are displayed. This process can be repeated up to the number of times based on program implementation and screen display limitations.
  • the user lifts his / her finger from the screen, and the input character string up to that point is placed in the input buffer (104). Continuous character input operation can be continued.
  • the arrangement of the continuous input character candidates may be dynamically changed based on the input frequency, but may be fixed. By fixing it, the user can “learn with a finger” the input method of a character string that is frequently input, and the input efficiency can be improved.
  • the learning function is canceled and each character
  • the continuous input character candidate assignment to the key may be fixed.
  • the character string that is frequently input can be efficiently input by repeating the input device according to the present invention and the slide operation. Since hexagonal keys are dynamically displayed on the screen, screen space usage efficiency is high. Further, since the movement distance of the finger or stylus on the screen is short, input errors are reduced. Furthermore, since a word with a high input frequency (for example, “you”) can be input by a series of operations without releasing the finger from the screen, the input efficiency is high.
  • the input device can further improve the input efficiency by displaying and selecting input word candidates.
  • the input method based on input word candidate selection described below is another method independent of the input method based on the continuous input character candidates displayed on the hexagonal key described above, and can be used in combination.
  • the input word is not limited to an English word, and includes a string of words and a series of character strings (for example, current date, mail address, etc.) that have a collective meaning.
  • the input word candidate display function can be set not to be used in an information device having a very small screen area such as a smart watch.
  • the input character string (character string that has not yet been confirmed and is held in the input buffer (104)) is displayed on the input field on the screen (FIG. 7).
  • input word candidate areas words or word strings determined to be highly likely to be input by the user this time are displayed.
  • candidate words other than the five candidate words shown first are displayed by a predetermined operation such as swiping the background area or the input word candidate area of the input screen left and right.
  • a predetermined operation such as swiping the background area or the input word candidate area of the input screen left and right.
  • the display can be switched to a display in which a word previously registered by the user is selected in accordance with the contents of the input buffer (104) by a predetermined operation such as a long tap on the background area.
  • the input subsystem (103) searches and reads the input word candidate dictionary (105) using one or more characters input by the user as keys, and selects words (or word strings) that are likely to be input by the user. It can be read and displayed in the format of FIG.
  • the contents of the input word candidate dictionary (105) may be updated by learning from the user's input so far, or may be fixed. By fixing, the input method of a specific word is uniquely determined, so that the key input procedure can be easily stored (so-called “finger remembers”).
  • a word frequently selected by the user is preferentially displayed as an input word candidate. The learning function may be canceled so that the input word candidate assignment to each input word candidate region can be fixed.
  • an efficient input word candidate dictionary (105) may be prepared in advance so that it can be used by switching according to the purpose.
  • An input word candidate dictionary (105) creation program may be configured to read an existing document (for example, medical literature) and to construct the input word candidate dictionary (105) based on a statistical analysis result.
  • the word (or word string) is transferred to the input buffer (104) and confirmed, and the application program ( 106). Since English words are usually separated by spaces (blank characters) at this time, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to insert spaces from already entered words, and spaces are supplemented if necessary. Therefore, it is desirable to pass it to the application program (106) so that the user's input operation can be omitted.
  • an input by a long tap operation may be performed as shown in FIG.
  • the character “a” is input, and input word candidates that are determined to be highly likely to be input by the user after “a” are displayed.
  • FIG. 8 b) shows a state after the user has long-tapped the input word candidate area corresponding to the input word candidate “and” in FIG. 8 a, and the character string “and” is input accordingly. Input word candidates have also been replaced.
  • FIG. 8 c) of FIG. 8 when the user long taps the input word candidate area of “Anderson” from this state, “Anderson” is inputted, and the screen is in the state shown in d) of FIG.
  • the display location of candidate words is important in such an input method involving predictive conversion. If the candidate word is displayed at a position distant from the area where characters are being input, the moving distance of the finger or stylus increases, resulting in a decrease in input efficiency and an input error.
  • input word candidates are displayed in the vicinity of the input key that the user is actually operating, so that input efficiency is high and input errors can be reduced.
  • the use efficiency of the screen space is high, other elements on the screen are not squeezed, and it is easy to apply to devices such as smartwatches that have essentially strict restrictions on the screen space.
  • it is determined that there is the highest possibility of input near the hexagon key that the user last operated for example, an element that has been input recently, an element that has a high appearance frequency in English, or In consideration of both, it is possible to determine the position of the input word candidate and further reduce the distance of finger movement.
  • the input device solves this problem by assigning a plurality of kana lines to the seven input keys in the initial state.
  • FIG. 9A shows an initial state in Japanese input.
  • the character assigned to the key assigned to “NA” is switched to “MA”. Since the tap is also used for inputting characters, it is desirable that the switching of character assignment is effective only when the next action is performed within a predetermined waiting time. For example, if the user does not perform any operation within a predetermined waiting time in the state of c) in FIG. 9, it is interpreted that the input operation of “NA” has been performed, and the character “NA” is input. On the other hand, if the user performs another operation within a predetermined time, switching to “MA” becomes effective.
  • the tap operation is performed on the “MA” key and no other operation is performed within a predetermined time thereafter, the character “MA” is input. It is desirable that the predetermined waiting time until the character allocation switching is made effective can be set according to the user's preference and proficiency level. In addition, the character assignment may be changed by a special touch operation such as a double tap.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example of changing the key assignment by this tap operation.
  • This allocation changing method is easy for the user to memorize because there are many patterns for switching between the presence or absence of a muddy point or a semi-turbid point.
  • FIG. 11 shows an example of the development of hexagonal keys from the keys in the initial state (keys displayed by shading are dynamically displayed keys). For example, a) in FIG. 11 shows that when a finger is placed on the “A” key, the “U”, “E”, “O”, “A”, “I”, “-” keys are dynamic. (The same applies to other examples).
  • kana lines including muddy / semi-voiced sounds are also assigned to independent keys.
  • the conventional input method it is normal to input the muddy / semi-voiced sound followed by the muddy / semi-voiced sound.
  • this conventional method not only forces the user to perform an extra input operation, but also the clear sound. This is not consistent with the input of muddy / semi-voiced sound, which deteriorates the input efficiency and is not compatible with continuous character input.
  • FIG. 12 shows an example of a key layout that is dynamically displayed when a finger is placed on the key after the key assignment change by the tap operation shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 becomes effective. Indicates. With such an arrangement, it is possible to input all Japanese kana characters from the initial state only by tapping and sliding.
  • an input key for example, “ta” key in the case of “chu”
  • six inputs are displayed around the input key.
  • the key is displayed.
  • FIG. 13 b when the user touches the screen and slides to the input key displayed at the upper left fixed position, a maximum of six input keys are further displayed around the input key.
  • the arrangement of the roaring sounds ending with “nya”, “yu”, “yo” is fixed (for example, lower left, middle right, lower right, respectively). It is desirable that a character string ending with “a”, “i”, “ ⁇ ”, “e”, “ ⁇ ”, “ ⁇ ” is arranged. Subsequently, when the user slides to the input key of the stuttering displayed in the previous section and lifts his / her finger from the screen, the character string is input.
  • FIG. 14 An example of the operation in this case is shown in FIG. As shown in a) of FIG. 14, when the “NA” key is tapped, the “NA” key is switched to the “MA” key. Within a certain time, a slide operation is performed as shown in FIG. 14 b) to FIG. 14 c), and thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14 d), FIG. 14 e), and FIG. 14 f). “Mya” can be entered by performing a slide operation. As described above, if the slide operation is not performed within a certain time, the character “NA” is input by the tap operation on the “NA” key.
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B show an example of the key arrangement of the stuttering in consideration of the above-described desirable arrangement method.
  • the sound repellent is arranged in the upper left input key, but it is desirable that the position can be changed by the user's setting.
  • the character string is input when the touch is completed by swiping the sound repellent key displayed at the upper left fixed position.
  • a character string including a prompt sound such as “A” and “K” can be input one character at a time, such as “A” after “A”, but it is desirable that it can be input by a series of slides.
  • Character strings containing long sounds such as “Ah” and “Ki” can be input one character at a time, such as “A” after “A”, but can be input by a series of slide operations. Is desirable.
  • an input key for example, “ha” key in the case of “hi”
  • an input key displaying the line name of the first character of the long sound to be input
  • the input key is displayed.
  • long / semi-voiced sound such as “Ga-”, “Pee”, or long sound of lines that are not initially displayed such as “M-”
  • the information input device As described above, by using the information input device according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently input a character string including Japanese kana-specific stuttering, sound repelling, prompting sound, and long sound. This is an advantage of the present invention compared to a method of simply inputting one character at a time.
  • FIG. 19 summarizes the above elements, and shows an example in which Japanese input is performed by the input device according to the present invention.
  • a finger is touched on the “A” key from the initial state of FIG. 19A, six hexagonal keys including “A” are displayed around the “A” key as shown in FIG. 19B.
  • the initial display of “A” can also be input by slide operation, minimizing the difference in operation method for each character).
  • the finger is slid to the “O” key as shown in FIG. 19 c
  • the finger crosses the boundary line between the “A” key and the “O” key, as shown in FIG. 19 d).
  • a kana character string starting from “o” and determined to have a high input frequency is displayed around the “o” key.
  • the character string “O” is input and stored in the input buffer (104).
  • the input buffer (104) in this case, the character “O”
  • the input screen returns to the initial state.
  • the basic operation system of the input device according to the present invention and the processing process of the input subsystem are very similar in both English mode and Japanese mode, and the user should switch between both modes without feeling uncomfortable. Can do.
  • the input device can also be applied to input of emoticons (a series of characters and symbols that look like facial expressions) that are often required in today's information equipment.
  • emoticons a series of characters and symbols that look like facial expressions
  • FIG. 20 a shows an initial screen of the English key set.
  • the key set of numbers and symbols is switched as shown in FIG. 20 b).
  • the emoticon key may be displayed by touching the confirmation key.
  • FIG. 20 d) to FIG. 20 e when sliding toward the “:(” key, it is similar to “:(” around the key “:(” (in this case Are displayed (five in this example) emoticon keys that express negative psychology.
  • FIG. 20g emoticon keys similar to “> :(” are displayed around it (one in this example).
  • emoticons “> :(” are input.
  • Key selection mode In the input device according to the present invention, a mode different from that during normal input (here, “key selection mode”) is provided without providing a dedicated key to which a specific editing function such as character deletion or line feed is assigned.
  • the character input mode that has been described so far is referred to as “normal input mode”, and the input character can be edited.
  • a predefined function is executed for the selected single key or a plurality of keys (referred to as a selection key string).
  • editing functions letter deletion, capitalization conversion, etc.
  • linkage functions search results browser display, etc.
  • pre-defined input input of words / sentences registered by the user
  • input candidate words described later It is possible to execute input of a character string via the.
  • the key selection mode may be activated by touching the background area and sliding to a specific hexagon key.
  • a slide operation may be performed from the hexagonal key toward the background area, or the key selection mode may be terminated by tapping the background area. It is desirable to clearly indicate the current mode to the user by changing the color of the hexagonal key when in the key selection mode.
  • FIG. 21 shows an example of a character deletion operation.
  • FIG. 21A shows a state where the English character string “to” has already been input.
  • the “e” key is assigned the function of deleting one character (backspace).
  • the key selection mode is changed (at this time, the color of the hexagon key is changed and the user changes to the key selection mode. It should be clearly shown).
  • FIG. 21 c when the user slides again from the “e” key to the background area while touching the screen with the finger, the key selection mode ends and the “e” key is assigned.
  • the editing function one character deletion in this example
  • the contents of the input field (and input buffer (104)) become "t” as shown in FIG.
  • the contents of the area are automatically updated as described above).
  • Japanese input by key selection mode Japanese input by key selection mode It is desirable that the key selection mode can be used not only for the editing function described above but also for inputting Japanese character strings.
  • the key selection mode By applying the key selection mode to character input, it is possible to input characters using only the initially displayed seven keys, minimizing the movement distance of fingers and stylus, improving input efficiency, and reducing screen space. Usage efficiency can also be maximized.
  • a touch is started in the background area, and as shown in FIG. 22-1 b) to FIG. ”), The key selection mode is entered.
  • the key selection mode is entered.
  • the character assigned to the key in this case, “ka” is registered in the selection key row (in the key selection mode, unlike the normal input mode, the character is displayed around when the key is touched. No new key will appear).
  • each character stored in the selection key string is all characters (FIGS. 10, 11, and 11) that can be input by a single character using an input key (or a key that can be switched by tapping from that key) on which the character is displayed. And FIG. 12).
  • characters that can be input from the “ka” key that is, “ka”, “ki”, “ku”, “ke”, “ko”. , “GA”, or “GA” that can be switched by tapping from “KA” shown in FIG.
  • Input word candidates starting with “go” are displayed. This candidate is selected by searching the input word candidate dictionary (105), and it is desirable that the candidate is based on conditions such as frequency and the last used one. As in the normal input mode, it is desirable that input word candidates other than the first six displayed can be displayed by swiping the background area or the input word candidate area left and right.
  • the character in this example, “NA” is registered in the selection key string as the second character.
  • the finger is released from the screen, input word candidates based on the selection key string are displayed.
  • the first character in the selection key string is “ka” and the second character is “na”, so the first character is “ka”, “ki”, “ku”, “ke”.
  • “Ko”, “ga”, “gi”, “gu”, “ge”, “go” that is, from the key “ka” or “ga” which is switched by tapping from “ka”
  • a character that can be directly input by a single character see FIGS.
  • the second character is “NA”, “NI”, “NU”, “NE”, “NO”, “MA”, “ “M”, “M”, “M”, “M” (that is, the characters “NA” or “NA” that is switched by tapping from “NA” can be directly input a single character (FIGS. 11 and 12)) is displayed.
  • the input by this key selection mode is more efficient than the single character input method in which new keys are expanded and displayed one by one.
  • the key selection mode can be selected by touching the background area and sliding to the input key as described above.
  • the key touched first in this example, “ka” is placed at the top of the selection key string.
  • other keys in this example, “ra” and “ha” as shown in FIG. Added to the column.
  • the keys “ka”, “ra”, and “ha” are input.
  • the input word candidate in this example, “kenha”.
  • FIGS. 23-1a to 23-1 show that the background area is touched and the finger is slid to the boundary (upper boundary in this example).
  • a transition to the key continuous input mode is performed, and the hexagonal key located at the center (in this example, “R”) is selected. It is added to the key string and the input word candidate corresponding to it is displayed.
  • FIG. 24 a shows a state where the characters “ra” have already been input.
  • FIG. 24 b) to FIG. 24 c) by performing a slide operation from the background area (or input word candidate region) to the input key, the mode is changed to the key continuous input mode, and the key touched first. (“Ta” in this example) is added to the selection key string.
  • a slide operation may be performed on another key (in this example, “ha”) to further add to the selection key row.
  • the first character is “ra”
  • the second character is “ta”, “chi”, “tsu”, “te”, “to”.
  • “Da”, “ ⁇ ”, “zu”, “de”, “do”, “tsu” that is, assigned to the key developed around the key “ta” in the initial state of the normal input mode
  • the third character is “ha”, “hi”, “fu”, “he”, “ho”, “ba”, “bi”, “bu”, “be”, “bo”.
  • Character input by the key selection mode can also be applied to input of English characters.
  • the key selection mode is set.
  • the transition and touched key in this case, “e”
  • the transition and touched key is added to the selection key string as in the case of Japanese input described above.
  • characters that can be input from the key “e” in the initial state of the normal input mode ie, “e”, “f”, “g” Input word candidates starting with either “or“ h ”(see FIG. 4) are displayed.
  • Input word candidates whose third character is any one of “t”, “r”, “s”, and “q” are displayed.
  • the input candidate is determined by tapping the input candidate area, and the key selection mode ends.
  • FIGS. 26A to FIG. 26C show a processing flow from the start of the program to the normal input mode.
  • FIGS. 27A to 27C show a processing flow in the key selection mode.
  • the input device according to the present invention uses a hexagonal key, the screen space can be used more efficiently than an input device using a conventional square key. It also has a high affinity with round liquid crystal screens and is suitable for small screen devices such as smart watches. Further, since the moving distance of the finger or stylus is small compared to an input device using a QWERTY virtual keyboard, input efficiency is high and input errors are few. Predictive conversion candidates (input word candidates) being displayed around the input operation unit also contribute to minimizing the movement distance of the finger or stylus.

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Abstract

[Problem] To provide a character input device, method, and program with which, even with a small input screen space, a high input efficiency can be achieved, and typographical errors are few. [Solution] Provided is a character input device, method, and program in which an input screen, in which hexagonal keys that are dynamically laid out according to a touch operation are aligned and disposed, is utilized on the basis of a character allocation method by which finger movement is minimized, a predictive conversion function is effectively utilized, the memorization of key arrangements is easy, and consistency can be maintained in both a Japanese mode and an English mode.

Description

タッチ操作による文字入力装置・方法・プログラムCharacter input device, method, and program by touch operation
本発明は、液晶ディスプレイに対するタッチ操作により効率的な文字入力を実現する装置、並びに、それに関連する入力方法、および、プログラムに関する。 The present invention relates to an apparatus that realizes efficient character input by a touch operation on a liquid crystal display, and an input method and program related thereto.
スマートフォンやタブレットに代表される、液晶ディスプレイを備えた携帯情報機器が普及している。これらの機器は指やスタイラスペンのタッチに基づく直感的操作に基づくＧＵＩ（グラフィカル・ユーザー・インターフェース）を提供している。 Portable information devices equipped with a liquid crystal display, such as smartphones and tablets, have become widespread. These devices provide a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based on an intuitive operation based on the touch of a finger or a stylus pen.
これらの携帯情報機器で文字入力を行なう場合には、従来型のＱＷＥＲＴＹ配列のキー配置に基づいた仮想キーボード、あるいは、携帯電話の番号ボタンを模したボタン群が使用されることが多い（たとえば、非特許文献１）。これらの入力方法は、ユーザーが慣れ親しんでいるという利点がある一方で、液晶ディスプレイのＧＵＩテクノロジーをフルに活かしたものとは言えない。 When inputting characters with these portable information devices, a virtual keyboard based on a conventional QWERTY key arrangement or a group of buttons simulating mobile phone number buttons is often used (for example, Non-patent document 1). While these input methods have the advantage of being familiar to users, they cannot be said to fully utilize the GUI technology of liquid crystal displays.
たとえば、画面上に表示されるキーやボタン類が小さいことにより、入力ミスが増加するという問題がある。スマートフォン上でのＱＷＲＴＹ配列仮想キーボードによる入力の難しさはよく知られているが、今後普及が期待される、スマートウォッチに代表されるウェアラブル端末などの画面サイズがさらに小さい携帯情報機器においてはこの問題はさらに深刻になる。 For example, there is a problem that input errors increase due to small keys and buttons displayed on the screen. Although the difficulty of input using a QWRTY virtual keyboard on a smartphone is well known, this problem is expected in portable information devices with smaller screen sizes, such as wearable devices such as smart watches, that are expected to become popular in the future. Becomes even more serious.
また、ＱＷＥＲＴＹ配列は機械式タイプライター時代の物理的制約に基づいた配列であり、文字入力の効率性とは直接関係がない配列である。携帯電話の番号ボタンのそれぞれに五十音の各行の文字を割り当てた方式も同様に文字入力の効率性とは直接関係がない。結果的に、これらの方式では指やスタイラスの移動が不必要に多くなり、入力効率の低下や入力ミスの要因となっている。 The QWERTY array is an array based on physical restrictions of the mechanical typewriter era and is not directly related to the efficiency of character input. Similarly, the method of assigning characters in each line of the Japanese syllabary to each number button of the mobile phone is not directly related to the efficiency of character input. As a result, in these methods, the movement of fingers and stylus is unnecessarily increased, which causes a decrease in input efficiency and an input error.
また、入力効率を向上し、入力ミスを減らすために、ユーザーの入力内容から次に入力される文字あるいは単語を辞書を使って予測し、候補として表示し、選択させる予測変換が一般的に使用されている（たとえば、特許文献１）。予測変換においては、予測される候補の表示位置が重要な考慮点となる。ここでも、指やスタイラスの移動を最小化することが望ましい。 Also, in order to improve input efficiency and reduce input mistakes, predictive conversion that predicts the next input character or word from the user's input contents using a dictionary, displays it as a candidate, and selects it is generally used (For example, Patent Document 1). In predictive conversion, the display position of a predicted candidate is an important consideration. Again, it is desirable to minimize finger and stylus movement.
しかしながら、いたずらに入力効率だけを追求すると、ユーザーにとっての直感性を欠き、入力方法の学習が困難になる。ユーザーにとって理解しやすい直感的なキー配置を提供しつつ、入力効率を高める技術が必要とされる。 However, if only the input efficiency is unnecessarily pursued, the user's intuition is lacking and learning of the input method becomes difficult. There is a need for a technique for improving input efficiency while providing an intuitive key layout that is easy for the user to understand.
米国特許８０７４１７２号公報US Patent No. 8074172
ユーザーにとって理解しやすい直感的なキー配置を提供しつつ、狭い入力画面スペースでも入力効率が高く、入力ミスが少ない文字入力装置、方法、および、プログラムを提供する。 Provided are a character input device, a method, and a program that provide an intuitive key layout that is easy for a user to understand, have high input efficiency even in a narrow input screen space, and have few input errors.
本願発明は、表示手段とタッチ感知手段を備えた文字入力装置であって、前記表示手段は、第一の六角形領域の周辺に六個の第二の六角形領域を整列配置して表示し、前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第二の六角形領域のひとつに第一のタッチ操作を感知すると、該六角形領域に対応した文字を入力として受け付ける文字入力装置を提供することで前記課題を解決する。 The invention of the present application is a character input device including display means and touch sensing means, wherein the display means displays six second hexagonal regions arranged in alignment around the first hexagonal region. The touch sensing means provides a character input device that accepts a character corresponding to the hexagonal area as an input when the first touch operation is sensed in one of the second hexagonal areas. To do.
また、本願発明は、前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第二の六角形領域のひとつの上で第二のタッチ操作を感知すると、前記表示手段は、前記タッチ操作が感知された第二の六角形領域の周辺に六個の第三の六角形領域を整列配置して表示し、前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第三の六角形領域のひとつの上で第三のタッチ操作を感知すると、該六角形領域に対応する文字を入力として受け付ける段落００１１に記載の文字入力装置を提供することで前記課題を解決する。 In the present invention, when the touch sensing means senses a second touch operation on one of the second hexagonal areas, the display means detects the second hexagon in which the touch operation is sensed. Six third hexagonal areas are arranged and displayed around the area, and when the touch sensing means senses a third touch operation on one of the third hexagonal areas, the six hexagonal areas are displayed. The problem is solved by providing the character input device described in paragraph 0011 that accepts a character corresponding to a rectangular region as input.
また、本願発明は、前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第三の六角形領域のひとつの上で第四のタッチ操作を感知すると、前記表示手段は、前記タッチ操作が感知された第三の六角形領域の周辺に、六個の第四の六角形領域を整列配置して表示し、前記第四の六角形領域のそれぞれには、前記第三の六角形領域のひとつに対応する文字に関連した文字列が対応しており、前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第四の六角形領域のひとつの上で第五のタッチ操作を感知すると、該六角形領域に対応する文字列を入力として受け付ける段落００１２に記載の文字入力装置を提供することで前記課題を解決する。 Further, in the present invention, when the touch sensing means senses a fourth touch operation on one of the third hexagonal regions, the display means detects the third hexagon in which the touch operation is sensed. Six fourth hexagonal areas are arranged and displayed around the area, and each of the fourth hexagonal areas is associated with a character corresponding to one of the third hexagonal areas. Paragraph 0012 that corresponds to a character string, and the touch sensing unit receives a character string corresponding to the hexagonal region as an input when sensing a fifth touch operation on one of the fourth hexagonal regions. The said subject is solved by providing the character input device as described in above.
また、本願発明は、さらに入力単語候補辞書を備え、前記表示手段は、入力として受け付けられたひとつ以上の文字をキーにして前記入力単語候補辞書を読み、読み出された複数の入力単語候補のそれぞれが表示された領域を、前記六個の第二の六角形領域の周辺に整列配置して表示し、前記タッチ感知手段は、前記複数の入力単語候補が表示された領域のひとつの上で第六のタッチ操作を感知すると、該領域に対応する入力単語候補を入力として受け付ける段落００１１、段落００１２、または、段落００１３のいずれかに記載の文字入力装置を提供することで前記課題を解決する。 The present invention further includes an input word candidate dictionary, wherein the display means reads the input word candidate dictionary using one or more characters accepted as input as a key, and reads a plurality of read input word candidates. Each of the displayed areas is arranged and arranged around the six second hexagonal areas, and the touch sensing means is arranged on one of the areas where the plurality of input word candidates are displayed. When the sixth touch operation is sensed, the character input device according to any one of paragraphs 0011, 0012, and 0013 that accepts an input word candidate corresponding to the region as an input is provided to solve the problem. .
また、本願発明は、さらに入力単語候補辞書を備え、前記第二の六角形領域のそれぞれに複数の文字が割り当てられており、第二の六角形領域のいずれかで第七のタッチ操作を感知し（該第二の六角形領域を第一の選択六角形領域と呼ぶ）、第二の六角形領域のいずれかで第八のタッチ操作を感知すると（該第二の六角形領域を第二の選択六角形領域と呼ぶ）、前記第一の選択六角形領域に割り当てられた文字列を一文字目に含み、かつ、前記第二の選択六角形領域に割り当てられた文字列を二文字目に含む、入力単語候補を前記入力単語候補辞書から読み、入力単語候補として表示する段落００１１、段落００１２、または、段落００１３のいずれかに記載の文字入力装置を提供することで前記課題を解決する。 The present invention further includes an input word candidate dictionary, wherein a plurality of characters are assigned to each of the second hexagonal areas, and the seventh touch operation is detected in any of the second hexagonal areas. (The second hexagonal region is referred to as a first selected hexagonal region) and when an eighth touch operation is sensed in any of the second hexagonal regions (the second hexagonal region is referred to as the second hexagonal region). A character string assigned to the first selected hexagonal region as the first character, and a character string assigned to the second selected hexagonal region as the second character. The problem is solved by providing a character input device according to any one of paragraphs 0011, 0012, and 0013 that reads input word candidates from the input word candidate dictionary and displays them as input word candidates.
また、本願発明は、表示手段とタッチ感知手段を備えた文字入力装置において、前記表示手段が、第一の六角形領域の周辺に六個の第二の六角形領域を整列配置して表示する手順と、前記タッチ感知手段が、前記第二の六角形領域のひとつに第一のタッチ操作を感知すると、該六角形領域に対応した文字を入力として受け付ける手順を含む文字入力方法を提供することで前記課題を解決する。 According to the invention of the present application, in the character input device including display means and touch sensing means, the display means displays six second hexagonal regions arranged in alignment around the first hexagonal region. A character input method including a procedure and a procedure of receiving a character corresponding to the hexagonal region as an input when the touch sensing means senses a first touch operation in one of the second hexagonal regions. The above-mentioned problem is solved.
また、本願発明は、前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第二の六角形領域のひとつの上で 第二のタッチ操作を感知すると、前記表示手段は、前記タッチ操作が感知された第二の六角形領域の周辺に六個の第三の六角形領域を整列配置して表示する手順と、前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第三の六角形領域のひとつの上で第三のタッチ操作を感知すると、該六角形領域に対応する文字を入力として受け付ける手順とを含む段落００１６に記載の文字入力方法を提供することで前記課題を解決する。 In the present invention, when the touch sensing unit senses a second touch operation on one of the second hexagonal regions, the display unit detects the second hexagon in which the touch operation is sensed. A procedure for arranging and displaying six third hexagonal regions around the region, and when the touch sensing means senses a third touch operation on one of the third hexagonal regions, The problem is solved by providing the character input method according to paragraph 0016 including a procedure of receiving a character corresponding to the hexagonal region as an input.
また、本願発明は、前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第三の六角形領域のひとつの上で第四のタッチ操作を感知すると、前記表示手段は、前記タッチ操作が感知された第三の六角形領域の周辺に、六個の第四の六角形領域を整列配置して表示する手順と、前記第四の六角形領域のそれぞれには、前記第三の六角形領域のひとつに対応する文字に関連した文字列が対応しており、前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第四の六角形領域のひとつの上で第五のタッチ操作を感知すると、該六角形領域に対応する文字列を入力として受け付ける手順とを含む段落００１７に記載の文字入力方法を提供することで前記課題を解決する。 Further, in the present invention, when the touch sensing means senses a fourth touch operation on one of the third hexagonal regions, the display means detects the third hexagon in which the touch operation is sensed. A procedure for arranging and displaying six fourth hexagonal areas around the area, and each of the fourth hexagonal areas has a character corresponding to one of the third hexagonal areas. The related character strings correspond to each other, and when the touch sensing unit senses a fifth touch operation on one of the fourth hexagonal regions, the touch sensing unit accepts a character string corresponding to the hexagonal region as an input. The problem is solved by providing a character input method according to paragraph 0017 including a procedure.
また、本願発明は、前記文字入力装置は、さらに入力単語候補辞書を備え、前記表示手段は、入力として受け付けられたひとつ以上の文字をキーにして前記入力単語候補辞書を読み、読み出された複数の入力単語候補のそれぞれが表示された領域を、前記六個の第二の六角形領域の周辺に整列配置して表示する手順と、前記タッチ感知手段は、前記複数の入力単語候補が表示された領域のひとつの上で第六のタッチ操作を感知すると、該領域に対応する入力単語候補を入力として受け付ける手順とを含む段落００１６、段落００１７、または、段落００１８のいずれかに記載の文字入力方法を提供することで前記課題を解決する。 Further, according to the present invention, the character input device further includes an input word candidate dictionary, and the display means reads and reads the input word candidate dictionary using one or more characters accepted as input as a key. A procedure for arranging and displaying an area in which each of a plurality of input word candidates is displayed around the six second hexagonal areas; and the touch sensing means displays the plurality of input word candidates. A character according to any one of paragraph 0016, paragraph 0017, or paragraph 0018 including a procedure of receiving an input word candidate corresponding to the region as an input when a sixth touch operation is sensed on one of the defined regions The problem is solved by providing an input method.
また、本願発明は、前記文字入力装置は、さらに入力単語候補辞書を備え、前記第二の六角形領域のそれぞれに複数の文字が割り当てられており、第二の六角形領域のいずれかで第七のタッチ操作を感知する手順（該第二の六角形領域を第一の選択六角形領域と呼ぶ）、第二の六角形領域のいずれかで第八のタッチ操作を感知する手順（該第二の六角形領域を第二の選択六角形領域と呼ぶ）、前記第一の選択六角形領域に割り当てられた文字列を一文字目に含み、かつ、前記第二の選択六角形領域に割り当てられた文字列を二文字目に含む、入力単語候補を前記入力単語候補辞書から読み、入力単語候補として表示する手順を含む段落００１６、段落００１７、または、段落００１８のいずれかに記載の文字入力方法を提供することで前記課題を解決する。 Further, according to the present invention, the character input device further includes an input word candidate dictionary, and a plurality of characters are assigned to each of the second hexagonal regions. A procedure for sensing the seventh touch operation (the second hexagonal region is referred to as a first selected hexagonal region) and a procedure for sensing the eighth touch operation in either the second hexagonal region (the first hexagonal region) The second hexagonal region is referred to as a second selected hexagonal region), the first character includes the character string assigned to the first selected hexagonal region, and the second hexagonal region is assigned to the second selected hexagonal region. The character input method according to any one of paragraph 0016, paragraph 0017, or paragraph 0018 including a procedure for reading an input word candidate from the input word candidate dictionary and displaying the input word candidate as a second input character By providing the above section To resolve.
また、本願発明は、コンピューターを段落００１１、段落００１２、段落００１３、段落００１４，または、段落００１５のいずれかに記載の文字入力装置として機能させるコンピューター・プログラム。 The present invention also provides a computer program that causes a computer to function as the character input device according to any one of paragraphs 0011, 0012, 0013, 0014, and 0015.
ユーザーにとって理解しやすい直感的なキー配置を提供しつつ、狭い入力画面スペースでも入力効率が高く、入力ミスが少ない文字入力装置、方法、および、プログラムが提供される。 Provided are a character input device, a method, and a program that provide an intuitive key layout that is easy for a user to understand, have high input efficiency even in a narrow input screen space, and have few input errors.
本願発明に係る文字入力装置を備えた携帯情報機器例の全体図である。It is a general view of the example of portable information equipment provided with the character input device concerning this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の画面表示全体の初期状態の一例（英語モード）である。It is an example (English mode) of the initial state of the whole screen display of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の単一文字入力方法の一例（英語モード）である。It is an example (English mode) of the single character input method of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の各キーへの文字割り当ての一例（英語モード）である。It is an example (English mode) of the character allocation to each key of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置における指の移動距離の小ささを示す図である。It is a figure which shows the small distance of the movement distance of the finger in the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の連続文字入力方法の一例（英語モード）である。It is an example (English mode) of the continuous character input method of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の入力単語候補表示の一例（英語モード）である。It is an example (English mode) of the input word candidate display of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の入力単語候補領域を使用した文字入力方法の一例（英語モード）である。It is an example (English mode) of the character input method using the input word candidate area | region of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の単一文字入力方法の一例（日本語モード）である。It is an example (Japanese mode) of the single character input method of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の文字のキーへの割り当ての切り替え方法の一例（日本語モード）である。It is an example (Japanese mode) of the switching method of the allocation to the key of the character of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の文字のキーへの割り当て方法の一例（日本語モード）である。It is an example (Japanese mode) of the allocation method to the key of the character of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の濁音・半濁音のキーへの割り当て方法の一例（日本語モード）である。It is an example (Japanese mode) of the allocation method to the key of the muddy sound / semi muddy sound of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の拗音入力方法の一例である。It is an example of the stuttering input method of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の拗音入力方法のもうひとつの一例である。It is another example of the sound input method of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の拗音文字のキーへの割り当て方法の一例（１）である。It is an example (1) of the allocation method to the key of the stuttering character of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の拗音文字のキーへの割り当て方法の一例（２）である。It is an example (2) of the allocation method to the key of the stuttering character of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の撥音入力方法の一例である。It is an example of the sound repellent input method of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の促音入力方法の一例である。It is an example of the sound input method of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の長音入力方法の一例である。It is an example of the long sound input method of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の連続文字入力方法の一例（日本語モード）である。It is an example (Japanese mode) of the continuous character input method of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る顔文字入力の入力方法の一例である。It is an example of the input method of the emoticon input which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置の文字編集方法（一文字削除）の一例（英語モード）である。It is an example (English mode) of the character editing method (one character deletion) of the character input device which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置のキー選択モードによる日本語入力方法の一例である（１）。It is an example of the Japanese input method by the key selection mode of the character input device which concerns on this invention (1). 本願発明に係る文字入力装置のキー選択モードによる日本語入力方法の一例である（２）。It is an example of the Japanese input method by the key selection mode of the character input device which concerns on this invention (2). 本願発明に係る文字入力装置のキー選択モードによる日本語入力方法の別の一例である（１）。It is another example of the Japanese input method by the key selection mode of the character input device which concerns on this invention (1). 本願発明に係る文字入力装置のキー選択モードによる日本語入力方法の別の一例である（２）。It is another example of the Japanese input method by the key selection mode of the character input device which concerns on this invention (2). 本願発明に係る文字入力装置のキー選択モードによる日本語入力方法のまた別の一例（入力欄に既に文字列が入力された状態からの追加入力）である。It is another example (additional input from the state where the character string has already been input into the input column) of the Japanese input method by the key selection mode of the character input device according to the present invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置のキー選択モードによる英語入力方法の一例である（１）。It is an example of the English input method by the key selection mode of the character input device which concerns on this invention (1). 本願発明に係る文字入力装置のキー選択モードによる英語入力方法の一例である（２）。It is an example of the English input method by the key selection mode of the character input device which concerns on this invention (2). 本願発明に係る文字入力プログラムの通常入力モードにおける処理概要の一例を表わしたフローチャート（１／３）である。It is a flowchart (1/3) showing an example of the process outline | summary in the normal input mode of the character input program which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力プログラムの通常入力モードにおける処理概要の一例を表わしたフローチャート（２／３）である。It is a flowchart (2/3) showing an example of the process outline | summary in the normal input mode of the character input program which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力プログラムの通常入力モードにおける処理概要の一例を表わしたフローチャート（３／３）である。It is a flowchart (3/3) showing an example of the process outline | summary in the normal input mode of the character input program which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力プログラムのキー選択モードにおける処理概要の一例を表わしたフローチャート（１／３）である。It is a flowchart (1/3) showing an example of the process outline | summary in the key selection mode of the character input program which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力プログラムのキー選択モードにおける処理概要の一例を表わしたフローチャート（２／３）である。It is a flowchart (2/3) showing an example of the process outline | summary in the key selection mode of the character input program which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力プログラムのキー選択モードにおける処理概要の一例を表わしたフローチャート（３／３）である。It is a flowchart (3/3) showing an example of the process outline | summary in the key selection mode of the character input program which concerns on this invention. 本願発明に係る文字入力装置が備える入力キーの形状と配置の別の例である。It is another example of the shape and arrangement | positioning of an input key with which the character input device which concerns on this invention is provided.
（全体構成図）
図１に本願発明に係る文字入力装置を備えた情報機器の一例の全体図を示す。情報機器とは、たとえば、スマートフォン、タブレット、ノートパソコン、および、スマートウォッチ等のウェアラブル端末等の携帯性の高い機器が典型であるが、これらに限定されない。情報機器はプロセッサやメモリ等のハードウェアを備え、所定のソフトウェア・プログラムを実行するコンピューターである。当該ハードウェアは周知技術であるため、図示していない。 (Overall configuration diagram)
FIG. 1 shows an overall view of an example of information equipment provided with a character input device according to the present invention. The information device is typically a portable device such as a smart phone, a tablet, a notebook computer, and a wearable terminal such as a smart watch, but is not limited thereto. The information device is a computer that includes hardware such as a processor and a memory and executes a predetermined software program. Since the hardware is a well-known technique, it is not shown.
タッチ入力手段（１０１）は、ユーザーの指、または、ユーザーが保持するスタイラスペン等によるタッチ操作にしたがって、ソフトウェア・プログラムに対する入力を行なう構成要素である。本願発明に係る入力手段で使用される典型的なタッチ操作には、タップ（指やスタイラスペンで目的とする画面上の領域を１回叩く操作）、ロングタップ（指やスタイラスペンで目的とする領域を一定時間以上置いたままにする操作（長押しとも呼ばれる））、スライド（指やスタイラスペンを目的とする領域にいったん置いた後で画面から離すことなく、別の領域に滑らせた後に画面から離す動作）、スワイプ（指やスタイラスペンで画面に触れてからで特定の方向に移動させる動作（スライドとは異なりどの領域で画面から離すかは無関係））等がある。 The touch input means (101) is a component that performs input to the software program in accordance with a touch operation by a user's finger or a stylus pen held by the user. Typical touch operations used in the input means according to the present invention include taps (operations in which a target area on the screen is hit once with a finger or a stylus pen), long taps (targets with a finger or a stylus pen) Operation that keeps the area left for a certain period of time (also called long press)), slide (after placing the finger or stylus pen in the target area and then sliding it to another area without releasing it from the screen) Motion away from the screen), swipe (motion that moves in a specific direction after touching the screen with a finger or a stylus pen (unrelated to slide, it is irrelevant in which area is separated from the screen)).
表示手段（１０２）は典型的には液晶ディスプレイであるが、ソフトウェア・プログラムによって任意の図形・文字を表示できる構成要素であれば任意の技術を使用してよい。 The display means (102) is typically a liquid crystal display, but any technique may be used as long as it is a component capable of displaying any figure / character by a software program.
入力サブシステム（１０３）は、タッチ入力手段（１０１）からの入力を受け取り、アプリケーション・プログラム（１０６）に渡す機能を実行するために、ハードウェア上で実行されるソフトウェア・プログラムであり、以下の実施例で記載された画面表示と入力処理を行なうことで、本願発明の目的である効率的な文字入力を実現する。 The input subsystem (103) is a software program executed on hardware in order to execute a function of receiving an input from the touch input means (101) and passing it to the application program (106). By performing the screen display and input processing described in the embodiments, efficient character input which is the object of the present invention is realized.
入力バッファー（１０４）は、入力された未確定の文字列を一時的に保存するための入力サブシステム（１０３）が管理する領域（通常は、メモリ上の文字列変数領域）である。 The input buffer (104) is an area (usually a character string variable area in a memory) managed by the input subsystem (103) for temporarily storing an input unconfirmed character string.
入力単語候補辞書（１０５）は、入力サブシステム（１０３）が入力単語候補を表示するために使用するデータベースである。既に入力された内容をキーとして、ユーザーが最終的に入力する可能性が高いと判断される単語（あるいは単語の列）の候補を検索するために使用される。 The input word candidate dictionary (105) is a database used by the input subsystem (103) to display input word candidates. It is used to search for a word (or word string) candidate that is determined to be highly likely to be finally input by the user using the already input content as a key.
アプリケーション・プログラム（１０６）は入力サブシステム（１０３）から入力バッファー（１０４）経由でユーザーが入力した文字列を受け取り、所定の機能（たとえば、メール文書の作成や文書の編集）を実行するソフトウェア・プログラムである。 The application program (106) receives a character string input by the user from the input subsystem (103) via the input buffer (104), and executes a predetermined function (for example, creation of a mail document or editing of a document). It is a program.
なお、以降の実施例ではタッチ入力手段（１０１）と表示手段（１０２）とが物理的にひとつの構成要素として一体化している形態（いわゆるタッチディスプレイ）を想定しているが、タッチ入力手段（１０１）（たとえば、トラックパッド）と表示手段（１０２）とが別の構成要素になっていてもよい。 In the following embodiments, it is assumed that the touch input means (101) and the display means (102) are physically integrated as one component (a so-called touch display). 101) (for example, a trackpad) and the display means (102) may be separate components.
また、タッチ入力手段（１０１）への入力操作は指やスタイラスペンによるタッチに限らず、視線での操作、脳波での操作等、人間の意思により表示装置上の座標、および、タッチ操作を伝達できる方法であれば任意の方法を使用してよい。以降で、タッチ操作と記載した場合には、指やスタイラスペンを含む上記のタッチ操作を含むものとする。また、「指を画面から離す」と記載した場合にも、スタイラスペンを画面から離す操作、および、上記の入力手段によるタッチ操作を終了させるための特定の操作を含むものとする。 Also, the input operation to the touch input means (101) is not limited to touch with a finger or a stylus pen, but the coordinates on the display device and the touch operation are transmitted by human intentions, such as a gaze operation and an electroencephalogram operation. Any method that can be used may be used. Hereinafter, when it is described as a touch operation, the touch operation including a finger or a stylus pen is included. In addition, the description “release the finger from the screen” includes an operation of releasing the stylus pen from the screen and a specific operation for ending the touch operation by the input unit.
以下に図を参照しながら、本願発明に係る文字入力装置を備えた情報機器の画面表示の遷移とユーザーの入力に応じた動作について説明する。各キー（ボタン）への文字の割り当ては、発明者の実験により入力効率が高いとの心証を得られたものであるが、ここで示した以外の割り当てを使用してもよい。また、ユーザーが自分の好みに応じて、独自のボタンへの文字や機能の割り当てを設定できるようにしてもよい。 Hereinafter, the screen display transition of the information device including the character input device according to the present invention and the operation according to the user input will be described with reference to the drawings. The assignment of characters to each key (button) has been confirmed by the inventors' experimentation that input efficiency is high, but assignments other than those shown here may be used. In addition, the user may be able to set the assignment of characters and functions to unique buttons according to his / her preference.
（通常入力モード（英語））
本願発明における文字入力装置は通常入力モードとキー選択モードという二つのモードが提供されることが望ましい。以降では、まず、通常入力モードにおける英文字の入力方式の例を示す。 (Normal input mode (English))
The character input device according to the present invention is preferably provided with two modes, a normal input mode and a key selection mode. In the following, first, an example of an English character input method in the normal input mode is shown.
図２は、通常入力モードで英語を入力する際の画面の初期状態である。情報機器（２０１）の画面はアプリケーション表示領域（２０２）と入力領域（２０３）に分割される。アプリケーション表示領域（２０２）は、アプリケーション・プログラム（１０６）の出力が表示される領域である。入力領域（２０３）は、入力サブシステム（１０３）の制御の元にキーの表示を行なうと共に、ユーザーのタッチ入力を受け取る領域であり、図１のタッチ入力手段（１０１）と表示手段（１０２）の機能を併せ持つ。以降では、入力領域（２０３）の表示とユーザーのタッチ入力に応じた動作について説明を行なう。 FIG. 2 shows an initial state of the screen when inputting English in the normal input mode. The screen of the information device (201) is divided into an application display area (202) and an input area (203). The application display area (202) is an area in which the output of the application program (106) is displayed. The input area (203) is an area for displaying keys and receiving a user's touch input under the control of the input subsystem (103). The touch input means (101) and display means (102) in FIG. It has both functions. In the following, operations according to the display of the input area (203) and the touch input by the user will be described.
入力領域（２０３）には、７つの六角形のキーが表示されている。六角形は合同な図形による平面充填が可能な正多角形の中で最も角が多い（円に近い）ため、画面の限られたスペースを有効利用しつつ、ユーザーにとって操作しやすいキーを実現する上で合理的な形状である。 In the input area (203), seven hexagonal keys are displayed. Hexagons have the most corners (close to circles) among regular polygons that can be filled with congruent figures, so that keys that are easy to operate for users can be realized while effectively using limited space on the screen. Above is a reasonable shape.
入力領域（２０３）内のキー領域等の画面構成要素のサイズと位置は、ユーザーの利き手、手指の大きさ、視力等に応じて、ユーザー自身で調整することができるようになっていることが望ましい。 The size and position of the screen components such as the key area in the input area (203) can be adjusted by the user himself / herself according to the user's dominant hand, finger size, visual acuity, etc. desirable.
中央の六角形が表示されたキー（確定キーと呼ぶ）をタップすると、入力語が確定し、入力サブシステム（１０３）が入力バッファー（１０４）の内容をアプリケーション・プログラム（１０６）へ送る。確定キーの周囲には“a”、“e”、“i”、“o”、“t”、“u”が表示された六つのキー（入力キーと呼ぶ）がすきまなく表示されている。このような割り当てを使用した合理的理由については後述する。 When a key with a hexagon at the center (referred to as a confirmation key) is tapped, the input word is confirmed, and the input subsystem (103) sends the contents of the input buffer (104) to the application program (106). Six keys (referred to as input keys) displaying “a”, “e”, “i”, “o”, “t”, “u” are displayed without any gaps around the confirmation key. Reasons for using such an assignment will be discussed later.
入力領域（２０３）のキー以外の部分は背景エリアと呼ばれ、後述の特殊な操作を行なうために使用される。 The part other than the keys of the input area (203) is called a background area and is used for performing a special operation described later.
（スライド操作による単一文字入力（英語モード））
図３のａ）に示した初期状態（図２に示した状態と同じ）から、いずれかの入力キーをタップすると当該キーに表示された文字が入力される（その文字が入力バッファー（１０４）内の文字列の末尾にコピーされる）。入力された文字は、ユーザーの操作によって確定されるまでは入力バッファー（１０４）内で一時的に保持されており、アプリケーション・プログラム（１０６）へは送られない。 (Single character input by slide operation (English mode))
When an input key is tapped from the initial state shown in FIG. 3a) (the same as the state shown in FIG. 2), the character displayed on the key is input (the character is input buffer (104)). Copied to the end of the string). The input character is temporarily held in the input buffer (104) until it is determined by the user's operation, and is not sent to the application program (106).
図３のａ）の初期状態で表示されていない文字は、指やスタイラスのスライド操作により入力できる（初期状態で表示されている文字はタップ操作でもスライド操作でも入力可能である）。たとえば、図３のｂ）に示すように、"o"のキーにタッチすると周囲に六つの別の文字のキー（この例では網掛けで表示されている"m"、"n"、"p"、"!"、"?"、"."）が、今まで表示されていたキーが上書きされる形で表示される。なお、説明の明確化のために新たに表示されたキーに網掛けを付しているが、実際の入力装置では新たに表示されるキーの色を変えて表示しても、色を変えずに表示してもよい。図３のｃ）のように、新たに表示された六つのキーのうちのひとつ（この例では"m”）に指をスライドさせて離すと、そのキーに割り当てられた文字が入力される。なお、図３のｄ）に示したように、指がキー"o"とキー"m"の間の境界線を越えたタイミングでキー"m"の周囲にさらに別の六つのキーが表示されるが、これは、後述の連続文字入力で使用される。 Characters not displayed in the initial state of FIG. 3A can be input by a finger or stylus slide operation (characters displayed in the initial state can be input by a tap operation or a slide operation). For example, as shown in FIG. 3b), when the "o" key is touched, six different character keys ("m", "n", "p" displayed in this example are shaded). ","! ","? ",". ") Are displayed in the form of overwriting the previously displayed key. Note that the newly displayed keys are shaded for clarity of explanation, but the actual input device does not change the color even if the newly displayed keys are displayed in different colors. May be displayed. When the finger is slid to and released from one of the six newly displayed keys ("m" in this example) as shown in FIG. 3C), the character assigned to that key is input. As shown in FIG. 3 d), another six keys are displayed around the key “m” when the finger crosses the boundary between the keys “o” and “m”. This is used for continuous character input described later.
図４にこのようなスライド操作で入力可能な英文字配列の一例を示す。図４のａ）で網掛けで示したキーは、"a"のキーに指が置かれた状態で"a"のキーの周囲に展開表示されるキーである。同様に、図４のｂ）は、"e"のキーの周囲に展開表示されるキー、図４のｃ）は、"i"のキーの周囲に展開表示されるキー、図４のｄ）は、"o"のキーの周囲に展開表示されるキー、図４のｅ）は、"t"のキーの周囲に展開表示されるキー（[sp]はスペースを表わす）、図４のｆ）は、"u"のキーの周囲に展開表示されるキー、そして、図４のｇ）は確定キーの周囲に展開表示されるキー（初期状態と同じ）を表わす。このように英字２６文字とよく使われる記号を一回のスライド操作、あるいは、タップ操作で入力可能である。同様な配列は、数字、記号、および、顔文字等にも適用可能である。 FIG. 4 shows an example of an English character array that can be input by such a slide operation. Keys indicated by shading in FIG. 4A are keys that are developed and displayed around the “a” key with the finger placed on the “a” key. Similarly, b) in FIG. 4 is a key expanded around the “e” key, c) in FIG. 4 is a key expanded around the “i” key, and d) in FIG. Is a key expanded around the “o” key, e) in FIG. 4 is a key expanded around the “t” key ([sp] represents a space), f in FIG. ) Is a key expanded and displayed around the “u” key, and g) in FIG. 4 represents a key expanded and displayed around the confirmation key (the same as the initial state). In this manner, 26 alphabetic characters and frequently used symbols can be input by a single slide operation or a tap operation. Similar arrangements can be applied to numbers, symbols, emoticons and the like.
図４に示した文字とキーの割り当て方式には以下の点で合理性がある。第一に、初期状態の各入力キーに（図４のｇ）のケースを除いて）英文字がアルファベットの先頭から４文字ずつ（他の２文字は記号）割り当てられているため配置の記憶が容易である。第二に、様々な調査により明らかになっている英文における出現頻度が高い上位５位までの文字（"e"、"t"、"a"、"o"、"i"）をタップ操作のみで（スライド操作を伴わずに）入力可能である。第三に、アルファベットの“x”と“z”以外の２４文字を入力する際の指の移動範囲を、図５の網掛け範囲内（５０１）に納めることができ、最小限の指の動作で英文字を入力できる。 The character and key assignment method shown in FIG. 4 is reasonable in the following points. First, since the alphabetic characters are assigned to each input key in the initial state (except for the case of g in FIG. 4) by four characters from the beginning of the alphabet (the other two characters are symbols), the memory of the arrangement is stored. Easy. Second, only tap the top five letters ("e", "t", "a", "o", "i") with the highest appearance frequency in English sentences revealed by various surveys. (Without a slide operation). Third, the finger movement range when inputting 24 characters other than the alphabet “x” and “z” can be stored within the shaded area (501) of FIG. You can enter English characters with.
このように、図４に示した配列には明らかな利点があるが、図４以外の任意の配列を使用してよい。また、ユーザーが独自の配列を設定できるようにしてもよい。 Thus, although the arrangement shown in FIG. 4 has clear advantages, any arrangement other than that of FIG. 4 may be used. Further, the user may be able to set a unique arrangement.
（スライド操作による連続文字入力（英語））
次に本願発明に係る入力装置に係る連続英文字入力方法の一例について説明する。ユーザーは、前述のように文字を一文字ずつタップまたはスライド操作により入力することもできるし、以降に説明するようにスライド操作の繰り返しにより複数文字を連続して入力することもできる。ユーザーは、まず前述の一文字ずつの入力方法に習熟した後に、以降で説明する連続文字入力方式に移行することができ、自身の習熟度に応じた入力方式を選択することができる。 (Continuous character input by slide operation (English))
Next, an example of a continuous English character input method according to the input device according to the present invention will be described. As described above, the user can input characters one by one by tap or slide operation, or can input a plurality of characters continuously by repeating the slide operation as described below. The user first becomes familiar with the input method for each character, and then can move to the continuous character input method described below, and can select an input method according to his / her skill level.
スライド操作の終点である六角形キーのひとつにタッチが行なわれている状態（指が入力画面から離されていない状態）では、その六角形キーの周囲に、入力頻度や直近の入力内容等に基づいて次に入力される可能性が高いと判断された文字と組み合わせた文字列の候補（これを、「連続入力文字候補」と呼ぶ）が表示される。この入力方式による画面遷移の例を図６に示す（初期状態に相当する画面は図示していない）。 When one of the hexagonal keys that is the end point of the slide operation is being touched (when the finger is not released from the input screen), the frequency of input or the most recent input content is displayed around the hexagonal key. A character string candidate combined with a character that is determined to be input next on the basis of this (referred to as “continuous input character candidate”) is displayed. An example of screen transition by this input method is shown in FIG. 6 (the screen corresponding to the initial state is not shown).
たとえば、図６のａ）に示したように、"u"キーに触れると周囲に六つの六角形キーが表示される（ここまでは前述のとおりである）。図６のｂ）に示したように、"y"キーに向けてスライド操作を行なうと、"u"キーと"y"キーの間の境界線を指が越えたタイミングで、図６のｃ）に示したように"y"キーの周囲に"y"の次に一文字を付加した六つの連続入力文字候補の六角形キーが表示される（なお、この状態で指を入力画面から離すと文字"y"が入力されるのは前述のとおりである）。さらに、図６のｄ）に示したように、"yo"に対応した六角形キーに指をスライドすると、図６のｅ）のように"yo"に対応した六角形キーの周囲に、さらに"yo"で始まる六つの連続入力文字候補の六角形キーが表示される。この処理は、プログラムの実装上および画面表示上の制限に基づく回数に至るまで繰り返すことができる。なお、ユーザーの入力したい文字が連続入力文字候補として表示されなくなった時には、ユーザーはそこで画面から指を離し、そこまでの入力文字列を入力バッファー（１０４）に置いた状態で、単一文字入力あるいは連続文字入力の操作を継続することができる。 For example, as shown in FIG. 6 a), when the “u” key is touched, six hexagonal keys are displayed around it (the same as described above). As shown in FIG. 6 b), when a slide operation is performed toward the “y” key, the timing at which the finger crosses the boundary line between the “u” key and the “y” key, c in FIG. ) The six consecutive input character candidate hexagonal keys with one character added after "y" are displayed around the "y" key (note that if you release your finger from the input screen in this state) The letter "y" is entered as described above). Furthermore, as shown in d) of FIG. 6, when a finger is slid to the hexagonal key corresponding to “yo”, the hexagonal key corresponding to “yo” as shown in FIG. The six consecutive input candidate hexagon keys starting with "yo" are displayed. This process can be repeated up to the number of times based on program implementation and screen display limitations. When the character that the user wants to input is no longer displayed as a candidate for continuous input characters, the user lifts his / her finger from the screen, and the input character string up to that point is placed in the input buffer (104). Continuous character input operation can be continued.
この連続入力文字候補の配置は入力頻度に基づいて動的に変化させるようにしてもよいが、固定であってもよい。固定にしておくことで、ユーザーは頻繁に入力される文字列の入力方法をいわば「指で覚える」ことができ、入力効率を向上させることができる。また、入力頻度による学習をある程度の期間続けて、ユーザーが頻繁に入力する文字列が連続入力文字候補として表示されるようにした後、ユーザーが配置に慣れ親しんだ後に、学習機能を解除して各キーへの連続入力文字候補割り当てを固定化できるようにしてもよい。 The arrangement of the continuous input character candidates may be dynamically changed based on the input frequency, but may be fixed. By fixing it, the user can “learn with a finger” the input method of a character string that is frequently input, and the input efficiency can be improved. In addition, after learning by the input frequency for a certain period of time so that the character string frequently input by the user is displayed as a continuous input character candidate, after the user gets used to the arrangement, the learning function is canceled and each character The continuous input character candidate assignment to the key may be fixed.
なお、子音文字につながる連続入力文字候補の配列においては、初期表示キー（（"e"、"t"、"a"、"o"、"i"））と同じ配列を使用することで、ユーザーが覚えやすくすることが望ましい（ただし、英語の文字の連続パターンとしてほとんどない文字順（たとえば、"yt"）については別の候補を表示することが望ましい。）母音文字につながる連続入力文字候補の配列においては、母音文字に引き続いて出現する文字は、子音文字に続く文字よりバリエーションが多く、かつ、母音文字ごとに後続文字のパターンが異なるため、子音文字の場合のように、周囲に表示する入力キーに付加する文字を固定配置とすることが困難である。そのため、後続文字を出現頻度に基づき選択するが、機械的に上位の文字を選択して配置するだけではユーザーがキー配置を覚えにくいため、"a"、"b"、"c"、"d"のいずれかの文字は左上、"e"、"f"、"g"、"h"のいずれかは右上というように、初期表示キーと同一の方向に配置し、複数の文字の位置が重複する場合には、出現頻度を勘案して、配置位置をずらすか、あるいは位置が重複しない別の文字と交換するかの調整を行なうという手法により、ユーザーにとって記憶がしやすい配置を行なうことが望ましい。 By using the same sequence as the initial display key (("e", "t", "a", "o", "i")) in the sequence of consecutive input character candidates connected to the consonant characters, It is desirable for the user to remember easily (however, it is desirable to display another candidate for a character order that is rarely a continuous pattern of English characters (for example, "yt")). In this array, the characters that appear after the vowel character have more variations than the characters that follow the consonant character, and the pattern of the subsequent character is different for each vowel character. It is difficult to fix the character added to the input key. Therefore, the subsequent characters are selected based on the appearance frequency, but it is difficult for the user to memorize the key layout simply by mechanically selecting and arranging the upper characters. Therefore, "a", "b", "c", "d Place one of the characters in the same direction as the initial display key, such as one of the characters in the upper left, and one of the letters “e”, “f”, “g”, or “h” in the upper right. In the case of duplication, it is possible to make arrangements that are easy for the user to memorize by adjusting whether the arrangement position is shifted or replaced with another character whose position does not overlap in consideration of the appearance frequency. desirable.
上述のように、本願発明に係る入力装置、スライド操作を繰り返していくことで、頻繁に入力される文字列を効率的に入力していくことができる。六角形のキーは画面上に動的に表示されるため画面スペースの使用効率が高い。また、画面上の指やスタイラスの移動距離が短いため入力エラーが少なくなる。さらに、入力頻度が高い単語（たとえば、"you"）を、指を画面から離すことなく一連の操作で入力できるため入力効率が高い。 As described above, the character string that is frequently input can be efficiently input by repeating the input device according to the present invention and the slide operation. Since hexagonal keys are dynamically displayed on the screen, screen space usage efficiency is high. Further, since the movement distance of the finger or stylus on the screen is short, input errors are reduced. Furthermore, since a word with a high input frequency (for example, “you”) can be input by a series of operations without releasing the finger from the screen, the input efficiency is high.
（入力単語候補選択による入力（英語））
本願発明に係る入力装置では入力単語の候補を表示し、選択させることより、さらなる入力効率の向上を実現することができる。以降で説明する入力単語候補選択による入力方法は、前述の六角形キーに表示される連続入力文字候補による入力方法とは独立した別の方法であり、両者を組み合わせて使用することができる。なお、ここで、入力単語とは英語の単語に限定されず、単語の列やまとまった意味をなす一連の文字列（たとえば、現在の日付、メールアドレス等）を含むものとする。 (Input by selecting input words (English))
The input device according to the present invention can further improve the input efficiency by displaying and selecting input word candidates. The input method based on input word candidate selection described below is another method independent of the input method based on the continuous input character candidates displayed on the hexagonal key described above, and can be used in combination. Here, the input word is not limited to an English word, and includes a string of words and a series of character strings (for example, current date, mail address, etc.) that have a collective meaning.
なお、スマートウォッチなどの画面の領域がきわめて小さな情報機器では入力単語候補表示機能を使用しないように設定できることが望ましい。 It should be noted that it is desirable that the input word candidate display function can be set not to be used in an information device having a very small screen area such as a smart watch.
入力中に画面に指やスタイラスが触れていない状態では、入力された文字列（まだ確定されておらず入力バッファー（１０４）に保持されている文字列）が、画面上の入力欄（図７のａ）および図７のｂ）で網掛けで示された長方形の領域）内に表示される。入力欄はユーザーに対する明確化のために色を変えることが望ましい。また、図７では入力欄を左上に示しているが、ユーザーの利き手等に応じて、設定により左右上下いずれの位置にも設定可能であることが望ましい。入力欄以外の五つの長方形領域（入力単語候補領域と呼ぶ）にはユーザーが今回入力する可能性が高いと判断された単語または単語の列が表示されている。 When a finger or stylus is not touching the screen during input, the input character string (character string that has not yet been confirmed and is held in the input buffer (104)) is displayed on the input field on the screen (FIG. 7). A) and a rectangular area indicated by shading in FIG. 7b). It is desirable to change the color of the input field for clarity to the user. Further, although the input field is shown in the upper left in FIG. 7, it is desirable that it can be set at any position on the left, right, top and bottom by setting according to the user's dominant hand. In the five rectangular areas other than the input field (referred to as input word candidate areas), words or word strings determined to be highly likely to be input by the user this time are displayed.
図７のａ）の例では、ユーザーが文字"t”を入力しているため、入力バッファー（１０４）の内容である"t"が入力欄に表示されることに加えて、入力単語候補辞書（１０５）の内容に基づいて、」その後に入力される可能性が高いと、入力サブシステム（１０３）が判断した単語である"this", "they", "the", "to", "that"が入力単語候補として五つの入力単語候補領域のそれぞれに表示されている。図７のｂ）の例では、ユーザーが文字列"to"を入力しているため、入力バッファー（１０４）の内容である"to"が入力欄に表示されることに加えて、その後に入力される可能性が高いと判断された文字列である"together", "took", "today", "too", "told"が入力単語候補として五つの入力単語候補領域のそれぞれに表示されている。すなわち、入力単語候補領域の内容は入力バッファー（１０４）の内容に応じて動的に更新される。 In the example of a) of FIG. 7, since the user has input the character “t”, the input word candidate dictionary is displayed in addition to “t” being the content of the input buffer (104) being displayed in the input field. Based on the content of (105), "this", "they", "the", "to", "are words that the input subsystem (103) has determined that there is a high possibility of being input thereafter. that "is displayed as an input word candidate in each of the five input word candidate areas. In the example of b) of FIG. 7, since the user has input the character string “to”, in addition to being displayed in the input field, “to”, which is the content of the input buffer (104), is input thereafter. "Together", "took", "today", "too", "told" are displayed as input word candidates in each of the five input word candidate areas. Yes. That is, the contents of the input word candidate area are dynamically updated according to the contents of the input buffer (104).
入力画面の背景エリアあるいは入力単語候補領域を左右にスワイプするなどの所定の操作により、最初に示される五つの候補語以外の候補語が表示されるようにすることが望ましい。また、同様に背景エリアをロングタップする等の所定の操作により、ユーザーが事前に登録した語を入力バッファー（１０４）の内容に応じて選択したものの表示に切り替えられるようにすることが望ましい。 Desirably, candidate words other than the five candidate words shown first are displayed by a predetermined operation such as swiping the background area or the input word candidate area of the input screen left and right. Similarly, it is desirable that the display can be switched to a display in which a word previously registered by the user is selected in accordance with the contents of the input buffer (104) by a predetermined operation such as a long tap on the background area.
入力サブシステム（１０３）は、ユーザーが入力したひとつ以上の文字をキーにして、入力単語候補辞書（１０５）を検索して読み取り、ユーザーが入力する可能性が高い単語（あるいは、単語列）を読み取り、図７の形式で表示することができる。入力単語候補辞書（１０５）の内容は、ユーザーの今までの入力から学習して更新されるようにしてもよいし、固定であってもよい。固定にしておくことで、特定語の入力方法が一意に定まるため、キー入力手順の記憶が容易になる（いわば、「指が覚える」）という利点が生じる。前述の、連続文字入力における連続入力文字候補の場合と同様に、選択頻度による学習をある程度の期間続けて、ユーザーが頻繁に選択する単語が入力単語候補として優先的に表示されるようにした後、学習機能を解除して各入力単語候補領域への入力単語候補割り当てを固定化できるようにしてもよい。 The input subsystem (103) searches and reads the input word candidate dictionary (105) using one or more characters input by the user as keys, and selects words (or word strings) that are likely to be input by the user. It can be read and displayed in the format of FIG. The contents of the input word candidate dictionary (105) may be updated by learning from the user's input so far, or may be fixed. By fixing, the input method of a specific word is uniquely determined, so that the key input procedure can be easily stored (so-called “finger remembers”). As in the case of continuous input character candidates in continuous character input described above, after learning based on the selection frequency for a certain period of time, a word frequently selected by the user is preferentially displayed as an input word candidate. The learning function may be canceled so that the input word candidate assignment to each input word candidate region can be fixed.
特定の入力目的（たとえば、ビジネスメール、または、プライベート用メール）において、効率的な入力単語候補辞書（１０５）を事前に用意し、目的に応じて切り替えて使用できるようにしてもよい。入力単語候補辞書（１０５）作成プログラムに既存の文書（たとえば、医療関係文献）を読み込ませて、統計的に分析した結果に基づき入力単語候補辞書（１０５）を構築できるようにしてもよい。 For a specific input purpose (for example, business mail or private mail), an efficient input word candidate dictionary (105) may be prepared in advance so that it can be used by switching according to the purpose. An input word candidate dictionary (105) creation program may be configured to read an existing document (for example, medical literature) and to construct the input word candidate dictionary (105) based on a statistical analysis result.
入力単語候補が表示されている状態で、ユーザーが入力したい入力単語候補領域をタップすることで、その単語（または単語列）が入力バッファー（１０４）に転記されると共に確定され、アプリケーション・プログラム（１０６）に渡される。なお、この際に英単語はスペース（空白文字）で区切られていることが通常であることから、既に入力済の語からスペース挿入の要否を判定し、必要な場合にはスペースを補完してアプリケーション・プログラム（１０６）に渡し、ユーザーの入力操作を省略できるようにすることが望ましい。 When the input word candidate is displayed, by tapping the input word candidate area that the user wants to input, the word (or word string) is transferred to the input buffer (104) and confirmed, and the application program ( 106). Since English words are usually separated by spaces (blank characters) at this time, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to insert spaces from already entered words, and spaces are supplemented if necessary. Therefore, it is desirable to pass it to the application program (106) so that the user's input operation can be omitted.
入力単語候補領域へのタップ操作による確定に加えて、図８に示すようにロングタップ操作による入力（確定前の入力バッファー（１０４）内での一時的保持）を行なうようにしてもよい。図８のａ）では、文字"a"が入力されており、"a"の次にユーザーが入力する可能性が高いと判断される入力単語候補が表示されている。図８のｂ）は、図８のａ）でユーザーが入力単語候補"and"に対応する入力単語候補領域をロングタップした後の状態であり、文字列"and”が入力され、それに応じて入力単語候補も置き換えられている。図８のｃ）に示すように、この状態からユーザーが"Anderson"の入力単語候補領域をロングタップすると"Anderson"が入力され、画面は図８のｄ）に示す状態になる。 In addition to the confirmation by the tap operation to the input word candidate area, an input by a long tap operation (temporary holding in the input buffer (104) before the confirmation) may be performed as shown in FIG. In FIG. 8 a), the character “a” is input, and input word candidates that are determined to be highly likely to be input by the user after “a” are displayed. FIG. 8 b) shows a state after the user has long-tapped the input word candidate area corresponding to the input word candidate “and” in FIG. 8 a, and the character string “and” is input accordingly. Input word candidates have also been replaced. As shown in c) of FIG. 8, when the user long taps the input word candidate area of “Anderson” from this state, “Anderson” is inputted, and the screen is in the state shown in d) of FIG.
一般に、このような予測変換を伴う入力方式においては候補語の表示場所が重要である。文字入力を行なっている領域から離れた位置に候補語を表示すると、指やスタイラスの移動距離が大きくなり、入力効率の低下や入力ミスの要因となる。 In general, the display location of candidate words is important in such an input method involving predictive conversion. If the candidate word is displayed at a position distant from the area where characters are being input, the moving distance of the finger or stylus increases, resulting in a decrease in input efficiency and an input error.
本願発明に係る入力装置では、入力単語候補がユーザーが現に操作を行なっている入力キーの近辺に表示されるので、入力効率が高く、入力ミスも少なくできる。加えて、画面スペースの使用効率が高いため、画面上の他の要素を圧迫することがなく、また、スマートウォッチ等の画面スペース上の制約が本質的に厳しい機器への応用も容易である。また、ユーザーが最後に操作した六角形キーの近くに、最も入力の可能性が高いと判断される（たとえば、最近に入力されたという要素、あるいは、英語における出現頻度が高いという要素、あるいはその両方を加味して）入力単語候補の位置を決定することが可能であり、さらに指の移動距離を短くできる。 In the input device according to the present invention, input word candidates are displayed in the vicinity of the input key that the user is actually operating, so that input efficiency is high and input errors can be reduced. In addition, since the use efficiency of the screen space is high, other elements on the screen are not squeezed, and it is easy to apply to devices such as smartwatches that have essentially strict restrictions on the screen space. Also, it is determined that there is the highest possibility of input near the hexagon key that the user last operated (for example, an element that has been input recently, an element that has a high appearance frequency in English, or In consideration of both, it is possible to determine the position of the input word candidate and further reduce the distance of finger movement.
（通常入力モード（日本語））
以降に通常入力モードにおけるかな文字列入力方式の例を説明する。六角形キーへのタップまたはスライド操作によりできるだけ指の移動を少なくして効率的な入力を行なうという、本願発明の基本的思想は日本語入力の場合も英語入力の場合も共通である。したがって、本願発明の思想は任意の表音文字言語に適用可能である。 (Normal input mode (Japanese))
Hereinafter, an example of the kana character string input method in the normal input mode will be described. The basic idea of the present invention to perform efficient input with as little finger movement as possible by tapping or sliding on a hexagonal key is the same for both Japanese and English input. Therefore, the idea of the present invention can be applied to any phonogram language.
しかしながら、日本語かな文字の数は英語アルファベットの数と比べて多いため、六角形キーを基本とした入力を行なうために特別な工夫が必要となる。本願発明に係る入力装置では、初期状態の７つの入力キーに対して複数のかな行を割り当てることでこの課題を解決する。 However, since the number of Japanese kana characters is larger than the number of English alphabets, special contrivance is required to perform input based on hexagonal keys. The input device according to the present invention solves this problem by assigning a plurality of kana lines to the seven input keys in the initial state.
図９のａ）は日本語入力における初期状態である。図９のｂ）に示されたように、「な」のキーをタップすると「な」に割り当てられたキーに割り当てられた文字が「ま」に切り替わる。タップは文字の入力にも使用されるため、所定の待ち時間内に次のアクションが行なわれた場合のみに文字割り当ての切り替えが有効になることが望ましい。たとえば、図９のｃ）の状態でユーザーが所定の待ち時間内に何も操作を行なわないと、「な」の入力操作が行なわれたと解釈され、文字「な」が入力される。一方、所定の時間内にユーザーが他の操作を行なうと「ま」への切り替えが有効になる。たとえば、「ま」のキーにタップ操作を行ない、その後の所定時間内に他の操作を行なわないと文字「ま」が入力される。文字割り当て切り替えを有効にするまでの所定の待ち時間はユーザーの好みと習熟度に応じて設定できるようになっていることが望ましい。また、ダブルタップなどの特別なタッチ操作によって、文字割り当ての変更を行なうようにしてもよい。 FIG. 9A shows an initial state in Japanese input. As shown in FIG. 9 b), when the “NA” key is tapped, the character assigned to the key assigned to “NA” is switched to “MA”. Since the tap is also used for inputting characters, it is desirable that the switching of character assignment is effective only when the next action is performed within a predetermined waiting time. For example, if the user does not perform any operation within a predetermined waiting time in the state of c) in FIG. 9, it is interpreted that the input operation of “NA” has been performed, and the character “NA” is input. On the other hand, if the user performs another operation within a predetermined time, switching to “MA” becomes effective. For example, if the tap operation is performed on the “MA” key and no other operation is performed within a predetermined time thereafter, the character “MA” is input. It is desirable that the predetermined waiting time until the character allocation switching is made effective can be set according to the user's preference and proficiency level. In addition, the character assignment may be changed by a special touch operation such as a double tap.
図１０にこのタップ操作によるキー割り当ての変更の例を示す。この割り当て変更方式は、濁点、半濁点のあるなしを切り替えるパターンが多いのでユーザーにとって記憶しやすい。 FIG. 10 shows an example of changing the key assignment by this tap operation. This allocation changing method is easy for the user to memorize because there are many patterns for switching between the presence or absence of a muddy point or a semi-turbid point.
これ以外のかな文字、および、すべてのタップ入力可能なかな文字は、英語モードの場合と同様に、指が置かれた六角形キーの周囲に動的に表示される六つの六角形キーへのスライド操作を行なうことで入力できることが望ましい。タップ入力でも入力可能なかな文字 もスライド操作で入力できることは、操作体系の統一性を向上して、ユーザーの習熟を容易にすると共に、後述の連続文字入力との相性も良い。図１１に初期状態のキーからの六角形キーの展開の例を示す（網掛けで表示されたキーが動的に表示されるキーである）。たとえば、図１１のａ）は、「あ」のキーに指を置いた時に周囲に「う」、「え」、「お」、「あ」、「い」、「ー」のキーが動的に表示されることを示す（他の例についても同様である）。 The other kana characters and all tap-capable kana characters are transferred to the six hexagonal keys that are displayed dynamically around the hexagonal key where the finger is placed, as in English mode. It is desirable to be able to input by performing a slide operation. The ability to input kana characters that can be input by tap input also improves the uniformity of the operation system, facilitates the user's proficiency, and is compatible with continuous character input described later. FIG. 11 shows an example of the development of hexagonal keys from the keys in the initial state (keys displayed by shading are dynamically displayed keys). For example, a) in FIG. 11 shows that when a finger is placed on the “A” key, the “U”, “E”, “O”, “A”, “I”, “-” keys are dynamic. (The same applies to other examples).
ここで、濁音・半濁音を含むかな行も独立したキーに割り当てられることが望ましい。従来の入力方式では濁音・半濁音の入力は清音に続けて濁点・半濁点を入力することが通常であるが、このような従来方式は、ユーザーに余分な入力操作を強いるだけでなく、清音と濁音・半濁音の入力に一貫性を欠き、入力の効率性を悪化させ、前述の連続文字入力との相性も良くない。 Here, it is desirable that kana lines including muddy / semi-voiced sounds are also assigned to independent keys. In the conventional input method, it is normal to input the muddy / semi-voiced sound followed by the muddy / semi-voiced sound. However, this conventional method not only forces the user to perform an extra input operation, but also the clear sound. This is not consistent with the input of muddy / semi-voiced sound, which deteriorates the input efficiency and is not compatible with continuous character input.
図１２に、図９と図１０に例を示したタップ操作によるキー割り当ての変更が有効になった後に、そのキー上に指を置いた際に周囲に動的に表示されるキー配置の例を示す。このような配置により、初期状態からタップ操作とスライド操作だけで日本語のかな文字すべてを入力可能である。 FIG. 12 shows an example of a key layout that is dynamically displayed when a finger is placed on the key after the key assignment change by the tap operation shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 becomes effective. Indicates. With such an arrangement, it is possible to input all Japanese kana characters from the initial state only by tapping and sliding.
（拗音・撥音・促音・長音入力）
日本語における文字入力の考慮点として拗音・撥音・促音・長音がある。本願発明に係る文字入力装置は、以下に説明するように、拗音・撥音・促音・長音を効率的に入力できるキー操作方法を提供することが望ましい。 (Stuttering, repelling, prompting, long sound input)
Considerations for character input in Japanese include stuttering, repelling, prompting, and long sound. As described below, it is desirable that the character input device according to the present invention provide a key operation method capable of efficiently inputting stuttering, sound repelling, prompting sound, and long sound.
（拗音入力）
たとえば、「き」を入力した後に「ゃ」を入力して「きゃ」を入力するように、拗音入力を一文字ずつ行なうことも可能であるが、スライド操作により一連の動きとして入力することも可能である。 (Stuttering input)
For example, it is possible to input stuttering one character at a time, such as entering “nya” after entering “ki”, but can also be entered as a series of movements by sliding operation. It is.
図１３のａ）に示すように、入力したい拗音の１文字目の行名が表示された入力キー（たとえば、「ちゅ」の場合は「た」キー）にタッチすると、その周囲に六つの入力キーが表示される。図１３のｂ）に示すように、画面にタッチしたまま、左上の固定位置に表示された入力キーまでスライドすると、その周囲にさらに最大六つの入力キーが表示される。 As shown in a) of FIG. 13, when an input key (for example, “ta” key in the case of “chu”) is touched on the input key displaying the line name of the first character of the roar to be input, six inputs are displayed around the input key. The key is displayed. As shown in FIG. 13 b), when the user touches the screen and slides to the input key displayed at the upper left fixed position, a maximum of six input keys are further displayed around the input key.
「ゃ」、「ゅ」、「ょ」で終わる拗音の配置は（たとえば、それぞれ左下、右中、右下といったように）固定されていることが望ましく、前項以外の位置には、必要に応じて「ぁ」、「ぃ」、「ぅ」、「ぇ」、「ぉ」、「ゎ」で終わる文字列が配置されることが望ましい。引き続き、前項で表示された拗音の入力キーまでスライドして画面から指を離すと、当該文字列が入力される。 It is desirable that the arrangement of the roaring sounds ending with “nya”, “yu”, “yo” is fixed (for example, lower left, middle right, lower right, respectively). It is desirable that a character string ending with “a”, “i”, “ぅ”, “e”, “ぉ”, “ゎ” is arranged. Subsequently, when the user slides to the input key of the stuttering displayed in the previous section and lifts his / her finger from the screen, the character string is input.
「ぎゃ」、「ぴゅ」等の濁音・半濁音、あるいは「みゃ」等初期表示されていない行の拗音を入力する場合は、事前にタップによる入力キーの切り替え操作が必要になるが、その場合の操作例を図１４に示す。図１４のａ）で示したように、「な」のキーにタップ操作を行なうと「な」のキーが「ま」のキーに切り替わる。一定時間内に、図１４のｂ）から図１４のｃ）で示したようにスライド操作を行ない、その後に図１４のｄ）、図１４のｅ）、図１４のｆ）に示したようなスライド操作を行なうことで「みゃ」が入力できる。一定時間内にスライド操作を行なわないと「な」のキーへのタップ操作により、文字「な」が入力されてしまうのは前述のとおりである。 If you want to input muddy / semi-voiced sound such as “Gya”, “Pyu”, or roaring sound that is not initially displayed, such as “Mya”, you need to switch input keys by tapping in advance. An example of the operation in this case is shown in FIG. As shown in a) of FIG. 14, when the “NA” key is tapped, the “NA” key is switched to the “MA” key. Within a certain time, a slide operation is performed as shown in FIG. 14 b) to FIG. 14 c), and thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14 d), FIG. 14 e), and FIG. 14 f). “Mya” can be entered by performing a slide operation. As described above, if the slide operation is not performed within a certain time, the character “NA” is input by the tap operation on the “NA” key.
図１５－１および図１５－２に上述の望ましい配列法を加味した拗音のキー配置の一例を示す。 FIGS. 15A and 15B show an example of the key arrangement of the stuttering in consideration of the above-described desirable arrangement method.
（撥音入力）
「あん」、「きん」、「すん」等の撥音を含む文字は、「あ」の後に「ん」のように１文字ずつ入力することも可能であるが、一連のスライド操作により入力できることが望ましい。 (Sound repellent input)
Characters with sound repellents such as “An”, “Kin”, “Sun” can be input one character at a time, such as “n” after “A”, but can be input by a series of slide operations. desirable.
図１６のａ）に示すように、入力したい撥音の１文字目の行名が表示された入力キー（たとえば、「らん」の場合は「ら」キー）にタッチすると、その周囲に六つの入力キーが表示される。「がん」、「ぴん」等の濁音・半濁音、あるいは「まん」等初期表示されていない行の撥音を入力する場合、事前にタップによる入力キーの切り替え操作が必要なのは前述の拗音入力の場合と同様である。図１６のｂ）から図１６のｃ）に示すように、画面にタッチしたまま、撥音の１文字目の入力キーまでスライドすると、その周囲にさらに六つの入力キーが表示される。図では、撥音は左上の入力キーに配置されているが、ユーザーの設定により位置を変更できることが望ましい。図１６のｄ）から図１６のｅ）に示すように、引き続き、左上の固定位置に表示された撥音キーまでスワイプしてタッチ終了すると、当該文字列が入力される。 As shown in a) of FIG. 16, when an input key (for example, “Ra” key in the case of “Ran”) is touched on the input key displaying the line name of the first character of the sound repellent to be inputted, The key is displayed. When inputting muffled sound or semi-turbid sound such as “cancer” or “pin”, or sound repelling of a line that is not initially displayed such as “man”, it is necessary to switch the input key by tapping in advance. Same as the case. As shown in FIG. 16b) to FIG. 16c), when the screen is slid to the input key of the first character of sound repellent while touching the screen, six more input keys are displayed around the input key. In the figure, the sound repellent is arranged in the upper left input key, but it is desirable that the position can be changed by the user's setting. As shown in d) of FIG. 16 to e) of FIG. 16, the character string is input when the touch is completed by swiping the sound repellent key displayed at the upper left fixed position.
（促音入力）
「あっ」、「きっ」等の促音を含む文字列は、「あ」の後に「っ」のように１文字ずつ入力することも可能であるが、一連のスライドにより入力できることが望ましい。 (Prompt sound input)
A character string including a prompt sound such as “A” and “K” can be input one character at a time, such as “A” after “A”, but it is desirable that it can be input by a series of slides.
図１７のａ）に示すように、入力したい促音の１文字目の行名が表示された入力キー（たとえば、「はっ」の場合は「は」キー）にタッチすると、その周囲に六つの入力キーが表示される。「がっ」、「ぴっ」等の濁音・半濁音、あるいは「まっ」等の初期表示されていない行の促音を入力する場合、事前にタップによる入力キーの切り替え操作が必要なのは、拗音・撥音入力の場合と同様である。図１７のｂ）から図１７のｃ）に示すように、画面にタッチしたまま、促音の１文字目の入力キーまでスライドすると、その周囲にさらに六つの入力キーが表示される。図１７のｄ）から図１７のｅ）に示すように、引き続き、左上に表示された撥音の入力キーまでスライドすると、その周囲にさらに最大六つの入力キーが表示される。促音は右下の入力キーに固定配置されているが、ユーザーの設定により変更可能であってもよい。引き続き、右下に表示された促音の入力キーまでスライドしてタッチ終了すると、図１７のｈ）に示すように、当該文字列が入力される。 As shown in a) of FIG. 17, when an input key (for example, “ha” key in the case of “ha”) is touched on an input key displaying the first character line name of the sound to be input, The input key is displayed. If you enter a sound that is not initially displayed, such as “gap”, “pip”, or muzzle / semi-voiced sound, it is necessary to switch the input key by tapping in advance. It is the same as the case of input. As shown in FIG. 17 b) to FIG. 17 c), when the user touches the screen and slides to the input key of the first character of the prompt sound, six more input keys are displayed around the input key. As shown in FIG. 17 d) to FIG. 17 e), when the user continues to slide to the sound repellent input key displayed in the upper left, a maximum of six input keys are displayed around the input key. The prompt sound is fixedly arranged at the lower right input key, but may be changeable by a user setting. Subsequently, when the user touches the input key for the prompt sound displayed at the lower right and ends the touch, the character string is input as shown in h) of FIG.
（長音の入力）
「あー」、「きー」等の長音を含む文字列は、「あ」の後に「ー」のように１文字ずつ入力することも可能であるが、一連のスライド操作により入力可能であることが望ましい。 (Input of long sound)
Character strings containing long sounds such as “Ah” and “Ki” can be input one character at a time, such as “A” after “A”, but can be input by a series of slide operations. Is desirable.
図１８のａ）に示すように、入力したい長音の１文字目の行名が表示された入力キー（たとえば、「ひー」の場合は「は」キー）にタッチすると、その周囲に六つの入力キーが表示される。「がー」、「ぴー」等の濁音・半濁音、あるいは「まー」等初期表示されていない行の長音を入力する場合、事前にタップによる入力キーの切り替え操作が必要であるのは拗音・撥音・促音の場合と同様である。 As shown in a) of FIG. 18, when an input key (for example, “ha” key in the case of “hi” ”) is touched, an input key displaying the line name of the first character of the long sound to be input is displayed. The input key is displayed. When inputting long / semi-voiced sound such as “Ga-”, “Pee”, or long sound of lines that are not initially displayed such as “M-”, it is necessary to switch input keys by tapping in advance.・ Same as in the case of sound repellent and sound.
図１８のｂ）から図１８のｃ）に示すように、画面にタッチしたまま、長音の１文字目の入力キーまでスライドすると、その周囲にさらに六つの入力キーが表示される。図１８のｄ）から図１８のｅ）に示すように、引き続き、左上に表示された撥音の入力キーまでスライドすると、その周囲にさらに最大六つの入力キーが表示される。長音は左上の入力キーに固定配置されているが、ユーザーが表示位置を設定により変更できるようにしてもよい。図１８のｇ）に示すように、引き続き、左上に表示された長音の入力キーまでスライドしてタッチ終了すると、当該文字列が入力される。 As shown in FIG. 18 b) to FIG. 18 c), when the user touches the screen and slides to the input key for the first character of the long sound, six more input keys are displayed around the input key. As shown in d) of FIG. 18 to e) of FIG. 18, when the user continues to slide to the sound repellent input key displayed on the upper left, a maximum of six input keys are displayed around the input key. The long sound is fixedly arranged at the upper left input key, but the user may be able to change the display position by setting. As shown in FIG. 18g), when the user touches the long sound input key displayed in the upper left and finishes touching, the character string is input.
上述のように、本願発明に係る情報入力装置を使用することで日本語かな特有の拗音・撥音・促音・長音を含む文字列効率的に入力可能である。これは、単に一文字ずつ入力させる方式と比較した本願発明の優位性である。 As described above, by using the information input device according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently input a character string including Japanese kana-specific stuttering, sound repelling, prompting sound, and long sound. This is an advantage of the present invention compared to a method of simply inputting one character at a time.
（日本語モードにおける連続文字入力）
段落００６２から段落００６８で説明したタップ操作によるかな文字入力に加えて、英文字の連続入力と同様に、スライド操作の連続により、連続してかな文字を入力することができることが望ましい。また、日本語入力ではかな漢字変換が不可欠であるが、英文モードにおける入力単語候補選択による入力と同一の方式でかな漢字変換の操作を行なうことができることが望ましい。 (Continuous character input in Japanese mode)
In addition to the kana character input by the tap operation described in paragraphs 0062 to 0068, it is desirable that the kana characters can be continuously input by the continuous slide operation as in the case of the continuous input of English characters. In addition, Kana-Kanji conversion is indispensable for Japanese input, but it is desirable that the Kana-Kanji conversion operation can be performed in the same manner as the input by selecting input word candidates in English mode.
図１９に上記の要素をまとめて、本願発明に係る入力装置で日本語入力を行なう場合の例を示す。図１９のａ）の初期状態から、「あ」のキーに指を触れると、図１９のｂ）に示すように「あ」のキーの周囲に「あ」を含む六つの六角形キーが表示される（初期表示されている「あ」もスライド操作により入力できることで、文字ごとの操作方法の違いを最小化している）。図１９のｃ）に示すように指を「お」のキーにスライドさせると、指が「あ」のキーと「お」のキーの境界線を越えたタイミングで、図１９のｄ）に示すように「お」のキーの周囲に「お」から始まり、入力頻度が高いと判断された、かな文字列が表示される。ここで、たとえば、図１９のｅ）に示すように「おう」のキーに指をスライドさせ、そこで離すと、文字列「おう」が入力され、入力バッファー（１０４）に蓄積されると共に、図１９のｅ）に示したように、入力欄（網掛けを付した長方形領域）に表示されると共に、五つの入力単語候補が表示される。ここで、入力欄をタップすると入力欄の内容が確定し、入力サブシステム（１０３）が入力バッファー（１０４）の内容（この場合は、文字「おう」）をアプリケーション・プログラム（１０６）に送ると共に、入力画面が初期状態に戻る。背景エリアあるいは入力単語候補領域を左右にスワイプすることで、最初に表示される五つ以外の入力単語候補を表示できることが望ましいのも英語モードの場合と同様である。 FIG. 19 summarizes the above elements, and shows an example in which Japanese input is performed by the input device according to the present invention. When a finger is touched on the “A” key from the initial state of FIG. 19A, six hexagonal keys including “A” are displayed around the “A” key as shown in FIG. 19B. (The initial display of “A” can also be input by slide operation, minimizing the difference in operation method for each character). When the finger is slid to the “O” key as shown in FIG. 19 c), the finger crosses the boundary line between the “A” key and the “O” key, as shown in FIG. 19 d). Thus, a kana character string starting from “o” and determined to have a high input frequency is displayed around the “o” key. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 19 e), when the finger is slid to the “O” key and then released, the character string “O” is input and stored in the input buffer (104). As shown in e) of 19, in addition to being displayed in the input field (rectangular area with shading), five input word candidates are displayed. Here, when the input field is tapped, the contents of the input field are fixed, and the input subsystem (103) sends the contents of the input buffer (104) (in this case, the character “O”) to the application program (106). The input screen returns to the initial state. As in the English mode, it is desirable to be able to display input word candidates other than the first five displayed by swiping the background area or the input word candidate area left and right.
上述のように、英語モードでも日本語モードでも、本願発明に係る入力装置の基本的操作体系および入力サブシステムの処理プロセスはきわめて類似しており、ユーザーは違和感なく両モードを切り替えて使用することができる。 As described above, the basic operation system of the input device according to the present invention and the processing process of the input subsystem are very similar in both English mode and Japanese mode, and the user should switch between both modes without feeling uncomfortable. Can do.
（スライドによる顔文字入力）
本願発明に係る入力装置は、今日の情報機器において必要となることが多い顔文字（表情のように見える文字や記号の連続）の入力にも適用可能である。 (Emoji input by slide)
The input device according to the present invention can also be applied to input of emoticons (a series of characters and symbols that look like facial expressions) that are often required in today's information equipment.
背景エリアをタップするなどの所定のタッチ操作により、英文字あるいはかな文字入力のキーセットと数字・記号のキーセットとの間の切り替えを行なえることが望ましい。以下は、顔文字入力の例を示す。 It is desirable to be able to switch between an English character or Kana character input key set and a number / symbol key set by a predetermined touch operation such as tapping the background area. The following is an example of emoticon input.
図２０のａ）は、英語のキーセットの初期画面であり、ここで背景エリアにタッチすると図２０のｂ）に示したように数字・記号のキーセットに切り替わる。ここで、図２０のｃ）に示したように、確定キーにタッチすることで顔文字キーが表示されるようにしてよい。たとえば、図２０のｄ）から図２０のｅ）に示したように、”：（”キーに向けてスライドを行なうと、”：（”キーの周囲に”：（”に類似した（この場合は、ネガティブな心理を表現する）顔文字キーが（この例では五つ）表示される。さらに、図２０のｆ）に示したように、”＞：（”にスライド操作を行なうと、図２０のｇ）に示したように、その周囲に”＞：（”に類似した顔文字キーが（この例ではひとつ）表示される。この状態で画面から指を離すと、図２０のｇ）に示したように、顔文字”＞：（”が入力される。このように顔文字を類似関係に基づいてグループ化することで、求める顔文字を効率的に入力可能である。 FIG. 20 a) shows an initial screen of the English key set. When the background area is touched here, the key set of numbers and symbols is switched as shown in FIG. 20 b). Here, as shown in c) of FIG. 20, the emoticon key may be displayed by touching the confirmation key. For example, as shown in FIG. 20 d) to FIG. 20 e), when sliding toward the “:(” key, it is similar to “:(” around the key “:(” (in this case Are displayed (five in this example) emoticon keys that express negative psychology. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20g), emoticon keys similar to “> :(” are displayed around it (one in this example). When the finger is released from the screen in this state, g) in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, emoticons “> :(” are input. By grouping emoticons based on the similarity, the desired emoticons can be input efficiently.
（キー選択モード）
本願発明に係る入力装置では、文字削除や改行等の特定の編集機能を割り当てられた専用のキーを設けずに、入力キーを通常の入力時とは異なるモード（ここでは、「キー選択モード」と呼ぶ、これに対して今まで説明してきた文字入力のためのモードを「通常入力モード」と呼ぶ）で操作することで、入力文字の編集を行なうことができる。 (Key selection mode)
In the input device according to the present invention, a mode different from that during normal input (here, “key selection mode”) is provided without providing a dedicated key to which a specific editing function such as character deletion or line feed is assigned. The character input mode that has been described so far is referred to as “normal input mode”, and the input character can be edited.
キー選択モードではキー選択時には文字の入力が行なわれず、キー選択モード終了時に、選択した単一あるいは複数のキー（選択キー列と呼ぶ）に対して事前定義された機能が実行される。キー選択モードでは、編集機能（文字削除、大文字小文字変換等）、連携機能（検索結果のブラウザ表示等）、事前定義入力（ユーザーが登録した語・文の入力）、および、後述の入力候補単語を介した文字列の入力等を実行可能である。 In the key selection mode, no character is input when the key is selected, and when the key selection mode ends, a predefined function is executed for the selected single key or a plurality of keys (referred to as a selection key string). In key selection mode, editing functions (letter deletion, capitalization conversion, etc.), linkage functions (search results browser display, etc.), pre-defined input (input of words / sentences registered by the user), and input candidate words described later It is possible to execute input of a character string via the.
キー選択モードは背景エリアに触れてから特定の六角形キーまでスライドすることで起動できるようにしてよい。六角形キーから背景エリアに向けてスライド操作を行なう、あるいは、背景エリアをタップすることでキー選択モードを終了できるようにしてよい。キー選択モードになっている時には六角形キーの色を変えるなどの方法により、ユーザーに現在のモードを明確に示すことが望ましい。 The key selection mode may be activated by touching the background area and sliding to a specific hexagon key. A slide operation may be performed from the hexagonal key toward the background area, or the key selection mode may be terminated by tapping the background area. It is desirable to clearly indicate the current mode to the user by changing the color of the hexagonal key when in the key selection mode.
（キー選択モードによる編集処理）
図２１に文字の削除操作の例を示す。図２１のａ）は英文字列"to"が既に入力されている状態である。ここでは、"e"のキーに一文字削除（バックスペース）の機能が割り当てられているものとする。図２１のｂ）で示すように背景エリアから"e"のキーにスライド操作を行なうとキー選択モードに遷移する（この時に、六角形キーの色を変えて、ユーザーにキー選択モードに遷移したことが明確に示されることが望ましい）。その後、図２１のｃ）で示すように、画面に指を触れたまま再度"e"のキーから背景エリアへのスライド操作を行なうとキー選択モードが終了すると共に、"e"のキーに割り当てられていた編集機能（この例では一文字削除）が呼び出され、図２１のｄ）で示すように入力欄（および入力バッファー（１０４））の内容が"t"となる（これに伴い入力単語候補領域の内容も自動的に更新されるのは前述のとおりである）。 (Edit processing by key selection mode)
FIG. 21 shows an example of a character deletion operation. FIG. 21A shows a state where the English character string “to” has already been input. Here, it is assumed that the “e” key is assigned the function of deleting one character (backspace). When a slide operation is performed from the background area to the “e” key as shown in FIG. 21 b, the key selection mode is changed (at this time, the color of the hexagon key is changed and the user changes to the key selection mode. It should be clearly shown). Then, as shown in FIG. 21 c), when the user slides again from the “e” key to the background area while touching the screen with the finger, the key selection mode ends and the “e” key is assigned. The editing function (one character deletion in this example) is called, and the contents of the input field (and input buffer (104)) become "t" as shown in FIG. The contents of the area are automatically updated as described above).
（キー選択モードによる日本語入力）
キー選択モードは、上述の編集機能だけではなく、日本語文字列の入力にも使用できることが望ましい。キー選択モードを文字入力に適用することで、初期表示された７つのキーのみを使用した文字入力が可能になり、指やスタイラスの移動距離を最小化して入力効率を向上できると共に、画面スペースの使用効率も最大化できる。 (Japanese input by key selection mode)
It is desirable that the key selection mode can be used not only for the editing function described above but also for inputting Japanese character strings. By applying the key selection mode to character input, it is possible to input characters using only the initially displayed seven keys, minimizing the movement distance of fingers and stylus, improving input efficiency, and reducing screen space. Usage efficiency can also be maximized.
図２２－１のａ）に示すように、背景エリアでタッチ開始し、図２２－１のｂ）から図２２－１のｃ）に示すように、いずれかの入力キー（この例では「か」）までスライド操作を行なうと、キー選択モードに遷移する。この場合、図２２－１のｃ）に示すように、入力キーの色を変えて、ユーザーにモードの変更を示すことが望ましい。当該キーに割り当てられた文字（この場合は「か」）がひとつ目の文字が選択キー列に登録される（なお、キー選択モードでは通常入力モードの場合と異なり、キーにタッチした時に周囲にキーが新たに表示されることはない）。上記以降、いったんタッチ操作を終了して改めて入力キー上でタッチ開始するか、そのままスライドして隣接する入力キーの中に入る都度、当該キーに表示されている文字が選択キー列に追加される。 As shown in FIG. 22-1 a), a touch is started in the background area, and as shown in FIG. 22-1 b) to FIG. ”), The key selection mode is entered. In this case, as shown in FIG. 22-1 c), it is desirable to change the color of the input key to indicate the mode change to the user. The character assigned to the key (in this case, “ka”) is registered in the selection key row (in the key selection mode, unlike the normal input mode, the character is displayed around when the key is touched. No new key will appear). After the above, each time the touch operation is ended and touching is started again on the input key, or each time it is slid and enters the adjacent input key, the character displayed on the key is added to the selection key row. .
図２２－１のｄ）に示すように、画面から指を離すと、その時点での選択キー列に相当する最大六つのかな文字列が入力単語候補領域に表示される（なお、画面から指を離しただけではキー連続入力モードは終了しない）。選択キー列に格納された各文字は、当該文字が表示されている入力キー（あるいはそのキーからタップ操作で切り替え可能なキー）で単一文字入力が可能なすべての文字（図１０、図１１、および図１２参照）に該当する。この例で言えば、図１１のｂ）に示された、「か」のキーから単一文字入力可能な文字、すなわち、「か」、「き」、「く」、「け」、「こ」、「が」、あるいは、図１０に示された「か」からタップ操作で切り替え可能な「が」から単一文字入力可能な文字である「が」、「ぎ」、「ぐ」、「げ」、「ご」（図１２のｂ）を参照）から始まる入力単語候補が表示される。この候補は入力単語候補辞書（１０５）を検索することによって選択され、頻度、最後に使用されたものを優先表示等の条件に基づいていることが望ましい。通常入力モードの場合と同様に、背景エリアまたは入力単語候補領域を左右にスワイプすることで、最初に表示される六つ以外の入力単語候補を表示できることが望ましい。 As shown in FIG. 22-1 d), when the finger is released from the screen, up to six kana character strings corresponding to the selection key string at that time are displayed in the input word candidate area (note that the finger Just releasing the key does not end the continuous key input mode). Each character stored in the selection key string is all characters (FIGS. 10, 11, and 11) that can be input by a single character using an input key (or a key that can be switched by tapping from that key) on which the character is displayed. And FIG. 12). In this example, as shown in FIG. 11 b), characters that can be input from the “ka” key, that is, “ka”, “ki”, “ku”, “ke”, “ko”. , “GA”, or “GA” that can be switched by tapping from “KA” shown in FIG. 10, “GA”, “GI”, “GU”, “GE”, which are characters that can be input by a single character. , Input word candidates starting with “go” (see FIG. 12 b) are displayed. This candidate is selected by searching the input word candidate dictionary (105), and it is desirable that the candidate is based on conditions such as frequency and the last used one. As in the normal input mode, it is desirable that input word candidates other than the first six displayed can be displayed by swiping the background area or the input word candidate area left and right.
図２２－１のｅ）に示すように、別のキーにタッチすると、当該文字（この例では「な」）が二つ目の文字として選択キー列に登録される。図２２－１のｆ）に示すように、指を画面から離すと選択キー列に基づく入力単語候補が表示される。この例では、選択キー列の最初の文字が「か」であり、二番目の文字が「な」であることから、最初の文字が「か」、「き」、「く」、「け」、「こ」、「が」、「ぎ」、「ぐ」、「げ」、「ご」のいずれか（すなわち、キー「か」、あるいは、「か」からタップ操作で切り替えた「が」から直接単一文字入力が可能な文字（図１１および図１２参照））であり、二番目の文字が「な」、「に」、「ぬ」、「ね」、「の」、「ま」、「み」、「む」、「め」、「も」（すなわち、キー「な」、あるいは、「な」からタップ操作で切り替えた「ま」から直接単一文字入力が可能な文字（図１１および図１２参照））である入力単語候補が表示される。 As shown in e) of FIG. 22-1, when another key is touched, the character (in this example, “NA”) is registered in the selection key string as the second character. As shown in f) of FIG. 22-1, when the finger is released from the screen, input word candidates based on the selection key string are displayed. In this example, the first character in the selection key string is “ka” and the second character is “na”, so the first character is “ka”, “ki”, “ku”, “ke”. , “Ko”, “ga”, “gi”, “gu”, “ge”, “go” (that is, from the key “ka” or “ga” which is switched by tapping from “ka”) A character that can be directly input by a single character (see FIGS. 11 and 12)), and the second character is “NA”, “NI”, “NU”, “NE”, “NO”, “MA”, “ “M”, “M”, “M”, “M” (that is, the characters “NA” or “NA” that is switched by tapping from “NA” can be directly input a single character (FIGS. 11 and 12)) is displayed.
図２２－１のｇ）および図２２－１のｈ）における動作も同様である。図２２－１のｉ）に示したように入力単語候補のひとつをタップすると、図２２－１のｊ）に示したように、当該文字列（この例では「このみ」）が、入力バッファー（１０４）にコピーされると共に入力欄に表示される。同時にキー連続入力モードが終了し、通常入力モードに遷移する。結果的には、前述の単一文字入力あるいは連続文字入力による文字入力と同じ結果が得られる。 The operations in g) of FIG. 22-1 and h) of FIG. 22-1 are the same. When one of input word candidates is tapped as shown in i) of FIG. 22-1, the character string (in this example, “Konomi”) is input into the input buffer (in this example) as shown in j) of FIG. 104) and displayed in the input field. At the same time, the key continuous input mode ends, and the normal input mode is entered. As a result, the same result as the above-described character input by single character input or continuous character input can be obtained.
キー操作に習熟したユーザーにとっては、逐一新たなキーが展開表示される単一文字入力方式よりも、このキー選択モードによる入力の方が効率的な入力が可能である。加えて、入力を行なう文字列によっては、前述の例のように各入力キーへのタップ操作を行なわなくても、複数文字を連続で入力できることが望ましい。 For users who are proficient in key operations, the input by this key selection mode is more efficient than the single character input method in which new keys are expanded and displayed one by one. In addition, depending on the character string to be input, it is desirable that a plurality of characters can be continuously input without performing a tap operation on each input key as in the above example.
（キー選択モード（日本語）：連続選択）
図２２－２のａ）、図２２－２のｂ）、図２２－２のｃ）に示したように、前述のとおり、背景エリアにタッチして入力キーにスライドすることで、キー選択モードに遷移し、最初にタッチしたキー（この例では「か」）が選択キー列の先頭に置かれる。この後、画面から指を離さず、図２２－２のｄ）に示したように他のキー（この例では「ら」および「は」）へのスライド操作を継続するとそれらのキーが選択キー列に追加される。その都度タップ操作を行なってもよいがスライド操作による入力が可能なことで、指を画面から離す必要がないため、より効率的な入力が可能になる。この入力操作の結果として、図２２－２のｅ）に示したように、キー「か」、「ら」、「は」が入力された状態になる。図２２－２のｆ）に示したように、入力単語候補領域のひとつにタッチすることで、図２２－２のｇ）に示したように、その入力単語候補（この例では「けんは」）が入力され、キー連続入力モードが終了することは前述のとおりである。 (Key selection mode (Japanese): Continuous selection)
As shown in a) of FIG. 22-2, b) of FIG. 22-2, and c) of FIG. 22-2, the key selection mode can be selected by touching the background area and sliding to the input key as described above. The key touched first (in this example, “ka”) is placed at the top of the selection key string. After that, if the user does not release his / her finger from the screen and continues to slide to other keys (in this example, “ra” and “ha”) as shown in FIG. Added to the column. Although a tap operation may be performed each time, since an input by a slide operation is possible, it is not necessary to remove a finger from the screen, so that a more efficient input is possible. As a result of this input operation, as shown in e) of FIG. 22-2, the keys “ka”, “ra”, and “ha” are input. As shown in f) of FIG. 22-2, by touching one of the input word candidate areas, as shown in g) of FIG. 22-2, the input word candidate (in this example, “kenha”). ) Is entered, and the key continuous input mode ends as described above.
（キー選択モード（日本語）：中央キーの入力）
中央に位置する六角形キーは背景エリアからのスライド操作が行なえないため、背景エリアの外部境界に向けたスライド操作を行なうことで、キー連続入力モードへの遷移と中央に位置するキーの選択キー列への追加が行なえることが望ましい。図２３－１のａ）から図２３－１のｂ）は背景エリアにタッチし、境界（この例では上の境界）に指をスライドしたことを示す。この操作に対応して、図２３－１のｃ）に示されたように、キー連続入力モードへの遷移が行なわれると共に、中央に位置する六角形キー（この例では「ら」）が選択キー列に追加され、それに対応する入力単語候補が表示される。以降は、前述と同様であり、図２３－１のｄ）に示したように、別のキー（この例では「か」）にタップすると、図２３－２のｅ）に示したように入力単語候補が表示される。図２３－２のｆ）に示したように入力単語候補領域のひとつ（この例では「よく」）にタップすると、図２３－２のｇ）に示したように、キー連続入力モードが解除され、文字列「よく」を入力した状態になる。 (Key selection mode (Japanese): Entering the center key)
Since the hexagon key located in the center cannot be slid from the background area, the slide operation toward the outer boundary of the background area can be performed to change to the key continuous input mode and to select the key located in the center. It is desirable to be able to add to a column. FIGS. 23-1a to 23-1 show that the background area is touched and the finger is slid to the boundary (upper boundary in this example). Corresponding to this operation, as shown in c) of FIG. 23-1, a transition to the key continuous input mode is performed, and the hexagonal key located at the center (in this example, “R”) is selected. It is added to the key string and the input word candidate corresponding to it is displayed. The subsequent steps are the same as described above. As shown in d) of FIG. 23-1, when another key (“ka” in this example) is tapped, input is performed as shown in e) of FIG. 23-2. Word candidates are displayed. When tapping on one of the input word candidate areas (in this example, “well”) as shown in f) of FIG. 23-2, the continuous key input mode is canceled as shown in g) of FIG. 23-2. The character string “Well” is entered.
（キー選択モード（日本語）：既入力への追加）
キー連続入力モードによって最初から文字を入力するのではなく、既に文字が入力されている状態に続けてキー連続入力モードによる文字入力を行なえるようにすることが望ましい。図２４のａ）は、文字「ら」が既に入力されている状態を示す。図２４のｂ）から図２４のｃ）に示すように、背景エリア（あるいは入力単語候補領域）から入力キーにスライド操作を行なうことで、キー連続入力モードに遷移し、最初にタッチされたキー（この例では「た」）が選択キー列に追加される。図２４のｅ）に示すように、さらに、別のキー（この例では「は」）にスライド操作を行なうことで、さらに選択キー列への追加を行なえるようにしてよい。図２４のｆ）に示すように、この入力の操作の結果として、一文字目が「ら」であり、二文字目が「た」、「ち」、「つ」、「て」、「と」、「だ」、「ぢ」、「づ」、「で」、「ど」、「っ」のいずれか（すなわち、通常入力モードの初期状態でキー「た」の周囲に展開されるキーに割り当てられた文字）であり、三文字目が「は」、「ひ」、「ふ」、「へ」、「ほ」、「ば」、「び」、「ぶ」、「べ」、「ぼ」、「ぱ」、「ぴ」、「ぷ」、「ぺ」、「ぽ」のいずれか（すなわち、通常入力モードの初期状態でキー「は」の周囲に展開されるキーに割り当てられた文字）である入力単語候補が表示される。この場合に、先頭文字である「ら」はユーザーが既に入力した文字であることから、先頭文字が完全一致する入力単語候補のみを表示することが望ましい。 (Key selection mode (Japanese): Add to existing input)
It is desirable not to input characters from the beginning in the key continuous input mode but to perform character input in the key continuous input mode following the state in which characters have already been input. FIG. 24 a) shows a state where the characters “ra” have already been input. As shown in FIG. 24 b) to FIG. 24 c), by performing a slide operation from the background area (or input word candidate region) to the input key, the mode is changed to the key continuous input mode, and the key touched first. ("Ta" in this example) is added to the selection key string. As shown in e) of FIG. 24, a slide operation may be performed on another key (in this example, “ha”) to further add to the selection key row. As shown in f) of FIG. 24, as a result of this input operation, the first character is “ra”, and the second character is “ta”, “chi”, “tsu”, “te”, “to”. , “Da”, “ぢ”, “zu”, “de”, “do”, “tsu” (that is, assigned to the key developed around the key “ta” in the initial state of the normal input mode) The third character is “ha”, “hi”, “fu”, “he”, “ho”, “ba”, “bi”, “bu”, “be”, “bo”. , “Pa”, “Pi”, “Pu”, “Pe”, “Po” (that is, characters assigned to keys that are expanded around the key “H” in the initial state of the normal input mode) Input word candidates are displayed. In this case, since “ra”, which is the first character, is a character that has already been input by the user, it is desirable to display only input word candidates in which the first character completely matches.
（キー選択モードによる英語入力）
キー選択モードによる文字入力は英語文字の入力にも適用可能である。図２５－１のａ）、図２５－１のｂ）、図２５－１のｃ）に示したように、背景エリアでタッチ開始し、入力キーに向けた指をスライドすると、キー選択モードに遷移し、タッチしたキー（この場合は"e"）が選択キー列に追加されるのは前述の日本語入力の場合と同様である。図２５－１のｄ）に示したように、画面から指を離すと、通常入力モードの初期状態でキー"e"から入力可能である文字（すなわち、"e"、"f"、"g"、"h"のいずれか（図４参照））が先頭である入力単語候補が表示される。図２５－１のｅ）に示したように、次のキー（この例では"t"）をタッチすると同様のロジックにより、図２５－１のｆ）に示したように、先頭文字が"e"、"f"、"g"、"h"のいずれかであり、かつ、二番目の文字が"t"、"r"、"s"、"q"のいずれかである入力単語候補が表示される。図２５－１のｇ）に示したように、さらに次のキー（この例では"t"）をタッチすると同様のロジックにより、図２５－１のｈ）に示したように、先頭文字が"e"、"f"、"g"、"h"のいずれかであり、かつ、二番目の文字が"t"、"r"、"s"、"q"のいずれかであり、かつ、三番目の文字が"t"、"r"、"s"、"q"のいずれかである入力単語候補が表示される。入力候補領域のタップによりその入力候補が確定されると共に、キー選択モードが終了する。 (English input by key selection mode)
Character input by the key selection mode can also be applied to input of English characters. As shown in a) of FIG. 25-1, b) of FIG. 25-1, and c) of FIG. 25-1, when the touch starts in the background area and the finger is slid toward the input key, the key selection mode is set. The transition and touched key (in this case, “e”) is added to the selection key string as in the case of Japanese input described above. As shown in d) of FIG. 25-1, when the finger is removed from the screen, characters that can be input from the key “e” in the initial state of the normal input mode (ie, “e”, “f”, “g” Input word candidates starting with either “or“ h ”(see FIG. 4)) are displayed. As shown in e) of FIG. 25-1, when the next key (in this example, “t”) is touched, the same character is displayed as shown in FIG. 25-1 f) by the same logic. Input word candidates that are ",""f","g", or "h" and the second character is "t", "r", "s", or "q" Is displayed. As shown in FIG. 25-1 g), when the next key (in this example, “t”) is touched, the same logic is applied, as shown in FIG. 25-1 h). e "," f "," g "," h ", and the second character is" t "," r "," s "," q ", and Input word candidates whose third character is any one of “t”, “r”, “s”, and “q” are displayed. The input candidate is determined by tapping the input candidate area, and the key selection mode ends.
日本語入力の場合と同様に、英語入力においても連続選択式の入力が可能である。図２５－２のａ）、図２５－２のｂ）、図２５－２のｃ）に示したように、背景エリアでタッチ開始し、入力キーに向けた指をスライドすると、キー選択モードに遷移し、タッチしたキー（この場合は"e"）が選択キー列に追加される。その後、図２５－２のｄ）に示したように、画面から指を離すことなく、隣接する入力キーへのスライド操作を繰り返すと、当該キーに表示された文字が順次選択キー列に追加される。図２５－２のｅ）に示したように、画面から指を離すとその時点の選択キー列の内容（この例では、"e"、"o"、「確定」、"u"）に相当する入力単語列（１文字目が"e"、"f"、"g"、"h"のいずれかであり、２文字目が"o"、"m"、"n"、"p"のいずれかであり、３文字目が"a"、"e"、"i"、"o"、"u"、"t"のいずれかであり、４文字目が"u"、"w"、"x"、"y"、"z"のいずれかである（図４参照）もの）が表示される。図２５－２のｆ）に示したように、入力単語候補領域のひとつ（この場合は"genuine"）をタップすると、当該語が確定されてキー選択モードが終了する。図２５－２のｆ）の状態でロングタップした場合には、キー選択モードが終了し、選択した語が入力欄にセットされ、通常入力モードの場合と同様に、入力欄の内容に基づいた入力単語候補が表示される。 As in the case of Japanese input, continuous selection type input is possible for English input. As shown in a) of FIG. 25-2, b) of FIG. 25-2, and c) of FIG. 25-2, when the touch starts in the background area and the finger is slid toward the input key, the key selection mode is set. The transition is made and the touched key (in this case, “e”) is added to the selection key string. Thereafter, as shown in d) of FIG. 25-2, when the sliding operation to the adjacent input key is repeated without releasing the finger from the screen, the characters displayed on the key are sequentially added to the selection key row. The As shown in e) of FIG. 25-2, when the finger is released from the screen, it corresponds to the contents of the selection key string at that time (in this example, “e”, “o”, “determined”, “u”) Input word string (first character is "e", "f", "g", "h", second character is "o", "m", "n", "p" Any one, the third character is "a", "e", "i", "o", "u", "t", and the fourth character is "u", "w", “x”, “y”, or “z” (see FIG. 4)) is displayed. As shown in f) of FIG. 25-2, when one of the input word candidate areas (in this case, “genuine”) is tapped, the word is confirmed and the key selection mode ends. When tapping for a long time in the state of f) in FIG. 25-2, the key selection mode ends, the selected word is set in the input field, and based on the contents of the input field as in the normal input mode. Input word candidates are displayed.
（フローチャート）
上記の入力方法を実現するための入力サブシステム（１０３）の処理フローを表わすフローチャートの例を図２６と図２７に示す。図２６－１から図２６－３はプログラムの起動から通常入力モードに至るまでの処理フローを示す。図２７－１から図２７－３はキー選択モードにおける処理フローを示す。 (flowchart)
Examples of flowcharts showing the processing flow of the input subsystem (103) for realizing the above input method are shown in FIGS. FIG. 26A to FIG. 26C show a processing flow from the start of the program to the normal input mode. FIGS. 27A to 27C show a processing flow in the key selection mode.
（六角形以外のキーへの適用）
本願発明の基本思想は、六角形の入力キーと特に相性が良いが、たとえば、図２８に示したような別の形状のキーを使用してもよい。 (Applicable to keys other than hexagons)
Although the basic idea of the present invention is particularly compatible with the hexagonal input key, for example, a key having a different shape as shown in FIG. 28 may be used.
（本願発明による技術的に顕著な効果）
本願発明による技術的に顕著な効果を再度まとめる。本願発明に係る入力装置では六角形のキーを使用しているため、従来の四角形のキーを使用した入力装置と比較して画面スペースの使用効率が良い。丸形の液晶画面との親和性も高く、スマートウォッチ等の小型画面の機器への応用にも適する。また、ＱＷＥＲＴＹ配列の仮想キーボードを使用した入力装置と比較して指やスタイラスの移動距離が小さいため、入力効率が高く、入力ミスが少ない。予測変換の候補（入力単語候補）が入力操作部の周辺に表示されることも指やスタイラスの移動距離の最小化に貢献する。また、スライド操作による連続文字入力では指やスタイラスを入力画面から離す必要がないため、いったん画面から指やスタイラスを離して別の場所にタップ操作を行なう場合と比較して、入力効率が高く、入力ミスが少ない。現在普及している文字入力システムでは、濁音・半濁音の入力、および、拗音・促音・撥音・長音の入力において、個々の文字を入力することが必要になるが、本願発明による文字入力装置では一連の操作による入力が可能であり、入力効率が高い。キー選択モードへの切り替えは、背景エリアから入力キーへのスライド操作等によって行なうことができ、従来型キーボードにおけるシフトキーやモード切替キーが不要であるため、画面スペースの効率性が高い。 (Technologically significant effect of the present invention)
The technically significant effects of the present invention will be summarized again. Since the input device according to the present invention uses a hexagonal key, the screen space can be used more efficiently than an input device using a conventional square key. It also has a high affinity with round liquid crystal screens and is suitable for small screen devices such as smart watches. Further, since the moving distance of the finger or stylus is small compared to an input device using a QWERTY virtual keyboard, input efficiency is high and input errors are few. Predictive conversion candidates (input word candidates) being displayed around the input operation unit also contribute to minimizing the movement distance of the finger or stylus. In addition, since continuous character input by slide operation does not require the finger or stylus to be released from the input screen, the input efficiency is higher than when the finger or stylus is once released from the screen and a tap operation is performed elsewhere. There are few input mistakes. In character input systems that are currently popular, it is necessary to input individual characters in the input of muddy sounds / semi-voiced sounds and in the input of stuttering / promoting sounds / repellent / long sounds. Input by a series of operations is possible, and input efficiency is high. Switching to the key selection mode can be performed by a slide operation or the like from the background area to the input key, and the shift key and the mode switching key in the conventional keyboard are unnecessary, so that the screen space is highly efficient.

Claims (11)

  1. 表示手段とタッチ感知手段を備えた文字入力装置であって、
    前記表示手段は、第一の六角形領域の周辺に六個の第二の六角形領域を整列配置して表示し、
    前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第二の六角形領域のひとつに第一のタッチ操作を感知すると、該六角形領域に対応した文字を入力として受け付ける
    文字入力装置。     A character input device comprising a display means and a touch sensing means,
    The display means arranges and displays six second hexagonal regions around the first hexagonal region,
    When the touch sensing means senses a first touch operation in one of the second hexagonal regions, the character input device accepts a character corresponding to the hexagonal region as an input.
  2. 前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第二の六角形領域のひとつの上で第二のタッチ操作を感知すると、
    前記表示手段は、前記タッチ操作が感知された第二の六角形領域の周辺に六個の第三の六角形領域を整列配置して表示し、
    前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第三の六角形領域のひとつの上で第三のタッチ操作を感知すると、
    該六角形領域に対応する文字を入力として受け付ける
    請求項１に記載の文字入力装置。     When the touch sensing means senses a second touch operation on one of the second hexagonal regions,
    The display means arranges and displays six third hexagonal regions around the second hexagonal region where the touch operation is sensed,
    When the touch sensing means senses a third touch operation on one of the third hexagonal regions,
    The character input device according to claim 1, wherein a character corresponding to the hexagonal region is received as input.
  3. 前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第三の六角形領域のひとつの上で第四のタッチ操作を感知すると、
    前記表示手段は、前記タッチ操作が感知された第三の六角形領域の周辺に、六個の第四の六角形領域を整列配置して表示し、
    前記第四の六角形領域のそれぞれには、前記第三の六角形領域のひとつに対応する文字に関連した文字列が対応しており、
    前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第四の六角形領域のひとつの上で第五のタッチ操作を感知すると、
    該六角形領域に対応する文字列を入力として受け付ける
    請求項２に記載の文字入力装置。     When the touch sensing means senses a fourth touch operation on one of the third hexagonal regions,
    The display means displays six fourth hexagonal regions arranged in alignment around the third hexagonal region where the touch operation is sensed,
    Each of the fourth hexagonal regions corresponds to a character string related to a character corresponding to one of the third hexagonal regions,
    The touch sensing means senses a fifth touch operation on one of the fourth hexagonal regions;
    The character input device according to claim 2, wherein a character string corresponding to the hexagonal region is received as input.
  4. さらに入力単語候補辞書を備え、
    前記表示手段は、入力として受け付けられたひとつ以上の文字をキーにして前記入力単語候補辞書を読み、読み出された複数の入力単語候補のそれぞれが表示された領域を、前記六個の第二の六角形領域の周辺に整列配置して表示し、
    前記タッチ感知手段は、前記複数の入力単語候補が表示された領域のひとつの上で第六のタッチ操作を感知すると、
    該領域に対応する入力単語候補を入力として受け付ける
    請求項１、請求項２、または、請求項３のいずれかに記載の文字入力装置。     It also has an input word candidate dictionary,
    The display means reads the input word candidate dictionary by using one or more characters accepted as input as a key, and displays an area in which each of the read plurality of input word candidates is displayed. Aligned and displayed around the hexagonal area of
    When the touch sensing unit senses a sixth touch operation on one of the areas where the plurality of input word candidates are displayed,
    The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the input word candidate corresponding to the region is received as an input.
  5. さらに入力単語候補辞書を備え、
    前記第二の六角形領域のそれぞれに複数の文字が割り当てられており、
    第二の六角形領域のいずれかで第七のタッチ操作を感知し（該第二の六角形領域を第一の選択六角形領域と呼ぶ）、
    第二の六角形領域のいずれかで第八のタッチ操作を感知すると（該第二の六角形領域を第二の選択六角形領域と呼ぶ）、
    前記第一の選択六角形領域に割り当てられた文字列を一文字目に含み、かつ、前記第二の選択六角形領域に割り当てられた文字列を二文字目に含む入力単語候補を前記入力単語候補辞書から読み、入力単語候補として表示する
    請求項１、請求項２、または、請求項３のいずれかに記載の文字入力装置。     It also has an input word candidate dictionary,
    A plurality of characters are assigned to each of the second hexagonal regions;
    Detecting a seventh touch operation in one of the second hexagonal regions (referred to as the second selected hexagonal region),
    When an eighth touch operation is sensed in one of the second hexagonal regions (this second hexagonal region is referred to as a second selected hexagonal region)
    An input word candidate including the first character string assigned to the first selected hexagonal region and the second character string assigned to the second selected hexagonal region is the input word candidate The character input device according to claim 1, which is read from a dictionary and displayed as an input word candidate.
  6. 表示手段とタッチ感知手段を備えた文字入力装置において、
    前記表示手段が、第一の六角形領域の周辺に六個の第二の六角形領域を整列配置して表示する手順と、
    前記タッチ感知手段が、前記第二の六角形領域のひとつに第一のタッチ操作を感知すると、該六角形領域に対応した文字を入力として受け付ける手順
    を含む文字入力方法。     In a character input device having a display means and a touch sensing means,
    A procedure in which the display means displays six second hexagonal regions arranged in alignment around the first hexagonal region;
    When the touch sensing means senses a first touch operation on one of the second hexagonal regions, the character input method includes a procedure of accepting a character corresponding to the hexagonal region as an input.
  7. 前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第二の六角形領域のひとつの上で 第二のタッチ操作を感知すると、
    前記表示手段は、前記タッチ操作が感知された第二の六角形領域の周辺に六個の第三の六角形領域を整列配置して表示する手順と、
    前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第三の六角形領域のひとつの上で第三のタッチ操作を感知すると、該六角形領域に対応する文字を入力として受け付ける手順と
    を含む請求項６に記載の文字入力方法。     When the touch sensing means senses a second touch operation on one of the second hexagonal regions,
    The display means is a procedure for arranging and displaying six third hexagonal regions around the second hexagonal region where the touch operation is sensed, and
    The character according to claim 6, wherein the touch sensing unit includes a procedure of receiving a character corresponding to the hexagonal region as an input when a third touch operation is sensed on one of the third hexagonal regions. input method.
  8. 前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第三の六角形領域のひとつの上で第四のタッチ操作を感知すると、
    前記表示手段は、前記タッチ操作が感知された第三の六角形領域の周辺に、六個の第四の六角形領域を整列配置して表示する手順と、
    前記第四の六角形領域のそれぞれには、前記第三の六角形領域のひとつに対応する文字に関連した文字列が対応しており、
    前記タッチ感知手段は、前記第四の六角形領域のひとつの上で第五のタッチ操作を感知すると、
    該六角形領域に対応する文字列を入力として受け付ける手順と
    を含む請求項７に記載の文字入力方法。     When the touch sensing means senses a fourth touch operation on one of the third hexagonal regions,
    The display means is a procedure for arranging and displaying six fourth hexagonal regions around the third hexagonal region where the touch operation is sensed,
    Each of the fourth hexagonal regions corresponds to a character string related to a character corresponding to one of the third hexagonal regions,
    The touch sensing means senses a fifth touch operation on one of the fourth hexagonal regions;
    The character input method according to claim 7, further comprising: receiving a character string corresponding to the hexagonal region as an input.
  9. 前記文字入力装置は、さらに入力単語候補辞書を備え、
    前記表示手段は、入力として受け付けられたひとつ以上の文字をキーにして前記入力単語候補辞書を読み、読み出された複数の入力単語候補のそれぞれが表示された領域を、前記六個の第二の六角形領域の周辺に整列配置して表示する手順と、
    前記タッチ感知手段は、前記複数の入力単語候補が表示された領域のひとつの上で第六のタッチ操作を感知すると、該領域に対応する入力単語候補を入力として受け付ける手順と
    を含む請求項６、請求項７、または、請求項８のいずれかに記載の文字入力方法。     The character input device further includes an input word candidate dictionary,
    The display means reads the input word candidate dictionary by using one or more characters accepted as input as a key, and displays an area in which each of the read plurality of input word candidates is displayed. To arrange and display around the hexagonal area of
    The touch sensing means includes a procedure of receiving an input word candidate corresponding to the region as an input when a sixth touch operation is sensed on one of the regions where the plurality of input word candidates are displayed. The character input method according to claim 7, or claim 8.
  10. 前記文字入力装置は、さらに入力単語候補辞書を備え、
    前記第二の六角形領域のそれぞれに複数の文字が割り当てられており、
    第二の六角形領域のいずれかで第七のタッチ操作を感知する手順（該第二の六角形領域を第一の選択六角形領域と呼ぶ）、
    第二の六角形領域のいずれかで第八のタッチ操作を感知する手順（該第二の六角形領域を第二の選択六角形領域と呼ぶ）、
    前記第一の選択六角形領域に割り当てられた文字列を一文字目に含み、かつ、前記第二の選択六角形領域に割り当てられた文字列を二文字目に含む、入力単語候補を前記入力単語候補辞書から読み、入力単語候補として表示する手順
    を含む請求項６、請求項７、または、請求項８のいずれかに記載の文字入力方法。     The character input device further includes an input word candidate dictionary,
    A plurality of characters are assigned to each of the second hexagonal regions;
    A procedure for sensing a seventh touch operation in one of the second hexagonal regions (referred to as the second selected hexagonal region),
    A procedure for sensing an eighth touch operation in any of the second hexagonal regions (referred to as the second selected hexagonal region),
    The input word candidate includes the character string assigned to the first selected hexagonal region as the first character and the character string assigned to the second selected hexagonal region as the second character. The character input method according to claim 6, comprising a procedure of reading from a candidate dictionary and displaying as an input word candidate.
  11. コンピューターを請求項１、請求項２、請求項３、請求項４，または、請求項５のいずれかに記載の文字入力装置として機能させるコンピューター・プログラム。 A computer program that causes a computer to function as the character input device according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, or claim 5.
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