JP2002366277A - Switch for inputting character - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a character inputting speed and to reduce user's fatigue degree when the user inputs characters. SOLUTION: This character inputting switch is provided with a pressure sensitive switch 10 which constitutes a key switch and also whose output value changes in accordance with pressing force of the key switch. A CPU 13 performs controlling so as to gradually switch characters to be displayed on an indicator 15 through a control circuit 14 each time each threshold of a plurality of thresholds preset to the output value of the pressure sensitive switch 10 is surpassed. When the output value of the key switch becomes a value corresponding to pressing force zero, the CPU 13 determines a character displayed by being lastly switched as an input character.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a character input switch for inputting characters in a portable terminal or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, mobile terminals such as mobile phones and PHSs have a function of sending and receiving e-mails, a function of registering various data such as a telephone number and a mail address of a partner, and a function of managing schedules. When using the function, the user of the portable terminal needs to operate the operation buttons to perform character input (character input).

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing the appearance of a general portable terminal. As shown in FIG. 8, an antenna 21 for transmitting and receiving wireless data (radio waves) is provided on the upper part of the portable terminal 20, and a liquid crystal panel 22 for displaying various information is provided on the upper part on the front of the portable terminal 20. An operation button 23 for inputting various types of information is provided at a lower portion of the front surface of the mobile terminal 20.

When a user of the portable terminal 20 performs a character input to the portable terminal 20 such as when inputting a mail, the user performs a character input operation by pressing one key of the operation button 23 several times. . Specifically, in the case of inputting “Natsu” of Hiragana, the user operates the operation button 2
When the input mode is set to “Kana” by operating 3 and the “5” key of the operation button 23 is pressed once, “Na” is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 22. Next, when the “4” key of the operation button 23 is pressed three times, “tsu” is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 22.

[0005] Devices other than the portable terminal 20 (for example,
In a personal computer keyboard), Roman character input for inputting a combination of consonants and vowels is generally used. For example, when inputting "Natsu" of the hiragana, the user presses the key of the consonant "N" and the vowel "A", and "Na" is displayed, and the key of the consonant "T" and the vowel "U" is displayed. When you press
"T" is displayed.

[0006]

However, in the above-described method of inputting characters by pressing the same key several times used in the portable terminal 20 or the like, the user must input a plurality of the same keys when inputting the characters. Must be pressed twice,
The burden on the finger increases. In the case of the mobile terminal 20, for example, the input sound at the time of character input is noise to the surroundings. However, pressing the same key a plurality of times increases such noise.

In the method of inputting a Roman character by pressing two or more keys, a consonant and a vowel are input in combination, so that the user must press two or more separate keys when inputting one character. In some cases, the speed of character input is extremely reduced, and the degree of fatigue during character input also increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a character input switch capable of improving the speed of character input and reducing the degree of user fatigue during character input. With the goal.

[0009]

A character input switch according to the present invention constitutes a key switch, and a pressure-sensitive switch whose output value changes in accordance with the pressing force of the key switch; A plurality of thresholds are set for the values, and a control unit is provided for switching and displaying characters step by step each time the output value of the pressure-sensitive switch exceeds each threshold.

According to the character input switch of the present invention, a plurality of characters are switched according to the magnitude of the pressing force on the key switch, so that the displayed characters can be switched by one key operation, and the speed of character input is increased. Also, it is possible to reduce the degree of user fatigue when inputting characters. Also, when such a character input switch is applied to a mobile terminal,
The number of times a user presses a key during character input is reduced, and as a result, noise to the surroundings due to input sound can be reduced.

In this case, the input characters may be fixed by a separate switch. However, when the output value of the key switch becomes a value corresponding to the pressing force of zero, the control unit finally switches and displays the input character. If the input character is determined as the input character, the input character can be determined with one key switch, and the operability of character input can be further improved. As a result, it is possible to further improve the speed of the character input operation and reduce the burden on the user at the time of character input.

The pressure-sensitive sensor includes a pair of film substrates, a conductive circuit pattern formed on each of the opposing surfaces of the film substrates to form a contact portion, and the conductive circuit patterns are separated by a predetermined distance. A spacer, which is interposed between the pair of film substrates so as to face each other and has a hollow portion formed at the position of the contact portion, and is formed so as to cover at least one of a pair of conductive circuit patterns constituting the contact portion. And a pressure-sensitive layer whose resistance value decreases as the pressing force applied to the contact portion increases.

Further, the character input switch of the present invention can switch one letter of the Japanese syllabary with one button. As a result, the operability of character input can be improved, and the present invention can be easily applied to a portable terminal. Further, it is possible to switch a plurality of characters of 50 sounds with one button. In this case, the number of buttons can be further reduced.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of a pressure-sensitive switch used in the character input switch of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure-sensitive switch 10 includes conductive circuit patterns 3a, 3b constituting switch contact portions on opposing surfaces of a pair of film substrates (plastic films) 2a, 2b.
Is formed by a method such as screen printing or etching, and a spacer 4 is sandwiched between a pair of film substrates 2a and 2b so that the conductive circuit patterns 3a and 3b face each other at a predetermined interval. .

The two film substrates 2a and 2b are made of PET.
It is made of a flexible and insulating plastic material. The conductive circuit patterns 3a and 3b are formed of a conductive metal material such as silver or copper. The spacer 4 is also made of a flexible and insulating material such as PET. The spacer 4 has a conductive circuit pattern 3
A hollow portion 4A is formed at the positions of the switch contact portions a and 3b. The switch contact portions of the conductive circuit patterns 3a and 3b are arranged apart from each other at opposing positions in the hollow portion 4A of the spacer 4.

The pressure-sensitive ink (pressure-sensitive layer) 5 is printed so as to cover the switch contact portion of the lower conductive circuit pattern 3b. The pressure-sensitive ink 5 is made of, for example, a semiconductive material in which conductive fine particles such as carbon are mixed with plastic, and the resistance value (contact resistance) changes according to the pressure (load). Alternatively, a ring contact made of a conductive circuit such as silver may be formed on the lower electrode, and the pressure-sensitive ink may be formed so as to surround the ring.

The pressure-sensitive switch 10 shown in FIG. 1 is built in the portable terminal 20 as shown in FIG. 8, for example, so that the operation button 23 is located on the switch contact portion of the conductive circuit patterns 3a and 3b. You.

In this pressure-sensitive switch 10, as shown in FIG. 1, a pressing force (load F) is applied to the switch contact portion of the conductive circuit pattern 3b from the operation button 23 above the switch contact portion of the conductive circuit pattern 3a. In addition, when the film substrate 2a bends and the upper switch contact portion comes into contact with the pressure-sensitive ink 5, the load (ie, pressure) applied to the pressure-sensitive ink 5
(Inversely), the resistance value of the pressure-sensitive ink 5 changes.

FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between load and resistance in such a pressure-sensitive switch 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, when no load (F) is applied to the switch contacts of the upper conductive circuit pattern 3a, the switch contacts of the conductive circuit patterns 3a and 3b
, The resistance is infinite (∞). When the load (F) is applied to the upper switch contact, the upper switch contact comes into contact with the pressure-sensitive ink 5, and the load (F) is further applied to the upper switch contact.
The load value (that is, the pressure value) applied to the pressure-sensitive ink 5 increases, and the resistance value R of the pressure-sensitive ink 5 gradually decreases.

In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, five threshold values R1 to R5 are set in advance for the resistance value R of the pressure-sensitive ink 5. The five thresholds R1 to R5 are set in the CPU (see FIG. 3) of the character input switch in advance to identify five characters (for example, eyewear) of one row (for example, A) of the 50 sounds. Specifically, the resistance value R of the pressure-sensitive ink 5 is equal to the threshold value R1.
If the resistance R of the pressure-sensitive ink 5 falls between the threshold value R2 and the threshold value R3, the CPU recognizes the condition as "A". Threshold R1
If R5 is set such that characters are switched each time the load F increases by a certain value as shown in the figure, it is possible to prevent the load F from becoming unnecessarily high when selecting the latter half of the character,
Operability is improved.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the character input switch of the present invention. Referring to FIG.
As described with reference to FIG. 1, the resistance value R of the pressure-sensitive ink 5 changes according to the load value (pressure value) of the switch contact portion (the resistance value R decreases as the load value increases). Is regarded as a variable resistor. The conductive circuit pattern 3a of the pressure-sensitive switch 10 is connected to a constant voltage source (not shown) that outputs a constant voltage Vcc, and the conductive circuit pattern 3b of the pressure-sensitive switch 10 is grounded via a resistor 11. Therefore,
The potential at the connection point X between the pressure-sensitive switch 10 and the resistor 11 changes according to the load applied to the switch contact portion of the pressure-sensitive switch 10, and this is output as the output of the pressure-sensitive switch 10.

The A / D converter 12 receives the voltage value at the connection point x, which is the output of the pressure-sensitive switch 10, and converts the voltage value from an analog signal to a digital signal. A / D converter 12
Are input to the CPU 13. The resistance 1
The A / D converter 1 and the A / D converter 12 constitute a detection circuit that converts the load value of the switch contact portion into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal.

The CPU (control unit) 13 performs overall control of the device (for example, the portable terminal 20), and also controls the A / D converter 12
Controls the control signal for switching the display of input characters each time the digital signal exceeds the higher threshold from the lower threshold by comparing the digital signal output from Output to the circuit 14. The control circuit (control unit) 14 switches the contents of characters displayed on a display 15 such as a liquid crystal display in accordance with a control signal output from the CPU 13.

Next, the operation of the present apparatus will be described. When performing a character input, the user presses a button (the operation button 23 in the case of the mobile terminal 20) located on the switch contact portion of the pressure-sensitive switch 10. FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram showing a pressure waveform at the time of pressing the button. As shown in FIG. 4, the pressure at the time of pressing the switch button has a mountain-like (mountain-like) waveform.

When the button is pressed by the user, the upper switch contact portion comes into contact with the pressure-sensitive ink 5 as described above, and the resistance value R of the pressure-sensitive ink 5 gradually decreases as shown in FIG. I will do it. As the resistance value R of the pressure-sensitive ink 5 decreases, the potential at the connection point x gradually increases.
The A / D converter 12 outputs a digital signal corresponding to the potential to the CPU 13.

The CPU 13 executes a character input process as shown in FIG. That is, if the digital data output from the A / D converter 12 is pressure data P1 and the maximum value of the pressure data P1 during one input operation period is Po, the CPU 13 first sets the pressure data P1 to 0.
Is detected, and the flow of FIG. 5 is started,
After initializing the maximum value Po of the pressure data P1 to "0" (step ST1), the pressure data P1 is continuously taken in (for example, at one-hour intervals) (step ST2).
When the taken pressure data P1 is larger than the maximum value Po (step ST4), the pressure data P1 is changed to the maximum value P.
The maximum pressure data input in the course of one input operation is always retained in Po by substituting it into o (step ST5).

On the other hand, the CPU 13 outputs a control signal to the control circuit 14 in order to display a character determined by the threshold value range of the maximum value Po of the pressure data P1 (step ST3). When the pressure data P1 gradually decreases beyond the peak value, the display value does not change because the maximum value Po does not change (step ST4). When the CPU 13 finally detects that the pressure-sensitive switch 10 has been turned off (step ST6), it determines the character currently being displayed as an input character (step ST7).

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
3 indicates that the acquired pressure data P1 is the first threshold value (R
If it is determined that the value exceeds 1), a control signal to that effect is sent to the control circuit 14, and the first character (for example, "A" in the case of A) is displayed on the display 15. Further, the CPU 13 determines that the pressure data P1 is the second threshold value (R
If it is determined that 2) is exceeded, a control signal to that effect is sent to the control circuit 14 to cause the display 15 to display the second character (for example, “A” in the case of A). Further, the CPU 13 determines that the pressure data P1 is the third threshold value (R
If it is determined that 3) is exceeded, a control signal to that effect is sent to the control circuit 14 to cause the display 15 to display the third character (for example, “U” in the case of A). At this time, when the user releases the button (stops pressing it), the third character “U” currently displayed is determined as the final input character.

The same applies to the case where the user performs the next character input. That is, when the user presses a button corresponding to a character in a predetermined row, the character in that row is displayed in a stepwise manner in accordance with the pressing of the button, and when the user releases the button, the displayed character is displayed. Is determined.

As described above, according to this embodiment,
When a button corresponding to a character in a predetermined column is pressed, the character in that column is switched and displayed stepwise according to the pressing of the button, so that one button operation (key operation) is performed. To switch the character display (it is not necessary to operate the same button (key) multiple times), it is possible to increase the speed of character input (speed up),
The user's degree of fatigue (finger load) during character input is also reduced. When such a character input switch is applied to the operation button 23 of the mobile terminal 20, the number of times the user presses a button (key) during character input is reduced, and as a result, noise to the surroundings due to input sound is reduced. Can be.

Further, when the button is released from being pressed, the displayed character is automatically determined as an input character. Therefore, as shown in FIG. By adjusting the fingertip with the fingertip, any character can be input, the operability of character input can be improved, the speed of character input can be further increased, and the degree of user fatigue during character input can be reduced. Etc. can be achieved.

In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is mainly applied to the portable terminal 20 as shown in FIG. 8 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the keyboard of a personal computer, the operation panel of a fixed telephone or a facsimile can be used. It can be applied to a game control unit, an input switch of a wristwatch, a car navigation system for automobiles, and other electrical switches.

Also, one button (key) is used for one of the 50 sounds.
The configuration is such that the characters (5 characters) of the column are switched in a stepwise manner and displayed and input. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it switch and display. In this case, there is an effect that the number of buttons can be reduced.

The method of determining input characters is not limited to the one described above. For example, a method of determining the input character by selecting the same character for a certain period of time, another button (key) input, or twice selection is used. A method of performing the method is also conceivable.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of characters can be switched according to the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the key switch. It is possible to increase the speed, reduce the degree of user fatigue when inputting characters, and the like. Further, when such a character input switch is applied to a portable terminal, the number of times a user presses a key during character input is reduced, and as a result, noise to the surroundings due to input sound can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a structure of a pressure-sensitive switch of a character input switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between load and resistance in the pressure-sensitive switch.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a character input switch of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram showing a pressure waveform when a button is pressed.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a pressing detection operation by a CPU.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a pressure waveform when a button is pressed and display and confirmed input characters according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a pattern of a pressure waveform when a button is pressed and a fixed character according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an appearance of a general portable terminal.

[Explanation of symbols]

2a, 2b: film substrate, 3a, 3b: conductive circuit pattern, 4: spacer, 4A: hollow portion, 5: pressure-sensitive ink,
10: pressure-sensitive switch, 11: resistor, 12: A / D converter, 13: CPU, 14: control circuit, 15: display.

Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hitoshi Hasegawa 1440, Mukurosaki, Sakura-shi, Chiba Prefecture Inside Fujikura Sakura Office (72) Inventor Kazuyuki Motoki 1440, Misaki, Sakura-shi, Chiba Prefecture Inside Fujikura Sakura Office (72 ) Inventor Wataru Tanaka 1440 Mutsuzaki, Sakura-shi, Chiba Prefecture Inside Fujikura Sakura Works, Inc. (72) Inventor Masaki Oyama 1440 Mutsuzaki, Sakura-shi, Chiba Prefecture Inside Fujikura Sakura Works, Inc. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Yoshida Sakura, Chiba Prefecture 1440, Mukurosaki-shi, Fujikura Co., Ltd. Sakura Plant F-term (reference) 5B020 DD02 EE01 FF16 5G006 AZ01 BB07 FB14 5G046 AA11 AB02 AC32 AC36 AC40 AD02 AD07 AE13

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A pressure-sensitive switch comprising a key switch, an output value of which changes according to the pressing force of the key switch; and a plurality of threshold values set in advance for the output value of the pressure-sensitive switch. A character input switch comprising: a control unit for switching and displaying characters step by step each time the output value of the pressure switch exceeds each threshold. 2. A pressure-sensitive switch, comprising: a key switch, an output value of which changes according to the pressing force of the key switch; and a plurality of threshold values set in advance for the output value of the pressure-sensitive switch. Each time the output value of the pressure switch exceeds each threshold, characters are switched and displayed step by step, and when the output value of the key switch becomes a value corresponding to zero pressing force, the character is switched and displayed last. A character input switch, comprising: a control unit for determining a character as an input character. 3. The pressure-sensitive switch comprises: a pair of film substrates; conductive circuit patterns formed on opposing surfaces of the film substrates to form contact portions; and the conductive circuit patterns opposing each other at a predetermined interval. A spacer in which a hollow portion is formed at the position of the contact portion between the pair of film substrates so as to cover at least one of a pair of conductive circuit patterns constituting the contact portion. 3. The character input switch according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure-sensitive layer whose resistance value decreases as the pressing force applied to said contact portion increases. 4. The character input switch according to claim 1, wherein one key switch switches characters corresponding to one row of the Japanese syllabary. 5. The character input switch according to claim 1, wherein one key switch is used to switch between a plurality of letters of the Japanese syllabary.