JP2009053986A - Character input device, image forming apparatus, and information terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an character input device, an image forming apparatus and an information terminal device, capable of mastering easily an operation, and capable of inputting quickly a character. <P>SOLUTION: This character input device has a plurality of operation keys allocated with two or more of character data, and detects depression from a user to the operation key so as to specify the user-desiring character data out of the two or more of character data, based on a detection result. The character input device has a depression frequency measuring part 70a for detecting an operation key depression frequency by single depression onto the first operation key allocated with the desired character data desired by the user or continuous depression from the first operation key to the second operation key adjacent to the first operation key, or continuous depression from the first operation key to the third operation key continuously adjacent through the second operation key, and a character data specifying part 70b for specifying the desired character data, based on ranking information for the two or more of character data allocated to the first operation key and the operation key depression frequency. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a character input device, an image forming device, and an information terminal device.

For information terminal devices such as printers, copiers, facsimile machines, etc., such as image forming devices or mobile phones, for example, name input for registration such as phone numbers and character input for entering characters when creating e-mails Some are equipped with functions. In an image forming apparatus or a mobile phone with a small number of operation keys, a so-called so-called character is specified according to the number of times the same operation key is pressed by assigning a plurality of characters to be superimposed on a numeric keypad to which numbers are assigned. A multi-tap character input method is adopted. However, this multi-tap method inevitably increases the number of times the same operation key is pressed, so that there is a problem that character input cannot be performed quickly. As an alternative character input method, Patent Document 1 discloses. Four techniques are disclosed.
JP-A-2-41031 JP 2002-133369 A JP 2006-311252 A JP 2000-165499 A

  However, the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 imitate the shape of a character and press the numeric keypad. However, when a character with a large number of strokes is taken into consideration, it is not possible to input characters quickly. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 reduces the number of times of pressing by a characteristic input method, but the input method is unique and complicated. Cost. Furthermore, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 4 requires a separate device, which increases the size of the apparatus and cannot meet the demand for downsizing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and does not require a special device, so that the user can easily learn the operation and can input a desired character quickly. It is an object of the present invention to provide a character input device, an image forming device, and an information terminal device.

In the character input device, the image forming device, and the information terminal device according to the present invention, the following means are adopted in order to solve the above problems.
The character input device according to the first invention has a plurality of operation keys to which two or more character data are assigned, detects pressing of the operation key from the user, and two or more characters based on the detection result In a character input device for specifying what a user desires from data, a single operation to a first operation key to which desired character data desired by the user is assigned or a second operation adjacent to the first operation key from the first operation key Assigned to the first operation key and the number-of-presses measurement unit that detects the number of times the operation key is pressed by the continuous pressing on the key or the continuous pressing from the first operation key to the adjacent third operation key via the second operation key. A character data specifying unit that specifies desired character data based on ranking information and the number of times the operation key is pressed with respect to two or more pieces of character data.

  Furthermore, the number-of-presses measurement unit determines that the pressing is continuous when the time interval between pressings for the first operation key, the second operation key, and the third operation key is within a predetermined time.

Further, the operation keys are arranged in a matrix.
The character data specifying unit is arranged such that the positional relationship between the first operation key, the second operation key, and the third operation key is along one of the front and rear directions, one of the left and right directions, or one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. If it is determined that the desired character data is determined, the ranking information is determined in ascending order.
Similarly, the character data specifying unit is arranged such that the positional relationship of the first operation key, the second operation key, and the third operation key is along the other in the front-rear direction, the other in the left-right direction, or the other in the clockwise counterclockwise direction. If it is determined that the desired character data is determined, the ranking information is determined in descending order.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second invention includes the character input device according to the first invention.

  An information terminal device according to a third invention includes the character input device according to the first invention.

  According to the first invention, the first operation key to which two or more character data including the desired character data is assigned is pressed alone or from the second operation key adjacent to the first operation key to the third operation key. Since the number of times the operation key is pressed by continuously pressing the operation key is detected and the desired character data is specified based on the ranking information of the character data of the first operation key and the number of times the operation key is pressed, the adjacent operation keys Intuitive character input can be performed by continuously pressing the upper side with a finger. This makes it possible for the user to easily learn the operation without requiring a special device, and it is also possible to quickly input a desired character.

  Further, in the case where the number-of-presses measurement unit determines that the pressing is continuous when the time interval between the pressings is within a predetermined time, the input processing of the next desired character data is started when the predetermined time elapses. Thereby, since the user can input more intuitively, it becomes possible to input a desired character more quickly.

In addition, in the case where the operation keys are arranged in a matrix, it is possible to continuously press in multiple directions, so that operability can be improved.
When the character data specifying unit determines that the positional relationship between the first operation key, the second operation key, and the third operation key is arranged along a certain direction, the character data ranking information is in ascending order. Alternatively, if the desired character data is specified in the descending order, regular pressing can be given regularity. Thereby, since a more intuitive operation can be performed, the user can learn the operation more easily, and a desired character can be input more quickly.

  According to the second invention, by providing the character input device according to the first invention, even if the number of operation keys is small, the user can easily learn the operation, and a desired character can be quickly acquired. Since input is possible, the image forming apparatus can be downsized and the degree of design freedom can be increased.

  According to the third invention, by providing the character input device according to the first invention, it becomes possible for the user to easily learn the operation, and it is possible to quickly input a desired character. By reducing the number of times the key is pressed, a comfortable information terminal device that does not feel stress can be realized.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral A according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation display unit 1 according to the present embodiment. The multifunction machine A has functions as a printer, a facsimile machine, a scanner, and a copying machine. As shown in the figure, the operation display unit 1, the image reading unit 20, the image storage unit 30, the communication unit 40, and the image processing unit. 50, a printing unit 60 and a control unit 70.

The operation display unit 1 includes a touch panel 2 and hard keys 3, and functions as a man-machine interface that associates the user with the multifunction peripheral A.
As is well known, the touch panel 2 is provided with a transparent surface pressure sensor such as a resistive film type on the display surface of the display panel, and the user presses the operation button displayed on the display panel by the control unit 70 with a finger or the like. When pressed, the planar pressure sensor outputs an operation signal indicating a pressed position (pressed coordinate) to the control unit 70.
On such a touch panel 2, a plurality of operation buttons to which various functions are assigned are displayed in a predetermined layout by the control unit 70. In addition, when a predetermined operation instruction is input from the user, Under the control of the control unit 70, an e-mail creation screen (character input screen) is displayed.

  The hard key 3 is a hardware key other than the operation buttons displayed on the touch panel 2, and is displayed on the touch panel 2 including a numeric keypad 10, a power button, a start key, a stop key, a clear key, a mode switching key, and the like. The operation buttons to be displayed are displayed in software by the control unit 70 based on a predetermined program. However, the hard key 3 is physically provided as a hardware key and is based on a user operation. The operation signal is output to the control unit 70.

The numeric keypad 10 is not only for inputting operation instructions regarding numbers (for example, instructions for the number of copies) to the multi-function peripheral A, but also for inputting a plurality of types of characters such as hiragana and alphabets. That is, not only numbers 0 to 9 are assigned to each numeric key making up the numeric keypad unit 10, but two or more character data are assigned for each character type in a superimposed manner. For example, when an electronic mail is transmitted from the multifunction device A to the outside, the user can create a title or body of the electronic mail by operating the numeric keypad 10 and inputting characters into the multifunction device A. That is, the operation display unit 1 having the numeric keypad unit 10 functions as the character input unit 15 by cooperating with the control unit 70 as described later.
Character data assigned to each numeric key of the numeric keypad 10 and a character input method will be described later.

The image reading unit 20 detects an image (original image) of a document automatically fed by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) or a document placed on a platen glass based on a control command input from the control unit 70. Are read and converted into image data (original image data), and the original image data is output to the image storage unit 30.
The image storage unit 30 is a semiconductor memory, a hard disk device, or the like, stores the document image data based on a control command input from the control unit 70, reads the document image data, and outputs the document image data to the image processing unit 50.

  The communication unit 40 communicates with an external multifunction device, a facsimile machine, a PC (Personal Computer), or the like using a LAN (Local Area Network) or a telephone line under the control of the control unit 70. That is, the communication unit 40 has a communication function compliant with a LAN standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) and a communication function compliant with a facsimile standard such as G3. For example, the communication unit 40 attaches the transmission image acquired from the image storage unit 30 to the e-mail input from the control unit 70 and transmits the e-mail to the LAN. The mail text is output to the control unit 70 and the image (received image) is output to the image storage unit 30.

  The image processing unit 50 performs various types of image processing on the document image data as necessary based on a control command input from the control unit 70, and converts the document image data into image data in the print format of the printing unit 60. The data is converted and output to the printing unit 60. The image processing includes image processing corresponding to enlargement / reduction printing. When the image reading unit 20 reads a color document, the document image data input from the image storage unit 30 to the image processing unit 50 is RGB image data (color image data) corresponding to the three primary colors of light. Reference numeral 50 denotes image data corresponding to the printing format of the printing unit 60, such as YMCK image data, that is, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) as reference colors. And output to the printing unit 60.

  The printing unit 60 prints an original image based on the image data in the print format input from the image processing unit 50 on the paper fed from the paper cassette based on the control command input from the control unit 70. The printing unit 60 is a tandem type printing device in which, for example, four developing devices corresponding to the reference color toner are arranged on the secondary transfer belt, and based on YMCK image data input from the image processing unit 50. Print the original image on paper in color.

  The control unit 70 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an internal memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), the operation display unit 1, the image reading unit 20, the image storage unit 30, and a communication unit 40. The image processing unit 50 and the printing unit 60 include various input / output interface circuits and the like. The control unit 70 executes a control program stored in the ROM based on an operation instruction or the like input from the operation display unit 1 by the CPU, whereby the operation display unit 1, the image reading unit 20, and the image storage that are the control targets. The unit 30, the communication unit 40, the image processing unit 50, and the printing unit 60 are controlled as a whole.

The control program includes not only a control function to be controlled but also a character input function using the operation display unit 1. This character input function includes a Japanese kana-kanji conversion function, and is activated when the user inputs characters by operating the operation display unit 1 (for example, when creating an e-mail). Executed by.
That is, the control unit 70 and the operation display unit 1 constitute a character input unit 15 in the multifunction device A, and the character input unit 15 is a feature point of the multifunction device A.

  This feature point is formed by the number-of-presses measurement unit 70a and the character data specifying unit 70b of the control unit 70, and allows the user to input characters by sliding the numeric keypad 10 with a finger.

The number-of-presses measurement unit 70a determines whether the numeric keys 101 to 112 (see FIG. 3) constituting the numeric keypad 10 are individually pressed or continuously pressed, and measures the number of times the keypad is pressed.
A single press is a press on only one of the ten keys 101 to 112, and a continuous press is a series of presses starting from an arbitrary ten key, and the adjacent ten keys from the optional ten key, It is a press that continues to the adjacent numeric keypad. In other words, the continuous press is a series of presses that start from pressing an arbitrary numeric keypad and that is a condition that the numeric keypad pressed next to the pressed numeric keypad is an adjacent numeric keypad.

The number-of-presses measurement unit 70a determines whether the press is a single press or a continuous press by a timer 70c built in the control unit 70. Specifically, a time interval between pressings on each numeric keypad, for example, a predetermined time T from the pressing of the numeric keypad 101 is measured, and a pressing on the numeric keypad 102 or the numeric keypad 104 adjacent to the numeric keypad 101 is detected within the predetermined time T. This is recognized as a continuous press.
In addition, when the pressing of the ten key adjacent to the ten key is not detected within a predetermined time T after the first pressing of the ten key, it is recognized as the single pressing.

With such a configuration, when a series of pressing and sliding presses are performed from a numeric keypad to which desired character data is assigned to a plurality of adjacent numeric keys that are consecutively (the time interval with respect to adjacent numeric keys is within a predetermined time T), The number-of-times measuring unit 70a recognizes continuous pressing, and the number of pressings on the numeric keys 101 to 112 by the continuous pressing is detected.
For example, when the user presses and slides the finger and continuously presses the adjacent numeric keypad 102 and the adjacent numeric keypad 103 from the numeric keypad 101, the number-of-presses measurement unit 70a recognizes this as continuous pressing, The number of times the keypad is pressed is measured as 3 times.
In the case of a single press, the number of times the keypad is pressed is counted as one.

The character data specifying unit 70b specifies one character data from the number of presses measured by the number-of-presses measurement unit 70a, the positional relationship of the pressed ten keys, the character data stored in the internal memory, and its ranking information.
The positional relationship of the pressed numeric keypads is whether the positional relationships of multiple pressed numeric keys are arranged in a clockwise direction, counterclockwise direction, or special direction (only special numeric keys) The character data ranking information is specified in ascending or descending order according to the determination result.
When the predetermined time T is exceeded, the character data specifying unit 70b determines the input of character data determined at that time.

3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the character data assigned to each numeric key of the numeric keypad 10 stored in the internal memory of the control unit 70 and the ranking information, and FIG. 4 is a direction of continuous pressing with the numeric keypad 10. It is a figure which shows the relationship.
As shown in FIG. 3, “A” line to “WA” line, muddy / semi-voiced marks, and punctuation marks are assigned to the numeric keys 101 to 112 (operation keys) in the order of the numeric keys 101 to 112. Specifically, the numeric keypad 101 has a lower-case “a” line in addition to the “a” line, the numeric keypad 104 has a sound repellent “tsu” in addition to the “ta” line, and the numeric keypad 108 has a “ya” line. In addition, lower case “nya” lines are assigned.
The character data is ranked in the order of the vowels from “A” to “O”. First, capital letters are ranked, and then lowercase letters and sound repellents are ranked.
In addition, the dakuten / half-dakuten are ranked in the order of dakuten and semi-dakuten, and the punctuation is ranked in the order of reading and punctuation.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the character data specifying unit 70b has a circumferential numeric key group (tenkeys 101, 102, 103, 106, 109, 108, 107, and 104), the character data is determined in ascending order from the character data ranking information when continuously pressed in the clockwise direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, character data is judged in descending order when continuously pressed in the counterclockwise direction. This embodiment is based on this principle.
In other words, if the numeric keypad to which the desired character is assigned is on the circumferential numeric keypad group, if the circumferential numeric keypad group is continuously pressed clockwise or counterclockwise from the numeric keypad, the characters are in ascending or descending order. Judging.
It is not necessary to continuously press all the numeric keys of the circumferential numeric key group.

Hereinafter, a case where the circumferential numeric key group is continuously pressed clockwise or counterclockwise will be described. The special direction will be described later.
5 to 8 are diagrams illustrating the input of characters, FIG. 5 is the “a” line, FIG. 6 is the “ta” line, FIG. 7 is the “na” line, and FIG. 8 is the “wa” line. It is the figure which illustrated about input.
As described above, when inputting characters, the finger is pushed and slid by the number of the order of the desired character data from one of the numeric keys 101 to 112 to which the desired character data is assigned. This is done by continuously pressing the numeric keys 101-112.

  In order to input the clear sound “A”, the user presses the numeric keypad 101 to which the “A” line to which “A” belongs is assigned. At this time, the first character data “A” assigned to the numeric keypad 101 is displayed on the touch panel 2. Also, since “A” is ranked first in the numeric keypad 101, the number of times the numeric keypad is pressed may be one, and it is not necessary to continuously press the numeric keypad. Then, when the predetermined time T elapses, the clear sound “a” is determined.

  In order to input the clear sound “I” ranked second in the numeric keypad 101, the numeric keypad 101 is first depressed as shown in FIG. Further, in the ascending order, it is sufficient that the number of times the ten key is pressed continuously is two times, so the ten key 102 adjacent to the ten key 101 in the clockwise direction is continuously pressed. At this time, the display of the character input location on the touch panel 2 is switched from “A” to “I”. When the predetermined time T elapses, the clear sound “I” is determined.

  When it is desired to input the third sound ranking “U” ranked in the ten key 101, the ten key 101 is first pressed as shown in FIG. Further, if it is determined in ascending order, it is sufficient that the number of times the keypad is continuously pressed is three times. Therefore, the numeric keypad 102 adjacent to the numeric keypad 101 in the clockwise direction and the numeric keypad 103 adjacent to the numeric keypad 102 in the clockwise direction are continuously pressed. . At this time, the display of the character input location on the touch panel 2 is switched from “A” to “I” to “U”. When the predetermined time T elapses, the clear sound “U” is determined.

  When the user wants to input the clear sound “E” ranked fourth in the numeric keypad 101, the numeric keypad 101 is first pressed as shown in FIG. Further, if it is determined in ascending order, it is sufficient that the number of times the numeric keypad is continuously depressed is four. Therefore, the numeric keypad 102 adjacent to the numeric keypad 101 in the clockwise direction, the numeric keypad 103 adjacent to the numeric keypad 102 in the clockwise direction, The numeric keypad 104 adjacent in the clockwise direction is continuously pressed. At this time, the display of the character input location on the touch panel 2 is switched from “A” → “I” → “U” → “E”. When the predetermined time T elapses, the clear sound “e” is determined.

  In the above description, the case where the character data is determined in the ascending order by continuously pressing in the clockwise direction has been described. However, as described above, the character data can be determined in the descending order by continuously pressing in the counterclockwise direction. it can. For example, in order to input the clear sound “tsu” ranked third in the numeric keypad 101, as shown in FIG. The ten keys of the circumferential numeric keypad group may be pressed five times counterclockwise until “T” ranked third through “”. Specifically, the numeric keys 104, 107, 108, 109, 106 may be continuously pressed in this order. At this time, the display of the character input location on the touch panel 2 is switched from “ta” → “tsu” → “to” → “te” → “tsu”. Then, when the predetermined time T has elapsed, the clear sound “tsu” is determined.

  Next, a special direction will be described. When the desired characters are the “NA” line and the “WA” line, they are continuously pressed from the numeric keypad 105 and the numeric keypad 110, respectively. However, the numeric keypad 105 and the numeric keypad 110 are not included in the circumferential numeric keypad group. Therefore, character data is determined in ascending or descending order in the following direction as a special direction.

If the desired character is a “NA” line, the numeric keypad 102 that is adjacent to the back of the numeric keypad 105 and the left side of the numeric keypad 105 are adjacent until the circumferential numeric keypad group is pressed (until the number of times the numeric keypad is pressed twice). The character data is judged in ascending order when the ten key 104 is pressed continuously, and in descending order when the ten key 108 adjacent in the forward direction and the ten key 106 adjacent in the right direction are continuously pressed. The subsequent continuous pressing follows the above principle.
For example, when the desired character is “N”, the numeric keypad 102 or the numeric keypad 104 is continuously pressed as shown in FIG.
If the desired character is a clear sound “Ne”, as shown in FIG. 7B, if the ten key 105, 102, 103, 106 or the ten key 105, 104, 101, 102 is continuously pressed, the character data is changed. Judgment is made in the ascending order of “na” → “ni” → “nu” → “ne” On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7C, if the numeric keypad 105, 106, 103 or the numeric keypad 105, 108, 109 is continuously pressed, the character data is judged in descending order as “NA” → “NO” → “NE”. The

If the desired character is the “Wa” line, the character data is determined in ascending order when the numeric keypad 108 that is adjacent to the back of the numeric keypad 111 is continuously pressed, and the subsequent continuous pressing is described above. Follow the principles.
For example, when the desired character is a clear sound “O”, as shown in FIG. If the desired character data is a clear sound “n”, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the character data can be changed from “WA” to “ON” by continuously pressing with the numeric keys 110, 108 and 107. If “n” is determined in ascending order, and the numeric keypad 110, 108, 109, 106 is continuously pressed, “wa” → “on” → “wa” → “n” is determined in ascending order and then in descending order. The

The input of the muddy sound and the semi-voiced sound is input by pressing the numeric key 111 within a predetermined time T after the input of the clear sound, and the input of the punctuation mark and the punctuation mark is within the predetermined time T after the input of the character is completed. The number is input by pressing the numeric key 112.
Also in this case, as in the case where the desired character is the “Wa” line or the “Na” line, it is necessary to first press the numeric keys 112 and 113 that are not included in the circumferential numeric keypad group. When the adjacent numeric keys 107 and 109 are continuously pressed, the ascending order is applied, and the subsequent continuous pressing follows the above-described principle.
Note that the character data specifying unit 70b starts from the lowest rank in the ascending order and starts from the highest rank in the descending order when the number of pressings on the numeric keypad by continuous pressing exceeds the ranking of the ranking information and the ranking information completes. The ranking information is determined again.

Next, the operation of the main part of the MFP A will be described in detail along the flowchart shown in FIG. This flowchart is an excerpt of the process (essential part) related to the present invention out of various processes executed by the control unit 70 (more precisely, the MPU of the control unit 70) based on the operation display control program. is there.
Here, it is assumed that a predetermined operation instruction is input from the user, and an e-mail creation screen (character input screen) is displayed under the control of the control unit 70, for example, as shown in FIG.
Hereinafter, a case where the numeric keypad 101 is pressed will be described as a specific example.

  First, the number-of-presses measurement unit 70a of the control unit 70 specifies a pressed ten key when any one of the ten keys 101 to 112 is pressed (step S1). For example, the numeric keypad 101 is specified.

  Next, the control unit 70 calls the character data and the ranking information assigned to the pressed numeric keypad and stored in the internal memory (step S2). For example, in the case of the numeric keypad 101, the character data of the “A” and “A” lines and the ranking information thereof are called.

  Next, the number-of-presses measurement unit 70a of the control unit 70 counts the number of times the keypad is pressed once, and sets the number of times the keypad is pressed once (step S3).

  Next, the character data specifying unit 70b of the control unit 70 determines the character data from the number of times the numeric keypad is pressed, the called character data, and its ranking information (step S4). For example, in the case of the numeric keypad 101, the “A” and “A” rows are assigned, and when the number of times the numeric keypad is pressed is 1, the clear sound “A” is ranked first.

  And the character judged in step S4 is displayed on the character input location of the touch panel 2 (step S5).

Next, the control unit 70 determines whether it is within a predetermined time T from the numeric keypad first pressed by the timer 70c (step S6).
When the determination in step S6 is “No”, that is, when the predetermined time T has elapsed, the character determined in step S4 (for example, the sound “a” if the sound “a” is determined in step S4). The process is terminated (step S7).

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S6 is “Yes”, it is determined whether or not the next press of the numeric keypad is detected (step S8).

If the determination in step S8 is “Yes”, that is, if the pressing interval of the numeric keypad is detected within the predetermined time T, it is determined which numeric keypad is pressed (step S9). .
If the determination in step S8 is “No”, the determination in step S6 is performed again.

The description will be continued on the assumption that the determination in step S9 is a numeric keypad adjacent to the numeric keypad pressed immediately before, for example, the numeric keypad 102 adjacent to the numeric keypad 101.
If the determination in step S9 is an adjacent numeric keypad, the number of times the numeric keypad is pressed is counted after it is recognized that the keypad is continuously pressed (step S10). For example, in the case where the ten key 101 is the first ten key pressing number, and the ten key 102 adjacent to the ten key 101 is continuously pressed, the ten key pressing number is set to two.

Next, the character data is determined from the number of times the numeric key is pressed, the direction of continuous pressing, the called character data, and the ranking information (step S11). For example, when the ten key 101 is the first ten key pressed, and the ten key 102 adjacent to the ten key 101 in the clockwise direction is continuously pressed, the ranking information is determined in ascending order, and the ranking is 2 It is judged that the sound of the rank is "I".
Then, similarly to step S5, the determined character data is displayed (step S12).

Next, it is determined whether or not the numeric keypad 111 is pressed (step S13).
If the determination in step S13 is “No”, that is, if the numeric keypad 111 is not pressed, the determination is repeated from step S6.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S13 is “Yes”, that is, if the numeric keypad 111 is pressed, it is determined whether there is a muddy or semi-voiced sound corresponding to the determined character (quiet sound) (step S14). For example, if the determined character is “I”, it is determined as “No” because there is no character in which the voiced sound “I” is added with a dakuten or semi-dakuten.

If the determination in step S14 is “No”, the currently determined clear character is specified and the process is terminated (step S7).
On the other hand, if the determination in step S14 is “Yes”, a muddy sound or semi-turbid sound corresponding to the determined character (clear sound) is displayed (step S15), and this is specified (step S16). Then, the process ends.

If it is determined that the determination in step S9 is the numeric keypad 111, the determination in step S14 is performed. If the determination in step S14 is “No”, the currently determined sound character is specified. The process ends (step S7), and if the determination in step S14 is “Yes”, a muddy sound or semi-turbid sound corresponding to the determined character (quiet sound) is specified, and the process ends (step S16).
If the determination in step S9 is neither the numeric keypad adjacent to the numeric key pressed immediately before nor the numeric keypad 111, the currently determined clear character is specified and the process is terminated (step S7).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the number-of-presses measurement unit 70a determines whether the ten-keys 101 to 112 are individually pressed or continuously pressed to any one of the ten-keys 101 to 112, and measures the number of times the ten-key is pressed to the ten keys 101 to 112. . Since the character data specifying unit 70b specifies the number of times the ten key is pressed, the direction of the pressed ten key, the character data stored in the internal memory, and the ranking information, the character data ranking information is identified in ascending or descending order. Intuitive character input can be performed by continuously pressing down on a numeric keypad that is continuously pressed with a finger. This makes it possible for the user to easily learn the operation without requiring a special device, and it is also possible to quickly input a desired character.

Furthermore, since the number-of-presses measurement unit 70a determines that the press is continuous when the time interval between the presses is within the predetermined time T, when the predetermined time T elapses, the input processing of the next desired character data is started. The Thereby, since the user can input more intuitively, it becomes possible to input a desired character more quickly.
In addition, since the numeric keys 101 to 112 are arranged in a matrix, it can be continuously pressed in multiple directions, and the operability is improved.

  Further, even if the number of numeric keys of the character input unit 15 is reduced as in the present embodiment, the user can easily learn the operation and can quickly input a desired character. A can be reduced in size and the degree of design freedom.

  The operation processing procedure shown in the above embodiment, various shapes and combinations of the constituent members, and the like are examples, and various changes can be made based on design requirements and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the numeric keypad arrangement.
In the above-described embodiment, the numeric keypad is arranged in a matrix, but may be configured differently. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, ten keys may be arranged in a ring shape, character data may be assigned to each ten key, and character data may be input by continuously pressing on each ten key.

  Moreover, although the case where the ten key part 10 was a hardware key was demonstrated in the said embodiment, it may replace with this and the ten key part displayed on the touch panel 2 as a software key may be used. In this case, since pressing between numeric keys can also be detected, it may be configured to recognize a continuous pressing when a series of pressings in which pressed coordinates are connected between the displayed numeric keys and the numeric keys are detected.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that when the time interval between pressings on each numeric key is within a predetermined time T, the pressing is performed as a continuous pressing regardless of the predetermined time. The character data input may be confirmed by depressing a determination key provided separately.
Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which a cursor indicating an input location is moved or an input character is erased by providing a cross key or the like that can indicate front and rear, left and right.

  Moreover, although the case where hiragana was input was demonstrated in the said embodiment, it is applicable to the case where a Roman character is input as well as katakana.

  In the above embodiment, as a general rule, character data is determined in ascending or descending order when the positional relationship between a plurality of continuously pressed numeric keys is arranged clockwise and counterclockwise around the circumferential numeric keypad group. However, the positional relationship of a plurality of ten keys pressed continuously for each ten key may be determined. For example, in the case of the “A” line, when the numeric keys 101, 102, 105, 104 are continuously pressed clockwise, the numeric keys 101, 104, 105, 102 are continuously pressed counterclockwise. In some cases, character data may be determined in descending order.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the multi-function apparatus A has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatuses other than a copying machine or various apparatuses other than the image forming apparatus.

  Furthermore, the character input unit 15 in the above embodiment may be applied to an information terminal device, for example, a mobile phone. As a result, the user can easily learn the operation and can quickly input a desired character. Therefore, a comfortable information terminal device that reduces the number of times the same numeric keypad is pressed and does not feel stress is provided. Can be realized.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a multifunction peripheral A according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the operation display part 1 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the character data allocated to each numeric keypad, and ranking information. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the numerical keypad part and the direction of continuous pressing. It is the figure which illustrated about the input of the character of "a" line. It is the figure illustrated about the input of the character of "ta" line. It is the figure illustrated about the input of the character of the "NA" line. It is the figure illustrated about the input of the character of a "wa" line. 5 is a flowchart showing the main operation of the multifunction machine A. It is a figure which shows an example of the arrangement | sequence of a numeric keypad.

Explanation of symbols

Operation display section ... 1
Touch panel ... 2
Hard key ... 3
Numeric keypad ... 10
Character input unit (character input device) 15
Image reading unit 20
Image storage unit ... 30
Communication part ... 40
Image processing unit ... 50
Printing section ... 60
Control unit 70
Press count measurement unit 70a
Character data specifying part 70b
Timer ... 70c
Numeric keys (operation keys) ... 101-112
A ... Machine

Claims (7)

A plurality of operation keys to which two or more character data are assigned, a press on the operation key from the user is detected, and the user desires from the two or more character data based on the detection result In a character input device for identifying
A single press on a first operation key to which desired character data desired by the user is assigned, a continuous press on a second operation key adjacent to the first operation key from the first operation key, or the first operation key from the first operation key. A number-of-presses measurement unit that detects the number of times the operation key is pressed by continuously pressing the third operation key that is continuously adjacent via the second operation key;
A character data specifying unit for specifying the desired character data based on ranking information for two or more character data assigned to the first operation key and the number of times the operation key is pressed;
A character input device comprising:   The number-of-presses measurement unit determines that the continuous pressing is performed when a time interval between pressings on the first operation key, the second operation key, and the third operation key is within a predetermined time. The character input device according to claim 1.   The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation keys are arranged in a matrix.   In the character data specifying unit, the positional relationship among the first operation key, the second operation key, and the third operation key is along one of the front and rear directions, one of the left and right directions, or one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The character input device according to claim 3, wherein if it is determined that the characters are arranged, the ranking information is determined in ascending order to identify the desired character data.   In the character data specifying unit, the positional relationship between the first operation key, the second operation key, and the third operation key is along the other in the front-rear direction, the other in the left-right direction, or the other in the clockwise counterclockwise direction. 5. The character input device according to claim 4, wherein when it is determined that the character data is arranged, the ranking information is determined in descending order to identify the desired character data.   An image forming apparatus comprising the character input device according to claim 1.   An information terminal device comprising the character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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