JPH04343119A - terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a terminal equipment provided with a small-sized and space- saving input part without changing the size of keys themselves. CONSTITUTION:The terminal equipment is provided with a key input part 1, an information processing part 2 processing the input of the key input part 1 and a display part 3, a character input function key 4 provided on the key input part 1, a hand writing input area 5 converting the keys in a preliminarily set range within the key input part 1 for character input by means of the character input function key 4, and a recognition and processing part 6 recognizing the characters based on the input information inputted from the hand writing input area 5.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a terminal device, and more particularly to a terminal device equipped with a small, space-saving input section that allows character input to be easily performed.

0002

[Prior Art] Conventionally, the typical methods for an operator to input characters directly include a key input method and a handwritten input method using a touch panel. As shown in 16, the key input method is often used.

0003

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the key input method, there are many keys 61 for inputting character codes.
As a result, the input section occupies a high proportion, making it difficult to miniaturize the handheld terminal device.As a means of solving this problem, individual keys are made smaller to achieve miniaturization.

[0004] When the individual keys are made smaller, the operability of key input is poor, and there is also the drawback that erroneous input may occur. In addition, there are many keys that are unnecessary for tasks such as inputting quantities and amounts that are often performed using handheld terminal devices, which is a drawback for on-site operators who are troublesome and prone to erroneous operations.

[0005] In the handwriting input method using a touch panel,
It has the disadvantage that high-speed input like key input cannot be performed, and when used in combination with keys, the weight of the handy terminal device increases due to the attachment of a touch panel, and the price also increases. Concerning the input unit, a hand-held type is required to have a small number of keys in order to reduce its size, and a table-top type is required to have a small number of keys in order to improve operability of key input.

[0006] The present invention is aimed at solving the above-mentioned drawbacks, and is a sheet keyboard equipped with function keys that enable character input, in which a handwriting input area for characters is allocated to key parts that are not used for character input. It is an object of the present invention to provide a terminal device equipped with a key input unit that uses the handwriting input area as a normal key except when inputting characters.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of the present invention. 1 is a key input section, to which numeric keys and function keys other than characters are assigned; 2 is an information processing section, which functions as a terminal device based on the input information input from the key input section 1; A device that performs information processing, 3.
4 is a display unit that displays the information results processed by the information processing unit 2; 4 is a character input function key that enables handwritten character input using the keys in the key input unit 1; 5 is a handwriting input area, and character input function key 4
6 is a recognition processing section in which the numeric keys and function keys, which are not used for character input, are converted into character input in character input mode. It performs character recognition based on the input information of the characters drawn on the screen, and outputs the character code of the recognized character.

[0008]

[Operation] When the character input function key 4 is pressed, a character input mode is entered, and each key in the handwriting input area 5, which was a numeric keypad and function keys, is converted to a character input area. When the operator traces a character image on the handwriting input area 5 with a finger or the like, the input information is sent from each key in the handwriting input area 5 to the recognition processing section 6, where character recognition is performed. The recognized character code is sent to the display section 3 via the information processing section 2, and the characters input from the handwriting input area 5, that is, the recognized characters are displayed on the display section 3.

Since characters with a large number are input from the handwriting input area 5, the number of keys in the key input section 1 can be reduced, and therefore the size of the keys themselves can be reduced without reducing the size of the keys. Space can be reduced. In addition, keys other than letters are assigned the same keys as before, so the operability of the keys is maintained as before.

0010

[Embodiment] FIG. 2 is an external front view of one embodiment of the present invention.
Reference numerals 1, 3 to 5 correspond to those in FIG. 1, and 7 represents the main body. An input/output terminal (not shown) is provided on the side surface of the main body 7, and the input/output terminal is connected to other devices such as a printing device such as a journal printer, a file device such as a floppy disk or memory card, or an RS232
Communication devices, etc., are connected via C, modem, etc.

FIG. 3 shows a key arrangement diagram of an embodiment of the key input section. The keys include numbers that are often used in routine work.
In addition to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division symbols, etc., function keys such as function keys F1 to F7 that determine program processing and keys for moving the cursor are provided, but keys for letters such as alphanumeric, hiragana, and katakana are not provided. It has not been done.

These character inputs are entered by hand by using the character input function key 4. That is, by pressing the character input function key 4, the character input mode is entered, and the F1 to F4 function keys inside the thick black frame, which are not used for character input, keys for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division symbols, and 0, including the number 000. The numeric keys from 9 to 9 and the dot keys form a handwriting input area 5. The input characters are written in the handwritten input area 5 by handwriting or the like. At this time, measures have been taken to prevent keys other than the handwriting input area 5 from being pressed inadvertently, as described below.

FIG. 4 shows a surface profile of an embodiment of the sheet keyboard of the present invention. Key input section 1 is a sheet
A keyboard is used, and partition protrusions 8 are provided on the surface of the sheet keyboard that forms the boundary of the handwriting input area 5. This partition projection 8 can prevent keys other than the handwriting input area 5 from being pressed inadvertently during the character input mode.

[0014] Also, in the character input mode, the handwriting input area 5
The surface of the sheet keyboard may be formed to be a little lower than the surfaces of other key areas to provide a step to prevent keys other than the handwriting input area 5 from being pressed inadvertently during the character input mode. Note that a protrusion (8) may be formed as a partition means for preventing erroneous input provided at the boundary between the handwriting input area (5) and other input areas of the key input unit (1).

[0015] Furthermore, the handwriting input area (
5) and other input areas, the handwriting input area (5) is formed lower than the other input areas, and the handwriting input area (5) is separated from the other input areas. A step may be provided at the boundary with the area.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged sectional view of the key portion of the sheet keyboard. 2 via an insulating spacer 9
Two insulating sheets 10 and 11 are provided facing each other, and electrodes 12 are provided at positions opposite to the sheets 10 and 11, respectively. When the sheet 10 is pressed down with a finger or the like, the two electrodes come into contact, and a current flows through the contacts, allowing input information to be obtained.

FIG. 6 shows a contact configuration diagram of one embodiment of the key, with black circles representing contacts. The one in the same figure (A) is 1
It has four contacts per key, and is used for all keys forming the handwriting input area 5 in the input mode, and the one shown in Figure (B) has one contact per key. have,
It is used for keys other than the keys forming the handwriting input area 5.

[0018] A plurality of keys are provided for the handwriting input area 5 (Fig.
By providing contact points (not limited to four as in (A)), the resolution of character information (image data) in character input mode is improved, and the accuracy of character recognition, which will be explained later, is improved. It gets expensive. However, in normal key input, no matter which contact of an individual key is turned on, or even if a plurality of contacts are turned on at the same time, as will be explained later, the information of the corresponding code assigned to the key is output.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, in which reference numeral 21 indicates a sheet keyboard input section, 22 a sheet keyboard, 23 an input coordinate detection section, 24 an input key/character recognition section, 25 is a main processing unit, 26 is a display device,
27 represents an input/output terminal, 28 a printing device, 29 a file device, and 30 a communication device.

The sheet/keyboard input section 21 is a sheet/keyboard input section 21.
It is composed of a keyboard 22, an input coordinate detection section 23, and an input key/character recognition section 24. In the key input mode, the key code of the key input on the sheet keyboard 22 is notified to the main body processing section 25, and character input is performed. In the mode, after character recognition is performed on the handwritten input characters inputted to the sheet keyboard 22, the main body processing unit 22 converts the characters into the character code.
5 will be notified.

The above-mentioned sheet keyboard 22 has the same function as the structure explained in FIGS. 3 to 6, and the input coordinate detection section 23 has the structure shown in FIG. X the information entered from 22
, Y coordinates are detected and output as data of X and Y coordinate information. In other words, it is as follows.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the structure of the sheet keyboard and input coordinate detection section, and numerals 22 and 23 correspond to those in FIG. 7. Reference numeral 31 represents an X-coordinate scanning circuit, 32 a Y-coordinate scanning circuit, 33 an on/off detection circuit, and 34 a battery.

[0023] X-coordinate and Y-coordinate scanning circuits 31, 3
2 is constantly scanning, and sheet keyboard 2
When the contact point 2 is closed, a current flows through the contact point to the on/off detection circuit 33, and the on/off detection circuit 3
3, the X and Y coordinates of the closed contact point are detected.

For example, when a key in the shaded area of the sheet keyboard 22 is pressed, the X-coordinate and Y-coordinate scan circuits 31 and 32 close at the coordinates (X3, Y1), and the on/off detection circuit 33 closes. detects the on state and outputs the coordinate information (X3, Y1) to the input key/character recognition unit 24. Sheet keyboard 2
If a plurality of keys No. 2 are pressed, the on/off detection circuit 33 outputs a plurality of pieces of coordinate information.

FIG. 9 shows the configuration of an embodiment of the input key/character recognition section, and the reference numeral 24 corresponds to that in FIG. Reference numeral 35 is a processor, 36 is a coordinate data input unit,
37 is a ROM, 38 is a RAM, 39 is a character pattern dictionary, 40 is a key code table, and 41 is a code output section.

The processor 35 converts key inputs input into the sheet keyboard 22 in the key input mode into key codes, and also recognizes handwritten characters input into the sheet keyboard 22 in the character input mode, and then converts them into key codes. Performs processing such as converting to character code.

The coordinate data input section 36 is a buffer that temporarily stores the X, Y coordinate information data input from the input coordinate detection section 23 described above. The ROM 37 is a memory that stores programs for executing various processes such as key code conversion, character recognition, and character code conversion.

The RAM 38 is a memory that stores buffer data, control flags, etc., which will be explained later with reference to FIG. The character pattern dictionary 39 stores the dot patterns of each character type as a dictionary, and is compared with the dot patterns of handwritten characters input from the sheet keyboard 22 in the character input mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the katakana ``o'' has a black circle as ``1'', and the dot pattern of the black circle is stored as a dictionary in the character pattern dictionary 39.

The key code table 40 is a table for converting the X, Y coordinate information of a key input from the sheet keyboard 22 in the key input mode into a key code assigned to the input key. It is. FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the key code table, which corresponds to the key input section 1 shown in FIG. 3 described above.

As is clear from the key code table shown in FIG. 11, in the key input mode, for example, "4" on the ten key
It is understood that when the key "" is pressed and any one of the four contacts turns on, the key code is converted to the key code assigned to the input key, that is, the number "4".

In the key code table shown in FIG. 11, blank areas indicate areas where there is no contact. The code output section 41 is connected to the sheet keyboard 22 in the key input mode.
This is a buffer that temporarily stores the key codes of key inputs input from the keyboard and the character codes of characters input by hand from the sheet keyboard 22 and recognized in the character input mode.

FIG. 12 shows the configuration of an embodiment on the ROM/RAM, and numerals 37 and 38 correspond to those in FIG. Reference numeral 42 represents a #1 key input buffer, 43 a #2 key input buffer, 44 a key output buffer, 45 a character pattern development buffer, and 46 an input mode flag area.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a flowchart of the input key/character recognition unit 24, which together constitute one diagram. The arrangement of the figures is as follows. That is, the upper side of FIG. 14 is connected to the lower side of FIG.
3 are connected to ■ to ■ in FIG. 14, respectively.

Next, the operation in FIG. 9 will be explained using the ROM/RAM in FIG.
The configuration of the above embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 14. When the power is turned on,
As an initial stage, the processor 35 sets, for example, "0" in the input mode flag area 46 to define the key input section 1 as the key input mode, and at least #1 key input buffer 42, #2 key input buffer 43, The key output buffer 44 and character pattern development buffer 45 are initialized (step 1).

Then, the processor 35 monitors the input of the sheet keyboard 22, ie, the input coordinate detection section 23 to determine whether or not the data of the X, Y coordinate information is input to the coordinate data input section 36 (step 2). ). Input monitoring continues until data is input to the coordinate data input section 36 (steps 3 and 2).

When data is input to the coordinate data input section 36 (step 3), the processor 35 inputs the data into #
The data is stored in the #1 key input buffer 42 (step 4), and it is determined whether the data is the same as the data stored in the #2 key input buffer 43 (step 5). If it is determined that they are the same, the #1 key input buffer 42
The process waits repeatedly until the next new data is stored (steps 2 to 5). In other words, it is in a state where it waits until a key on the key input section 1 is pressed and the key is released.

When the data stored in the #1 key input buffer 42 and the data stored in the #2 key input buffer 43 are different (step 5), especially the data stored in the #2 key input buffer 43 is different. All data is “0”
” (step 6), that is, immediately after initialization, the data stored in the #1 key input buffer 42 is transferred to the #2 key input buffer 43 (step 17).
, return to step 2. #2 When all the data stored in the key input buffer 43 is not “0” (step 6
), the processor 35 determines whether the data stored in the #2 key input buffer 43 is data at coordinates other than the handwriting input area 5 of the key input unit 1 (step 7). In other words, it is determined whether the key pressed in the key input section 1 is outside the handwriting input area 5, and the coordinate data outside the handwriting input area 5, that is, the data originally input using a key outside the handwriting input area 5, is determined. If there is such data (step 7), the processor 35 refers to the keycode table 40 and obtains the keycode corresponding to the data (step 10). When reading this key code, if a plurality of pieces of data are stored in the #2 key input buffer 43, the processor 35 selects the most frequently used code or the first code as the key code.

It is checked whether the key code obtained in step 10 is the key code assigned to the character input function key 4 of the key input unit 1 (step 11). When this key code is different, it is checked whether or not the character input mode is already in use by the flag set in the input mode flag area 46 (step 13).
, when it is not already in the character input mode, the data of the key code obtained in step 10 is stored in the key output buffer 44.
(step 18). and code output section 4
1, and then transfers the key code to the main processing unit 25 (step 16). Then #1 key input buffer 4
#2 key input buffer 43
(Step 17) and return to Step 2.

In step 11, when the key code obtained in step 10 is the same as the key code assigned to the character input function key 4 of the key input section 1,
In other words, when the character input function key 4 is pressed, the processor 35 sets the flag "1" in the input mode flag area 46.
After setting up the character input mode (step 12). #
1 The data stored in the key input buffer 42 is #2
The data is transferred to the key input buffer 43 (step 17), and the process returns to step 2.

In step 7, the data stored in the #2 key input buffer 43 is coordinate data within the handwriting input area 5 of the key input section 1, and at this time, a flag "0" is set in the input mode flag area 46. " is displayed and you are in key input mode (step 8), step 1 explained above
Transition to 0. That is, in the key input mode, for example, when a numeric key in the handwriting input area 5 is pressed, the key code assigned to the numeric key is determined in step 10.

On the other hand, when the key input mode is not set in step 8, that is, when the character input mode is selected, the data stored in the #2 key input buffer 43 is superimposed on the character pattern development buffer 45 (step 9). Then, the process returns to step 2 via step 17. In other words, key input section 1
This means a state in which characters are input using the handwritten input area 5, and information is successively ORed while data is superimposed on the character pattern development buffer 45.

[0042] Also, in step 14, step 10
The key code obtained is not the key code assigned to the character input function key 4 (step 11), but the key code assigned to the "input" function key of the key input section 1 in the character input mode (step 13). In other words, when the key code is assigned to the "input" function key that is pressed when finalizing the character after inputting a character by hand from the handwriting input area 5 in the character input mode, the processor 35 The pattern in the character pattern expansion buffer 45 is compared with the character pattern dictionary 39, and the character pattern dictionary 39 selects the most likely character code.
9 (step 15).

The character code of the recognized character obtained in this way is transferred to the code output section 41, and then transferred to the main body processing section 25 (step 16). Thereafter, the process returns to step 2 via step 17. In addition, in step 14, the key code obtained in step 10 is not the key code assigned to the character input function key 4 (
Step 11), in character input mode (Step 1
3) When the key code is not assigned to the function key “Input” of the key input unit 1, for example, when the key code is assigned to the function key “Convert”, the data of the key code is stored in the key output buffer 44. Stored.

As explained above, the input key/character recognition unit 24 performs processing to obtain key codes and character codes based on the coordinate information obtained from the sheet/keyboard 22. If the characters input in step 5 are small or slanted, pre-processing is performed to improve the recognition rate.

FIG. 15 shows an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of character conversion. Reference numeral 51 represents an input buffer, 52 a display buffer, and 53 a display screen. Sheet keyboard 2
The coordinate information data of the handwritten characters input from 2 is converted into a character code through the above-mentioned processing, and then sent to the main processing unit 25.
is input. For example, when each character code of "Kanji" is input, these character codes are sequentially stored in the input buffer 51 provided in the main processing unit 25, and
It is also stored in the display buffer 52 and displayed on the display screen 53 of the display device 26.

When the "conversion" key code is input to the main body processing section 25, the main body processing section 25 searches for the kanji or Japanese sentences corresponding to the character string in the input buffer 51 using a built-in dictionary. , the code of the first candidate is stored in the display buffer 52 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 15, and is displayed in Kanji on the display screen 53. Continue with main body processing section 2
Every time the "conversion" key code is input to 5, the second and third candidates are displayed in order on the display screen 53.

Further, when a key code of "no conversion" is input, the display as shown on the display screen 53 is fixed as the input code. When a code other than the above is input to the main processing unit 25, it is processed as new input data.

As described above, the operation of the main body processing section 25 is the same as the conventional one. Although the above explanation has been about the handheld terminal device, it also applies to the desktop terminal device. (Claim 1) states that...a predetermined range of keys among the keys of the key input unit is a handwriting input area that is converted into character input. It is also possible to separately arrange function keys such as "input keys" on the side or rear of the device and convert all key input to handwritten input, and the range of the character input area is not necessarily limited.

[0049]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, (
1) A key input section that is small and space-saving, can be operated by anyone, and allows input without erroneous input is enabled, and the handy terminal device can be made smaller. Therefore, the scope of use can be expanded to the information gathering field. (2) Input codes used for routine tasks can be assigned to keys as before, allowing for high-level operation. (3) For both handheld terminal devices and desktop terminal devices,
There is no need to search for a corresponding key among many keys when inputting characters, and input can be performed easily.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a key layout diagram of an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a surface profile diagram of an embodiment of the sheet keyboard of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the sheet keyboard.

FIG. 6 is a contact configuration diagram of one embodiment of the key.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows an example configuration of a sheet keyboard and an input coordinate detection section.

FIG. 9 shows an example configuration of an input key/character recognition section.

FIG. 10 is an example diagram of a character pattern dictionary.

FIG. 11 is an example diagram of a key code table.

FIG. 12 shows an example configuration on a ROM/RAM.

FIG. 13 is a part of a flowchart of an input key/character recognition unit.

FIG. 14 is a part of a flowchart that together with FIG. 13 constitute one diagram;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an example of character conversion.

FIG. 16 is an external view of a conventional handy terminal device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Key input section 2 Information processing department 3 Display section 4 Character input function key 5 Handwriting input area 6 Recognition processing unit 8.Protrusion 21 Sheet/keyboard input section 22 Sheet keyboard 23 Input coordinate detection section 24 Input key/character recognition section 25 Main body processing section 26 Display device 31 Scan circuit 32 Scan circuit 33 On/off detection circuit 35 Processor 36 Coordinate data input section 37 ROM 38 RAM 39 Character pattern dictionary 40 Key code table 41 Code output section 42 #1 Key input buffer 43 #2 Key input buffer 44 Key output buffer 45 Character pattern expansion buffer 46 Input mode flag area

Claims (11)

[Claims] Claim 1: A key input section (1) and a key input section (1).
), and a display section (3) that displays information processed by the information processing section (2). a character input function key (4) provided on the input section (1);
A handwriting input area (5) in which a predetermined range of keys of the key input section (1) is converted to character input when the character input function key (4) enters character input mode.
and a recognition processing unit (6) that performs character recognition based on input information input from the handwriting input area (5). 2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a sheet keyboard is used as the key input section (1). [Claim 3] Furthermore, the handwriting input area (5) of the key input section (1) is provided with partition means for preventing erroneous input at the boundary between the handwriting input area (5) and other input areas. Terminal device. Claim 4: Handwriting input area (5) of key input section (1)
3. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of contacts are provided on a key that is converted into a key. 5. A claim characterized in that the information processing unit (2) includes a processing unit for preventing multiple inputs from the same key, and prevents input of multiple key codes by pressing the same key twice. 1 terminal device. [Claim 6] The recognition processing unit (6) has a handwriting input area (5).
) comprises an input end detection processing unit for detecting the end of tracing of a character inputted in the input character, and character input information of the input character is established at the end of tracing of the character. 4 terminal device. [Claim 7] The recognition processing section (6) is a key input section (1).
an input coordinate detection unit (23) that detects the on state of a contact provided in the X and Y coordinates;
An input key/character recognition unit (24) that performs character recognition based on the X, Y coordinate information detected by the input key and obtains the recognized character.
5. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein character recognition is performed based on X, Y coordinate information of handwritten characters input from the handwriting input area (5). 8. The terminal device according to claim 1 or claim 7, wherein the recognition processing unit (6) includes a character pattern dictionary storing character codes corresponding to characters, and outputs the character codes. . [Claim 9] The information processing section (2) is a key input section (1).
A claim characterized in that the key code table (40) converts the coordinates of the key code into a key code, and the key code of the pressed key is obtained based on the coordinate information of the key input unit (1). The terminal device according to claim 1 or claim 4. 10. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein one of the terminal devices includes an input/output terminal and is connected to an external input/output device. Claim 11: In claim 1, the key input unit (1
) is provided with a conversion key, and the conversion key converts handwritten characters input into the handwriting input area (5) into sentences converted into Kanji.