JPH07261902A - Information processing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] It is an object to provide an information processing device in which a character type switching operation is easy when inputting from a keyboard. [Structure] Keep the same character key pressed.
Then, the characters assigned to the character key are sequentially displayed. When the character is released when the desired character is displayed, the character is input. [Effect] The device can be downsized. Operability is improved.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a keyboard as an input device and capable of easily specifying an input character type.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A keyboard is widely used all over the world as an input device for various information processing devices.

Usually, the characters used in documents and the like are not limited to the alphabet, but are extremely wide variety such as numbers and various symbols. On the other hand, the number of keys that can be provided on the keyboard is limited by the size of the keyboard. Also,
Providing too many keys reduces the operability. Therefore, normally, a plurality of characters are assigned to one character key, and a shift key or the like is used in combination so as to be used properly.

In a Japanese word processor that requires the use of Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana in addition to alphabets, numbers, and symbols, the shift key is not sufficient for the keys, so a mode for inputting alphanumeric characters. In addition to (alphanumeric mode), a mode (Japanese mode) for inputting Japanese characters (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji) is provided, and one of the character type modes (alphanumeric Mode, Japanese mode) is selected and characters are input. It should be noted that a character type designation key for instructing switching from the alphanumeric mode to the Japanese mode is generally used as a hiragana designation key and a katakana designation key described later.

In the Japanese mode, there are two types of input methods, kana input and romaji input. Kana input is a method of directly inputting the hiragana characters drawn on the character keys. For example, when inputting "ha", the character key with "ha" is operated. on the other hand,
Romaji input is a method of inputting the Roman character notation of the hiragana to be input using the alphabetic character keys. In this Roman character input, the information processing device converts the input alphabetic character string into hiragana and displays it on the screen. For example, if "HA" is entered, "" is displayed on the screen. The user selects and inputs one of the input methods according to his / her preference.

The input of hiragana and katakana can be distinguished by operating the hiragana designation key (or katakana designation key) in the above-mentioned Japanese mode to enter the hiragana input state (or katakana input state). Done. As described above, the hiragana designation key and the katakana designation key generally serve as a key for switching from the alphanumeric mode to the Japanese mode. Therefore, it can be considered that the character type mode includes three modes, that is, an alphanumeric mode, a hiragana mode, and a katakana mode. Throughout this specification, the Japanese mode in which hiragana can be input will be simply referred to as "hiragana mode" and the Japanese mode in which katakana is input will be referred to as "katakana mode". There are cases.

In the Japanese mode (Hiragana mode, Katakana mode), one character key is used depending on whether the character key is operated alone or in combination with the shift key.

Kanji is input by inputting the reading of the kanji in hiragana (regardless of whether kana or romaji is input) and then performing kana-kanji conversion. This kana-kanji conversion is performed by operating the conversion instruction key. Note that Kana-Kanji conversion is often not possible for character strings input in Katakana.

Examples of such a technique include Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 1-211115 and 3-48316.

[0010]

In the above prior art, it was troublesome to frequently operate the character type designation key. Especially, in Japanese sentences, since the hiragana, katakana, alphabet, and various symbols coexist, this problem was remarkable.

Further, in many cases, there are cases where as many as four characters are assigned to one key, and there is a problem that it is difficult to understand how to input a desired character. Furthermore, once the operation is erroneous, it is not only impossible to input the correct character, but also the work for correcting the character is required, which is a major factor of reducing the work efficiency of the document input. This kind of problem was particularly common among beginners, and further slowed down the slow input speed.

As a further problem, as a result of the progress in increasing the density of various electronic parts and the mounting technology of parts,
At present, it is possible to develop an extremely small personal computer. However, such an ultra-small personal computer has a problem that the keyboard keys are too small and the operability is extremely poor. When trying to ensure good operability of the keyboard, in reality,
It was difficult to make it smaller than A4 size and B5 size. As described above, the keyboard has been a big problem in reducing the size of the information processing apparatus.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a keyboard that facilitates a character type designation operation at the time of keyboard input, and an information processing apparatus including the keyboard.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a keyboard which is downsized mainly by reducing the number of keys and an information processing apparatus including the keyboard.

[0015]

The present invention has been made to achieve the above object, and a first aspect thereof is as follows.
In an information processing device that is connected to an input device and an alerting device and is output, the input device is configured to include a keyboard and outputs key data indicating an operated key, and the alerting device is an external device. When a signal indicating a character is input from the user, the character is used by the user, and the information processing apparatus defines key data output by the input device and one or more characters. When key data is input from the storage means having a definition table and the input device, the definition table is referred to acquire a character associated with the key data, and a signal corresponding to the character (hereinafter referred to as ""Charactersignal") is sequentially output to the notification device, and the input means for selecting one of the characters notified by the notification means according to the character signal. Accepts the selection instruction inputted through the device, the information processing apparatus characterized by comprising: a determining means for determining the selected character as the input character, is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in an information processing apparatus connected to an input device and outputted, the input device includes a keyboard, and key data indicating a key operated by the keyboard. The information processing apparatus includes: storage means having a definition table defining the key data output by the input device and one or more characters, and the key data from the input device. Is input, a character associated with the key data is acquired by referring to the definition table, and a signal corresponding to the character (hereinafter referred to as "character signal") is sequentially output, and the control means. Either the notification means for notifying the user of the character corresponding to the character signal output by the means or the character notified by the notification means according to the character signal is selected. Of, accepts the selection instruction inputted through the input device, the information processing apparatus characterized by comprising: a determining means for determining the selected character as the input character, is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus connected to the notification device and outputted, the notification device, when a signal indicating a character is input from the outside, notifies the user of the character. The information processing apparatus is configured to include a keyboard, the input means for outputting key data indicating a key operated on the keyboard, the key data output by the input means, and 1 or 2
A storage unit having a definition table defining the above characters with each other, and when key data is input from the input unit, refers to the definition table to obtain a character associated with the key data, In order to select one of a control means for sequentially outputting a signal corresponding to the character (hereinafter referred to as a “character signal”) to the notification device and a character notified by the notification device according to the character signal. An information processing apparatus is provided, which further comprises a confirmation unit that receives a selection instruction input through the input device and that determines the selected character as an input character.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a keyboard is included, the input means for outputting key data indicating the operated key, and the input of a signal indicating a character from the outside will display the character. Key data is input from the input means, an informing means for informing the user, a storage means having a definition table defining key data output from the input device and one or more characters. And a control means for obtaining a character corresponding to the key data by referring to the definition table and sequentially outputting a signal corresponding to the character (hereinafter referred to as "character signal") to the notification means, Accepting a selection instruction input through the input means for selecting any of the characters notified by the notification means according to the character signal, and selecting the selected character as an input character. The information processing apparatus characterized by comprising: a determining means for determining, the Te is provided.

In each of the first to fourth aspects, it is more preferable that the following features are provided.

The control means determines whether or not the same key is kept pressed, and outputs the character signal only when the same key is kept pressed. It may be continued.

The determining means may determine the character corresponding to the character signal output when the key, which was kept pressed, is released as the input character.

The definition table is also configured to include input mode information common to each key data for specifying any one of a plurality of characters associated with one key data. The control means includes return information designating any one of the input mode information, and when starting output of a character signal of a character corresponding to certain key data, the input mode information designated by the return information is provided. It is preferable that the character specified by is output first.

It is preferable that the return information can be changed.

The control means includes one or more return candidate mode information specifying any one of the input mode information, and the input defined as the input character defined by the determining means. When the mode information is predetermined, it is preferable to use the information designating the input mode information as the return information.

The input means (or input device) includes an input mode designation key for designating any one of a plurality of characters assigned to one key, and the input mode information is the input mode. It is preferably associated with the operation state of the designated key.

The notifying means (or notifying device) preferably notifies the character by voice and / or image.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in an input mode changing method in an information processing apparatus having a keyboard, the same key is pressed in accordance with the length of time. A method for changing a character input mode is provided, which comprises changing the input mode.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in a character input receiving method in an information processing apparatus having a keyboard in which a plurality of characters are assigned to one key, the state where the same key is kept pressed A character input accepting method is characterized in that one of the characters assigned to the key is selected according to the length of time that the character is kept and the character is treated as being input. Provided.

[0029]

When the key is operated on the keyboard, the input means (input device) outputs the key data. Then, the control means refers to the definition table to acquire the character associated with the key data input, and sequentially outputs the character signals to the notification means (notification device). Then, the control means determines whether or not the same key is kept pressed, and if the same key is kept pressed, the output of the character signal is continued. To do. In this case, the control means first outputs the character specified by the input mode information specified by the return information.

The notification means (device) notifies the user of the character corresponding to the character signal by using the character image and the sound. In this case, the notified characters naturally change as the character signals are sequentially changed.

When the user inputs a selection instruction through the input means (device), the confirming means accepts this and confirms the selected character as the input character. The selection instruction is
For example, when a desired character is displayed, the key that has been pressed and held is released.

Further, when the input mode information defined for the character confirmed as the input character by the determining means is predetermined, the control means outputs the information designating this input mode information. , And return information.
The input mode information may be associated with the operation state of the input mode designating key of the input means (input device), for example.

[0033]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The information processing apparatus of this embodiment is the input device 2
And a processing device 1 and a display device 3.

The input device 2 comprises a keyboard 20 and a keyboard controller 22.

The keyboard 20 includes various character keys 200 and control keys as shown in FIG.

The key top of each character key 200 is engraved with one or more characters or symbols that can be input by operating the character key 200. These plural characters and symbols can be used properly by changing the character type mode (alphanumeric mode, hiragana mode, katakana mode) or by using them in combination with the shift key 2024 or the like. Furthermore, in the hiragana mode and katakana mode, the key operation required to input the same character differs depending on the input method (kana input, Roman character input).

The control key is for inputting various instructions necessary for document editing. In this embodiment,
Hiragana designation key 2020, Katakana designation key 202
1, alphanumeric designation key 2022, input method designation key 202
3, shift key 2024, shift lock key 2025,
A cursor key 2026, a conversion key 2027, etc. are provided.

The hiragana designation key 2020, the katakana designation key 2021, and the alphanumeric designation key 2022 are used for inputting an instruction to change the character type mode. For example, when the hiragana designation key 2020 is operated, the hiragana mode is entered, and the hiragana can be input.

Shift key 2024, shift lock key 2
025 is for selectively using a plurality of characters and symbols for one character key in each character type mode (alphanumeric mode, hiragana mode, katakana mode). However, as will be described later, in the present embodiment, it is possible to use these shift keys 2024 and the like without using them.

In the present embodiment, the shift-2024
A mode in which the character type mode is further divided is defined based on the presence or absence of the operation of. In this way, a total of 6 (= 3 × 2) modes based on the character type mode and whether or not the shift key 2024 is operated are referred to as “input mode” in this specification. In the following description, the state where the shift key is not pressed in the alphanumeric mode (input mode) is referred to as [alphanumeric] mode, and
The state where the shift key is pressed is described as [alphanumeric + shift] mode. Similarly, [Hiragana] mode, [Hiragana + Shift] mode, [Katakana] mode, [Katakana +
Shift mode is described. Simply, in the case of the alphanumeric mode, it means that both the [alphanumeric] mode and the [alphanumeric + shift] mode are included. Also, hiragana designation key 2020, katakana designation key 2021, alphanumeric designation key 2
022, shift key 2024, shift lock key 202
5 may be collectively referred to as an "input mode designation key".

The input method designation key 2023 is used to input a selection instruction of an input method (kana input method, Roman character input method) in the hiragana mode and katakana mode. When the input method designation key 2023 is operated, the kana input method and the Roman character input method are switched alternately. Of course, the operation of the input method designation key 2023 is effective only in the hiragana mode and the katakana mode. In the alphanumeric mode, even if the input method designation key 2023 is operated, the input is invalidated.

Cursor key 2026, conversion key 2027
The above is basically the same as the conventional one. Therefore,
A description of these is omitted.

Next, the keyboard controller 22 will be described.

The keyboard controller 22 detects a key operation on the keyboard 20 and outputs a signal (key data) indicating the content of the detected key operation to the processing device 1.
Is output to. The operation state of the keyboard 20 is detected and output to the processing device 1 at predetermined time intervals regardless of whether the keyboard 20 is operated.

The processing device 1 is composed of a microprocessor, a ROM, and a RAM in terms of hardware. Then, the microprocessor executes predetermined arithmetic processing using the programs and data stored in the ROM or the like to realize various functions (or processing units for performing the functions) described later. There is. FIG. 1 shows a configuration realized in the processing device 1.

The processing device 1 internally includes an interrupt processing unit 10, a key code table 11, a key code buffer 12, a key code acquisition BIOS 13, an edit processing unit 14, and a display processing unit 15. It is composed of.

The interrupt processing unit 10 monitors an input signal (key data) from the key code controller 22 to determine whether or not a character key is operated on the keyboard 20, and further, the operation is a new operation of the character key. Or
Alternatively, it has a function of identifying whether the same character key as before is kept pressed.
In the case of a new operation, the key code definition table 11 is referred to, and the function of acquiring the key code of the character / symbol associated with the operated character key and the input mode thereof is provided. There is. Then, the acquired key code is stored in the key code buffer 12. on the other hand,
If the same character key is kept pressed, it has a function of sequentially displaying the characters assigned to the character key.

When the input mode designation key is operated, the input mode ([alphanumeric] mode, [alphanumeric + shift] mode, [hiragana] mode, [hiragana + shift] mode, [katakana] mode is selected. , [Katakana + shift] mode).

The key code definition table 11 is a signal (key data) output from the keyboard controller 22.
And the input mode and the key code of the character and the symbol associated with the key data in each input mode are associated with each other. An example of the key code definition table will be described later with reference to FIG.

The key code buffer 12 is for storing the key code acquired by the interrupt processing unit 10 and the input mode in which the key code is defined in association with each other. Since a plurality of characters (key codes) are assigned to one character key in the keyboard 20, the key code buffer 12 also stores a plurality (six maximum in this embodiment) of key codes and input modes at the same time. You can do it.

The key code acquisition BIOS 13 acquires one of the six key codes stored in the key code buffer 12 and outputs it to the edit processing unit 14. The key code acquired from the key code buffer 12 is in accordance with the instruction from the interrupt processing unit 10.
It will be changed sequentially.

The edit processing section 14 uses the key code BIOS1.
The position or the like for displaying the character or the like corresponding to the key code input from 3 is determined. Then, the display processing unit 15 is instructed to display the character. Also, the interrupt processing unit 1
According to the instruction from 0, a predetermined edit process is executed on the already input character data, and an instruction to display the process result is output.

The display processing unit 15 creates data to be displayed on the display device 3 according to the instruction from the editing processing unit 14. In addition, the image data of the characters required at this time,
The one stored in the character generator 16 is used.

The display device 3 actually displays the data instructed by the processing device 1. In this embodiment, a CRT is used.

Next, an example of the key code definition table 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, in this embodiment, the concept of "input mode" is adopted in which the character type mode is further divided based on whether or not the shift key 2024 is operated. Therefore, the key code definition table 11 is also adapted to this. The key code definition table 11 includes key data 110 indicating each character key (to be precise, a signal sent from the keyboard controller),
The key code assigned to each input mode is stored in association with each other. For example, in the key data 110a (note: it is left blank in the figure), "8" in the [alphanumeric] mode,
In [alphanumeric + shift] mode, "8" is [Hiragana]
"Yu" is assigned to the mode, "Yu" is assigned to the [Hiragana + Shift] mode, "Yu" is assigned to the [Katakana] mode, and "U" is assigned to the [Katakana + Shift] mode. In addition, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, FIG.
Although characters such as 8 "and" Yu "are described, the key codes indicating these characters are actually stored.

FIG. 4 shows a part of the data stored in the RAM in the processing apparatus 1. A key code buffer 12 is provided in the RAM. Key code buffer 12
Is provided with an area 120 for storing a key code and an area 122 for storing an input mode in which each key code is defined. For example, in the area 122a, the area 12
The input mode in which the key code stored in 0 is defined is stored. In addition, a return input mode storage area 100 for storing an input mode, a current input mode storage area 102, and a key data storage area 104 are provided on the RAM. These are for storing information necessary for actual operation. Specific data stored in these and how to use them will be described in the operation description.

In the present embodiment, the "control means" and "determination means" referred to in the claims mean that the interrupt processing unit 10, the key code buffer 12, the key code acquisition BIOS, etc., operate in cooperation with each other. It will be realized. "Notification means" and "notification device" mean a CRT
3, the display processing unit 15 and the like.
The "return information" means the return input mode storage area 10
It corresponds to the information stored in 0.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the following description, the characterizing portion of this embodiment, that is, by keeping the same character key pressed, the characters assigned to the character key are sequentially displayed. In addition, the description will focus on appropriately changing the input mode itself. In addition, here, it is assumed that the kana input method is used for inputting hiragana and katakana.

After starting, the interrupt processing unit 10 waits for a signal periodically sent from the keyboard controller 22 and enters a standby state (step 500). As described above, the keyboard controller 22 detects the operation state of the keyboard 20 at every predetermined time regardless of whether any key is actually operated, and continues to output the result at every predetermined time. ing.

Upon receiving the signal from the keyboard controller 22, the interrupt processing section 10 confirms the content,
It is determined whether or not any key operation is performed (step 505). Note that, regarding the shift key 2024, both pressing and releasing the shift key 2024 are included in the key operation here.

If no key operation has been performed, the interrupt processing unit 100 erases the contents of the key data memory 104 (step 507), and then returns to step 500 to enter the standby state again. If a key operation has been performed,
Then, it is determined whether the operated key is the control key (step 510). If it is a control key, it is further determined whether or not the control key is an input mode designating key (step 515). If it is not the input mode designating key, the interrupt processing unit 10 proceeds to step 520 and executes the processing separately defined for the control key. If it is the input mode designation key, the input mode corresponding to the key operation is set to the current input mode storage area 10
0 and the return input mode storage area 102 are registered (step 525). After this, the process returns to step 500 again to enter the standby state again.

After this, the return input mode area 100
The input mode registered in is simply referred to as the "return input mode" at that time, and the current input mode area 10
The input mode stored in 2 is simply referred to as the "current input mode" at that time.

If the result of determination in step 510 is that it is not a control key (that is, if it was a character key that was operated), the interrupt processing unit 10 refers to the key data storage area 104, The key data entered this time is
It is determined whether or not it matches the key data input last time (step 530). As a result, if the two match, it is considered that the character key that was operated last time is still being pressed, and step 55 is performed.
Go to 0. On the contrary, if they are different, it is considered that the key operation up to the previous time is completed or that a new character key is operated, and the process proceeds to step 535.

In principle, even when the same character key is operated a plurality of times consecutively (for example, when "88" is input), it is possible to match the current key data with the previous key data in this way. There is a nature. However, in practice, the interval at which the keyboard controller 22 detects the operation state of the keyboard 20 is sufficiently faster than the speed at which a human operates the keyboard, and thus this is virtually impossible. Even if "8" and "8" are input twice in succession, there is a state where the key is not operated even for a short time (for human) between "8" and "8". Then, during this time, the key data indicating that the key is not operated is output from the keyboard controller 22.
Therefore, it is possible to clearly distinguish between the state where the same character key is pressed and the state where the same character key is continuously pressed a plurality of times. However, if the interval at which the keyboard controller 22 outputs a signal is too short, the displayed characters are changed in an extremely short time, which is rather difficult. Therefore, in step 530, when the same key data continues for a certain number of times or more, it may be determined that the same character key is still pressed.

In step 535, the interrupt processing unit 10 determines the character that has been displayed until then. In addition, the key data input this time is stored in the key data storage area 1
Store in 04. Along with this, the key data stored in the key data storage area 104 until this time is erased. After that, the interrupt processing unit 10 refers to the key code definition table 11 and performs all of the key codes defined for the key data and the input modes in which the key code is defined (in the present embodiment, , Up to 6
Read). Then, these are stored in the key code buffer 12 (step 540).

Further, the interrupt processing unit 10 gives an instruction to the key code BIOS 13 to display the character corresponding to the return input mode at that time at the next position on the display screen of the display device 3 (step 545). . In response to this, the key code BIOS 13 reads the key code in the return input mode from the key code buffer 12 and outputs it to the display processing unit 15 through the editing processing unit 14.
The display processing unit 15 acquires the image information necessary for displaying the character (key code) from the character generator 16 and displays it on the display device 3. Then, the process returns to step 500 again to enter the standby state.

If the result of determination in step 530 is that they are the same character key, the interrupt processing unit 10 sends an instruction to the keyboard BIOS 13 to replace the character currently being displayed with the next character in the key code buffer 12. Display the character corresponding to the key code stored in the column. Further, the input mode in which the newly displayed character (key code) is defined is acquired by referring to the area 122, and this is registered as the current input mode (step 550). For example, the key code of the currently displayed character is the area 120
If it is stored in (b), the area 120 (c)
Display the character corresponding to the key code stored in. The input mode stored in the area 122 (c) is set as the current input mode.

After that, the current input mode is [alphanumeric].
It is determined whether the mode, the [Hiragana] mode, or the [Katakana] mode is applicable (step 560). As a result, if any of the above is true, the current input mode at that time is also registered as the return input mode (step 565). Then, the process returns to step 500. On the other hand, if none of the above three, that is, the current input mode is [alphanumeric + shift] mode,
[Hiragana + Shift] mode and [Katakana + Shift]
If it is one of the modes, the process returns to step 500 without doing anything. That is, step 500 to step 530 and step 550 to step 565 are repeatedly executed while the same character key is kept pressed. Therefore, during this period, the characters defined for the character key are sequentially displayed on the display device 3. For example, in the hiragana mode, when the character key 2028 is pressed for the first time and kept as it is, the display device 3 first displays "Yu", as shown in FIG.
Then, "yu" → "you" → "yu" → "8" → "("
→ “Yu” →…, are displayed in sequence.

Further, when the character key 2028 is released while "yo" is displayed, the "yo" is fixed and remains displayed. However, in this case "yo"
The [katakana + shift] mode defined by is not registered as a return mode. Therefore, when any one of the keys is operated next, the input is started in the "katakana" mode. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
Even after confirming "Hi" in the [Hiragana + Shift] mode, when you operate the character key 2029, the first [Hiragana]
The mode "or" is displayed. After inputting the desired hiragana in this way, the conversion key 2027 can be operated to obtain kanji.

Of the six input modes, one of the three most frequently used modes ([alphanumeric] mode, [hiragana] mode, [katakana] mode) should be registered as the return input mode. Even when the input mode is changed by pressing and holding the same character key, the initial state when entering the next character is [alphanumeric] mode, which is frequently used, and [Hiragana]. Either the mode or the [Katakana] mode is automatically set. The user may be allowed to select an input mode that can be the return input mode.
In this way, for example, a user who rarely uses English can set only the [Hiragana] mode and [Katakana] as the return input mode, which further improves the operability.

According to the embodiment described above, the input mode specifying operation can be facilitated. This greatly improves the work efficiency of document input. In addition, operation mistakes are reduced. Furthermore, considering the frequency of use of input mode,
It is easier to use because it is given priority. The order of changing the input mode is as follows:
Not limited. For example, [alphanumeric] mode → [Hiragana]
Mode → [Katakana] mode → [Alpha + Shift] mode → [Hiragana + Shift] mode → [Katakana + Shift]
The order of the modes is good.

Although not mentioned in the above description, in the case of the Roman character input method, when the display corresponding to the [Hiragana] mode is performed, the alphabet being input at that time (the character whose display is sequentially updated) is displayed. , Romaji-kana conversion may be performed between the alphabet displayed immediately before the alphabet and the result may be displayed. In order to input "wa", if the key "ha" is operated and "a" is kept pressed, this is converted into "wa" and displayed in the "Hiragana" mode.

Without performing such a special process, always use the hiragana designation key or katakana designation key to move from the alphanumeric mode to the hiragana mode (or katakana mode, etc.) by the Roman character input method. However, there is no problem in practical use. This is because there are practically no scenes where only one hiragana or katakana exists in many alphabets or symbols. Usually, a large number of hiragana, katakana, and kanji appear consecutively. In other words, the operation of shifting from the alphanumeric mode to the Hiragana mode (or Katakana mode) by Roman time input is not necessary frequently.

After the input mode is changed, the character corresponding to the input mode may always be displayed first without introducing the concept of the return input mode. In this case, the information stored in the key code definition table and the key code buffer does not need to include the information indicating the input mode in which the character is defined. In this case, the interrupt processing unit 10 may simply instruct the key code BIOS to display the character corresponding to the key code stored in the "next column" of the key code buffer 12.

In the above embodiment, the input mode designating key is provided so that the conventional input mode changing operation can be performed. However, these may be eliminated. With this configuration, the number of keys provided on the keyboard 20 can be reduced, and the device can be downsized. In particular, these input mode designating keys (particularly shift keys) are often large-sized keys because they are frequently operated. Therefore, the effect of miniaturization is great, and it is particularly suitable for a portable information processing device. Further, the character assigned to one key is not limited to the JIS method, the QWERTY method, or the like. For example, one row key may be assigned to one key, and another row tone may be assigned to another key.

In the above embodiment, when the same character key is continuously pressed, the characters corresponding to the character key are sequentially displayed as images on the display device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reading of the character may be sequentially notified by voice. In this way, even a physically handicapped person with a visual impairment can easily change the input mode. In addition, the input characters can be confirmed at the same time. The input mode designating key is generally arranged on the outermost side in the key arrangement, and an erroneous operation is likely to occur only by the blind touch, so such an effect is great. The effect is naturally useful not only for visually impaired persons but also for persons without disabilities. It should be noted that, for a person without a failure, an alarm may simply be used to notify that the input mode has been changed. You may make it notify using both a voice and an image.

In the above-described embodiment, the keys on the keyboard and the characters actually input are associated with each other via signals and codes such as key data and key codes (eg, key code definition table, character generator). . However, this is merely for convenience of signal processing, and in principle, the key and the input character are directly associated with each other.

In the above-described embodiment, the processing device 1 is provided with the key code table 11, the key code buffer 12, the key code acquisition BIOS 13, and the interrupt processing unit 10, and the input device 2 itself is the same as the conventional one. It only outputs the key data indicating. However, the input device 2 may include the key code table 11 and the like so that the key code is output to the processing device 1. In this case, of course, if the same key is kept pressed,
During this period, the key code output by the input device 2 also changes sequentially. Therefore, the processing device 1 only needs to have a function of displaying the character corresponding to the key code output from the input device 2.

In the above embodiment, the time during which the key is kept pressed is directly measured to display characters (or input mode).
Is not changed, but in effect, processing equivalent to this is performed. It goes without saying that the time may be measured directly.

The processing device 1, the input device 2 and the display device 3 are
It does not necessarily have to be configured separately. Two or three of these may be integrated into an information processing device. The functions of the present invention may be provided in the input device itself.

The method of selecting any of the characters displayed sequentially while the key is pressed is not limited to the method shown in the above embodiment. For example, when a key is pressed for a certain period of time or longer, even if the key is subsequently released, the characters assigned to the key are displayed sequentially,
A separately provided switch (for example, a mouse button) may be used to input an instruction to select one of them.

[0085]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily specify a character type and the like. This greatly improves the work efficiency of document input. In addition, operation mistakes are reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a keyboard 20.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a key code definition table 11.

FIG. 4 is an example of data stored in a RAM included in the processing device 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation.

FIG. 6 is a chart showing timing of changing display characters.

FIG. 7 is an example of a screen display showing how the display characters are changed.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Processing device, 2 ... Input device, 3 ... Display device, 10 ... Interrupt processing part, 11 ... Key code table, 12 ... Key code buffer, 13 ... Key code acquisition BIOS, 14 ... Edit processing section, 15
...... Display processing unit, 16 …… Character generator,
20 ... Keyboard, 22 ... Keyboard controller, 100 ... Return input mode storage area, 102 ...
… Current input mode storage area, 104 …… Key data storage area, 200 …… Character key, 2020 …… Hiragana designation key, 2021 …… Katakana mode designation key, 2
022 ... Alphanumeric designation key, 2023 ... Input method designation key, 2024 ... Shift key, 2025 ... Conversion key, 2026 ......... Cursor key, 2027 ...
… Run key, 2028 …… Line feed key, 2029 ……
Cancel key,

Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Office reference number FI technical display location H03M 11/12

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus which is connected to an input device and an informing device for output, wherein the input device is configured to include a keyboard and outputs key data indicating an operated key. The notification device notifies the user of the character when a signal indicating the character is input from the outside. The information processing device includes the key data output by the input device and one or more characters. When a key data is input from the input device, a storage means having a definition table defining the above and the above is acquired, the character associated with the key data is acquired by referring to the definition table, and Either a control means for sequentially outputting a corresponding signal (hereinafter referred to as “character signal”) to the notification device or a character notified by the notification means according to the character signal is selected. For, it accepts the selection instruction inputted through the input device, and having a determining means for determining the selected character as the input character, the. 2. An information processing device connected to an input device for output, wherein the input device is configured to include a keyboard and outputs key data indicating a key operated on the keyboard. The information processing apparatus includes a storage unit having a definition table that defines key data output from the input device and one or more characters, and the definition table when key data is input from the input device. Corresponding to the character signal output from the control means, which acquires a character associated with the key data and sequentially outputs signals corresponding to the character (hereinafter referred to as "character signal"). The input device for notifying the user of the character to be notified and the character to be notified by the notification device according to the character signal. It accepts the selection instruction input Te, and having a determining means for determining the selected character as the input character, the. 3. An information processing device connected to and output from a notification device, wherein the notification device notifies the user of the character when a signal indicating the character is input from the outside. The processing device includes a keyboard, and defines input means for outputting key data indicating a key operated on the keyboard, key data output by the input means, and one or more characters. When the key data is input from the storage means having the definition table and the input means, a character corresponding to the key data is acquired by referring to the definition table, and a signal corresponding to the character (hereinafter "Character signal") for sequentially outputting to the notification device, and for selecting any of the characters notified by the notification device according to the character signal It accepts the selection instruction inputted through the input device, and having a determining means for determining the selected character as the input character, the. 4. An input means configured to include a keyboard, for outputting key data indicating an operated key, and an informing means for informing the user of the character when a signal indicating the character is input from the outside. , Storing means having a definition table defining key data output by the input means and one or more characters, and referring to the definition table when key data is input from the input means A control unit that acquires a character associated with the key data and sequentially outputs a signal corresponding to the character (hereinafter referred to as "character signal") to the notification unit, and the notification unit according to the character signal. Deciding means for accepting a selection instruction inputted through the input device for selecting any one of the characters notified by the means, and deciding the selected character as an input character, Characterized in that it has. 5. The control means determines whether or not the same key is still being pressed, and the character signal of the character signal is output only when the same key is still being pressed. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output is continued. 6. The confirming means confirms, as the input character, a character corresponding to a character signal output when the key that was kept pressed is released. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4. 7. The definition table also includes input mode information common to the respective key data for identifying any one of a plurality of characters associated with one key data. The control means is provided with return information designating any one of the input mode information, and when the output of the character signal of the character corresponding to certain key data is started, the control information is designated. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the character specified by the input mode information is first output. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the return information is configured to be changeable. 9. The control means specifies the input mode information when the input mode information defined for the character confirmed as the input character by the determining means is predetermined. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information is return information. 10. The input means comprises an input mode designating key for designating any one of a plurality of characters assigned to one key, and the input mode information is the input mode designating key. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is associated with an operation state. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the notifying means notifies the character by voice and / or image. 12. A method of changing an input mode in an information processing device having a keyboard, wherein the input mode is changed according to the length of time that the same key is kept pressed. Character input mode changing method characterized by. 13. A character input acceptance method in an information processing apparatus comprising a keyboard in which a plurality of characters are assigned to one key, the length of time during which the same key is kept pressed. According to, select any one of the characters assigned to the key and treat it as if the character was input.