JP5345407B2 - Name input device and name input method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a name input apparatus and a name input method, and more particularly to an apparatus for inputting a name using a software keyboard on which a list of 50 sounds or alphabets is displayed.

  In general, a navigation device that guides driving of a vehicle not only displays a map around the current location, but also has a function of automatically setting and guiding a guidance route from the current location to the destination by specifying the destination. ing. In this type of navigation device, various methods are prepared as a user interface for inputting a destination. Among them, there is a method of inputting a name such as a facility name or a point name with 50 sounds or alphabets.

  In this destination setting mode by name input, a software keyboard is displayed on the screen, and each character is sequentially selected by a touch panel or a remote controller. In the case of a touch panel, the user repeatedly performs an operation of touching a part where a desired character is displayed on the software keyboard with a finger one character at a time. In the case of a remote control, for example, the cursor on the software keyboard is moved by tilting the joystick up, down, left, or right, and the decision button is pressed while the cursor is placed on the desired character, and then the operation is repeated character by character. Go.

  At this time, every time one character is input, the navigation device compares the character string input so far with the character string of the name data registered in the map database. Then, characters not included in the next candidate are grayed out and the software keyboard is displayed, and the input operation for the character key is not accepted. This makes it easier for the user to find the character key of the next input candidate and facilitates the input operation of the character key.

  In the case of inputting Roman characters by operating the software keyboard with an input pen, when one or more alphabets are entered, the alphabet of the next input candidate is obtained by searching the Roman alphabet conversion rule table, and the obtained alphabet is A technique for selectively enlarging and displaying a corresponding character key has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-9-160910

  According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the area of the key display of the next input candidate is increased, it is possible to easily find the character key of the next input candidate and to reduce erroneous input operations. However, in the prior art including this Patent Document 1, depending on the position where the character key of the next input candidate is arranged on the software keyboard, the finger movement distance (in the case of the touch panel) or the cursor movement distance (in the case of the remote control) ) Is large, and there is a problem that it takes time to perform an input operation.

  In addition, the technique described in Patent Document 1 can be applied only to a device that inputs Roman characters. That is, in the case of 50-tone input or alphabet input, the number of characters of the next input candidate increases. In particular, the smaller the number of input characters (the number of characters in the already input character string), the larger the number of characters for the next input candidate. For this reason, the character key of the obtained next input candidate cannot be selectively enlarged and displayed.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and in a case where a software keyboard is operated to input 50-sounds or alphabets, the time required for character key input operation is shortened, and An object is to reduce erroneous input operations.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, when an input operation is performed on a character key, one or more candidates to be input next with respect to one or more name data including a character string input so far As characters, the top n next input candidate characters are extracted in descending order of the number of hits in the name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character. Then, the character keys corresponding to the extracted n next input candidate characters are enlarged and displayed around the character key on which the input operation has been performed.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, when one character key is operated, a character to be a next input candidate is displayed around the character key as a character key different from the software keyboard. Therefore, if the desired character key is included in the character keys displayed around the operated character key (hereinafter referred to as the operation key), the next character key can be moved with a small movement amount of the finger or the cursor. Will be able to operate.

  Here, the number of character keys displayed around the operation keys is limited to n, but these are the top n extracted in descending order of the corresponding number of name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character. This is a character key corresponding to the next input candidate character. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a desired character key is included in the character keys displayed around the operation keys. As a result, when inputting desired name data one character at a time using 50-tone input or alphabet input, the rate at which the next character key can be operated with a small amount of movement of the finger or cursor is increased, and a series of character keys The time required for the input operation can be shortened.

  Further, according to the present invention, the number of character keys displayed around the operation keys is limited to n, so that the number of next input candidate characters is large when inputting 50 sounds or alphabets. Also, the character key of the next input candidate character can be enlarged and displayed. By enlarging and displaying the character keys in this way, it is possible to increase the size of the character key to be operated, and to facilitate the input operation on the character key, and it is possible to reduce erroneous input operations.

It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of the name input device by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the screen displayed on a display by the name input device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the screen displayed on a display by the name input device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of a transition of the screen displayed on a display by the name input device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of a transition of the screen displayed on a display by the name input device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of a screen displayed on a display by the name input device of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation example of the name input device by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of a screen displayed on a display by the name input device of this embodiment.

  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 example of the name input device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the name input device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a software keyboard display unit 11, an operation reception unit 12, a buffer 13, a name data storage unit 14, a next input candidate character extraction unit 15, and a functional configuration thereof. A character key enlargement display unit 16 is provided.

  The software keyboard display unit 11 displays on the screen of the display 20 a software keyboard that uses 50 tones or letters of the alphabet as character keys. In the present embodiment, the display 20 is a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel. The user repeats the operation of touching the part where the desired character is displayed on the software keyboard with a finger one by one, thereby inputting a name such as a facility name or a point name in 50 sounds or alphabets. Is possible.

  The operation accepting unit 12 accepts an input operation for a character key. Specifically, the operation accepting unit 12 detects an operation state such as which character key is touched on the touch panel, which character key is subjected to a tracing operation, or whether a finger is released from the character key. . When the operation receiving unit 12 detects a touch operation or a tracing operation of a character key, the operation reception unit 12 sequentially stores character data representing characters specified by the operation in the buffer 13. As a result, an already input character string is formed from the sequence of character data stored in the buffer 13. Further, when detecting that the finger has been released from the character key (touch panel), the operation accepting unit 12 notifies the character key enlarged display unit 16 to that effect.

  Character keys that the operation accepting unit 12 accepts input operations include characters displayed separately from the software keyboard by the character key enlargement display unit 16 described later, in addition to the character keys on the software keyboard displayed by the software keyboard display unit 11. Contains a key. In other words, when the character key enlarged display unit 16 performs enlarged display of the character key, the operation accepting unit 12 accepts an input operation on the enlarged character key in addition to the character key on the software keyboard. Although described later in detail, the above-described touch operation of the touch panel can be performed on the enlarged character key.

  The name data storage unit 14 stores a plurality of name data representing names such as facility names and spot names as a database. When the name data is Japanese, the name data has 50-character data (reading kana data) one by one from the beginning to the end of the name. When the name data is English, the name data has alphabetic character data from the beginning to the end of the name.

  Each time the operation receiving unit 12 receives an input operation for a character key, the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 is represented by an already input character string (a series of character data stored in the buffer 13) input so far. ) And character strings of a plurality of name data stored in the name data storage unit 14, and among the next input candidate characters to be input next for the name data including the already input character string, the already input character string Then, the top n (n is an integer of 1 or more) next input candidate characters having a large number of hits in the name data including the next input candidate characters are extracted.

  The character key expansion display unit 16 expands the character keys corresponding to the n next input candidate characters extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 around the character keys for which the operation reception unit 12 has received the input operation. To display. The character keys enlarged and displayed by the character key enlargement display unit 16 are different from the software keyboard. Specifically, the character key enlargement display unit 16 sets n next input candidate characters around the character key that the operation receiving unit 12 has received the input operation regardless of the arrangement of the character keys on the software keyboard. The corresponding character key is displayed on the software keyboard.

  For example, when a character key on the software keyboard is touched, the character key enlarged display unit 16 touches a character key corresponding to n next input candidate characters extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15. Enlarged display around the selected character key. In addition, when the tracing operation is performed on the character key thus enlarged, the character key enlarged display unit 16 corresponds to n next input candidate characters extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15. The character key to be displayed is enlarged and displayed around the character key subjected to the tracing operation. The character key enlarged display unit 16 deletes the enlarged display of the character key when receiving a notification from the operation accepting unit 12 that the finger has been released from the character key.

  FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are diagrams showing transition examples of screens displayed on the display 20 by the name input device 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above. Here, a case where 50 sounds are input as “Fukushima” will be described as an example. FIG. 2A is a screen example in an initial state in which no character key input operation is performed, and illustrates a software keyboard 30.

  FIG. 2B shows an example of a screen in a state where the “F” character key is touched. When the operation accepting unit 12 accepts a touch operation on the “fu” character key, the operation accepting unit 12 stores the character data of “fu” in the buffer 13. The next input candidate character extraction unit 15 stores the already input character string (in this case, a single character “F”) represented by a series of character data stored in the buffer 13 and the name data storage unit 14. Compare multiple character string of name data. Then, among the next input candidate characters to be input next for the name data including the already input character string “F”, the top n number (for example, the number of hits of the name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character) is large. The next input candidate character of n = 4) is extracted.

  In the example of FIG. 2B, a group of name data including “ku” next to “fu”, a group of name data including “shi” after “fu”, and the next of “fu”. The name data of a group including “to” and the name data of a group including “se” next to “fu” are the top four name data having a large number of registrations in the name data storage unit 14. It shows that there is. In this case, the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 extracts the top four next input candidate characters “ku”, “shi”, “and” “se” in descending order of the number of hits in the name data.

  The character key enlarged display unit 16 corresponds to the four next input candidate characters “ku” “shi” “and” “se” extracted by the next input candidate character extracting unit 15, as shown in FIG. The four character keys to be displayed are enlarged and displayed around the touched “F” character key. In the example of FIG. 2B, the “F” character key that has been touched is enlarged and displayed.

  At this time, the character key enlargement display unit 16 displays character keys corresponding to the four next input candidate characters “ku”, “shi”, “and” “se” extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 with the number of hits. Character keys corresponding to more higher next input candidate characters are arranged and displayed at positions closer to the center 40 of the software keyboard 30. In the example of FIG. 2B, the number of names of a group including “ku” next to “fu” is the largest, followed by “shi” or “to” next to “fu”. Name data of one group, and the fourth shows that the number of corresponding name data of one group including “se” after “fu” is large.

  FIG. 3A shows an example of a screen in a state where the finger is slid from the “F” character key in FIG. 2B and the “KU” character key on the left side is touched (tracing operation). When the touch operation for the character key “ku” is received, the operation receiving unit 12 stores the character data “ku” in the buffer 13. The next input candidate character extraction unit 15 stores the already input character string (in this case, the character string “Fuku”) represented by a series of character data stored in the buffer 13 and the name data storage unit 14. Compare multiple character string of name data. Then, among the next input candidate characters to be input next for the name data including the already input character string “Fuku”, the top four next inputs having a large number of hits of the name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character Extract candidate characters.

  In the example of FIG. 3A, a group of name data including “chi” after “fu”, a group of name data including “shi” after “fu”, and the next of “fu”. The name data of one group including “ya” and the name data of one group including “o” next to “fuku” are the name data of the top four groups having a large number of registrations in the name data storage unit 14. It shows that there is. In this case, the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 extracts the top four next input candidate characters “O”, “SHI”, “YA” and “CHI” in descending order of the number of hits in the name data.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the character key enlarged display unit 16 corresponds to the four next input candidate characters “O”, “Shi”, “Ya” and “Chi” extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15. The four character keys to be displayed are enlarged and displayed around the character key “KU” touched second. In the example of FIG. 3A, the “ku” character key that is touch-operated is also enlarged and displayed. At this time, the character key expansion display unit 16 displays the character keys corresponding to the four next input candidate characters “O”, “SHI”, “YA” and “CHI” extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 with the corresponding number. Character keys corresponding to more higher next input candidate characters are arranged and displayed at positions closer to the center 40 of the software keyboard 30.

  FIG. 3B shows an example of a screen in a state in which a finger is slid from the character key “ku” in FIG. 3A and the character key “shi” on the upper side is touched (tracing operation). When the touch operation on the character key “shi” is accepted, the operation receiving unit 12 stores the character data “shi” in the buffer 13. The next input candidate character extraction unit 15 stores the already input character string (a character string of “fukushi” in this case) represented by a series of character data stored in the buffer 13 and the name data storage unit 14. Compare multiple character string of name data. Then, among the next input candidate characters to be input next for the name data including the already input character string “fukushi”, the top four next inputs having a large number of hits of the name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character Extract candidate characters.

  In the example of FIG. 3B, a group of name data including “ma” after “fushi”, a group of name data including “ki” after “fushi”, and the next of “fuku”. The name data of a group including “ri” and the name data of a group including “ta” after “fukushi” are the name data of the top four groups having a large number of registrations in the name data storage unit 14. It shows that there is. In this case, the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 extracts the top four next input candidate characters “ma”, “ki”, “ri”, and “ta” in descending order of the number of hits in the name data.

  The character key enlarged display unit 16 corresponds to the four next input candidate characters “ma”, “ki”, “ri”, “ta” extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 as shown in FIG. The four character keys to be displayed are enlarged and displayed around the character key “SH” touched third. In the example of FIG. 3B, the character key of “SH” that has been touched is also enlarged and displayed. At this time, the character key enlargement display unit 16 displays the character keys corresponding to the four next input candidate characters “ma”, “ki”, “ri”, and “ta” extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 with the corresponding number. Character keys corresponding to more higher next input candidate characters are arranged and displayed at positions closer to the center 40 of the software keyboard 30.

  A series of character strings “Fukushima” is displayed by dragging the “ma” character key below “shi” in a state where the four character keys are enlarged as shown in FIG. Can be entered. Thereafter, when the finger is released from the “ma” character key, the operation receiving unit 12 detects that fact and notifies the character key enlarged display unit 16 that the finger has been released. Upon receiving this notification, the character key enlargement display unit 16 erases the character key that has been enlarged. Thereby, the screen of the display 20 returns to the state where only the original software keyboard 30 is displayed.

  FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams showing other transition examples of the screen displayed on the display 20 by the name input device 10 of the present embodiment. Here, a case where 50 sounds are input as “Osaka” will be described as an example. FIG. 4A is a screen example in an initial state in which no character key input operation is performed, and illustrates the software keyboard 30.

  FIG. 4B shows a screen example in a state where the character key “O” is touched. When the operation receiving unit 12 receives a touch operation on the character key “O”, the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 selects the next input candidate character to be input next for the name data including the already input character string “O”. Among them, the top two next input candidate characters having a large number of hits in the name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character are extracted. In the example of FIG. 4B, the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 extracts the top two next input candidate characters “o” and “ka” in descending order of the number of hits in the name data. Here, the reason why the top two next input candidate characters are extracted instead of the top four is because the touched “o” character key is arranged at a position corresponding to the lower left corner of the software keyboard 30, so This is because the character keys cannot be enlarged and displayed at the two lower positions.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the character key enlargement display unit 16 includes two character keys corresponding to the two next input candidate characters “o” and “ka” extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15. Is enlarged and displayed around the character key of the touched “O”. In the example of FIG. 4B, the “O” character key that has been touched is also enlarged and displayed. At this time, the character key enlargement display unit 16 displays the character keys corresponding to the two next input candidate characters “o” and “ka” extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 in the higher next input having a larger number of hits. Character keys corresponding to candidate characters are arranged and displayed at positions closer to the center 40 of the software keyboard 30.

  FIG. 5A shows an example of a screen in a state where a finger is slid from the “O” character key in FIG. 4B and the “O” character key on the right side is touched (race operation). When the operation receiving unit 12 receives a touch operation on the character key “O”, the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 selects the next input candidate character to be input next for the name data including the already input character string “O”. Among them, the top three next input candidate characters having a large number of hits in the name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character are extracted. In the example of FIG. 5A, the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 extracts the top three next input candidate characters “sa”, “shi”, and “ku” in descending order of the number of hits in the name data. The reason why the top three next input candidate characters are extracted instead of the top four is that the touched “o” character key is arranged at the position where it hits the lower end of the software keyboard 30. This is because the character key cannot be enlarged and displayed at one place.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the character key enlargement display unit 16 has three characters corresponding to the three next input candidate characters “sa”, “shi”, “ku” extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15. The character key is enlarged and displayed around the character key “O” touched second. In the example of FIG. 5A, the touched “O” character key is also enlarged. At this time, the character key expansion display unit 16 displays the character keys corresponding to the three next input candidate characters “sa”, “shi”, and “ku” extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 in a higher rank. Character keys corresponding to the next input candidate characters are arranged and displayed at positions closer to the center 40 of the software keyboard 30.

  FIG. 5B shows an example of a screen in a state in which a finger is slid from the “O” character key in FIG. 5A and the “SA” character key on the upper side is touched (race operation). When the operation accepting unit 12 accepts a touch operation on the character key “sa”, the next input candidate character extracting unit 15 selects the next input candidate character to be input next for the name data including the already inputted character string “Osa”. Among them, the top four next input candidate characters having a large number of hits in the name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character are extracted. In the example of FIG. 5B, the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 extracts the top four next input candidate characters “ka”, “ki”, “ma”, and “ta” in descending order of the number of hits in the name data.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the character key enlargement display unit 16 corresponds to the four next input candidate characters “ka” “ki” “ma” “ta” extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15. The four character keys to be displayed are enlarged and displayed around the character key “sa” touched third. In the example of FIG. 5B, the character key “sa” that has been touched is also enlarged and displayed. At this time, the character key expansion display unit 16 displays the character keys corresponding to the four next input candidate characters “ka”, “ki”, “ma”, “ta” extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15, and the number of hits Character keys corresponding to more higher next input candidate characters are arranged and displayed at positions closer to the center 40 of the software keyboard 30.

  With the four character keys enlarged as shown in FIG. 5B, the character string “Osaka” is displayed by dragging the character key “Ka” above “Sa”. Can be entered. Thereafter, when the finger is released from the “ka” character key, the operation receiving unit 12 detects that fact and notifies the character key enlarged display unit 16 that the finger has been released. Upon receiving this notification, the character key enlargement display unit 16 erases the character key that has been enlarged. Thereby, the screen of the display 20 returns to the state where only the original software keyboard 30 is displayed.

  In the example of FIGS. 2 to 5, all the character keys of the character string to be input with 50 sounds are enlarged and displayed by the character key enlargement display unit 16. However, the character that the user wants to input may not correspond to the top four next input candidate characters, and may not be enlarged as a character key. In that case, the user should just lift a finger from a touch panel. When the finger is released from the touch panel, the enlarged character key is erased and the screen of the display 20 returns to the state where only the original software keyboard 30 is displayed, so that the desired character key can be touch-operated. .

  Moreover, although the example of FIGS. 2-5 has shown the case where a desired name is input 50 sound, it is the same also when inputting a desired name alphabetically. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the character key “F” is touch-operated on the software keyboard 30 when a desired name is input alphabetically. In the example of FIG. 6, the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 includes the already input character string and the next input candidate character among the next input candidate characters to be input next for the name data including the already input character string “F”. The top four next input candidate characters “A”, “Z”, “W”, and “K” having a large number of hits in the name data are extracted.

  The character key enlargement display unit 16 touches four character keys corresponding to the four next input candidate characters “A”, “Z”, “W”, and “K” extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15. It is enlarged and displayed around the letter key “F”. Here, the character key “F” that has been touched is not enlarged. Even when inputting 50 names as shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, it is not essential to display the touched character key itself in an enlarged manner.

  Next, the operation of the name input device 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the name input device 10 according to the present embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 7 starts when the name input menu is selected. In FIG. 7, the software keyboard display unit 11 displays a software keyboard using 50 sounds or alphabetic characters as character keys on the screen of the display 20 (step S <b> 1).

  In this way, with the software keyboard displayed on the screen, the operation reception unit 12 determines whether or not there has been an input operation (touch operation) on the character key (step S2). Here, when the operation reception unit 12 receives a touch operation on the character key, the operation reception unit 12 stores character data corresponding to the received character key in the buffer 13 (step S3).

  Subsequently, the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 uses the already input character string represented by the series of character data stored in the buffer 13 and the character strings of the plurality of name data stored in the name data storage unit 14. Compared to the next input candidate characters to be input next to the already input character string for the name data including the already input character string, the top n items having the corresponding number of name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character Next input candidate characters (2 to 4 characters depending on the position where the character key is touched on the software keyboard) are extracted (step S4).

  Further, the character key enlargement display unit 16 receives an input operation of character keys corresponding to the n next input candidate characters extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 in step S4 together with the character keys on the software keyboard. As the character key, the operation accepting unit 12 enlarges and displays the character key around which the input operation (first touch operation in step S2) is accepted (step S5).

  Next, the operation accepting unit 12 determines whether or not there is an input operation (tracing operation) on the enlarged character key in a state where the upper n character keys are enlarged and displayed on the software keyboard ( Step S6). If the operation accepting unit 12 accepts a tracing operation on the enlarged character key, the process returns to step S3. In this case, the operation reception unit 12 stores character data corresponding to the received character key in the buffer 13 (step S3).

  Subsequently, the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 uses the already input character string represented by the series of character data stored in the buffer 13 and the character strings of the plurality of name data stored in the name data storage unit 14. Compared to the next input candidate characters to be input next to the already input character string for the name data including the already input character string, the top n items having the corresponding number of name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character (2 to 4) next input candidate characters are extracted (step S4).

  Further, the character key enlargement display unit 16 receives an input operation of character keys corresponding to the n next input candidate characters extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 in step S4 together with the character keys on the software keyboard. As the character key, the operation receiving unit 12 displays an enlarged display around the character key that has received the input operation (the tracing operation in step S6) (step S5). Similarly, the desired name is sequentially input character by character by repeating the processing of steps S3 to S6.

  On the other hand, when the operation accepting unit 12 determines in step S6 that there is no tracing operation on the enlarged character key, that is, when the finger is released from the character key, the character key enlarged display unit 16 The displayed character key is erased (step S7). Then, the process returns to step S1. As a result, only the original software keyboard is displayed on the screen of the display 20. Subsequently, the operation accepting unit 12 determines whether or not there is a touch operation on the character key on the software keyboard (step S2). If the operation accepting unit 12 accepts the touch operation on the character key, the process of step S3 is performed. Proceed to

  On the other hand, when the operation reception unit 12 determines that the touch operation on the character key on the software keyboard is not received, it is determined whether or not to end the name input process. This determination may be made by, for example, the operation accepting unit 12 having a stop button (not shown) for ending the name input process or a search button (see FIG. 5) for searching for a facility or point corresponding to the name of the input character string. (Not shown) is detected by detecting that it has been operated. If it is determined that the end of the name input process has not been instructed, the process returns to step S2 and waits until any character key is touched. On the other hand, when it is determined that the end of the name input process is instructed by the operation of the stop button or the search button, the process of this flowchart is ended.

  As described above in detail, in this embodiment, when an input operation on a character key (touch operation on a character key on a software keyboard, drag operation on an enlarged character key) has been performed, the input has been performed so far. As the one or more candidate characters to be input next for one or more name data including a character string, the top n next input candidate characters in descending order of the number of hits of name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character To extract. Then, the character keys corresponding to the extracted n next input candidate characters are enlarged and displayed around the character key on which the input operation has been performed.

  According to the name input device 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above, when one character key is operated, the next input candidate character is enlarged and displayed around the character key as a character key different from the software keyboard. . Therefore, if the desired character key is included in the enlarged character keys around the operation key, the next character key can be operated with a small movement amount of the finger. In addition, since the surrounding character keys are enlarged and displayed, erroneous input operations can be reduced.

  Here, the number of character keys displayed around the operation keys is limited to n, but these are the top n extracted in descending order of the corresponding number of name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character. This is a character key corresponding to the next input candidate character. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a desired character key is included in the character keys displayed around the operation keys. As a result, when inputting desired name data one character at a time using 50-sound input or alphabet input, the rate at which the next character key can be operated with a small amount of finger movement is increased, and a series of character keys are input. The time required for the operation can be shortened.

  In the present embodiment, the character keys corresponding to the next input candidate characters extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 are arranged at positions closer to the center of the software keyboard as the number of corresponding names data is larger. I have to. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the character keys from being enlarged and displayed around the software keyboard as much as possible, and the character keys of the next input candidate characters can be enlarged and displayed at four places, top, bottom, left and right as much as possible. Therefore, the possibility that a desired character key is included in the character keys displayed around the operation key can be increased.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the top four next input candidate characters are extracted and four character keys are enlarged and displayed on the top, bottom, left, and right of the operation keys has been described. However, the number is not necessarily limited to four. For example, the top eight next input candidate characters may be extracted and the eight character keys may be enlarged and displayed around the operation keys. Alternatively, the top 24 next input candidate characters may be extracted, and eight character keys may be enlarged and displayed around the operation keys, and further 16 character keys may be enlarged and displayed around the character keys. In this way, the rate at which the next character key can be operated with a small amount of finger movement can be increased.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the operation keys corresponding to the top n next input candidate characters are simply enlarged and displayed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the character keys corresponding to n next input candidate characters extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit 15 may be enlarged and further displayed together with the corresponding number of name data. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the screen in this case. Further, in order to make it easy to intuitively perceive the number of hits, as shown in FIG. 8, the character display size of the character key may be changed according to the hits. The display color may be changed instead of or in addition to the display size. In the example of the screen of FIG. 8, the larger the number of name data hits, the closer to the center of the software keyboard 30 is not arranged, but it is more preferable to arrange so. The screen example in FIG. 8 shows the case of alphabet input, but the same applies to the case of 50-sound input.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which expands and displays only a character key, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the above-described cancel button and search button may be enlarged and displayed around the operation keys. In this way, even when the stop button or the search button is operated, it is possible to reduce time and effort for the user to move the finger.

  However, if the stop button and the search button are enlarged and displayed around the operation keys, the number of character keys that can be enlarged is reduced by two. That is, when the next input candidate keys are displayed on the top, bottom, left, and right of the operation key, only two character keys for the next input candidates are displayed. Therefore, it is preferable to display more keys for the next input candidates around the operation keys. For example, the top six next input candidate characters are extracted, and six character keys, a stop button, and a search button are enlarged and displayed around the operation keys. The stop button and the search button are preferably arranged at a position farthest from the center of the software keyboard. This is because the input operation does not continue after the stop button or the search button is operated.

  Alternatively, at first, the search button is not enlargedly displayed around the operation key (only the character key is enlargedly displayed), and a series of character data (already inputted character string) stored in the buffer 13 is stored in the name data storage unit 14. The search button may be enlarged and displayed around the operation key from the time when it completely matches one of the name data.

  In the above embodiment, when the character that the user wants to input does not correspond to the top four next input candidate characters and is not enlarged as a character key, the character key on the software keyboard is released by releasing the finger from the touch panel. Although an example in which touch operation is performed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even when the character keys corresponding to the four next input candidate characters in the top 1 to 4 are enlarged and displayed, no character key is operated for a predetermined time and the finger is released from the touch panel. If there is no character key (that is, when a predetermined time has passed with the finger placed on the operation key), the character keys corresponding to the four next input candidate characters in the top 5th to 8th are switched to a state in which they are enlarged. May be. Similarly, when a predetermined time elapses with the finger placed on the operation key, the character keys corresponding to the four next input candidate characters in the top nine to twelfth are switched to a state of being enlarged. Also good. In this way, it is possible to always input a desired character with a small finger movement amount.

  In this case, it is necessary to wait for a predetermined time until the next four character keys are displayed. Therefore, the next display button for switching the display to the next four character keys may be included in the keys to be enlarged and displayed. In this case as well, it is preferable to display more keys for the next input candidates around the operation keys. For example, the top seven next input candidate characters may be extracted and the seven character keys and the next display button may be enlarged and displayed around the operation keys.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the display 20 was a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel, this invention is not limited to this. For example, a software keyboard or character keys displayed on the display 20 may be operated with a remote controller. In this case, the above-described touch operation of the touch panel corresponds to a tilt operation of a joystick provided in the remote controller or a pressing operation of a direction instruction button. When a remote controller is used instead of the touch panel, the next character key can be operated with a small moving distance of the cursor displayed on the screen (a small amount of operation of the joystick and the direction indication button).

  In the case of using the remote controller, the determination may be automatically made when the cursor is moved onto a desired character key, or may be determined after the determination button is pressed. In the latter case, if the direction is inadvertently given, it is possible to redo the instruction before pressing the enter button. Further, when the determination button is pressed, the operation key can be switched to the character key of the next input candidate character and displayed. For example, the character key of the next input candidate character can be enlarged and displayed at the position of the operation key itself in addition to the four positions of the operation key. That is, a total of five next input candidate characters can be extracted and the five character keys can be enlarged and displayed.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which applies the name input device 10 to the navigation apparatus which can search a plant | facility and a point by character input, other electronic devices (For example, audio which has a music search function by character input) It is also possible to apply to an apparatus.

  In addition, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Name input device 11 Software keyboard display part 12 Operation reception part 13 Buffer 14 Name data storage part 15 Next input candidate character extraction part 16 Character key expansion display part 20 Display

Claims (5)

A software keyboard display section for displaying a software keyboard having 50 sound or alphabetic characters as character keys on the screen;
An operation accepting unit for accepting an input operation on the character key;
A name data storage unit for storing a plurality of name data;
Each time the operation receiving unit receives an input operation on the character key, the input character string input so far is compared with the character strings of the plurality of name data stored in the name data storage unit, Among the next input candidate characters to be input next to the already input character string with respect to the name data including the already input character string, the top n number having the corresponding number of name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character A next input candidate character extraction unit for extracting next input candidate characters (n is an integer of 1 or more);
Character key enlargement display unit for enlarging and displaying character keys corresponding to n next input candidate characters extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit around the character keys for which the operation reception unit has received an input operation And
The operation accepting unit accepts an input operation on the enlarged character key in addition to the character key on the software keyboard when the character key enlarged display is performed by the character key enlarged display unit. Name input device characterized by. The character key enlargement display unit displays character keys corresponding to n next input candidate characters extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit, and character keys corresponding to higher next input candidate characters having a higher number of hits. The name input device according to claim 1, wherein the name input device is arranged and displayed at a position closer to the center of the software keyboard. 3. The character key expansion display unit displays character keys corresponding to n next input candidate characters extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit together with the corresponding number. Description name input device. The character key enlarged display unit includes a key for canceling the input operation and the already input character string in addition to the character keys corresponding to the n next input candidate characters extracted by the next input candidate character extraction unit. The name input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the keys for confirmation is displayed around a character key for which the operation receiving unit has received an input operation. A first step of accepting an input operation to the character key in a state where a software keyboard having a character key of 50 sounds or alphabets is displayed on the screen;
When an input operation for the character key is accepted in the first step, the input character string input so far is compared with character strings of a plurality of name data stored in the name data storage unit, Among the next input candidate characters to be input next to the already input character string with respect to the name data including the already input character string, the top n having a large number of hits of the name data including the already input character string and the next input candidate character A second step of extracting the next input candidate characters (n is an integer of 1 or more);
The character keys corresponding to the n next input candidate characters extracted in the second step are used as character keys for receiving an input operation together with the character keys on the software keyboard, around the character key that has received the input operation. And a third step of displaying in an enlarged manner.

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