Input device, and mobile terminal having the same

Abstract

Provided is an input device, which is not extremely lowered in its input efficiency even if the number of key depressions is reduced. The input device comprises an input key (9) having predetermined character-related information displayed in a predetermined area, a correspondence memory unit (71) for storing the predetermined area of the input key (9) and the predetermined character-related information correspondingly, an area detecting unit (70) for detecting what area of the input key (9) an article makes contact with, a selecting unit (72) for selecting the information stored in a manner to correspond to the area detected by the area detecting unit (70), as input information, depression detecting means (74) for detecting that the input key (9) has been depressed or released from its depression, and a deciding unit (75) for deciding the information selected by the selecting unit (72), as the input information, when it is detected by the depression detecting means (74) that the input key (9) has been depressed or released from its depression.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an input device for inputting information, and particularly relates to a technique for performing simple operations through an input device provided in a mobile terminal. Background technique [0002] FIG. 1 is an external view of a conventional mobile terminal. As shown in FIG. 1 , a conventional mobile terminal 100 is integrated with an operation unit 101 which is an input device, and further includes a display unit 102 , a speaker 103 , a microphone 104 and the like. [0003] Furthermore, input keys, function keys, selection keys, and determination keys are arranged on the operation unit 101 of the mobile terminal. The input keys are composed of 12 types of keys such as number keys from 0 to 9, * key, and # key. The function keys are used to call functions such as "clear", "note", and "mute". Generally, when operating a mobile terminal, a user holds the mobile terminal with one hand, and operates an input key, a f...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Even if only one character is entered, the user must go through the sequence, and in this case the input efficiency is significantly reduced

[0011] In addition, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 describes a structure in which a plurality of characters are allocated to one key, but there is a problem that it is difficult to recognize whether the input of the characters is completed or not.

[0012] As mentioned above, in the case of using the information processing device described in the above-mentioned patent document 1, although the number of key presses can be reduced, the input efficiency may be significantly reduced, which may not necessarily reduce the mental and physical burden on the user.

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