INPUT APPARATUS, INPUT METHOD AND PROGRAM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates to an input apparatus, an input method and a program. More specifically, the present invention relates to an input apparatus, an input method and a program to control input candidates based on pressing operation against a displayed virtual key.

Description of the Related Art

[0002]
A hardware keyboard to input characters is frequently mounted on a personal digital assistant such as a cellular phone and a smart phone, and a remote control device for a personal computer, a car navigation system and the like. Hardware keyboards are classified into a type having single selection Information allocated to one key as a normal QWERTY keyboard (hereinafter, called a keyboard of a single selection type) and a type having plural selection Information allocated to one key as a numerical keypad to perform Japanese character inputting or alphabetical character inputting (hereinafter, called a keyboard of a plural selection type).

[0003]
In recent years, devices to perform character inputting as displaying a software keyboard on a display screen instead of a hardware keyboard eliminated from the devices targeting miniaturization, cost reduction, ruggedization and design
enhancement of the devices are becoming popular. In such cases, a touch panel or a touch-pad to detect touch-input or pen-input of an operator onto the display screen is frequently arranged at the devices. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in the case of operating a software keyboard 18 of a plural selection type, an operator is required to continuously tap a display screen to switch a selection state of one virtual key 18b such as the order of "A", "B" and "C". With continuous pressing by tapping, input operation is controlled by detecting contact and non-contact to the display screen.

Accordingly, with the continuous pressing utilizing a software keyboard, the operator is required to get his/her finger separated every time from the display screen. When a hardware keyboard is utilized, an operator can perform continuous pressing as maintaining his/her finger contacted to a key. Therefore, input operation with a 5 software keyboard puts a heavier burden on an operator and is more difficult to be performed rapidly compared to a case with a hardware keyboard.

[0004]

Further, in the case that characters allocated to the same virtual key 18c are
continuously input as "E" and "E", it is required to perform determination operation with another determination button for proceeding to the next input after selecting the
first character by tapping. Therefore, inputting is not efficiently performed.

[0005]

Further, also in the case to vary a state of selected characters such as
transform of "KA" to "GA" and "a" to "A", it is required to press a separately-arranged transform button and the like. This requirement causes
decrease in input efficiency. Two issues described above have been common issues
during operation of a hardware keyboard of the plural selection type in the related
art.

[0006]

In addition, same tactual feedback may not be obtained with a software
keyboard utilizing a touch panel or a touch-pad compared to operation with a
hardware keyboard, there has been an issue that typing errors increase.

[0007]
To address the issues, there has been proposed a method to detect press pressure applied to a virtual key of a software keyboard by utilizing a
pressure-sensitive sensor as mounting the pressure-sensitive sensor on a device and
to perform key inputting while obtaining tactual feedback by utilizing the press
pressure (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-119882).
With the operation method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-119882, only kana characters on the top line of the Japanese syllabify ("A",
"KA", "SA", "TA", "NA", "HA", "MA", "YA", "RA", "WA") are allocated
respectively to a virtual key. When a specific character (for example, "NA") is touched from the top line kana characters, grouped kana characters (for example, "NA", "NI", "NU", "NE", "NO") belonging to the top line kana character of the touched virtual key are displayed. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-119882, pressure threshold values are arranged stepwise to select each of the grouped kana characters and press pressure of the virtual key by an operational body is compared to the pressure threshold values arranged stepwise, so that any of the grouped kana characters belonging to the touched virtual key is selected. In this manner, the movement amount of a hand and a sight line of an operator can be reduced during inputting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009]
However, with the operation method disclosed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open No. 11-119882, the operator is required stepwise adjustment of the press pressure in order to select a desired grouped kana character. Since it is difficult to adjust the press amount of a finger, character selection errors may occur. In addition, since the press amount is adjusted stepwise while continuously pressing the display screen with the finger, a heavy burden is placed on the finger.

[0010]
In light of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide an input apparatus, an input method and a program capable of being operated efficiently and rapidly with desirable press operation. [0011]
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an
input apparatus including: a pressure detecting unit which detects press pressure of an operational body applied to a virtual key having one or more input candidates allocated selectively; and an input control unit which varies a selection state of the one or more input candidates selectively allocated to the virtual key for every
pressing operation having, as a single time of pressing operation, timing that the press pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit exceeds a predetermined selection threshold value or timing that the press pressure becomes smaller than the
selection threshold value as being attenuated after exceeding the selection threshold value.

[0012]

With the above configuration, the selection state of one or more input
candidates selectively allocated to the virtual key is varied for every pressing
operation having, as a single time of pressing operation, the timing that press
pressure exceeds a selection threshold value or the timing that the press pressure
becomes smaller than the selection threshold value as being attenuated after exceeding the selection threshold value. Accordingly, a desired character can be
selected and determined out of characters varied only with simple press operation.
Consequently, efficiency and speed of the input operation can be enhanced by
eliminating excessive movement of a finger in the related art, such as operation to
press a determination button, operation to repeat contact and non-contact to a virtual key, and stepwise press operation which is difficult to be performed, in a situation
that characters allocated to the same virtual key are to be continuously input.

[0013]

The input apparatus further including: a displaying unit which displays the
virtual key, and the pressure detecting unit may be arranged at a display screen of the displaying unit and detects press pressure of an operational body applied to the display screen.

[0014]

The input control unit may determine selection of an input candidate being
in a selection state at that time when determination operation by the operational body is judged being performed based on the detected press pressure.

[0015]

The input control unit may judge that determination operation by the
operational body is performed at any of the timing when press pressure by the operational body is judged not being detected, the timing when the press pressure is judged being equal to or smaller than a determination threshold value which is smaller than the selection threshold value, and the timing when a predetermined time passes after the press pressure is judged being equal to or smaller than the determination threshold value.

[0016]
A position detecting unit may be arranged at the display screen and detects a contact position of the operational body, and the input control unit may vary a selection state to another input candidate relating to the input candidate which is in a selection state at that time corresponding to a direction of contact position variation when the contact position detected by the position detecting vmit is judged being out of an operational area of the virtual key while maintaining the detected press pressure equal to or larger than the selection threshold value.

[0017]

The input control unit may select one or more input candidate groups selected by repeating determining selection of an input candidate being in a selection state at that time every time when determination operation by the operational body is judged being performed.

[0018]

The input control unit may switch firom an input selection mode for selecting the input candidate group to a predictive transform selection mode for selecting a predictive transform candidate relating to the selected input candidate 20 group when the detected press pressure is judged being equal to or larger than a transform threshold value which is larger than the selection threshold value.
[0019]

The input control unit may vary a selection state of the predictive transform candidate for every pressing operation in the predictive transform selection mode.

[0020]

The input control unit may determine to input the predictive transform candidate which is in a selection state at that time when the determination operation by the operational body is judged being performed based on the detected press pressure in the predictive transform selection mode.
[0021]
The displaying unit may display a preview of the input candidate which is in

a selection state at that time when the detected press pressure is judged being equal to
or larger than a predetermined display threshold value.
[0022]
The displaying unit may vary a displaying state of the input candidate 5 corresponding to variation of detected press pressure. [0023]
The displaying unit may display a preview of the input candidate in a size being proportional to magnitude of the detected press pressure, [0024]
10 According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided
an input method including steps of detecting press pressure of an operational body applied to a virtual key having one or more input candidates allocated selectively by a pressure sensor; and varying a selection state of the one or more input candidates selectively allocated to the virtual key for every pressing operation having, as a
15 single time of pressing operation, timing that the press pressure detected by the pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined selection threshold value or timing that the press pressure becomes smaller than the selection threshold value as being attenuated after exceeding the selection threshold value. [0025]
20 According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute processes of: detecting press pressure of an operational body applied to a virtual key having one or more input candidates allocated selectively by a pressure sensor; and varying a selection state of the one or more input candidates selectively allocated to the virtual key for every pressing
25 operation having, as a single time of pressing operation, timing that the press pressure detected by the pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined selection threshold value or timing that the press pressure becomes smaller than the selection threshold value as being attenuated after exceeding the selection threshold value. [0026]
30 As described above, according to the present invention, efficiënt and
high-speed input operation can be performed with desirable press operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0027]
FIG 1 is a view which illustrates a mobile device according to a first to third 5 embodiment of the present invention;
FIG 2 is a view which illustrates a touch panel and a pressure-sensitive sensor mounted on the mobile device according to the first to third embodiment;
FIG 3 is a view which illustrates a functional configuration of the mobile
device according to the first to third embodiment;
10 FIG 4 is a flowchart which describes an input operation process (main
routine) performed at the mobile device according to the first embodiment;
FIG 5 illustrates an example of a display method of a selection state of an input candidate displayed at the mobile device according to the first embodiment;
FIG 6 illustrates an example of a display method of a selection state of an 15 input candidate displayed at the mobile device according to the first embodiment;
FIG 7 is an explanatory view which illustrates variation of the selection state of the input candidate in input operation according to the first embodiment;
FIG 8 is a flowchart which describes a selected character determination process (subroutine) performed at the mobile device according to the first 20 embodiment;
FIG 9 is an explanatory view which illustrates determination of the input candidate in the input operation according to the first embodiment;
FIG 10 is a flowchart which describes a selected character determination process (subroutine) performed at the mobile device according to modified example 25 1 of the first embodiment;
FIG 11 is an explanatory view which illustrates determination of the input candidate in the input operation according to modified example 1 of the first embodiment;
FIG 12 is a flowchart which describes a selected character determination 30 process (subroutine) performed at the mobile device according to modified example 2 of the first embodiment;

FIG 13 is an explanatory view which illustrates determination of the input candidate in the input operation according to modified example 2 of the first embodiment;
FIG 14 is a flowchart which describes an input operation process (main 5 routine) performed at the mobile device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG 15 is an explanatory view which illustrates variation of the selection state of the input candidate in input operation according to the second embodiment;
FIG 16 is a flowchart which describes an input operation process (main 10 routine) performed at the mobile device according to the third embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 17 is an explanatory view which illustrates variation of the selection state of the input candidate in input operation according to the third embodiment;
15 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) [0028]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this specification and the appended drawings, structural clements that have substantially 20 the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of these structural clements is omitted. [0029]
The embodiments of the present invention will be described in the foUowing order. 25
[1-1. Hardware configuration of mobile apparatus] [1-2. Fimctional configuration of mobile device] [1-3. Operation of mobile device]
(Input operation process: Main routine)
30 (Selected character determination process: Subroutine)
(Variation of selection state)

[1-4. Modified example 1 of selected character determination process]
[1-5. Modified example 2 of selected character determination process]

[2-1. Operation of mobile device] 5
[3-1. Operation of mobile device]
[0030]

[1-1. Hardware configuration of mobile apparatus]
10 First, an overview of the hardware configuration of a mobile apparatus
accordiivg to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0031]
As illustrated in FIG. 1, a mobile device 10 according to the present 15 embodiment includes a display 12. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an
organic electroluminescence display (OELD) and the like may be utilized as the
display 12.
[0032]
The mobile device 10 according to the present embodiment is an example of 20 an input apparatus to input information by contacting and pressing to the display 12.
The mobile device 10 may be a portable terminal such as a cellular phone, a portable
music player and a personal digital assistant (PDA). Further, the mobile device 10
may be an information processing device such as a note type personal computer (PC)
and a desktop type PC. 25 [0033]
In the foUowing, the mobile device 10 to directly operate a display screen is
described as an example of the input apparatus. The input apparatus can be used for
input operation of an apparatus of which display screen is not directly operated, that
is, an apparatus to which a touch panel to detect a position is not necessarily mounted, 30 such as a touch-pad equipped note type PC and a touch-pad remote control for a
television, a car navigation system or the like.

[0034]
Virtual keys 18a, 18b, 18c, ... of the plural selection type having one or more input candidates selectively allocated are displayed on the display 12. In the foUowing description of the present embodiment, software virtual keys to input a 5 kana character or an alphabetical character by pressing a single key for plural times are exemplified. Here, a software keyboard of QWERTY key arrangement may be adopted as well. [0035]
As illustrated in an exploded view of FIG 2, in the mobile device 10
10 according to the present embodiment, a pressure-sensitive sensor 14 and a touch panel 16 both being sheet-shaped are laminated on the display screen side of the display 12. The pressure-sensitive sensor 14 has a configuration that pressure-sensitive conductive rubber is sandwiched by two sheet panels forming electrode planes. When the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber is deformed due to
15 pressing of an operational body such as a finger to the display screen, the pressure-sensitive sensor 14 detects press pressure by detecting current-carrying at the deformed part. Considering display permeability, the pressure-sensitive sensor 14 is formed frame-shaped. [0036]
20 The touch panel 16 is arranged right above the pressure-sensitive sensor 14
disposed on the display screen. The touch panels 16 utilized in the present embodiment and later-mentioned embodiments may be an electrostatic type or an optical type as long as being a permeable type. The touch panel 16 according to the present embodiment has a lattice-shaped electrostatic sensor and detects a position
25 (coordinates) of an operational body contacting to the display screen based on variation of electrostatic capacitance. When the touch panel 16 does not detect variation of the electrostatic capacitance, it is judged that the display screen of the display 12 is not touched by an operational body. On the other hand, when the touch panel 16 detects variation of the electrostatic capacitance, it is judged that the
30 display screen of the display 12 is touched by an operational body. [0037]

Actually, the operational body does not touch the display screen of the
display 12 but the surface of the touch panel 16. In the following, such a case is
described as "the operational body touches the display screen of the display 12".
[0038]
5 The mobile device 10 incorporates a microprocessor 30 as illustrated in FIG
1. The microprocessor 30 includes a CPU 32, a RAM 34 and a non-volatile memory 36. The press pressure detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor 14 and the contact position detected by the touch panel 16 are stored in the RAM 34 or the non-volatile memory 36 of the microprocessor 30. The CPU 32 performs relating
10 various Information input from the pressure-sensitive sensor 14 and the touch panel 16 with display matters displayed on the display 12 and analyzes movement of the operational body thereby. The CPU 32 performs input operation to the mobile device 10 based on the analyzed movement of the operational body. [0039]
15 [ 1 -2. Functional configuration of mobile device]
The mobile device 10 according to the first embodiment has the functional configuration as illustrated in functional blocks of FIG. 3. That is, the mobile device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a pressure detecting unit 20, a position detecting unit 22, a storage unit 24, an input control unit 26 and a
20 displaying unit 28. [0040]
The pressure detecting unit 20 is arranged at the display screen of the display 12 and detects the press pressure of an operational body (for example, a finger of an operator) applied on the display screen. The pressure-sensitive sensor
25 14 is an example of the pressure detecting unit 20. [0041]
The position detecting unit 22 is arranged at the display screen and detects the contact position of the operational body. The touch panel 16 is an example of the position detecting unit 22.
30 [0042]
The storage unit 24 is constituted with the above RAM 34 and non-volatile

memory 36, for example, and stores various threshold values. The various
threshold values are utilized mainly against operation of the operational body for
judging whether or not various processes which will be described later are performed.
The storage unit 24 previously stores a selection threshold value 24a, a determination 5 threshold value 24b, a transform threshold value 24c, a first display threshold value
24d and a second display threshold value 24e. The storage unit 24 temporally
stores one or more input candidates (input candidate group 24f) selected
corresponding to operation of an operational body. Here, the first display threshold
value 24d and the second display threshold value 24e are examples of a display 10 threshold value being a determination criterion whether or not the input candidates
are to be displayed as a preview.
[0043]
The input control unit 26 varies a selection state of one or more input
candidates selectively allocated to a virtual key for every pressing operation having 15 the timing that the press pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit 20 exceeds
the selection threshold value 24a as a single time of pressing operation.
[0044]
For example, in the case that pressing operation is performed on a virtual
key 18b, a selection state of input candidates of "A", "B" and "C" selectively 20 allocated to the virtual key 18b is varied in the order of "A", "B" and "C" at each
timing when the press pressure exceeds the selection threshold value 24a.
[0045]
Here, it is also possible that the input control unit 26 varies the selection
state in the order of "A", "B" and "C" at each timing when the press pressure falls 25 below the selection threshold value 24a as being attenuated after exceeding the
selection threshold value 24a.
[0046]
When it is judged that determination operation by an operational body is
performed based on the detected press pressure, the input control unit 26 determines 30 selection of the input candidate which is in the selection state at that time. In the
present embodiment, the timing to judge that determination operation by an

operational body is performed is the timing when the press pressure by the
operational body is judged not to be detected.
[0047]
The input control unit 26 repeats determining selection of an input candidate 5 which is in a selection state at timing thereof every time when it is judged that the determination operation by the operational body is performed. The one or more input candidates sequentially selection-determined as described above are stored in the input candidate group of the storage unit 24 in the order of being selection-determined. For example, when the input candidates of "A", "R" and
10 "M" are sequentially selection-determined, a character string of "ARM" is stored in the input candidate group of the storage unit 24. [0048]
When the detected press pressure is judged being equal to or larger than the previously determined display threshold value, the displaying unit 28 displays the
15 input candidate which is in the selection state at that time on the display 12. For example, in the mobile device 10 illustrated at the left side of FIG 5, although a finger of an operator is put on a virtual key 18c of the touch panel 16, press pressure is not applied. In this case, the display 12 displays a preview of the selected character at a position where the preview is not to be bidden by the finger. Here,
20 the selected character "e" is previewed. In this state, the input key operation is only in a selection state and the selection is not determined yet. [0049]
While pressing the virtual key with the finger as keeping contact thereto from this state, variation of the press pressure is detected by the pressure detecting
25 unit 20. The selection state of the input candidate is varied corresponding to the detected variation of the press pressure and the displaying unit 28 varies the displaying state corresponding thereto. For example, the display unit 28 displays a preview of the input candidate in a size being proportional to magnitude of the detected press pressure.
30 [0050]
As a specific example, when a pressure value P is equal to or smaller than

the first display threshold value 24d, the preview of the selected key is displayed in a normal size as illustrated at the left side of FIG. 5. The displaying size at that time is denoted by "1". When the pressure value P becomes a value larger than the first display threshold value 24d and smaller than the second display threshold value 24e 5 as being gradually increased, the preview of the selected key is displayed to be enlarged corresponding to the largeness of the value of applied pressure, as illustrated at the right side of FIG 5. In this case, the displaying size is larger than that of the left side of FIG 5. Accordingly, the operator can perceive what level of pressure is presently applied by oneself
10 [0051]
When the pressure value P exceeds the selection threshold value as being further increased by further pressing the virtual key with the finger as keeping putting thereon, the input candidate is determined as selection and the selection-determined character is displayed reversed corresponding thereto, as
15 illustrated at the right side of FIG 6. In this manner, the selection determination of the input key operation is visually informed to the operator. [0052]
Here, other than exceeding of the absolute value of the pressure value P against the selection threshold value, it is also possible that the operation of
20 "determination" is judged by exceeding of a temporal differentiation of pressure against a threshold value and the like. Further, in addition to applying the visual feedback by performing enlarged displaying and key selection displaying on the display screen during operation as described above, it is also effective for actualizing intuitive operation to apply feedback with a vibration device such as a vibration
25 motor. [0053]
Here, commands to each of the above units are executed by a dedicated control device or the CPU 32 for executing programs, The programs to perform an input operation process which will be described in the foUowing are previously
30 stored in the ROM 34 and the non-volatile memory 36. Then, the CPU 32 reads out the respective programs from the memories and performs execution, so that

respective functions of the pressvire detecting unit 20, the position detecting unit 22, the input control unit 26 and the displaying unit 28 are actualized. [0054]
[1-3. Operation of mobile device]
5 Next, the operation of the mobile device 10 according to the present
embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4 as the input operation process. [0055]
(Input operation process: Main routine)
10 When the input operation process is started from step S400, the position
detecting unit 22 detects a position of operational input, that is, a position of the display screen where a finger being the operational body touches, in step S405. In step S410, the input control unit 26 selects a character corresponding to the detected position as an input candidate. For example, in the case of alphabetical input, the
15 input control unit 26 selects a character "D" corresponding to the detected position when the fmger touches the virtual key 18c of FIG. 1. In step S415, the pressure detecting unit 20 detects the pressure value P to press the virtual key 18c. In step S420, the input control unit 26 judges whether the pressure value P becomes larger than the first display threshold value 24d. "When the pressure value P is equal to or
20 smaller than the first threshold value 24d, the displaying unit 28 displays a preview of a character "D" selected at that time as proceeding to step S425 and returns to step S405. [0056]
Steps S405 to S420 are performed anew. When the input control unit 26
25 judges that the pressure value P becomes larger than the first display threshold value 24d in step S420, the input control unit 26 judges whether the pressure value P is larger than the second display threshold value 24e as proceeding to step S430. When the pressure value P is equal to or smaller than the second display threshold value 24e, the displaying unit 28 displays the preview of the character "D" selected
30 at that time to be enlarged as proceeding to step S435 and it returns to step S405. [0057]

Retuming to step S405 once again, steps S405 to S430 are performed. When the input control unit 26 judges that the pressure value P is larger than the second display threshold value 24e in step S430, the input control unit 26 judges whether the pressure value P exceeds the selection threshold value 24a as proceeding 5 to step S440. As illustrated in FIG 7, the processes are repeated as retuming to step S405 until the pressure value P exceeds the selection threshold value 24a. Then, when the pressure value P exceeds the selection threshold value 24a, the selected character "D" is determined to be in a selection state and the displaying unit 28 displays that the selected character is in the selection state, as proceeding to step
10 S445 (see the reversed character "e" at the right side of FIG. 6). [0058]
(Selected character determination process: Subroutine) In step S450, a selected character determination process is invoked. The selected character determination process starts from step S800 of FIG. 8. In step
15 S805, the position detecting unit 22 judges whether the finger is contacted to the display screen. When the finger is contacted to the display screen, the process ends without performing selection determination of the character. On the other hand, when the finger is not contacted to the display screen, the input control unit 26 judges that determination operation by a finger is performed, and then, determines to
20 select the input candidate "D" which is presently in the selection state, as proceeding to step S810. Thus, the selected character determination process of FIG 8 is completed and it returns to the input operation process of FIG 4. [0059]
(Variation of selection state of input candidate)
25 Next, selection state variation of input candidates will be further described
with reference to the flowchart of FIG 4 and a transition diagram of FIG 9. Here, kana input is adopted as an input mode. When an operator touches and presses a virtual key 18d of FIG 1, an input candidate "TA" being in a selection state is selected as illustrated in FIG 9 through steps S405 to S450 of the first time. At that
30 time, the selection of the input candidate "TA" is not determined. [0060]

When the pressure value P exceeds the selection threshold value once again in steps S405 to S450 of the second time, the selection state of the input candidate varies from "TA" to "TI" as illustrated in FIG 9. At that time, the fmger maintains the contacted state. Here, the phenomenon that the pressure value P exceeds the 5 selection threshold value once again requires assumption that the press pressure becomes smaller than the selection threshold as being attenuated after exceeding the selection threshold value. In this manner, a single time of pressing operation is acknowledged to be performed at every timing that the press pressure exceeds the selection value and the selection state of the input candidates is varied.
10 [0061]
When the above processes are repeated, the selection state of the input candidate is varied from "TI" to "TU" by the pressing operation of steps S405 to S450 of the ihird time. Then, the selection state of the input candidate is varied from "TU" to "TE" by the pressing operation of steps S405 to S450 of the fourth
15 time. Since the finger is not uncontacted in steps S405 to S450 of the first to third times, the selected character is not determined as the input character. Then, the finger becomes uncontacted thereafter as illustrated at the upper part of FIG. 9. Accordingly, the character "TE" is selected and determined as the input candidate in step S450 of the fourth time.
20 [0062]
When the operator touches and presses the virtual key 18d of FIG 1 once again, the processes of steps S405 to S450 are repeated once again. The selection state of the input candidates is continuously varied in the order of "TA", "TI", "TU", "TE", "TO", "TA", ... corresponding to the number of pressing operation times until
25 the finger becomes uncontacted. [0063]
In the related art, for continuous pressing by tapping with a software keyboard, an operator has bome a heavy burden due to necessity of getting his/her finger separated every time from a display screen. However, as described above,
30 with the input method according to the present embodiment, character input can be performed while keeping an operator's finger contacted to a key even in character

input with a virtual key of a software keyboard having similar feeling to a hardware keyboard. Accordingly, the input operation burden for the operator can be lightened to the similar extent to a hardware keyboard and input operation can be performed rapidly. 5 [0064]
For example, when operating a software keyboard of the plural selection type, there have frequently occurred situations that characters allocated to the same virtual key are continuously input such as a situation to input "NA" and "NA" or "TE" and "TU" in Japanese inputting with a numerical keypad. In such inputting of
10 the related art, it has been required to perform determination operation as once moving a finger to a determination key, a direction key or the like after inputting the first character, and then, to input the second character after moving the fmger to the key position. [0065]
15 Meanwhile, with the input method according to the present embodiment,
when a finger becomes uncontacted once being apart from the touch panel 16, the character of input candidate of the plural selection type varied in a selection state at that time is determined as an input character, as illustrated in FIG 9. Thus, the operator can determine selection of the first character only by operation of the fmger
20 separating from the touch panel 16. Accordingly, in the case of continuously inputting characters allocated to the same key by utilizing a software keyboard of the plural selection type, efficiency and speed of the input operation can be enhanced by eliminating excessive movement of a finger. [0066]
25 Here, in the case of continuously inputting characters allocated to different
buttons being different from the above, the first character is determined at the time when the finger moves outside the first button range. [0067] [1-4. Modified example 1 of selected character determination process]
30 In the selected character determination process (see FIG 8) described in the
first embodiment, it is also possible that a character being in a selection state at the

time when the pressure value P becomes smaller than the previously determined determination threshold value in the vicinity range of zero hut not being zero is selection-determined as an input candidate. In this case, the timing of judging that determination operation is performed by the operational body is when the press 5 pressure is judged being equal to or smaller than the determination threshold value 24b. [0068]
The selected character determination process of modified example 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. In the first embodiment, when
10 judged being non-contacted in step S805 of FIG 8, the selected character is determined as the input candidate in step S810. Meanwhile, in modified example 1, when the pressure value P is judged being smaller than the determination threshold value 24b in step SI005, the selected character is determined as the input candidate in step S1010.
15 [0069]
The selected character determination method according to modified example 1 is based on consideration of tendency that the pressure value P does not drop to the vicinity of zero during an operator continuously presses a button (a-part in FIG 11). With the operation determination method according to modified example 1, an
20 operator can perform character inputting continuously without his/her finger separating from a key. [0070] [1-5. Modified example 2 of selected character determination process]
Further, it is also possible that a selected character may be determined as an
25 input candidate after time dT passes from when the pressure value P becomes equal to or smaller than a previously determined determination threshold value in the vicinity zone of zero (see FIG 13). In this case, the timing of judging that determination operation is performed by the operational body is when a predetermined time passes after the press pressure is judged being equal to or smaller
30 than the determination threshold value 24b. [0071]

The selected character determination process of modified example 2 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In modified example 2, when it is judged that time dT passes in step SI205 after the pressure value P is judged being smaller than the determination threshold value in step SI005 in FIG 10, the 5 selected character is determined as the input candidate in step S1010. [0072]
With the selected character determination method according to modified example 2, even when the pressure value P drops to equal to or smaller than the determination threshold value by mistake during an operator continuously pressing a
10 button (b-part in FIG 13), it is possible to prevent that selection determination of the input candidate is performed by mistake. [0073]
Next, the mobile device 10 according to the second embodiment of the
15 present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. As described above, with a hardware keyboard or a software keyboard, it is sometimes required to change a state of a selected character such as transforming from "KA" to "GA" and from "a" to "A", for example. In the related art, such a case has desired complicated input operation such as performing transform and the like by pressing
20 the "dull/half-dull sound transform key" or the "case-shift key" arranged separately firom character keys. Accordingly, such operation has caused decrease in inputting efficiency. [0074]
Meanwhile, with the mobile device 10 according to the second embodiment
25 of the present invention, transforming of selection state between characters being associated from one another like the "dull/half-dull sound transform key" and the "case-shift key" can be efficiently performed by combining pressing operation and sliding operation of a finger, as illustrated in FIG 15. In view of the above, when a contact position detected by the position detecting unit 22 is judged being out of the
30 operational area of the virtual key while maintaining the press pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit 20 equal to or larger than the selection threshold value, the

input control unit 26 according to the present embodiment varies the selection state to another input candidate relating to the input candidate which is in the selection state at that time corresponding to the direction of contact position variation. In the foliowing, operation of the mobile device 10 according to the second embodiment 5 will be described. [0075] [2-1. Operation of mobile device]
When the input operation process is started from step SI400 of FIG 14, the position detecting unit 22 detects a position of the display screen where a finger
10 touches, in step S405. In step S410, the input control unit 26 selects a character corresponding to the detected position as an input candidate. For example, in the case of kana input, the input control unit 26 selects a character "TA" corresponding to the detected position when the finger touches the virtual key 18d of FIG 1. In step S415, the pressure detecting unit 20 detects the pressure value P to press the
15 virtual key 18d. The preview of the selected character is controUed through the processes of steps S420 to S435. Since the processes of steps S420 to S435 are similar to those of the first embodiment, detailed description will not be repeated. [0076]
Here, it is assumed that the selection state of characters varies in the order of
20 "TA", "TI", "TU", and "TE" as illustrated in FIG 15 by repeating steps S405 to S445 and step S1405. In step S1405, the input control unit 26 judges whether the contact position detected by the position detecting unit 22 falls outside the operational area of the virtual key in the state that the press pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit 20 is maintained equal to or larger than the selection threshold value.
25 In FIG 15, it is judged being "NO" and returns to step S405 until a character "TE" becomes in the selection state. [0077]
When the character "TE" becomes in the selection state, the input control unit 26 judges that the contact position detected by the position detecting unit 22 falls
30 outside the operational area of the virtual key in the state that the press pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit 20 is maintained equal to or larger than the

selection threshold value. For example, in the mobile device 10 illustrated at the
lower part of FIG 15, the finger moves to slide rightward from the virtual key 18d
and the contact position of the finger fas outside the virtual key 18d.
[0078]
5 In this case, proceeding to step SI410, the input control unit 26 judges
which direction the finger falls based on the movement direction of the contact position. When the finger falls outside in the right direction, proceeding to step S1415, the input control unit 26 varies the selected character to "DE" to be duU sound from the character "TE" being in the selection state at that time (c-part in the
10 transition diagram at the upper side of FIG 15), and then, performs the selected character determination process of step S450. [0079]
Meanwhile, when the finger falls outside in the left direction, proceeding to step SI420 from step S1410, the input control unit 26 varies the selected character to
15 be half-duU sound from the character "TE" being in the selection state at that time. Here, since there is no half-dull sound of "TE", the selected character remains as "TE". [0080]
As described above, with the mobile device 10 according to the present
20 embodiment, when performing input to vary the selection state corresponding to the number of pressing, the character selection state can be varied from the present character to another input candidate relating thereto such as transforming fi-om "KA" to "GA" and fi-om "a" to "A" by moving the finger position in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction in the state of maintaining the finger as pressing. Thus,
25 the finger movement amount can be reduced and the input operation burden for the operator can be lightened at the time of input operation. Accordingly, efficiënt and rapid input operation can be actualized. [0081]
As another example of variation from the present character to another input
30 candidate relating to the character, a method to define operation corresponding to the finger movement direction may be considered. In this method, in the state of

maintaining the finger as pressing to input a character "HA", the character will be "BA" when the finger is moved rightward, the character will be "PA" when moved leftward, and the input character will be cancelled when moved upward, for example. Further, it is also possible to transform to another character relating to the character 5 presently being in the selection state such as a case shift. [0082]
Finally, the mobile device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. In the
10 related art, it has been wel known a method to enhance efficiency of inputting by providing predictive transform candidates against character input with a keyboard and selecting any of the predictive transform candidates. However, in most cases, the predictive transform candidates are displayed at a position being apart from the keyboard to prevent overlap therewith. Therefore, a finger is required to be moved
15 outside the keyboard area to select a predictive transform candidate, so that the enhancing speed of input operation is disturbed. There are cases that a predictive transform candidate button is arranged within a keyboard. However, since the finger movement is required being similar to the above, efficiency is inadequate in most cases.
20 [0083]
Meanwhile, with the input operation according to the present embodiment, a judging threshold value (transform threshold value) for predictive transform candidate selection is arranged in addition to the judging threshold value (selection threshold value) for variation of character selection state, as illustrated in FIG 17.
25 When the pressure value P exceeds the transform threshold value, the next previous variation is cancelled and selecting of a predictive transform candidate is to be performed. At that time, when the detected press pressure is judged being equal to or larger than the transform threshold value, the input control unit 26 switches to a predictive transform selection mode from an input selection mode. The input
30 selection mode is the mode to select an input candidate group as described above. The predictive transform selection mode is the mode to provide, to an operator, a

character string relating to the selected input candidate group as a transfonn
candidate.
[0084]
The input control unit 26 varies the selection state of the predictive 5 transform candidates for every pressing operation in the predictive transform selection mode. Further, when the determination operation by the operational body is judged being performed based on the detected press pressure in the predictive transfonn selection mode, the input control unit 26 determines to input the predictive transform candidate which is in the selection state at that time. Accordingly, input
10 operation can be simplified while the finger movement amount can be reduced. In the foliowing, the operation of the mobile device 10 according to the third embodiment will be described. [0085] [3-1. Operation of mobile device]
15 When the input operation process is started from step SI600 of FIG 16,
variation of selection state of an input character and selection determination of the input character are performed by performing steps S405 to S415, S440 and S445, being similar to the first embodiment. Here, it is assumed that a character "A" is firstly selection-determined with the process, and then, a character "RA" is in the
20 selection state as a finger touches a virtual key of which top kana character is "RA" as illustrated in FIG 17. [0086]
In this case, the input control unit 26 judges whether the pressure value P exceeds the transfonn threshold value in step SI630 foUowing to step S445. As
25 illustrated in FIG 17, at the time when the character "RA" becomes in the selection state, the pressure value P does not exceed the transform threshold value. Then, retuming to step S405, the processes of steps S405 to S415, S440 and S445 are repeatedly performed. Consequently, it is assumed that the selection state of the input character varies in the order of "RA", "RI" and "RU".
30 [0087]
Subsequently, step S1630 is performed at the timing of d-part of the upper

part of FIG 17 and the input control unit 26 judges that the pressure value P exceeds the transform threshold value. Proceeding to step S1635, the selected character is to be "RI" as cancelling the selected character "RU" which was next previously varied, and then, it proceeds to the selection mode of predictive transform candidates from 5 the selection mode of the input characters. That is, a predictive transform candidate group against the input candidate group "ARI" constituted with previously selection-determined "A" and presently selection-determined "RI" is to be displayed. On the display illustrated at the lower part of FIG. 17, "ARI" is displayed at the displaying area for the input candidate group and a plurality of predictive transform
10 candidates against the character string "ARI" of the input candidate are proposed at the displaying area of the predictive transform candidates. [0088]
In step SI640, the input control unit 26 judges whether the pressure value P exceeds the selection threshold value once again. When the pressure value P is
15 judged exceeding the selection threshold value once again, the input control vmit 26 varies the predictive transform candidates in step SI645. At that time, since a selection cursor is displayed in the predictive transform candidate area, feedback of the variation of the selection state of the predictive transform candidates can be provided to the operator. In this marmer, the selection cursor moves on the
20 predictive transform candidates corresponding to the number of pressing. [0089]
In step SI650, the fmger is determined whether being contacted utilizing the position detecting unit 22. Steps SI640 to SI650 are repeatedly performed until the fmger gets uncontacted, so that the selection state of the predictive transform
25 candidates is varied, When the fïnger gets uncontacted, proceeding to step SI655, the input control unit 26 determines the predictive transform candidate varied in the selection state at that time as the input character (see the transition diagram at the upper part of FIG. 17). Then, the present process is completed. [0090]
30 With the above input operation, for example, a character string of
"ARIGATOUGOZAIMASU." is input by an operator as foUows. That is, aiter the

character "RI" is input, the operator confirms that the character string of "ARIGATOUGOZAIMASU." is displayed at the third place of the predictive transform candidates at the upper part of the display screen. Then, by strongly pressing the virtual key of which top kana character is "RA" once again, it proceeds 5 to the predictive transform selection mode. [0091]
As illustrated in FIG 17, the character is varied to "RU" in midstream of proceeding to the predictive transform selection mode. However, at the time when pressure value P exceeds the transform threshold value, the next previous variation
10 from "RI" to "RU" is cancelled and the predictive transform candidates against "ARI" are selected. Further, with two times of pressing input, the third predictive transform candidate of "ARIGATOUGOZAIMASU" is selected. Then, with the judging method described as the selected character determination process of FIG. 8, selection of the desired predictive transform candidate is determined. In this
15 manner, the operator can select a predictive transform candidate with continuous pressing input operation without moving his/her finger out of the normal keyboard area. [0092]
According to the above respective embodiments and modified example,
20 efficiënt and high-speed input operation can be actualized by pressing operation without placing a burden on the operator. Basically, since key input operation can be performed continuously as maintaining a finger, a pen or the like to contact to the display screen, typing errors can be suppressed. [0093]
25 Further, normally, when a software keyboard is operated with one-handed
operation against the mobile device 10, non-contacting and contacting operation of a finger from and to the device is repeated as tapping operation. Accordingly, the holding state of the mobile device 10 becomes unstable and there may be a case that the mobile device 10 falls. Meanwhile, with the input operation according to the
30 respective embodiments and modified examples, the key input can be performed in a state that the finger is continuously contacted to the display screen. Therefore, the

holding state becomes stable and the risk of falling can be avoided thereby. [0094]
Further, with the input operation according to the respective embodiments and modified example, visual and tactual feedback corresponding to press pressure 5 can be provided to the operator. Therefore, instinctive operation can be actualized being similar to the case of operating a hardware keyboard. [0095]
For example, in the first embodiment, the selection state is varied corresponding to the number of pressing, and then, input operation is performed to
10 determine the selection state by releasing. The selection state is varied corresponding to the number of pressing, and then, input operation is performed to determine the selection state by decrease in press pressure. The selection state is varied corresponding to the number of pressing, and then, input operation is performed to determine the selection state by decrease in press pressure and time
15 elapsing. Accordingly, the operator is capable of efficiently performing to input by continuous pressing against the plural selection type keyboard. Specifically, in a situation that characters allocated to the same virtual key are continuously input, it is not required to move a finger for determination of the first character as the case of a normal hardware keyboard or the case of inputting with a software keyboard by
20 tapping. Therefore, efiiciency of operation can be enhanced. [0096]
In the second embodiment, the selection state of characters is varied corresponding to the number of pressing and input operation is performed to vary the selection state of characters such as dull/half-dull sound and case shift corresponding
25 to a movement direction of position movement during the pressed state. Accordingly, in the operation to perform character transforming such as transforming to duU sound or half-dull sound of characters and transforming of case shift, the fmger movement amount can be suppressed and inputting can be efficiently performed.
30 [0097]
On the third embodiment, input operation is performed so that the character

selection state is varied when press pressure exceeds the first threshold value (selection threshold value) and a predictive transform candidate is selected when press pressure exceeds the second threshold value (transform threshold value). Accordingly, in selecting a predictive transform candidate, the fmger movement 5 amount can be suppressed and inputting can be efficiently performed. [0098]
In this manner, in each embodiment, efficiënt keyboard operation can be actualized for input operation utilizing a device having the position detecting unit to detect a contact position with a touch panel and the like and the pressure detecting
10 unit to detect pressing degree as the pressure value with a pressure-sensitive sensor and the like. Accordingly, the burden for an operator can be lightened and rapid input operation can be actualized. [0099]
In the above first to third embodiments and modified examples thereof,
15 operations of each unit are related from one another. Therefore, considering the mutual relation, the operations can be replaced with a series of operations and a series of processes. Accordingly, the embodiment of an input apparatus such as a mobile device can be an embodiment of an input method and an embodiment of a program to cause a computer to execute functions of the input apparatus.
20 [0100]
Accordingly, it is possible to provide a method including the steps of detecting press pressure of an operational body applied to a virtual key to which one or more input candidates are selectively allocated with a pressure sensor and varying the selection state of the one or more input candidates selectively allocated to the
25 virtual key for every pressing operation having, as a single time of pressing operation, the timing that press pressure detected by the pressure sensor exceeds the selection threshold value or the timing that the press pressure becomes smaller than the selection threshold value as being attenuated after exceeding the selection threshold value.
30 [0101]
Accordingly, it is possible to provide a program causing a computer to

execute a process to detect press pressure of an operational body applied to a virtual key to which one or more input candidates are selectively allocated with a pressure sensor and a process to vary the selection state of the one or more input candidates selectively allocated to the virtual key for every pressing operation having, as a 5 single time of pressing operation, the timing that press pressure detected by the pressure sensor exceeds the selection threshold value or the timing that the press pressure becomes smaller than the selection threshold value as being attenuated after exceeding the selection threshold value. [0102]
10 It should be understood by those skilied in the art that various modifications,
combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof [0103]
15 For example, in the above embodiments, the pressure detecting unit 20 is
arranged on the display screen of the display 12 and detects press pressure of an operational body applied to the display screen. The pressure-sensitive sensor 14 is described as an example of the pressure detecting unit 20. However, it is also possible for the pressure detecting unit according to the present invention to judge
20 desired operation based on contact/non-contact to the touch panel but not on pressure. Accordingly, in the present invention, the timing of judging that determination operation is performed by the operational body may be the timing that the press pressure by the operational body is not to be detected or the timing that a non-contact state is detected at the touch panel.
25 [0104]
Further, in the above embodiments, a software keyboard for inputting kana characters stepwise is described as an example. However, a software keyboard of QWERTY key arrangement may be utilized as well. [0105]
30 Further, in addition to characters such as katakana, hiragana, kanji and
alphabetical characters, input operation of the present invention includes numerals.

symbols and the like. [0106]
The present application contams subject matter related to that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2009-206463 filed in the Japan Patent Office 5 on September 7, 2009, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:

1. An input apparatus comprising:
a pressure detecting unit which detects press pressure of an operational body applied to a virtual key having one or more input candidates allocated selectively;

and an input control unit which varies a selection state of the one or more input candidates selectively allocated to the virtual key for every pressing operation having, as a single time of pressing operation, timing that the press pressure detected by the pressure detecting unit exceeds a predetermined selection threshold value or timing that the press pressure becomes smaller than the selection threshold value as being attenuated after exceeding the selection threshold value.

2. The input apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a displaying unit which displays the virtual key, wherein
the pressure detecting unit is arranged at a display screen of the displaying unit and detects press pressure of an operational body applied to the display screen.

3. The input apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the input control unit which determines selection of an input candidate being in a selection state at that time when determination operation by the operational body is judged being performed based on the detected press pressure.

4. The input apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the input control unit judges that determination operation by the operational body is performed at any of the timing when press pressure by the operational body is judged not being detected, the timing when the press pressure is judged being equal to or smaller than a determination threshold value which is smaller than the selection threshold value, and the timing when a predetermined time passes after the press pressure is judged being equal to or smaller than the determination threshold value.

5. The input apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a position detecting unit which is arranged at the display screen and detects a contact position of the operational body, wherein the input control unit varies a selection state to another input candidate relating to the input candidate which is in a selection state at that time corresponding to a direction of contact position variation when the contact position detected by the position detecting unit is judged being out of an operational area of the virtual key while maintaining the detected press pressure equal to or larger than the selection threshold value.

6. The input apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the input control unit selects one or more input candidate groups selected by repeating determining selection of an input candidate being in a selection state at that time every time when determination operation by the operational body is judged being performed.

7. The input apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the input control unit switches from an input selection mode for selecting the input candidate group to a predictive transform selection mode for selecting a predictive transform candidate relating to the selected input candidate group when the detected press pressure is judged being equal to or larger than a transform threshold value which is larger than the selection threshold value.

8. The input apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the input control unit varies a selection state of the predictive transform candidate for every pressing operation in the predictive transform selection mode.

9. The input apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the input control unit determines to input the predictive transform candidate which is in a selection state at that time when the determination operation by the operational body is judged being performed based on the detected press pressure in the predictive transform selection mode.

10. The input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the displaying unit displays a preview of the input candidate which is in a selection state at that time when the detected press pressure is judged being equal to or larger than a predetermined display threshold value.

11. The input apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the displaying unit varies a displaying state of the input candidate corresponding to variation of detected press pressure.

12. The input apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the displaying unit displays a preview of the input candidate in a size being proportional to magnitude of the detected press pressure.

13. An input method, comprising the steps of: detecting press pressure of an operational body applied to a virtual key having one or more input candidates allocated selectively by a pressure sensor; and varying a selection state of the one or more input candidates selectively allocated to the virtual key for every pressing operation having, as a single time of pressing operation, timing that the press pressure detected by the pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined selection threshold value or timing that the press pressure becomes smaller than the selection threshold value as being attenuated after exceeding the selection threshold value.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute processes of:
detecting press pressure of an operational body applied to a virtual key having one or more input candidates allocated selectively by a pressure sensor; and varying a selection state of the one or more input candidates selectively allocated to the virtual key for every pressing operation having, as a single time of pressing operation, timing that the press pressure detected by the pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined selection threshold value or timing that the press pressure becomes smaller than the selection threshold value as being attenuated after exceeding the selection threshold value.