Character input device, and method and program for inputting character

Abstract

In order to facilitate selection of an intended character from among a plurality of characters, a mobile phone includes a designated-position detecting portion (S01) for detecting a designated position, a moving direction detecting portion (S07) for detecting a moving direction of the detected position. a group selecting portion (S08), when the moving direction is detected, for selecting one of a plurality of character types into which the plurality of characters have been classified, on the basis of the moving direction, and a character selecting portion (S10, S15) for selecting one of at least one character classified in the selected character type.

1 . A character input device, comprising at least one controller that executes a program to:
 detect a position of a touch operation in an area in which a plurality of numbers are indicated;   identify a number which is associated in advance with one of the plurality of keys corresponding to the detected position;   display the identified number and a plurality of related characters which are related with the identified number along a first direction;   when the touch operation moves in the first direction, make selectable one of the plurality of related characters based on a moving distance of the touch operation.   
     
     
         2 . The character input device according to  claim 1 , wherein,
 when the touch operation moves in a second direction from the detected position and then subsequently changes from moving in the second direction to moving in the first direction, the at least one controller executes a program to make selectable one of the plurality of related characters based on the moving  20  distance of the touch operation.   
     
     
         3 . A method for inputting a character, the method comprising:
 detecting a position of a touch operation in an area in which a plurality of keys are arranged;   identifying a number which is associated in advance with one of the plurality of keys corresponding to the detected position;   displaying the identified number and a plurality of related characters which are related with the identified number along a first direction;   when the touch operation moves in the first direction, making selectable one of the plurality of related characters based on a moving distance of the touch operation.