Patent Publication Number: US-2012026115-A1

Title: Character Input Device and Portable Device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a character input device and a portable device, and more particularly to a character input device and a portable device including a touch panel. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     Conventional character input devices including a touch panel have been disclosed. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-182487 discloses this type of character input device. 
     Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-182487 discloses a character input device including a display portion that displays a data entry image, and a touch panel that is laminated on the display portion and receives user input in accordance with a touch of users&#39; finger, a touch pen or the like on the data entry image. This character input device shows characters such as hiragana characters on the display portion. When users&#39; finger, a touch pen or the like touches (contacts) one of a hiragana character set (touch panel) displayed on the display portion, this character input device detects the touched hiragana character. Users thus enter hiragana characters one by one by touching the touch panel when forming a sentence. 
     However, since the character input device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-182487 requires for users to enter characters one by one by touching the touch panel, this character input device has a disadvantage that the number of touches increases as the sentence or word to be entered gets longer, for example. For this reason, there is a problem that input operation such as character entry is poor in convenience and operability. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is aimed at solving the above problem, and it is one object of the present invention to provide a character input device and a portable device capable of improving convenience and operability of input operation such as character entry. 
     A character input device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a display portion, a touch panel, and a control portion. The display portion displays a data entry image. The touch panel receives user input when the data entry image is displayed on the display portion. The control portion displays another data entry image in the area where the data entry image has been displayed, when a data code in the data entry image is selected by a touch as user input on the touch panel of users&#39; finger or a touch panel operating portion, which comes in contact with the data code in the data entry image. The another data entry image relates to the data code selected by user input. In addition, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, a data item in the another data entry image relating to the data code selected by user input is selected in accordance with the slide movement. Also, after the slide movement, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion is moved out of contact with the touch panel, the control portion determines the data entry of the selected data item in the another data entry image relating to the data code selected by user input. 
     In the thus-constructed character input device of the first aspect of the present invention, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, the control portion selects a data item in the another data entry image relating to the data code selected by user input in accordance with the slide movement as user input. After the slide movement, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion is moved out of contact with the touch panel, the control portion determines the data entry of the selected data item in the another data entry image relating to the data code selected by user input. Thus, a single touch (single contact operation) allows users to select a data code (e.g., alphabets) in a data entry image, and determine the data entry of a data item (e.g., words) relating to the data code. Accordingly, dissimilar to the case where each character is entered by a single touch, it is possible to reduce the number of touches of the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion on the touch panel for character entry. Since the number of touches of the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion on the touch panel is reduced, it is possible to correspondingly improve convenience and operability of input operation such as character entry. 
     In the aforementioned character input device according to the first aspect, the data entry images displayed on the display portion preferably include first and second data entry images. The first data entry image shows a virtual keyboard used for user character input. The second data entry image shows predicted conversion candidates relating to one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image selected by user input. In addition, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, the control portion selects one of the predicted conversion candidates in the second data entry image in accordance with the slide movement. Also, after the slide movement, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion is moved out of contact with the touch panel, the control portion determines the data entry of the selected one of the predicted conversion candidates in the second data entry image. According to the thus-constructed character input device, since a single touch (single contact operation) allows users to select one of the keys in a first data entry image and determine the data entry of one of the predicted conversion candidates (e.g., words) in the second data entry relating to the one of the keys, it is possible to reduce the number of touches of the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion on the touch panel for character entry. 
     In this construction, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image is selected in accordance with the slide movement. After this selection, the control portion closes the first data entry image and displays the second data entry image in the area where the first data entry image has been displayed. According to the thus-constructed character input device, dissimilar to the case where both the virtual keyboard as the first data entry image and the second data entry image are displayed on the display portion, the second data entry image can be large in size when displayed on the display portion. 
     In the aforementioned character input device including the first and second data entry images, the second data entry image is preferably displayed in a circular or ellipse shape. In addition, each of the predicted conversion candidates relating to one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image selected by user input is shown in corresponding one of a plurality of divided parts of the circular-shaped or ellipse-shaped second data entry image. According to the thus-constructed character input device, the predicted conversion candidates relating to one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image selected by user input can be easily arranged in the divided parts of the circular-shaped or ellipse-shaped second data entry image. 
     In this construction, it is preferable that a part in the vicinity of the center of the circular-shaped or ellipse-shaped second data entry image shows one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image selected by user input. In addition, each of the predicted conversion candidates relating to the one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image selected by user input is shown in corresponding one of the plurality of divided parts, which are arranged on the outer periphery of the part in the vicinity of the center of the circular-shaped or ellipse-shaped second data entry image where the one of the keys of the virtual keyboard is displayed. According to the thus-constructed character input device, when the second data entry image is displayed, the distances can be substantially equal between the selected key of the virtual keyboard, which is displayed in the part in the vicinity of the center of the circular-shaped or ellipse-shaped second data entry image, and the prediction conversion candidates displayed on the outer periphery of the selected key. 
     In the aforementioned character input device including the first and second data entry images, when the second data entry image is displayed on the display portion, it is preferable that a pointer for selecting one of the predicted conversion candidates in the second data entry image be displayed on the display portion by the control portion. According to the thus-constructed character input device, the pointer allows users to easily see the direction of the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion to be moved for selecting one of the predicted conversion candidates in the second data entry image. 
     In the aforementioned character input device including the first and second data entry images, when one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image is selected by user input, or when one of the predicted conversion candidates in the second data entry image relating to one of the keys of the virtual keyboard on the first data entry image is selected by user input, the display portion preferably displays, in an output screen, the one of the keys or the predicted conversion candidates selected by user input. According to the thus-constructed character input device, users can easily see, in the output screen, the one of the keys or the predicted conversion candidates selected by user input in the first or second data entry image. 
     In the aforementioned character input device including the first and second data entry images, the second data entry image preferably includes a first selection image that shows predicted conversion candidates relating to one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image selected by user input, and a second selection image that shows predicted conversion candidates relating to one of the predicted conversion candidates in the first selection image selected by user input. In addition, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, in the first selection image, one of the predicted conversion candidates is selected in accordance with the slide movement. In addition, after this selection, the control portion switches the display from the first selection image to the second selection image. According to the thus-constructed character input device, dissimilar to the case where both the first and second selection images are displayed on the display portion, each of the first and second selection images can be large in size when displayed on the display portion. 
     In this construction, the second selection image preferably shows, in addition to the predicted conversion candidates relating to one of the predicted conversion candidates in the first selection image selected by user input, a continuous user character input selection alternative that provides continuous user character input. In addition, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, in the second selection image, the control portion allows user input to select one of the predicted conversion candidates relating to one of the predicted conversion candidates in the first selection image or the continuous user character input selection alternative. According to the thus-constructed character input device, even if the predicted conversion candidates displayed in the second selection image do not include a word which a user intends to enter, since the user can select the continuous user character input selection alternative, this character input device facilitates the data entry of a word other than these predicted conversion candidates. 
     In the aforementioned character input device including the second selection image, which shows the continuous user character input selection alternative in addition to the predicted conversion candidates, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, in the first selection image of the second data entry image, one of the predicted conversion candidates is selected in accordance with the slide movement, in addition, after this selection, if the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, when the continuous user character input selection alternative is then selected in accordance with the slide movement as user input, it is preferable that the control portion display the virtual keyboard of the first data entry image again on the display portion with the data entry of the selected one of the predicted conversion candidates in the first selection image of the second data entry image being temporarily determined. According to the thus-constructed character input device, after the one of the predicted conversion candidates in the second data entry image is temporarily determined, users can enter an additional (next) character following the temporarily determined one of the prediction conversion candidates. 
     In this construction, after one of the prediction conversion candidates in the first selection image of the second data entry image is selected, when the continuous user character input selection alternative in the second selection image is then selected, it is preferable that the control portion close the display of the prediction conversion candidates in the second data entry image, and then display the virtual keyboard of the first data entry image again in the area where the second data entry image has been displayed. According to the thus-constructed character input device, dissimilar to the case where both the prediction conversion candidates in the second data entry image and the virtual keyboard of the first data entry image are displayed on the display portion, the virtual keyboard can be large in size when displayed on the display portion. 
     In the aforementioned character input device including the first and second data entry images, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion is in continuous contact for a predetermined time period with one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image or a part corresponding to one of the prediction conversion candidates in the second data entry image on the touch panel, it is preferable that the control portion determine that the one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image or the one of the prediction conversion candidates in the second data entry image is selected by user input. According to the thus-constructed character input device, for example, in the slide movement in which the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel, even if the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion comes in momentary contact with a key of the virtual keyboard or a part corresponding to a prediction conversion candidate in the touch panel, it is possible to suppress a selection error in which the control portion wrongly determines that a user selects the key or prediction conversion candidate, which comes in momentary contact with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion. 
     In the aforementioned character input device including the first and second data entry images, the control portion preferably highlights one or more of the prediction conversion candidates displayed in the second data entry image in accordance with the priorities of the prediction conversion candidates. According to the thus-constructed character input device, for example, in the case where a higher priority prediction conversion candidate is highlighted, users can easily find the higher priority prediction conversion candidate. 
     In this construction, the control portion preferably displays the highlighted one or more of the prediction conversion candidates in at least one of different character size and different font from other of the prediction conversion candidates displayed in the second data entry image in accordance with the priorities of the prediction conversion candidates. According to the thus-constructed character input device, since a higher priority prediction conversion candidate can be highlighted, users can visually easily identify the higher priority prediction conversion candidate. 
     In the aforementioned character input device according to the first aspect, the touch panel operating portion preferably includes a touch pen. Users can select a data code in the data entry image by a touch of the touch pen on the touch panel. According to the thus-constructed character input device, the touch pen allows users to easily select a data code in the data entry image. 
     A portable device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a display portion, a touch panel, and a control portion. The display portion displays a data entry image. The touch panel receives user input when the data entry image is displayed on the display portion. The control portion displays another data entry image in the area where the data entry image has been displayed, when a data code in the data entry image is selected by a touch as user input on the touch panel of users&#39; finger or a touch panel operating portion, which comes in contact with the data code in the data entry image. The another data entry image relates to the data code selected by user input. In addition, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, a data item in the another data entry image relating to the data code selected by user input is selected in accordance with the slide movement as user input. Also, after the slide movement, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion is moved out of contact with the touch panel, the control portion determines the data entry of the selected data item in the another data entry image relating to the data code selected by user input. 
     In the thus-constructed portable device according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, the control portion selects a data item in the another data entry image relating to the data code selected by user input in accordance with the slide movement as user input. After the slide movement, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion is moved out of contact with the touch panel, the control portion determines the data entry of the selected data item in the another data entry image relating to the data code selected by user input. Thus, a single touch (single contact operation) allows users to select a data code (e.g., alphabets) in a data entry image, and determine the data entry of a data item (e.g., words) relating to the data code. Accordingly, dissimilar to the case where each character is entered by a single touch, it is possible to reduce the number of touches of the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion on the touch panel for character entry. Since the number of touches of the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion on the touch panel is reduced, it is possible to correspondingly improve convenience and operability of input operation such as character entry. 
     In the aforementioned portable device according to the second aspect, the data entry images displayed on the display portion preferably include first and second data entry images. The first data entry image shows a virtual keyboard used for user character input. The second data entry image shows predicted conversion candidates relating to one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image selected by user input. In addition, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, the control portion selects one of the predicted conversion candidates in the second data entry image in accordance with the slide movement. Also, after the slide movement, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion is moved out of contact with the touch panel, the control portion determines the data entry of the selected one of the predicted conversion candidates in the second data entry image. According to the thus-constructed portable device, since a single touch (single contact operation) allows users to select one of the keys in a first data entry image and determine the data entry of one of the predicted conversion candidates (e.g., words) in the second data entry image relating to the one of the keys, it is possible to reduce the number of touches of the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion on the touch panel for character entry. 
     In this construction, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, one of the predicted conversion candidates in the second data entry image is selected in accordance with the slide movement. In addition, after this selection, if the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel, when a continuous user character input alternative is then selected in accordance with the slide movement as user input, the control portion preferably displays the virtual keyboard of the first data entry image again on the display portion with the data entry of the selected one of the predicted conversion candidates in the second data entry image being temporarily determined. According to the thus-constructed portable device, after the one of the predicted conversion candidates in the second data entry image is temporarily determined, users can enter an additional (next) character following the one of the prediction conversion candidates the data entry of which is temporarily determined with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion being in contact with the touch panel. 
     In the aforementioned portable device including the first and second data entry images, when the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion is in continuous contact for a predetermined time period with one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image or a part corresponding to one of the prediction conversion candidates in the second data entry image on the touch panel, it is preferable that the control portion determine that the one of the keys of the virtual keyboard in the first data entry image or the one of the prediction conversion candidates in the second data entry image is selected by user input. According to the thus-constructed portable device, for example, in the slide movement in which the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion slides on the touch panel, even if the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion comes in momentary contact with a key of the virtual keyboard or a part corresponding to a prediction conversion candidate in the touch panel, it is possible to suppress a selection error in which the control portion wrongly determines that a user selects the key or prediction conversion candidate, which comes in momentary contact with the users&#39; finger or the touch panel operating portion. 
     In the aforementioned portable device including the first and second data entry images, the control portion preferably highlights one or more of the prediction conversion candidates displayed in the second data entry image in accordance with the priorities of the prediction conversion candidates. According to the thus-constructed portable device, for example, in the case where a higher priority prediction conversion candidate is highlighted, users can easily find the higher priority prediction conversion candidate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view showing a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a view schematically showing the construction of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating control operation of a control portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the control portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a virtual keyboard displayed on a display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating character entry operation using the character keys of the virtual keyboard displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating character entry determining operation using the character keys of the virtual keyboard displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a character candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating character candidate selecting operation in the character candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating the character candidate selecting operation in the character candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating character candidate entry determining operation in the character candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram showing a conversion candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating the conversion candidate selecting operation in the conversion candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating the conversion candidate selecting operation in the conversion candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating conversion candidate entry determining operation in the conversion candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating “Continue Entry” selecting operation in the conversion candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating the “Continue Entry” selecting operation in the conversion candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating the “Continue Entry” selecting operation in the conversion candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating “Continue Entry” determining operation in the conversion candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram showing a first modified character candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a diagram showing a modified conversion candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 22  is a diagram showing a second modified character candidate image displayed on the display portion of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description will describe embodiments according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. 
     The construction of a mobile phone  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The mobile phone  100  serves as an exemplary “character input device” or “portable device” according to the present invention. 
     The mobile phone  100  according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a touch-panel portion  1 , a plurality of operation buttons  2  for various types of operation of the phone, a speaker  3  for voice output, and a microphone  4  for voice input, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The touch-panel portion  1  includes a touch panel  11  and a display portion  12 . The touch panel  11  receives input touches through users&#39; finger or a touch pen  101 . The display portion  12  is arranged on the lower surface side of the touch panel  11 , and is composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like. The touch pen  101  serves as an exemplary “touch panel operating portion” according to the present invention. Examples of the touch panel  11  can be provided by a resistive film touch panel, which detects input touches based on resistance change when touched by users, a capacitive touch panel, which detects input touches based on capacitance change when touched by users, and the like. 
     The display portion  12  can display a virtual keyboard (software keyboard)  12   a  that indicates numerals “1” to “0”, alphabets “A” to “Z”, and the like. The display portion  12  can display a later-discussed, ellipse-shaped character candidate image  12   b  (see  FIG. 8 ), and a later-discussed, ellipse-shaped conversion candidate image  12   c  (see  FIG. 12 ). The character candidate image  12   b  indicates character candidates relating to one of the keys of the virtual keyboard  12   a,  which is selected by user input. The conversion candidate image  12   c  shows conversion candidates relating to one of characters in character candidate image  12   b,  which is selected by user input. In addition, the display portion  12  can display a Help screen  12   d  for guidance and the like, and a body sheet  12   e  that shows numerals, characters or the like, which are selected/determined by user input. The virtual keyboard  12   a  serves as an exemplary “first data entry image” according to the present invention. The character candidate image  12   b  serves as an exemplary “second data entry image” and an exemplary “first selection image” according to the present invention. The conversion candidate image  12   c  serves as an exemplary “second data entry image”, and an exemplary “second selection image” according to the present invention. Also, the body sheet  12   e  serves as an exemplary “output screen” according to the present invention. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the mobile phone  100  includes a control processing portion  5 , and a storage portion  6 . The storage portion  6  stores information on images such as the virtual keyboard  12   a  and the character candidate image  12   b.  The control processing portion  5  includes a main control portion  51 , a conversion candidate creating portion  52 , and a display image control portion  53 . The main control portion  51  controls the entire operation of the mobile phone  100 . The conversion candidate creating portion  52  creates the conversion candidates relating to one of characters selected by user input. The display image control portion  53  controls an image to be displayed on the display portion  12  such as the virtual keyboard  12   a,  the character candidate image  12   b,  and the conversion candidate image  12   c.  The main control portion  51  serves as an exemplary “control portion” according to the present invention. 
     When users enter one of the keys of the virtual keyboard  12   a  (displayed on the touch panel  11 ), the main control portion  51  receives an input signal from the touch panel  11 . The main control portion  51  provides the signal from the touch panel  11  to the display image control portion  53 . Then, the main control portion  51  reads, from the storage portion  6 , a signal of the character candidate image  12   b  corresponding to the signal from the touch panel  11 . Subsequently, the main control portion  51  displays the character candidate image  12   b  on the display portion  12  based on the signal provided from the display image control portion  53 , and the signal of the character candidate image  12   b.    
     When users select/determine one of the character candidates in the character candidate image  12   b  (displayed on the touch panel  11 ), the main control portion  51  receives an input signal from the touch panel  11 . The main control portion  51  provides the signal from the touch panel  11  to the conversion candidate creating portion  52  and the display image control portion  53 . Subsequently, the main control portion  51  displays the conversion candidate image  12   c  on the display portion  12  based on the conversion candidates created by the conversion candidate creating portion  52 , and a control signal provided from the display image control portion  53 . 
     When users click one of the operation buttons  2 , the main control portion  51  receives an input signal in accordance with on the click of the operation button  2 . Also, the main control portion  51  provides the speaker  3  with a signal for voice output. Also, the main control portion  51  receives a signal provided from the microphone  4 . 
     The control operation of the main control portion  51  is now described which displays the character candidate image  12   b  and the conversion candidate image  12   c  with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 19 . 
     In Step S 1  in  FIG. 3 , the virtual keyboard (software keyboard)  12   a  is first displayed on a lower half area of the display portion, which is located under the body sheet  12   e,  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The procedure goes to Step S 2 . 
     Subsequently, in Step S 2  in  FIG. 3 , it is determined whether one of the keys of the virtual keyboard  12   a  is entered by user input (contact) until any of the keys is entered. In other words, in Step S 2 , it is determined whether users&#39; finger, touch pen  101  or the like touches (comes in contact with) one of displayed parts corresponding to the numerals “1” to “0”, the alphabets “A” to “Z”, and the like of the virtual keyboard  12   a.  In Step S 2 , if it is determined that one of the keys of the virtual keyboard  12   a  is entered by user input (contact), the procedure goes to Step S 3 . The control operation according to this embodiment will be described in the case where a user enters (touches) “k” of the virtual keyboard  12   a  through the touch pen  101 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . In this case, the character “k” will be displayed in the body sheet  12   e.    
     Subsequently, in Step S 3 , it is determined whether data entry of the character (k) is determined (whether the touch pen is moved out of contact with the touch panel). In other words, it is determined whether the touch pen  101  is kept in contact with the part corresponding to “k” of the virtual keyboard  12   a,  or is moved out of contact with the part corresponding to “k” of the virtual keyboard  12   a.  In Step S 3 , if the touch pen  101  is moved out of contact with the part corresponding to “k” of the virtual keyboard  12   a  (the surface of the touch panel  11 ) as shown in  FIG. 7 , it is determined that data entry of the character is determined. In this case, the procedure goes to Step S 4  as shown in  FIG. 3 . In Step S 4 , data entry of the character (k) is determined (confirmed). 
     On the other hand, if it is not determined in Step S 3  that data entry of the character is determined (that the touch pen is moved out of contact with the touch panel), that is, if it is determined that the touch pen  101  is kept in contact with the part corresponding to “k” of the virtual keyboard  12   a,  the procedure goes to Step S 5 . In Step S 5 , it is determined whether the touch pen  101  stops for a predetermined period of time (e.g., not less than about 0.3 second and not more than about 0.5 second) without sliding on the touch panel  11 . In other words, it is determined whether the touch pen  101  is kept for the predetermined period of time (not less than about 0.3 second and not more than about 0.5 second) in contact with the part corresponding to “k” of the virtual keyboard  12   a  (the surface of the touch panel  11 ). If it is not determined in Step S 5  that the touch pen  101  stops for the predetermined period of time (not less than about 0.3 second and not more than about 0.5 second) without sliding on the touch panel, that is, if it is determined that the touch pen  101  slides on the touch panel, the procedure returns to Step S 3 . 
     On the other hand, if it is determined in Step S 5  that the touch pen  101  stops for the predetermined period of time (not less than about 0.3 second and not more than about 0.5 second) without sliding on the touch panel, it is determined that the character “k” of the virtual keyboard  12   a  is selected. Subsequently, the procedure goes to Step S 6 . In Step S 6 , the virtual keyboard  12   a  is closed, then the character candidate image  12   b  is displayed in the area where the virtual keyboard  12   a  has been displayed as shown in  FIG. 8 . Accordingly, dissimilar to the case where both the virtual keyboard  12   a  and the character candidate image  12   b  are displayed on the display portion  12 , the character candidate image  12   b  can be large in size when displayed on the display portion. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience in character entry operation. The character candidate image  12   b  indicates “KA”, “KI”, “KU”, KE”, “KO”, English words (English candidates), and the like relating to “k”, which is entered (touched) in the virtual keyboard  12   a  by the user. In addition, “k”, which is entered (touched) in the virtual keyboard  12   a  by the user, is indicated in a part in the vicinity of the center of the character candidate image  12   b.  “KA”, “KI”, “KU”, KE” and “KO”, which are hiragana characters, English words (English candidates), and the like relating to “k” are arranged in corresponding divided parts of the character candidate image  12   b  on the outer periphery of “k”, which is indicated in the part in the vicinity of the center of the character candidate image  12   b.  The character candidate image  12   c  is divided equally in angle into sector shapes corresponding to the divided peripheral parts of the character candidate image  12   b.    
     In addition, in Step S 6 , after the character candidate image  12   b  is displayed, a pointer (arrow) is shown in the character candidate image  12   b.  When the pointer is located on one of the character candidates in the character candidate image  12   b,  the one of the character candidates can be selected. It is noted that the position of the pointer does not necessarily agree with and may be deviated from the position of the touch pen  101  in contact with the character candidate image  12   b.  Even in the case where the position of the pointer is deviated from the position of the touch pen in contact with the character candidate image, when the touch pen  101  slides relative to the character candidate image  12   b  as shown in  FIG. 9 , the pointer moves correspondingly to the slide movement of the touch pen  101 . 
     Subsequently, in Step S 7  in  FIG. 3 , it is determined whether one of the character candidates of the character candidate image  12   b  is selected by the user, that is, whether the touch pen slides. This determination is repeated until it is determined that one of the character candidates is selected, that is, that the touch pen slides. In other words, in this embodiment, if the user moves the touch pen  101  in an upward and rightward direction with the touch pen  101  being in contact with the character candidate image  12   b  as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the pointer correspondingly moves to a part of the character candidate image  12   b  where “KA” is indicated (diagonally shaded area in  FIG. 9 ). In Step S 7  in  FIG. 3 , if it is determined that one of the character candidate (“KA”) in the character candidate image  12   b  is selected, that is, that the touch pen slides so that the pointer correspondingly moves to one of the character candidates (“KA”), the procedure goes to Step S 8 . Subsequently, in Step S 8 , it is determined whether data entry of the one of the character candidates (“KA”) is determined (whether the touch pen is moved out of contact with the touch panel). Specifically, it is determined whether the touch pen  101  is kept in contact with the part corresponding to “KA” in the character candidate image  12   b,  or is moved out of contact with the part corresponding to “KA” in the character candidate image  12   b.    
     In this embodiment, in Step S 8 , if it is determined that the touch pen  101  is moved out of contact with the part corresponding to “KA” in the character candidate image  12   b  (touch panel  11 ) as shown in  FIG. 11 , the procedure goes to Step S 9  (see  FIG. 3 ). In Step S 9 , data entry of the one of the character candidates (“KA”) is determined (confirmed). 
     On the other hand, if it is not determined in Step S 8  that data entry of one of the character candidates is determined (that the touch pen is moved out of contact with the touch panel), that is, if it is determined that the touch pen  101  is kept in contact with the part corresponding to one of the character candidates “KA” in the character candidate image  12   b,  the procedure goes to Step S 10 . In Step S 10 , it is determined whether the touch pen  101  stops for a predetermined period of time (not less than about 0.3 second and not more than about 0.5 second) without sliding on the touch panel. In other words, it is determined whether the touch pen  101  is kept for the predetermined period of time (not less than about 0.3 second and not more than about 0.5 second) in contact with the part corresponding to one of the character candidates “KA” in the character candidate image  12   b.  If it is not determined in Step S 10  that the touch pen  101  stops for the predetermined period of time (not less than about 0.3 second and not more than about 0.5 second) without sliding on the touch panel, that is, if it is determined that the touch pen  101  slides on the touch panel, the procedure returns to Step S 8 . 
     On the other hand, if it is determined in Step S 10  that the touch pen  101  stops for the predetermined period of time (not less than about 0.3 second and not more than about 0.5 second) without sliding on the touch panel, it is determined that the one of the character candidates “KA” in the character candidate image  12   b  is selected. Subsequently, the procedure goes to Step S 11  in  FIG. 4 . In Step S 11 , the character candidate image  12   b  is closed, then the conversion candidate image  12   c  is displayed in the area where the character candidate image  12   b  has been displayed as shown in  FIG. 12 . In other words, if it is determined that “KA” in the character candidate image  12   b  is selected by the user, the display is switched from the character candidate image  12   b  to the conversion candidate image  12   c.  The conversion candidate image  12   c  shows the conversion candidates including words starting with “KA” (e.g., “KAIMONO (shopping)”, “KAMERA (camera)”, “KARENDA (calendar)”, “KAO (face)” and “KASA (umbrella)”), “Continue Entry”, “Previous”, “Next” and the like. The “Continue Entry” allows the user to enter an additional character following the selected conversion candidate “KA”. The “Previous”, and “Next” allow the user to switch the display to previous and next conversion candidate sets, respectively. In addition, “KA”, which is selected (touched) in the character candidate image  12   b  by the user, is indicated in a part in the vicinity of the center of the conversion candidate image  12   c.  Also, the conversion candidates including words starting with “KA” (e.g., “KAIMONO”, “KAMERA”, “KARENDA”, “KAO” and “KASA”), “Continue Entry”, “Previous”, “Next” and the like are arranged in corresponding divided parts of the conversion candidate image  12   c.  The conversion candidate image  12   c  is divided equally in angle into sector shapes corresponding to the divided peripheral parts of the conversion candidate image  12   c.  The “Continue Entry” allows the user to enter an additional character following the selected conversion candidate “KA”. The “Previous” and “Next” allow the user to switch the display to previous and next conversion candidate sets, respectively. Also, in this embodiment, some of the conversion candidates displayed in the conversion candidate image  12   c  can be highlighted in accordance with their priorities. For example, in the case where the user most frequently enters “KAMERA”, the conversion candidate “KAMERA” can be indicated in larger size than the other conversion candidates and in italic font. 
     Subsequently, in Step S 12  in  FIG. 4 , it is determined whether one of the conversion candidates in the conversion candidate image  12   c  is selected, that is, whether the touch pen slides. When the user slides the touch pen  101  relative to the conversion candidate image  12   c  as shown in  FIG. 14  so that the pointer is moved from the conversion candidate “KAIMONO” shown in  FIG. 12  to the conversion candidate “KAMERA” shown in  FIG. 13 , it is determined in Step S 12  that selected one of the conversion candidates (“KAMERA”) in the conversion candidate image  12   c  is selected, that is, that the user slides the touch pen so that the pointer is moved to the conversion candidate “KAMERA”. Subsequently, the procedure goes to Step S 13 . In Step S 13 , it is determined whether data entry of the selected one of the conversion candidates (“KAMERA”) is determined (whether the touch pen is moved out of contact with the touch panel). Specifically, it is determined whether the touch pen  101  is kept in contact with the part corresponding to “KAMERA” in the conversion candidate image  12   c,  or is moved out of contact with the part corresponding to “KAMERA” in the conversion candidate image  12   c.    
     If it is determined in Step S 13  in  FIG. 4  that the touch pen  101  is moved out of contact with the part corresponding to “KAMERA” in the conversion candidate image  12   c  (see  FIG. 15 ), data entry of the selected one of the conversion candidates (“KAMERA”) is determined (it is determined that the touch pen is moved out of contact with the touch panel). Subsequently, the procedure goes to Step S 14 . In Step S 14 , data entry of the selected one of the conversion candidates (“KAMERA”) is determined (confirmed). On the other hand, in Step S 13 , if it is not determined that data entry of the selected one of the conversion candidates (“KAMERA”) is determined (that the touch pen is moved out of contact with the touch panel), the procedure returns to Step S 12 . 
     If it is not determined in Step S 12  that one of the conversion candidates is selected, that is, that the touch pen slides, the procedure goes to Step S 15 . In Step S 15 , it is determined whether “Continue Entry” in the conversion candidate image  12   c  is selected. If it is not determined in Step S 15  that “Continue Entry” in the conversion candidate image  12   c  is selected, the procedure returns to Step S 12 . If “Previous” or “Next” in the conversion candidate image  12   c  is selected/determined, the current conversion candidate set in the conversion candidate image  12   c  is switched to a previous or next conversion candidate set. 
     When the user slides the touch pen  101  relative to the conversion candidate image  12   c  as shown in  FIG. 18  so that the pointer is moved from the part corresponding to the conversion candidate (“KAIMONO”) shown in  FIG. 16  to the part corresponding to “Continue Entry” shown in  FIG. 17 , it is determined in Step S 15  that “Continue Entry” in the conversion candidate image  12   c  is selected, that is, that the user slides the touch pen so that the pointer is moved to “Continue Entry”. Subsequently, the procedure goes to Step S 16 . In Step S 16 , it is determined whether data entry of “Continue Entry” is determined (whether the touch pen is moved out of contact with the touch panel). Specifically, it is determined whether the touch pen  101  is kept in contact with the part corresponding to “Continue Entry” in the conversion candidate image  12   c,  or is moved out of contact with the part corresponding to “Continue Entry” in the conversion candidate image  12   c.    
     If it is not determined in Step S 16  that the touch pen  101  is moved out of contact with the part corresponding to “Continue Entry” in the conversion candidate image  12   c,  that is, if it is determined that the touch pen  101  slides, the procedure returns to Step S 12 . 
     In this embodiment, in Step S 16 , if it is determined that the touch pen  101  is moved out of contact with the part corresponding to “Continue Entry” in the conversion candidate image  12   c  as shown in  FIG. 19 , the procedure goes to Step S 17 . In Step S 17 , the one of the character candidates (“KA”), which is selected in the character candidate image  12   b,  is temporarily determined (temporarily confirmed). Subsequently, the procedure returns to Step  51 . The conversion candidate image  12   c  is closed, and then the virtual keyboard  12   a  is displayed again in the area where the conversion candidate image  12   c  has been displayed. After that, the user can enter an additional character following the temporarily determined character “KA”. For example, in the case where the user enters “s” of the virtual keyboard  12   a,  the display portion  12  will display the character candidate image, which includes words including “KASA”, “KASHI”, “KASU”, “KASE”, “KASO” or the like. Here, “KASA”, “KASHI”, “KASU”, “KASE”, and “KASO” includes a first hiragana character of “KA” and include a second hiragana character staring with the alphabet character “s”. 
     In this embodiment, as discussed above, when the touch pen  101  slides on the touch panel  11  with the touch pen  101  being in contact with the touch panel  11 , one of data items (“KAMERA”) in the conversion candidate image  12   c  relating to one of data codes (“k”) selected by user input is selected in accordance with the slide movement, and after the slide movement, when the touch pen  101  is moved out of contact with the touch panel  11 , the main control portion  51  determines the data entry of the selected one of data items (“KAMERA”) in the conversion candidate image  12   c  relating to the one of data codes (“k”) selected by user input. According to this construction, a single touch (single contact operation) allows the user to select (enter) one of the keys (“k”) of the virtual keyboard  12   a,  and determine the data entry of one of data items (“KAMERA”) in the conversion candidate image  12   c  relating to the selected one of the keys (“k”). Accordingly, dissimilar to the case where each character is entered by a single touch of the touch pen on the touch panel  11 , it is possible to reduce the number of touches of the touch pen on the touch panel  11  for character entry. Since the number of touches of the touch pen on the touch panel  11  is reduced, it is possible to correspondingly improve convenience and operability of input operation such as character entry. 
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, when the touch pen  101  slides on the touch panel  11  with the touch pen  101  being in contact with the touch panel  11 , one of data items (“KAMERA”) in the conversion candidate image  12   c  is selected in accordance with the slide movement, and after the slide movement, when the touch pen  101  is moved out of contact with the touch panel  11 , the data entry of the selected one of data items (“KAMERA”) in the conversion candidate image  12   c  is determined. According to this construction, since a single touch (single contact operation) allows the user to select one of the keys (“k”) of the virtual keyboard  12   a  and determine the data entry of one of data items (“KAMERA”) in the conversion candidate image  12 , it is possible to reduce the number of touches of the touch pen on the touch panel  11  for character entry. 
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, when the touch pen  101  slides on the touch panel  11  with the touch pen  101  being in contact with the touch panel  11 , one of the keys of the virtual keyboard  12   a  is selected in accordance with the slide movement. After this selection, the virtual keyboard  12   a  is closed, and then the character candidate image  12   b  is displayed in the area where the virtual keyboard  12   a  has been displayed. Accordingly, dissimilar to the case where both the virtual keyboard  12   a  and the character candidate image  12   b  are displayed on the display portion  12 , the character candidate image  12   b  can be large in size when displayed on the display portion. 
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, each of predicted conversion candidates relating to one of the keys (“k”) in the virtual keyboard  12   a  selected by user input is shown in corresponding one of a plurality of divided parts of the ellipse-shaped character candidate image  12   b.  Accordingly, the character candidates relating to one of the keys (“k”) of the virtual keyboard  12   a  selected by the user can be easily arranged in the divided parts of the ellipse-shaped character candidate image. 
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, each of character candidates (“KA, KI, KU, KE, KO”) and the like relating to the one of the keys (“k”) in the virtual keyboard  12   a  selected by user input is shown in corresponding one of the plurality of divided parts, which are arranged on the outer periphery of a part in the vicinity of the center of the ellipse-shaped character candidate image  12   b  where the one of the keys (“k”) in the virtual keyboard  12   a  is indicated. Accordingly, when the character candidate image  12   b  is displayed, the distances can be substantially equal between the selected key (“k”) of the virtual keyboard  12   a,  which is indicated in the part in the vicinity of the center of the ellipse-shaped character candidate image  12   b,  and the character candidates (“KA, KI, KU, KE, KO”) displayed on the outer periphery of the selected key (“k”). 
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, when the character candidate image  12   b  is displayed on the display portion  12 , the pointer for selecting one of the character candidates in the character candidate image  12   b  is displayed on the display portion  12 . Accordingly, the pointer allows the user to easily see the direction of the touch pen  101  to be moved for selecting one of the character candidates in the character candidate image  12   b.    
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, when one of the keys (“k”) of the virtual keyboard  12   a  is selected by user input, or when one of character candidates in the character candidate image  12   b  is selected by user input, the display portion  12  displays the selected data code (“k”) selected by user input in the body sheet  12   e.  Accordingly, the user can easily see the selected data code (“k”) selected by user input in the body sheet  12   e.    
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, when the touch pen  101  slides on the touch panel  11  with the touch pen  101  being in contact with the touch panel  11 , one of the character candidates in the character candidate image  12   b  is selected in accordance with the slide movement. In addition, after this selection, the display is switched from the character candidate image  12   b  to the conversion candidate image  12   c.  Accordingly, dissimilar to the case where both the character candidate image  12   b  and the conversion candidate image  12   c  are displayed on the display portion  12 , each of the character candidate image  12   b  and the conversion candidate image  12   c  can be large in size when displayed on the display portion. 
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, when the touch pen  101  slides on the touch panel with the touch pen  101  being in contact with the touch panel  11 , the user can select the continuous user character input selection alternative in the conversion candidate image  12   c.  Accordingly, even if conversion candidates displayed in the conversion candidate image  12   c  do not include a word which the user intends to enter, since the user can select the continuous user character input selection alternative, this construction facilitates the enter of a word other than the conversion candidates. 
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, after one of the character candidates (“KA”) in the character candidate image  12   b  is selected in accordance with slide movement of the touch pen  101  on the touch panel  11  with the touch pen  101  being in contact with the touch panel  11 , when continuous user character input is then selected in accordance with user slide movement of the touch pen  101  slides on the touch panel  11  with the touch pen  101  being in contact with the touch panel  11 , the virtual keyboard  12   a  is displayed again on the display portion  12  with data entry of the one of the character candidates (“KA”) in the character candidate image  12   b  being temporarily determined. Accordingly, after data entry of the one of the character candidates (“KA”) in the character candidate image  12   b  is temporarily determined, the user can enter an additional (next) character following the one of the character candidates (“KA”) the data entry of which is temporarily determined with the touch pen being in contact with the touch panel  11 . 
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, after one of the character candidates in the character candidate image  12   b  is selected, when the continuous user character input selection alternative in the conversion candidate image  12   c  is then selected by the user, the prediction conversion candidates in the conversion candidate image  12   c  is closed, the virtual keyboard  12   a  is displayed again in the area where the conversion candidate image  12   c  has been displayed. Accordingly, dissimilar to the case where both the conversion candidate image  12   c  and the virtual keyboard  12   a  are displayed on the display portion  12 , the virtual keyboard  12   a  can be large in size when displayed on the display portion  12 . 
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, when the touch pen  101  is in continuous contact for a predetermined time period (not less than about 0.3 second and not more than about 0.5 second) with one of the keys of the virtual keyboard  12   a,  or a part corresponding to one of character candidates in the character candidate image  12   b  or conversion candidates of the conversion candidate image  12   c  on the touch panel  11 , it is determined that the user selects the one of the keys of the virtual keyboard  12   a,  or the one of character candidates in the character candidate image  12   b  or conversion candidates of the conversion candidate image  12   c.  Accordingly, for example, in the slide movement in which the touch pen  101  slides on the touch panel  11 , even if the touch pen  101  comes in momentary contact with a key of the virtual keyboard  12   a  or a part corresponding to one of character candidates in the character candidate image  12   b  or conversion candidates of the conversion candidate image  12   c  on the touch panel  11 , it is possible to suppress a selection error in which the main control portion  51  wrongly determines that the user selects the key of the virtual keyboard  12   a  or the one of character candidates in the character candidate image  12   b  or conversion candidates in the conversion candidate image  12   c,  which comes in momentary contact with the touch pen  101 . 
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, some of the conversion candidates displayed in the conversion candidate image  12   c  can be highlighted in accordance with their priorities. Accordingly, for example, in the case where a higher priority prediction conversion candidate (“KAMERA”) is highlighted, the user can easily find the higher priority prediction conversion candidate (“KAMERA”). 
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, the highlighted some of the prediction conversion candidates can be displayed in different character size and different font from other of the prediction conversion candidates displayed in the conversion candidate image  12   c  in accordance with the priorities of the prediction conversion candidates. Since a higher priority prediction conversion candidate (“KAMERA”) is highlighted, the user can visually easily identify the higher priority prediction conversion candidate (“KAMERA”). 
     Also, in this embodiment, as discussed above, the user can select one of the keys of the virtual keyboard  12   a,  or one of candidates in the character candidate image  12   b  or the conversion candidate image  12   c  by a touch of the touch pen  101  on the touch panel  11 . Accordingly, the touch pen  101  allows the user to easily select one of the keys of the virtual keyboard  12   a,  or one of candidates in the character candidate image  12   b  or the conversion candidate image  12   c.    
     It should be appreciated, however, that the embodiment described above is illustrative, and the invention is not specifically limited to description above. The invention is defined not by the foregoing description of the embodiment, but by the appended claims, their equivalents, and various modifications that can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 
     For example, in the foregoing embodiment, although the mobile phone has been illustratively described as the character input device according to the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this construction. For example, the present invention can be applied to MID (Mobile Internet Device), DPF (Digital Photo Frame), PND (Portable Navigation Device), remote control, and the like. 
     Although, in the foregoing embodiment, the touch panel has been illustratively to be operated through the touch pen, the present invention is not limited to this construction. For example, the touch panel may be operated by users&#39; finger. 
     Although, in the foregoing embodiment, the character candidate image has been illustratively to indicate “KA”, “KI”, “KU”, KE”, “KO”, English words (English candidates), and the like relating to “k” after “k” of the virtual keyboard is entered, the present invention is not limited to this construction. For example, after “k” of the virtual keyboard is entered, as shown in a display image  12   f  of  FIG. 20  as a first modified character candidate image, when the display image  12   f  is displayed, the display image  12   f  can be divided into “KANA”, “KANA (Double)” (here, KANA is indicated in katanaka character), “KANJI”, “Temporarily Determine”, “Emoji” (emoticon), “Cap Eng (Single): k”, “Small Eng (Single): k”, “Cancel”, and the like. 
     In the foregoing embodiment, the conversion candidate image has been illustratively to indicate the conversion candidates including words starting with “KA” (e.g., “KAIMONO”, “KAMERA”, “KARENDA”, “KAO” and “KASA”), “Continue Entry”, “Previous”, “Next” and the like. The “Continue Entry” allows the user to enter an additional character following the selected conversion candidate “KA”. The “Previous” and “Next” allow the user to switch the display to previous and next conversion candidate sets, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this construction. For example, as shown in a conversion candidate image  12   g  of  FIG. 21 , “Rightward” and “Leftward” alternatives may be indicated in addition to words starting with “KA.” In this construction, if “Leftward” is selected, conversion candidates, which are currently displayed in the conversion candidate image, are turned counterclockwise so that other conversion candidates are indicated one by one after “KAMERA”. Also, if “Rightward” is selected, conversion candidates, which are currently displayed in the conversion candidate image, are turned clockwise so that other conversion candidates are indicated one by one before “KARENDA”. 
     Also, in the foregoing embodiment, although when the pointer has been illustratively described to move in a direction where users slide the touch pen in the character candidate image, the present invention is not limited to this construction. For example, as shown in a second modified character candidate image of  FIG. 22 , in order to indicate a sliding direction where users slide the touch pen, an arrow may be displayed in the character candidate image. 
     Also, in the foregoing embodiment, although it has been illustratively described that, when the pointer is arranged on one of the character candidates in the character candidate image or one of the conversion candidates in the conversion candidate image, the one of the character candidate or the one of the conversion candidates is selected/determined, the present invention is not limited to this construction. For example, the pointer may not be displayed. In this case, when the touch pen or users&#39; finger is arranged directly on one of the character candidates in the character candidate image or one of the conversion candidates in the conversion candidate image, the one of the character candidate or the one of the conversion candidates can be selected/determined.