PURPOSE: To input numbers of characters such as alphabets and KANA (Japanese syllabary) with relatively less keys through simple operation, by dividing plural characters into groups each containing ≥2 characters.

CONSTITUTION: A microprocessor 11 outputs a key strobe signal KS to key input equipment 12 and reads a key input signal KI to discriminate an operated key. An addres of a memory 13 is specified to read the contents. A display control part 14 is a sort of memory stored with turning-on/off data which correspond to respective dots of a display part 10, and the microprocessor 11 writes information, which corresponds to a display pattern, in the display control part 14 to obtain the desired display.