Terminal and method for operating same

A method for operating a terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: displaying a text tool window; receiving an inputted character sequence and displaying all of the received character sequences on the displayed text tool window; receiving an input for deleting characters for deleting a portion of the character sequences from among all of the displayed character sequences; receiving an input for recovering characters for recovering the deleted portion of the character sequences; and recovering and displaying the deleted portion of the character sequences according to the received input for recovering characters.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure herein relates to a terminal and a method for operating the same, and more particularly, to a method of automatically recovering deleted characters.

BACKGROUND ART

Terminals may be classified into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals depending on the mobility. The mobile terminals may be further classified into handheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals depending on whether a user may carry them in person.

As the functions of the terminals are diversified, the terminals are being implemented as multimedia players having complex functions including taking pictures, recording video, playing music or video files, gaming, receiving the broadcasting, reproducing articles or magazines.

As such, as the terminals are implemented to function as the multimedia players, users need to input, delete, correct or recover characters.

However, it is true that user interfaces that enable characters to be easily input, deleted, corrected or recovered on the screens of the terminals are not provided.

In the case of a terminal having a touch screen according to a typical embodiment, there is a need to move a cursor to a character having a typographical error to correct the error when input characters have the typographical error. In this case, when the cursor is moved to the character having the error, there is inconvenience in that a portion of a character string that has been correctly input is deleted thus users need to input the deleted portion of the character string one by one.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Technical Problem

Embodiments provide a terminal that may automatically recover deleted characters through a user input, and a method for operating the same.

Technical Solution

In one embodiment, a method of operating a terminal includes displaying a text tool window, receiving a character string input to display a whole of the received character string on the displayed text tool window, receiving a character deletion input for deleting a portion of the displayed character string, receiving a character recovery input for recovering the deleted portion of the character string, and recovering and displaying the deleted portion of the character string according to the receiving of the character recovery input.

In another embodiment, a terminal includes a touch screen comprising a touch sensor and a display unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit displays a text tool window, receives a character string input to display a whole of the received character string on the displayed text tool window, receives a character deletion input for deleting a portion of the displayed character string, receives a character recovery input for recovering the deleted portion of the character string, recovers and displays the deleted portion of the character string according to the receiving of the character recovery input.

Advantageous Effects

According to an embodiment, deleted character strings may be easily recovered by a simple touch operation.

Also, it is possible to insert a character between characters by a simple touch operation and deleted character strings may be easily recovered after the insertion of the character.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A mobile terminal related to an embodiment is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since the suffixes “module” and “unit” for components used in the following description are given and interchanged for only facilitation of description, they do not have distinct meanings or functions.

Terminals described in the present disclosure may include cellular phones, smart phones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), and navigation devices. However, a person skilled in the art may easily appreciate that a configuration according to an embodiment described herein may be applied not only to the mobile terminal but also to a fixed terminal, such as a digital TV or desktop computer, except when it is possible to apply to the mobile terminal only.

A structure of a terminal according to an embodiment is described below with reference toFIG. 1.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment.

A terminal100may include a wireless communication unit110, an audio/video (AV) input unit120, a user input unit130, a sensing unit140, an output unit150, a memory160, an interface unit170, a control unit180, and a power supply unit190. Since the components shown inFIG. 1are not essential, a mobile terminal having more or less components than those may also be implemented.

In the following, the components above are discussed one by one.

The wireless communication unit110may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the terminal100and a wireless communication system or between the terminal100and a network in which the terminal100is located. For example, the wireless communication unit110may include a broadcast receiving module111, a mobile communication module112, a wireless internet module113, a short range communication module114, and a position information module115.

The broadcast receiving module111receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel or a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may indicate a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast related information, or a server that receives a pre-generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast related information and transmits them to a terminal. The broadcast signal may also include a broadcast signal formed by combining a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal with a data broadcast signal, in addition to the TV broadcast signal, the radio broadcast signal, and the data broadcast signal.

The broadcast related information may mean information on a broadcast channel, a broadcast program or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast related information may also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, the information may be received by the mobile communication module112.

The broadcast related information may exist in various forms. For example, it may exist in the form of an electronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) or an electronic service guide (ESG) of digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H).

The broadcast receiving module111may receive a digital broadcast signal by using a digital broadcasting system such as a digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T) broadcasting system, a digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S) broadcasting system, a media forward link only (MediaFLO) broadcasting system, a digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) broadcasting system, or an integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T) broadcasting system. The broadcast receiving module111may also be configured to be suitable for other broadcasting systems in addition to the above-described digital broadcasting systems.

A broadcast signal and/or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module111may be stored in the memory160.

The mobile communication module112transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on the transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call signal or a text/multimedia message.

The wireless internet module113indicates a module for a wireless Internet connection and may be built in or provided separately from the terminal100. As a wireless internet technology, wireless LAN (WLAN, Wi-Fi), wireless broadband (Wibro), world interoperability for microwave access (Wimax), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) or the like may be used.

The short range communication module.114indicates a module for short range communication. As the short range communication technology, Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB), ZigBee may be used.

The position information module115is a module for obtaining the position of a mobile terminal and includes a global position system (GPS) module as a typical example.

Referring toFIG. 1, the AV input unit120is used for an audio signal or video signal input and may include a camera121and a microphone122. The camera121processes a picture frame of a still image or a video obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or in an imaging mode. The processed picture frame may be displayed on the display unit151.

The image frame processed by the camera121may be stored in the memory160or externally transmitted through the wireless communication unit110. The camera121may be arranged in plurality depending on the usage environment.

The microphone122receives an external sound signal in a call mode, a recording mode, or a voice recognition mode and processes the signal into electrical voice data. In the call mode, the voice data obtained through the processing may be converted into a format that enables transmission to a mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module112, and the data obtained through conversion may be output to the mobile communication base station. Various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal may be implemented in the microphone122.

The user input unit130generates input data for the operation control of a user terminal. The user input unit130may include a key pad, a dome switch, a (static pressure/capacitive) touch pad, a jog wheel, and a jog switch.

The sensing unit140senses the current states of the terminal100such as an open/close state of the terminal100, a position of the terminal100, whether a user touches the mobile terminal100, an orientation of the mobile terminal, and acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal and generates a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the terminal100. For example, when the terminal100is of a slide phone type, it is possible to sense whether a slide phone is open or close. Moreover, it is also possible to sense whether power is supplied by the power supply unit190or whether the interface unit170is coupled to an external device. The sensing unit140may include a proximity sensor141.

The output unit150is used for generating a visual, auditory or tactile output and may include the display unit151, a sound output module152, an alarm unit153, and a haptic module154.

The display unit151displays (outputs) information processed by the terminal100. For example, when the mobile terminal is in the call mode, the display unit151displays user interface (UI) or graphic user interface (GUI) related to a call. When the terminal100is in a video call mode or in an imaging mode, the display unit151displays an imaged and/or received image, the UI, or the GUI.

The display unit40may include at leas one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, and a 3D display.

Some of the displays may be configured as transparent or optically transferable to enable viewing of the outside therethrough. The displays may be referred to as transparent displays which include a transparent OLED (TOLED) as a typical example. The back structure of the display unit151may also be configured as optically transferable. Due to such a structure, a user may see objects located at the back side of a terminal body through a region which the display unit151of the terminal body occupies.

Depending on the implementation of the terminal100, the display unit151may exist in plurality. For example, a plurality of display units may be arranged on one surface of the terminal100to be spaced apart from one another or integrally or may also be respectively arranged on different surfaces thereof.

When the display unit151and a sensor sensing a touch operation (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘touch sensor’) form a mutually layered structure (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘touch screen’), the display unit151may also be used as an input device in addition to the output device. The touch sensor may be in the form of e.g., a touch film, touch sheet, or touch pad.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert, a change in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit151or in capacitance generated at a specific portion of the display unit151, into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to be able to detect pressure of touch in addition to position and area of the tough.

When there is a touch input to the touch sensor, a corresponding signal(s) is transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transmits corresponding data to the control unit180. Accordingly, the control unit180may be aware of a touched region of the display unit151.

Referring toFIG. 1, the proximity sensor141may be arranged in the internal region of the mobile terminal, surrounded by the touch screen, or near the touch screen. The proximity sensor141indicates a sensor that detects the absence and presence of an object approaching a certain detection face or an object near the proximity sensor without mechanical contact by using the force of an electromagnetic field or an infrared ray. The proximity sensor141has a longer lifetime than a contact sensor and also has a wide application.

Examples of the proximity sensor141include a transmissive photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflective photoelectric sensor, a high-frequency oscillating proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. When the touch screen is of a capacitive type, it is configured to detect the proximity of a pointer by using a change in electric field due to the proximity of the pointer. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be classified as a proximity sensor.

For the convenience of description, an action of recognizing that the pointer approaches the touch screen and is located on the touch screen without a contact is referred to as a “proximity touch” and an action made when the pointer is in actual contact with the touch screen is referred to as a “contact touch”. The position where the proximity touch is made with the pointer over the touch screen means the position where the pointer is perpendicular to the touch screen when the pointer makes the proximity touch.

The proximity sensor senses the proximity touch and proximity touch patterns (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, and proximity touch moving state). Information corresponding to the sensed proximity touch operation and proximity touch patterns may be displayed on the touch screen.

The sound output module152may output audio data received from the wireless communication unit110or stored in the memory160in a call signal receiving mode, a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, and a broadcast receiving mode. The sound output module152also outputs a sound signal related to a function that is performed by the terminal100(e.g., a call signal incoming tone and a message incoming tone). The sound output module152may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer or the like.

The alarm unit153outputs a signal for indicating generation of an event of the terminal100. Examples of an event generated by the mobile terminal include call signal reception, message reception, a key signal input and a touch input. The alarm unit153may also output signals in forms different from a video signal or audio signal, for example, a signal for indicating generation of an event through vibration. The video signal or audio signal may also be output through the display unit151or the voice output module152and thus the components151and152may be classified as portions of the alarm unit153.

The haptic module154generates various tactile effects that a user may feel. A typical example of a tactile effect generated by the haptic module154is vibration. It is possible to control the intensity and patterns of the vibration generated by the haptic module154. For example, different vibrations may be synthesized and output or may be sequentially output.

In addition to the vibration, the haptic module154may generate various tactile effects such as an effect of stimulus due to a pin arrangement making a motion perpendicular to a contact skin surface, an effect of stimulus due to a jet force or suction force of air through a jet hole or a suction hole, an effect of stimulus due to rubbing a skin surface, an effect of stimulus due to an electrode contact, an effect of stimulus due to an electrostatic force, and an effect due to a reproduction of cold and warmth using a device capable of absorbing or radiating heat.

The haptic module154may not only transmit tactile effects through direct contact but may also enable the user to feel tactile effects through a kinesthetic sense of the user's fingers or arms. Depending on the configuration of the mobile terminal100, the haptic module154may exist in plurality.

The memory160may store programs for the operation of the control unit180and temporarily store data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, and a video) that is input and output. The memory160may store data on sound and vibrations in various patterns that are output when there is a touch input on the touch screen.

The memory160may include as a storage medium, at least one of a flash memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (for example, a secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk and an optical disk. The terminal100may also operate in relation to a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory160over the internet.

The interface unit170functions as a path to all external devices connected to the terminal100. The interface unit170receives data from external devices, receives power and transmits the data or power to each component of the terminal100, or transmits data from the terminal100to the external devices. For example, the interface unit170may include a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port connecting a device that includes an identification module, an audio input and output (I/O) port, an video I/O port, and an earphone port.

The identification module is a chip storing various pieces of information for authenticating authority to use the terminal100and may include a user identify module (UIM), subscriber identity module (SIM), and a universal subscriber identity module (USIM). A device that includes the identification module (hereinafter, referred to as an “identification device”) may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. Thus, the identification device may be connected to the terminal100via a port.

When the mobile terminal100is connect to an external cradle, the interface unit may be a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal100or may be a path through which various command signals input at the cradle by a user are transmitted to the mobile terminal. The power or the various command signals input from the cradle may operate as a signal for recognizing that the mobile terminal is correctly installed in the cradle.

The control unit180typically controls the overall operations of the mobile terminal. For example, the control unit180performs the control and processing associated with voice calls, data communication, and video calls. The control unit180may also include a multimedia module181for playing multimedia. The multimedia module181may be implemented in the control unit180, or may be implemented separately from the control unit (180).

The controller180may perform pattern recognition processing capable of recognizing a handwritten input or a picture-drawing input performed on the touch screen, as a character and image.

The power supply unit190receives internal power or external power under the control of the control unit180and provides power required for the operation of each of components.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in e.g., a recording medium that may be read with a computer or a similar device by using software, hardware or a combination thereof.

According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented by using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers), microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions. In some cases, the embodiments may be implemented by the control unit180.

According to software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented along with a separate software module that performs at least one function or operation. Software codes may be implemented by software applications that are written in proper programming languages. The software codes may be stored in the memory160and may be executed by the control unit180.

In the following, the operating method of a terminal according to an embodiment is described with reference toFIGS. 2 to 10.

In the following, a character may mean a single character unit and a character string may mean a unit including two or more characters.

FIG. 2is a flowchart of a method of recovering a character by a terminal according to an embodiment.

The control unit180receives a user input for the displaying of a text tool window in step S101. The control unit180may receive the user input for the displaying of the text tool window through a touch sensor. In another embodiment, the control unit180may receive the user input for the displaying of the text tool window through an external input device such as a keyboard or mouse.

The control unit180displays the text tool window through the display unit151according to the user input received for the displaying of the text tool window in step S103. The text tool window is described with reference toFIG. 3.

FIG. 3shows the process of displaying the text tool window according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 3, the control unit180may display a text tool window200through a display unit (not shown) when a user input for the displaying of the text tool window200is received. The text tool window200may include a text input region210and a text display region220.

The text input region210may be a region including a plurality of buttons that perform operations for correcting or recovering a character to be input or a character input to the text display region220through the user input.

The plurality of function buttons213to215may include a delete button213, a space button214, and a search button215.

When the delete button213is selected by a user input, one character in the character string displayed on the text display region220may be deleted. In this case, as a cursor221moves to the left side, one character may be deleted. When the space button214is selected by the user input, no characters are displayed on the text display region210and the cursor221to be described below may move to the right by one space. When the search button215is selected by the user input, a search for information on the character string displayed on the text display region220may be performed.

The plurality of function buttons may further include buttons that may perform other various operations.

The text display region220may be a region for displaying the process of correcting or recovering a character to be input or a character input through a user input. The text display region220may be located over the text input region210.

The cursor221and a delete button223that delete all characters may be displayed on the text display region220. The cursor221may blink for a certain time, and when a character is displayed on the text display region220by a user input, the cursor may move to the right of the displayed character. That is, the cursor221functions as an indicator that indicates the position of a character to be input to a user.

When the delete button223that delete all characters is selected by the user input, all the characters displayed on the text display region220may be deleted.

The control unit180enables the text tool window200to enter a general mode and receives a character input from a user in step S105. In an embodiment, the general mode is a mode different from a character insertion mode to be described below and may mean a mode in which it is possible to input, delete or recover a character. Referring back toFIG. 3for description, the control unit180may receive a character input through the selection of the letter button211in the text input region210. In an embodiment, the selection of the letter button211may be received by a user touch without limitation thereto and the selection of the letter button211may be received by an external input device such as a keyboard or mouse.

The control unit180displays the character input according to the reception of the character input through the text tool window200in step S107. Related descriptions are provided with reference toFIG. 4.

FIG. 4is a diagram for explaining the process of displaying a character according to character input reception according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4shows when the character string ‘ABCDEXGHIJK’ is displayed on the text display region220by the selective reception of the letter button211. That is, each of characters may be input according to the selection of the letter button211by a user so that the character string may be displayed. In this case, the cursor221moves to the right of the letter K that has been input last according to the input of the character string.

Then, the control unit180receives a character deletion input for deleting a portion of the characters in step S109while the characters are displayed on the text display region220, and displays the changed state of the deleted portion of the characters in step S111. Related descriptions are provided with reference toFIG. 5.

FIG. 5is a diagram for explaining the process of deleting a character according to character input reception according to an embodiment.

The following description is provided on the assumption that the letter ‘X’ in the character string ‘ABCDEXGHIJK’ has an error. An embodiment is described on the assumption that one letter has an error but does not need to be limited thereto, and it is also possible to apply when there are errors in consecutive characters or between characters in the character string.

FIG. 5shows the process of deleting the portion ‘XGHIJK’ from the character string ‘ABCDEXGHIJK’ according to a user's character deletion input in the text display region220. In an embodiment, the character deletion input may be performed by the selective reception of the delete button213. That is, when a user touches the delete button213many times to approach a character to be deleted in order to correct an error, the cursor221may move to a position corresponding to the number of times the delete button213is pressed, deleting characters. In this example, the deleted character string ‘XGHIJK’ may be displayed in a different color from the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’. That is, when the remaining character string ‘ABODE’ is displayed in a black color, the deleted character string ‘XGHIJK’ may be displayed in a gray color. However, an embodiment does not need to be limited thereto and the deleted character string may be displayed in many manners. For example, it may also be displayed as a transparent background or only the contour of each character may be displayed. If the deleted character string is displayed as the transparent background, a user may check the deleted character string with his or her eyes.

In an embodiment, the character deletion input may be performed by using other methods except for the delete button213. That is, after the user touches the cursor221for a certain time, drags and drops the cursor221to the position of a character to be deleted and then inputs the delete button213, it is possible to delete the character string ‘XGHIJK’ that the user wants to delete.

The control unit180receives a new character input through a user input in step S113and displays the changed state of the newly input character in step S115. Related descriptions are provided with reference toFIG. 6.

FIG. 6is a diagram for explaining the processes of receiving a new character input while characters are partially deleted and of displaying the changed state of the newly input character according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 6, a user may touch the letter button211for the letter ‘F’ at the position of the letter ‘X’ having a typographical error to display the new letter ‘F’ on the text display region220. In this case, the newly input letter ‘F’ may be displayed in the same color as the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’. In another embodiment, the newly input letter ‘F’ may be displayed in different colors from the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’ and the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ to enable a user to visually recognize an error corrected state. According to the input of the new letter ‘F’, the cursor221moves to the right of the displayed letter ‘F’.

The control unit180receives a recovery input for recovering the deleted characters in step S117while the changed state of the newly input character is displayed, and recovers the deleted characters according to the reception of the recovery input to display the recovered characters on the display unit151in step S119. Various methods may be used for the reception of the recovery input. In an embodiment, the control unit180may automatically recover the deleted characters when an input of selecting a side of the deleted character string in the text display region220is received. In this case, the deleted characters may be displayed in the same color in the remaining characters.

In another embodiment, the control unit180may automatically recover the deleted characters when an input of touching the newly input character for a certain time is received.

In another embodiment, the control unit180may automatically recover the deleted character when an input of selecting the cursor221located on the right of the newly input character is received and then an input of dragging and dropping the cursor to the end of the deleted character string is received.

In another embodiment, the control unit180may automatically recover the deleted character string when an input of selecting a separate edition completion button is received.

The processes of receiving the recovery input for recovering the deleted characters and of recovering the deleted characters according to the reception of the recovery input are described with reference toFIGS. 7 to 10.

FIGS. 7 to 10are diagrams for explaining the processes of receiving a recovery input for recovering deleted characters according to an embodiment and of displaying the deleted characters according to the reception of the recovery input.

Firstly,FIG. 7shows an embodiment where the deleted characters are automatically recovered when an input of selecting a side of the deleted character string in the text display region220is received.

Referring toFIG. 7, when a user deletes a letter having a typographical error, inputs a new letter ‘F’ and then touches the end of the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be recovered. What the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is recovered may mean that it is displayed in the same color as the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’. That is, when the end of the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is touched while the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’ is displayed in a black color and the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is displayed as a transparent background, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be displayed in the black color.

The time for which the touch is maintained may be one second, which is however an example. In an embodiment, when a user touches a portion of the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ instead of the end of the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be recovered.

When there is a typographical error in the middle of the character string, the user may correct the error through such a process and easily recover the deleted character string by a simple touch operation without a need to re-input the deleted character string. Thus, since it is easy to correct and recover characters, user convenience may increase.

Next, an embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 8where deleted characters are automatically recovered when an input of touching a newly input character for a certain time is received.

Referring toFIG. 8, when a user deletes a letter having a typographical error, inputs a new letter ‘F’ and then touches where the input letter ‘F’ is located, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be recovered. What the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is recovered may mean that it is displayed in the same color as the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’.

Next, an embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 9where deleted characters are automatically recovered when an input of selecting the cursor221located on the right of the newly input character is received and then an input of dragging and dropping a cursor to the end of a deleted character string is received.

Referring toFIG. 9, when a user deletes a letter having a typographical error, inputs a new letter ‘F’, touches the cursor221located on the right of the input letter ‘F’, dragging and dropping the cursor221to the right of the letter ‘K’ at which the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ ends, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be automatically recovered. What the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is recovered may mean that it is displayed in the same color as the remaining character string ‘ABODE’.

Next, an embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 10where a deleted character string is automatically recovered when an input of selecting an edition completion button is received.

Referring toFIG. 10, when a user deletes a letter having a typographical error, inputs a new letter ‘F’ and then touches the edition completion button225, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be automatically recovered. What the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is recovered may mean that it is displayed in the same color as the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’.

The automatic recovery of the deleted character string that has been described inFIGS. 7 to 10may be applied even after a portion of the deleted character string is input. That is, when the user corrects the letter having the typographical error to the letter ‘F’, inputs the letter ‘G’ being a portion of the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ and then performs an automatic recovery operation, the character string ‘HIJK’ may also be recovered automatically.

Next, a method of operating a terminal according to another embodiment is described with reference toFIGS. 11 to 17.

FIG. 11is a flowchart of a method of recovering a character by a terminal according to another embodiment.

Since steps S201to S211are the same as steps S101to S111that have been described inFIGS. 2 to 10, their detailed descriptions are omitted.

The control unit180enables the terminal100to enter a character insertion mode in step S213. In an embodiment, the character insertion mode is a mode in which it is possible to insert a character between characters, and may be different from a general mode that has been described inFIG. 2. In an embodiment, the character insertion mode may be entered by the second successive touch of the cursor221or by the selection of a separate character insertion button. Related descriptions are provided with reference toFIG. 12.

FIG. 12is a diagram for explaining the process of entering, by a terminal, a character insertion mode according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12may be a process that is performed after the process inFIG. 6.

Referring toFIG. 12, when a user deletes a letter having a typographical error, inputs a new letter ‘F’, and then touches the cursor221twice times successively, a mode may be changed from a general mode to a character insertion mode. When the mode of the document tool window200enters the character insertion mode, the color of the cursor221may also be changed and the shape of the cursor221may also be changed so that the vertical length of the cursor221becomes longer. Also, when the mode of the document tool window200enters the character insertion mode, the blinking of the cursor221may also disappear.

In another embodiment, when a user deletes a letter having a typographical error, inputs a new letter ‘F’, and then touches the character insertion button227, the mode of the document tool window may be changed from the general mode to the character insertion mode.

In another embodiment, when the user touches the cursor221for a preset time, the mode of the document tool window may be changed from the general mode to the character insertion mode. In this example, the preset time may be two seconds, which are only an example.

The control unit180receives a character insertion input through a user input in step S215while the terminal100has entered the character insertion mode, and displays a character inserted according to the character insertion input in step S217. In this case, the character inserted through the user input may be located between the remaining character string and the deleted character string. Related descriptions are provided with reference toFIG. 13.

FIG. 13is a diagram for explaining the process of displaying a character input through a user input while a document tool window has entered a character insertion mode according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 13, the characters ‘NN’ may be displayed in the text display region220when the user inputs the characters ‘NN’ by selecting the letter button211inFIG. 12. In this case, since the document tool window200operates in the character insertion mode, the inserted character string ‘NN’ may be displayed between the letter ‘F’ newly input or obtained through correction and the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’. If the letter ‘F’ obtained through correction is not input, the inserted characters ‘NN’ may be displayed between the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’ and the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’.

In an embodiment, the inserted character string ‘NN’ may be displayed in the same color as the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’ and the newly input letter ‘F’ or in different color therefrom. When the inserted character string ‘NN’ is displayed in a different color from the character string ‘ABCDE’, it may also be displayed in a different color from the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’.

The embodiment ofFIG. 13may be different from the embodiment ofFIG. 6. That is, in the general mode ofFIG. 6, the newly input letter ‘F’ is displayed on the position of the deleted letter ‘X’ but in the character insertion mode, the newly input letters ‘NN’ are not displayed on the positions of the deleted letters ‘GH’ but are inserted and then displayed.

As will be described below, a user may recover a character deleted when inserting a character into the necessary position of a character string, without re-inputting the deleted character.

The control unit180enables the text tool window200to enter a general mode through a user input in step S219. The general mode is a mode different from the above character insertion mode and may mean a mode in which it is possible to input, delete or recover a character. The entrance into the general mode may be performed in the same manner as the entrance into the character insertion mode. That is, when inFIG. 13, the cursor221is touched two times successively, the mode of the document tool window200may be changed from the character insertion mode to the general mode.

In another embodiment, when a user touches the character insertion button227, the mode of the document tool window200may be changed from the character insertion mode to the general mode.

The control unit180receives a recovery input for recovering the deleted characters in step S221while the document tool window200has entered the general mode, and recovers the deleted characters according to the reception of the recovery input to display the recovered characters on the display unit151in step S223. Various methods may be used for the reception of the recovery input. In an embodiment, the control unit180may automatically recover the deleted characters when an input of selecting a side of a deleted character string in the text display region220is received. In this case, the deleted characters may be displayed in the same color in the remaining characters.

In another embodiment, the control unit180may automatically recover the deleted characters when an input of touching a portion of the recovered character string for a certain time is received.

In another embodiment, the control unit180may automatically recover the deleted characters when an input of selecting the cursor221located on the right of the inserted character string is received and then an input of dragging and dropping the cursor to the end of the deleted character string is received.

In another embodiment, the control unit180may automatically recover the deleted character string when an input of selecting a separate edition completion button is received.

The processes of receiving the recovery input for recovering the deleted characters and of recovering the deleted characters according to the reception of the recovery input are described with reference toFIGS. 14 to 17.

FIGS. 14 to 17are diagrams for explaining the processes of receiving a recovery input for recovering deleted characters and of displaying the deleted characters according to the reception of the recovery input according to another embodiment.

Firstly,FIG. 14shows an embodiment where deleted characters are automatically recovered when an input of selecting a side of a deleted character string in the text display region220is received.

Referring toFIG. 14, when a user inserts the character string ‘NN’ and then touches the end of the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be recovered. What the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is recovered may mean that it is displayed in the same color as the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’. That is, when the end of the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is touched while the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’ is displayed in black color and the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is displayed as a transparent background, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be displayed in a black color.

The time for which the touch is maintained may be one second, which is however an example. In an embodiment, when a user touches a portion of the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ instead of the end of the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be recovered.

When there is a typographical error in the middle of the character string and there is a need to further insert a character, the user may correct the error through such a process, insert the character and then easily recover the deleted character string by a simple touch operation without a need to re-input the deleted character string. Thus, since it is easy to correct and recover characters, user convenience may increase.

Next, an embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 15where deleted characters are automatically recovered when an input of touching an inserted character for a certain time is received.

Referring toFIG. 15, when a user inserts the character string ‘NN’ and then touches a place where the portion ‘N’ of the inserted character string is located, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be recovered.

What the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is recovered may mean that it is displayed in the same color as the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’. In another embodiment, when a user touches a place where the letter ‘F’ obtained through correction is located, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be recovered. What the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is recovered may mean that it is displayed in the same color as the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’.

Next, an embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 16where deleted characters are automatically recovered when an input of selecting the cursor221located on the right of inserted characters is received and then an input of dragging and dropping a cursor to the end of a deleted character string is received.

Referring toFIG. 16, when a user inserts the character string ‘NN’, touches the cursor221located on the right of the inserted character string ‘NN’, drags and drops the cursor221to the right of the letter ‘K’ at which the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ ends, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be automatically recovered. What the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is recovered may mean that it is displayed in the same color as the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’.

Next, an embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 17where a deleted character string is automatically recovered when an input of selecting a separate edition completion button is received.

Referring toFIG. 17, when a user inserts the character string ‘NN’ and then touches the edition completion button225, the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ may be automatically recovered. What the deleted character string ‘GHIJK’ is recovered may mean that it is displayed in the same color as the remaining character string ‘ABCDE’.

Various embodiments may be applied to fields in which a character is input and applied. For example, applications may include when a telephone number is input and corrected through a terminal, when a message is input and corrected through a messenger application, when a text message such as SMS or MMS is input or corrected, or when a login or search is performed while a web browser operates.

According to an embodiment, the above-described method may also be embodied as processor readable codes on a program-recorded medium. Examples of the processor readable medium are a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, and an optical data storage device, and the method is also implemented in the form of a carrier wave (such as data transmission through the Internet).

The above-described mobile terminal is not limited to the configuration and method of described embodiments, and some or all of the embodiments may also be selectively combined so that various variations may be implemented.