Method and device for inputting text using a touch screen

A mobile device-implemented method for providing a user of a mobile device having a touch screen a function to input a code into the mobile device among candidate codes, wherein the candidate codes are divided into a plurality of code series, the method comprising: (A) providing in the touch screen a first flick area, which is located in a ⅓ side area at a side of a first lateral side of the touch screen, wherein each of the plurality of code series is associated with a corresponding flick action at the first flick area; (B) providing in the touch screen a second flick area, which is located in a ⅓ side area at a side of a second lateral side of the touch screen; (C) detecting a first flick action at the first flick area to determine the code series; (D) detecting a second flick action at the second flick area. (G) determining a code to be inputted into the mobile device from a combination of the determined code series and the second flick action.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and a device for inputting text using a touch screen in an information processing device, such as a mobile phone.

BACKGROUND ART

Information processing devices, such as mobile phones, that use a touch screen for inputting text have become popular.

Conventional methods for inputting text using a touch screen include “toggle” and “flick”.

The toggle method is relatively easy to master but relatively slow to input text. In the toggle method, the user touches a first-touching area, that is, a sectioned area in the touch screen, for determining a character series, such as a series including A, B and C. After that, the user touches the sectioned area one to several times or not touches any area to determine which character to input. The flick method allows faster text input than the toggle method if used by a user who has mastered it. The flick method is shown inFIG. 19. In the flick method, the user touches one of flick areas41P for determining a character series, such as a series including A, B and C. Then, the device displays an assist display44P. Finally, the user performs a flick action, which is an action that moves the finger or tap the touch screen with the finger. The flick action corresponds to a character. If the user performs an up flick action, B is determined inFIG. 19B.

However, when inputting text using the above methods, the user needs to look at the screen for finding the area (flick area41P) to touch first.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a method for inputting text in a touch screen that enables fast input and easy-to-master, as well as a lower degree of the need to look into the screen during the input.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The mobile device-implemented methods of the present invention have steps as described in the claims. The methods can be used in a mobile device, which can be held by the user's hands. An aspect of the invention is directed to a mobile device-implemented method for providing a user of a mobile device having a touch screen a function to input a code into the mobile device among candidate codes, wherein the candidate codes are divided into a plurality of code series, the method comprising:

(A) providing in the touch screen a first flick area, which is located in a ⅓ side area at a side of a first lateral side of the touch screen;

(B) providing in the touch screen a second flick area, which is located in a ⅓ side area at a side of a second lateral side of the touch screen at opposite side to the first lateral side;

(C) detecting a first flick action at the first flick area or the second flick area to determine the code series;

(D) detecting a second flick action at the first flick area or the second flick area; and

(E) determining a code to be inputted into the mobile device from a combination of the determined code series and the second flick action.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Identical or similar elements are numbered the same or similar numbers.

(1) Mobile Device

FIG. 1shows top views of a mobile device and touch screen arrangements in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 1Ashows details of the mobile device when an input panel is initiated.

The mobile device10has a function of a phone and wireless data communications, such as sending and receiving SMS messages and e-mails. In addition, the mobile device has a function of a word processor, scheduling, spreadsheet, web browsing, and so on.

Examples of the mobile device10for which the present invention may be implemented include iPhone 4, iPod Touch and iPad released by Apple Computer Inc. and HTC Desire released by HTC Corp.

The invention may be implemented by software developed using software development kits (SDKs) available from Apple Computer Inc. or Google Inc., building an OS image, or ASICs designed using hardware description languages.

The mobile device10has a speaker12, a microphone14, a home hardware button16, up and down hardware buttons18, a power/sleep hardware button19, and a touch screen display20installed inside a frame21.

In addition, the mobile device has a camera22and a 3 axis gyro sensor (not illustrated), which can detect three-dimensional orientation of the mobile device10.

(2) Touch Screen

On substantially all area of the touch screen20, a touch sensor sheet is adhered on the touch sensor display base for detecting motions of the user's finger or stylus on the touch sensor sheet.

The touch screen20is substantially rectangle in shape and has two lateral sides24,25at left and right and two horizontal sides26,27at top and bottom. The touch screen20may be at a lower level, that is, depressed, than the frame21of the touch screen20so as to protect the touch screen20from damages, as in HTC Hermes released by HTC Corp. Alternatively, the touch screen20and the frame21may be at the same level and formed uniformly. In the touch screen20, there are a first flick area41in a first ⅓ side area A1 and a second flick area42in a second ⅓ side area A2.

When inputting text, it is advantageous if the user uses both the left and right hands in order to input text fast as inFIGS. 2A and 2B. Also, it is advantageous if the user held the mobile device10with both the left and right hands and touching the touch screen20with two thumbs of both hands. This is because the user can easily use the two thumbs simultaneously or partly simultaneously compared to the case when the user uses two fingers of one hand at the same time. One reason for this is that, when two thumbs are used, left brain is used for moving right hand thumb and right brain is used for moving left hand thumb, and therefore, the brain is efficiently used by working in parallel.

FIG. 2shows a top view of the mobile device when held by the user at both hands. The user may use the mobile device in its normal direction (FIG. 2A) but the user may also use it in its horizontal direction (FIG. 2B), which is a direction rotated 90 degrees from its normal direction (FIG. 2A). In the latter case, an upper direction is the direction U and lateral sides are sides24,25inFIG. 2B, and the first ⅓ side area A1 and the second ⅓ side area A2 move to the sides of the touch screen inFIG. 2B. Embodiments of the invention will be illustrated for the mobile device10in its normal position but it can be understood that the invention can be used in its horizontal direction also.

(3) Input Panel

Returning back toFIG. 1A, usually, application software uses all area of the touch screen20. When the application software is available for inputting text, a horizontal border30appears in the touch screen20and the screen of application software is made smaller to be formed in an upper part, which is above the horizontal border30. This application software accepts text input from the user. Examples of such application software include SMS and e-mail messaging software, telephone call handling software, word processing software, a text editor, scheduling software, a remote controller, and the like.

Below the horizontal border30of the touch screen20, an input panel32, which provides to the user a function to input text in this mobile device10, is displayed.

(4) Text Input Feature

In the mobile device10, the inventor has noticed that it is very important to achieve the following features regarding text input:

(1) capability to input text fast

(2) easy to master how to input

(3) low level of the need to look into the screen during the text input operation

Regarding the feature (3), if the user has to look into the touch screen20all the time during the text input operation, even though the mobile device10accomplishes features (1) and (2), the user gets tired, and furthermore, it is difficult to do other things while inputting text, such as looking forward when walking.

The present invention intends to achieve all of the above (1) to (3) features, especially, (3).

In some conventional mobile devices that have hardware buttons to input text instead of a touch screen20, it is not very difficult to input text without looking into the screen. This is because the user can recognize the border between a button and another button with user's fingers.

However, as shown inFIG. 19, in a conventional mobile device that uses a touch screen20P to input text, the user needs to look into the screen at a high level during the text input operation. The main reason for this is that the user cannot recognize borders between sections (buttons) of the touch areas41P with the user's finger because there are no roughness (unevenness) that the user can recognize with the finger in the touch screen20P as compared to conventional mobile devices that have hardware buttons. The above problem that the user needs to look into the screen at a high level during the text input operation occurs also because many sections in the touch areas41P, such as sections in the touch areas in the center of the touch screen, are located on areas difficult for the user to locate on.

(5) Eight Directions Approach

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention described inFIG. 1, the input panel32has a first flick area41in the touch screen20, which is located in a ⅓ side area A1 at a side of the left lateral side24of the touch screen20and a second flick area42in the touch screen20, which is located in a ⅓ side area A2 at a side of the right lateral side25of the touch screen. Herein, “a flick area, which is located in a ⅓ side area at a side of a lateral side” corresponds to locating a flick area41,42in an area formed at a side of a lateral side by dividing the touch screen into three areas having the same size with two longitudinal lines (⅓ side area). Preferably, the flick area does not extend beyond a ⅓ longitudinal line36onto the side of the center longitudinal line34, that is, the flick area is within a ⅓ side area A1, A2 at a side of the lateral side. This ⅓ longitudinal line36is important for the user to recognize the flick area with the user's fingers and to maintain a center region between the flick areas as well.

InFIG. 1A, the first flick area41and the second flick area42are located at symmetrical locations with each other centering on the center longitudinal line34. That is, both flick areas41,42are located at the same distance from the bottom side27of the touch screen and at the same distance from a closer lateral side24,25of the touch screen20.

Preferably, the first flick area41and the second flick area42are located at the first lateral side and the second lateral side that are at opposite sides. Alternatively, the first flick area41and the second flick area42may be located at the first lateral side and the second lateral side that are identical. In this case, the first flick area41and the second flick area42are located at the same location or near locations.

(6) Operation of Eight Directions Approach

FIG. 3shows a flow chart of a text input operation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The operation will be described now with reference toFIG. 3also. After the application software initiated the input panel32, the first flick area41and the second flick area42are displayed in the touch screen20(Step302).

Around the center of the first flick area41where it is close to a circular border of the first flick area41, an assist display44consisting of eight codes, A, F, K, P, U, Z, 1, and 6, is displayed for assisting the user to know the associations between flick actions (directions in this embodiment) and the code series (Step304). “A code series” consists of A, B, C, D and E. “F code series” consists of F, G, H, I, and J, and so on. Preferably, a location of each codes in the assist display44corresponds to the meaning of its associated flick actions. That is, an arrangement of items in the assist display44corresponds to their associated flick actions. Generally, it is difficult to perform flick actions in eight directions. However, in the present invention, since the flick areas are respectively located in a ⅓ side area at a side of a lateral side of the touch screen, the user is able to perform the flick operations precisely.

The mobile device10waits for a flick action of the user at either one of the flick areas41,42. Then, the mobile device10detects a first flick action at the first flick area, enabling to determine the code series (Step306). That is, upon detecting a fast move into a direction (left direction in this example) associated with A code series, the mobile device10determines that the user has selected A code series. Then, the mobile device displays another assist display consisting of A, B, C, D, E, ?, #, and ! around the center of the second flick area42and close to a circular border of the second flick area42. This is for assisting the user to know the association between the codes and associated flick actions.

Next, the mobile device10detects a fast move of the user in a direction (right) associated with E (Step308). Alternatively, Step308can be performed before Step306. In this case, it is advantageous for a user who can move the finger independently and simultaneously. Then, the mobile device10determines a code from a combination of the determined code series and the second flick action (Step310). That is, the user has selected a code “E” among codes belonging to the A code series (Step310). The code “E” is input into application software in the mobile device. If the user desires to input another code, the process returns to Step304(Step312). If not, the process ends.

Table 1 lists a combination of the code series and their associated codes.

Table 2 lists an alternative combination of the code series and their associated codes.

In particular to alphabets and numbers, this combination described in Table 2 is advantageous in that the user can master the association of the first flick action easily because the alphabets are associated to directions corresponding to the arrangement of conventional 3×4 buttons telephones in which a button 2 is at upper direction from the center of the buttons and alphabets A, B, and C are assigned to the button 2.

Usually, when inputting English alphabet characters, the mobile device10inputs lower case alphabets. When inputting upper case characters, the user touches a case changer area (not illustrated) in the input panel32after inputting the lower case alphabet. Alternatively, upper case alphabets may be inputted using tap & fast move63flick actions or other flick actions instead of fast move61flick actions of the same direction. In this case, the tap is similar to a shift key in keyboards for computers.

Herein, a “code” includes a character, such as an alphabet letter and a Chinese character, a character string, such as a word “this”, a whole sentence, a control code character, such as “line feed” code, and a control code that is used by the software. Preferably, the “code” includes all candidate characters in a language environment used by the user, as well as character strings.

(7) Flick Operation and Flick Action

Flick operations and flick actions will be described in detail below.

FIG. 4lists examples of the flick operations. Flick operations can be categorized into non-gradual selection-enabled flick operations60(listed in the first row) and gradual selection-enabled flick operations70(listed in the second and third rows). Both types of flick operations are considered as “a flick operation” herein.

The following describes examples of the non-gradual selection-enabled flick operations60.

In a fast move61, which is sometimes also referred to as “drag” or “flick” in other documents, the user puts down the finger onto the touch screen20, moves straight to a direction, and then raises up the finger. The fast move61operation is done faster than a slow move75, which will be described below. A narrow black line or arrow represents a fast move inFIG. 4.

In tap62, the user taps a location on the display. The large black dot represents a tap inFIG. 4. In fast move & return63, the user starts the fast move, but before lifting up the finger, the user returns the finger to a location close to where it has started. The tap & fast move64is a combination of the tap62and the fast move61, where the user performs the tap62and then quickly performs the fast move61. In double tap65, the user taps the touch screen twice quickly, that is, within a predetermined time period. In triple tap66, the user taps the touch screen three times quickly. The fast move & flip67is a combination of the fast move61and a flip at the end of the fast move. The user moves the finger fast and then reverses fast forming an angle α, which is preferably, 0 to 170 degrees, and more preferably, 0 to 90 degrees.

Using the gradual selection-enabled flick operation70, the user is able to gradually select an item among a plurality of items by moving a finger slowly on the touch screen20and lifting up the finger at timing associated with the item that the user desires to select. Preferably, during the selection using the gradual selection-enabled flick operation70, the user is able to move reversely the finger to go back to the previous items many times. This is because the user desires to look into the assist display and adjust the location of the finger, to perform precise operations. A large width arrow inFIG. 4represents the gradual selection-enabled flick operation70. Preferably, all gradual selection-enabled flick operations70move slower than the fast flick operations60. In particular, if the motion is slower than a predetermined speed such as 20 mm/second, the motion is recognized as a gradual selection-enabled flick operation. It is advantageous if the user is enabled to set the above speed in a setting screen so as to offer comfortable input for every user. Such a gradual selection-enabled flick operation is included in a flick operation herein.

A flick action is a subset of a flick operation. For example, in a four directions detection approach, there are left, up, right, and down fast move flick actions for a fast move61flick operation. Alternatively, in an eight directions detection approach, there are left, upper left, up, upper right, right, lower right, down, and lower left fast moves for a fast move61. As for a clockwise rotation71, in a four directions detection approach, there are first 90 degrees rotation flick action, second 90 degrees rotation flick action, third 90 degrees rotation flick action, fourth 90 degrees rotation flick action, fifth 90 degrees rotation flick action, and so on. As described above, the user is able to go back to the second 90 degrees rotation range from the third 90 degrees rotation range if the user reversed the direction of the rotation.

(8) A Form of an Assist Display

FIG. 5shows touch display arrangements in accordance with an embodiment using an eight directions approach. As shown inFIG. 5, the assist display44may be apart from the flick area41,42. In this case, it is advantageous in that the user can see the assist display44easily.

(9) Four Directions Approach

FIG. 6shows touch display arrangements in accordance with another embodiment of the invention using a four directions approach.

Upon the input panel32is displayed in the touch screen10, an assist display44that consists of four codes is displayed at each of the first and second flick areas41,42. Alternatively, the assist display44may be consisted of five codes, one in the middle, which is associated to a tap action. First, the mobile device10detects a flick operation of the user at either one of the first and second flick areas41,42. For example, if the user desires to select A code series, the user performs a fast move flick action in the left direction at the first flick area41. Then, the mobile device10determines that the user has selected A code series and displays a second-generation assist display (FIG. 6B). Next, the mobile device10detects an input of a code at either the first flick area43or the second flick area42. For example, if the user desires to select a code C, the user performs a fast move flick action in the right direction at the second flick area42(FIG. 6B).

In this four directions approach, the number of directions for a flick area has become smaller (from eight to four) and the usability may have improved. This approach is made possible by using two flick areas when inputting the (first) code series.

FIG. 7shows touch screen arrangements according to another embodiment of the invention.

As an example for inputting various kinds of languages, this embodiment is for inputting English alphabets in addition to Greek alphabets. The user selects “α code series” by performing a left move in the left flick area (FIG. 7A). Then, the second-generation codes are displayed on the left and right input assisting display (FIG. 7B). If the user performed a right move in the left flick area (FIG. 7B), a Greek alphabet ε is determined as the input.

(11) Combined Gradual Selection Approach

It should be noted that a combination of a non-gradual selection-enabled flick operation60and a gradual selection-enabled flick operation70is important in inputting a code. This is because the user desires to input fast by using a non-gradual selection-enabled flick operation60and to select gradually with lower degree to master how to input codes by using a gradual selection-enabled flick operation70.

FIG. 8shows a flow chart of the operation320using a list area. The mobile device provides first and second flick areas in the touch screen (Step302). Then, the mobile device displays assist displays having arrangements corresponding to the flick actions (Step304) and displays in a list area a list including code series (Step322). Next, the mobile device detects a first flick action at the first flick area, which is a gradual selection enabled flick operation (Step306-2), or a second flick action at the second flick area (Step308). Then, the mobile device determines a code from a combination of the determined code series and the second flick action (Step310). If the user desires to input another code, the process returns to Step304(Step312). If not, the process ends.

FIG. 9shows a flow chart of the operation340using a list area. The mobile device provides first and second flick areas in the touch screen (Step302). Then, the mobile device displays assist displays having arrangements corresponding to the flick actions (Step304) and displays in a list area a list including code series (Step322). Next, the mobile device detects a first flick action at the first flick area to determine the code series (Step306-3), or a second flick action at the second flick area, which is a gradual selection-enabled flick operation (Step308-3). Then, the mobile device determines a code from a combination of the determined code series and the second flick action (Step310). If the user desires to input another code, the process returns to Step304(Step312). If not, the process ends.

(12) List Area Approach

FIG. 10shows touch screen arrangements according to another embodiment of the invention.

During an input operation using the input panel, the mobile device10displays at a list area55in the touch screen a list of codes that are speculated to be inputted by the user from previous operations of the user or by default as a result of linguistic considerations. Herein, the codes may be displayed using a separator, such as a space code, between the codes. In this case, there may be a plurality of codes in a line, and a code may extend in multiple lines. Alternatively, a single code may be associated with a single line. Preferably, the list area55is scrollable, that is, when an item in a lower part of the list or an item lower than that item is attempted to be selected, the list displays lower items, and can be scrollable in the upper part also. Then, the mobile device10determines a code among the list of codes in response to detecting a gradual selection-enabled flick action70of the user in the flick area.

FIG. 11shows a flow chart of the operation360using a combination of non-gradual selection-enabled flick operations and a gradual selection-enabled flick operation. The mobile device provides first and second flick areas in the touch screen (Step302). Then, the mobile device displays assist displays having arrangements corresponding to the flick actions (Step304) and displays in a list area a list including speculated codes (Step322). Next, the mobile device detects a first flick action at the first flick area, which is a non-gradual selection enabled flick operation, to determine the code series (Step306-4), or a second flick action at the second flick area, which is a non-gradual selection-enabled flick operation (Step308-4), or a gradual selection enabled flick operation at either one of the first flick area and the second flick area (Step362). If there has been a first flick action or a second flick action, the mobile device determines a code from a combination of the determined code series and the second flick action (Step310). If there has been a gradual selection-enabled flick action, the mobile device determines a code among codes listed in the speculated code area (Step310-1). If the user desires to input another code, the process returns to Step304(Step312). If not, the process ends.

(13) Two List Areas Approach

FIG. 12shows touch screen arrangements according to another embodiment of the invention.

The above List Areas Approach may be expanded to a scheme that use two flick areas for performing multiple gradual selection-enabled flick actions70.

During an input operation using the input panel, the mobile device10displays at a first list area56in the touch screen20a first list of code series and/or codes, that are speculated to be inputted by the user from previous operations of the user or by default. Then, the mobile device10determines a code series or a code among the first list of code series and/or codes in response to detecting a gradual selection-enabled flick action70of the user in the flick area. If it is determined that a code is selected by the gradual selection-enabled flick action70at a first flick area, the mobile device10determines the code as the code to be inputted. Otherwise, if it is determined that a code series is selected by the gradual selection-enabled flick action70at the second flick area, the mobile device10displays at a first list area56in the touch screen a third list of code series and/or codes, that are speculated to be inputted by the user.

If it is determined that a code is selected by the gradual selection-enabled flick action70at the second flick area, the mobile device10determines the code as the code to be inputted. This process continues until the user selects a code. Using this approach, it is possible for the user to select a code from a very large number of candidate codes. For example, the user may select a code from candidate codes consisting of Chinese characters, Korean characters, or Japanese characters.

FIG. 12shows touch screen arrangements according to another embodiment. InFIG. 12, at the start, the user has been already inputting characters using the method described in the above in Four Directions Approach and now, alphabets, “th” have been already inputted. However, the user desires to use List Area Approach now. The user starts a clockwise rotation movement using the right thumb slowly. Then, two list areas55are displayed on the touch screen, and at the same side of list areas55, which is right in this case, code series and codes,A,F,K,P,U,Z, “that's”, “think”, and so on, are sequentially made visually distinguishable from others. In this case, they are highlighted and colored (see “think” inFIG. 12B). Further, code series,A,F,K,P,U, andZ, are made visually distinguishable from codes, such as “the” and “this”. In this embodiment, the code series are underlined and colored differently. When the user lifts the finger when the highlight is at “think” (FIG. 12B), the mobile device10determines a code, “think”, as the input. Instead, if the user selects one of the code series,A,F,K,P,U, andZ, the mobile device10updates the two lists in the first and second list areas56,57such that the lists correspond to the selected code series.

FIG. 13shows a flow chart of the operation380using two list areas. The mobile device provides first and second flick areas in the touch screen (Step302). Then, the mobile device displays assist displays having arrangements corresponding to the flick actions (Step304), and displays in a first list area a list including speculated codes (Step322-1) and displays in a second list area a list including speculated codes (Step322-2). Next, the mobile device detects a first or second flick action at the first or second flick area, respectively, which is a non-gradual selection enabled flick operation (Steps306-4,308-4), or a gradual selection-enabled flick operation at the first or second flick area (Steps362-1,362-2). If there has been a first flick action or a second flick action, the mobile device determines a code from a combination of the determined code series and the second flick action (Step310). If there has been a gradual selection-enabled flick action, the mobile device determines a code among codes listed in the speculated code area (Step310-2). If the user desires to input another code, the process returns to Step304(Step312). If not, the process ends.

(14) Double List Area Selection Approach

FIG. 14shows a flow chart of the operation400using Double List Area Selection Approach. The mobile device provides first and second flick areas in the touch screen (Step302). Then, the mobile device displays assist displays (Step304). Next, the mobile device displays in a first list area56a first list including code series/codes (Step322-3). In response to detecting at the first flick area a first flick operation by the user, which is a gradual selection-enabled flick operation, the mobile device determines an item in the first list as an input to the mobile device (Step306-5). Also, the mobile device displays in a second list area57a second list including code series/codes (Step322-4). In response to detecting at the second flick area a second flick operation by the user, which is a gradual selection-enabled flick operation, the mobile device determines an item in the second list as an input to the mobile device (Step308-5). If the determined item is code series (Step402), the mobile device narrows the candidate code series/codes to the code series/codes that are associated with the determined code series (Step404). If the determined item is a code (Step402), the mobile device determines the code as the code to be inputted into the mobile device. If the user desires to input another code, the process returns to Step304(Step312). If not, the process ends.

(15) Initial Handwriting Approach

In this embodiment, the mobile device10detects an initial handwriting action, which represents a part of a code, preferably, a first part of a code when the user writes the code with the user's hand, as the flick motion. The initial handwriting action preferably includes both fast moves and fast move & flips. Alternatively, the initial handwriting action may include fast moves only.

FIG. 15Ashows examples of initial handwriting actions58for English alphabets. A black circular dot represents a location to put the finger down initially.FIG. 15Bshows examples of initial handwriting actions58for numbers.FIG. 15Cshows examples of initial handwriting actions58for Chinese character numbers as examples of Chinese characters. Details of this approach will be described now. Candidate codes are divided into groups by similar groups of the initial handwriting shape of the code. This group is considered as a code series in this embodiment.

The user performs the initial handwriting action58at a first flick area41. Then, the mobile device10speculates codes that are likely to be inputted by the user from the initial handwriting action at the first flick area to display a list of codes on the list area55. Next, the user performs a gradual selection-enabled flick operation at a second flick area to select a code among the codes listed in the list area55. The mobile device10determines the code as the code to be inputted. Needless to say, instead of using the list area55, the four directions non-gradual selection enabled flick operation approach may be used.

FIG. 16shows a flow chart of the operation420using initial handwriting actions. The mobile device provides first and second flick areas in the touch screen (Step302). Then, the mobile device displays assist displays (Step304). Next, the mobile device detects a first flick action, which is an initial handwriting action, at the first flick area to determine the code series (Step306-6). In response to the detection, the mobile device displays in a list area a list including codes belonging to the code series and speculated codes (Step322-5). Then, the mobile device detects a second flick action at the second flick area (Step308). If the second flick action does not represent user selection of a speculated code, the mobile device determines a code from a combination of the determined code series and the second flick action (Step310). If the second flick action represents user selection of a speculated code, the mobile device determines the selected code as the input (Step310-3). If the user desires to input another code, the process returns to Step304(Step312). If not, the process ends.

(16) “Multiple Flick Areas at a Side” Approach

FIG. 17shows a touch screen arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

The mobile device10has multiple flick areas at each of the two lateral sides24,25of the touch screen20. Preferably, the number of the flick areas at each of the two lateral sides24,25is three. This scheme is advantageous in that it is suitable for eliminating a second flick action (although not required) and maintaining the number of flick areas to a small number at the same time.

Alternatively, the number may be five (or more). This scheme is advantageous in that the ten numbers, 0 to 9, which are used for inputting numbers, can all be assigned to one of the flick areas by splitting into two sides. This scheme is also advantageous in inputting Japanese codes since all of typical ten Japanese code series consisting of “a”, “ka”, “sa”, “ta”, “na”, “ha”, “ma”, “ya”, “ra” and “wa” can be assigned to one of the flick areas.

InFIG. 17, a first left flick area81, a second left flick area82, and a third left flick area83are first flick areas41, and a first right flick area91, a second right flick area92, and a third right flick area93are second flick areas42. In order to better match with user's finger movement, that is, to decrease the difference between the route of finger movement and the arrangement of the flick areas, the second left flick area82is farther apart from the left lateral side than the first left flick area81, and the third left flick area83is farther apart from the left lateral side than the second left flick area82. Further, the second left flick area82locates at the center side from a straight line between the first left flick area81and the third left flick area83. The right flick areas91-93are symmetrical to the left flick areas81-83centering on the center longitudinal line34(FIG. 1B).

At the frame21of the mobile device10, a first roughness95and a second roughness96are located beside the left lateral side of the touch screen. These roughness are for the user to recognize the locations of the first left flick area81, the second left flick area82, and the third left flick area83. A third roughness97and a fourth roughness98are located for the same reason. The roughness should be recognizable by the user's finger and may be made by a convex groove or a projection. The roughness may be created inside the touch screen for further precise operations.

FIG. 18shows a flowchart of the operation500using at least three flick areas at a side. The mobile device provides at least three first flick areas at a side of a first lateral side of the touch screen and at least three second flick areas at a side of a second lateral side of the touch screen (Step302). The mobile device displays assist displays having arrangements corresponding to flick actions (Step304). Then, the mobile device detects a flick action at one of the flick areas (Step306-7). In response to the detection, the mobile device determines a code from a combination of the flicked flick area (code series) and the flick action at the flicked flick area (Step310-4).

With this approach, a second flick action can be eliminated, enabling a fast input of codes.

Referring back toFIG. 17, the user starts a first flick action at one of the flick areas. In this example, it is the third left flick area, which is associated with K code series. Then, an assist display86is displayed to let the user know the directions to make a flick action.

The mobile device10detects a first flick action at the third left flick area (Step306-7). In this example, the kind of the first flick action is a left fast move. Then, the mobile device10determines a code from a combination of which of the flick areas is flicked and the kind of the first flick action at the flicked flick area (Step310-4) to obtain a code “L”. If the user performed a tap instead of a left flick action, “K” is inputted into the mobile device10.

This approach is advantageous in that it is possible to input codes fast by eliminating the second flick action (although the second flick action may not be eliminated).

This approach may be used with a list area55. Items in the list area55may be displayed in an arrangement corresponding to the six flick areas. For example, the items may be displayed inside or near each of the six flick areas. In this case, a double tap (or other flick operations) at one of the flick areas determines a corresponding item in the list area55. It should be noted that the list area55of the invention does not need to be “listed”. It may be of any form in which items are displayed.

In the above embodiments of the invention, each text input methods can be divided into several parts (e.g., code series selection part and code selection part). Although not all of the combinations are described herein, each of all the combinations of the parts constructs an embodiment of the invention and is incorporated herein. Moreover, the descriptions described for one of the embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as may be understood by one skilled in the art.

Further, the input panel may extend at all area of the touch screen20and the input panel may be made visually distinguishable from its underlying display layer by displaying the input panel with transparent colors.