Patent Publication Number: US-2007109270-A1

Title: Method for inputting keys in portable terminal

Description:
PRIORITY  
      This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application entitled “METHOD FOR INPUTTING KEYS IN PORTABLE TERMINAL” filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Nov. 11, 2005 and assigned Serial No. 2005-108253, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to a method for inputting keys in a portable terminal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for inputting keys in a portable terminal, which is both convenient and efficient.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      A general portable terminal includes a 3 by 4 keypad in an alphabet order arrangement. In the 3 by 4 keypad, three or four alphabet letters are disposed in each key for input of the alphabet letters. However, in the 3 by 4 keypad, pressing one key four times is sometimes necessary in order to input one alphabet letter.  
      Since the 3 by 4 keypad does not employ a QWERTY arrangement which is employed in a personal computer (PC), but employs the alphabet order arrangement, it is inconvenient to users familiar to the input manner of PCs.  
      Recently, a 5 by 4 keypad employing the QWERTY arrangement instead of the 3 by 4 keypad has been supplied.  
      In the 5 by 4 keypad employing the QWERTY arrangement, each letter is displayed when a key corresponding to the letter is shortly pressed either once or several times. However, in order to repeatedly input an identical letter, it is necessary to repeat pressing of the corresponding key with a wait interval between the pressings. Also, in order to sequentially input two letters disposed in one key, it is necessary to press the key at least two or three times.  
      Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method for inputting keys, at a reduced number of key inputs, in a portable terminal.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      An aspect of embodiments of the present invention is to address at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a method for inputting keys in a portable terminal, which is both convenient and efficient.  
      In order to accomplish this object, there is provided a method for inputting keys in a portable terminal. The method includes displaying one of at least two letters assigned to a predetermined key of the portable terminal, if a first input time period elapses while key input is performed for the predetermined key. The two letters assigned to the predetermined key are displayed, if a second input time period, longer than the first input time period, elapses while the key input is performed for the predetermined key. The one of at least two letters displayed is continuously displayed in a way that corresponds to the input time of the predetermined key, if a third input time period, longer than the second input time period, elapses while the key input is performed for the predetermined key.  
      There is also provided a method for inputting keys in a portable terminal. The method includes displaying one of at least two letters assigned to a predetermined key of the portable terminal, if a first input time period elapses while key input is performed for the predetermined key. A second letter of the at least two letters assigned to the predetermined key is displayed, if the first input time period elapses while key input is performed for the predetermined key before lapse of a predetermined time period. The two letters assigned to the key are displayed, if a second input time period longer than the first input time period elapses while the key input is performed for the predetermined key. The one of at least two letters is continuously displayed in a way that corresponds to the input time of the key, if a third input time period, longer than the second input time period, elapses while the key input is performed for the predetermined key.  
      There is also provided a method for inputting keys in which two letters are assigned to each key, in a portable terminal. The method includes displaying a first of the two letters assigned to a predetermined key, if a first input time period elapses while key input is performed for the predetermined key. The two letters assigned to the predetermined key are displayed, if a second input time period, longer than the first input time period, elapses while the key input is performed for the predetermined key. The first of the two letters are continuously displayed in a way that corresponds to the input time of the predetermined key, if a third input time period, longer than the second input time period, elapses while the key input is performed for the predetermined key.  
      There is further provided a method for inputting keys in which two letters are assigned to each key, in a portable terminal. The method includes displaying a first of the two letters assigned to a predetermined key of the portable terminal, if a first input time period elapses while key input is performed for the predetermined key. A second of the two letters assigned to the predetermined key is displayed, if the first input time period elapses while key input is performed for the predetermined key before lapse of a predetermined time period. The two letters assigned to the predetermined key are displayed, if a second input time period, longer than the first input time period, elapses while the key input is performed for the predetermined key. The second of the two letters is continuously displayed in a way that corresponds to the input time of the key, if a third input time period, longer than the second input time period, elapses while the key input is performed for the predetermined key.  
      Other objects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The above and other objects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a view for showing the key arrangement of a key input section of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart for describing a process in which a first letter assigned to a key of a portable terminal is input according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart for describing a process in which a second letter assigned to a key of a portable terminal is input according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
      Throughout the drawings, the same drawing reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
      The matters defined in the description such as a detailed construction and elements are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , an RF unit  123  performs a radio communication function of the portable terminal. The RF unit  123  includes an RF transmitter which raises and amplifies frequencies of transmitted signals and an RF receiver which amplifies received signals with low noises and lowers the frequencies. A modem  120  includes a transmitter which encodes and modulates the transmitted signals and a receiver which demodulates and decodes the received signals. An audio processing unit  125  may include a codec, which includes a data codec that processes packet data, and an audio codec that processes audio signals of voices. The audio processing unit  125  converts the digital audio signals received in the modem  120  to analog signals through the audio codec. The audio processing unit  125  also reproduces the audio signals, or converts the analog audio signals generated in a microphone to digital signals through the audio codec, and transmits the digital signals to the modem  120 . The codec can be provided either separately or in a control unit  110 .  
      A memory  130  includes a program memory and a data memory. The program memory can store both programs for controlling general operations of the portable terminal and for controlling the portable terminal to display the letters disposed in the keys according to a number of key input, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Further, the data memory temporarily stores the data generated while performing the programs.  
      The control unit  110  controls the overall operation of the portable terminal. The control unit  110  can include the modem  120  and the codec. The control unit  110  controls the portable terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, so that if a first time period elapses while key input is performed for one of the keys provided in a key input section  127 , one of the at least two letters disposed in the input key, for example, a first letter, is displayed. The control unit  110  further controls the portable terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, so that if a second input time period, longer than the first input time period, elapses while the key input is performed, both of the two letters disposed in the input key are disposed sequentially. The control unit  110  also controls the portable terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, so that if a third input time period, longer than the second input time period, elapses while the key input is performed, one of the at least two letters disposed in the input key, that is, the first letter, is continuously disposed in a way that corresponds to the input time of the key.  
      Further, the control unit  110  controls the portable terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, so that if a first input time period elapses while key input is performed for one of the keys provided in a key input section  127 , one of the at least two letters disposed in the input key, for example, a first letter, is displayed. If the first input time period elapses while key input is performed for the key before lapse of a predetermined time period, a second letter of the at least two letters, for example, a second letter, is displayed. The control unit  110  also controls the portable terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, so that if a second input time period, longer than the first input time period, elapses while the key input is performed, the two letters disposed in the input key are displayed sequentially with the second letter being the first displayed letter. The control unit  110  further controls the portable terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, so that if a third input time period, longer than the second input time period, elapses while the key input is performed, a second letter of the two letters disposed in the input key, that is, the second letter, is continuously displayed in a way that corresponds to the input time of the key.  
      A camera module  140  photographs image data, and includes a camera sensor converting the photographed optical signals to electrical signals, and a signal processing unit converting the analog image signals photographed by the camera sensor to digital data. Here, the camera sensor is preferably a Charged Coupled Device (CCD) sensor, and the signal processing unit may be embodied with a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). Further, the camera sensor and the signal processing unit may be embodied either integrally or separately.  
      The image processing unit  150  generates screen data for displaying the image signals output from the camera module  140 . The image processing unit  150  processes the image signal output from the camera module  140  in a frame unit, and outputs the frame image data in a way that corresponds to the characteristics and size of the display unit  160 . The image processing unit  150  includes an image codec, and compresses the frame image data displayed in the display unit  160  in a predetermined manner or restores the compressed frame image data to the original frame image data. Here, the image codec may be a JPEG codec, MPEG4 codec, or Wavelet codec. The image processing unit  150  preferably includes an On Screen Display (OSD) function, and can output OSD data according to the screen size displayed under the control of the control unit  110 .  
      The display unit  160  displays the image signals output from the image processing unit  150  on a screen, and displays the user data output from the control unit  110 . Here, the display unit  160  may employ a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). In this case, the display unit  160  may include an LCD controller, a memory for storing image data, and an LCD display device. Here, if the LCD is embodied in a touch screen manner, it can be operated as an input section. The key input section  127  includes keys for inputting number and letter information, and also includes function keys for setting various functions. Further, the key input section  127  includes a 5 by 4 keypad adopting the QWERTY arrangement, as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 2  to describe the key input section  127 , each of the keys in the key input section  127  has an upper area a, and a lower area b. Numbers and special letters are disposed in the upper area a. If a mode of the portable terminal is converted to a shift key input mode by inputting and activating the shift key, the numbers or special letters disposed in the upper area a are input and displayed by the corresponding key inputs. Further, if the shift key is input twice and the shift key input mode is released, the keys disposed in the lower area b are input when the corresponding keys are input. In the lower area b, one or two letters, or function keys are disposed.  
      Hereinafter, the key input operation of the portable terminal will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  exemplify a key input section, having a 5 by 4 keypad of the QWERTY arrangement, and a manner in which one or two of the letters disposed in the lower area of each of the keys in the key input section are input.  
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart for describing a process in which a first letter disposed in a key of the portable terminal is input, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
      Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 3 , if a key is input in a letter input mode of the portable terminal, the control unit  110  detects the key input in Step  301  and determines the key input time. After a first input time period elapses, the control unit  110  detects the time elapse in Step  302  and proceeds with Step  303  in which the first of the letters disposed in the input key is displayed in the display unit  160 .  
      Then, if the key is input further, and a second input time period, longer than the first input time period, elapses, the control unit  110  detects the second input time elapse in Step  304  and determines whether the second letter is disposed in the key. If the second letter is not disposed in the key, the control unit  110  detects the second letter not disposed in Step  305  and proceeds with Step  306  in which the first letter is continuously displayed in a way that corresponds to the input time of the key.  
      However, if the second letter is disposed in the key, the control unit  110  detects the second letter in Step  305  and proceeds with Step  307  in which the first and second letters disposed in the key are sequentially displayed.  
      If the key is input further, and a third input time period, longer than the second input time period, elapses in a state in which the first and second letters are sequentially displayed, the control unit  110  detects the third input time elapse in Step  308  and proceeds with Step  309  in which the second letter is deleted and only the first letter is continuously displayed in a way that corresponds to the input time of the key.  
      As an example, the operations for displaying ‘eeeeeeeeee’ through the process of  FIG. 3  are as follows. If the first time period elapses while key input is performed for the ‘No. 1 key’ in which ‘ER’ is disposed, as shown in  FIG. 2 , ‘e’ is displayed. Then, if the second input time period elapses while key input is performed for the ‘No. 1 key’, ‘er’ is displayed. In a state in which the ‘er’ is displayed, if the third input time period elapses while key input is performed for the ‘No. 1 key’, the ‘r’ is deleted and only ‘e’s are continuously displayed in a way that corresponds to the key input time. As a result, it is possible to display ‘e’ ten times by performing the key input once.  FIG. 4  is a flow chart for describing a process in which a second letter disposed in a key of a portable terminal is input according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
      Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 4 , if a key is input in a letter input mode of the portable terminal, the control unit  110  detects the key input in Step  401  and determines the key input time. If a first input time period elapses, the control unit  110  detects the first input time elapse in Step  402  and proceeds with Step  403  in which the first of the letters disposed in the input key is displayed in the display unit  160 .  
      If the key is input after the first letter is displayed and before a predetermined time period elapses, the control unit  110  detects the key input through Steps  404  and  405  and determines the key input time. Then, if the first input time period elapses, the control unit  110  detects the time elapse in Step  406  and proceeds with Step  407  in which the second of the letters disposed in the key is displayed in the display unit  160 .  
      If the key input is further performed and a second input time period, longer than the first input time period, elapses, the control unit  110  detects the second input time elapse in Step  408  and proceeds with Step  409  in which the second and the first of the letters disposed in the key are sequentially displayed.  
      In a state in which the second and first letters are sequentially displayed, if the key input is further performed and a third input time period, longer than the second input time period, elapses, the control unit  110  detects the third input time elapse in Step  410  and proceeds with Step  411  in which the first letter is deleted and only the second letter is continuously displayed in a way that corresponds to the input time of the key.  
      As an example, the operations for displaying ‘rrrrrrrrrr’ through the process of  FIG. 4  are as follows. If the first input time period elapses while key input is performed for the ‘No. 1 key’ in which ‘ER’ is disposed, as shown in  FIG. 2 , ‘e’ is displayed. Then, if another first input time period elapses while key input is performed for the ‘No. 1 key’, ‘r’ is displayed. In a state in which the ‘r’ is displayed, if the second input time period elapses while the key input is continuously performed for the ‘No. 1 key’, ‘re’ is displayed. In a state in which the ‘re’ is displayed, if the third input time period elapses while the key input is continuously performed for the ‘No. 1 key’, the ‘e’ is deleted and only ‘r’s are continuously displayed in a way that corresponds to the key input time. As a result, the key inputs for displaying the ‘r’ ten times are performed by the input of the ‘No. 1 key’ for displaying ‘e’ and the re-input of the “No. 1 key’ for displaying ‘r’.  
      As another example, the operations for displaying ‘ghost’ through the processes of  FIGS. 3 and 4  are as follows. If the second input time period elapses while key input is performed for the ‘No. 5 key’, in which ‘GH’ is disposed, ‘gh’ is displayed. Then, if the first input time period elapses while key input is performed for the ‘. key’ in which ‘OP’ is disposed, ‘gho’ is displayed. Then, the first key input period elapses while key input is performed for the ‘? key’ in which ‘AS’ is disposed. The first input time period elapses again and ‘ghos’ is displayed. In a state in which ‘ghos’ is displayed, if the first input time period elapses while key input is performed for the ‘No. 2 key’ in which ‘TY’ is disposed, ‘ghost’ is displayed.  
      The processes of  FIGS. 3 and 4  in which ‘ghost’ is displayed by only a number of six key inputs reduces the number of key inputs, compared with conventional art in which ‘ghost’ is input by a number of eight key inputs.  
      In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inputs of the letters disposed on the lower area b of the keys are exemplified, but the present invention can also be applied to the numbers or special letters disposed in the upper area a through the processes of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In order to display the numbers or special letters disposed in the upper area a, the keys should be input in the shift key input mode in which the shift key is activated.  
      Therefore, the present invention provides a key input method which reduces the number of key inputs, thereby conveniently and efficiently inputting letters. While the illustrated and exemplary embodiments of the present invention improves inputting letters, it is to be understood that the present invention is applicable to the input of other types of symbols or characters for which two or more symbols or characters can be assigned to the same key on a keypad and accessible in the same shift key operation (that is, if plural symbols are assigned to a key and selected via a shift key or similar operation).  
      While the invention has been shown and described with reference to a certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.