Text entry method and device therefor
First Claim
1. A method for inputting a character to a device, the device comprising a keypad, the keypad comprising a plurality of keys, at least one of which keys has a primary character, a plurality of secondary characters and a display area associated with it, the keypad in a default state displaying the primary character associated with a key in its respective display area, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
- detecting a first key selection;
displaying each of the secondary characters associated with the first selected key in a respective display area;
detecting a second key selection;
selecting for input the secondary character associated with the second key selection; and
returning the keypad to the default state.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and device for improved character input are described, wherein the method employs a keypad 100 comprising keys 102 able to display secondary characters 106 in addition to primary characters 104. The keypad has a default display state. A first key selection causes the keypad 100 to display secondary characters 106 associated with the first key on other keys 102, whereupon a second key selection causes the displayed character to be input, following which the keypad reverts to displaying the default state. Further secondary characters 200 may also be displayed after a first key selection. The method is particularly useful for handheld devices such as mobile radio telephones or handheld computers adapted to implement the method of the invention.
64 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method for inputting a character to a device, the device comprising a keypad, the keypad comprising a plurality of keys, at least one of which keys has a primary character, a plurality of secondary characters and a display area associated with it, the keypad in a default state displaying the primary character associated with a key in its respective display area, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
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detecting a first key selection;
displaying each of the secondary characters associated with the first selected key in a respective display area;
detecting a second key selection;
selecting for input the secondary character associated with the second key selection; and
returning the keypad to the default state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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- 4. A device for receiving character input, comprising a keypad having a plurality of keys, at least one of which keys has a primary character, a plurality of secondary characters and a display area associated with it, wherein means are provided for displaying in a default state the primary character associated with a key in its respective display area, means responsive to a first key selection are provided for displaying each of the secondary characters associated with the selected key in a respective display area, and means responsive to a second key selection are provided for selecting as input character the secondary character associated with the second key selection and for returning the keypad to its default state.
Specification