Text entry method and device therefor
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. A method for inputting a character to a device, the device comprising including a keypad, the keypad comprising including a plurality of keys, at least one of which the keys has a primary character, a plurality of secondary characters and a an associated display area associated with it, the keypad in a default state displaying the primary character associated with a the at least one key in its respective the associated display area, wherein the method comprises the steps comprising acts of:
- in the default state,returning the primary character as an input character in response to selection of the at least one key for a period shorter than a predetermined time period;
switching to a second state after detecting a first key selection of the at least one key for a period longer than the predetermined time period;
in the second state displaying each of the secondary characters associated with the first selected key in a respective display area;
detecting a second key selection;
selecting for the input character the secondary character associated with the second key selection; and
returning the keypad to the default state.
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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.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for inputting a character to a device, the device comprising including a keypad, the keypad comprising including a plurality of keys, at least one of which the keys has a primary character, a plurality of secondary characters and a an associated display area associated with it, the keypad in a default state displaying the primary character associated with a the at least one key in its respective the associated display area, wherein the method comprises the steps comprising acts of:
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in the default state, returning the primary character as an input character in response to selection of the at least one key for a period shorter than a predetermined time period; switching to a second state after detecting a first key selection of the at least one key for a period longer than the predetermined time period; in the second state displaying each of the secondary characters associated with the first selected key in a respective display area; detecting a second key selection; selecting for the input character the secondary character associated with the second key selection; and returning the keypad to the default state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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4. A device for receiving character input, comprising:
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a keypad having a plurality of keys, at least one of which keys has a primary character, a plurality of secondary characters and a an associated display area associated with it, wherein;
means are provided for displaying in a default state the primary character associated with a the at least one key in its respective the associated display area,; in the default state, means for returning the primary character as an input character in response to selection of the at least one key for a period shorter than a predetermined time period;
means for switching to a second state responsive to a first key selection are provided of the at least one key for a period longer than the predetermined time period; in the second state, means 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 the input character the secondary character associated with the second key selection;
andmeans for returning the keypad to itsthe default state. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification