APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INPUTTING CHARACTER USING TOUCH SCREEN IN PORTABLE TERMINAL

• US 20140002420A1
• Filed: 08/13/2013
• Published: 01/02/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: HUH, Jung-Chul
• Granted Patent: US 9,098,120 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/178
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04805 Virtual magnifying lens, i.e. window or frame movable on top of displayed information to enlarge it for better reading or selection
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/02 Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0233 Character input methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0412 Digitisers structurally integrated in a display
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0418 for error correction or compensation, e.g. based on parallax, calibration or alignment
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04845 for image manipulation, e.g. dragging, rotation, expansion or change of colour
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04895 Guidance during keyboard input operation, e.g. prompting
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 5/26 for modifying the character dimensions, e.g. double width, double height
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0266 for a display module assembly

Abstract

An apparatus and method for inputting a character using a keyboard displayed on a touch screen in a portable terminal. The apparatus and method determines if a touch signal is generated, with the keyboard displayed. Upon generation of the touch signal, a touched character is recognized by analyzing the touch signal. The character is displayed enlarged in a predetermined screen area. It is then determined if the touch has been completed, while the character is displayed enlarged. Upon sensing the touch completion, the character is displayed in a main screen area.

Claims

1. A method for inputting a character in a pocket-sized mobile communication device having a touch screen, comprising:

displaying a keyboard including a plurality of keys in a first area of the touch screen, wherein each key of the keyboard has a key area;

detecting a touch on a key area of a first key of the keyboard;

displaying an enlarged character corresponding only to the first key in a second area of the touch screen, wherein a location of the second area is independent of the location of the detected touch;

detecting a movement of the touch from the key area of the first key to a key area of a second key wherein the second key is located adjacent to the first key;

displaying an enlarged character corresponding only to the second key in the second area in response to detecting the movement of the touch;

detecting a release of the touch from the key area of the second key while displaying the enlarged character corresponding only to the second key; and

inputting the character corresponding only to the second key in response to detecting the release of the touch.