WO2009085827A2

WO2009085827A2 - Entering a sequence of characters into an electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2009085827A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/087167
Authority: WO
Inventors: Qiao Li; Ding Yan; Steven J. Cosgrove; Zhu Yu
Original assignee: Motorola, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-12-26
Filing date: 2008-12-17
Publication date: 2009-07-09
Also published as: CN101470569A; WO2009085827A3

Abstract

An electronic device (200), and method (300), for entering a sequence of characters. The method (300) performs determining alternative sequences of character input entries (310) that are entered by actuation of aphanumeric keys (220) on a keypad (155) of the electronic device (200). The actuation of the alphanumeric keys (220) is in an actuation sequence, wherein the alternative sequences of character input entries correspond to the actuation sequence and at least one of the alphanumeric keys (220) in the actuation sequence is mapped to more than one character thereby resulting in the alternative sequences of character input entries. The method (300) provides for displaying (315) on a display screen of the electronic device (200), at least one character string derived from the alternative sequences of character input entries and indicia identifying the actuation sequence.

Description

ENTERING A SEQUENCE OF CHARACTERS INTO AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to entering a sequence of characters into an electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handheld electronic devices such as mobile telephones generally have a limited number of keys available for entering information such as short messages or email text. A typical keypad used with a handheld mobile telephone is a standard telephone keypad having ten number keys, a star (*) key, and a pound (#) key. For

English and many other languages using the Roman alphabet, the numeric keypad of a mobile telephone is overlaid with an alphabet keypad where three or more letters of the alphabet are associated with each number key. For example, the five (5) key marked with the number 5 and letters j k 1 is associated with alphanumeric entry of the number 5 and any one of the letters j, k or 1; the two (2) key marked with the number 2 and letters a b c is associated with alphanumeric entry of the number 2 and any one of the letters a, b or c; and the six (6) key marked with the number 6 and letters m n o is associated with alphanumeric entry of the number 6 and any one of the letters m, n or o.

Upon entering an alphabet entry mode (text entry mode), a user can employ multiple key presses to enter individual letters and create words for use by features such as short messaging. For example, once in an alphabet entry mode, a user can employ one key press to select the first letter associated with a depressed key, two key presses of the same key to select the second letter associated with the depressed key, and three key presses of the same key to select the third letter associated with the depressed key. Predictive text editors (such as iTAP™ ) are also used sequence of characters

(character string) into an electronic device. These predictive text editors use known probabilities to predict an intended word from a particular key sequence. For instance, if the five (5) key followed by the two (2) then followed by the six (6) key were actuated in sequence then the possible character string (excluding numbers) that was intended includes strings: jam; jbm; jcm; jan; jao; jbn; jcn; jbo; kam; kbm; kcm; kan; kao; kbn; kbo; lam; lbm; lcm; Ian; lao; lbn; lbo. From this set of strings the predictive text editor may offer, as options to be selected, all of the strings or a sub-set of strings that are known words or names such jam, jan and lam. However, with such predictive text editors, if a user inadvertently actuates an unintended key such as the six (6) key instead of the five (5) key, then it may be difficult for the user to identify which key in the sequence was actuated incorrectly.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method for entering a sequence of characters into an electronic device, the method comprising determining alternative sequences of character input entries that are entered by actuation of keys on a keypad of the device. The actuation of the keys is in an actuation sequence, wherein the alternative sequences of character input entries correspond to the actuation sequence and at least one of the keys in the actuation sequence is mapped to more than one character thereby resulting in the alternative sequences of character input entries. The method provides for displaying, on a display screen of the device, at least one character string derived from the alternative sequences of character input entries and indicia identifying the actuation sequence.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an electronic device comprising a processor and a keypad and display screen coupled to the processor. In use, the processor determines alternative sequences of character input entries that are entered by actuation of keys on the keypad. The actuation of the keys is in an actuation sequence, wherein the alternative sequences of character input entries correspond to the actuation sequence and at least one of the keys in the actuation sequence is mapped to more than one character thereby resulting in the alternative sequences of character input entries. The processor also performs displaying, on the display screen, at least one character string derived from the alternative sequences of character input entries and indicia identifying the actuation sequence.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference now will be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention, where:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating schematic diagram of electronic device circuitry that performs a method for entering a character, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device comprising the electronic device circuitry of Fig 1;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for entering a sequence of characters into the an electronic device of Fig.2 in accordance with an embodiments of the present invention;

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in device components related to an electronic device and a method for entering a sequence of character into and electronic device. Accordingly, the device components and method have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that device components that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a device component or method steps. An element proceeded by "comprises ...a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the device or method, that comprises the element. Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a schematic diagram of electronic device circuitry 100, typically for a mobile telephone comprising a radio frequency communications unit 102 coupled to be in communication with a processor 103. The electronic device circuitry 100 also includes a display screen 105. There is also an alert module 115 that typically contains an alert speaker, vibrator motor and associated drivers. The display screen 105, and alert module 115 are coupled to be in communication with the processor 103.

The processor 103 includes an encoder/decoder 111 with an associated code Read Only Memory (ROM) 112 for storing data for encoding and decoding voice or other signals that may be transmitted or received by the electronic device circuitry 100. The processor 103 also includes a micro-processor 113 coupled, by a common data and address bus 117, to the encoder/decoder 111, the radio frequency communications unit 102, a character Read Only Memory (ROM) 114, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 104, static programmable memory 116 and a Removable User Identity Module (RUIM) interface 118. The static programmable memory 116 and a RUIM card 119 (commonly referred to as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card) operatively coupled to the RUIM interface 118 each can store, amongst other things, Preferred Roaming Lists (PRLs), subscriber authentication data, selected incoming text messages and a Telephone Number Database (TND phonebook) comprising a number field for telephone numbers and a name field for identifiers associated with one of the numbers in the name field. The RUIM card 119 and static programmable memory 116 may also store passwords for allowing accessibility to password-protected functions. Also the static programmable memory 116 stores Operating Code (OC) for the micro-processor 113 and code for performing functions associated with the electronic device circuitry 100. The static programmable memory 116 may comprise character entry code components 125 configured to cause execution of a method for entering a sequence of characters into the memory 104 or otherwise into an electronic device comprising the electronic device circuitry 100.

The micro-processor 113 has ports for coupling to the display screen 105, and the alert module 115. Also, micro-processor 113 has ports for coupling to a microphone 135, a communications speaker 140 and a keypad 155. The character Read Only Memory 114 stores code for decoding or encoding text messages that may be received by the radio frequency communications unit 102. Typically the radio frequency communications unit 102 is a combined receiver and transmitter having an antenna 107. The radio frequency communications unit 102 has a transceiver 108 coupled to the antenna 107 via a radio frequency amplifier 109. The transceiver 108 is also coupled to a combined modulator/demodulator 110 that couples the radio frequency communications unit 102 to the processor 103.

Referring to FIG 2 there is illustrated an electronic device 200 comprising the electronic device circuitry 100 housed by a housing 210. As shown in this embodiment, the keypad 155 includes a plurality of alphanumeric keys 220, control keys 225 and navigation keys 230. The alphanumeric keys 220 are each mapped to more than one character, for example, one of the alphanumeric keys 220 marked with the numeral 2 and letters a b c is mapped to the characters "2", "a", "b" and "c". Similarly, of the alphanumeric keys 220 marked with the numeral 9 and letters w x y z is mapped to the characters "9", "w", "x", "y" and "z". Thus actuation of one of the alphanumeric keys 220 marked with the numeral 2 and letters a b c can result in inputting any one of the characters 2", "a", "b" and "c" and actuation of one of the alphanumeric keys 220 marked with the numeral 9 and letters w x y z can result in inputting any one of the characters "9", "w", "x", "y" and "z".

The mapping of each of the alphanumeric keys 220 can result in many possible sequences being candidates for entering into the electronic device 200. For instance, if one of the alphanumeric keys 220 marked with the number 2 and letters a b c is actuated followed by actuation of the alphanumeric keys 220 marked with the number 6 and letters m n o then the Possible Character Sequences (PCS) in the form of letters that could be entered into the electronic device 200 are: am; an; ao; bm; bn; bo; cm; en; and co. The electronic device 200 cannot readily determine (without further input commands) which sequence from the PCS was actually desired to be entered. If a user wished to enter the word "colin" then the next one of the alphanumeric keys 220 that should be actuated is the one marked with the number 5 and letters j k 1, however, if the key marked with the number 9 w x y z is inadvertently actuated instead the letters w, x, y and z are added to each of the PCS : am; an; ao; bm; bn; bo; cm; en; and co such that the PCS becomes: amw; amx; amy, amz; ;cnw;cnx;cny; and cnz. Further actuation of the alphanumeric keys 220 results in an even larger PCS and thus a user may have difficulty in determining which key or keys (in this example the alphanumeric key 220 marked with 9 w x y z was inadvertently actuated instead of alphanumeric key 220 marked with 5 j k 1 were actuated and in what sequence were they actuated in order to correct any mistakes.

Referring to FIG 3 there is illustrated a method 300 for entering a sequence of characters into the electronic device 200 typically by the use of a predictive text editors (such as iTAP™ ), the method typically being performed by execution of the character entry code components 125. After a start step 305, typically invoked by a user actuating one of the control keys 225, the method 300 performs, at a block 310, determining alternative sequences of character input entries that are entered by actuation of keys ( the alphanumeric keys 220) on the keypad 155 of the electronic device 200. The actuation of the keys is in an actuation sequence and the alternative sequences of character input entries correspond to the actuation sequence and at least one of the keys in the actuation sequence is mapped to more than one character thereby resulting in the alternative sequences of character input entries. By way of example, if a user wishes to enter the sequence of characters "colin" then the alphanumeric keys 220 should be actuated in the actuation sequence by actuating the alphanumeric keys 220 in the order of keys marked with the numbers 2 then 6 then 5 then 4 and finally 6. However, in this example it is assumed that instead of the key marked with the number 5 being actuated the key marked with the number 9 was accidentally actuated.

Next, at a block 315, the method 300 performs displaying, on the display screen 105 of the electronic device 200, at least one character string derived from the alternative sequences of character input entries and indicia identifying the actuation sequence. Thus, in this example the at least one character string derived from the alternative sequences of character input entries includes cowin, cozin, amwho plus many more that are displayed on the display screen 105 (or can be scrolled onto or across the display screen 105). Also, the indicia identifying the actuation sequence is displayed on the display screen 105, these indicia are representations of the keys (the alphanumeric keys 220) displayed in the actuation sequence in an ordered list which in this example could be displayed in one embodiment as : [2abc]; [6mno]; [9wxyz]; [4ghi]; [6mno].

Next, at a test block 320, a test is performed to determine if the user wishes to correct what keys (the alphanumeric keys 220) were actuated, this is typically done by the user actuating one of the control keys 225. If the does not wish to correct what keys were actuated the method 300 goes straight to a block 345. However, if the user wishes to correct what keys were actuated the method 300, at a block 325, performs identifying at least one undesired character input entry in the actuation sequence by receiving a user input command selecting at least of one of the indicia [2abc]; [6mno]; [9wxyz]; [4ghi]; [6mno]. This can be done by suitable use of the navigation keys 230 or, if the display screen 105 is a touch screen then by touching the display screen 105 over the indicium (or indicia) to be selected. More specifically, if the display is a touch screen then the selecting the indicia comprises receiving the input command at the touch screen, where the input command is effected by being in response to a physical contact of the touch screen where the indicia is being displayed.

Next, at a block 330, there is performed processing at lest one selected replacement character input entry that is typically input by actuation of one of the alphanumeric keys 220. As a result of the selected replacement character input entry, at a block 335, there is performed replacing the undesired character input entry with the replacement character input entry to form amended alternative sequences of character input entries. Hence, if at block 325 the indicia [9wxyz] was selected and at block 330 the selected replacement character input entry was [5jkl] then at block 335 the undesired character input entry of w or x or y is replaced with j or k or 1. Accordingly, at a block 340 the method 300 performs further displaying, on the display screen 105, at least one amended character string and indicia identifying the keys and the actuation sequence. In this example, the least one amended character string includes strings such as colin, cojin, amkho plus many more. The indicia that are representations of the keys (the alphanumeric keys 220) are displayed in the actuation sequence in an ordered list which in this example would be: [2abc]; [6mno]; [5jkl]; [4ghi]; [6mno].

The method 300 then returns to test block 320 to determine if the user wishes to further correct any keys (the alphanumeric keys 220) that were actuated. If no further corrections are required then the method 300, at a block 345, performs selecting the required character string from the strings colin, cojin, amkho plus many more. Thus the user by actuation use of the navigation keys 230 or, if the display screen 105 is a touch screen then selecting the amended character string by contacting the appropriate displayed character string that is "colin" in this example. Depending on the required mode of operation of the electronic device 200

(text entry mode, phone book number selection mode, direct input number dialing mode etc) the selected character string is then: a) for text entry mode the character string "colin" is entered into a text entry area of the display screen 105 and may form part of a sentence; b) for phone book number selection mode, possible names from the strings colin, cojin, amkho etc that are stored in a phonebook of the electronic device 200 that would have been displayed at block 340 are possible sequences of characters for entering into the device, and if "colin" was selected at block 345 then a phone number stored in the phone book that is associated with "colin" would be dialed by the electronic device 200 and c) For direct input number dialing mode the telephone number 26546 would be dialed or additional numbers could be added before dialing.

After block 345 the method terminates at an end block 350 after which further sequences of characters can be into the an electronic device 200 by use of the method 300.

Advantageously, the present invention provides for simple identification and correction of the alphanumeric keys 220 that were actuated incorrectly. This is achieved by the displaying, on the display screen 105, the indicia identifying the actuation sequence these indicia are representations of the keys (the alphanumeric keys 220) displayed in the actuation sequence. Once a key is identified as being actuated incorrectly, the user simply providing a user input command selecting the indicia identifying the key and then actuating the correct key. In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims.

Claims

Claims We Claim:

1. A method for entering a sequence of characters into an electronic device, the method comprising: determining alternative sequences of character input entries that are entered by actuation of keys on a keypad of the device, the actuation of the keys being in an actuation sequence, wherein the alternative sequences of character input entries correspond to the actuation sequence and at least one of the keys in the actuation sequence is mapped to more than one character thereby resulting in the alternative sequences of character input entries; and displaying, on a display screen of the device, at least one character string derived from the alternative sequences of character input entries and indicia identifying the actuation sequence.

2. A method for entering a sequence of characters into an electronic device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indicia are representations of the keys displayed in the actuation sequence.

3. A method for entering a sequence of characters into an electronic device, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the indicia are in an ordered list.

4. A method for entering a sequence of characters into an electronic device, as claimed in claim 1 , the method including the further steps of: identifying at least one undesired character input entry in the actuation sequence by receiving a user input command selecting at least of one of the indicia ; processing at lest one selected replacement character input entry; replacing the undesired character input entry with the replacement character input entry to form amended alternative sequences of character input entries; and further displaying, on the display screen of the device, at least one amended character string and indicia identifying the keys and the actuation sequence.

5. A method for entering a sequence of characters into an electronic device, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the selecting at least of one of the indicia comprises actuation of navigation keys on the Keypad.

6. A method for entering a sequence of characters into an electronic device, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the display is a touch screen and the selecting at least of one of the indicia comprises receiving the input command at the touch screen, the input command being in response to a physical contact of the touch screen where the least of one of the indicia is being displayed.

7. An electronic device comprising: A processor;

A keypad coupled to the processor; and A display screen coupled to the processor,

Wherein, in use, the processor determines alternative sequences of character input entries that are entered by actuation of keys on the keypad, the actuation of the keys being in an actuation sequence, wherein the alternative sequences of character input entries correspond to the actuation sequence and at least one of the keys in the actuation sequence is mapped to more than one character thereby resulting in the alternative sequences of character input entries, and wherein the processor performs displaying, on the display screen, at least one character string derived from the alternative sequences of character input entries and indicia identifying the actuation sequence.

8. An electronic device, as claimed in claim 7, wherein the indicia are representations of the keys displayed in the actuation sequence.

9. An electronic device, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the indicia are in an ordered list.

10. An electronic device, as claimed in claim 7, wherein the display is a touch screen.