HK1182240B - Multilingual key input apparatus and method thereof - Google Patents

Description

Multi-language key input device and method thereof

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a multilingual key input apparatus and method capable of conveniently inputting a plurality of characters through recursive key input (recurvekeyinput).

Background

Generally, a computer or a mobile terminal can be used to compose texts such as memos and messages. The computer or the mobile terminal may have a user input unit for text composition such as a keyboard, a keypad, or a touch screen. However, the number of keys included in the user input unit is generally much smaller than the number of characters, letters, etc. of the text. Accordingly, at least a plurality of (two or more) characters (korean, english, etc.) are allocated to each key constituting the user input unit.

Also, when a plurality of characters are assigned to one key, the assigned characters are sequentially input each time the corresponding key is continuously typed in for a preset time.

However, when a plurality of characters assigned to one key need to be successively input, the user must wait until the cursor is automatically moved to the input position of the next character, or the user directly moves the cursor to the input position of the next character to input the next character, which complicates the input of the characters and takes more time.

Further, when a plurality of characters are assigned to one key, the input of the characters can be completed with a single hand. Thus, it takes more time to input characters with one hand than to input characters with both hands.

Even for input devices that contain a relatively large number of keys (e.g., the keyboard of a computer), some characters belonging to a language (e.g., chinese, japanese, etc.) may not have the appropriate keys on the user input unit. Characters such as characters with vowel note () in german, with close notes (), open notes (a ") or long notes (a) in french cannot be properly assigned to keys on a commonly used standard QWERTY-type keyboard.

Therefore, such special characters as mentioned above cannot be directly input with an ordinary keyboard. In order to input these special characters, the user needs to open a window with a character list and then select a desired character from the displayed character list for input.

In short, in order to select a character, a special key such as a navigation key or an enter key needs to be input (tapped, touched, pressed) a plurality of times, which causes a burden on the user. Also, this character input method may take longer to input the characters.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a multilingual key input apparatus capable of conveniently inputting desired characters by using a recursive key input mechanism, and a method thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a multilingual key input apparatus and a method thereof that can more conveniently input special characters, which cannot be input through keys.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a multilingual key input apparatus capable of facilitating input of a variable extension character associated with a selected character by inputting a subsequent associated key in a state in which a special character is selected through a reference key and an associated key, and a method thereof.

Solution scheme

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a multilingual key input method of inputting characters through key input in a key arrangement including a plurality of keys each assigned with a plurality of characters, the method including detecting whether a reference key is input; activating a preset keypad or keyboard associated with the reference key to display at least one associated key having inputtable characters in response to the input of the reference key; detecting whether the associated key is input within a preset time; and outputting a character selected by the detected reference key and associated key or a character selected by using the selected character as a reference key and recursively using subsequent keys as associated keys as target characters.

Preferably, when the reference key is input, other characters except for the first character among the plurality of characters assigned to the characters of the reference key or the extension character may be displayed on the associated key at a specific column or row of the keyboard or the keypad or the touch screen. Here, the characters included in the reference key may be displayed on divided regions of the keyboard or the keypad, and the extension characters may be displayed on associated keys displayed on regions other than the regions where the characters included in the reference key are displayed.

The target characters may include characters assigned to the reference keys, extension characters, and full letters, and the associated keys may include function keys for inputting special characters including punctuation marks or emoticons.

When a reference key is input, other characters except for the first character or an extended character among the plurality of characters assigned to the reference key may be displayed on the associated key at a specific column or row of the keyboard or keypad or touch screen.

The characters included in the reference key may be displayed on divided regions of the keyboard or keypad, and the extension characters may be displayed on associated keys displayed on regions other than the regions where the characters included in the reference key are displayed.

According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a multilingual key input apparatus for inputting characters through key input in a key arrangement having a plurality of keys, each key being assigned a plurality of characters, the apparatus including: a user input unit configured to allow a user to input a key; a memory configured to store a character allocation table corresponding to a plurality of key combinations; a display unit configured to display a key arrangement converted in response to a key input and a character determined based on the character allocation table in response to a key input; and a controller configured to: displaying at least one associated key including inputtable characters when the reference key is input, and outputting a character selected by the detected reference key and associated key or a character selected by using the selected character as a reference key and recursively using subsequent keys as associated keys as target characters.

Preferably, the reference key and the associated key are input using a key or touch, and the input of the reference key may be a touch and the input of the associated key may be a touch & drag.

Preferably, when the reference key is input, other characters than the first character or extended characters among the plurality of characters assigned to the reference key may be displayed on the associated keys of a specific column or row on the keyboard or keypad or touch screen. Here, the characters included in the reference key may be displayed on divided regions of the keyboard or the keypad, and the extension characters may be displayed on associated keys displayed on regions other than the regions where the characters included in the reference key are displayed.

The key arrangement and inputtable characters may be displayed by being changed every time a basic key (i.e., a reference key) and an associated key are input, and the key arrangement may be displayed differently according to the input order of the reference key and the associated key.

Advantageous effects of the invention

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. This description is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The features, configurations, methods, and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternative exemplary embodiments.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multilingual input key apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 2 is an exemplary view illustrating a configuration of a keypad of a mobile terminal according to the present invention;

fig. 3 is a view illustrating an example of inputting characters using a consonant zone and a vowel zone in a korean keyboard (keypad) structure according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 4 is a view illustrating another example of inputting characters using a consonant zone and a vowel zone in a korean keyboard (keypad) structure according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 5 is a view illustrating an example of a double vowel and a double tone as an extended character displayed and input in a korean keyboard (keypad) structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a multilingual input key method;

FIG. 7 is a view showing an exemplary embodiment of inputting Japanese characters by a multilingual input key method;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example with a new English keyboard (keypad) according to an example embodiment;

fig. 9 is a view showing an example of inputting characters using the new english keyboard (keypad) shown in fig. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a multilingual input key method according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary view illustrating the multilingual input key method shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary view illustrating a method of implementing a multilingual input key by touch & drag according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 13 is a view illustrating an example of inputting characters by touch & drag in the keyboard input method shown in fig. 11;

fig. 14 is an example view showing a character allocation list of a memory, which contains characters corresponding to a set (combination) of a plurality of keys.

The specific implementation mode is as follows:

hereinafter, the multilingual input key device of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The suffix "module" or "unit" for constituent elements disclosed in the following description is merely for easily describing the specification, and the suffix itself does not have any particular meaning or function.

The multilingual variable key continuous input apparatus can be applied to mobile terminals such as portable phones or smart phones and any apparatuses such as notebook computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Portable Multimedia Players (PMPs), remote controllers of televisions, etc. using keys as input elements or input parts.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multilingual input key apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in fig. 1, the multilingual input key device 100 may include a user input unit 110, an output unit 120, a memory 130, a controller 140, a power supply unit 150, and the like. Here, all of the elements described in fig. 1 are not necessary, and the input device may be implemented with more or less elements than those shown.

Also, the keys in this specification may include hardware keys such as buttons (hereinafter, referred to as hard keys) and software keys displayed on the touch screen (hereinafter, referred to as soft keys).

The respective constituent elements are described in turn below.

The user input unit 110 allows a user to generate input data for controlling the operation of the input key device. The user input unit 110 may be configured as a keyboard, a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (pressure/capacitance), a touch screen, and the like.

The output unit 120 may include a display unit (not shown) and an audio output module (not shown). The display unit may display (output) information through the input key device 100. For example, when the user input unit 110 is a touch screen, a user interface or a graphic user interface associated with an input key may be displayed. Alternatively, the characters assigned to the input keys may be displayed.

The display unit may include at least one of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a thin film transistor-LCD (TFT-LCD), an organic light emitting diode display (OLED), a flexible display, and a three-dimensional display (3D).

In an embodiment in which the display unit and the touch sensitive sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a touch sensor) have a sandwich structure (hereinafter, referred to as a touch screen), the display unit may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The touch sensor may be implemented with a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, and the like. The touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific portion of the display unit or a change in capacitance occurring in the specific portion of the display unit into an electrical input signal. Also, the touch sensor is configured not only to detect a touched position and a touched area, but also to sense a pressure of the touch.

The audio output module may output an audio signal generated in response to the key input and may output the audio signal using audio data stored in the memory 130.

The memory 130 may store a program for the operation of the controller 140 in connection with the processing of the input keys. The memory 130 may be implemented using at least one of suitable storage media including a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia micro card type, a memory card type (e.g., secure digital card SD or DX storage), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), an electrically erasable read only memory (eeprom), a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

The controller 140 may generally control the overall operation of the key input device 100. For example, the controller 140 may implement control and processing related to key input and text (characters, letters) output. The power supply unit 150 may supply power required by each component under the control of the controller 140. The power provided may be internal power, external power, or a combination thereof.

The embodiments described herein may be implemented in a storage medium readable by a computer or other similar device using software, hardware, or a combination thereof.

Various embodiments of a key input method implemented in the multilingual input key apparatus having such a structure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments may be used alone or in combination. In addition, the following embodiments may be used in combination with a User Interface (UI).

Basically, the present specification can be implemented such that when a reference key is input, at least one associated key including inputtable characters is displayed, and then when the input of the associated key is detected within a preset time, a character determined (selected) by the reference key and the associated key can be output as a target character, or the determined character can be reused as the reference key, and then the key can be recursively used as the associated key to output the character determined by the two keys as the target character.

Fig. 2 is an exemplary view showing a configuration of a keypad (key arrangement) of a mobile terminal according to the present invention.

As shown in fig. 2, the keypad may include a plurality of character sets for each language, and each key may be assigned with a plurality of characters (letters). Thus, the keypad may be configured to select and input a language to be input, i.e., a character set, according to a text input mode. The text input mode can be converted by repeatedly inputting preset keys on an initial keypad (key arrangement) screen. Alternatively, preset keys may be input to activate various types of keypads that are switched according to other keys and display the activated keypads, and then, through a simultaneous input mechanism, a key having a target keypad assigned thereto may be input to switch the keypad.

For example, it is assumed that a certain key is input through a keypad, the key is assigned with three types of language-based character sets, if a text input mode is a numeric input mode, a number assigned to the corresponding key is output, if the text input mode is a korean input mode, a korean character assigned to the corresponding key is output, and if the text input mode is an english input mode, an english alphabet (character, alphabet) assigned to the corresponding key is output.

For ease of explanation, the keys on the keypad having assigned characters are divided into rows and columns. For example, on the keypad, the rows of the number keys 1, 2 and 3 are defined as a first row, the rows of the number keys 4, 5 and 6 are defined as a second row, and the rows of the number keys 7, 8 and 9 are defined as a third row. In addition, the columns of the number keys 1, 4, and 7 are defined as a first column, the columns of the number keys 2, 5, and 8 are defined as a second column, and the columns of the number keys 3, 6, and 9 are defined as a third column. Similarly, a fourth column and a fifth column may be further defined.

The controller 140 may detect (sense) one of the keys as a first input as a reference key and determine the number and type of characters assigned to the one key. For example, it is assumed that this key is the number key 4, and three english alphabets (characters) "g, h, i" are assigned to the number key 4.

When one key is input in the related art, the controller 140 invalidates the input of the other key.

However, the present invention may be configured to: even when one key (e.g., the number key 4) is input, the input of the other key can be activated. Here, other keys (such as keys 5 and 6 and keys 1 and 7) existing on the column (e.g., the first column) and the row (the second row) to which the one key (e.g., the numeric key 4) belongs may be invalidated. In the case where the keys are small in size, this can prevent adjacent keys, which the user does not wish to press or touch, from being simultaneously input.

However, it is not always necessary to invalidate adjacent keys, but rather can be used when needed. Such activation or deactivation may be selectively applied depending on the characteristics of the character set of the language to be entered. For example, when a key existing in the first row is input in english (alphabet input mode), other keys belonging to the first row are invalidated. In addition, when a key existing in the first row is input in english (alphabet input mode), other keys belonging to the first row may also be activated on the condition of having the same value as the key of the second row.

On the contrary, as for a language having many characters (letters) to be input, such as korean or japanese, all keys except the input key may be activated. For example, in order to input japanese, if the number key 1 is assigned with 5 characters (あ, い, う, え, お), the second key to which other four characters are assigned is distributed into four regions in a state where the number key 1 is pressed. In this case, い would have to be assigned to the numeric keys 2 and 3 instead of the numeric key 1 in the first row, う would be assigned to the numeric keys 4, 5 and 6 in the second row, え would be assigned to the numeric keys 7, 8 and 9 in the third row and お would be assigned to some or all of the keys in the fourth row. Thus, this situation requires activation of all keys except the first key that has been entered.

The other key thus activated may also be input in a state where this key (e.g., the number key 4) is being input. Hereinafter, inputting a key means a state in which the user holds the key depression release (i.e., a state in which the key input has not been released).

Generally, at the time when a user presses a certain key with, for example, a finger and removes the finger within a specific time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) (i.e., at the time when the key input is released), the character set to the key is released by the input. Therefore, in this specification, when a key (hereinafter, referred to as a reference key) is input, one key (hereinafter, referred to as a subsequent key) of other activation keys may also be input. In this way, an operation in which the user additionally inputs a subsequent key while inputting the reference key is described as a plurality of keys being simultaneously input. Even if a plurality of keys are simultaneously input, the input order differs according to the time of input.

Even if multiple characters are assigned to a key, simultaneous entry of multiple keys may allow one of the multiple characters to be entered at once through a simultaneous entry key mechanism. Alternatively, simultaneous input of a plurality of keys may allow a special character not assigned to a key or a character having a nasal vowel mark or a phonetic symbol mark (identifier) to be input at once.

Here, when a plurality of keys are simultaneously input, a high priority of character input may be set for a key input later. For example, it is assumed that in a state in which the numeric key 4 is being input, one of the keys existing in the second row (e.g., keys 5 and 6) or the keys existing in the third row (e.g., keys 7, 8, and 9) is simultaneously input. In a state where a plurality of keys are input, a key input first (i.e., a key of low priority) may be released after a key input later (i.e., a key of high priority) is released, or a key input later (i.e., a key of high priority) may be released after a key input first (i.e., a key of low priority) is released.

The present invention can also set the same priority for simultaneously entered keys. Thus, it can be treated as: when one of the two simultaneously input keys is released, all the keys are released, or only when both the keys are released, the input is completed.

In this way, the controller 140 can simultaneously input a plurality of keys in succession to output characters (letters) corresponding to combinations of the keys. When all of the plurality of input keys are released, the controller 140 may obtain an input of a new key or inputs of a plurality of new keys to output a corresponding character.

Exemplary embodiments in this specification may be configured to: even in any of the above cases, if a high-priority key is released, a character corresponding to a combination key can be input.

For example, assume that one of a plurality of characters (e.g., g, h, i) assigned to a certain specific key (e.g., numeric key 4) is input according to the above-described method. That is, the user may input only the numeric key 4 while inputting one of the numeric key 4 and a key (associated key) existing in the second row, or simultaneously input the numeric key 4 and one of keys existing in the third row. Therefore, in this embodiment, 'g' may be input when the numeric key 4 is input alone, 'h' may be input when the numeric key 4 and a key existing in the second row are simultaneously input, and 'i' may be input when the numeric key 4 and a key existing in the third row are simultaneously input.

Here, a key assigned with a plurality of specific characters is referred to as a reference key, and a key simultaneously input with a specific reference key to allow a second or third character assigned to the reference key to be input is referred to as an associated key. In addition, the character assigned to the reference key is referred to as a "basic character", and the character selected by the simultaneous input of the reference key and the associated key is referred to as a "target character". Keys to which characters are not assigned and which are used to switch the keypad or change the row are called "function keys". Characters activated by pressing a function key other than the basic characters assigned to the basic keys, or characters further assigned to keys without assigned associated keys, are referred to as "extension characters".

Preferably, the extension character may include an alphabet including all characters except for the characters included in the basic key (i.e., the reference key). Examples of extension characters may include characters that themselves carry various phonetic symbol designations, such as vowel diacritical symbols, accent designations in french, etc., japanese kana (Gana) characters with voiced or semi-voiced indicia, hanyu languages containing tones from one to four, as well as double consonants (geminate) and double vowels (diphones), and so forth.

The embodiment has shown a method in which the reference key appearing in the second row and the associated keys included in the remaining keys in the second or third row are simultaneously input (selected) to input a character corresponding to the combination of the keys.

The present invention is not limited to the combination of reference keys and associated keys. Such a method can be applied repeatedly. That is, a target character determined (selected) by inputting (pressing, touching) the reference key and the associated key is set as the reference key, and the additionally input key is set as the associated key, thereby outputting a target character corresponding to a combination of the two keys. This method can be applied recursively. For consistency and convenience of explanation, in this specification, an open syllable (i.e., a syllable without a final consonant) word of korean language composed by keys of a consonant part and a vowel part being consecutively input is also regarded as one type of extended character.

In a state where a target character has been selected from basic characters by inputting a reference key alone or simultaneously, the reference key and an associated key, a function key may be input (pressed, touched) without releasing the reference key as an associated key to input a character (i.e., an extension character) that is not provided in the basic character assigned to the reference key but is related to the target character.

For example, in a state where the numeric keys 4 (reference keys) are pressed, if one of the function keys is input as an associated key, the capital letter 'G' of 'G' is output as the first character of the numeric keys 4 by simultaneously inputting the numeric keys 4 and the function key. Likewise, in a state where the numeric key 4 is pressed, the numeric key 5 or 6 existing in the second row may be input to output 'h' as a target character. Then, in case that the reference key is not released, the function key is input to output the capital letter 'H' of 'H'. In short, starting from the input of the reference key, it is also possible to activate a new character to be input in each step of the simultaneous input.

The multi-language key input method may not always be limited to using two hands (or fingers).

Various methods by which the effects of the present invention can be obtained can be achieved even with one hand (finger) depending on the device to be applied. For example, the first key is continuously input for a preset time (e.g., 0.3 seconds), so that the input state of the first key is maintained even after the input of the first key is released.

This method can be repeatedly applied to the keys to be input next. For example, a first key may be continuously input for a preset time to activate a character assigned to the first key at a specific position on the keyboard or keypad, and thereafter, one of the activated keys may be continuously input for a preset time to maintain a preset keypad (key arrangement) activated by a combination of the first key and the second key.

In addition, in the present invention, if the reference key is kept pressed (input or touched) for more than a preset time, a preset keypad (key arrangement) activated by the reference key may be fixed, thereby obtaining the same effect as inputting the reference key even after releasing the reference key. The method may be configured to: when the preset time elapses, the timing of the input of the subsequent key is guided by using, for example, a method of generating a sound signal. The method may be applied repeatedly to subsequently entered keys.

This can be implemented by: a subsequent input is waited for by pressing a specific key to set the key (character) arrangement activated by the next input key. For example, if an input operation is performed after pressing a volume key existing on the side of a portable telephone, the activated key (character) arrangement may be set (fixed).

For the apparatus having the touch screen, in addition to the above-described method, the following method may be introduced: in this method, in a state where one key is touched, the touch is dragged to a position where a second key is located, so that a touch point of a first touch may be set as the first key and a touch release point may be set as the second key. This method can also be applied repeatedly. For example, after touching a first key to be dragged to a position where a second key is located, the touch is dragged to a position of a third key by switching the touch direction or waiting for a period of time, thereby realizing continuous input. Depending on the language, if a key is assigned several characters, the present disclosure may be implemented by: without converting the entire key arrangement, as many key (i.e., character) arrangements as the number of candidate characters to be input are popped up.

In addition, the present disclosure may be implemented in the following manner: the first key is flicked in a state where the first key is being input regardless of its direction to fix the key (character) arrangement activated by the first key, thereby waiting for the next key input. The method of maintaining the input state of the keys can realize the input of characters by using the apparatus of the present specification when one hand is inconvenient or only one hand is temporarily available.

In addition, for a language such as korean having many phonemes and many syllables decided by a combination thereof, when selecting the korean input mode, an initial keypad screen (key arrangement screen) having areas divided into consonants and vowels may be displayed, and character input may be determined in each area, and switching from one area to another area may be configured such that: the selection of the target character in the previous region is fixed, thereby allowing continuous character input.

FIG. 3 illustrates entering text with consonant and vowel portions (regions) in a Korean keypad structure according to an example embodimentExamples of (2).

For example, in the first drawing of fig. 3, the sections containing the number keys 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 0 are assigned as consonant key sections (or consonant regions), and the sections containing the number keys 3, 6, and 9 are assigned as vowel key sections (or vowel regions). Here, it is assumed that the number key 1 includesThe numeral keys 3 compriseThe numeral keys 6 compriseAnd the numeral keys 9 comprise

If the user drags (e.g., a finger is on) the number key 1 (reference key) to the number key 3 (vowel region) in a state where the number key 1 is touched (i.e., touch and drag),may be determined (selected) and the keypad may change to a state of waiting for a vowel input. As can be seen from the second diagram of FIG. 3, since the position has been switched to the vowel region, the position is compared withThe associated vowel and the diphthong vowel are activated (displayed) in the consonant region. If the user drags the touch to one of the activated vowels (i.e., selects an associated key) and finally releases the touch input, the consonant determined first is selectedAnd a character (word) composed of a combination of the vowels determined by the release touch is output (displayed).

When it is determined that the input of the vowel has been determined (selected), the consonant keypad may be reactivated (i.e., initialized) so that the last consonant may be continuously input. For example, the number key 1 is touched (input) to drag it to a vowel region (e.g., the number key 3) without passing through the second or third column in order to determine (select)And the touch input is dragged back to the location of the number key 1 in the keypad (which is activated because of the entry into the vowel region) to determine (select) the vowel doubletThereby completing the input of this vowel. Therefore, the remaining region is activated with the consonant key to allow continuous input of the last consonant. Dragging to the reactivated consonant key results in the activation of the associated key assigned to each key. Then, the touch input is dragged to one of the associated keys and released therefrom, thereby completing the input of the corresponding last consonant. Thus, the character to be input can be input by one touch&Drag and release.

In addition, to input charactersIf the touch hasNumber key 4 (reference key)And the touch is dragged to have a vowelThe position of the number key 6 (associated key), the drag from the consonant region to the vowel region is interpreted as a fully selected consonant character(then the first and second (c) frames,reset as a reference key), and charactersAnd an extension character assigned to the position of the number key 6The (associated key) is displayed (directed) to the consonant region. Because the target character isTherefore, releasing the touch input at the numeric key 6 location is interpreted asThe input of (2) is completed. When the touch of the key is released, the keypad is reinitialized to return to the original key arrangement state (i.e., the first drawing).

Next, when a touch is applied on the numeric key 0, the keypad shown in the third drawing in fig. 3 is activated. Because the target character isSo, when the numeric key 0 is released, the last consonantIs input. These charactersAndcan be inputted in korean automatic operation (korean), and thusAndare sequentially output.

FIG. 4 illustrates entering text with consonant and vowel regions in a Korean keyboard (keypad) configuration, according to an example embodimentAnother example of (a).

First, when the user touches (inputs, taps in) the touch screen withThe number key 1, the keypad is activated as shown in the first figure. Since this is a consonant input step, the keypad having the number keys 3, 6, and 9 included in the vowel region remains the same as the initial screen.

Since the target vowel character isThus, the user drags the touch input from the number key 1 to have a vowelThe number keys 6.

As described above, since the finger is taken away from the consonant region, this is interpreted as a target characterHas already been selected. When a finger appears onThe position of the number keys 6, the key arrangement as shown in the second figure is activated. Since the target character isThus, the user drags his finger to the position of the number key 1, and releases the touch.

The present disclosure may not fix consonant regions and vowel regions.

That is, once the target character is selected, a keypad for the next character input is activated based on the corresponding position of the target character.

For example, if it is assumed that the entered text isThen in vowelAfter being selected in the second diagram, the consonant key arrangement is activated on the number keys 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 0 as shown in the third diagram. Since the target character is 'o', the touch is dragged to the number key 0 and then released, thereby completingIs input.

In addition, for the input of the final consonant, in orderThe existing method may need to perform a touch (press) withIs input twice (e.g., number 2 key)Or touching (pressing) a specific key toSwitch over toAnd (4) processing. In addition, existing methods may require performing a touch (press) withIs input twice (e.g., number key 7)Or atAnd a process of touching (pressing) a specific key in the touched state.

The present disclosure may be configured to: the double consonants are assigned to keys which are not defined as associated keys with respect to a specific reference key, so that the double consonants can be rapidly and simply input through a simultaneous input mechanism. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, ifIs assigned to the numeric key 7, the numeric key 7 is touched (pressed), so thatAndcan be multiply assigned to the second and third rows, respectively, and thus activated. Here, since the keys existing in the first and fourth rows are not used, a double consonant including a character assigned to the number key 7 may be assigned to the keys, as described below, thereby allowing quick input. That is, compriseDouble consonants ofMay be assigned to the number key 1 and comprisesAnother double consonant ofMay be assigned to the number 2 and number 3 keys to be used for input. In addition, the first and second substrates are,may be assigned to the number keys 7 of the fourth column,may be assigned to the number keys 8, andmay be assigned to the numeric keys 9 to be used for input.

As mentioned above, in order to assign keys by dividing the consonant region and the vowel region, a state in which vowels are assigned to the number keys 3, 6, and 9 may be maintained.

Meanwhile, in applying the embodiments of the present specification, it is not limited to inputting characters by using a keyboard or a keypad having 12 keys.

For english, 26 letters are used, and thus, at least 2.6 phonemes are assigned to each of the 10 keys. That is, the keys are divided into keys with 3 letters and keys with 2 letters. Therefore, in order to know which letters are assigned to which keys, not only the 10 reference keys but also the positions of the 10 reference keys must be memorized, which increases the burden on the user.

However, the present disclosure may implement a method of inputting characters using only 6 keys other than function keys if applied to a touch screen, which enables to reduce a burden of memorizing a character set assigned to each key and minimize a distance of dragging. In addition, each key may become large in size, which makes detection of a touch input position easy and accurate. A keypad (keyboard) having 9 keys will be configured as described below.

This method can be applied even to the conversion of a keypad without being limited to the input of a sentence. For example, in a mobile terminal having 12 keys, if it is assumed that a key located at the leftmost lowest end is set as a keypad selection key, korean is assigned (set) to the number key 1 of the remaining 11 keys, chinese is assigned to the number key 2, japanese is assigned to the number key 3, english is assigned to the number key 4, numerals are assigned to the number key 5, arabic is assigned to the number key 6, hebrew is assigned to the number key 7, and so on, when one of the keys is pressed in a state where the keypad selection key is pressed, a keypad consisting of corresponding characters may be activated to prepare for a subsequent input. For example, when the number key 5 is pressed in a state where the keypad selection key is pressed, the number keypad may be activated. For a touch screen, the switching of the keypad can be accomplished in the following manner: in a state where the keypad selection key is touched, the touch is dragged to a key having characters of a corresponding language. For example, in a state where the keypad selection key is touched, if the touch is dragged to the number key 5 and released, the number keypad may be set.

The method of inputting the extension character may be changed according to the language to be input and the input device.

Fig. 6 depicts an example of a multilingual input key method according to the present specification.

For example, for a typical portable phone using keys, if it is assumed that three characters (letters)'d, e, f' are assigned to the number key 2 and the number key 0 is not assigned any character, in a state where the number key 2 is pressed, a key existing in the second row from the top is input to select 'e'. In this state, when numeric key 0 is pressed, ` Yao ` corresponding to the first sound of ` e ` is activated on numeric keys 1, 2 and 3 in the first row, ` le ` corresponding to the second sound of ` e ` is activated on numeric keys 4, 5 and 6, ` ě ` corresponding to the third sound of ` e ` is activated on numeric keys 7, 8 and 9, and ` Acc ` corresponding to the fourth sound of ` e ` is activated on keys existing on the left and right of numeric key 0.

For a touch screen, this input method can be implemented more simply. For example, assuming that a chinese keypad is selected, if a key including a vowel is touched, a key arrangement including an extended character with a vowel phonetic symbol, which is independent of a basic keypad, is activated and displayed on a screen, as shown in fig. 6. Then, when the touch is dragged to a position of a corresponding key, a tone of a desired vowel may be input.

This method can be applied to character input in european languages using the alphabet. Unlike Chinese, to enter European languages, almost all alphabets are special characters containing phonetic symbols. Therefore, in the keypad of european language, a separate key arrangement for guiding an extended character in each input step is activated and displayed on the screen, and a touch may be dragged to a corresponding position so that input of a target character can be easily and rapidly performed.

For example, assuming a european language keypad as shown in fig. 6, when the number key 1 is touched, an extension character associated with 'a' may be displayed in the extension character window. In a state where the numeric key 1 is touched, when the touch is dragged to the third row from the top to select 'c', an extension character associated with 'c' (e.g.,-etc.) will be displayed on the extended character window. Thus, the touch may then be dragged to a corresponding position, thereby enabling easy and fast input of the target character.

This method is also applicable to japanese input.

Fig. 7 shows an example of a method of inputting japanese language according to the multilingual key input method.

As shown in fig. 7, for the japanese keypad of the mobile terminal using the button type keypad, if it is assumed that 5 kana characters (ganachracter) are assigned to each of the number keys from 1 to 9 and that '/' and っ are assigned to the number key 0, the first character assigned to the number key 1 is input when the number key 1 is pressed and then released. In a state where the numeric key 1 is pressed, second to fifth characters assigned to the numeric key 1 on the keypad are assigned from the top in units of rows, and in response to the input of the second key, the corresponding character is input. For example, in a state where the numeric key 1 is pressed, even if any key existing at the second line from the top is pressed, the third character 'う' can be input.

In addition, the Japanese language includes characters with voiced and semi-voiced markup. For such character input, a combination with the number key 0 may be used. For example, in a state where the numeric key 2 is pressed, if the numeric key 0 is pressed, the phonon 'of the input' か. In order to input the second character 'き' of the numerical key 2, the 'き' is selected by pressing the numerical key 1 or 3 in a state where the numerical key 2 is pressed. The numeric key 0 may be pressed to select 'ぎ' ″ with the numeric key 2 or 1 or 3 still pressed.

As for the apparatus using the touch screen, if a key related to a voiced sound or a semi-voiced sound is touched, a key arrangement separated from the basic keypad may be activated, and a voiced sound or a semi-voiced sound of a corresponding character is displayed on the activated key arrangement. The touch is dragged to the corresponding location of the target voiced or semi-voiced character so that the target (intended) voiced or semi-voiced character can be entered without touching the numeric key 0.

This method can also be applied to computer keyboards. Generally, a computer keyboard includes a Shift (Shift) key, a space key, an enter key, a language conversion key having a conversion keypad function, and the like, and a key with characters. In particular, the language conversion key may include two predetermined languages, which are frequently used, so that one of the two predetermined languages is alternately selected each time the language conversion key is pressed.

In this specification, when a language conversion key is pressed, a key having characters may be converted into a language (indication) key to be displayed, and a desired language key may be pressed to convert a keypad into a keypad of a desired language.

Preferably, the QWERTY type keyboard may be divided into a left side based on the characters t, g, b and a right side based on the characters y, h, n, and if the keypad selection key position is close to one side, the frequently used keys may be arranged at the other side.

In the state of being converted into the desired keypad according to the above method, the converted keypad may be continuously output on the screen to guide the position of the desired character. For example, assuming that the keypad selection key is located at the right side of the blank bar, the f key is pressed in a state where the keypad selection key is pressed to activate the russian keypad. In this state, the space bar is pressed to keep outputting the russian key arrangement on the screen without releasing the keypad selection key, thereby allowing the user to input a desired character while looking at the keypad.

The method of inputting the european language is configured as follows: after the european language keypad is selected according to the above-described method, if the space bar is pressed in a state in which a desired letter is pressed, an extension character associated with the corresponding letter can be displayed (activated) on the opposite side of the corresponding letter, and related contents (i.e., the extension character) can be displayed on the screen. Each key may be set with a different extension character. For example, an extended character of 'a' may be represented with various phonetic symbols based on 'a'. Thus, the extension character can be set differently for each character.

The method for inputting Chinese pinyin is configured as follows: after the pinyin keypad is activated according to the above-described method, a specific key of the keypad, which exists on the opposite side of the vowel key, is pressed in a state where the vowel key is pressed, to input a tone of a corresponding vowel. For example, in a state where 'a' is pressed, 'ā' corresponding to one sound of 'a' is input when the j key is pressed, 'a' corresponding to two sounds of 'a' is input when the k key is pressed, 'a' corresponding to three sounds of 'a' is input when the l key is pressed, and { hacek '}' corresponding to three sounds of 'a' is input when the j key is pressed; when the ' key is pressed, the ' a ' corresponding to the four tones of the ' a ' is input.

Preferably, the second key for selecting a tone may not be restricted (fixed), but may be input by pressing a key opposite to a position of a vowel desired to be input. For example, in order to input a vowel 'i', in a state where 'i' is input, when the f key is pressed, one sound of 'i' may be input, when the d key is pressed, two sounds of 'i' may be input, when the s key is pressed, three sounds of 'i' may be input, and when the a key is pressed, four sounds of 'i' may be input. Additionally, such a method may be configured to: the same effect is exhibited for each column cell or row cell and is not limited to a particular key. For example, the input may be performed by the line unit so that, in a state where 'a' is input, even if the u key positioned at the j key or more or the m key positioned at the j key is pressed, a sound of 'a' can be input. The same method can be used for two, three, four tones.

Fig. 8 shows a new english keypad according to an exemplary embodiment, and fig. 9 describes one example of inputting characters using the new english keypad.

As shown in fig. 8, the keypad is configured to: each of the number keys 1 to 4 is assigned 5 letters, respectively, and the number keys 5 and 6 are assigned 3 letters, respectively. This embodiment is useful when each numeric key is assigned more than a certain number of letters. Therefore, in a state where the target character is one of the 5 characters a, b, c, d, e, if the number key 1 is pressed (touched), as shown in fig. 9, the associated key is displayed (guided) in the vicinity of the number key 1.

In a state where the number key 1 is touched, 'a' may be input if the touch is dragged to a position of the number key 2 and released, and 'b' may be input if the touch is dragged to a position of the number key 3 and released. Similarly, in the same state, "c, d, e" may be input if the touch is dragged to the positions of the number keys 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Here, the left key of the lowermost column is used as a shift key and a keypad selection key. I.e. when it is used alone, it can be used as a keypad selection key, as shown in the third drawing of fig. 9. On the other hand, if it is used with another key being input, its function is the same as the Shift key. The center key of the bottom column may be used as a space key and the right key of the bottom column may be used as an enter key.

In addition, when the enter key is simply input and then released, the function of the enter key may be performed. In a state where the enter key is input, a new keypad (e.g., punctuation keypad) may be activated (displayed). Referring to the third diagram of fig. 7, in a state where the enter key is touched, if this touch is respectively dragged to the positions of the number keys 1 to 6 and then released, activation characters can be input, i.e., ' # ', '. The same method can be applied to the space key.

In addition, in the present disclosure, the orientation state of the cellular phone, such as an upright (vertical) input state, a horizontal (recumbent) input state, may be detected (e.g., using a terrestrial magnetic sensor or a gyro sensor). Accordingly, when the portable phone is changed from a vertical input state using a keypad having 12 keys or 9 keys to a horizontal input state, the keypad of the portable phone may be automatically converted into a QWERTY type keypad with 33 to 45 keys.

The present disclosure may be configured to select a keypad such as a korean mode, an english mode, a japanese mode, a chinese mode, and a numeric mode, which are added according to a demand, by inputting a preset key on an initial screen before inputting a character.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the multi-language key input method of FIG. 7 according to one embodiment.

When the user selects a specific input mode (e.g., korean, english, japanese, and chinese) (S101), the controller 140 may display an initial key arrangement (keypad) so that a language corresponding to the selected input mode can be input on the screen of the output unit 120.

After the initial key arrangement (keypad) is displayed, the controller 140 may detect whether a plurality of keys are input. More specifically, the controller 140 may detect an input of a reference key (e.g., the number key 4) (i.e., an input of a first key or a reference key) (S102). When the reference key is input, the controller 140 may display other characters than the first character among the plurality of characters assigned to the reference key or extended characters existing on the associated keys of a specific row or column of the keyboard or keypad. Here, the controller 140 may distribute characters included in the reference key over an area of the displayed keyboard or keypad. In addition, the controller 140 may display extension characters on the associated keys, which are displayed on an area other than an area where characters included in the reference key are displayed.

The associated key may be a key on a particular column or row of the keyboard or touch screen used to display the characters contained in the reference key. Thus, the controller 140 can determine them as the same key even if any one is input. In particular, the controller 140 may change a key arrangement and inputtable characters each time a basic key (reference key) and an associated key are input, and display the changed key arrangement and inputtable characters. Here, the key arrangement may be differently displayed according to the input order of the reference key and the associated key.

In addition, the associated key may be a key on a particular column or row of a keyboard, keypad, or touch screen used to display an extended character that is not included in the reference key. The extension characters may include alphabetic characters including various phonetic symbols such as accent marks or inflexion symbols in french, japanese kana characters having a voiced or semi-voiced mark, chinese pinyin characters having tones from one to four, and dual vowels and diphones of korean.

The controller 140 may then detect whether the associated key is input within a preset time in a state where the reference key is input (S103 and S104).

If it is detected that the associated key is not input after the reference key (e.g., numeric key 4) is input, the first character (e.g., g) among the plurality of characters (e.g., g, h, i) assigned to the reference key is output to the output unit 120 (S105).

If it is detected that the associated key is not input within a preset time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) after the reference key (e.g., the numeric key 4) is input, the associated key is determined as a new reference key (S107).

After the reference key is input, the controller 140 cannot output any character assigned to the reference key while waiting for the input of the associated key for a preset time. Alternatively, if the associated key is input after outputting the character assigned to the reference key, the controller 140 may convert the character into a character corresponding to a combination of the reference key and the associated key.

When the associated key is input within a preset time after the reference key is input, the controller 140 may output a character corresponding to a combination of the reference key and the associated key (e.g., the first key and the second key) (S106). Here, if a subsequent key (succeeding) is input within a preset time, a character may not be output.

Next, the controller 140 may wait for the input of a subsequent associated key for a preset time after selecting (determining) a character through the reference key and the associated key (S108). The controller may maintain a character selected through the reference key and the associated key or output the selected character if a subsequent associated key is not input within a preset time. If the subsequent associated key is input within the preset time, the controller may use the character selected through the reference key and the associated key as a new reference key, thereby outputting the character selected through the new reference key and the subsequent associated key as a target character (S106). This process may be performed recursively. In addition, the characters and the characters selected by the subsequent associated keys may include characters converted into capital letters and characters not assigned to the first key (e.g., special characters or characters with a nasal vowel sign and a pronunciation symbol sign).

As will be described in detail below.

The position of the second key is detected if it is detected that another key is entered within a preset time after the entry of the first key. Depending on the position of the first key and the second key, a character corresponding to a combination of the first key and the second key may be output. For the key combination, the internal memory 130 of the key input device may store a character allocation table having various key combinations.

For example, it may be detected how many columns (rows) the second key is from the column (row) with the first key (i.e., the second key is located several columns (rows) from the column (row) with the first key). It is also possible to detect whether the second key is located in a column (row) above the column (row) in which the first key is located or in a column (row) below the column (row) in which the first key is located. Alternatively, it may be detected whether the second key is located in a row to the right of the column (row) of the first key or in a row to the left of the column (row) of the first key. That is, which column or row the second key is located in can be detected based on the option settings of the key combination.

Since the combination with the first key varies depending on the position, the position of the second key should be detected.

The position of the second key may be detected in the order of detection from the uppermost row to the lower row by excluding or including the first key, and in the order of detection from the leftmost column to the right column by excluding or including the first key. The user may set the detection order through a menu, or may set the detection mode by inputting a specific key.

In addition, the present disclosure may be configured to automatically detect key positions according to an input method. For example, when multiple touches are input, the first touch is interpreted as the first input value. If a second touch is simultaneously entered, the second touch is interpreted as a second input value. Alternatively, when dragging is performed after the first touch, the point of touch release or change in touch direction may be interpreted as a second input value, a third input value, or a fourth input value.

For example, if a second key input after the first key (e.g., the number key 4) is located in the second row, a second character (e.g., h) of the plurality of characters (e.g., g, h, i) assigned to the first key may be output, and if the second key is located in the third row, a third character (e.g., i) of the plurality of characters (e.g., g, h, i) assigned to the first key may be output. As another example, if a second key input after the first key (e.g., the number key 6) is located in the second row, a second character (e.g., n) of the plurality of characters (e.g., m, n, o) assigned to the first key may be output, and if the second key is in the third row, a third character (e.g., o) of the plurality of characters (e.g., m, n, o) assigned to the first key may be output.

Meanwhile, if the option of the key combination is a combination by detecting a row of the second key, a character corresponding to the combination among characters assigned to the first key may be output according to whether the second key is located in a left column, the same column, or a right column, similar to the method of detecting a row.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to the present embodiment. The character allocation according to the key combination may be changed according to an option set by a user. That is, the combination of the first key and the second key and the character corresponding to this combination may be configured to be edited by the user. In other words, a combination of three or more keys may be provided, and characters corresponding to the combination may be assigned.

Fig. 11 is an exemplary view describing a recursive key input (recurvekeyinput) method according to the present disclosure.

As described above, the present disclosure may be configured to: outputting a character corresponding to a combination of the first key and the second key. A key entered by a second key in a particular column or row may be detected as a key capable of entering the same character. In other words, the second key may not be limited to a specific key, but may be set to a row above or below the row of the first key or to a certain key in the same row of the first key. Alternatively, the second key may be set to a column to the left or right of the column of the first key or to a certain key in the same column as the first key. Such setting may be made by a user through a menu, or may be automatically switched each time a specific key other than the numeric keys is input.

For example, if a second key input after a first key (e.g., the number key 4) belongs to the other keys (e.g., the number keys 5 and 6) located in the second row, a second assigned character (e.g., h) among the plurality of characters (e.g., g, h, i) assigned to the first key may be output as well even if any one of the other keys of the second row is input.

As another example, if a second key input after a first key (e.g., the number key 4) belongs to other keys (e.g., the number keys 2, 5, and 8) located in a second column, a second assigned character (e.g., h) among a plurality of characters (e.g., g, h, i) assigned to the first key may be output as well even if any one of the other keys of the second column is input.

The present embodiment has been described in that when keys located in a specific column or row are input, they can be detected as keys capable of inputting the same character. However, in the present invention, a key detected as the same input is not always located at a specific column or row. For example, if many keys are arranged at an input unit (e.g., a keyboard) of a user, a specific area may be set so that when any one of the keys located in this specific area is input, it may be detected as an input of the same key.

Therefore, referring to fig. 11, if it is assumed that the user input unit (e.g., a keypad or a keyboard) is configured as a touch screen, contents (e.g., characters of each language) displayed through keys detected as input of the same key may also be displayed to guide the user (i.e., preview type).

For example, if a first key (e.g., the number key 4) is input, the controller 140 may also display the display contents of keys located in the second and third rows, which do not include the number key 4. That is, the other keys (e.g., the number keys 5 and 6) located in the second row may each display a second assigned character (e.g., h) of the plurality of characters (e.g., g, h, i) assigned to the first key, and the keys (e.g., the number keys 7, 8, and 9) located in the third row may each display a third assigned character (e.g., i) of the plurality of characters (e.g., g, h, i) assigned to the first key.

As previously mentioned, the present disclosure may be implemented in the following manner: the existing state is maintained by pressing a specific key or performing a specific action (e.g., touch & hold and flick) after the first key is input and then waiting for a subsequent input. That is, in a state in which the user touches a first key (e.g., the number key 4), if the user drags the touch to the right, the controller 140 may maintain a state in which the first key is input, and thereafter, the controller 140 may output a character corresponding to a combination of the first and second keys when the second key is input.

This method can also be effectively applied to the case where only one hand (finger) or inconvenience is temporarily available.

Fig. 12 illustrates another example of a recursive key input method according to the present disclosure.

The recursive key input method in fig. 12 is a method of determining (selecting) a character to be output according to the distance of touch and drag. Referring to fig. 12, in the apparatus using the touch screen, in a state where one key is touched, if the touch is dragged to a position where a second key is located, a point where the first touch is detected is treated as the first key, and the dragged point is treated as the second key.

For example, in a state where a first key (e.g., the number key 4) is touched, if this touch is dragged to a second key (the number key 5) on the right of the first key, a second assigned character (e.g., h) among a plurality of characters (e.g., g, h, i) assigned to the first key may be output. In addition, in a state where a first key (e.g., the number key 4) is touched, if the touch is dragged to a second key (the number key 6) on the right of the first key, a third assigned character (e.g., i) among a plurality of characters (e.g., g, h, i) assigned to the first key may be output.

FIG. 13 depicts another example of the recursive key input method of FIG. 10, which may be applied to direct a character assigned to a first key.

As shown in fig. 13, when the user touches a first key (e.g., the number 4 key), the controller 140 may display the same character on the second, three columns of keys on the same row that do not include the number 4 key. In this state, if the user drags the touched first key to a second key (number key 5 or 6) on the right of the first key, the controller 140 may also display a second assigned character (e.g., h) among a plurality of characters (e.g., g, h, i) assigned to the first key. On the other hand, in a state where the user touches the first key, if the user drags the touched first key to the lower third row, the controller 140 may also display a third assigned character (e.g., i) among a plurality of characters (e.g., g, h, i) assigned to the first key.

In particular, the present disclosure may also be implemented in the following manner: when there are few characters assigned to one key, only a key arrangement having as many keys as candidate characters to be input is popped up without converting the entire key arrangement depending on a specific language.

In addition, the present invention may allow an area displayed at the time of keyboard (keypad) arrangement conversion to be different according to the number of characters assigned to one key.

That is, for example, with respect to the input of japanese, if five characters あ, い, う, え, お are assigned to the number key 1, the second key for assigning four additional characters thereto should be divided into four regions in a state in which the number key 1 is pressed. In this case, it is necessary to assign い to the numeric keys 2 and 3 in the first row except for the numeric key 1, う to the numeric keys 4, 5 and 6 in the second row, え to the numeric keys 7, 8 and 9 in the third row, and お to some or all of the keys in the fourth row. Using this approach, the keyboard arrangement can be simplified.

In this way, the contents (i.e., characters) displayed on each key arranged in the user input unit can be changed to input characters, thereby providing convenience to the user.

Fig. 14 depicts an example of a stored table of recursive key inputs according to the present disclosure.

As described above, in the present disclosure, in a state in which a first key is input, a second key may be input, and one of a plurality of characters assigned to the first key or another character related to the character assigned to the first key may be output according to a combination of the first key and the second key. Here, another character related to the character assigned to the first key refers to a case where different characters represent one to four tones of a vowel (e.g., a) as in chinese. That is, assuming that the character assigned to the first key is 'a', the other characters related to this character can be a character representing one to four tones (e.g., ā, a).

For ease of explanation, it is assumed that each key (e.g., 0-9 keys) is assigned at least three characters. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, assume that the first, 1-1 st, and 1-2 nd characters are assigned to the number key 1, the second, 2-1 st, and 2-2 nd characters are assigned to the number key 2, and each of the other keys is also assigned three characters.

When each key is input individually, a first assigned character may be output. For example, if the number key 4 is input alone, the first assigned character (e.g., the fourth character) is output. In a state where the first key is input, if the second key is input, a character corresponding to a position of the second key among characters assigned to the first key may be output. For example, in a state where the number key 4 is input, when a second key corresponding to position 1 is input, a 4-1 th character is output, and when a second key corresponding to position 2 is input, a 4-2 th character is output.

Here, which number key is the second key may not be related to the input of characters, and which character is present on the second key may also be unrelated to the input of characters. However, the relative position of the second key with respect to the first key may be related to the entry of a character. That is, depending on whether the second key is in position 1 or position 2, a different character may be output. In other words, when a first key and a second key are simultaneously input, characters assigned to the second key may not be output, but characters corresponding to a combination with the second key among characters assigned to the first key may be output.

The embodiments have been described with respect to a keypad structure of a mobile terminal, but the same principles can be applied to character input using a computer keyboard. Such principles may also be applied to the entry of characters that are not assigned to the first key (e.g., a particular character or a character with a nasal vowel symbol or a pronunciation symbol). For example, the characters with pronunciations can include tones in Chinese, vowels in German, and stop consonants in FrenchOpening noteOr long notes (^) and the like.

For example, assuming that chinese is input, after a tone input is activated by pressing a specific key (i.e., a key or a # key) in a state where a specific vowel key (e.g., a) is input by a user, one of keys within a preset region (e.g., each column or each row) may be selected to input one tone. Additionally, the present disclosure may be configured to: one of the specific keys (for example, the star key or the # key) is set as a key for inputting capital letters, and the other keys are set as keys for characters with phonetic symbol marks.

As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present specification have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Here, the terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to the common meanings or dictionary meanings. In particular, if a first key and a second key are input within a reference time, these keys may be used as reference keys and associated keys as well. If a second key is entered after the reference time, it can be used as a reference key. In this way, the third key and subsequent keys may also be used as new reference keys or associated keys. In addition, the term 'activated' may be used as the same meaning as 'displayed'.

As described above, the present invention can provide an effect of rapidly inputting a key having a plurality of characters with both hands or one hand.

In addition, in a state in which a specific character is selected, a subsequent associated key may be input through a recursive key input mechanism, thereby facilitating the input of various extended characters related to the character indicated by the corresponding key or the combination of the corresponding keys. In particular, it is also possible to easily input a specific character which is not substantially assigned to a key.

In addition, a character associated with a key input by a user unfamiliar with the operation of the keyboard and various extension characters associated with the character may be provided in a preview form, thereby facilitating the input of the character. Also, the above-described configuration can also provide an effect of enabling a specific character not assigned to a key to be input through a combination of a plurality of keys.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. The description herein is illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods, and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined in many different ways to obtain additional and/or alternative exemplary embodiments.

As the described features may be embodied in several forms without departing from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described examples are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

Claims (18)

1. A multilingual key input method for inputting characters through key input in a key arrangement including a plurality of keys each assigned with a plurality of phonemes, the method comprising:

detecting whether a reference key is input;

displaying at least one associated key having inputtable characters around the reference key in response to the input of the reference key;

detecting whether the associated key is input within a preset time; and

outputting a character selected by the detected phonemes of the reference key and the associated key or a character selected by using the selected character as a reference key and recursively using subsequent keys as associated keys, as a target character,

wherein the inputtable characters include the plurality of phonemes assigned to the reference key and at least one extension character of the assigned phoneme, and

wherein the key arrangement and the inputtable characters are changed each time the reference key is selected.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the reference key and the associated key are input using a key or touch, wherein the input of the reference key is a touch input and the input of the associated key is a touch and drag.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the associated key is a key displaying an extended character not included in the reference key at a specific column or row of a keypad, keyboard or touch screen, wherein the extended character includes any character other than the character allocated to the reference key, including various phonetic symbols including accent marks in french, inflexion marks, japanese kana characters with voiced or semi-voiced sounds, chinese pinyin with tones from one to four, korean diphthongs, and diphones.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the characters selected by the reference key and the associated key comprise a plurality of characters assigned to the reference key or extended characters not assigned to the reference key.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the target characters include characters assigned to the reference keys, extension characters, full letters, and symbols including punctuation marks or emoticons.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein when a reference key is input, other characters except for a first character or an extended character among a plurality of characters assigned to the reference key are displayed on an associated key located at a specific column or row of a keyboard or keypad.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the characters included in the reference key are displayed on divided regions of a keyboard or a keypad, and an extension character is displayed on the associated key displayed on a region other than the region where the characters included in the reference key are displayed.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein when the key arrangement is a japanese key pad, a voiced sound or a semi-voiced sound is input through each combination of a character key and a numeric key 0, or a voiced sound or a semi-voiced sound is selected from a key arrangement to be input, the key arrangement being activated in response to an input of a specific key.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the key arrangement is an english keypad configured by assigning more than a preset number of letters to each number key, and if a reference key is input in the corresponding key arrangement, an associated key associated with the corresponding reference key is displayed adjacent to the reference key.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

detecting an input of one of the keys having characters when the European language keypad is activated on the QWERTY-type keypad;

activating an extension character associated with a corresponding character on a key opposite to a corresponding key when one of keys to which no character is assigned is input in a state in which a character key is input; and

the activated character is displayed on the screen.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the key arrangement is configured to: for a mobile terminal or a computer using keys, when one of character keys having each country language is selected in a state where a language selection key is pressed, the key arrangement is converted into a keypad of the corresponding language.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the key arrangement is configured to: for a mobile terminal using a touch screen, when one of character keys having each country language is touched or dragged to a specific number key in a state where a language selection key is touched, the key arrangement is converted into a keypad of the corresponding language.

13. A multilingual key input apparatus for inputting characters through key input in a key arrangement having a plurality of keys, each of the keys being assigned a plurality of phonemes, the apparatus comprising:

a user input unit configured to allow a user to input a key;

a memory configured to store a character allocation table corresponding to a plurality of key combinations;

a display unit configured to display a key arrangement converted in response to a key input and a character determined based on the character allocation table in response to a key input; and

a controller configured to: displaying an associated key including inputtable characters around the reference key when the reference key is input, and outputting a character selected by the detected reference key and a phoneme of the associated key or a character selected by using the selected character as a reference key and recursively using subsequent keys as associated keys, as a target character,

wherein the inputtable characters include the plurality of phonemes assigned to the reference key and at least one extension character of the assigned phoneme, and

wherein the key arrangement and the inputtable characters are displayed by being changed each time the reference key and the associated key are selected.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the associated key is a key displaying characters contained in the reference key at a specific column or row of a keyboard, keypad, or touch screen, wherein even if any key on the same column or row is input, it is determined that the same key is input.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the associated key is a key displaying an extended character not included in a reference key at a specific column or row of a keypad, keyboard or touch screen, wherein the extended character includes alphabetic characters including various reading marks including accent marks in french, inflexion marks including accent marks in french, japanese kana characters having voiced or semi-voiced sounds, chinese pinyin including tone marks from one to four sounds, double vowels in korean, and double consonants.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the characters determined by the reference key and the associated key include a plurality of characters assigned to the reference key or an extension character not assigned to the reference key, the target character includes a character assigned to the reference key, an extension character and a full letter, and the associated key includes a function key for inputting a special character including a punctuation mark or an emoticon.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to display other characters than the first character among the plurality of characters assigned to the reference key or an extended character on an associated key located at a specific column or row of the keyboard, keypad or touch screen when the reference key is input.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to display the characters included in the reference key on a divided area on a keyboard, a keypad, or a touch screen, and the extension characters are displayed on an associated key displayed in an area other than an area for displaying the characters included in the reference key.