CN101581974B - Character input method and electronic system using said input method - Google Patents

Abstract

A character input method, implemented in an electronic system with multiple keys, includes the following steps. If the first operation conforming to the first operation mode is used to actuate the first button, the selection order of the plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the first button is presented in the first character order, and the first button corresponds to The plurality of candidate words are fetched in said selected order and presented in response to the operation of said first key. If the first button is actuated by the second operation conforming to the second operation mode, the plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the first button are fetched and presented in a second character order in response to the first button operation. The presentation order of the at least two candidate characters corresponding to the first key is reversed in the selection order and the second word extraction order. By using the input method, characters can be input with fewer pressing times. In addition to saving time for character input, user errors can also be avoided due to the less required number of operations.

Description

Character input method and electronic system using said input method

technical field

The invention relates to a computer technology, in particular to a character input method and an electronic system using the input method.

Background technique

Mobile phones allow users to enter text for short message communications, or edit memos and address books. However, mobile phones are usually only equipped with a numeric keypad instead of an alphanumeric keyboard, so it is quite inconvenient to input text. For example, when 26 English letters correspond to 8 number keys, 3 to 4 letters need to share one key. That is to say, each button should represent 3 to 4 letters respectively.

In the known text input method, A can be displayed by pressing the keys representing A, B and C once, B can be displayed by pressing twice, and C can be displayed by pressing three times. Typing the letter C is always more difficult than typing the letter A and is prone to typing errors. For example, it is known that to enter C, you need to press the key repeatedly and quickly, first display A, B and finally get C, but if you press the key one more time and skip C, you need to repeat the letter sequence A again , B, C to obtain the required letters, which is very inconvenient and time-consuming.

Contents of the invention

In order to improve the above inconvenience, the present invention provides a character input method and an electronic system using the input method.

The embodiment of the present invention provides a character input method implemented in an electronic system, and the electronic system has a plurality of keys. The character input method includes the following steps. If the first operation conforming to the first operation mode is used to actuate the first button, the first character selection order is used as the selected order, and the plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the first button are presented in the selected order, so that Respond to the operation of the first button. If the first button is actuated by a second operation conforming to the second operation mode, a plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the first button are presented in a second word order in response to the operation on the first button . Wherein the presentation order of the at least two candidate characters corresponding to the first key is reversed in the selection order and the second word extraction order.

The present invention also provides a character input method implemented in an electronic system, and the electronic system has a plurality of keys. The character input method includes the following steps. If the first operation conforming to the first operation mode is received to actuate the first button, the operation period of the first button starts. A candidate word for the first key is displayed during the operation. When the candidate characters of the first button are displayed, if a second operation on the first button is received, it is determined whether the second operation conforms to a second operation mode. If yes, a previous candidate word of the displayed candidate word corresponding to the first button is presented according to the selected order. If not, a next candidate word of the displayed candidate words corresponding to the first key is presented according to the selected order.

The present invention also provides a character input method implemented in an electronic system. The electronic system has a plurality of keys. The character input method includes the following steps. If the first operation on the first key is received, the operation period of the first key is started. During the operation, display the first candidate characters of the first button in the text input area and display a menu, wherein the menu includes a plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the first button, other than the first button The second key of represents the second candidate word in the menu. Before the end of the operation period of the first button, if another operation on the first button is received, the first button will be displayed in the text input area according to the selected order of the plurality of candidate characters. Press the next candidate to replace the previously displayed candidate. If the operation period of the first button ends, the candidate character of the first button currently displayed in the text input area is input into the text input area. Before the end of the operation period of the first key, if the operation to the second key is received, regardless of the candidate character currently displayed in the text input area, directly input the candidate character represented by the second key to the text input area.

The present invention also provides an implementation manner of an electronic system including an input unit and a processor coupled to the input unit. The input unit includes a plurality of keys. If the processor detects that the first operation conforming to the first operation mode actuates the first key, the first order of word extraction is used as the selected order, and the corresponding words of the first key are presented in the selected order. a plurality of candidate words, in response to the operation of the first button, and if a second operation corresponding to the second operation mode is detected to actuate the first button, the first word is presented in a second word order A plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the key, in response to the operation of the first key, wherein the presentation order of the at least two candidate characters corresponding to the first key in the selection order and the second word extraction order on the contrary.

The present invention also provides an implementation manner of an electronic system including an input unit and a processor coupled to the input unit. The input unit has a plurality of keys. If the processor receives the first operation conforming to the first operation mode to actuate the first key, it starts the operation period of the first key, displays the candidate word of the first key during the operation period, and When displaying the candidate characters of the first button, if a second operation on the first button is received, determine whether the second operation conforms to the second operation method, and if so, present the first button according to the selected order A previous candidate of the displayed candidate corresponding to a button, and if not, presenting a next candidate of the displayed candidate corresponding to the first button according to the selected order.

The present invention also provides an embodiment of an electronic system including an input unit, a display and a processor. The input unit has a plurality of keys. The display is used for displaying information. The processor is coupled to the input unit and the display, and if a first operation on the first key is received, an operation period of the first key is started, and during the operation period, the first key is displayed. The first candidate character of a button is displayed in the text input area and a menu is displayed on the display, wherein the menu includes a plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the first button, and the second button other than the first button represents the For the second candidate word in the menu, before the end of the operation period of the first button, if another operation on the first button is received, according to the selected order of the plurality of candidate words, in the The text input area displays the next candidate word of the first key to replace the previously displayed candidate word, and if the operation period of the first key ends, input the candidate of the first key currently displayed in the text input area word to the text input area, and before the end of the operation period of the first key, if the operation to the second key is received, regardless of the currently displayed candidate word in the text input area, directly input the The candidate character represented by the second button is sent to the text input area.

The present invention also provides an embodiment of an electronic system, including a display, an input unit, and first to fifth devices. The display is used to present candidate words. The input unit includes a plurality of keys, and the plurality of keys includes a first key. The first device is configured to take the first word-taking order as the selected order and present the first word in the selected order when the first operation conforming to the first operation mode is detected to actuate the first button. multiple candidate words corresponding to a key, in response to the operation on the first key.

The second device is configured to present a plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the first button in a second word-taking order if a second operation conforming to the second operation mode is detected to actuate the first button, so as to In response to the operation of the first key, the presentation order of the at least two candidate characters corresponding to the first key is reversed in the selection order and the second word extraction order.

The third device is used for presenting one of the plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the first key in response to the operation of the first key during an operation period.

The fourth device is used for inputting the specific candidate word to the display of the electronic system when the operation period ends during the process of presenting a specific candidate word among the plurality of candidate characters of the first button. text input area.

The fifth means is for actuating the first key by the second operation when the nth candidate word of the first key is presented after the operation period starts, where n is a positive integer, then Responsive to the second operation acting on the first button to present the next candidate word of the n-th candidate word in the second word order, that is, in the first word order A previous candidate word of the nth candidate word.

Preferably, the embodiment of the electronic system further includes a sixth device and a seventh device. The sixth device is configured to display a menu on the display if the first key is activated, the menu includes a plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the first key, and each candidate character corresponds to the a key other than the first key described above. The seventh device is configured to input the specific candidate character into the text input area of the electronic system when the second key corresponding to the specific candidate character among the plurality of candidate characters is activated.

The present invention also provides an embodiment of an electronic system, including a display, an input unit, and first to sixth devices. The display is used for displaying information. The input unit has a plurality of keys, and the plurality of keys includes a first key. The first device is configured to start an operation period of the first button if a first operation conforming to the first operation mode is received to actuate the first button, and to display one of the first buttons during the operation period Candidates.

The second device is used to determine whether the second operation conforms to the second operation method if a second operation on the first button is received when displaying the candidate characters of the first button, and the second The device determines whether the second operation conforms to the second operation mode according to the time length of the second operation.

The third means is used for presenting a previous candidate word of the displayed candidate word of the first button according to a selected order when the second operation conforms to the second operation mode.

The fourth means is for presenting the next candidate word of the displayed candidate word of the first button according to the selected order when the second operation does not conform to the second operation mode.

The fifth device is used for presenting one of the plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the first key on the display in response to the operation of the first key during the operation period.

The sixth means is used for prompting the specific candidate character to enter into the text input area of the display if the operation period ends during the process of presenting the specific candidate character among the multiple candidate characters of the first key.

The present invention also provides an implementation of an electronic system, including a first input unit, a second input unit, a display, and first to fourth devices. The first input unit has a plurality of keys, and the plurality of keys includes a first key. The second input unit is used for receiving operations related to candidate characters, and is different from the first key. The display is used for displaying information.

The first device is configured to start an operation period of the first button if a first operation on the first button is received, and display the first candidate character of the first button during the operation period. In the text input area of the display and display a menu on the display, wherein the menu includes a plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the first button, and the operation representatives of the second input unit other than the first button The second candidate word in the menu.

The second device is used to, before the end of the operation period of the first button, if another operation on the first button is received, according to the order of selection of the plurality of candidate characters, in the text The input area displays the next candidate word of the first button to replace the previously displayed candidate word.

The third device is configured to input the candidate character of the first key currently displayed in the text input area into the text input area if the operation period of the first key ends.

The fourth device is used for directly inputting the second input unit regardless of the currently displayed candidate characters in the text input area if an operation on the second input unit is received before the operation period of the first button ends. The candidate character represented by the operation of the input unit is entered into the text input area.

Preferably, the multiple candidate words corresponding to the first button are arranged in the menu in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

Preferably, the second input unit is a touch device, wherein the operation of the second input unit is an operation on the touch device.

Preferably, the embodiment of the electronic system further includes a fifth device and a sixth device. The fifth device is used for the display to specifically display the currently displayed candidate characters of the first key in the menu to distinguish other candidate characters of the first key. The sixth device is configured to respond to the clockwise or counterclockwise operation track of the touch device to select one of the plurality of candidate characters for the first button as the first button displayed in the menu of the currently displayed candidate words.

By using the input method, characters can be input with fewer pressing times. In addition to saving time for character input, user errors can also be avoided due to the less required number of operations. At the same time, the character input method is also compatible with the traditional abc input method, so the user is not forced to learn a new input method, but the user is only attracted to learn the input method with a small number of button operations.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 shows a structural block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic system of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a keyboard.

Fig. 3A shows a flow chart of the abc input method.

FIG. 3B shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the character input method of the present invention.

FIG. 3C shows a flow chart of another embodiment of the character input method of the present invention, wherein the long press operation during the operation of the key can reverse the character selection sequence.

FIG. 3D shows a flow chart of another embodiment of the character input method of the present invention, in which the sequence of candidate characters in reverse order is activated by a long press operation.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the forward and reverse sequences of the candidate characters presented on the button.

5A-5F show the cursor and candidate characters displayed in the text input area.

Figure 6 shows the time axis and the operation signals of the keys.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of character input using a menu to display candidate characters.

FIG. 8A shows a menu of keystroke-activated candidate word sequences "wxyz".

Figure 8B shows the presentation of the next word "x" of the sequence "wxyz" in the text entry area.

FIG. 8C shows inputting the candidate word "y" into the text input area.

Fig. 8D shows another embodiment of the menu, where the candidate words are represented by other auxiliary keys.

FIG. 9 shows another schematic diagram of an embodiment of a keyboard, in which a plurality of keys constitute the direction keys of the cursor.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the electronic device system of the present invention, wherein the electronic device with the input unit and the electronic device with the display communicate signals related to character input and display through a communication channel.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the electronic device system of the present invention, wherein the electronic devices with displays receive the operation signal of character input from the outside through the communication channel.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the electronic device system of the present invention, in which three electronic devices transmit related signals of character input and display through communication channels.

Detailed ways

The character input method of the present invention will be described in detail in accordance with the sequence of the following paragraphs:

1. System structure

2. Implementation of the input method

2-1. The first embodiment of the input method

2-2. The second embodiment of the input method

2-3. The third embodiment of the input method

3. Changes in implementation

3-1. Other implementations of the input method

3-2. Other Embodiments of Hardware Structure

4 Conclusion

1. System structure:

The character input method of the present invention can be implemented in various electronic devices, such as mobile phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs for short), set top boxes (Set Top Boxes), televisions, or media players. The electronic device implementing the character input method will be described below.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the electronic device 100 includes a processor 10 , a memory 20 , a display 30 , an input unit 40 and a timer 50 . The processor 10 may be composed of an integrated circuit (Integrated Circuit, IC for short), and is used for processing data and executing programs. The processor 10 may be composed of a single packaged IC, or a combination of multiple packaged ICs. For example, the processor 10 may only include a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit, CPU for short), or a combination of a CPU, a communication controller and a controller chip of the input unit 40 . The communication controller is used to control the communication of each component in the electronic device 100, or the communication between the electronic device 100 and an external device. The memory 20 may include random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM for short), nonvolatile memory (Nonvolatile Memory), mass storage device (mass storage device, such as a hard disk drive) or a combination thereof. The non-volatile memory 20 is, for example, an Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM for short) and a flash memory (Flash Memory). The display 30 can display text and graphics, for example, it can include electronic paper, a display composed of organic light emitting diodes (OLED for short), or a liquid crystal display (LCD for short). The display 30 can display various user interfaces, and the user interface can include a text input area. Display 30 may comprise a single display or a larger-sized display and a smaller-sized display.

The input unit 40 may include various interface devices for inputting data or commands to the electronic device 100 , such as a touch panel, a touch screen, a keyboard, and a voice receiver. The timers 50 and 60 may be constituted by circuits, computer programs or a combination thereof, and are respectively used for counting a period of a fixed time length. When the timer 50 or 60 expires (expiration), a signal is generated to inform the end of the timed period. The components of the electronic device 100 can be connected by wired or wireless communication channels.

文字输入法(

text inputmethod)。电子装置100可以有多个输入法，在同一时间内可以选择启动其中一种输入法。Please refer to FIG. 2 , the keyboard shown in FIG. 2 is an implementation of the input unit 40 . The keyboard may be a physical keyboard with a mechanical structure or a virtual keyboard displayed on the display 30 . The keypad has keys 201-217. The keys 213 and 214 are function keys whose functions vary according to the software programs executed by the electronic device 100 . Button 215 is an off-hook button; button 216 is an on-hook button. The key 217 is a direction key used to control the moving direction of the cursor displayed on the display 30 of the electronic device 100 . The numbers, characters and/or symbols corresponding to the keys 201-212 are displayed on each key in FIG. 2 , but are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, the button 201 corresponds to the number 1; the button 202 corresponds to the number "2" and the characters "a", "b" and "c"; the button 203 corresponds to the number "3" and the characters "d", "e" and "f"". The key 210 corresponds to the number "0" and a space character; the key 212 corresponds to the symbol "#" and the function of switching input methods. When each key is activated by different input methods, the corresponding candidate characters may be different, and the method for selecting candidate characters may also be different. For example, examples of the input method of the electronic device 100 activated by the button 212 may include the abc input method or the input method developed by Tegic Communications.

text input method (

text input method). The electronic device 100 can have multiple input methods, and one of the input methods can be selected to be activated at the same time.

2. Implementation of the input method:

Fig. 3A shows a flow chart of the abc input method. First, after the processor 1 starts the abc input method (step S30), it determines whether any key is operated (step S31). If so, the processor 1 starts the timer to time a period of operation (step S32) and displays the first candidate word of the operated key (step S33). For example, when the button 208 is operated in step S31, the first candidate character "t" of the button 208 is displayed in step S33. In step S34, the processor 1 continues to detect whether a short press operation on the same key is received (event A), the operation period ends (event B), another key operation (event C), or whether the same key is pressed (event C). Long press operation of the key (event D).

If a short press operation (event A) to the same key is received, the processor 1 resets the timer to restart the operation period of the key (step S35), and displays the next candidate word of the key (step S35). S36). For example, when the button 208 is pressed briefly in step S34, the next candidate character "u" of the button 208 is displayed in step S36.

If the operation period ends (event B), the processor 1 inputs the currently displayed candidate character into the text input area of the electronic device 100 (step S39).

If another button operation (event C) is received, the processor 1 inputs the currently displayed candidate character to the text input area of the electronic device 100 (step S40), and repeats step S32 to start the operation period of another button, And repeat step S33 to display the first candidate word of the other key. Then repeat the remaining steps.

If a long press operation on the same key is received (event D), the processor 1 resets the timer (step S37), and displays the corresponding number of the key (step S38). For example, when the key 208 is pressed and held in step S34, the corresponding number "8" of the key 208 is displayed in step S38.

The electronic device 100 can have multiple input methods, and select one to activate. The embodiment of the character input method of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3B , and can be implemented in the electronic device 100 . The character input method of the present invention does not need to be switched to different input methods, and different sequences of candidate characters can be actuated by using different operations on the same key.

2-1. The first embodiment of the input method:

Referring to FIG. 3B , first, the processor 10 starts the character input method (step S300 ), and determines whether any key in the input unit 40 is operated to be actuated (step S301 ). If so, the processor 10 starts the timer 50 to start counting the time of the operation (step S302 ), and determines whether the operation conforms to the first operation mode or the second operation mode (step S304 ). The first operation mode or the second operation mode may vary according to the design of the electronic device 100 . For example, the processor 10 can use the timer 50 to count the time length t to define the operation time, so as to separate the operation modes.

For example, pressing any button for less than the time length t corresponds to the first operation mode, hereinafter referred to as short-press operation; pressing any button greater than or equal to the time length t corresponds to the second operation mode, hereinafter referred to as long-press operation. The pressing operation time of the key is the time elapsed from pressing the key to releasing the key. In other words, before the timer 50 expires, the pressing operation of the button ends, and the processor 10 judges that the pressing operation conforms to the first operation mode; before the pressing operation of the button ends, the timer 50 expires, then The processor 10 determines that the pressing operation conforms to the second operation mode. The time length t may be in units of seconds, such as 0.5, 0.8, or 1 second, or in units of frequency periods.

The key operated in step S300 is hereinafter referred to as key i. i is a positive integer and in the example of FIG. 2 , 201≦i≦212. If the operation conforms to the first operation mode, the processor 10 activates the corresponding candidate word sequence under the normal sequence of the key i (hereinafter referred to as the positive sequence) (step S305). That is to say, the positive order is used as the selected order, and one of the plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the key i is presented each time according to the selected order in response to each operation on the key i. 4, the key 202 corresponds to the number "2" and the characters "a", "b" and "c", and the sequence 401 shows the positive sequence of the key 202, so the positive sequence candidate word sequence corresponding to the key 202 is "abc". The processor 10 presents the candidate words “a”, “b” and “c” in the sequence according to the sequence 401 in response to each operation of the key 202 . The next candidate for "c" is "a", and the presentation of the candidates is repeated in this sequence.

If the operation conforms to the second operation mode, the processor 10 activates the candidate word sequence corresponding to the key i in the reverse sequence (hereinafter referred to as the reverse sequence) of the key i (step S325 ). That is, the reverse order is used as the selection order, and one of the plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the key i is presented each time according to the selection order in response to each operation on the key i. The sequence 402 in FIG. 4 shows the reverse sequence of the key 202, so the reverse sequence candidate word sequence corresponding to the key 202 is "cba". The processor 10 presents the candidate words “c”, “b” and “a” in the sequence according to the sequence 402 in response to each operation of the key 202 . The next candidate for "a" is "c", and the presentation of the candidates is repeated in this sequence.

Similarly, the forward and reverse candidate word sequences corresponding to the button 203 are "def" and "fed" respectively; the forward and reverse candidate word sequences corresponding to the button 204 are "ghi" and "ihg" respectively; ... button The forward and reverse candidate word sequences corresponding to 209 are "wxyz" and "zyxw" respectively. If the positive sequence candidate word sequence corresponding to the button 202 is "abc2", that is, the corresponding number of the button follows the candidate word, then the reverse sequence candidate word sequence corresponding to the button 202 can be defined as "2cba", or according to the user's preference Set and defined as "cba". The candidate words of each button can be stored in a linked list or an array or other data formats, so as to realize the access and display of the candidate words in positive and reverse order. The address of the first candidate word and the last candidate word of each key can be stored in a register or memory 20 .

After starting the sequence of candidate words in positive order, the processor 10 presents the first word of the sequence of candidate words (step S306). For example, when the key i is the key 209, the processor 10 presents the first word "w" of the candidate word sequence "wxyz". FIG. 5A shows the candidate word "w" indicated by the cursor 501 presented in the text input area 500. As shown in FIG. The processor 10 starts the timer 60 to start counting the operation period corresponding to the key i (step S309), and judges whether another operation (event A) to the same key i is received, and whether the detection timer 60 expires (event B), or whether an operation on another button is received (event C) (step S310). The other key operated in step S310 is hereinafter referred to as key j. j is a positive integer and in the example of FIG. 2 , 201≦j≦212 and j≠i.

In step S310, if another operation (event A) to button i is received, processor 10 resets timer 60 (step S312), and displays the next candidate word in the candidate word sequence of the positive order to replace The currently displayed candidate words (step S314). For example, when the key i is the key 209, the processor 10 presents the next word "x" of the positive sequence candidate word sequence "wxyz", as shown in FIG. 5B. Then step S310 is repeated. Similarly, if another operation on the key 209 is received again, the processor 10 resets the timer 60 and displays the next candidate word "y" in the positive sequence of candidate words. The next candidate for "z" is "w".

In step S310, if the timer 60 expires (event B), the processor 10 inputs the candidate character currently displayed on the key i into the text input area, and moves the cursor to the next position of the text input area (step S316). Then repeat step S301. For example, the currently displayed candidate word is "x". If the timer 60 expires, as shown in FIG. Location.

In step S310, if another key operation (event C) is received, the processor 10 inputs the candidate character currently displayed on key i to the text input area, and moves the cursor to the next position of the text input area (step S318) . Restart the timer 50 for the key j (step S302), and then repeat the steps after step S302 to display and input the candidate characters in the forward or reverse order of the key j according to the operation of the key j.

Returning to the description of the sequence of candidate words in reverse order. In step S325, if the key i is pressed for more than the time length t, the processor 10 starts the candidate word sequence in reverse order (step S325), and presents the first word of the candidate word sequence (step S326). For example, when the key i is the key 209, the processor 10 presents the first word "z" of the reverse candidate word sequence "zyxw". FIG. 5D shows the candidate character “z” indicated by the cursor 501 displayed in the text input area 500 . When the pressing operation of the key i stops (step S327), the processor 10 starts the timer 60 to start counting the operation period of the key i (step S328). The processor 10 continues and judges whether another operation to the same key i is received (event A), whether the detection timer 60 expires (event B), or whether an operation to another key is received (event C) (step S330). The other key operated in step S330 is hereinafter referred to as key j. j is a positive integer and in the example of FIG. 2 , 201≦j≦212 and j≠i.

In step S330, if another operation (event A) to button i is received, processor 10 resets timer 60 (step S332), and displays the next candidate word in the candidate word sequence in reverse order (step S332). S334). For example, when the key i is the key 209, the processor 10 presents the next word "y" of the reverse candidate word sequence "zyxw", as shown in FIG. 5E. Then step S330 is repeated. Similarly, if another operation on the key 209 is received again, the processor 10 resets the timer 60 and displays the next candidate word “x” in the reverse sequence of candidate words.

In step S330, if the timer 60 expires (event B), the processor 10 inputs the candidate character currently displayed on the key i into the text input area, and moves the cursor to the next position of the text input area (step S336). Then repeat step S301. For example, the currently displayed candidate character is "y", if the timer 50 expires, as shown in FIG. 5F , the processor 10 inputs "y" into the text input area 500, and moves the cursor to the next position of the text input area.

In step S330, if another button operation (event C) is received, the processor 10 inputs the currently displayed candidate character of button i into the text input area, and moves the cursor to the next position of the text input area (step S338) . The timer 50 is restarted for key j (step S302), and then steps after step S302 are repeated.

It should be understood that in different implementations, the sequence of the steps of the input method can be changed. For example, step S309 may be before step S305 or step S306. Before the operation period of the key ends, the long press operation on the key can change the presentation order of the corresponding multiple candidate characters during the operation period of the key. An embodiment of this is shown in Figure 3C.

2-2. The second embodiment of the input method:

Please refer to FIG. 3C , where the difference between FIG. 3C and FIG. 3B lies in steps S310a and S330a.

In step S310a, the processor 10 continues to detect whether a short-press operation on the same key i is received (event A), the operation period of key i ends (event B), an operation on another key j (event C), Or a long press operation (event D) on the same key i. If a short press operation on the same key i is received (event A), the processor 10 executes steps S312 and S314. If a long press operation on the same key i is received (event D), the processor 10 executes steps S332 and S334. Specifically, the processor 10 in step S334 presents in the reverse order the new selected order in the reverse order, the next candidate word of the currently displayed candidate word in the reverse order candidate word sequence, and before the end of the operation period of the key i , presenting a plurality of candidate characters for the key i in reverse order in response to a short press operation on the key i. For example, when the positive sequence candidate word sequence of the button 209 is originally activated, and the button 209 is pressed and held in step S310a, and the currently displayed candidate word is "y", the candidate word "x" of the button 209 is displayed in step S334, namely "y". The next word in the reverse candidate word sequence, that is, the previous word of "y" in the forward sequence candidate word sequence.

In step S330a, the processor 10 continues to detect whether a short press operation on the same key i is received (event A), the operation period of key i ends (event B), another key j is operated (event C), or It is a long press operation (event D) on the same key i. If a short press operation (event A) on the same key i is received, the processor 10 executes steps S332 and S334. If a long press operation on the same key i is received (event D), the processor 10 executes steps S312 and S314. Specifically, in step S314, the processor 10 takes the positive sequence as the new selected sequence, presents in the positive sequence candidate sequence, the next candidate word of the currently displayed candidate word, and before the end of the operation period of the key i , presenting a plurality of candidate characters for the key i in reverse order in response to a short press operation on the key i. For example, when the candidate word sequence of the reverse order of the button 209 is originally activated, the button 209 is long pressed in step S330a, and the currently displayed candidate word is "y", then the candidate word "z" of the button 209 is displayed in step S314, that is, "y" " is the next word in the positive sequence candidate word sequence, that is, the previous word of "y" in the reverse sequence candidate word sequence.

FIG. 3C illustrates that before the operation period of the key ends, the long-press operation on the key can change the presentation order of the plurality of candidate characters corresponding to the key. Therefore, the long press operation during the operation of the key provides the display function of returning to the previous word of the current candidate word. However, a single long press operation of the button may only return to presenting the previous character of the current candidate word without changing the presentation sequence of the corresponding candidate word of the button. In addition, different operation methods can also be used to drive the presentation of candidate words in reverse order. An embodiment of this is shown in Figure 3D.

2-3. The third embodiment of the input method:

Please refer to FIG. 3D , where the differences between FIG. 3D and FIG. 3B are described as follows.

After starting the reverse sequence of candidate words in step S325, the pressing operation of button i has not yet ended, processor 10 presents the first candidate word (step S326) of the reverse sequence of candidate words, and starts the operation period t0( Step S329). The period of operation t0 can be counted by timer 50 or another timer. The processor 10 detects whether the operation period t0 ends (event E) or the pressing operation ends (event F) (step S333 ). If the operation period t0 ends and the pressing operation continues (event E), the processor 10 displays the next word in the reverse sequence of candidate words for the key i (step S334). Next, the processor 1 restarts the operation period t0 (step S329) and repeats step S333. If the pressing operation ends (event F), the processor 10 executes step S309. Therefore, in step S316, the processor 10 can input the currently displayed candidate word when the timer 60 expires.

In step S310a, the processor 10 continues to detect whether a short-press operation on the same key i is received (event A), the operation period of key i ends (event B), an operation on another key j (event C), Or a long press operation (event D) on the same key i. If a short press operation on the same key i is received (event A), the processor 10 executes steps S312 and S314. If a long press operation on the same key i is received (event D), the processor 10 executes step S334. Specifically, in step S334, the processor 10 presents in reverse order the next candidate word of the currently displayed candidate word in the reverse sequence of candidate words, and repeats steps S329, S333 and S334 to present the keys i in reverse order. multiple candidate words in response to the long-press operation of the key i.

If the forward and reverse candidate word sequences corresponding to the key 209 are "wxyz" and "zyxw" respectively. In the abc input method, originally the key 209 needs 4 pressing operations to input "w", but inputting "y" requires 3 pressing operations. Using the input method to input "w" requires only one press operation, while inputting "y" only requires two press operations. In addition to saving time for character input, user errors can also be avoided due to the fewer number of operations required.

3. Changes in implementation:

In the description, the time length t is used to distinguish the first and second input modes. Similarly, more time lengths can be used to distinguish more input methods. For example, if the key is pressed for less than the time length t1, the operation conforms to the first operation mode. If the pressing operation time of the button is greater than or equal to t1 but less than the time length t2, the operation conforms to the second operation mode. If the pressing operation time of the button is greater than or equal to t2, the operation conforms to the third operation mode.

FIG. 6 shows a time axis and operation signals of key i. In FIG. 6 , a high level of each signal indicates that the key i is being pressed, and a low level indicates that the key i is in a released state (not being pressed). However, FIG. 6 is not intended to limit the present invention, and the operation signal of the key i may present different waveforms in different implementations. The first operation signal indicates that the key i is pressed at time T0 and released at time T1. If the time length (T1-T0)<t1, the processor 10 determines that the first operation conforms to the first operation mode. Similarly, if the time length t1(T2-T0)<t2, the processor 10 judges that the second operation conforms to the second operation mode; if the time length t2(T3-T0), the processor 10 judges that the third operation Operation conforms to the third mode of operation. Wherein the pressing operation conforming to the second or the third operation mode can be used to actuate the input of candidate word sequence or number in reverse order. For example, when a key is actuated by an operation corresponding to the third operation, the processor 10 displays a number corresponding to the key.

3-1. Other implementations of the input method:

In addition, the processor 10 may use a menu to display candidate characters for each key to assist character input. The keys in the input unit 40 are divided into character keys and auxiliary keys according to the menu. For example, keys 201-212 in FIG. 2 are text keys, and keys 213-217 are auxiliary keys. The key 217 is an arrow key, and pressing the positions 218a, 219a, 220a and 221a will move the cursor to up, right, down and left respectively. In different implementations, the key 217 can be replaced by a five-way key. For convenience of description, the keyboard in FIG. 9 is used for illustration.

Referring to FIG. 7, first, the processor 10 starts the character input method (step S700), and judges whether there is a character key (hereinafter referred to as key i) in the input unit 40 to be activated after being operated (step S701). If so, the processor 10 starts the timer 50 to start counting the operation time of the key i (step S702), and starts the forward sequence or the reverse sequence of the key i according to the operation conforming to the first operation mode or the second operation mode. The candidate word sequence (step S705). After starting a candidate word sequence, the processor 10 presents the first word of the candidate word sequence and the candidate word menu (step S706), and starts the timer 60 to count the operation period of the key i (step S709).

Assuming that the key i is the key 209, FIG. 8A shows the menu 800 after the key activates the sequence of candidate words in the positive sequence. The candidate words in the menu 800 are arranged clockwise. However, FIG. 8A is not intended to limit the present invention, and the candidate words can be arranged in a counterclockwise direction or in any other order. When the first candidate word “w” of the button 209 is displayed in the text input area 500, the cursor 801 in the menu 800 also indicates that “w” is the currently displayed candidate word. The auxiliary keys 218, 219, 220 and 221 respectively represent candidate characters "w", "x", "y" and "z".

The processor 10 continues to detect whether the short-press operation (event A) to the same key i is received, the operation period indicated by the expiry of the timer 60 ends (event B), the operation of another character key j (event C), A long-press operation of the same key i (event D) or an operation of the auxiliary key k (event E). k is a positive integer and in the example of FIG. 9, 213k 221.

In step S710, if a short press operation on key i is received (event A), processor 10 resets timer 6 (step S712), and displays the next candidate word in the sequence (step S714). For example, when the key i is the key 209, the processor 10 presents the next word "x" of the positive sequence candidate word sequence "wxyz", as shown in FIG. 8B. The cursor 801 in the menu 800 also moves clockwise to "x" to indicate the currently displayed candidate word. Then repeat step S710. Similarly, if another short-press operation on the key 209 is received again, the processor 10 resets the timer 60 and displays the next candidate word “y” in the positive sequence of candidate words. The cursor 801 in the menu 800 also moves clockwise to "y".

In step S710, if the timer 60 expires (event B), the processor 10 inputs the candidate character currently displayed on the key i into the text input area, and moves the cursor to the next position of the text input area (step S716). Then repeat step S701. For example, the currently displayed candidate word is "y". If the timer 60 expires, as shown in FIG. location, and stop displaying the menu 800.

In step S710, if an operation to another character key j is received (event C), the processor 10 inputs the candidate character currently displayed on the key i to the character input area, and moves the cursor to the next position of the character input area (step S718 ). The timer 5 is restarted for the character key j (step S702), and then the steps after step S702 are repeated.

In step S710, if a long-press operation on the same key i is received (event D), the processor 10 starts a candidate word sequence whose order is opposite to the candidate word sequence before step S720 (step S720). For example, the processor 10 selects the reverse order as the selected order in step S710, and then selects the forward order as the selected order when executing step S720. On the contrary, the processor 10 selects the positive sequence as the selected sequence in step S710, and uses the reverse sequence as the selected sequence when executing step S720. Next, in step S714, the processor 10 presents the next candidate word in the sequence of candidate words in the selected order. For example, in the example of FIG. 8A , when the positive sequence is the selected sequence, if the processor 10 receives a long press operation (event D) on the same key 209, the previous one of the positive sequence candidate word sequence "wxyz" will be presented. For the word "z" (that is, the next candidate word in the reverse sequence of candidate words), the cursor 801 in the menu 800 also moves counterclockwise to "z". Then repeat step S710. In the same way, if another short press operation on the key 209 is received again, the processor 10 resets the timer 60 and displays the next candidate word "y" in the reversed sequence of candidate words, the "y" in the menu 800 The cursor 801 also moves counterclockwise to "y". Figures 3C and 3D reveal that the candidate word sequence can be changed by long press operation, but the candidate word sequence can be changed by using other input devices, such as using a rotary button (rotatable button) or a clockwise or counterclockwise operation track of a touch panel. The cursor 801 moves clockwise or counterclockwise. The display 30 may be a touch screen with the touch panel. The keyboard in FIG. 9 may be a virtual keyboard displayed on the display 30 .

In step S710, if the operation to the auxiliary key k is received (event E), the processor 10 inputs the candidate character represented by the auxiliary key k to the text input area, and moves the cursor to the next position of the text input area (step S722 ), and then repeat the steps after step S701. For example, in the case of FIG. 8A, the button 220 is operated, and the processor 10 directly inputs the candidate word "y" to the text input area 500, regardless of whether the currently displayed candidate word is "x" or any candidate word, and the result is shown in FIG. 8C shown. In the situation of Fig. 8A, starting the candidate word sequence of the positive sequence or the reverse sequence requires two pressing operations to display "y", and it is necessary to wait for the expiration of the timer 60 before inputting "y", while using the auxiliary key only needs to be pressed once Operation just can input described candidate word. Similarly, in the case of FIG. 8A , if the auxiliary key 218 , 219 or 221 is operated, the processor 10 will respectively input the candidate characters “w”, “x” and “z” into the text input area 500 . Although the candidate word of button 209 has described A, B, C, D, five input modes of E, various modes can be carried out simultaneously without conflicting each other.

文字输入法来产生。The menu 800 can display more candidate words, which can include uppercase and lowercase letters of each character and auto-complete words. Although only the direction key 217 is used as an auxiliary key in the description, a voice command (voice command) or other auxiliary keys can also be used to represent the candidate words in the menu, as shown in FIG. 8D . When the key 202 is pressed, the auxiliary keys 213, 214, 215, 216, 218, 219, 220 and 221 respectively represent the candidate words "A", "tea", "B", "C", "a" in the menu 800 ”, “2”, “c” and “b”. Wherein “tea” is an auto-complete word, which is determined by the processor 10 according to the text before the cursor 501 in the text input area 500 and the candidate words in the menu 800 . For example, the first character before the cursor 501 is "t", and the second character is "d". The candidate characters of the button 208 corresponding to "t" include "t", "u", and "v". The candidate characters of the button 208 corresponding to "d" include "d", "e", and "f". Processor 1 finds the first character of the auto-complete word from "t", "u", "v", and finds the second character of the auto-complete word from "d", "e", and "f" , and find out the last character of the autocomplete word from the menu 800 . The processor 10 may select the auto-complete word according to the words frequently input by the user of the electronic device 100 , or select the auto-complete word according to the dictionary in the electronic device 100 . Autocomplete words in menu 800 can be used

Text input method to generate.

3-2. Other implementations of the hardware structure:

The character input method can be implemented in different systems, such as the electronic device system shown in FIGS. 10-12 .

In FIG. 10 , the processor 11 of the electronic device 101 executes the character input method, and the communication unit 17 transmits the text to the communication unit 27 via the channel 104 . The processor 21 displays the text received by the communication unit 27 on the display 32 or inputs the text to the text input area of the electronic device 102 . The channel 104 in FIG. 10 transmits text messages between two electronic devices. However, key operation signals can also be transmitted between the two electronic devices to execute the input method.

In FIG. 11 , the communication unit 17 of the electronic device 201 transmits the operation signal of the input unit 41 to the communication unit 27 through the channel 204 . The processor 21 of the electronic device 202 executes the character input method according to the operation signal received by the communication unit 27 , and displays characters on the display 32 or inputs characters into the character input area. The electronic device 202 can also display text messages on an external display.

In FIG. 12 , the communication unit 17 of the electronic device 301 transmits the operation signal of the input unit 41 to the communication unit 27 through the channel 304 . The processor 21 of the electronic device 202 executes the character input method according to the operation signal received by the communication unit 27 , and sends the text message to the communication unit 28 . The communication unit 28 transmits the text message to the communication unit 37 via the channel 305 . The electronic device 303 displays the text received by the communication unit 37 on the display 33 .

The channels 104, 204, 304 and 305 may be wired or wireless communication channels. The electronic devices 101, 201 and 301 can be remote controllers or portable devices, such as PDA, Ultra Mobile Device (UMD), notebook computer (Laptop Computer), mobile phone and so on. The electronic device 102, 202, 303 may be a television or a media player, such as a CD player. The electronic device 302 may be a set-top box. The memories 2 and 22 in FIGS. 10-12 can store computer programs for realizing the character input method.

4 Conclusion:

The character input method can be used to input characters, numbers or symbols of various countries, such as Japanese hiragana or katakana, or Chinese phonetic symbols. Although the description uses a cursor to display the current candidate words, the current candidate words can also be marked with different colors, font sizes, or other methods.

In a word, the character input method utilizes different operations on the same key to actuate the sequence of candidate words in positive or reverse order, and can be assisted by a menu, so characters can be input with fewer press times, in addition to saving time for character input. In addition to time, user errors can also be avoided due to the fewer number of operations required. At the same time, the character input method is also compatible with the traditional abc input method, so the user is not forced to learn a new input method, but the user is only attracted to learn the input method with a small number of button operations.

Claims (18)

1. a character entry method is executed in the electronic system with a plurality of buttons and display, it is characterized in that, described character entry method comprises:

If use first operation meet first mode of operation when activating first button, get word with first and be selected order in proper order, the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button are presented in described display with described selected order, with the operation of response to described first button;

If use second operation meet second mode of operation when activating described first button, the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button are got word with second and are presented in described display in proper order, to the operation of described first button, pairing at least two candidate of wherein said first button are got the reversed in order that presents in the word order in described selected order and second with response;

Described electronic system has a timer in order to timing schedule time length, and described character entry method also comprises:

During the specific operation of described first operation or described first button of described second operation start, in during described specific operation, response to the operation of described first button with present the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button wherein one in described display, and response to the operation of described first button to restart described timer;

If be not operated through described first button of described schedule time length, then described operating period finishes; And

In the process as if the particular candidate word in a plurality of candidate that present first button, described operating period finishes, and then described particular candidate word enters to the literal input field of described electronic system;

Wherein, if described first operation start described operating period then at first present described first and get first candidate of described first button in the word order in described display; And

If described second operation start described operating period then at first presents described second first candidate of getting described first button in the word order, promptly described first gets last candidate of described first button in the word order in described display.

2. character entry method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic system have a timer in order to timing schedule time length, it is characterized in that described character entry method also comprises:

Described first operation start is after described operating period, response to the operation of described first button to restart described timer;

If be not operated through described first button of described schedule time length, then described operating period finishes; And

Before described operating period finishes, responded for described second a plurality of candidate presenting in proper order on described display of operating to change described first button in described operating period.

3. character entry method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that also comprising:

If after described operating period begins, described second operation activates described first button when presenting n candidate of described first button, wherein n is a positive integer, then response acts on described second operation on described first button, on described display, be presented on the described second next candidate of getting n candidate described in the word order, that is described first get word in proper order described in the previous candidate of n candidate.

4. a character entry method is executed in the electronic system with a plurality of buttons and display, it is characterized in that, described character entry method comprises:

If use first operation meet first mode of operation when activating first button, get word with first and be selected order in proper order, the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button are presented in described display with described selected order, with the operation of response to described first button;

If use second operation meet second mode of operation when activating described first button, the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button are got word with second and are presented in described display in proper order, to the operation of described first button, pairing at least two candidate of wherein said first button are got the reversed in order that presents in the word order in described selected order and second with response;

If described first button activated, then show the specific menu of the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button on described display, with each candidate corresponding to the button beyond described first button; And

If when pairing second button of particular candidate word in described a plurality of candidate activated, then described particular candidate word entered to the literal input field on the described display.

5. a character entry method is executed in the electronic system with a plurality of buttons and display, it is characterized in that, described character entry method comprises:

If receive that first operation that meets first mode of operation when activating first button, begins the operating period of described first button;

Show that in described operating period a candidate of described first button is in described display;

When showing the described candidate of described first button, if receive second of described first button is operated, judge whether described second operation meets second mode of operation;

In this way, present the previous candidate of the pairing described candidate that is shown of described first button in described display according to a selected order; And

As not, present the next candidate of the pairing described candidate that is shown of described first button in described display according to described selected order;

Described judgement is to judge according to the time span of described second operation whether described second operation meets second mode of operation, and described character entry method also comprises:

In described operating period, response to the operation of described first button with present the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button wherein one in described display; And

If when operating period finished described in the process of the particular candidate word in presenting a plurality of candidate of first button, then described particular candidate word entered to the literal input field of described display.

6. a character entry method is executed in the electronic system with a plurality of buttons and display, it is characterized in that, described character entry method comprises:

If receive first operation, then begin the operating period of described first button to first button;

In described operating period, display menu is in described display and show the literal input field of first candidate of described first button in described display, wherein said menu comprises the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button, and second button beyond described first button is represented second candidate in the described menu;

Before the operating period of described first button finishes, if receive another operation to described first button, then according to the selected order of described a plurality of candidate, the next candidate that shows described first button in described literal input field is to replace the candidate of previous demonstration;

If the operating period of described first button finishes, then the candidate of described first button that shows at present enters to described literal input field; And

Before the operating period of described first button finishes, if receive operation to described second button, the candidate that shows at present in the then irrelevant described literal input field why, and the candidate of first button of the described second button representative is directly inputted into described literal input field.

7. character entry method as claimed in claim 6 is characterized in that, described second button is the button of moving direction that is used for controlling the cursor of described electronic system.

8. electronic system is characterized in that comprising:

Display is used to present candidate;

Input block comprises a plurality of buttons, and described a plurality of buttons comprise first button;

First device, be used for if detect first operation that meets first mode of operation when activating described first button, getting word with first is selected order in proper order, presents the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button with described selected order, with the operation of response to described first button;

Second device, be used for if detect second operation that meets second mode of operation when activating described first button, get word with second and present the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button in proper order, to the operation of described first button, pairing at least two candidate of wherein said first button are got the reversed in order that presents in the word order in described selected order and second with response;

The 3rd device was used in an operating period, response to the operation of described first button to present wherein one of the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button;

The 4th device is used for if present in the process of a particular candidate word of a plurality of candidate of first button, and described operating period is then imported the literal input field of described particular candidate word to the described display of described electronic system when finishing; And

The 5th device, be used for if after described operating period begins, described second operation activates described first button when presenting n candidate of described first button, wherein n is a positive integer, then response acts on described second operation on described first button being presented on the described second next candidate of getting n candidate described in the word order, that is described first get word in proper order described in the previous candidate of n candidate.

9. electronic system as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that also comprising:

The 6th device is used for if described first button activated, and then in described display display menu, described menu comprises the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button, and each candidate is corresponding to a button beyond described first button; And

The 7th device is used for then importing the literal input field of described particular candidate word to described electronic system when if pairing second button of particular candidate word of described a plurality of candidate activated.

10. electronic system as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that described electronic system is a box on the machine.

11. electronic system as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that described electronic system is a mobile phone.

12. an electronic system is characterized in that comprising:

Display is used for show message;

Input block has a plurality of buttons, and described a plurality of buttons comprise first button;

First device is used for beginning the operating period of described first button if receive first operation that meets first mode of operation when activating described first button, shows a candidate of described first button in described operating period;

Second device, be used for when showing the described candidate of described first button, if receive second operation to described first button, judge whether described second operation meets second mode of operation, described second device is to judge according to the time span of described second operation whether described second operation meets second mode of operation;

The 3rd device is used for presenting the previous candidate of the described candidate that is shown of described first button according to selected order when described second operation meets second mode of operation;

The 4th device is used for presenting the next candidate of the described candidate that is shown of described first button according to described selected order when described second operation does not meet second mode of operation;

The 5th device was used in described operating period, response to the operation of described first button with present the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button wherein one in described display; And

The 6th device is used for if when operating period finishes described in the process of the particular candidate word of a plurality of candidate that present first button, then impel described particular candidate word to enter to the literal input field of described display.

13. an electronic system is characterized in that comprising:

First input block has a plurality of buttons, and described a plurality of buttons comprise first button;

Second input block is used to receive the relevant operation of candidate, and is different from described first button;

Display is in order to show message; And

First device, be used for first of described first button being operated if receive, then begin the operating period of described first button, in described operating period, first candidate that shows described first button in the literal input field of described display and display menu in described display, wherein said menu comprises the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button, and second candidate in the described menu is represented in the operation of described second input block beyond described first button;

Second device, be used for before the operating period of described first button finishes, if receive another operation to described first button, then according to the selected order of described a plurality of candidate, the next candidate that shows described first button in described literal input field is to replace the candidate of previous demonstration;

The 3rd device is used for if the operating period of described first button finishes, and the candidate of then importing present described first button that shows in described literal input field is to described literal input field; And

The 4th device, be used for before the operating period of described first button finishes, if receive operation to described second input block, the candidate that shows at present in the irrelevant described literal input field why, and the candidate of operation representative of directly importing second input block is to described literal input field.

14. electronic system as claimed in claim 13, it is characterized in that described second input block is second button in described first input block, and described second input block be operating as operation to second button of described first input block, described second button is the button of moving direction that is used for controlling the cursor of described electronic system.

15. electronic system as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that the pairing a plurality of candidate of described first button are to be arranged in the described menu clockwise or counterclockwise.

16. electronic system as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that described second input block is a contactor control device, wherein said second input block be operating as operation to described contactor control device.

17. electronic system as claimed in claim 16 is characterized in that also comprising:

The 5th device is used for described display and shows especially that at described menu the candidate of present demonstration of described first button is to distinguish other candidate of described first button; And

The 6th device, the operation trace clockwise or counterclockwise that is used to respond described contactor control device is with the wherein candidate of the present demonstration of described first buttons that show as described menu of a plurality of candidate of selecting described first button.

18. electronic system as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, described contactor control device is a Touch Screen, and a plurality of buttons of described second input block are the virtual key that is shown on the described Touch Screen.

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