KR100763042B1 - Method and device for operating a user-input area on an electronic display device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for entering text into an electronic device is disclosed. The method includes detecting an input, activating a temporary input area if the input is detected, displaying the temporary input area on a display of the electronic device, and completing a display and detecting the temporary event when a related event is detected. Deactivating the input region. The related event may be another user-input.

Description

Method and device for operating a user-input area on an electronic display device

The present invention relates to the field of electronic devices, including displays. The invention also relates to electronic devices and keyboardless electronic devices used in portable environments with minimal use of key-based input. In particular, the present invention relates to a simple method for presenting a user interface (UI) to a user, wherein in the present invention, a user interface based on touch interaction according to the prior art is a dictionary of simpler letters and faster scrolling or lists. It is further developed and modified for pre-selection. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electronic device which provides a user interface (UI) without a keyboard as an alternative to keypad and display combination. The invention also relates to the design of a user interface (UI) for interaction with a pen, for example in a touch screen device.

Typically, electronic devices include applications that require the retrieval of a particular piece of information. "Contacts" is one such application. In a device including a keypad, the search function is implemented as a search bar, and the user can enter text in the search bar to modify the search results. This concept is very useful in devices that do not include a keypad and have a unique alternative input method such as a touch screen.

In the art, several electronic touch screen devices are introduced that are configured to provide a special alpha toolbar adjacent to the bottom or side of the list of list-based applications. The toolbar can display grouped characters (ABC, DEF, GHI, ...) and tapping on a group scrolls the contact list accordingly. After selecting a group, the list jumps to entries starting with the first letter of the group. Or all characters of the group can be displayed in the sub-menu for selection. Another solution provided by the prior art is based on T9 logic. The problem with this solution is that it takes up a lot of space in the user interface (UI) and can only be used in situations where searching is very efficient (as in contact applications).

Performing an efficient search on a general list is much more complicated on keyboardless devices, because screen-based text input components take up space on the screen and through which text entries are slow.

All of the aforementioned approaches of screen-based text input components may forever occupy space in the user interface (UI), ie the touch screen, or may be adjacent to the screen, for example in a pressure sensitive touch pad. It has something in common that it takes up space. Therefore, screen-based text user-input components are needed to overcome these problems.

It would be desirable to provide a method that allows a user to efficiently retrieve lists in electronic and keyboardless devices without wasting a lot of screen-based user-input component space.

It is further desirable to include a text user-input component capable of fast text entry.

It would be desirable to provide a method that allows a user to efficiently retrieve tables in electronic and keyboardless devices without having to permanently waste device space of the user-input component.

Allows the user to efficiently search tables through pen interaction with touch screens in electronic and keyboardless devices without having to permanently waste device space of the user-input component alone. It is desirable to provide a method.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for high speed and simple user-input in an electronic display device is provided. The method according to the first aspect of the invention comprises sensing an input, activating an input area, displaying the component and terminating display of the component.

By detecting an input to activate the input area, the user can request a simplified user-input interface. The input step may be performed by a 'tactile input', ie via a button, such as a search button provided with an icon related to the touch or provided with an icon displayed on the display. Input may also be performed via a mouse, trackball, touch pad, or touch screen display, for example. Inputs for activating the input area may be integrated scroll bars and search buttons. The expression 'tactile' may refer to a user interface design such as, for example, pen interaction with a touch screen device. The search button can be placed below or above the scroll bar. In the case of the horizontal scroll bar, the search button may be disposed adjacent to the left or right side of the scroll bar. When placed around the scroll bar, the search button does not require additional space in addition, and thus can be used for applications where the search function is not generally needed.

In the following description and claims, the expression 'input' is used to indicate an input for activating and displaying an input area. In the following description and claims, 'user-input' is used to indicate the input provided by the input area (e.g., to indicate an action such as entering a text or scrolling through a list).

By displaying the input area on the display of the device, the input area defines an area (eg "window") in the display indicating that user-input can be performed. This operation may be performed by opening a semi-transparent window that opens at a user-input point to (re) define the search when the user enters a character and the search button is activated. The input area may be a touch sensitive selection pad or a writing pad (ie, a character recognition area). The input area may be integrated within the display or disposed adjacent to the display of the device.

The input area may indicate activation of a voice-enabled user-input option.

In another exemplary embodiment, the method may further include outputting an audio signal related to a display operation of the temporary input area of the display of the electronic device. For example, in the case of voice user-input, the actual input area can also be implemented by audio messaging operation, so a simple beep that instructs the user that the voice input area is now active and ready to accept user-input. Or listen to a chat message. In this case, visual indication is not necessary.

By activating a temporary input area on the device when the input is detected, the input area is provided with an enhanced resolution related to the pressure or location of the user-input, thereby allowing the user to enter, for example, handwriting or user-input of the device. Can be selected. This operation may be performed by increasing or matching the precision of the operation of processing pressure information received from the input area. Similarly, voice user-input may also be provided with increased resolution in terms of frequency, signal strength, frequency distribution, or the like, thereby allowing the user to perform voice user-input to the device.

Since the input area may be temporarily located on top of the actual content, none of the space provided by the display is permanently sacrificed by the input area.

If a relevant event is detected, the basic method ends by closing the input area (ie, terminating display of the temporary input area), thereby deactivating the temporary input area. Related events include detected input, detected user-input or detected and recognized user-input, or expiration of a specific time period. Closing the input area may also be performed by an associated event defined as an 'input area closed' input (outside the input area) or as an 'input area closed' user-input. This operation may be implemented by a 'close' button or a 'yes' button provided in the temporary input area or the display. Therefore, the user can close the window by performing each input or user-input. Note that the definition of related events also includes the case where no input is detected, in which case the input area may be closed in a controlled manner by a timer after a certain time period. It may be a user-input for inputting or selecting an input, an input for closing an input area or a user-input, or there may be no input present, in which case the input area is not required.

While the advantages according to the invention will appear in a device that does not include a keypad, it should be noted that the invention can also be used in a device that includes a keypad.

Another exemplary embodiment of an electronic device is a touch screen device that includes a touch screen display. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temporary input area is displayed on the touch screen, and the temporary input area is implemented to allow user-input through the temporary touch screen display.

By displaying the input area on the display of the device, the input area is a predetermined area within the touch screen (such as an area such as a "window"), whereby user-input related to tactile or touch can be performed. You can define an area to indicate that there is. This operation may be performed by opening a window (eg, a semi-transparent window) that opens at a location that allows the user to (re) define the search while activating the search button by user-entering a character. The input area may be a touch sensitive selection pad or a writing pad (eg, a character recognition area). In the case of an input area for tactile user-input, the contact user-input may be performed via a pen moved on the surface on the touch screen display.

By activating a temporary input area on the touch screen of the touch screen device when the input is detected, the input area is provided with an enhanced resolution related to the pressure or location of the user-input, thereby allowing the user to enter, for example, Allow user-input selection of the device. This operation may be performed by increasing or matching the precision of the operation of processing pressure information received from the input area.

Since the input area may be temporarily located on top of the actual content, none of the space provided by the display is permanently sacrificed by the input area.

In another embodiment, the method according to the invention shows scroll bars and buttons for a search option (i.e. search button) in an area generally reserved for scroll bars in said display (e.g., a display such as a touch screen). It further comprises the step. By using this search option, the operation of detecting the input to activate the temporary input area can be performed by detecting the input within the detection option. This is an advantage of the present invention because the description of the search option does not require additional space in the user interface. Since it is used for one-letter search and does not enter a search string, the operation of performing the purpose of the search can be simplified and optimized.

In another exemplary embodiment a scroll bar is shown on the display (eg on a touch screen) and the button for a search option is shown adjacent to the scroll bar. In another exemplary embodiment, the button for a search option is shown on the scroll bar. In another exemplary embodiment, the button for a search option is shown on the scroll bar. In another exemplary embodiment, the button for a search option is shown below the scroll bar. In another exemplary embodiment, the button for a search option is shown to the left of the scroll bar. In another exemplary embodiment, the button for the search option is shown to the right of the scroll bar.

The alpha search enhanced scroll bar is a combination of a scroll bar and a search button. When pressed, the search option expands to a small input area for selecting letters. As letters are entered, the list is automatically scrolled accordingly and the input area can be closed.

The invention may be implemented as a character search enhanced scroll bar, which is a combination of a scroll bar and a search button. When pressed, the search button expands to a small input area and the user can select or user-enter one (or more) letter (s). If one or more letters are entered, the list is automatically scrolled correspondingly, and the search component is closed. As two search buttons, it is also possible to implement search buttons for multi-letter user-input and one for single-character user-input. One button may be located at the top of the search bar and the other may be located at the bottom of the search bar.

One or more letters can be entered through handwriting-recognition by writing in one place rather than writing along a line. User-input in the letter selection input area may be performed by deriving a user-input pen in a polygon in which each corner or other point represents an element in front of a word. The touch sensitive input area may be closed when it is detected that the user has removed or lifted the pen from the touch sensitive surface, for example for more than 1/20 of a second. In the case of a touch-sensitive input area, the input area may be closed by detecting a zigzag-shaped movement on the input area that mimics the crossing out movement.

In another exemplary embodiment, the method according to the invention is further characterized by detecting whether a keyboard is connected to the device, and if the keyboard is connected, suppressing the display of the button for a search option. . The feature manager application thereby causes the user interface to display a control screen suitable for the device based on whether or not a keyboard is available. Therefore, this control option "search button" may not appear if there is no keyboard currently in use.

In another exemplary embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprises detecting a user-input related to the input area and executing an action related to the user-input. The detection of user-input may further comprise a recognition operation of the user-input. The recognition operation can include identifying a location of user-entered or handwriting recognition. The user-input associated with the input area may be a touch pad or a touch screen user-input. The user-input associated with the temporary input area may be a voice user-input. The latter option requires speech recognition.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the input area has a handwriting recognition function. The method according to the invention then further comprises the step of recognizing the handwriting in the input area. In the case of a touch screen display, the handwriting recognition input area is shown as a bordered area. The handwriting recognition input area may be a full touch screen display, in which case a change in background color, a change in display brightness, text in the newscaster or a replayed announcement indicates the active handwriting recognition function.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the input area comprises a step of showing a plurality of selectable user-input choices. This function may be implemented by a selector which provides user-input options for a plurality of selections as a character selector. The user-input selector may include a selection of an ITU-T keypad or an available user-input, rather than alphabetic, QWERTY keys.

It is also possible to implement both types of input areas as an integrated function, so that the input area contains a plurality of selectable user-input options, such as for example text, and the device selects a user-input selection. Analyze it as a user-input in the form of a single point to indicate, or as a user-input in the form of a polygon, or as a drawing movement in which the device indicates user-input as handwriting. It is also possible. This combination is simple and can be implemented because the writing area does not require any other structure in the input area and both user-inputs can be easily distinguished. Thus, the user can simply write or draw on the "keyboard" shown in the input area on the touch screen display for handwriting user-input.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the input area may be displayed in a semi-transparent manner superimposed on a standard display area. In addition, the input area may be displayed in a semi-transparent manner on standard display content. The semi-transparent city may allow a user to read the entire display area and use touch screen user-input for at least one of the overlapped layers. The foreground may be shown in a translucent manner, and the background may be shown through the input area. It is also possible to use different colors for the two layers, for example light green writing to indicate the front task and dark red writing to the back task. Both layers can be shown using contrasting colors, or contrasting contrast.

Overlying layers may be embodied in a bold font for the back side work and in a color contrasting to the back side work for the front side work. Therefore, the user can read both writing, because if the thin front task font is bold, the task font cannot be masked, and if the thick task font is thick, the task font cannot be hidden by the small thin front task. Therefore, both texts can be read.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a software tool comprising program code means for performing the method according to the above-described technique, said program product being operable in a computer or a network device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product that can be downloaded from a server to perform a method according to the foregoing, wherein the program is intended to perform all the above described method steps when operating in a computer or network device. A computer program product comprising computer program code means.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program product comprising program code means stored on a computer readable medium for carrying out the method described above, the program product being operated on a computer or a network device.

According to another aspect of the invention, a computer data signal is provided. The computer data signal is embodied in a carrier wave and represents a program that causes the computer to perform each of the steps of the method included in the foregoing description. The computer program runs on a computer or network device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic display device is provided. An electronic device display device according to the invention comprises a central processing unit, a display and input means for operating or performing user-input, both of which are connected to the central processing unit. The display and the input means for activating the input act as an interface between the central processing unit and the user. The electronic device according to the present invention detects the input and detects the means for activating a temporary input area when the input is detected, means for activating and operating the input area by displaying the input area on the display, the input Means for detecting and recognizing a user-input associated with an area, and means for executing an action related to the user-input and completing display of the input area when an associated input or related user-input event is detected.

In another exemplary embodiment of the electronic device according to the invention, it is preferable that the display and the input means operate to detect an input included by the touch screen display. Therefore, the electronic device requires only a single user interface (UI), the display and preferably the input means for detecting the input and the component for detecting user-input are included in the touch screen display.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device is configured to show a scroll bar on a display. By using the scroll bar, the user device can be used to quickly access lists and tables through scrolling.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device is configured to show a button for a search option on a display, wherein if an input on the button is detected, the operation of detecting an input for activating the temporary input area is performed. For example, by a mouse, trackball, track roll, or touch pad.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device is configured to show the scroll bar and the button for the search option in a generally reserved area for the scroll bar button. Thus, the user can use the scroll bar and button for a search option without having to sacrifice a portion of the display area to provide the input area or the button.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device may be configured to show the button for a search option just below the scroll bar on the display. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device is configured to show the button for a search option on a display to just above or overlap the scroll bar.

In another exemplary embodiment of the electronic device according to the present invention, the electronic device displays the temporary input area on the display (for example, a touch screen) in a translucent form superimposed the temporary input area on a standard display area. It is configured to. Therefore, activating the search button opens a semi-transparent window, and the user can (re) define user-input as in the table by user-inputting a character.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device is an electronic device without a keypad. Preferably, the electronic device is an electronic device without a keyboard. While the advantages of the present invention can be more readily achieved in an electronic device that does not have a keypad, it should be noted that the present invention works well even in devices that include a keypad to extract the advantages.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention the electronic device further comprises an audio signal transducer connected to the central processing unit. An audio transducer may generate an audio signal related to the temporary input area. By using an audio transducer, the device can output an audio signal when displaying or activating the temporary input area. By using an audio transducer, the device can output an audio signal when completing the display of the temporary input area.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2-6 illustrate embodiments of an apparatus and interface for user interaction in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a diagram illustrating further examples of an apparatus and an interface for accessing a table according to another embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In order to provide as much information as possible, the two lines indicated particularly emphasize the reference numbers 40, 44, and 54 of the method. All other elements may be simplified in different combinations.

The method begins with the detection step 38 of the need to scroll the table. This need may arise in a list (ie in a one-row table such as a telephone number list), in a database program, or in a table-based program. The need to scroll a table has been achieved by showing scroll bars on the display in prior art applications. According to the invention a search button is shown on the display (in or near the scroll bar) in addition to the scroll bar.

The method according to the invention proceeds to the step 40 of detecting or receiving a touch input, for example, for activating a temporary input area, for example using a mouse cursor or touch screen input. For example, it is performed by activating the search button. The input area may be a character selector, that is, a field that provides a plurality of characters for selection and / or a handwriting recognition window.

The opening of the input area can be accomplished by initiating 42 a timer. If the timer is started and no user-input is detected, the input area may be closed after runoff 52 of the timer (54). The input area is closed after runoff 52 of the timer (52), even if the user-input has been initiated but not completed, and closes despite the actual operating state of the device.

In the following, it is assumed that the user performs user-input 46.

If the input area operates as a character selector, user-input may actually be performed after detection of the user-input, and no recognition operation is required, and the input area may be closed (54).

If the input area operates as a handwriting recognition window, the user-input can be recognized by the device (48), can be executed after recognition (48) of the user-input, and the input area can be closed ( 54).

It should be noted that the execution operation of the user-input may be performed after the closing of the input area is performed, previously performed, or simultaneously.

Finally, the device and display content return to normal operation step 56, waiting to receive a subsequent input to prepare for a subsequent need to scroll the table or to request an input area. This subsequent operation depends on the actual selected application operating on the electronic device.

2 is a plan view of an electronic device without a keyboard or a keypad. 2 shows a front view of the device, the display 2 occupies the entire front part of the device, where the display 2 is a touch screen. Therefore, the processing unit, power supply, and other such internal elements are omitted, not shown. This display shows a list 4 of names, ie a list in something like a contact application, for example. The device comprises a scroll bar 6 which can be included directly in the (touch screen) display. The scroll bar may include mechano-electrical input features in addition to the display 2 operation. According to the invention a search button 8 is provided in the device. The search button 8 may be provided as an in-screen feature of the device or as an additional button on the housing of the device. The search button 8 may be provided with an icon such as a magnifying glass. 2 includes a selection list 4 and a scroll bar 6. Underneath the scroll bar 6 contains a search option 8 (icon button) containing a search component, i.e. a search component that expands onto the input area when the input option is activated.

Since the list displays a list of names, the search button 8 may be provided with an alphabetic search button. If the alphabet search button below the scroll bar is pressed, it is expanded to the handwriting recognition area and / or character selector, which can be expanded to fit the design of the user's choice.

3 shows an example in which the alphabet search extension scroll bar opens the handwriting recognition window 10 in the most simplified form when the search button 8 is pressed. The handwriting recognition window 10 is illustrated in a translucent manner, thereby displaying an area in which handwriting recognition is possible. By showing the writing area semi-transparently, the user can also read the information behind the recognition area.

For example, an icon such as a small pencil or an icon corresponding to another element (for example, an element such as text or a notification) may be added to the area to indicate that the area is an area for writing. A close option may be provided, but it is processed to be economized soon because the area may be automatically minimized when a character is entered or an idle timeout is reached. In the handwriting recognition window 10, a situation in which "T" is written is indicated to indicate that it is a user-input to search for entries beginning with "T" from the list 4.

4 shows another embodiment in which the extended control / input area 14 is a character selector. The character selector includes a plurality of selectable characters (ie, alphabet) 12. For example, in other embodiments where the search application is a subset of the characters, only abbreviations in the list may be provided. In a telephone number search scheme, the letter selector may include a number. The user just selects "T" and the window indicates (selected 16) the character that was selected before it automatically closed. In such cases, it is possible to leave out symbols and characters (eg, punctuation or numbers) that are not commonly used to scroll through this list.

4 has two different points when compared to FIG. 3. The character selection input area further moves to the center of the display area, and the input area 14 includes a small 'ok' element 18. The 'ok' element 18 may provide a closing function of the input area. The close option is used when the user does not want to select one of the characters shown, or after the user enters a plurality of different characters, for example, to close the input area / input-option to complete a string. Can be used to close the input area.

The character selection input area is moved further to the center of the display area and should not overlap the search button 8 shown in FIG. Instead of the moved input area, the input area may include a gap for not occupying the area of the search button. Basically, the input area can be superimposed on the input button because the basic function for opening or activating the input area is no longer required. The search button may include a sign 30 indicating a changed function when the temporary input area is activated, where the sign 30 is a cross mark. The changed function may be included in the closing function for closing the temporary input area. The changed function may be a change of a function for changing the illustrated character selector into a handwriting recognition area, or a change of a function for changing to another possible user-input option (see FIG. 5).

It should be noted that both elements of the close function 28 and the modified search button function 30 may include any of the temporary input areas shown in FIGS.

In the case of a touch screen, the user only needs to tap on the "T". In the case of a touch screen display, the input area is provided with a plurality of selectable user-input options by integrating both types of input areas, that is, by incorporating a type of handwriting recognition window with a character selector and an integrated function. For example, a user-entry option may be included that includes a character, and the user- for a dot-like or polygon-like user-entry of the provided character that the device indicates selection. It is possible to either analyze the input or to analyze the user-input for a drawing exercise indicative of the handwritten user-input that is recognized by the device. Operating the temporary input area further includes analyzing user-input on the touch screen display for handwriting recognition and character selection user-input, and executing user-input when the user-input is recognized.

5 shows another embodiment in which the extended input area 32 is a voice-input area. In contrast to FIGS. 3 and 4, the input area itself cannot convert (sound) user-inputs into electrically coded user-inputs. In FIG. 5, input area 32 acts as an indication of activated voice user-input.

In the case of a touch screen display, the voice-input area may be integrated with the character selector shown in FIG. 4 and / or the handwriting recognition window shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 6, after the user enters text according to FIG. 3 or 4, the list is scrolled accordingly. Following the user-input corresponding to "T", the list 4 scrolls to an entry 18 starting with "T". The scrolling logic can be changed depending on whether the list is sorted alphabetically or not, and different types of logic are used depending on whether single-character user-input or single-character scrolling already exists.

7 shows another embodiment optimized for scrolling of a table. Rows 22 and 24 represent a two-column table or part of a larger table. The device allows horizontal and vertical scrolling of the table by including two scroll bars 6, 6 ′. In order to facilitate scrolling, a cursor 26 is provided which can be moved by scroll bars 6, 6 ′. According to the present invention, the search button includes two-part search buttons 20 and 20 'to search a table in the horizontal and vertical directions as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. The user can activate either the character selector or the handwriting recognition window by selecting one of the search buttons 20, 20 ′. The user can activate the character selector by selecting the horizontal search button 20 and can activate the handwriting recognition window by activating the vertical search button 20 '. Or vice versa. The search button function can also be integrated in the cursor, and input fields such as "double click" or "double tapping" or "multi-tap" at any point within a scrollbar or window are activated when the input area is activated. It is possible.

The present invention allows a user to enter a portion of a list / table entry or write on a pad to navigate to a list / table entry using a “touch screen” keyboard.

The alphabet search extension scroll bar generally places the search options in the area reserved for the scroll bar. Therefore, it does not require space in the user interface that is a feature of the present invention. This can be simplified or optimized for this purpose because it is used for single-character searches rather than entering a search string.

This solution does not take up additional space, and this solution can be used in any part of the user interface (UI) where a choice list exists. The invention can also be used in applications where a search function is not generally needed. It is also possible to make this solution displayed and operated very simply in an optimized manner for the pen.

The area to tap may be very small. However, it can be displayed at least as large as the scroll bar, and the scroll bar must also be large enough for tapping. If the search button is located in the corner of the display, the pen can be guided along the edge of the display frame.

In the proposed solution, the scroll bar may be shorter than normal. However, the control method according to the invention saves space because it does not require additional search fields or alphabetic toolbars in the display, so that the height of the scroll bar is still the same as the height of the scroll bars in other existing methods. The small scroll bar can be compensated for by the progressive scrolling behavior of the scroll bar.

This specification includes descriptions of various embodiments and examples by way of example of the invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the detailed description of the embodiments as described above, it will be understood that the present invention may be implemented in other forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above-described embodiments are to be understood as illustrative and not to be construed as limiting. Therefore, the working of embodiments of the invention and the invention are only limited by the appended claims. As a result, various options for implementing the invention are determined by the claims, and equivalent embodiments belonging to the spirit of the invention are also determined only by the claims of the invention.

The present invention can be used in the field of electronic devices including displays.

The present invention can also be used for electronic devices and keyboardless electronic devices used in portable environments with minimal use of key-based input.

Further, the present invention can be used, for example, in designing a user interface (UI) for interaction with a pen in a touch screen device.

Claims (23)

In the method for inputting a character in the electronic device, Detecting an input; Activating a temporary input area if the input is detected; Displaying the temporary input area on a display of the electronic device; Detecting user-input in the temporary input area, if detected causing an action related to the user-input, the action displaying a list on the display; If a relevant event is detected, completing the display and deactivating the temporary input area. The method of claim 1, The electronic device is a touch screen device, and wherein the display is a touch screen display. The method of claim 2, The temporary input area is displayed on a touch screen, and the temporary input area is configured for user-input through the touch screen display. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, And an audio signal related to the display step of the temporary input area on the display of the electronic device is output. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Showing scroll bars and buttons for search options on said display in the area generally reserved for scroll bars, Detecting the input for activating the temporary input area is performed by detecting an input on the search option. The method of claim 5, -Displaying a scroll bar on the display, And said button for a search option is shown adjacent to said scroll bar. The method of claim 5, Detecting whether a keyboard is connected to the device and if the keyboard is connected, suppressing the display of the button for a search option. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Detecting user-input related to the temporary input area shown; Recognizing the user-input; And Executing the action related to the recognized user-input. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, And wherein the temporary input area has handwriting recognition capabilities. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Wherein the temporary input area includes a description of a plurality of selectable user-input options. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The temporary input area is displayed in a semi-transparent manner superimposed on a standard display area. A computer readable medium having stored thereon the computer program for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 when the computer program is executed in a computer or a network device. delete delete In an electronic device, A central processing unit; A display coupled to the central processing unit, the display configured to operate as an interface between the central processing unit and the user; Input means for performing input; Detecting means for detecting said input and activating a temporary input area if said input is detected; Recognition means for recognizing the user-input; Means for executing an action related to said user-input, said action being to display a list on said display, The display is adapted to display the temporary input area, The detecting means is adapted to detect a user-input related to the temporary input area, If the related event is detected, the display of the temporary input area is terminated and the temporary input area is deactivated. The method of claim 15, And the display and the input means for performing an input comprise a touch screen display. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the electronic device, An electronic device configured to show a scroll bar on the display. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the electronic device, Configured to show a button for a search option on the display, The sensing operation of the input for activating the temporary input area is performed by sensing an input on the button. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the electronic device, An electronic device configured to show the scroll bar and the button for a search option in an area reserved for a generally scroll bar button in the display. The method of claim 18, wherein the electronic device, An electronic device configured to show the button for a search option at the bottom adjacent the scroll bar on the display. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the electronic device, -Display the temporary input area on the display in a semi-transparent manner superimposed on a standard display area. The method according to claim 15 or 16, And the electronic device is an electronic device without a keypad. The method according to claim 15 or 16, And an audio signal transducer for outputting an audio signal related to the temporary input area, the audio signal transducer being connected to the central processing unit.

Images