WO2000079371A1

WO2000079371A1 - Input device and operating method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2000079371A1
Application number: PCT/DE2000/001139
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karsten Rudolph
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 1999-06-22
Filing date: 2000-04-12
Publication date: 2000-12-28

Abstract

An input device (1) comprising a plurality (5) of input elements (5a) and a display unit (3) which is provided with a plurality of display fields which are allocated by a predetermined input menu, in addition to a character allocation storage unit (9, 9') whose input is connected to input elements and whose output is connected to the display device, whereby said character allocation storage unit consists of a plurality of storage zones (9a, 9') containing a stored allocation between an ordered sequence of input characters belonging to a first category of characters and a character which is to be output and which belongs to a second category of characters.

Description

description

Input device and operating method therefor

The invention relates to an input device according to the preamble of claim 1, an operating method for such and a telecommunications terminal or a handheld electronic device with such an input device.

The rapid technical development in the fields of computer technology and telecommunications has led to a radical globalization of the markets in recent years. In the course of this development, manufacturers - on the one hand for cost reasons and on the other hand because of the increasing global integration of market development activities and sales channels - are less and less able to develop products specifically for national or regional markets and only place them there. In this environment, the problem of handling various written languages is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the case of telecommunications terminal devices and hand-held electronic devices, which must have a possibility of entering characters.

To a certain extent, this problem can be solved in software terms by assigning different character sets - such as Latin, Cyrillic or Hebrew character sets - depending on the specific sales area to a uniform input keyboard for character input (and thus a uniform hardware platform for the device).

However, special problems arise in the case of written languages whose structure is only partially compatible with that of the Latin alphabet, in particular in the case of written languages which have one and the same representation in Latin characters or transcription characters depending on the word order, word order, stress oa different ^¬ Liche characters are attributable.

An example of this is the Chinese written language:

Chinese characters of the traditional (old) form are also called long characters (Traditional Chinese). These signs are particularly common in Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. Various state-owned vanants exist as phonetic transcriptions. With the Cultural Revolution in the People's Republic of China, a large part of the characters were simplified in order to bring them closer to the ordinary population. Since then, these simplified characters, also known as simplified characters, have been the standard character set in the People's Republic of China.

The phonetic spelling of a character of the abbreviations (Simplified Chinese), called "Pin Ym", is formed in Latin letters. Latin letters can be entered easily with the keypad of a mobile phone, as usual by multiple presses according to the key assignment. To a clear However, phonetic spelling can belong to several Chinese characters, which makes it impossible to correctly enter a Chinese character - be it m long or m shorthand - on the hardware and software platform of a conventional mobile phone.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying an input device of the generic type with which correct input of Chinese characters in a user-friendly manner is possible.

This object is achieved by an input device with the features of claim 1.

The invention includes the essential idea of an ordered character string of a first character class to maintain (for example, characters of the Latin alphabet and / or numbers or a phonetic transcription and / or Sonderzei ^¬ chen) corresponding character of a second character class m assignment stored to the character sequences of the first class and the user on the members of the input device display device after entering a Display string. This display enables the Benut ^¬ zer a check of the correctness of the input character by the first character class to be realized input of a character of the second character class, and optionally a correction.

For the input of characters of a second character class, which cannot be unambiguously assigned to an ordered sequence of characters of the first character class, “multi-dimensional” memory areas are provided in the character mapping memory provided according to the invention, and each one has a predetermined ordered sequence of input Characters of the first class are assigned a plurality of characters of the second character class (as alternatives) The display device is then expediently designed with a group of display elements which are designed for parallel display of the characters of the second character class assigned to a character string of the first character class all relevant characters of the second character class are offered to the user at a glance, and he can select the appropriate characters in the specific environment (word or sentence or emphasis etc.) by pressing a selection element and thus finally Enter valid.

A confirmation entry element serves to mark the end of an ordered character string of the first character class - and thus to draw the display of the corresponding character or the corresponding character set of the second character class. In a practical execution includes at least a portion of the input members, a multiple use and the display ^¬ means a group of Anzeigeteidern on, is assigned to the parallel display of this input element character of the first character class in response to an actuation of the input element.

An input device of the proposed type comprises a character store for storing the entirety of the characters of the first character class which can be input by means of the input elements, which has a plurality of memory areas which correspond to a plurality of character input elements and each of which has at least one input character first character class, preferably several characters of the first character class, is or are stored.

An embodiment which is particularly flexibly adapted to a plurality of written languages is distinguished by the fact that two character storage memories each store a set of characters which can be entered in a first character class of a first

Type, in particular characters of the Latin alphabet and / or numbers, and a first character class of a second type, in particular characters of the Bopomofo alphabet and special characters, and a character class switching element for selecting the first or second

Character supply memory for entering characters of the first character class of the first or the second type are provided.

For example, in addition to Chinese, also Latin

To be able to enter characters, the device comprises in particular a character input selection element for the optional activation of the character assignment memory for realizing an input of characters of the second or the first character class. The input elements for the characters will, in the usual design of a mobile telephone, handheld PC, pocket translator or similar device, be input keys or, if appropriate, input keys on a membrane keyboard. In contrast, the above-mentioned selection Emgabeelement that Bestatigungs-Emgabeelement, the character set selection element and / or the character input selection element especially when a GERAT with menu guide (such as a mobile phone) m advantageous ^¬ manner implemented as soft keys.

In connection with conventional Menufuhrungen in which a selection from a plurality of displayed alternatives crossed ^¬ as displacement of an initially in the first alternative lying marker (cursor) is carried out to the further alternatives, hm, such a design of the Zeicnenzuordnungs- memory is useful in that the individual Memory areas of the character set of the second character class are filed in order of the usage frequency. Since the display field group of the display device intended to display the relevant characters of the second character class then the character most frequently required appears first, the selection process and thus the character input as a whole is simplified.

Advantages and advantages of the invention - especially essential aspects of the operating method and the operation of the proposed input device - result from the subclaims and the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. Of these show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a

Input device according to an embodiment of the invention in the form of a functional block diagram and

2 - 5 graphical representations to explain process steps in the operation of the input Device according to an embodiment of the invention or operating sequences

1 shows a mobile telephone 1 which is to be regarded as an input device in the context of the present invention. The mobile telephone 1 comprises an Ad ^¬ geeinrichtung (display) 3, a key arrangement 5 with a plurality of each multiple occupation numbers and Buchsta- benemgabetasten 5a and other input keys to which - it where relevant in the context of the invention are - further still is pointed out. As is known per se from a mobile telephone for the European or American market, the key arrangement 5 is designed to input several characters of the Latin alphabet in each case. The input keyboard 5 is assigned to a character storage memory 7 with a memory area 7a corresponding to the plurality of number and letter input keys 5a and each clearly assigned to one of the keys 5a.

Furthermore, optionally (which is symbolized by representation with dashed or dotted lines), a second character store 7 'with memory areas 7a' is provided, which can alternatively be connected to the keyboard's first character store. The second character storage 7 'stores in its memory areas 7a' the characters of the so-called "Bopomofo" alphabet or special characters, each assigned to a key 5a, which are used as the primary character class for entering characters of the Chinese long script Optionally, the active character set memory is selected via a menu button 5b, which in this connection serves as a character set selection element and activates the relevant character set memory via a switching element (not shown here). With the character set memory 7 ( or the second character storage 7 ') is connected to a first group 3a of display fields of the display device 3, on which when one of the keys 5a is actuated A "Prev ew" display of the characters stored in the associated memory area 7a (or 7a ') of the character storage memory, which are assigned to the key 5a according to their multiple assignment.

The character set memory 7 is assigned a character assignment memory 9 with a plurality of memory areas 9a, each of which has at least one assignment between an ordered sequence of the Latin characters or numbers 7 and 7 entered via the number and letter input keys 5a and stored in the character set memory 7 at least one character of the Chinese shorthand (also referred to as "Simplified Chinese" or "Pin-Yin") is stored. Analogously, in the event that the second character storage memory 7 'is provided, this is assigned to this second character mapping memory 9' (which is also drawn with dotted lines because of its optional design) with memory areas 9a ', each of which has at least one assignment between an ordered one Sequence of characters of the Bopomofo alphabet or special characters entered via the number and letter input keys 5a and a character of the long Chinese ("Traditional Chinese") is stored.

The output of the character mapping memory 9 and possibly also the second character mapping memory 9 'is connected to a group 3b of display fields of the display device 3, in which - in addition to other functions - a representation of the corresponding Chinese characters in the fin-Ym format (or in the "Traditional-Chmese-For at") for the user making the entry.

In addition to the input elements and groups of display fields already mentioned, the mobile telephone 1 (m in a manner known per se) has two so-called soft keys 5c, 5d designed as rocker buttons and display areas 3c, 3d assigned to them. The rocker button 5c is used in connection with the execution of the Invention in particular - in a sense explained in more detail below - as a first or second selection element. The function is menu driven, whereby (m manner known per se) display field em highlighted as an active field arrival of one of the Anzeigeteld groups 3a, 3b of the display ^¬ device 3 by operation of the rocker switch 5c on the left or right side by one position to the left or right. The rocker button 5d is used in connection with the implementation of the invention in particular as a confirmation input element (“OK function”), specifically for marking the end of an ordered sequence of entered characters of the Latin or Bopomofo character set and thus for relieving an assignment process in the Character ^assignment memory 9 or 9 '. Details and operating sequences in this regard are explained in more detail below using specific examples.

2a and 2b, the proposed method is based on an example of a specific sequence of inputs of Chinese characters or words m “Simplified Chinese” (second

Character class) outlined using Latin characters as the first character class. The procedure is essentially self-explanatory with the inserted text notes, so that it will only be dealt with very briefly here.

First, the input of a "Simplified Chmese" character is shown (in FIG. 2a), which can be entered in the Latin phonetic transcription as "HA03". The input is m for the input of Latin characters in a known manner in a mobile phone, in which case a so-called “preview window” is used in the first display line, with which all the characters that can be input with a touched key are shown on the display The left-hand image of the third row is - to clarify the process of correcting an incorrect entry - assumed that "n" was mistakenly entered as the third Latin character, while "o" had been entered correctly have to. The following two pictures in this series show the corresponding correction process. In the middle and left picture of the bottom row of FIG. 2a it is shown how a selection of Chinese characters m is offered in the second display cell after the Latin phonetic transcription has been entered and how a selection is made by the user by actuating the “Shift” softkey.

The upper left image of Fig. 2b corresponds to the lower left image of Fig. 2a, and it is then assumed that several Chinese words have been entered in the manner shown in Fig. 2a. Then there should be a changeover m of the operating mode for the input of the Latin characters for the input of the number “8”, and after the input thereof the operating mode of the input of Chinese characters will be changed over again and a word entered that is entered in the Latin phonetic transcription with “DIAN3” . Here, too, the selection process follows on the basis of a selection of “simplified chemistry” characters shown in the second display line. The middle and right image of the lower line in FIG. 2b shows how the first display cell overflows the second line of the display is also used to display entered Chinese characters.

In Fig. 3 is an example of a key assignment with

"Bopomofo" characters (as the first character class) for entering traditional Chinese characters are shown as the second character class. However, there are other options for the key assignment.

4 shows - in a manner analogous to FIG. 2a - the sequence of inputting "traditional Chinese" characters by entering characters of the Bopomofo phonetic. This sequence is also self-explanatory. The circular field with the Number "1" became one

Fig. 2b connect largely analog flow diagram, which can be omitted here. In Fig. 5 is outlined, as - for an input with ^¬ means of Latin characters and by means Bopomofo Schπftzeichen - can be carried out em "page-at" shifting the entire inventory of the second display line, if many Chinese characters or words as representations for the phonetic transcription input m question. To do this, a special key is used on the mobile radio terminal, which is also used as a line shift key in the other menu functions. After pressing this key, the entire number of characters in the second display cell was pressed, If the "Shιft" softkey is selected, a selection is made from the second part of the character set presented on the display, and then the device is ready for a new phonetic entry

It should also be pointed out that the proposed method is also suitable for entering Chinese or mixed Latin-Chinese names in the telephone book of a mobile radio device. The operating procedures for this largely correspond to the usual phone book input menu, with a switchover between a Latin (English, German ...) input mode and a Chmesian input mode being provided. An input corresponding to FIGS. 2a and 2b or FIG. 4 is then made in the context of these set operating modes.

The embodiment of the invention is not limited to the examples described, but is also possible in a large number of professional modifications.

Claims

claims

1. Input device (1) with a plurality (5) of input elements (5a), each of which has at least one occupancy with a character of a first character class, in particular a character of the Latin alphabet or a ^{phonetic ¬} writing and / or a number or a special character, on ^¬ , and a display device (3) with a plurality of display fields assigned to a predetermined input menu, characterized by a character assignment memory (9, 9 ') connected on the input side to the input elements and on the output side connected to the display device with a plurality of Storage areas (9a, 9a '), in each of which an association between an ordered sequence of characters entered in the first character class and a character to be output in a second character class, in particular a character of Chinese long or short characters, is stored.

2. The method according to claim 1, so that multi-dimensional memory areas (9a, 9a ') are provided in the character mapping memory, to which a plurality of characters of the second character class are ambiguously assigned to a predetermined, ordered sequence of entered characters of the first character class.

3. Input device according to claim 2, characterized in that the display device (3) has a group (3b) of display fields which is designed for parallel display of the plurality of characters of the second character class assigned to a character string of the first character class.

4. The input device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, a first selection input element (5c) for selecting one of the plurality of characters of the second character class from one

Memory area (9a, 9a ') of the character assignment memory (9, 9').

5. input device according to one of the preceding claims, g e k e n n z e i c h n e t d u r c h em confirmation element (5a) for identifying the end of an ordered sequence of entered characters of the first character class.

6. Input device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least em part of the input elements (5a) has a multiple assignment and the display device (3) has a group (3a) of display fields which for the parallel display of the characters assigned to an input element first character class in response to actuation of the input element.

7. The input device as claimed in claim 6, the second selection input element (5c) for selecting one of the characters of the first character class displayed in parallel on the display device (3) as the input character.

8. The input device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized by a character store (7, 7 ') for storing the entirety of the characters of the first character class which can be input by means of the input elements (5a) and which has a plurality of memory areas (7a, 7a'), which correspond to the plurality of character input elements and of which m each character of the first character class which can be input at least em, preferably several characters of the first character class are stored.

9. input device according to claim 8, characterized in that two character storage (7, 7 ') for storing a total of input characters of a first character class of a first type, in particular characters of the Latin alphabet and / or numbers, and a first character class one second type, in particular

Characters of the Bopomofo alphabet and special characters and a character class switching element (5c) for selecting the first or second character storage memory are provided for entering characters of the first character class of the first or the second type.

10. input device according to one of the preceding claims, g e k e n n z e i c h n e t d u r c h em character supply selection element (5b) for selectively activating the character assignment memory for realizing an input of characters of the second or the first character class.

11. Emgabevvorrichtung according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the first and / or second selection-Emgabeelement (5c) and / or the Confirmat-Emgabeelement (5d) and / or the character supply selection element (5b) menu-controlled as a soft key is / are.

12. Input device according to one of claims 2-11, characterized in that in the multi-dimensional memory areas (9a, 9a ') of the character mapping memory (9, 9') of the respective predetermined ordered sequence of entered characters of the first character class, the associated characters of the second character class m are filed in an order arranged according to their frequency of use.

13. Telecommunication terminal (1), in particular a mobile phone, with an input device according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Hand-held electronic device, in particular hand-held PC, database or pocket translator, with an input device according to one of claims 1 to 12.