CN1636181A

CN1636181A - Morphology-based text entry system

Info

Publication number: CN1636181A
Application number: CNA028080017A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 迈克尔·J·尤尔
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-04-09
Filing date: 2002-04-09
Publication date: 2005-07-06
Also published as: WO2002082252A2; EP1386222A2; KR20030097823A; JP2005509202A; WO2002082252A3

Abstract

Touch typing on a telephone keypad is achieved by representing each letter as a combination of two separate symbols appearing on separate keys of a keypad. The keys may be operated by using the thumbs of both hands. In one embodiment, six symbols appearing on six separate keys are used to represent all of the letters A-Z. The six keys may be grouped together or may be split apart with one portion arranged on one side of a device display and another portion arranged on an opposite side of the display. Input may be accelerated in various ways using multiple key presses at the same time.

Description

Based on morphologic text input system

Background of invention

1. invention field

The present invention relates to text input system.

2. technical background

Various manual text input systems (except that speech recognition) have appearred, to satisfy by the growing demand that miniaturization was proposed.The telephone set keypad has been used for text input a lot of years.In a kind of such system, each key comes mark with alphabetic(al) three letters, and specific letter by corresponding to desirable letter in three letters order and button once, import for twice or three times, therefore need average twice button of each letter.Use the text input of this method quite to require great effort; One of them reason is used from once using next time, and the position of each letter on key is not easy to remember.

In Tegic T9 (TM) input system, use similarly configuration.But, used elimination ambiguity software, making needs only one-touch of each expectation letter.For numbers and symbols, provide Menu key.Make the menu that comprises symbol input and numeral input occur by this key.The user uses special-purpose cursor key that cursor is moved on to the clauses and subclauses of hope, and then selects by Menu key.For numeral, the user is by the corresponding digital key.For symbol, provide that " mapping table " of corresponding relation is shown between glossary of symbols and the numerical key.

Alternatively, some equipment comprise small-sized class qwerty keyboard, and this keyboard has quite small key.If layout is based on QWERTY's, the people with some keyboard input technical ability can find the position of desired letter relatively soon.When the key on keyboard both sides was operated by two thumbs of user, as in the Blackberry of Research in Motion (RIM) (TM) equipment, efficient was enhanced.Even so, the operation of small key remains suitable effort.

Additive method saves keying fully, supports the input of pin pen.Example comprises present withdraw from service Apple Newton (TM) PDA and Palm (TM) connection manager.In the situation of Newton, follow the recognition methods of " nature " manuscript, its Chinese version writes on the place that it will occur, and uses and prints or cursive handwriting.This method is not to be well suited for the miniaturization that increases day by day.Under the situation of Palm manager, " one stroke " character uses Graffiti (TM) text input system to come in independent input text area input.Sacrificed some and write continuity, and the pin pen undoubtedly needs.

Wishing has a kind of text input system, and it does not need the operation of pin pen or small key.Also wish to have a kind of text input system, it is more general and remembered easilier from once use to use next time than existing telephone set keypad system, makes and can set up the skill level that increases gradually.

Summary of the invention

In general, the invention provides a kind of text input system, it uses few relatively key and its to be well suited for memory and sets up technical ability.In one aspect of the invention, text input system is based on one group of symbol selected, " form is remarkable ", and these symbols are relevant in pairs, and each key is distributed to a this symbol.By one or more keys, preferably just in time two keys do not have the input of ambiguity ground to letter by sequentially.In another aspect of the present invention, the number of the symbol in this group is less than the number of the key in the telephone set keypad." extra " key is distributed to other characters or action, for example " space ", " fullstop ", " backspace " and carriage return.Consider the input of numeral, the input of punctuate, cursor moves etc., and different operator schemes are provided.

The accompanying drawing summary

The present invention can further understand from the following description in conjunction with attached drawings.In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is the planimetric map according to the keyboard layout of one aspect of the invention;

Fig. 2 is the help figure that can show in the equipment use;

Fig. 3 is the planimetric map of another kind of keyboard layout;

Fig. 4 is the block diagram of hardware configuration, and the present invention can use with this hardware configuration mode;

Fig. 5 shows the optional help figure that can show in the equipment use;

Fig. 6 is the figure by the vertical space bar of a thumb manipulation;

Fig. 7 is the figure by the vertical space bar of another thumb manipulation;

Fig. 8 is that the explanation use is imported any one figure in the various common punctuation marks by a plurality of keys simultaneously;

Fig. 9 is the figure of another kind of optional keyboard layout;

Figure 10 is that explanation is used simultaneously by a plurality of keys and imported common punctuation mark or with the figure of the common word of given beginning of letter, word " after " is finally selected;

Figure 11 is that explanation is used simultaneously by a plurality of keys and imported common punctuation mark or with the figure of the common word of given beginning of letter, punctuation mark (' apostrophe) finally selected;

Figure 12 be explanation use simultaneously by a plurality of keys import with given beginning of letter, from the figure of the word of DocWords tabulation, word " thought " is finally selected;

Figure 13 be explanation use simultaneously by a plurality of keys import with given beginning of letter, from the figure of the word of MyWords tabulation, word " target " is finally selected;

Figure 14 is that explanation is used simultaneously by a plurality of keys and imported figure with the trigram combination of given beginning of letter, and monogram " aft " is finally selected;

Figure 15 is that explanation is used simultaneously by a plurality of keys and imported figure with the trigram combination of given beginning of letter, and monogram " ate " is finally selected;

Figure 16 is that explanation is used simultaneously by a plurality of keys and imported figure with four monograms of given beginning of letter, and monogram " arti " is finally selected;

Figure 17 is that explanation is used simultaneously by a plurality of keys and imported figure with four monograms of given beginning of letter, and monogram " anti " is finally selected;

Figure 18 is that explanation is used simultaneously by a plurality of keys and imported figure as the alphabetical Q of two letters (qu) combination of letter U;

Figure 19 is that the explanation use uses at least ten keys to come the figure of input digit by a plurality of keys simultaneously;

Figure 20 is that explanation is used simultaneously to use by a plurality of keys and is less than ten keys (for example six keys) and comes the figure of input digit;

Figure 21 is the figure of explanation cursor operations;

Figure 22 is the figure of explanation cursor operations and text selecting;

Figure 23 is the figure that the figure selecting of the recurrence quartern is used in explanation;

Figure 24 illustrates utility command sequence and the figure that imports by the order of a plurality of keys simultaneously;

Figure 25 is that explanation is used simultaneously by a plurality of keys and selected any one figure in many common command menus;

Figure 26 is the figure that explanation has the equipment of various key configurations; And

Figure 27 is the figure of explanation search operation.

Detailed Description Of The Invention

To describe the preferred embodiments of the invention now, it does many variations easily based on principle as described herein.

With reference to figure 1, shown according to the present invention the figure of the keyboard of exemplary embodiment (keypad) layout." key " can be dynamo-electric or can be pure electricity---promptly, and touch key.And the mark that appears on the key can be (variable, as for example to cover under the situation of the touch key on the display) that fix or variable.Though the present invention mainly considers to come activate key by direct contact, activate and also can use the pin pen to carry out.

Concerning this instructions, key will be identified by digital 0-11, and the * key is appointed as key 10 and the # key is appointed as key 11.

In illustrated embodiment, following mark or symbol appear on the key:

Form 1

Appear at key 8,10, the symbol on 9 and 7 is represented " space " respectively, " backspace ", " fullstop " and " carriage return ".

Remaining six symbols form one group of symbol selected, " form is remarkable ", and these symbols are relevant in pairs, and it is following right to comprise:＜,＞; _, |; And ∧, ∨.

Though the Ben Wenben input system is applicable to multilingual and alphabet, its application in The English alphabet will be described.Each letter of The English alphabet is assigned with unique symbol or symbol combination.With reference to figure 2, in preferred embodiments, each letter is assigned with the combination of two symbols.Following combination is illustrative:

Form 2

Letter	Combination	Letter	Combination	Letter	Combination	Letter	Combination
Letter	Combination	Letter	Combination	Letter	Combination	Letter	Combination	????A	????∧，_	????H	???\|，\|	????O	???＜，＞	????V	??_，∨
????B	????＞，＞	????I	???_，_	????P	???\|，＞	????W	??∨，∨	????A	????∧，_	????H	???\|，\|	????O	???＜，＞	????V	??_，∨
????B	????＞，＞	????I	???_，_	????P	???\|，＞	????W	??∨，∨	????C	????∨，＜	????J	???\|，∨	????Q	???＜，∨	????X	??∨，∧
????D	????＞，\|	????K	???\|，＜	????R	???_，＜	????Y	??∨，_	????C	????∨，＜	????J	???\|，∨	????Q	???＜，∨	????X	??∨，∧
????D	????＞，\|	????K	???\|，＜	????R	???_，＜	????Y	??∨，_	????E	????＜，＜	????L	???\|，_	????S	???_，＞	????Z	??＞，_
????F	????＜，\|	????M	???∧，∧	????T	???_，\|			????E	????＜，＜	????L	???\|，_	????S	???_，＞	????Z	??＞，_
????F	????＜，\|	????M	???∧，∧	????T	???_，\|			????G	????＜，_	????N	???∧，\|	????U	???∨，\|

In other embodiments, also can provide symbol/and.Fig. 3 shows the another embodiment of the keyboard that uses these symbols.For the convenience of representing, italics can be used for representing various symbols, as follows:＜(left comer) represented by l,＞(right corner) represented that by r ∧ (going up the angle) is represented that by u ∨ (inferior horn) is represented by d, (horizontal line) represented by h, | (perpendicular line) represented by v, and/(forward slash) represented by s, and (back slash) represent by b.Use this representation, the optional combination of use s and b can be as follows:

Form 3

Letter	Combination	Letter	Combination	Letter	Combination	Letter	Combination
Letter	Combination	Letter	Combination	Letter	Combination	Letter	Combination	????A	????u，h	????H	????v，v	????O	????l，r	????V	????b，s
????B	????r，r	????I	????h，h	????P	????v，r	????W	????d，d	????A	????u，h	????H	????v，v	????O	????l，r	????V	????b，s
????B	????r，r	????I	????h，h	????P	????v，r	????W	????d，d	????C	????d，l	????J	????v，d	????Q	????l，b	????X	????d，u
????D	????r，v	????K	????v，l	????R	????r，b	????Y	????d，s	????C	????d，l	????J	????v，d	????Q	????l，b	????X	????d，u
????D	????r，v	????K	????v，l	????R	????r，b	????Y	????d，s	????E	????l，l	????L	????v，h	????S	????h，r	????Z	????h，l
????F	????l，v	????M	????u，u	????T	????h，v			????E	????l，l	????L	????v，h	????S	????h，r	????Z	????h，l
????F	????l，v	????M	????u，u	????T	????h，v			????G	????l，h	????N	????u，v	????U	????d，v

Many other different combinations are possible.But preferably, the uppercase form that the combination signal is printed is as illustrated in fig. 2.This characteristic becomes possibility by the symbol of selecting " form is remarkable ".Notice that in aforementioned distribution, many possible symbol combination are not used.These combinations can be distributed to other purposes, comprise the text input, control etc.

When key normally uses thumb to operate in an alternating manner (for example, under the situation of Blackberry equipment), the layout of Fig. 1 and the distribution of Fig. 2 are especially favourable.Letter only uses key 1-6 to represent, key 1 and 4 is operated by left thumb, and key 2,3,5 and 6 is operated by right thumb; " space " key is positioned at the center; And between every pair symbol, there is nature relative, is memonic and obtains skilled.Realize bigger action locality, this is the characteristics that touch the typewriting ability.In fact, with the exercise (learning time of the much shorter more required than the input of study qwerty keyboard) of several hrs, common new user can shut his or her eyes and come input text.

Described symbol can for example be printed with various method, and embossing shows to wait to be provided on the key.One type keyboard uses the clear plastic key that has printing on the back side of key.In this case, symbol can be used as clearly oncus or embossing is provided on the surface of key, makes that the printing on the back side of key keeps high-visible.Therefore, except dependence is provided at other the existing text input systems of the marking on the key (perhaps except the text input system based on the pin pen), the Ben Wenben input system can be provided.Embossing provides more advantages of tactile feedback.

Capitalization, numeral, punctuate, cursor move etc. and can provide with many diverse ways.Certainly, a kind of method is the key that provides other simply.Suppose not have other key to be provided, many methods that aforementioned feature is provided are still arranged.

For example, capitalization can provide as shift by assignment key 11.Alternatively, capitalization can be pressed than usually obviously for more time by keeping home key, perhaps specifies by two spaces of input (as in T9) before the capitalization of hope.Capitalization locks and capitalizes release can be by providing with switching mode by twice of shift.Alternatively, capitalization locks and release can be by providing with switching mode by for example " fullstop " key when importing a series of uppercase first or last simultaneously.

Various modes comprises figure pattern, can be provided.Pattern can automatically switch with context related side formula based on operation of equipment.When the needs manual mode switches, can be for example by pressing 0 key (figure pattern), gear shift 10 (cursor mode) or gear shift 8 (punctuate pattern) are carried out.Alternatively, mode switch can be by for example carrying out than the usually obvious longer time by 1 key.Under figure pattern, key can resemble to be operated the key of conventional telephone set keypad.

Punctuate can provide with many diverse ways.When the needs manual mode switches, can carry out as previously mentioned, perhaps by for example carrying out than the usually obvious longer time by " fullstop " key.Normally, the punctuate pattern continues the input of a punctuation mark, and Text Mode continues automatically then.

In the punctuate pattern, punctuation mark for example " form ground " is imported or is imported by initial letter.Morphology methods is described subsequently.Come for example will to import question mark under the situation of appointment by initial letter, at first specify the punctuate pattern, then input alphabet Q.When a plurality of punctuation marks had the same words initial, acquiescence was used of the most frequent appearance.If this is not correct, the punctuation mark of frequent use can be by coming substitution by " ∧ " with the next one of this beginning of letter, and is like that, is shown up to correct punctuation mark.(supposing that here punctuation mark usually can the back and then have " ∧ " as one in the letter of initial symbol).

Cursor moves to use has " ∧ ", and " ∨ ", the key of "＜" and "＞" symbol is carried out.Cursor mode can be as mentioned above or by obviously the longer time enters (or withdrawing from) usually by a ratio in the previous key.

In one embodiment, cursor mode lasts till that the user is by " non-cursor " key---be not＜,＞, ∧, or the key of ∨.So, for cursor being moved to a place, import letter then with a beginning in these symbols, at first backspace if necessary, is re-entered deleted character to withdraw from cursor mode, then the letter of input expectation.

In addition, any of various pointing devices can combine with keyboard, for example " fixed point bar " or the minisize track pellet shot from a slingshot of being promoted by IBM.This pointing device can for example close with " space " bond or near " space " key.Alternatively, can make space bar to operate with the similar mode of fixed point bar.In this case, little boundary space is provided at (for example, slightly little than other keys by making space bar) around the space bar, and space bar has " viscosity " tactile-surface (this also makes space bar be used as the sense of touch reference point).This key (" fixed point key ") is suitable for moving on the direction of any hope with finger, makes fixed point to carry out with the similar mode of fixed point bar.But the citation form of key remains unchanged and is different from the form of the bar of fixing a point.

Alternatively, can make one or more key tactile sensings, allow the operation of similar touch pad.

By pointing device is covered in the keyboard, this input method becomes and is well suited for the mobile site and browses.

Other technology can be used for website browsing.As previously mentioned, punctuation mark can be imported by the initial letter of importing desirable punctuation mark.With similar method, many web page interlinkages will have the text that is associated with it, and can select by the initial letter of importing desirable link.If a plurality of links have identical initial letter, these links can highlightedly show, import the signal of the next letter in the desired link as the prompting user.In addition, from Web page maker's viewpoint, can make the link text webpage be decided by the type of webpage, if make that webpage will send to mobile device with the equipment that sends to, can make link text as seen, the webpage that will send to for example desk-top or machine on knee in addition keeps hiding.This method for designing will strengthen the practicality of this mobile device network browsing mode.When receiving webpage, browser is modified to form the link text table.When receiving the character input, if received character links corresponding to unique link text table clause.If character is corresponding to a plurality of link text table clauses, the link text of these clauses and subclauses is highlighted demonstration, and the prompting user does further input.

Fig. 4 illustrates general hardware configuration, and this input system can be used with this hardware configuration mode.Be connected to suitable controller with similar keyboard described above (or a plurality of keyboard).Based on user's input, controller forms the output stream of the equipment that sends to.Equipment is presented at information on one or more displays.Output stream can be identical with the output stream of QWERTY keyboard.The performance of controller reaches the degree that realizes function described above.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1, key 7-11 can distribute following function:

7：Return/？

Click with the input carriage return.After Shift, click with the input question mark.

8：Space/punc

Click with the input space.After Shift, click the punctuate pattern that describes below to enter.

9：Period/comma

Click with the input fullstop.After Shift, click with the input comma.Import two fullstops so that colon is transfused to.The input fullstop and then comma so that branch be transfused to.Import three fullstops so that suspension points is transfused to.

10(*)：Backspace/curs

Click with the deletion last character.After Shift, click to enter or to withdraw from the use, down, the cursor mode of right and left arrow (key 1-3 and 5).

0：Num/@

Click before by the odd number keyboard and discharge.Being used for numeral by twice locks.Be used to remove digital phase-locking by twice again.

After Shift, push input @.

11(#)：Shift

Click before the capitalization and discharge in input, perhaps be used for top character on the options button.Being used for capitalization by twice locks.Be used to remove shift lock by twice again.

Punctuate can provide by the combination of dominance punctuation key, uses symbol conduct " literal " and the current plesiomorphism of explaining on the key 1-6.

In the embodiment in figure 1, be based upon below punctuation mark on the key 7-12 comprises:?, fullstop, comma, *, @ and #.Fullstop is simply by importing by 9 keys.Punctuation mark?, @ and comma are by at first pressing shift key, then by importing with the corresponding key of desirable punctuation mark.Punctuation mark * and # are by at first by Num key (because they are arranged on the numbered key position of numeral), then by importing with the corresponding key of desirable punctuation mark.

Punctuation mark ∧,＞,＜,-and | by at first pressing shift key, Punc key and then is then by importing with the corresponding key of desirable punctuation mark.

The residue punctuation mark of setting up on standard computer keyboard uses plesiomorphism to import, and is as follows:

(under the Punc pattern, by＜twice.

) under the Punc pattern, by＞twice.

[under the Punc pattern, by＜three times.

] under the Punc pattern, by＞three times.

{ under the Punc pattern, by＜four times.

Under the Punc pattern, by＞four times.

$ presses under the Punc pattern | and twice.

/ under the Punc pattern, press | three times.

% presses under the Punc pattern | and four times.

Under the Punc pattern, press | five times.

-(dash) is under the Punc pattern, by twice.

(underscore) is under the Punc pattern, by three times.

～under the Punc pattern, by four times.

=under the Punc pattern, by five times.

+ under the Punc pattern, by six times.

﹠amp; Under the Punc pattern, by seven times (exception of strict plesiomorphism)

' (apostrophe/single quotation marks) pressed after the Shift, presses the comma key twice.

" (double quotation marks) pressed after the Shift, presses the comma key three times.

` (accent mark) presses after the Shift, presses the comma key four times.

: press fullstop twice.

Press fullstop three times.

Press fullstop four times.

Input fullstop, and then comma.

Replace other configurations described herein or except other configurations described herein, can use aforementioned arrangements.

Untapped key combination in addition (for example＞,＜) also can be used for specifying the command mode of describing subsequently.

Can in the use of equipment, be presented at for example bottom of display with helping figure like the help graphics class of Fig. 2.(user optionally show or hide helps figure).In Fig. 2, round dot is added on first symbol of combination, so that clear which symbol of at first importing of user.Fig. 5 shows optional help figure.This graphic presentation is by symbol ∧, ∨,＜,＞, and | the alphabetic(al) letter of formation.Letter D and F are shown as reverted image and (perhaps show with color, if color can be used), because in described embodiment, their formation symbol is imported to compare opposite order with the order of expectation, promptly for D be＞, | (be not |,＞) and for F be＜, | (be not |,＜).Many other equipment can be used for distinguishing symbol or letter, color for example, and shade, line is thick etc.

Though the embodiment of six symbols of each symbol of the use of front on independent key is current preferred, attention can only use five keys (rather than six) to import 25 unique letter-alphabets all letters except that a letter.For example, alphabetical Q can as described belowly provide separately.The 6th key can be special-purpose space bar.In addition, the function of other keys (for example backspace, fullstop and carriage return) can followingly be redistributed.Fullstop and carriage return can use a plurality of spaces to import.In this optional embodiment, import two spaces and then letter will capitalize this letter.Import three spaces and then letter will make fullstop and carriage return in the input of the back of above-mentioned letter, and the next letter of capitalization.Fullstop and carriage return also can be imported from the tabulation of the common punctuation mark that describes below.Backspace can be by pressing space bar, and before discharging space bar, once be used for single backspace or repeatedly be used for a plurality of backspaces importing by any other key.Therefore, whole members of keypad function can use and only have the keyboard of six keys and realize.

Simultaneously by a plurality of keys

In aforementioned optional embodiment, backspace is by pressing space bar, and before discharging space bar, imports by any other key.This use is situations common in the computer keyboard by the technology of a plurality of keys simultaneously, and also can use together with current Simile input method, with by the common punctuation mark of input, and common word, and common monogram is accelerated text input.

In order to import any one of many common punctuation marks (comprising carriage return), press space bar, and before discharging space bar, by other keys arbitrarily, as the input backspace.Keep these other keys to be pinned, discharge space bar.The tabulation of common punctuation mark is shown, and wherein first is highlighted demonstration.At this moment discharge this other keys, make the selected and input of first punctuation mark.Press space bar once more with second punctuation mark in the highlighted display list.The desirable punctuation mark of highlighted demonstration, and import it by discharging these other keys.The sequence of pictures of Fig. 8 illustrates this technology.

Because press and pin a key, press another key and pin this key, discharge first key and can often use by the technology of first key one or many once more possibly, it is given the role of a special-purpose name-reverse key.(if it helps memory, when a key pinned and another key by by one or many time, these other keys play iterator.When the role of key is inverted, pinned as the key of iterator usually, first key becomes iterator then.)

Import common word; Inputting punctuation mark

The for example keyboard layout of Fig. 9 is taked in following discussion.

In order to import common word or punctuation mark, at first import the beginning letter of word or punctuation mark, and pin second key of key combination.Press on the right then or another other keys of on the left side.Two tabulations of word and punctuation mark show that side by side wherein first word and first punctuation mark are highlighted demonstration.Punctuation mark is presented at the left side if word is presented at the right, will select word so, at first discharges the key on the right, discharges the key on the left side then.Select punctuation mark, at first discharge the key on the left side, discharge the key on the right then.For a pair of under the highlighted demonstration, once more by these other keys.Guarantee to keep these other keys to be pressed the long enough time, whether select any one of a centering of highlighted demonstration with decision.The sequence of pictures of Figure 10 and Figure 11 illustrates this technology.

In order to make capitalization easily, capitalization can be first clauses and subclauses in the punctuate tabulation.

Common word in this tabulation is modal those words in the daily use.Also can preserve two other word lists, but one (MyWords) is possible is common to the user not be the tabulation of common word to ordinary group, and another is (DocWords) not tabulation of the word of use repeatedly on other word lists but in current document.In order to visit these tabulations, the beginning letter of input word and pin second key of key combination.Press on the right then or another other keys of on the left side.The role of two keys of present counter-rotating.Two tabulations MyWords and DocWords show side by side.Select clauses and subclauses with the method identical with common word list.Figure 12 and 13 sequence of pictures illustrate this technology.

Import common monogram

The common monogram (part word) of 3-6 letter can be imported with similar method.In order to visit these tabulations, the beginning letter of input word.Press the extra time of second key of key combination and pin it.Press on the right then or another other keys of on the left side.Two tabulations, one is the trigram combination, one is four monograms, shows side by side.Select clauses and subclauses with the method identical with common word list.For five and six monograms, the role of reverse key.

Alternatively, 5 and 6 monograms can save, and make the number of (more common) 3 and 4 monograms double.Figure 14, Figure 15, Figure 16, and the sequence of pictures of Figure 17 illustrates this technology.

In order to allow to use 6 keys (or still less) to come the text input, with alphabetical Q as two monograms of letter U (because in English, U always follows in the Q back, and U can be easily delete in those do not need its uncommon situation).Figure 18 illustrates this method.

Use the possibility that profuse " input language " is provided by a plurality of keys simultaneously.For example, when sending additional follow-up input signal with any one of at least four kinds of distinct methods, letter can be designated.(being input as d, l) is example with letter C.When sending additional follow-up input signal with following method any, this letter can be designated:

1. by d and pin; Press l.

2. press d; By l and pin.

3. press d; Press l; Once more by l and pin.

4. press d; Press l; Once more by d and pin.

Aforementioned possible each can trigger different device responds, for example word input, monogram input, punctuate input, order input or menu identity input etc.

But for the feature of accelerating the text input is provided, the ability by a plurality of keys is unwanted simultaneously.With reference to Figure 27, in one embodiment, search operation is as the execution of getting off.The user imports one or more letters (for example C), searches signal by importing to send for the special user who searches appointment then.In illustrated embodiment, (r l) sends to search the other untapped key combination of signal use.Tabulation with the word of the beginning of letter imported is shown.For simply, this single tabulation can be with (word DocWords) is merged together for common word, MyWords from previously described all tabulations.In the embodiment of this explanation, tabulation is shown as multiple row, is two row here.Be used for the row on downward iteration the right at the dexter key of keyboard, and the key in the keyboard left-hand side is used for the row on the downward iteration left side.Not being used for the key of iteration is used for carrying out and selects, so the key on the left side is used to select the row on the right, and the key on the right is used to select the row on the left side.Desirable word may can not find in tabulation, removes tabulation by backspace in this case.Alternatively, can import one or more other letters, make to demonstrate new tabulation with word of expanding stem.

Numeral

Numeral can be imported by desirable numerical key then by at first pressing and pin any key.In order to import a plurality of numerals continuously, pin first key, to the last a numeral is imported (perhaps, if necessary, discharge this key and press and pin a different key).Have in the configuration of the key that reduces number at some, two (or a plurality of) numerals can be distributed to identical key.In this case, numeral can be by importing by this key one or many, as be used for sometimes the text input, well-knownly once rap, rap for twice, rap in the system the same three times.Figure 19 and 20 sequence of pictures illustrate this technology.

Cursor moves, fixed point

Be marked with ∧, ∨,＜and＞key can be used as cursor key.Long-time by desirable cursor key.Enter cursor mode then, as indicated by blinking cursor.To make cursor on corresponding direction, advance delegation or lattice by cursor key continuously at every turn.To withdraw from cursor mode for a long time by cursor key once more.In order to select text, when moving, presses cursor and pins non-cursor key.Figure 21 and 22 sequence of pictures illustrate these technology.

Alternatively, perhaps in addition, can provide as Athey wheel and escape key in RIM Blackberry equipment.

For graphic presentation, the fixed point function can be used four keys, two for example minimum, the rightest keys and minimum, and two the most left keys (perhaps being come one group of different four keys of appointment by color or certain other equipment) provide.Fixed point is by being divided into screen four parts (the recurrence quartern) repeatedly and pressing and the corresponding key of part that comprises desirable point on the screen is realized.In order to begin fixed point, press and pin in four keys and corresponding bond distance's time of a desirable quartern.If (desired procedure can not be clear from context between figure selecting and cursor move, in addition by any other key).Dim grid is shown, and it is divided into the quartern with the viewing area, and indication fixed point pattern begins.If it seems that based on grid a correct quartern is selected, keep key to be pressed long-time slightly.Then, dim grid is shown, and it is divided into the littler quartern with a selected quartern.(if an initial quartern selecting mistake is pressed and a correct corresponding key of the quartern simply).Continue to select to comprise the quartern of desirable visual element on the screen.After selecting several times, a quartern will comprise the visual element of hope, and be the unique visual element that meets selection.Select this quartern will make visual element selected.The sequence of pictures of Figure 23 illustrates this technology.

Certainly, can use and be different from four isodisperse (for example, two, six etc.).

The recurrence quartern can be used for rough figure selecting or cursor positioning, and can fix a point bar or the fixed point key can be used for meticulous selection or location.

Order

Order can be imported by first alphabetical key combination of command name then by the pressing key sequence to enter command mode.For example, command mode can by by/key or key, and then by identical key and pin it and enter.Command option is shown then.When still pinning above-mentioned key, can be by any other key, to travel through command list (CLIST) from the beginning to the end.Order can be to order separately or command menu, and can visit individually or in groups.For example, hold-over command can visited under the alphabetical S and under the alphabetical F of expression File menu.

Just as space bar can be with visiting common punctuation mark, space bar also can be used for visit order menu (no matter beginning letter).

The sequence of pictures of Figure 24 and Figure 25 illustrates the embodiment of these technology.

Equipment disposition

The number that reduces the required key of text input has improved compactedness and has made new equipment disposition become possibility.Blind operation has further increased dirigibility.Typical equipment can have few to 16 of four keys that are used for the text input or as many as, and can have even number or odd number key.(only use four keys, " virtual " key in addition can be by simultaneously by two keys, and promptly the chord keying is realized.) key do not need to put together.But can be positioned at the opposite side of display screen by the key (for example, two keys of a thumb manipulation are used for input alphabet and four keys of another thumb manipulation) that different thumbs are operated, and for example, as illustrated among Figure 26.In one embodiment, short vertical " space bar " can provide with two forms of adjoining key, and these two adjoin key and are adjacent to provide by two keys of a thumb manipulation, as Fig. 6 and illustrated in fig. 7.

DTMF

Existing phone application relies on dtmf tone and transfers.For with this system compatible, on each key of conventional keyboard at least first letter also to appear on the Simile keyboard be useful.Alternatively, mobile electronic device can have the DTMF translater, makes that the common dtmf tone of this letter is transferred and is issued no matter be used for the key sequence of input alphabet.Certainly, As time goes on, phone application can become " understanding Simile ", in this case, no longer needs to translate and will avoid the polysemy relevant with conventional telephone application.When this application begins, can provide the possibility of selecting traditional operation or understanding the Simile operation.

In addition, the Simile tone can with or do not use with Simile input, transmit message to eliminate ambiguity ground by voice channel.For example, virtual business cards, or the vcf file can transmit together with telephone conversation, by with each character as tone to or tone transmit for polynary group.

Those skilled in the art should be familiar with, and the present invention can implement with other concrete forms that do not deviate from its essence or fundamental characteristics.Therefore, disclosed embodiment is all thought illustrative and not restrictive no matter from which side at present.Scope of the present invention pointed out by the additional claims rather than the description of front, and changes in the meaning of its equivalent and the institute in the scope and all to plan to be included in there.

Claims

1. control mobile electronic device to receive the method for text input for one kind, comprise be no more than in the key that detects some numbers N key by hitting, by at least some letter responses just in time two order thumps import this letter, receive most of or whole input of alphabetic(al) alphabetical A-Z.

2. the process of claim 1 wherein major part or all the letter response just in time two order thumps import.

3. the method for claim 2, wherein the space responds single thump and imports.

4. the process of claim 1 wherein that a described N key divides into groups with no more than two groups, make each group only comprise from the key in the described N key.

5. the method for claim 4, wherein mobile electronic device has display, and a described N key divides into groups with two groups just in time, and these two groups are positioned at the opposite side of display.

6. the process of claim 1 wherein N=6, and each key forms each following basically mark thereon: left comer, right corner, last angle, inferior horn, horizontal line, perpendicular line.

7. the process of claim 1 wherein N=8, and each key forms each following basically mark thereon: left comer, right corner, last angle, inferior horn, horizontal line, perpendicular line, forward slash, back slash.

8. claim 1, or claim 6, or the method for claim 7 also comprise:

The punctuate pattern is provided;

In constitute for one or more first punctuation marks one group each, a key in the described N of the operation response key once comes inputting punctuation mark; And

In constitute for one or more second punctuation marks one group each is repeatedly imported second punctuation mark by a key of operating in the described N key.

9. the method for claim 8 wherein uses the input of one different punctuation marks identical in the described N key to have the structure similarity.

10. claim 1, or claim 6, or the method for claim 7 also comprise:

The punctuate pattern is provided;

In constitute for one or more first punctuation marks first group each forms the image of first punctuation mark on key, and this punctuation mark is imported in the operation that responds this key; And

In constitute for one or more second punctuation marks second group each, import second punctuation mark by operating a plurality of different keys, each of these a plurality of different keys has from the image of the punctuation mark of described first group of punctuation mark formed thereon.

11. claim 1, or claim 6, or the method for claim 7 also comprise:

Detection is corresponding to the order thump of the special keys of special letter;

Detect in the described special keys the further thump of one or many of at least one; And

Respond the further thump of described one or many, import the information different with described special letter, described information is by describing with the word of described special letter beginning.

12. the method for claim 11, wherein said information are one of following: word, monogram, punctuation mark, order, and command menu name.

13. claim 1, or claim 6, or the method for claim 7 also comprise:

Thump when detecting special keys;

Respond described while thump, show and to treat the option therefrom selected by the user;

Detect the release or the further thump of described special keys; And

Respond the release or the further thump of described special keys, carry out the selection of determining by the user.

14. claim 1, or claim 6, or the method for claim 7 also comprise:

Thump when detecting special keys;

Respond described while thump, show option for user's preview;

Detect the release or the further thump of described special keys; And

Respond the described release or the further thump of described special keys, show one or more different option, and carry out the selection of determining by the user for user's preview.

15. claim 1, or claim 6, or the method for claim 7 also comprise:

Response user input shows with a plurality of row and to treat the option therefrom selected by the user;

If first key quilt is by hitting, highlighted demonstration is from the option of row in the described row;

If different keys quilt is by hitting, highlighted demonstration is from the option of another row in the described row; And

Respond further user's input, carry out the selection of determining by the user.

16. user's householder method that is used for carrying out the text input to mobile electronic device with keyboard and display, comprise most or all that show alphabetical A-Z, each letter is shown as the combination that appears at two isolated signs on the key that separates on the keyboard.

17. one in below the method for claim 16, a symbol use at least in the combination of wherein said two symbols is different from another: color, shade, line is thick, point.

18. the method for claim 17, a described symbol that wherein is different from another appear at first by on the key that hits with input alphabet.

19. the method for claim 16, one in below wherein at least some in the letter are used at least is different from other: color, and shade, line is thick, anti-phase demonstration.

20. control mobile electronic device to receive the method for figure selecting or cursor positioning information, comprising for one kind:

Display element on the display of electronic equipment;

Display logic ground is divided into each zone;

Detecting the corresponding user in viewing area who is shown in wherein with display element imports;

Previous selected zone logically is divided into each littler zone; And

As required, repeat the detection of front and the step of logical partitioning.

21. the method for claim 20 also is included in the described regional user of the confession selection of demonstration on the display.

22. the method for claim 21, wherein the zone is a tetrad.

23. the method for claim 20, wherein user's input is thump or key combination.

24. the method for claim 23, wherein at least some are used for that tablet pattern is selected or the key of cursor positioning information also is used for the text input.

25. the method for claim 20 is used to import rough figure selecting or cursor positioning information, wherein mobile electronic device has the fixed point bar, comprises that also using the fixed point bar to import fine pattern selects or cursor positioning information.

26. the method by voice-grade channel transmission information comprises:

Store each character in one group of character and a series of a plurality of dtmf tone unique corresponding relation between transferring; And

For in a plurality of characters to be transmitted each, send corresponding a plurality of dtmf tone and transfer series.

27. a keyboard that uses with mobile electronic device, this keyboard has the configuration of each key, and wherein each key forms each following basically mark thereon: left comer, right corner, last angle, inferior horn, horizontal line, perpendicular line.

28. a keyboard that uses with mobile electronic device, this keyboard has the configuration of each key, at least wherein four marks that key has projection formed thereon.

29. the device of claim 28, wherein at least six marks that key has projection formed thereon.

30. claim 28, or the device of claim 29, wherein key is made by material transparent, has by the visible mark that is different from raised marking of transparent material.

31. claim 27, or the device of claim 28, wherein said mark described key formed thereon divides into groups with no more than two groups, makes each group only comprise the key that described mark is formed thereon.

32. the device of claim 31, wherein said mark described key formed thereon divides into groups in single group.

33. a mobile electronic device comprises shell, display and key board unit with key apparatus configuration, and wherein each key apparatus forms each following basically mark thereon: left comer, right corner, last angle, inferior horn, horizontal line, perpendicular line.

34. the device of claim 33 also comprises the controller that is used to control described key board unit, controller is discerned various sequences, and wherein a plurality of key apparatus are activated in proper order according to alphabetic(al) various corresponding letters of expression or symbol.

35. the method for claim 34, wherein for each letter of English alphabet, each letter is activated by the order of two key apparatus just in time to be represented.

36. claim 34, or the device of claim 35, wherein key board unit is a physical keyboard, and key apparatus is a secondary or physical bond.

37. claim 27, or the device of claim 36, wherein mark is a stamped mark.

38. claim 27, or the device of claim 36, wherein mark is a raised marking.

39. claim 27, claim 28, or the device of claim 36, wherein key is formed by transparent material, has by the visible mark that is different from raised marking of transparent material.

40. claim 34, or the device of claim 35, wherein key board unit is a dummy keyboard, and key apparatus is a virtual key.

41. the device of claim 40, wherein mark is shown.

42. claim 34, or the device of claim 35 are formed with thereon wherein that some keys of each mark are positioned at a side of display in the described mark, and are formed with thereon that other keys of each mark are positioned at the relative side of display in the described mark.

43. claim 27, claim 28, or claim 34, or the device of claim 35, wherein said mark key formed thereon is arranged in two row.

44. claim 34, or the device of claim 35 wherein are formed with whole keys of each mark in the described mark thereon or are positioned at a described side of display or are positioned at the described opposite side of display.