GB2366171A

GB2366171A - Input method using display of three by three array of options corresponding to three by three keypad

Info

Publication number: GB2366171A
Application number: GB0107242A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yee-Lee Lok
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-04-14
Filing date: 2001-03-22
Publication date: 2002-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-22
Also published as: FR2807894A1; DE10117472A1; GB2366171B; GB0107242D0; TW460822B

Abstract

A three by three (or nine grid) array of input options is displayed (Fig. 3b) so that each option is placed in a location associated with the location of one key (KG1 to KG9) of an array of keys (Fig. 3a). Pressing one of the keys selects the displayed option corresponding to that key. Multiple level three by three arrays (see figs. 6-13) enable a large quantity of data, e.g. English or Chinese language, to be inputted quickly and intuitively.

Description

2366171 intuitive Input Method with a Three-by-Three Array of Options for

Intelligent Terminal

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an input method, specifically to an intuitive input method with a three-by-three array of options for use in an intelligent terminal, such as a cellular phone, a PDA, a personal computer, a portable computer, a car computer, a control box for television, etc.

Description of Prior Arts

In most intelligent terminals, such as cellular phones, PDAs, personal computers, portable computers, car computers, control boxes for televisions, 15 etc., the selection of an option is usually accomplished through a keyboard or a mouse. Generally, there are two conventional methods for selecting an option: (1) cursor method, i.e., moving the cursor to a certain option with a mouse, a track ball, direction keys or a joystick and then selecting the option by clicking or pressing the confirmation button; and (2) numerical-key method, 20 i.e., arranging a unique number in front of each option beforehand and selecting a certain option by enter the corresponding numerical key.

The above-mentioned cursor method utilizes the coordination between eyes and hands, that is, watching the cursor on the monitor and operating 25 with one hand (commonly right hand, but sometimes left hand) the moving tools, such as a mouse or direction keys, etc. As a whole, moving a cursor is a laborious job. For example, it takes 2-3 seconds to move a cursor from the bottom right corner to top left one, and it still requires a confirmation click after the cursor is moved to the desired position. It is especially inconvenient to 30 move a cursor under the condition that no mouse is available in the case of a portable terminal product.

Although the numerical-key method avoids the inconvenient of moving a cursor, it has the disadvantage that the number arranged in front of the description text of each option occupies too much display space which reveals to be very limited. On a small screen of a cellular phone, for example, it takes at least 2 digits of space, such as "1." and "2.", etc., to display the arranged number.

Summa[y of Invention In light of the conventional disadvantages discussed above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an intuitive input method with a three-by- 10 three array of options for an intelligent terminal, by which a user may intuitionally and swiftly performs the input of digits, characters, block options, etc.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an intuitive input 15 method with a three-by-three array of options for an intelligent terminal, which requires only the existing numerical keys arranged in the form of a a three-bythree array on the intelligent terminal without any additional equipment, so that the manufacturing of the intelligent terminals is very convenient.

20 The intuitive input method with a three-by-three array of options for an intelligent terminal according to the present invention utilizes the existing keypad arranged in the form of a a three-by-three array and corresponds each key in the nine-grid (three-by-three-array) keypad to each block in the nine-grid (three-by-three-array) menu on the screen. Thereby, the input or 25 selection of an option can be easily and swiftly accomplished by watching the option blocks on the screen and operating the nine-grid keypad through the sense of direction and the coordination between eyes and hands.

In the method of the present invention, the option data are arranged in a 30 nine-grid (three-by-three-array) data structure.

If the number of option data in a single level is less than nine, the data are arranged within one three-by-three and only one press is required to select the desired option. If the number of option data in a level is greater than nine, the data are arranged in plural three-by-three arrays, which are designed to be expressed sequentially, and the selection can be made among different three-by-three arrays in the same level.

5 In addition, there may be either one single level or multiple levels in the nine-grid data structure. In the case of a multiple-level data structure, the next level will be automatically expressed for subsequent selection after the selection of an option in previous level is accomplished. Therefore, such nine-grid data structure may process a very complicated and enormous data 10 system.

According to the intuitive input method with a three-by-three array of options for use in an intelligent terminal of the present invention, the laborious and time-consuming process of the conventional cursor method, i.e., firstly 15 moving a tool, such as direction keys or a mouse, and then clicking the confirmation key, can be eliminated. The selection input can be accomplished by simply pressing the corresponding key on the keypad in accordance with the directions of the nine-grid keypad. Accordingly, it is more convenient for a user to select an option by operating a keypad, and the input 20 speed is improved, which is impossible to be achieved by the conventional cursor method.

On the other hand, being different from the numerical-key method, the intuitive input method with a three-by-three array of options for an intelligent 25 terminal of the present invention does not require any space for displaying a number in front of each option. A user may swiftly select a desired option by simply watching the direction of the three-by-three array of options on the monitor and intuitionally pressing the corresponding key of the nine-grid keypad.

Furthermore, in the nine-grid data structure according to the present invention, the option list is rearranged into a nine-grid (three-by-threearray) graphical format, and a user may thus easily memorize the direction of an option and become familiar with the input method in a short time to thereby 4 achieve a higher input speed.

Moreover, the intuitive input method with a three-by-three array of options for an intelligent terminal according to the present invention only utilizes the 5 existing numerical keys which are generally arranged in the form of a three by-three array, and thus it is very convenient in manufacturing. Because of the simplicity of the keys, only one hand is required in operating the input of digits, characters and block options. The function thereof is no less than a complete computer keyboard.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure I shows the arrangement of a conventional nine-grid (three-by three array) keypad; Figure 2 shows the nine-grid (three-by-three array) menu according to 15 the method of the present invention; Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are respectively the nine-grid keypad and the nine grid menu according to the method of the present invention for explaining the correspondence therebetween; Figure 4 illustrates the index method of the nine-grid data structure 20 according to the present invention; Figure 5 is an example of the present invention illustrating the input method when the number of option data in a single level is less than or equal to nine; Figure 6 is an example of the present invention illustrating the input 25 method when the number of option data in a single level is greater than nine; Figure 7 is an example of the present invention illustrating the input method of a multiple-level data structure; Figures 8(a) to 8(c) illustrate an example for English input according to the method of the present invention; 30 Figure 9 illustrates another example for English input according to the method of the present invention; Figure 10 is an example for data input of a multiple-level data structure according to the method of the present invention; Figures 11 (a) and 11 (b) illustrate an example for Chinese input according to the method of the present invention; Figure 12 is another example for Chinese input according to the method of the present invention; Figure 13(a) shows the conventional method for selecting a multiple-level 5 option in the windows system, and Figure 13(b) shows an example for selecting a multiple-level option in the windows system according to the method of the present invention; and Figures 14(a) and 14(b) illustrate an example for selecting an option on the desktop in the windows system according to the method of the present 10 invention.

Detailed Description of Invention

The intuitive input method with a three-by-three array of options 15 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

An ordinary keypad is provided with four direction keys, i.e., up, down, left and right, for moving a cursor, but not for definite blocks. As shown in 20 Figure 1, a nine-grid (three-by-three-array) keypad is provided with a center key in the center and eight peripheral keys surrounding the center one for directing eight different directions, which are easy to be recognized in the blind operation of keys. Accordingly, the nine-grid keypad conforms to the operation ability of human fingers, which is approximately the limit for human 25 to recognize directions in the blind operation of keys.

In the operation mode of the intuitive input method with a three-by-three array of options according to the present invention, a nine-grid (threebythree-array) menu is displayed on the screen of a intelligent terminal, such as 30 a cellular phone, a PDA, a personal computer, a portable computer, a car computer, a television set, etc., and is divided into nine blocks, each of which is displayed with an option for selection. As shown in Figure 2, for example, the nine-grid menu may either fill up the whole screen or merely occupies a small portion thereof, that is to say, a ninegrid menu is necessary, yet its size may be properly designed depending on different demands.

Each block of the nine-grid menu on the screen corresponds to each of the nine keys of the nine-grid keypad on the intelligent terminal according to 5 its position. With reference to Figures 3(a) and 3(b), Figure 3(a) shows a nine-grid keypad of an intelligent terminal and Figure 3(b) shows the nine-grid menu displayed on its screen. The nine blocks DG1, DG,2,... IDG9 in the nine-grid menu on the screen respectively correspond to the nine keys KG1, KG2,... KG9.

Thereby, an operator may easily and swiftly press the key on the corresponding position to perform the selection of an option by watching the option blocks on the screen and operating the nine-grid keypad through the sense of direction and the coordination between eyes and hands.

In the method according to the present invention, the option data are displayed and indexed in a nine-grid (three-by-three-array) data structure, the rules of which are:

(a) if the number of option data in a single level is less than or equal to 20 nine, then the option data are arranged sequentially in the blocks of the ninegrid menu for selection; (b) if the number of option data in one level is greater than nine, then eight of the option data are arranged sequentially in the blocks of the ninegrid menu and one block is left for "OTHERS"; when a user press the key 25 corresponding to the "OTHERS" block, if the number of the remaining option data is greater than nine, the above step repeats, otherwise, if the number of the remaining option data is less than or equal to nine, all of the remaining option date are arranged in the blocks of the nine- grid menu for selection.

30 Accordingly, if the number of data in a single level is less than or equal to nine, only one three-by-three array is required for the arrangement of the data and only one press is needed to accomplish the input of an option data. If the number of data in one level is greater than nine, plural three-by-three arrays can be arranged and the selection can be accomplished by sequentially expressing the next three-by-three array.

There may be either one single level or multiple levels in the nine-grid data structure. In the case of a multiple-level data structure, the next level will 5 be automatically expressed for further selection right after the option of the previous level is selected. Figure 4 illustrates the nine-grid data structure according to the present invention. Such a nine-grid data structure is possible to process a very complicated and enormous data system.

10 Since there may be more than nine options in one single level and also there may exist multiple levels in such nine-grid data structure, two additional buttons on the intelligent terminal equipment could be used in order for convenient selection of options in the nine-grid data structure. One of the additional buttons is used for returning to the status before the last press and 15 the other is used for returning to the previous level. For example, as shown in Figure 3, KG is used for returning to the status before the last press and KGO is used for returning to the previous level.

The detailed operation rules of the intuitive input method with a threeby- 20 three array of options according to the present invention will be further described below through Examples 1 to 3.

Example 1

25 As shown in Figure 5, there is only one single level in the nine-grid data structure, and the number of options is less than or equal to nine; that is, seven options A to G, are to be selected. When a user wishes to select option E, only one press on the key KG5 is required to finish the input.

30 Example 2

As shown in Figure 6, there is only one single level in the nine-grid data structure, yet the number of options is greater than nine; that is, thirteen options A to M, are to be selected. When a user wishes to select option J, a press on the key KG9 ('OTHERS') is firstly required since the option J is not initially displayed in the nine-grid menu, and then a press on the key KG2 is further required to finish the input.

5 Example 3

As shown in Figure 7, there are three levels in the nine-grid data structure. When a user wishes to select the option D2J, sequentially presses respectively on the keys KG4, KG2, KG9 and KG2 are required to finish the 10 input.

Various applications of the intuitive input method with a three-by-three array of options according to the present invention will be described below through Examples 4 to 10.

Examole 4 - English inpu In the "English input mode", the display screen is as shown in Figure 8(a). If a user wishes to input the word "CAP", the keys required to be 20 pressed are as fellows:

(i) Press KG1, and the screen will display the frame as shown in Figure 8(b). Subsequently, press KG3, and the input of "C" is completed. The screen may be set to automatically return to the frame of Figure 8(a) at this moment.

25 (ii) Press KG1, and the screen will display the frame as shown in Figure 8(b). Subsequently, press KG1, and the input of "A" is completed. The screen will automatically return to the frame of Figure 8(a).

(iii) Press KG2, and the screen will display the frame as shown in Figure 8(c). Subsequently, press KG7, and the input of "P" is completed. The 30 screen will automatically return to the frame of Figure 8(a).

Accordingly, it takes totally six times of press to finish the input the word "CAP".

Example 5 - English input There are 26 different letters in English alphabet, that is, more than nine 5 options. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, the block IDG9 is defined as an "OTHERS" option, implying that there are many other options in this level for selection.

Example 6 - English input In addition to the single-level structure in Example 5, a multiple-level structure as shown in Figure 10 may also be used for the input of data with more than nine options.

15 Further, in this case, it is designed to use the key KG for returning to the status before the last press and to use the key KGO for returning to the previous level. For example, if the screen is now displayed with frame (d) , then, a press on the key KG will render the screen return to frame (c) and a press on the key KGO will render the screen return to frame (b). Moreover, for 20 example, if the screen is displayed with frame (d), then two presses on the key KGO will render the screen return to frame (a).

Example 7 - Chinese input 25 In the "Mandarin Phonetic Symbol Input Mode", the screen is displayed as shown in Figure 11 (a). If a user wishes to input the character "<( Q) ", t h e press sequence is as follows: KG1, KG9, KG4, KG3 and KG7. Then, the frame as shown in Figure 14(b) will be display on the screen. Subsequently, press KG1 to complete the input of the character Example 8 - Chinese inou In the "Stroke Input Mode", a user may input the strokes of a Chinese character by simply using the numerical keys 0-9. For example, when a user wishes to input the character the strokes of which is 12, only two sequential presses on the keys 1(KG1) and 2(KG2) are required and the frame as shown in Figure 12 will be displayed on the screen. Then, subsequently press the keys KG9, KG9 and KG4 to complete the input of the character " ".

Example 9

In the multiple-option input method of conventional windows as illustrated 10 in Figure 13(a), which is very complicated, the cursor should be moved up, down, left and right for several times and then a click on the confirmation key is required to finish the input of an option, such as option "428".

According to the intuitive input method with a three-by-three array of 15 options of the present invention, as shown in Figure 13(b), it is only required to press the keys KG4, KG2 and KG8 subsequently to complete the input of the option "428".

Example 10

When the frame as shown in Figure 14(a) is displayed on the screen and a user wishes to select option "53", it is only required to firstly press the key KG6, which renders the frame shown in Figure 14(b) displayed on the screen, and then press the key KG8 to complete the input of the option.

The option "53" mentioned in this Example could be an icon, an image, a character or a set of text. For example, in a window system, the icons on the desktop can be arranged in this way. Thereby, the selection of an option is possible to be achieved swiftly and conveniently by simply pressing the keys 30 twice using a remote controller hold in one hand or using the nine- grid numerical keys.

The intuitive input method with a three-by-three array of options according to this invention can be applied to any combination of a screen and a keypad, as long as the size of the screen is suitable for displaying a ninegrid menu and the contents therein. For instance, it is suitable for use in a monitor phone, a cellular phone, a computer, a PDA, a control box for television and a remote controller, and a digital camera, etc. The numerical 5 keys 1-9 on a remote controller, a cell phone, a computer keyboard and a telephone keypad are generally designed in the form of a three-by-three array, and thus there is no requirement for another nine-grid keypad. Only a small adjustment on the rise and fall of each key is required to meet the requirement of ergonomics for blind operation with fingers.

When the present invention is applied to a remote controller, the remote controller should be provided at least nine keys KG1-KG9 in the form of a three-by-three array as shown in Figure 3(a) and two additional keys, one of which for returning to the previous level and the other for returning to the 15 status before last operation. Although remote controllers are generally operated by touch, yet the nine-grid menu displayed on the screen may still be retained if the remote controller is operated by voice.

Although this invention has been described with reference to the 20 Examples and attached drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Variation and modification based on the spirit of the present invention do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An intuitive input method with a three-by-three array of options for an intelligent terminal having a screen and a nine-grid (three-by-threearray) keypad, said method comprising: displaying a nine-grid (three-by-three- array) menu on the screen, each block of the nine-grid menu containing an option data for selection; corresponding each block of the nine-grid menu on the screen respectively to each key of the nine-grid keypad depending on its position; 10 displaying and indexing the option data with a nine-grid (three-by- three- array) data structure; and selecting an option data in the nine-grid menu displayed on the screen by pressing the corresponding key on the nine-grid keypad.

15

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the nine-grid keypad on the intelligent terminal is a set of numerical keys 1-9 arranged in the form of a three-by-three array.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the index rules of the ninegrid data structure are as follows: if the number of option data in a level is less than or equal to nine, the option data are sequentially arranged in each block of the nine-grid menu displayed on the screen for selection; if the number of option data in a level is greater than nine, eight of the 25 option data are sequentially arranged in eight blocks of the nine-grid menu displayed on the screen for selection and one block of the nine-grid menu is retained for "OTHERS"; when the key corresponding to the "OTHERS" block is pressed, if the number of the remaining option data is greater than nine, repeat the above-mentioned step, and if the number of the remaining option 30 data is less than or equal to nine, the remaining option data are sequentially arranged in each block of the nine-grid menu for selection;

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the option data are arranged in a single-level nine-grid data structure.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the option data are arranged in a multiple-level nine-grid data structure and the three-by-three array of the next level will be automatically expressed right after an option data is selected.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the intelligent terminal is further provided with a key for returning to the status before the last operation.

10

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the intelligent terminal is further provided with a key for returning to the previous level in the nine-grid data structure.