GB2401701A

GB2401701A - Mode selection for communications device keypad

Info

Publication number: GB2401701A
Application number: GB0311336A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christophe Jean Bataillard
Original assignee: INQUAM
Current assignee: INQUAM
Priority date: 2003-05-16
Filing date: 2003-05-16
Publication date: 2004-11-17
Also published as: WO2004102937A1; GB0311336D0

Abstract

A communications device 10 e.g. mobile telephone comprises a keypad 18 having an input key 22 having associated with it a first input function 42 and a second input function 43, and a mode selector 20, e.g. mode shift key. In response to an activation of the input key, the device performs one of the first and second input functions (e.g. entry of lower or upper case letters) in dependence of the state of the mode selector. A shift lock mechanism may be employed. For convenience, the mode selector 20 maybe located on the side of the device. In one embodiment, the user may select which of two keys (e.g. located on opposite sides of the device, Fig. 4) should function as the mode shift key, e.g. corresponding to whether the user is right- or left-handed.

Description

INPUT MECHANISM

The invention relates to a communications device. Preferred examples relate to an input mechanism for a wireless communications device, for example a mobile telephone.

The term 'communications device' preferably refers to any device used for the purpose of voice or data communication, or other kinds of communication. The term preferably refers to devices which provide communication functions for communicating over a communications network. The term 'wireless communications device' preferably refers to devices providing means for communicating over a Examples of such communication devices include mobile or handheld devices, such as wireless or mobile telephones.

Due to the small size of many such communications devices, in particular wireless or mobile telephones, the space available for input keys is usually limited; typically, number keys 0 to 9 (often doubling as letter keys) and symbol keys * and # are provided together with a few function keys, each function key having a particular function associated with it. This limits the number of functions directly accessible to the user. Often, further functions are accessible via a nested menu structure, with menus being displayed on a display of the device. Use of such nested menu structures can, however, be slow and cumbersome.

Some devices comprise keys whose function is dependent on.context, sometimes referred to as "soft keys". To use such keys, the user must, howevebe aware of the current state of the device and know which function is associated with a given key in the current context. On some devices, the current function of a "soft key" is displayed on the display.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved input mechanism for a device. - 1

Accordingly, in a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a communications device comprising a telephone keypad having an input key, the input key having associated with it a first input function and a second input function, the communications device further comprising a mode selector operable by a user of the communications device to select one of a plurality of input modes; and wherein the communications device is adapted, in response to an activation of the input key, to perform one of the first and second input functions in dependence on the state of the mode selector.

This provides for improved usability and flexibility by allowing several input functions to be associated with a single input key. A user can directly control which of the functions associated with the input key should be performed at any given time.

The total number of input keys provided in the communications device may also be reduced, which may in turn lead to a reduction in complexity and manufacturing cost.

The term 'telephone keypad' preferably refers to the kind of keypad typically found on wireless, mobile, or regular telephones. These typically comprise a reduced set of input keys compared with a full keyboard, such as a QWERTY keyboard used with a computer. Telephone keypads typically comprise number keys, symbol keys and a limited set of function keys (that is, keys which are generally used to instruct the device to perform some action), with number keys often doubling as letter keys.

Preferably, the term 'telephone keypad' refers to a keypad having fewer than 50 keys.

Preferably, it refers to a keypad having fewer than 30 keys, preferably fewer than 20 keys.

Preferably, the mode selector is spaced apart from the keypad. This allows a user to distinguish more easily between the mode shift key and the keys in the keypad and may make the device easier to operate, especially on small devices where the keys are located fairly close to each other.

This feature is of particular importance and is therefore also provided independently.

Hence, in a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a communications device comprising a mode selector and a keypad having an input key, wherein the mode

A - 2

selector is spaced apart from the keypad, and wherein the input key has associated with it a first input function and a second input function, the mode selector being operable by a user of the communications device to select one of a plurality of input modes; and wherein the communications device is adapted, in response to an activation of the input key, to perform one of the first and second input functions in dependence on the state of the mode selector.

Preferably, the communications device is adapted, in response to an activation of the input key, to perform the first input function if the mode selector is not activated at the time of the input key activation, and to perform the second input function if the mode selector is activated at the time of the input key activation. In this way, activation or operation of the mode selector is only required when initiating the second input function, the first input function being a default function performed when the mode selector is not activated. This may simplify operation of the communications device.

The mode selector preferably comprises a mode shift key, the mode selector being activated by pressing the mode shift key. This again simplifies operation of the device. Preferably, the communications device is adapted, in response to an activation of the input key, to perform the first input function if the mode shift key is not held pressed at the time of the input key activation, and to perform the second input function if the mode shift key is held pressed at the time of the input key activation.

Preferably, the input key is located on a first side of the communications device, and the mode selector is located on a second side of the communications device. This may make two-handed operation of the device easier, especially if the device is relatively small.

Preferably, the communications device includes a user-facing surface having a keypad, and a side surface substantially perpendicular to the user-facing surface, the input key being located on the user-facing surface, and the mode selector being located on the side surface. The user-facing surface may also comprise a display.

Again, this may simplify two-handed operation, for example, where the communications device is a mobile telephone designed to be held in the palm of one hand. In such an example, the mode shift key may then be pressed with the thumb of - 3 the hand holding the device, leaving the other hand free to operate the input keys.

Alternatively, the mode shift key may be held pressed with a finger (such as the index finger) of the hand holding the telephone, with the thumb of the same hand being used to operate the input keys. In this way, onehanded operation may be achieved, further enhancing usability of the device.

The input key may have associated with it a plurality of input functions, the communications device being adapted, in response to an activation of the input key, to perform one of the plurality of input functions in dependence on a combination of the state of the communications device and the state of the mode selector. This may provide greater flexibility by making the effect of the mode shift key on a given input key context dependent, which may allow more functions to be associated with a single input key.

The mode selector may comprise a locking mechanism operable to lock the mode selector in a selected state. This may remove the need for continually or repeatedly activating the mode selector (for example continuously holding the mode shift key pressed) where this would otherwise be required. The locking mechanism may comprise a hardware or mechanical mechanism, a software mechanism, or a combination of the two. The locking mechanism may, for example, hold the mode shift key in its pressed position. For example, the locking mechanism may comprise a recess into which a portion of the mode shift key may be slid when pressed, the mode shift key then being prevented from returning to its unpressed position. In another example, the locking mechanism may be separate from the mode shift key, and may comprise a further key or switch.

The input key is preferably one of a number key, a letter key, a symbol key and a function key. It may also be any other kind of key.

The communications device may include a plurality of function keys and means for selecting one of the plurality of function keys to be the mode selector. This can provide increased flexibility, allowing the key used as mode selector to be selected based on user preference. One of the keys may function as mode selector by default, - 4 with the user having the option of selecting a different key as mode selector if required, for example using a configuration menu of the device.

The communications device preferably includes a user-facing surface having a keypad S and first and second side surfaces substantially perpendicular to the user-facing surface, and preferably further includes a first function key located on the first side surface, a second function key located on the second side surface, and means for selecting one of the first and second function keys to be the mode selector. The user- facing surface may also comprise a display. The first and second side surfaces are preferably opposite side surfaces of the device, and are preferably the left and right side surfaces relative to the normal orientation of the device (when looking at the display and/or operating the keypad). In this way, the device may be customised, for example for left-handed or right-handed operation.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a communications device comprising an input key, the input key having associated with it a first input function and a second input function, the communications device further comprising a mode selector operable by a user of the communications device to select one of a plurality of input modes; and wherein the communications device is adapted, in response to an activation of the input key, to perform one of the first and second input functions in dependence on the state of the mode selector.

Preferably, the communications device is a wireless communications device. It may be a wireless telephone, such as a mobile telephone.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a user interface manager for a communications device, comprising means for receiving an input key signal and an input mode signal, means for selecting an input function of the communications device in dependence on the input key signal and the input mode signal; and means for initiating the input function.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of processing an input key signal received from a communications device keypad, comprising: receiving the input key signal; determining an input mode in dependence on the status of a mode selector; selecting an input function in dependence on the input key signal and the input mode; and initiating the input function.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of initiating one of a] first input function and a second input function of a communications device using an input key, comprising pressing the input key to initiate the first input function; and activating a mode selector and pressing the input key to initiate the second input ' function. i The invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

The invention also provides a signal embodying a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus i features described herein, a method of transmitting such a signal, and a computer product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described ' with reference to the accompanying drawings. l Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the i invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be i applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may generally be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly. - 6

The invention will now be described purely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure l shows a mobile telephone incorporating a keypad and a mode shift key; Figure 2 illustrates the mapping of keys of the keypad of Figure 1 to input functions; Figure 3 illustrates the operation of a user interface manager of the mobile telephone of Figure 1; and 10Figure 4 shows an example of a mobile telephone having two side keys for use as mode shift keys.

A mobile telephone incorporating a mode shift key is shown in Figure 1.

15Mobile telephone 10 comprises a user-facing surface 12 having a display 16 and a keypad 18 comprising a number of input keys. The input keys may be function keys, numberAetter keys, symbol keys, or any other kind of keys.

A side surface 14 of the mobile telephone 10 comprises a mode selector in the form of mode shift key 20.

The location of the mode shift key 20 allows easier operation of the key. For example, the key may be reached easily by one of the fingers or the thumb of a user's hand whilst holding the telephone. In other examples, the mode shift key is located elsewhere on the mobile telephone, for example on the user-facing surface 12 near or integrated into keypad 18.

Keypad 18 operates in one of two input modes. When mode shift key 20 is not pressed, keypad 18 operates in standard input mode. When mode shift key 20 is pressed, the keypad enters shift mode. It remains in shift mode for as long as mode shift key 20 is held pressed, and returns to standard input mode as soon as mode shift key 20 is released.

Each key in the keypad is associated with a standard function. This function is performed when the key is pressed whilst in standard input mode.

Each key may further have a secondary function associated with it. The secondary function is performed when the key is pressed whilst in shift mode. If a key does not have a secondary function associated with it, then the standard function is also performed in shift mode. In an alternative example, for a key without associated secondary function, no function is performed in shift mode.

If the mode shift key is released, the keypad returns from shift mode into standard input mode.

Figure 2 illustrates the association of keypad keys with input functions. Mobile I telephone 10 comprises keypad 18 having a number of keys, including keys K1 (22), K2 (24) and K3 (26). Each key is associated with at least one input function.

In the example shown, K1 (22) is associated with standard function F1 (42) and secondary function F1' (43). Key K2 (24) is associated with standard function F2 (44). There is no secondary function associated with key K2. Key K3 (26) is associated with standard function F3 (46) and with secondary function F3' (47).

If Key K1 is pressed whilst mode shift key 20 is not pressed, then the standard function F1 (42) associated with key K1 is performed. However, if mode shift key 20 is held pressed whilst key K1 is pressed, then secondary function F1' (43) associated with key K1 is performed.

Similarly, if key K2 is pressed whilst in standard input mode (that is, mode shift key is not pressed), then associated standard function F2 is performed. However, since there is no secondary function associated with key K2, the same function F2 is also performed when key K2 is pressed whilst in shift mode (that is, with mode shift key pressed). In the alternative example mentioned above, pressing key K2 performs no function with the mode shift key 20 pressed. - 8

As an example, input key 22 may have a 'display phone book' function assigned as a standard function, and a 'display missed calls' function assigned as a secondary function. In this example, if input key 22 is pressed without use of the mode shift key 20, then a list of the names and telephone numbers stored in the mobile telephone's phone book is displayed to the user. If mode shift key 20 is held pressed whilst input key 22 is pressed, then, instead of the phone book, a list of recently missed calls is displayed, for example showing the telephone number of the caller and the time of the call.

The assignment of standard and secondary functions to keys of the keypad may be fixed and constant regardless of context, or may be context dependent.

In an example of the latter, whilst an SMS short message is being entered by the user, I a numberAetter key may provide for input of a lower case letter in standard input mode and input of an upper case letter in shift mode. During dialling, the same numberAetter key may provide for input of a digit in standard input mode, and for recall of a previously stored speed dial number in shift mode.

Figure 3 illustrates the operation of a user interface manager of the mobile telephone.

A user interface manager 50 receives input signals from keypad 18 in response to key presses by a user. The user interface manager 50 may be implemented as hardware, as software executing on a processor of the mobile telephone, or as a combination of the two.

Specifically, in response to a key press, user interface manager 50 receives a signal K from keypad 18. Signal K identifies which of the keypad's keys has been pressed.

Furthermore, user interface manager 50 receives a shift status signal S from the mode shift key 20. Signal S is a Boolean signal indicating whether or not the mode shift key is currently pressed.

The user interface manager 50 selects one of functions F1 to En in dependence on the key input signal K and the shift status signal S and initiates its execution. In the example shown, standard function F1 (42) is selected and executed in response to key Kl being pressed when the mode shift key is not pressed (S = false). However, if the mode shift key is held pressed (S = true) at the same time as key K1 is pressed, then secondary function F1' (43) is selected and executed instead of standard function F1.

The input functions are typically performed by software routines executing on a processor of the mobile telephone, but may also be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software. Some input functions (such as input of a digit or letter) may be performed directly by the user interface manager 50, whilst others are performed by invoking separate software routines.

The selection of the appropriate function to be performed can be carried out in a number of ways, the exact implementation being dependent on the software architecture of the mobile telephone. In one example, the mobile telephone's software comprises several modules, and each module carries out the functions of the user interface manager 50 itself by receiving signals K and S and taking the appropriate action in response.

In another example, user interface manager 50 accesses a look-up table (not shown) which contains a unique function identifier for each combination of key press and input mode, as shown in the following example: Key Shift Function Kl F1 Kl true F1' K2 false F2 K2 true F2 K3 false F3 K3 true F3' The user interface manager 50 then initiates the required function either by carrying out the necessary steps itself, invoking a software module associated with the function, or sending a message to a currently active software module. The lookup - 10 table may be updatable if the functions associated with the various keys are to be context dependent, or fixed if not. In the first case, a software module (for example, an internet browser application) may modify the lookup table in accordance with its requirements as soon as it is invoked. Upon leaving the software module, the original lookup table is restored.

In the above examples, the mode selector is provided in the form of mode shift key 20. In other examples, a different kind of mode selector may be used. For example, continually holding the mode shift key pressed may not be required, shift mode instead being entered in response to a first press of the mode shift key, a second press returning the keypad to standard input mode. In a further example, a locking mechanism associated with the shift key is provided to provide a shift lock function, whereby the shift key may be locked in its activated state. In this example, the keypad then operates in shift mode until the shift lock is released, without the need for continually holding the shift key pressed.

In a further example, more than one mode shift key may be provided, with the function of a given input key being dependent on which (if any) of the mode shift keys is pressed, or on a combination of several simultaneously pressed mode shift keys. In this example, more than two input modes are typically associated with the keypad. In a further example, a switch having two or more positions may be used to select between two or more input modes.

In yet a further example, the user of the mobile telephone may be able to select which of several keys should function as the mode shift key. Figure 4 shows a mobile telephone handset 70 comprising a first side key 72 located on one side surface of the handset, and a second side key 74 located on the opposite side surface of the handset.

In this example, the user may select which of the side keys 72 and 74 should function as the mode shift key. This selection may, for example, be made using a configuration menu of the mobile telephone, and may be made depending on how the user prefers to operate the handset and on whether the user is left-handed or right-handed. Other keys may also be provided which may be selectable to function as mode shift keys, and may be located on any surface of the mobile telephone. - 11

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modification of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. Hardware functions may be implemented in software and vice versa.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination. - 12

Claims

1. A communications device comprising a telephone keypad having an input key, the input key having associated with it a first input function and a second input function, the communications device further comprising a mode selector operable by a user of the communications device to select one of a plurality of input modes; and wherein the communications device is adapted, in response to an activation of the input key, to perform one of the first and second input functions in dependence on the state of the mode selector.

2. A communications device according to Claim l, wherein the mode selector is spaced apart from the keypad.

3. A communications device comprising a mode selector and a keypad having an input key, wherein the mode selector is spaced apart from the keypad, and wherein the input key has associated with it a first input function and a second input function, the mode selector being operable by a user of the communications device to select one of a plurality of input modes; and wherein the communications device is adapted, in response to an activation of the input key, to perform one of the first and second input functions in dependence on the state of the mode selector.

4. A communications device according to any of the preceding claims, adapted, in response to an activation of the input key, to perform the first input function if the mode selector is not activated at the time of the input key activation, and to perform the second input function if the mode selector is activated at the time of the input key activation.

5. A communications device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mode selector comprises a mode shift key, the mode selector being activated by pressing the mode shift key. - 13

6. A communications device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the input key is located on a first side of the communications device, and the mode selector is located on a second side of the communications device.

7. A communications device according to any of the preceding claims, including a user-facing surface having a keypad, and a side surface substantially perpendicular to the user-facing surface, and wherein the input key is located on the user-facing surface, and the mode selector is located on the side surface.

8. A communications device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the input key has associated with it a plurality of input functions, and wherein the communications device is adapted, in response to an activation of the input key, to perform one of the plurality of input functions in dependence on a combination of the state of the communications device and the state of the mode selector.

9. A communications device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mode selector further comprises a locking mechanism operable to lock the mode selector in a selected state.

lO. A communications device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the input key is one of a number key, a letter key, a symbol key and a function key.

11. A communications device according to any of the preceding claims, including a plurality of function keys and means for selecting one of the plurality of function keys to be the mode selector.

12. A communications device according to any of the preceding claims, including a user-facing surface having a keypad and first and second side surfaces substantially perpendicular to the user-facing surface, further including a first function key located on the first side surface, a second function key located on the second side surface, and means for selecting one of the first and second function keys to be the mode selector. - 14

13. A communications device comprising an input key, the input key having associated with it a first input function and a second input function, the communications device further comprising a mode selector operable by a user of the communications device to select one of a plurality of input modes; and wherein the communications device is adapted, in response to an activation of the input key, to perform one of the first and second input functions in dependence on the state of the mode selector.

14. A communications device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the communications device is a wireless communications device.

15. A user interface manager for a communications device, comprising means for receiving an input key signal and an input mode signal, means for selecting an input function of the communications device in dependence on the input key signal and the input mode signal; and means for initiating the input function.

16. A method of processing an input key signal received from a communications device keypad, comprising: receiving the input key signal; determining an input mode in dependence on the status of a mode selector; selecting an input function in dependence on the input key signal and the input mode; and initiating the input function.

17. A method of initiating one of a first input function and a second input function of a communications device using an input key, comprising pressing the input key to initiate the first input function; and activating a mode selector and pressing the input key to initiate the second input function.

18. Apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

19. A method substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings. -