KR100834624B1 - Methode for using alphanumeric changing key in mobile phone - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of implementing a function using the number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal having a number / character conversion key, wherein a number / character input mode is alternated based on the number / character conversion key input from a user. Inputting a message including at least one of numbers and characters and storing the message in a memory; and setting a message stored in the memory as a message corresponding to a selected function based on a terminal function selection from a user. Characterized in that the process is performed.

Mobile terminal, number / character conversion key, function implementation

Description

How to use number / character conversion key on mobile terminal {METHODE FOR USING ALPHANUMERIC CHANGING KEY IN MOBILE PHONE}             

1 is an example illustrating a phone number search process in a mobile communication terminal according to the prior art;

2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a short message transmission process in a mobile communication terminal according to the prior art;

3 is a block diagram of a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating a method of using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a flowchart illustrating a phone number search control using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a phone number search process using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a flowchart illustrating a short message transmission control using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

8 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a short message transmission process using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal, and more particularly, to a method of using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal.

As communication technology advances, most users own one or more mobile communication terminals. For example, use of cellular telephones and PDAs. As the popularity of mobile communication terminals becomes popular, the functions of the mobile communication terminals are also diversified and their performances are gradually developed. Accordingly, in recent years, various technologies have been developed for more convenient use when a user performs various functions such as searching a phone number or transmitting a short message in a mobile communication terminal.

 According to the prior art, users go through many menu procedures using various display means when performing various functions such as phone number search, short message transmission, e-mail transmission, and memo in a mobile communication terminal.

1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a phone number search process in a mobile communication terminal according to the prior art. Referring to Figure 1 will be described a phone number search process in a mobile communication terminal according to the prior art. When the user selects the phone number search from the menu of the mobile communication terminal, the mobile communication terminal displays a sub-menu screen related to the phone number search on the display window on the LCD. As shown in FIG. 1, when a user selects a submenu in the order of "1: Find phone number" → "2: Find by name", the mobile communication terminal inputs a "Find name" related to "2: Find by name". "Display the screen on the display. Of course, the user may search for the phone number by using other methods such as "1: search by speed number" or "3: search by number" in addition to "2: search by name". When the user inputs "Kim", a character of the name to find on the "Enter a name to find" screen, and presses a key corresponding to the entered character search, the mobile communication terminal is "Kim Gunmo", "Kim Jang-hoon", "Kim Hyun-Ju" Display the included messages on the display. When the user selects "Kim Gun Mo", the mobile communication terminal displays "Gim Gun Mo" along with a phone number corresponding to "Kim Gun Mo" on the display window. When the user presses the SEND key, the mobile communication terminal makes a call to the phone number displayed on the display window.

2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a short message transmission process in a mobile communication terminal according to the prior art. Referring to Figure 2 will be described in the short message transmission process in the mobile communication terminal according to the prior art. When the user selects the short message transmission function in the menu of the mobile communication terminal, the mobile communication terminal displays a sub-menu screen related to the short message transmission on the display window. As shown in FIG. 2, when the user selects a submenu in the order of "1: Received message" → "1: Write a letter" → "1: Write a new sentence", the mobile communication terminal selects "1: Write a new sentence". The relevant "Write a new sentence" screen is displayed on the display. When the user inputs the text message "Korea Fighting!" To be sent to the "Write a new sentence" screen and saves a sentence, the mobile terminal stores the sentence of "Korea Fighting!" In the memory and displays the "Enter a counterpart number" screen. Mark on. When the user enters the other party's number on the “Enter Relative Number” screen and presses the enter / confirmation key, a text message is sent to the entered other party's number.

As described above, according to the related art, when a user performs a function such as searching a phone number or transmitting a short message, "1: find phone number" → "2: find by name" or "1: receive message" → "1: write a letter A complicated procedure that goes through several levels of menus, such as "→" 1: Write a new sentence ", is necessary. This is because the user selects one of the functions and writes a message corresponding to the selected function when performing a function such as searching a phone number, transmitting a short message, sending an e-mail, or taking a memo in the mobile communication terminal. Some users are forced to give up their functions such as searching phone numbers or sending short messages due to the complicated process of going through the various menus.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for a user to more easily and easily implement functions such as phone number search or short message transmission using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of using a number / character conversion key for allowing a user to enter a number / character easily and conveniently in a mobile communication terminal.

In accordance with the above object, the present invention, in the method of implementing the function using the numeric / character conversion key in the mobile terminal equipped with a numeric / character conversion key, based on the input of the numeric / character conversion key from the user Inputting a message including at least one of a number and a letter while alternating a number / character input mode and storing the message in a memory; and storing a message stored in the memory according to a function selected by a terminal from a user. Set to a message characterized in that the process of performing the selected function.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same elements in the figures are represented by the same numerals wherever possible. In addition, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention will be omitted.

3 is a block diagram of a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, a mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 16, a key input unit 10, a display unit 12, a memory 14, a transmitter 18, and a receiver ( 20, a duplexer 24, an audio unit 22, a speaker (SPK) 26, and a microphone (MIC) 28.

The controller 16 controls the overall operation of the mobile communication terminal, and according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a user performs a function such as searching a phone number using a number / character conversion key, transmitting a short message, sending an email, or taking a memo, Perform a control action. The memory 14 includes a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a voice memory, and the like for storing a plurality of programs and data, and converts numbers / characters according to an embodiment of the present invention. It stores the data needed to perform functions such as searching a phone number using a key, sending a short message, sending an email, and taking a note. The transmitter 18 receives the signal generated by the controller 16 and digitally modulates the signal and transmits the signal to the duplexer 24. The duplexer 24 transmits the radio signal received from the transmitter 18 through the antenna, and transmits the signal received through the antenna to the receiver 20. The receiver 20 demodulates a radio signal received from the duplexer 24 and transmits the demodulated signal to the controller 16, and the controller 16 performs a control operation according to the signal received from the receiver 20. The audio unit 22 converts the audio data received from the receiver 20 into an audible sound through a speaker SPK 26 under the control of the controller 16 and outputs a microphone (MIC) 28. The audio signal received from the data is converted into data and output to the controller 16. In addition, the audio unit 22 converts an incoming signal received from the receiving unit 20 into an audible sound through the speaker 26 under the control of the controller 16 and outputs the ringtone. The display unit 12 may be formed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and outputs various display data generated by the terminal. The key input unit 10 is an apparatus for interfacing with a user and includes various function keys and a plurality of keys for call or text input. In particular, the embodiment of the present invention implements a number / character conversion key having a number / character input mode conversion function of the mobile communication terminal using the keys of the key input unit 10.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a user inputs a message in a mobile communication terminal, a user may easily and conveniently input numbers / characters corresponding to the message by using a number / character conversion key. Accordingly, the user can compose a message including numbers or letters by using the number / character conversion key in the standby state of the mobile communication terminal, and write the written message, for example, by searching for a phone number or sending a short message, sending an e-mail or a memo. Applicable to the functions. In other words, it is possible to search for a phone number, send a short message, send a message, send a message, send a message, and send a message. It can be easily implemented.

 4 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating a method of using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 and 4 conceptually describe the function using the number / letter conversion key in the mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step 402 of FIG. 4, the controller 16 of the mobile communication terminal determines whether there is a number / character conversion key input of the key input unit 10 from the user in the standby state of step 400 of FIG. 4. If yes, the flow proceeds to step 404 of FIG. 4. In step 404 of FIG. 4, the controller 16 toggles the number / character input mode according to the number of times the user presses the number / character conversion key, inputs a number in the numeric input mode, and inputs a character in the character input mode. Stored in a temporary buffer as a message. For example, when the terminal is in the numeric input mode, the user presses the numeric / character conversion key once to switch from the numeric input mode to the character input mode. Switch back. In the numeric input mode, when the user presses a key, the controller 16 recognizes only the number corresponding to the key and displays it on the display unit 12. In the character input mode, when the user presses a key, the controller 16 recognizes only the character corresponding to the key and displays the character on the display unit 12. In the number input mode, only numbers can be entered. In the character input mode, only letters can be entered. When the user switches the number / character input mode by using the number / character conversion key and inputs numbers / characters, the controller 16 stores this as a message in the temporary buffer. For example, the user enters "My phone number" in the text input mode using the numeric / character conversion key, switches to the numeric input mode, enters "02-123-4567", and then switches to the text input mode again. When inputting ", the control unit 16 stores it in a temporary buffer as one message," My phone number is 02-123-4567. "

Then, the controller 16 determines whether there is a function selection using the function key of the key input unit 10 from the user in step 406 of FIG. 4. The user can select a desired function from among various functions such as a short message transmission function, a phone number search function, an e-mail function, and a memo function of the terminal. When the user selects a desired function among functions such as a text message transmission function, a phone number search function, an email transmission function, a memo function, etc. using the function key of the key input unit 10, the controller 16 may proceed to step 408 of FIG. Proceed to The controller 16 sets the message stored in the temporary buffer as a message corresponding to the selected function in step 408 of FIG. 4. For example, if the user selects the text message transmission function, the message stored in the temporary buffer is set as the message to be sent. If the user selects the phone number search function, the message stored in the temporary buffer is set as the message to search for the phone number. If the user selects the e-mail sending function, the message stored in the temporary buffer is set as the e-mail sending message. If the user selects the memo function, the message stored in the temporary buffer is set to the message corresponding to the memo contents.

After setting the message stored in the temporary buffer as the message corresponding to the selected function, the controller 16 proceeds to step 410 of FIG. 4 to perform the selected function through an interface with the user. That is, the controller 16 performs a function of, for example, sending a text message, searching for a phone number, sending an email, or taking a note.

In the above-described present invention, a method of implementing a function using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal is conceptually described. Hereinafter, a detailed function implementation method using a number / character conversion key according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

First, according to an embodiment of the present invention as a specific example of a method of implementing a function using a number / letter conversion key in a mobile communication terminal, a user can search for a phone number more easily and conveniently using a number / letter conversion key in a mobile communication terminal. can do. The user can easily find the desired telephone number by pressing a number / character conversion key on the mobile communication terminal, inputting a character related to the telephone number search, and pressing a key corresponding to the input character search. That is, when the user presses the number / character conversion key when searching for a phone number, for example, "Menu" → "1.Find phone number" → "2.Find by name" as shown in FIG. Searching phone numbers is much more convenient than technology.

 5 is a flowchart illustrating a phone number search control using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the telephone number search process used.

3 and 5 to 6 will be described in detail how a user searches for a phone number using a number / letter conversion key in the mobile communication terminal. Steps 500 to 506 of FIG. 5 correspond to steps 400 to 404 of FIG. 4 conceptually illustrating a method of implementing a function using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention, and steps 508 to 522 of FIG. It should be understood that this corresponds to steps 406 through 410 of 4.

 The controller 16 displays, on the display window of the display unit 12 in the standby state of step 500 of FIG. 5, text and image information preset by the user, as well as electric field strength, battery level, time and date, on the standby screen. At this time, the terminal is in the numeric input mode. In the numeric input mode, when the user presses a key while the terminal is in a standby state, the controller 16 recognizes only the number corresponding to the key and displays it on the display unit 12.

In step 502 of FIG. 5, the controller 16 determines whether there is a number / character conversion key input of the key input unit 10 from the user, and if there is a number / character conversion key input, the controller 16 proceeds to step 504 of FIG. Switch to input mode. Here, a method of implementing a number / character conversion key according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a method of pressing twice or long pressing the menu key, and a method of providing a function to an unused direction key or a specific number key or # / * key. Etc., and may have a separate numeric / character conversion key. In the character input mode, when the user presses a key while the terminal is in the character input mode, the controller 16 recognizes only the character corresponding to the key and displays the character on the display unit 12.

If there is a number / character conversion key input, the controller 16 proceeds to step 506 of FIG. 5 to determine whether a character is input from the user, and proceeds to step 508 of FIG. 5 when a character is input. For example, as illustrated in the display window of FIG. 6, a user may input a character for searching for a phone number such as “kim” by pressing a key of the key input unit 10 in the character input mode. The controller 16 determines whether there is a key input corresponding to the character search input in step 508 of FIG. 5, and if there is a key input corresponding to the input character search, the controller 16 proceeds to step 510 of FIG. 5 and searches for the input character. For example, when the user presses the confirmation key to search for the "long" character as shown in the display window of FIG. 6, the controller 16 searches for "long" in the telephone number stored in the memory 14.

After searching for the input character, the controller 16 determines whether the input character exists in the memory in step 512 of FIG. 5, and proceeds to step 514 of FIG. 5 if the input character exists in the phone number stored in the memory 14. The controller 16 displays messages including the input text found in step 514 of FIG. 5 on the display window. For example, as shown in the display window of FIG. 6, messages including "Kim", "Kim Gun-Mo", "Kim Jang-Hoon", and "Kim Hyun-Ju" are displayed on the display window. Thereafter, the controller 16 determines whether there is a message selection from the user at 516 of FIG. 5, and if there is a message selection from the user, the controller 16 proceeds to step 518 of FIG. 5 to display the selected message and the corresponding telephone number. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the user selects “Kim Gunmo” among messages such as “Kim Gun Mo”, “Kim Jang Hoon”, “Kim Hyun Joo”, etc., the controller 16 selects the selected messages “Kim Gun Mo” and “Kim Gun Mo”. The telephone number "016-123-4567" corresponding to "" is displayed on the display window.

Thereafter, the controller 16 determines whether there is a SEND key input from the user in operation 520 of FIG. 5. If there is a SEND key input from the user, the controller 16 proceeds to step 522 of FIG. 5 and makes a call to the telephone number displayed on the display window. For example, as illustrated in the display window of FIG. 6, the user may press the SEND key to call the number "016-123-4567" corresponding to "Kim Gun-Mo".

On the other hand, according to this embodiment of the present invention as a specific example of the function implementation method using the number / letter conversion key in the mobile communication terminal, the user can easily and conveniently send a short message using the number / letter conversion key in the mobile communication terminal can do. The user can easily transmit a short message by pressing a number / character conversion key on the mobile communication terminal, inputting a text to be sent to the short message, and then pressing a short message shortcut. That is, when the user uses the numeric / character conversion key when transmitting a short message, for example, “Menu” → “2. Outgoing message” → “1. Write a letter” → “1. Write a new sentence” as shown in FIG. Since the same processes can be omitted, the short message can be transmitted more simply than in the prior art.

7 is a flowchart of a short message transmission control using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal according to this embodiment of the present invention. A diagram illustrating a short message transmission process used.

Referring to Figures 3 and 7 to 8 will be described in detail a method for a user to transmit a short message using a number / character conversion key in the mobile communication terminal. Steps 600 to 606 of FIG. 7 correspond to steps 400 to 404 of FIG. 4 conceptually showing a method of implementing a function using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention, and steps 608 to 616 of FIG. It should be understood that this corresponds to steps 406 through 410 of 4.

The controller 16 displays, on the display window of the display unit 12 in step 600 of FIG. 7, text and image information preset by the user, as well as electric field strength, battery level, time and date, on the standby screen. At this time, the terminal is in the numeric input mode. In the numeric input mode, when the user presses a key while the terminal is in the numeric input mode, the controller 16 recognizes the number corresponding to the key and displays the number on the display window.

The controller 16 determines whether there is a number / character conversion key input of the key input unit 10 from the user in step 602 of FIG. 7, and enters a number input mode in step 604 of FIG. 7 if there is a number / character conversion key input. Switch to mode. Here, a method of implementing a number / character conversion key according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a method of pressing twice or long pressing the menu key, and a method of providing a function to an unused direction key or a specific number key or # / * key. Etc., and may have a separate numeric / character conversion key. In the character input mode, when the user presses a key while the terminal is in the character input mode, the controller 16 recognizes only the character corresponding to the key and displays the character on the display unit 12.

When there is a number / character conversion key input, the controller 16 proceeds to step 606 of FIG. 7 to determine whether a character is input from the user. When the character is input, the controller 16 stores the input character in a memory and proceeds to step 608 of FIG. 7. do. For example, when a user inputs a sentence for short message transmission, such as "Korean fighting!", Using the key of the key input unit 10 in the character input mode as shown in the display window of FIG. Save the fighting! "To memory. Thereafter, the controller 16 determines whether there is a short message key input which is a shortcut key in step 608 of FIG. 7. If there is a short message key input from the user, the controller 16 proceeds to step 610 of FIG. 7 and displays a counterpart number input screen for transmitting the short text message. That is, when the user presses the short message key to transmit the short message “Korea Fighting!” As shown in the display window of FIG. 8, the controller 16 displays a counterpart number input screen for inputting a plurality of phone numbers. Mark on. Then, in step 612 of FIG. 7, the controller 16 inputs the counterpart number, that is, the called party's phone number, through the interface with the user. At this time, the user inputs several counterpart numbers, that is, called party number, such as "01: 011-123-4567" and "02: 011-234-5678" on the counterpart number input screen as shown in FIG. can do.

After the user inputs the counterpart number, the controller 16 determines whether there is a key input corresponding to the short message transmission in step 614 of FIG. 7. If there is a key input corresponding to the short message transmission from the user, the controller 16 proceeds to step 616 of FIG. 7 and transmits the short message to the called party's telephone number input from the user. For example, as shown in the display of FIG. 8, a short message is transmitted to the subscriber of the called party's telephone number input from the user.

In the above description of the present invention, specific embodiments have been described, but various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be defined by the described embodiments, but should be determined by the equivalent of claims and claims.

As described above, the present invention may convert the numeric input mode into the character input mode or the character input mode into the numeric input mode according to the number of times the user presses the number / character conversion key in the mobile communication terminal. Therefore, the user can easily and conveniently input numbers / characters corresponding to the message by using the number / character conversion key when inputting the message in the mobile communication terminal. In addition, the user can input a message using the number / letter conversion key in the standby state of the mobile communication terminal, and the function of the mobile communication terminal such as phone number search or short message transmission, email transmission, memo, etc. as the input message. It can be done more simply and easily.

Claims (7)

In a method of implementing a function using the number / letter conversion key in a mobile communication terminal having a number / letter conversion key, Inputting a message including at least one of a number and a letter while changing a number / character input mode based on the number / character conversion key input from a user, and storing the message in a memory; Implementing a function using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal, characterized by setting the message stored in the memory as a message corresponding to the selected function based on the terminal function selection from a user to perform the selected function. Way. The method of claim 1, The process of performing the selected function by setting a message stored in the memory as a message corresponding to the selected function based on the terminal function selection from a user, A function of using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal, characterized in that the phone number search function is performed by setting a message stored in the memory as a message to search for a phone number based on a phone number search function selection from a user. Implementation method. The method of claim 1, The process of performing the selected function by setting a message stored in the memory as a message corresponding to the selected function based on the terminal function selection from a user, Implementing a function using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal, characterized in that a process of performing the text message transmission function by setting a message stored in the memory as a message to be transmitted based on the selection of a text message transmission function from a user Way. In the phone number search method using the number / letter conversion key in the mobile communication terminal, Converting a numeric input mode to a character input mode based on a number / character conversion key input from a user in the numeric input mode of the mobile communication terminal; Inputting a character corresponding to a key input in the character input mode; Retrieving the input characters from a telephone number previously stored in a memory based on a character search request input from a user and displaying the messages including the input characters on a display window; A method of searching for a phone number using a number / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal, comprising: displaying a message selected from a user and a corresponding phone number on a display window. The method of claim 1, wherein the number / character conversion key is a separate key from a key input unit. The method of claim 1, wherein the number / character conversion key is implemented based on a predetermined number of times and a predetermined time of pressing a specific key provided in the key input unit. In the method of transmitting a short message using a numeric / character conversion key in a mobile communication terminal, On the basis of the number / character conversion key input implemented by the user in the number input mode of the mobile communication terminal, a predetermined number of times of pressing a specific key of a key input unit, a predetermined time of pressing a specific key of a key input unit, and a key press separately provided in the key input unit. Converting the number input mode to the character input mode, Inputting a character corresponding to a key input in the character input mode; Displaying a phone number input screen on the display window for transmitting an input character based on a short message shortcut input from a user, inputting a called party's phone number through an interface with the user; And transmitting a short message including the input characters to a called party number subscriber based on a key input corresponding to a short message transmission from a user.

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