KR101196698B1 - Apparatus and method for inserting character message in a mobile station - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for inputting a text message using an external input means interworking with a wireless interface in a mobile terminal. The present invention relates to a message input method of a mobile terminal using a wireless control unit connected to a mobile terminal. Connecting the terminal to the external wireless control unit via a wireless interface, and transmitting the signal according to the movement of the user's foot to the mobile terminal, wherein the mobile terminal includes the wireless control unit from the wireless control unit. Displaying a message input window including a first screen and a second screen for inputting a message; receiving a selection signal for moving / selecting a text transmitted from the wireless controller; Character selected according to the second screen is displayed. Receiving an input signal for inputting a character displayed on the second screen from the wireless controller; inputting the character displayed on the second screen to the first screen according to the input signal; And completing a message input according to the selection signal and the input signal of the wireless controller.

Mobile terminal, wireless interface, Bluetooth, sensor, text message

Description

Apparatus and method for inputting text message in mobile terminal {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSERTING CHARACTER MESSAGE IN A MOBILE STATION}

1A and 1B schematically illustrate examples of a mobile terminal performing a function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a block configuration and an air interface interworking structure of a mobile terminal for performing a function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless interface for performing a function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 schematically illustrates an example of mounting a wireless interface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a diagram illustrating a text message input process using an external air interface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6A and 6B illustrate an outgoing text message input process using an external air interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a mobile station (MS), and more particularly, to a text message input apparatus and method using a mobile terminal.

In general, with the development of wireless communication technology, the spread of mobile terminals is increasing exponentially, and as the spread of mobile terminals is generalized, communication providers are providing various services to satisfy various needs of subscribers. In other words, mobile communication service providers currently provide various services such as wireless Internet, short message service (SMS) and multimedia services such as image, video, and video, as well as calls without regard to space and time. To provide.

The mobile terminal, in addition to the basic function of making a call with a general subscriber or another mobile subscriber through a base station (BS) while arbitrarily moving in a mobile communication service area, manages personal information, exchanges information with a computer, and the Internet. It has additional functions such as performing the same data connection. Recently, mobile terminals having improved performances have emerged differently each day, such as transmission and reception of images and videos, implementation of virtual 3D sound and stereo sound, MP3 player functions, and a built-in camera capable of taking pictures.

In addition, according to the function, it may be classified into a terminal device having an Internet function, a terminal device for transmitting a text, a terminal device having a video function, a terminal device for checking a user's health, and a terminal device having a game function. In addition, digital multimedia services such as digital TV and video on demand (VOD) are being provided. In addition, the mobile terminal is currently providing not only a game using only text but also game functions that implement 3D and a messenger function.

On the other hand, until recently, mobile terminals have undergone many changes and developments in form and function. For example, in the form, it ranges from a bar type terminal to a flip type, a folder type, a dual folder type, and a slide type terminal. Its functions range from simply telephoning and receiving to games, video on demand, electronic dictionaries and MP3 players.

In addition, with the rapid spread of mobile terminals, the population of text service users is increasing rapidly. The text service refers to a service that enables mobile terminal users to create and send text messages using short sentences without additional equipment and to send and receive between the sender and the receiver. The text service includes a short message service (hereinafter referred to as SMS) or a multimedia messaging service (hereinafter referred to as "MMS"). This text service is currently recognized as one of the important communication means, because unlike the e-mail can be delivered at the same time as the contents.

The text service is basically provided with a function of transmitting a reply number and a message between mobile terminals, that is, between a sender and a receiver, and can transmit information such as weather forecasts, news, stock information, and the like through a text message. Depending on your choice, you can be provided with a variety of information via text message.

In addition, since the text service is provided with information interactively for the user's convenience, the user hierarchy is diverse in that anyone can use it easily, and the range of application is gradually applied to electronic payment and electronic commerce.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal includes a keypad for inputting character data such as numbers, Korean consonants / vowels and alphabets. That is, when a user wants to input and transmit a text message, a text message may be configured through input of a predetermined button formed on the keypad. Typically, the keypad includes a number button, for example, alphabets and alphabets are mapped to a number button of 0 to 9, the user through the selection of a predetermined menu button, etc. according to the character to be input, Hangul / alphabet / lowercase It is formed to select / uppercase letters / special characters / numbers.

However, the size and thickness of the mobile terminal is currently decreasing, which is inconvenient due to the need to press a small button to transmit a text message using the mobile terminal. In addition, despite the various changes in form and function of the mobile terminal, there is no progress in the apparatus and method for inputting a text message.

For example, when inputting a text message using a mobile terminal, a text message must be input using a keypad formed in the mobile terminal. That is, the user combines input of predetermined buttons formed on the keypad to complete a single text message. A situation in which it is inconvenient to use a hand or a user inputs a text message by using a keypad as described above. Comes with many difficulties.

Therefore, there is a need for a new method of inputting a text message using a mobile terminal. That is, a need arises for a situation in which text input is inconvenient or a method for providing a user with convenience of text input.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a text message input device and method for user convenience in a mobile terminal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for inputting a text message more conveniently in a situation where text input using a keypad of a mobile terminal is inconvenient.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for selecting and inputting a text message using an external means formed separately from the mobile terminal in a situation in which text input using a keypad of the mobile terminal is inconvenient.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a text message input device and method using an external input device through an air interface interworking in a situation where text input using a keypad is inconvenient in a mobile terminal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, in a message input method of a mobile terminal using a wireless control unit connected to a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal and the external wireless control unit via a wireless interface Connecting to the mobile terminal, and transmitting a signal according to the movement of the user's foot to the mobile terminal, wherein the mobile terminal comprises a first screen for inputting a message when a message transmission is requested from the wireless control unit; And displaying a message input window including a second screen, receiving a selection signal for moving / selecting a text transmitted from the wireless controller, and displaying a text selected according to the selection signal through the second screen. Displaying and inputting characters displayed on the second screen from the wireless controller; Receiving an input signal for the input, inputting the text displayed on the second screen according to the input signal to the first screen, and inputting a message according to the selection signal and the input signal of the wireless controller; It includes the process of doing.

An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, in the message input device, a wireless control unit for generating and transmitting a signal according to the movement of the user's foot, and the wireless control unit and the communication connection through the wireless interface And a mobile terminal configured to input a message corresponding to a signal received from the wireless controller through the wireless interface, wherein the mobile terminal comprises a character corresponding to a selection signal for text movement / selection transmitted by the wireless controller. And temporarily input the character in response to an input signal for inputting the temporarily displayed character, and upon completion of message input and receiver information input according to the selection signal and the input signal, the confirmation event of the wireless controller. In response to the message being sent to the recipient information The.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the following description, only parts necessary for understanding the operation according to the present invention will be described, and descriptions of other parts will be omitted so as not to distract from the gist of the present invention.

Prior to the description of the invention, the terms or words used in the specification and claims described below are not to be construed as limiting in their usual or dictionary meanings, and the inventors are contemplating their own invention in the best way. For the purpose of explanation, it should be interpreted as meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that it can be properly defined by the concept of term. Therefore, the embodiments described in the specification and the drawings shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, and do not represent all of the technical idea of the present invention, various modifications that can be replaced at the time of the present application It should be understood that there may be equivalents and variations.

The present invention relates to a text message input device and method in a mobile terminal. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention proposes an apparatus and method for inputting a text message through an external companion device in a user or situation in which it is difficult to input a text message using a keypad in a mobile terminal.

For example, when inputting a text message is inconvenient through a keypad formed on a mobile terminal, that is, when a user directly enters a text message by hand, it is formed separately from the mobile terminal and interworked with the mobile terminal through a wireless interface. By using an external text message input device to be able to input a text message using a predetermined means, for example, the user's feet. Specifically, the user may perform a series of processes of inputting a text message input by hand using a keypad of the mobile terminal, ie, moving up, down, left, and right by using the keypad through movement of the foot.

In order to implement this, an embodiment of the present invention includes means for determining a movement of a user's foot and transmitting the determining information to the mobile terminal to enable a text message input. For example, the mobile terminal may include a wireless interface for interworking with the mobile terminal, for example, a Bluetooth module, a determination unit for determining the movement of the foot and generating and outputting corresponding information, for example, a predetermined sensor.

Next, an example of a configuration of a mobile terminal for performing a function according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above will be described.

Prior to the detailed description of the present invention, the above and below will be described for the convenience of the description of the mobile terminal as an example of the mobile communication terminal, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention is a terminal for providing convenience to a user, preferably, a mobile communication terminal, a mobile phone, a wired / wireless phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone. All information communication and multimedia devices such as smart phones, IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunication 2000) terminals, Universal Mobile Telecommunication Service (UMTS) terminals, and Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) terminals, It will be apparent that it can also be applied to applications.

First, an example of a configuration of a mobile terminal for performing a function according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

1A and 1B are diagrams schematically illustrating examples of a mobile terminal performing a function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1A and 1B, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention has a general mobile terminal form as shown in FIG. 1A and a mobile terminal form in which a keypad is omitted from a key input unit as shown in FIG. 1B. Can be divided. However, since the present invention is not limited thereto, the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention is a bar type terminal, a flip type, a folder type, a dual folder type. ) And a slide type (Slide Type) and the like can have a variety of forms, of course.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a screen related to a mobile terminal, for example, a general mobile terminal execution screen, a communication execution screen, a game screen, a text message service screen, and a camera drive. A display unit 101 for providing a shooting screen and a video screen, a speaker 103 for outputting an audio signal according to an additional function and a voice signal received according to communication of the mobile terminal, and numeric / character data and a predetermined value from a user; Keypad 105 for receiving control data by a function, a volume control key 107 for performing a function such as volume control, a corresponding function mapped such as a microphone 109 and a camera function for receiving voice data from a user It may include a shortcut key 111 and the like to perform immediately.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a mobile terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a screen related to a mobile terminal, for example, a general mobile terminal execution screen, a communication execution screen, a game screen, a text message service screen, and a camera drive. A display unit 121 for providing a shooting screen and a moving image screen, a speaker 123 for outputting an audio signal according to an additional function and a voice signal received according to communication of a mobile terminal, and control data by a predetermined function from a user. It may include a keypad 125 for receiving an input and a microphone 127 for receiving voice data from a user.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention has a configuration similar to that of a general mobile terminal. However, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal can be controlled through an external air interface. For example, as the general keypad can be controlled through the external air interface, the structure of the keypad can be omitted as shown in FIG. 1B. have. In the following description, it should be noted that the mobile terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using the mobile terminal as shown in FIG. 1A as an example.

Meanwhile, the shape of the mobile terminal as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B represents embodiments according to the present invention schematically shown for convenience of description, and the present invention is not limited thereto. And each of the above means can be formed through a variety of combinations, of course.

2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a mobile terminal block configuration for performing a function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2, a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention is largely divided into an input means, a processing means, a storage means, an output means, and a communication means.

The input means may include an audio processor 205 for processing voice data input through a microphone, a key input unit 207 for receiving numeric / character data and control data by a predetermined function key, and photographing an external predetermined object. It includes a camera unit 213 for receiving the image data through. That is, the input means is responsible for receiving multimedia data such as voice data, numeric / text data, and video data through the above-described configuration devices.

The processing unit converts the image data input through the camera unit 213 into a digital signal, and processes and outputs the digitally processed input image data and additional function data, and the audio. The data processing unit 203 and the mobile terminal which are in charge of processing voice data transmitted from the processing unit 205 or the like, numeric / text data and additional function execution / operation data input from the user through the key input unit 207. And a control unit 211 in charge of a series of control of the blocks. That is, the processing means is responsible for a series of processes corresponding to each of the user data input from the input means, for example, the voice data, text data and video data, and additional functions requested by the user.

The storage means stores the user data input through the input means and stores an application for implementing a mobile terminal control function through an external air interface device, for example, the wireless controller 250, and a memory 209. ), And the like.

The output unit includes a display unit 217 for constructing and outputting a screen for providing a user with information about the input or requested user data and additional functions, and an audio processor for outputting the voice data or audio data to the outside. 205 and the like. That is, the output means outputs information related to user data input through the input means or user data stored in the storage means and a screen according to each additional function.

The communication means will be referred to as a radio frequency (hereinafter, referred to as 'RF') that is responsible for wirelessly transmitting the user data to another external user or the like and for transmitting / receiving content through interworking with an external web server. The wireless communication unit 219 performs wireless communication with the processor 201 and the antenna, and the external air interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and receives and processes a signal transmitted from the external air interface device. It includes.

Looking at each of the components as described above in more detail, the RF processing unit 201 is a voice communication, a short message service (SMS, Short Message Service) or multimedia message service (MMS, Multimedia Messaging Service) communication and data communication Perform a series of communications related to The RF processor 201 includes an RF transmitter for upconverting and amplifying a frequency of a transmitted signal, and an RF receiver for low noise amplifying and downconverting a received signal.

The data processor 203 may include a means for performing encoding and modulation on a signal transmitted through the RF processor 201, a means for performing demodulation and decoding on a signal received through the RF processor 201, and the like. It may include. The audio processor 205 reproduces a received audio signal output from the data processor 203 or transmits an audio signal such as a voice input from a microphone to the data processor 205.

The key input unit 207 includes numbers, letters and / or function keys for inputting numbers and text information and for setting various functions. The function key may include a volume key, a direction key, a shortcut key, and keys mapped thereto.

The memory 209 may include a program memory and data memories. The program memory may store program modules for controlling a general operation of the mobile terminal and a program module including an application for performing a control function of the mobile terminal through an external air interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention. .

The data memory may include a database configured to store data generated while executing the program modules and setting information related to a control function by an external air interface device, and to store respective data in a database form. Can be. Here, the database is a database in which all upper / lower menus provided by the mobile terminal, applications corresponding to each menu, and applications for interworking with an external air interface device are mapped to each other and each database is stored. Include.

In addition, the program module for performing a control function by the external air interface device, in response to the occurrence of an event for interworking with the external interface, in response to the program module for controlling the air interface with the external air interface device, for example, the wireless control unit 250. And a program module for receiving the signal transmitted through the air interface device and extracting the information requested from the received signal, determining the extracted information, and controlling to display an operation corresponding to the information and the information on the screen. May be equipped with a dedicated application including a program module and a program module for performing a series of controls for text message input in response to a signal transmitted through the air interface device.

The controller 211 performs a function of controlling the overall operation of the mobile terminal. In addition, the controller 211 performs a series of control procedures according to whether the service mode for interworking with the external air interface device is set. In addition, the controller 211 controls a message input operation of the mobile terminal according to a signal transmitted through the wireless communication unit 219, that is, operation control information of the external wireless interface device, for example, the wireless controller 250. In addition, the controller 211 controls to display the text message data transmitted through the external air interface device through the display unit 217.

The camera unit 213 captures a predetermined image to receive a data signal, and performs digital signal conversion of the received image data through interworking with an encoder (not shown). The image processor 215 converts an image signal output from the camera unit 213 into an image signal, and generates screen data for displaying the converted image signal. The image processor 215 transmits image data or an additional function execution screen according to the display unit 217 standard under the control of the controller 211, and compresses and decompresses predetermined image data. do.

The display unit 217 inputs image data output from the image processor 215, for example, image data, an additional function execution screen, and displays the screen. In addition, the display unit 217 receives a mode setting guide message or the like corresponding to the execution or setting screens corresponding to the applications for the additional function and the control of the controller 211 and displays them on the screen.

The wireless communication unit 219 provides a wireless interface for data transmission and reception with an external wireless interface device, and receives and processes data transmitted from the external wireless interface device through the wireless interface and transmits the data to the controller 211. The wireless communication unit 219 preferably includes a Bluetooth module for a wireless interface, and may include application means for performing an equivalent function.

Next, the external air interface device described above includes a wireless control unit as indicated by reference numeral 250, and wirelessly connects to the wireless communication unit 219 to generate a control signal for the mobile terminal. Hereinafter, the wireless controller 250 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

3 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless interface for performing a function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, a wireless interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless communication unit 301, a central control unit 303, a first sensor unit 305, and a second sensor unit 307. Include.

Referring to FIG. 3, the wireless communication unit 301 performs a connection with the mobile terminal through a wireless interface and transmits information for controlling the mobile terminal. The wireless communication unit 301 preferably includes a Bluetooth module for a wireless interface, and may of course include response means for performing an equivalent function.

The central control unit 303 controls the wireless connection with the mobile terminal, and transmits a control signal to the mobile terminal in correspondence with the values detected by the first sensor unit 305 and the second sensor unit 307. To control.

The first sensor unit 305 detects the moving speed and the movement distance of the air interface device and detects up, down, left, and right rotation of the air interface device, and generates and transmits corresponding information. The first sensor unit 305 is preferably formed of a combination of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor through a predetermined sensor box.

The second sensor unit 307 detects a predetermined pressure applied to the air interface device, generates and transmits corresponding information. The second sensor unit 307 is preferably formed including a pressure sensor.

In the above description, the first sensor unit 305 and the second sensor unit 307 are set by using a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a pressure sensor as examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the embodiment of the present invention can be implemented by using any means for performing the same function as the sensor as described above.

In addition, since the output of the first and second sensor units 305 and 307 are generally analog values, the wireless interface device converts analog values into digital values for digital calculation. (Analog-to-Digital Converter) It is desirable to output a digital value, including).

Next, an example of utilizing the air interface device according to the embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 3 will be described. In particular, the case in which the air interface device is mounted on a user's belongings, for example, a shoe, will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of mounting a wireless interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the air interface device according to the embodiment of the present invention may be formed on a shoe of a user. In the configuration, the sensor unit of the air interface device, that is, the first sensor unit 410, may be formed. And the second sensor unit 430 to be formed at a location according to user convenience.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first sensor unit 410, for example, a sensor box, is formed on one side of a general shoe, for example, a lower portion (bottom) of a rear surface. In this case, the sensor box is preferably formed of a combination of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. That is, the acceleration sensor is an acceleration measuring device, and determines the instantaneous impact, the gyro sensor determines the left and right rotation of the shoe and the vertical rotation of the two-axis gyro.

In addition, in FIG. 4, the second sensor unit 430, for example, a pressure sensor, is formed on the other side of the shoe, for example, the front lower part (insole). Therefore, it determines the number of times or pressure time applied to the user's toes, and transmits the corresponding information.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a method for controlling a mobile terminal using a wireless interface device will be described with reference to a mobile terminal having the above configuration as an example.

In particular, below, among the control functions of the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, a text message is transmitted to the mobile terminal using the wireless interface device, and the mobile terminal receiving the text message provides the transmitted text message through a display unit. An example of a series of procedures is described.

5 is a diagram illustrating a text message input process of a mobile terminal using an external air interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, if an access request signal is received from an external air interface device in step 501, the process proceeds to step 503 to determine whether the received signal is a request for text message input.

If the determination result in step 503 is a text message input request, the flow proceeds to step 505. In step 505, the message input window is displayed on the display unit 217 in response to the request. Preferably, the message input window includes a text message input / display screen, a keypad display screen for selecting buttons such as numbers / characters, a command execution screen mapped to softkeys, and a screen for temporarily displaying moving / selected text information. It is shown as including.

In step 507, if the signal requested from the air interface device is determined, and the signal requests text movement, the process proceeds to step 509. In step 509, the character movement is displayed on the keypad display screen displayed through the message input window in the up, down, left, and right moving directions corresponding to the request signal, for example, to be highlighted and displayed on the screen.

Next, when the selection of the highlighted text is requested in accordance with the up, down, left, and right movement as in step 511, the process proceeds to step 513 and displays the selected text on the text message input / display screen. Through this procedure, predetermined texts and messages are completed, and message input is completed as in step 515.

If it is determined in step 503 that the text message input request is not performed, the process proceeds to step 517 to perform a corresponding operation requested from the air interface device. For example, an operation according to an additional function such as checking a received text message, a shooting mode through a camera function, or a call for voice communication is controlled.

6A and 6B illustrate a process of inputting an outgoing text message of a mobile terminal using an external air interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6A and 6B, when a predetermined key event occurs in step 601, the process proceeds to step 603 to determine whether the message transmission is requested from an external air interface. For example, when a predetermined function key for interworking with an external air interface is input, the device interlocks with the air interface and determines a signal transmitted from the air interface. In this case, when the message transmission using the air interface is requested as in step 603, the process proceeds to step 607.

In step 607, a message input window for inputting an outgoing message is displayed in response to the message originating request, and then the process proceeds to step 609. In step 609, the selection screen selected through the wireless interface is activated and displayed on the message input window display screen, and the flow proceeds to step 611.

For example, the message input window display screen is preferably a screen for inputting receiver information, for example, a recipient's telephone number, a screen for inputting a text message, a screen for inputting a title of the message, a keypad screen, and the It includes a screen for temporarily displaying the character information moved / selected through the keypad screen, so that the corresponding information can be input by activating the selected portion of the screen displayed as described above through the wireless interface do. Hereinafter, a case where a screen for inputting a text message is selected from the above screens will be described as an example.

After displaying the text message input window selected as described above, in step 611, an input signal transmitted from the air interface is determined, and an operation corresponding to the result is performed.

For example, if the input signal is a character movement as in step 613, the process proceeds to step 615 to inform the user of the character to be moved through the keypad screen. That is, up, down, left, and right letters are moved in response to the input signal through the keypad screen provided on the screen, and the letters are activated by, for example, highlighting the corresponding button in response to the up, down, left, and right signals on the keypad screen. It is desirable to provide.

Next, when the input signal is currently selected and displayed as in step 617, the control proceeds to step 619 to inform the user of the selected text through the text message input screen. That is, the selected text is displayed on the text message input screen to inform the user of the text status currently being input. For example, when the number 4 is activated on the keypad screen, if the selection signal is input, '4' is displayed on the text message input screen.

Next, when the input signal is moved within the activated character as in step 621, the process proceeds to step 623 to inform the user of the progress of the moved character through the text information temporary display screen. For example, when the number 4 movement button is activated on the keypad screen and the movement signal in the text is inputted, 'ㄱ', 'ㅋ', 'g', 'h', 'i' on the text message input screen. The corresponding characters mapped to the number button 4 are temporarily displayed in sequence corresponding to the input signal. In this case, the 'm', 'ㅋ', 'g', 'h', and 'i' mapped to the 4 may be switched by changing the text menu as in step 625.

Next, when the selection signal is input in a state in which a predetermined character, for example 'ㄱ' is displayed, is selected from among the 'B', 'ㅋ', 'g', 'h', and 'i', Mark a '. If the user enters 'A' through this procedure, select 'ㄱ' in the above order, then move to the corresponding number button mapped to 'ㅣ' and select 'l' in the above order, Next, by moving to the corresponding number button mapped to '·' and selecting '·' in the above-described order, the character of 'A' is finally completed.

Next, if the input signal is a character menu change as in step 625, the flow proceeds to step 627 to change the character information corresponding to the input signal, for example, Korean → uppercase alphabet → lowercase alphabet → number → special character. Mark the change.

Next, in step 629, if a predetermined text message input is completed through the above-described procedure, for example, a series of text messages such as 'Kanadaramabasa', the process proceeds to step 631 to process the input text message. Will be sent via For example, as described above, the receiver telephone number input screen is activated, the receiver telephone number is input in accordance with the procedure, and when the series of procedures is completed, the text message is transmitted to the receiver telephone number in response to a confirmation event or the like. Will be sent.

Next, a brief description will be made of an operation example in which a wireless interface for inputting a text message made as described above is applied to a user's belongings, for example, a shoe, to facilitate understanding of the present invention.

First, in order to send a text message, a user may input a menu button of a mobile terminal and select, for example, a message → an outgoing message → an outgoing message. Next, when a predetermined menu is selected on the receiver phone number input screen, the keypad screens of the numbered buttons 0 to 9 are displayed.

In the state where the keypad screen of the numeric button is displayed as described above, the user inputs the contents of the desired numeric button through the mechanism equipped with the wireless interface according to the embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 4.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a user wearing a shoe equipped with a wireless interface rotates his foot to the right and returns to its original position. At this time, the left / right rotation determination as described above is preferably performed by the first sensor unit 305. For example, when one axis of the gyro sensor of the first sensor unit 305 is set to the (+) direction to determine the left / right, the output of the axis of the gyro sensor, that is, the acceleration increases and decreases. Check the increase / decrease rate for a certain time and determine the right side. On the contrary, when the user rotates the foot to the left and returns to the position again, the output of the gyro sensor 1 axis decreases and increases, and thus it is determined to the left.

In addition, if the gyro sensor two-axis of the first sensor unit 305 is set to the lower side to the (+) direction for discriminating the upper and lower sides, the user raises the heel so that the front of the shoe faces the floor and then lowers the heel again. When returning to the home position, the output of the two axis of the gyro sensor increases and decreases, and thus it is determined as the lower side by the increase and decrease ratio for a predetermined time. On the contrary, when the front of the foot is raised upward and then the front is lowered to return to the original position, the output of the two axes of the gyro sensor decreases and increases.

In this manner, the number buttons 0 to 9 can be moved up, down, left and right and selected.

Next, in the case of inputting the selected number through the above-described method, by applying pressure to the pressure sensor of the second sensor unit 307 for a predetermined time by using the user's toes, mapped to the corresponding number button For example, the number 4 can be entered. The text message content or the subject may also be input through the same procedure as described above.

In this case, the number button is the same as the above process, but since the maximum number of the Hangul or alphabet is mapped to one key, a predetermined pressure applied through the second sensor unit 307 to select each Allows selection in proportion to the number of times. This is preferably performed using the pressure sensor included in the second sensor unit 307. For example, when pressure is applied to the pressure sensor for a predetermined time or more, a corresponding number of activated buttons is input, and a predetermined number of pressures are applied to the pressure sensor to select a corresponding letter mapped to the activated button. This can be done by changing the information. It is also possible to select a text menu change through a predetermined event and perform it by the combination of the above moving / selecting procedures.

Next, when the selection of the predetermined character is completed through the above-described procedure, when the user applies a predetermined shock to the floor or the like, the user determines the selection as the instantaneous acceleration of the acceleration sensor included in the first sensor unit 305 increases rapidly. This is possible and the procedure allows the selected number to be entered.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and similarities. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the claims below, but also by the equivalents of the claims.

According to the text message input device and method in the mobile terminal of the present invention proposed by the present invention as described above, it is possible to omit the input means formed in the mobile terminal, thereby reducing the thickness or size of the mobile terminal Have In addition, a separate keypad for text message input is formed in the mobile terminal. According to the present invention, the keypad can be removed and the size of the mobile terminal can be reduced. In addition, by forming an input means function through the interworking with the external wireless interface, it is possible to freely select / input characters using the foot, even for users with inconvenient hands, thereby improving the user's convenience.

Claims (20)

In the message input method of a mobile terminal using a wireless control unit connected to the mobile terminal, Communicating between the mobile terminal and an external wireless controller through a wireless interface; Transmitting, by the wireless controller, a signal according to a movement of a user's foot to the mobile terminal; The mobile terminal, Displaying a message input window including a first screen and a second screen for inputting a message when a message is requested from the wireless controller; Receiving a selection signal for text movement / selection transmitted by the wireless controller; Displaying a character selected according to the selection signal through the second screen; Receiving an input signal for inputting a character displayed on the second screen from the wireless controller; Inputting the character displayed on the second screen to the first screen according to the input signal; And completing a message input according to the selection signal and the input signal of the wireless controller. The method of claim 1, The first screen includes a screen for inputting receiver information, a screen for text input of a message, and a message title input screen, and the second screen temporarily displays characters moved / selected through a keypad screen and a private keypad screen. Message input method of a mobile terminal comprising a screen. 3. The method of claim 2, Activating and displaying a screen selected by the wireless controller from among the first screens of the message input window, and transmitting a message to the receiver information input to the first screen in response to a confirmation event transmitted by the wireless controller; Message input method of a mobile terminal further comprising. 3. The method of claim 2, The wireless controller extracts the selection signal or the input signal detected from at least one sensor when the wireless controller is connected to the mobile terminal, and transmits the extracted signal to the mobile terminal through the wireless interface. The mobile terminal performs any one of text display and text input in response to a signal transmitted from the wireless controller. 5. The method of claim 4, The wireless controller detects a moving speed, a movement distance, and detects up, down, left, and right rotations, and generates corresponding information and transmits the corresponding information to the mobile terminal through the wireless interface. The method of claim 1, The wireless controller detects the number of times of pressure applied to the movement of the user's foot and the time the pressure is applied, generates information corresponding thereto, and transmits the generated information to the mobile terminal through the wireless interface. How to enter a message. 5. The method of claim 4, The selection signal is a message input method of the mobile terminal, characterized in that the signal for requesting the movement of the character according to the movement of the user's feet up, down, left and right. The method of claim 7, wherein A message of a mobile terminal, characterized in that for temporarily displaying a character selected in accordance with the selection signal on the second screen, and input the character into the first screen according to the input signal for the character temporarily displayed on the second screen. Input method. In the message input device, A wireless controller for generating and transmitting a signal according to a movement of a user's foot; A mobile terminal communicating with the wireless control unit through a wireless interface and inputting a message corresponding to a signal received from the wireless control unit through the wireless interface, The mobile terminal, Temporarily displaying a character corresponding to a selection signal for moving / selecting a character transmitted by the wireless controller, inputting the character in response to an input signal for inputting the temporarily displayed character, and inputting the selection signal and the input signal The message input device according to claim 1, wherein when the message input and the receiver information input are completed, the message is transmitted to the receiver information in response to the confirmation event of the radio controller. 10. The method of claim 9, The mobile terminal includes a wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication with the wireless control unit through the wireless interface and receiving a signal transmitted through the wireless interface from the wireless control unit. The method of claim 10, And the wireless communication unit comprises a Bluetooth module for the wireless interface. 10. The method of claim 9, The mobile terminal includes a memory for storing an application for performing a message input function of the mobile terminal through the wireless control unit, and a memory for storing setting information related to the message input function by the wireless control unit. . The method of claim 12, The application, A program module for controlling wireless communication with the wireless controller in response to an event occurring for interworking with an external interface; A program module for receiving a signal received from the wireless controller and extracting a character requested from the received signal; And a program module for determining the extracted character and controlling display and input of the character. 10. The method of claim 9, The mobile terminal displays a message input window including a first screen and a second screen for inputting a message in response to whether a service mode is set for interworking with the wireless controller. The first screen includes a screen for inputting the recipient information, a screen for text input of a message, and a screen for input of a message title, and the second screen includes a keypad screen and a character moved / selected through the keypad screen. Message input device comprising a screen for temporarily displaying. 10. The method of claim 9, The wireless control unit, A sensor unit which senses a moving speed, a movement distance, up, down, left, right, and pressure applied to the wireless controller, and generates the selection signal or the input signal corresponding to the detected value; A wireless communication unit which connects to the mobile terminal through the wireless interface and transmits the selection signal and the input signal for inputting a message of the mobile terminal by information generated according to the detection of the sensor unit; And a central controller configured to transmit the selection signal and the input signal generated by the sensor unit to the mobile terminal through the wireless communication unit. 16. The method of claim 15, And the wireless communication unit comprises a Bluetooth module for the wireless interface. 16. The method of claim 15, The sensor unit includes: A first sensor unit for detecting a moving speed and a movement distance of the wireless controller, detecting up, down, left, and right rotations of the wireless controller, and generating corresponding information; And a second sensor unit which detects a pressure applied to the wireless controller according to a movement of a user's foot and generates information corresponding thereto. 18. The method of claim 17, The first sensor unit may include a sensor box that detects a moving speed and a movement distance of the wireless controller and detects up, down, left, and right rotations of the wireless controller. 19. The method of claim 18, The sensor box includes an acceleration sensor for detecting a moving speed and a movement distance, and a gyro sensor for detecting up, down, left, and right rotations. 18. The method of claim 17, The second sensor unit comprises a pressure sensor for detecting the number of times or the pressure time applied to the wireless control unit.

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