KR101878565B1 - electronic device capable of performing character input function using touch screen and so on - Google Patents

Abstract

The electronic device according to the present invention can easily perform a character input function using a small virtual keyboard displayed on a display module, and can easily select characters, thereby minimizing the occurrence of input errors.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device capable of performing a character input function using a touch screen or the like,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus, and more particularly, to an electronic apparatus capable of performing a character input function in various ways using a virtual keyboard displayed on a touch screen or a hardware joystick, a button, and a direction key.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] With the recent development of communication infrastructure, a method of inputting characters using a virtual keyboard or a virtual keypad displayed on a touch screen by using a touch screen as an input device for inputting characters or selecting a menu in a portable electronic device has been widely .

However, according to the conventional character input method, much of the area of the touch screen area displays a virtual keyboard. In particular, when the screen is switched for inputting characters, the conventional screen can not be viewed. Therefore, you can reduce this inconvenience by reducing the area where the virtual keyboard is displayed.

In addition, since the conventional virtual keyboard includes one character in one key, it is difficult for the user to accurately select a key to be input in inputting one character among a plurality of characters existing in the virtual keyboard, Errors are frequently occurring. Particularly, when a virtual keyboard displayed on a touch screen is used to input a character in a small electronic device such as a smart phone, a smart watch, and a smart band, the above-described problems are more likely to occur or occur frequently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device capable of providing a character input function capable of easily performing a character input function using a small virtual keyboard displayed on a display module, .

The technical objects to be achieved by the present invention are not limited to the technical matters mentioned above, and other technical subjects which are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. There will be.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device including: a touch screen having a touch input function and a display function; And a controller for controlling the touch screen to display a plurality of character display areas in which a representative character corresponding to each of the representative characters and a plurality of peripheral characters are displayed around the representative character when entering the character input mode.

Wherein the control unit receives an input function for a representative character of the first character display region regardless of a reception position of the simple touch when a simple touch is received at an arbitrary point of the first character display region among the plurality of character display regions Can be performed. When the touch and drag which starts at a certain point in the touch recognition area of the touch screen and ends in an arbitrary area of the second character display area of the plurality of character display areas is received, The second character display area is selected based on whether the end position of the touch and drag is within the second character display area regardless of the character displayed at the end position of the touch and drag, It is possible to perform an input function for surrounding characters displayed at a position corresponding to the direction of the end position with respect to the start position of the touch and drag with reference to the representative character display area of the area.

Wherein the controller displays different representative characters corresponding to each of the plurality of character display areas before the touch and drag is received in the character input mode, differently from magnifying or surrounding characters, and while the touch and drag is being performed, Dragging a surrounding character displayed at a position corresponding to a direction of the progression position of the touch and drag with respect to the start position of the touch and drag with respect to each representative character display region for each of the character display regions, Direction can be displayed differently from characters not corresponding to the direction.

More specifically, in the Hangul input mode, if the vowel "ㅡ", which is not combined after another vowel, is input after the input of "a, ㅓ, ㅗ, "" For each vowel "ㅒ, ㅖ, ㅙ, ㅠ" that starts with "" "and has the highest number of strokes when the vowel is assumed to be the same vowel Can be performed. In this case, the control unit, when the vowel "a, b, c, t" is input for the user's understanding and convenience, the vowel " Can be displayed.

Wherein the control unit displays, in the Hangul input mode, only six of the entire vowels of the Hangul in all of the plurality of character display areas, wherein the six vowels are displayed in one character display area The touch screen is controlled so that the touch screen is displayed, and the input function for all the vowels of Hangul can be performed by a combination of the six vowels. On the other hand, the six vowels may be displayed in one or more character display areas.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device including: a display module; And a display control unit for controlling the display module to display a plurality of character display areas in which a plurality of peripheral characters are displayed around the representative character and the representative character corresponding to each of the representative characters when entering the character input mode, And a controller for performing a character input function in response to a second control signal for selecting a signal and a character display area.

Wherein the control unit displays the representative characters of each of the plurality of character display areas differently from the magnified or peripheral character when the direction is not determined by the first control signal and when the second control signal is received in this state The inputting function for the representative character of the character display area selected by the second control signal can be performed.

Wherein the control unit enlarges or displays peripheral characters corresponding to the specific direction for each of the plurality of character display areas in a state in which a specific direction is determined by the first control signal, When the second control signal is received, enlargement of the character display area selected by the second control signal or inputting of peripheral characters displayed differently from other characters can be performed.

The first and second control signals may be generated based on a separate hardware operation provided in the electronic device or may occur based on a touch operation to the display module.

More specifically, in the Hangul input mode, if the vowel "ㅡ", which is not combined after another vowel, is input after the input of "a, ㅓ, ㅗ, "" For each vowel "ㅒ, ㅖ, ㅙ, ㅠ" that starts with "" "and has the highest number of strokes when the vowel is assumed to be the same vowel Can be performed. In this case, the control unit, when the vowel "a, b, c, t" is input for the user's understanding and convenience, the vowel " Can be displayed.

Wherein the control unit displays, in the Hangul input mode, only six of the entire vowels of the Hangul in all of the plurality of character display areas, wherein the six vowels are displayed in one character display area The display module can be controlled so that the display module can display a combination of the six vowels to perform an input function for all the vowels of the Korean language. On the other hand, the six vowels may be displayed in one or more character display areas.

The electronic device according to the present invention can provide a character input function that can easily perform a character input function using a small virtual keyboard displayed on a display module, have.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 100 according to the present invention.
2 is a flowchart showing an example of a character input method of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a character input method of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 2 is performed.
4 is a flowchart showing another example of a character input method of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a character input method of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 4 is performed.
FIG. 6 shows that the characters displayed in the character display area are enlarged as the touch and drag move in the embodiment shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining that a character input function is performed by touch and drag in the electronic device 100 according to the present invention.
8 is an example of a character input area for explaining another example of a character input method in the electronic device 100 according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart showing another example of a character input method of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 shows an example of the display state of the touch screen 140 of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention, which has entered the character input mode according to the character input method shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 shows examples in which a character input function is performed in the electronic device 100 according to the present invention, in accordance with the character input method shown in FIG.

For a better understanding of the present invention, its operational advantages and features, and the objects attained by the practice of the present invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, which form a preferred embodiment of the invention, and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 100 according to the present invention. In the present specification, the characteristics of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention will be described focusing on a character input function using a smart phone as an example. However, the electronic device 100 according to the present invention is not limited to a smart phone. For example, the electronic device according to the present invention may include various electronic devices such as a smart watch, a smart band, a smart pad, a notebook, a game machine, a TV, an Augmented Reality (AR) device, and a VR (Virtual Reality) device.

1, the electronic device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, a control unit 130, a touch screen 140, and an input unit 150. On the other hand, the components of the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 1 are not essential, so that the electronic device 100 may have more or fewer components. This is the same for each component constituting the electronic device 100. [ Hereinafter, each component will be described in detail.

The communication unit 110 may perform various communication functions such as wireless communication between a terminal and a base station, short-range wireless communication, and wired communication. The storage unit 120 may store various programs for controlling the operations of the electronic device 100 and various data generated during the operation of the electronic device 100.

The controller 130 controls the overall state and operation of the electronic device 100. In particular, when the character input mode is selected, the control unit 130 may perform a character input function in various ways based on the operation of the touch screen 140 and the input unit 150. This will be discussed in detail with reference to other drawings in the future.

The touch screen 140 includes a display unit 141 and a touch sensor 142. That is, the touch screen 140 may perform a touch input function and a display function. The display unit 141 displays various information related to the state and operation of the electronic device 100. [ In particular, when the user enters the character input mode, the display unit 141 of the touch screen 140 displays a character display area in which letters and numbers are arranged under the control of the controller 130, Is displayed.

The touch sensor 142 is mounted on the upper portion of the display unit 141 and detects the coordinates of the area where the touch is generated by sensing the touch of the user. Then, the touch sensor 142 transmits the coordinates thus detected to the control unit 130 so that a function corresponding to the area in which the touch is generated and the style of the touch can be performed.

The character display area of the touch screen 140, the display of the character input area, the character input function generated by the received touch, and the like will be described in further detail with reference to other drawings.

The input unit 150 may perform an information input function for the electronic device 100. In particular, the input unit 150 may be used as a means for generating a control signal for inputting characters in a character input mode. The input unit 150 may include various hardware buttons, a microphone, a camera, a dial, a stick, and the like. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

2 is a flowchart showing an example of a character input method of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a character input method of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 2 is performed. Hereinafter, the character input method will be described with reference to necessary drawings.

The electronic device 100 enters the character input mode (S100). Then, the controller 130 controls the touch screen 140 to display a plurality of character display areas in which a plurality of surrounding characters are displayed around the corresponding representative character and the representative character (S110). On the other hand, entry into the character input mode can be performed based on execution of a character input function for search, creation of mail, start of SMS creation, and the like. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

In a state where the character input mode is entered, a simple touch is received through the touch screen 140 (S120). Here, the simple touch refers to touches such as simple tapping, long press, and the like, which are not moved after the touch is received. When the simple touch is received, the controller 130 determines whether the received location of the simple touch is received in the plurality of character display areas (S130).

If it is determined that the simple touch is received at a certain point in the specific character display area among the plurality of character display areas (YES at S130), the controller 130 determines whether the simple touch is within the specific character display area of the simple touch (S140), regardless of the reception position in the specific character display area. However, if the simple touch is not received within the plurality of character display areas, the controller 130 performs a function corresponding to the touch receiving position (S150).

3, the electronic device 100 enters a character input mode, and a character input area 141-1 is displayed on the touch screen 140. A character display area 141- When the user touches an arbitrary area of the specific character display area 141-26 in a state where the display area 141-26 is displayed in the display area 141-26, It indicates that 5 is input to the character input area 141-1 of the display unit by performing the input function for the representative character 5 in the specific display area 141-26. In the present specification, a character input area refers to an area where characters are selected based on a touch to the touch screen 140 (i.e., a result of performing a character input function).

In FIG. 3, each character display area is composed of nine characters, in which the representative character is the center character of each area, and the characters displayed in the vicinity are the surrounding characters. In each of the character display areas, the representative character is displayed in an enlarged manner as compared with surrounding characters, so that it can be recognized easily as compared with surrounding characters. On the other hand, the representative characters of the respective character display areas may be displayed differently from surrounding characters, rather than simply enlarged. For example, the representative character may be displayed in different colors or in different shapes from the surrounding characters.

As described above, in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the user can easily recognize the representative character of each character display area and can use the entire character display area as the touch receiving area for selecting the representative character. Therefore, the possibility that the user erroneously input the representative character of each character display area can not but be significantly reduced. Such a character input prevention function may be more valuable in a smart watch or a smart band having a small touch screen size. In some cases, the characters corresponding to the directionality of the touch and drag may be displayed differently in color or shape than the other characters.

 Meanwhile, the characters displayed in the enlarged and displayed characters in the respective character display areas may be variable according to the touch and drag operation of the touch screen 140 by the user. The enlarged characters can be made to have a commonality with respect to each character display area according to the directionality of the touch and drag. Even in this case, since the user can easily recognize the character he / she wants to input, the probability of the user entering the character can be lowered.

4 is a flowchart showing another example of a character input method of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a character input method of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 4 is performed. Hereinafter, the character input method will be described with reference to necessary drawings.

The electronic device 100 enters a character input mode (S200). Then, the control unit 130 controls the touch screen 140 to display a plurality of character display areas in which a representative character and a plurality of peripheral characters are displayed around the representative character when they enter the character input mode (S210 ). Steps S200 and S210 may be performed in the same or similar steps as the steps S100 and S110 shown in FIG. 2, so that detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In a state in which the user enters the character input mode, a touch and drag starting at a certain point in the touch recognition area of the touch screen 140 is received (S220). When the touch and drag is received, the controller 130 determines whether the end position of the touch and drag is the plurality of character display areas (S230).

If it is determined that the touch and drag is completed at a certain point in the specific character display area among the plurality of character display areas (S230, YES), the controller 130 determines whether the touch And the specific character display area is selected on the basis that the end position of the drag and drag is within the specific character display area. Then, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the corresponding character display area of the specific character display area corresponds to the direction of the end position of the touch and drag start position, regardless of the character displayed at the end position of the touch and drag And performs an input function for peripheral characters displayed at the position (S240).

However, if the end position of the touch and drag is not the plurality of character display areas, the controller 130 performs a function corresponding to the touch receiving position (S250).

Hereinafter, a detailed example in which the character input method shown in FIG. 4 is performed will be described with reference to FIG. The electronic device 100 enters a character input mode and a character input area 141-1 is displayed on the touch screen 140 and a character display area 141-2 is displayed below the touch screen 140 A touch and drag operation starting from a certain point in the character input area 141-1 of the touch screen 140 and ending at a point where "2" is displayed in the surrounding characters of the specific character display area 141-26 .

The control unit 130 then displays the surrounding characters displayed at positions corresponding to the direction of the end position with respect to the start position of the touch and drag with respect to each character display area 141-21 to 141-26 And enlarged and displayed. And performs an input function for the enlarged peripheral character "9 " in the character display area in which the touch and drag is ended.

That is, the controller 130 selects the specific character display area 141-26 based on that the end position of the touch and drag is the specific character display area 141-26 regardless of the start position of the touch and drag And the character can be selected and input in the specific character display area 141 based on the directionality of the touch and drag based on the representative character regardless of the character displayed at the end position of the touch and drag.

In the example of FIG. 5, although the touch and drag is received in the character input area 141-1 instead of the character display area 141-2, the electronic device 100 according to the present invention is not limited to the case where the touch- In the case where the data is received in the display area 141-2 and ends in the character display area 141-2, the character input function can be performed according to the operation principle shown in the example of FIG. That is, it is possible to perform a character input function by receiving a touch input at every place of the displayed screen.

As described above, in the electronic device 100 according to the present invention, the characters corresponding to the direction of the touch and drag in each of the character display areas 141-21 to 141-26 are enlarged and displayed compared with other characters It can be easily perceived as compared with surrounding characters, and the entire character display area can be used as a touch receiving area for character selection. Therefore, the possibility of the user erroneously inputting a desired character is inevitably reduced. Such a character input prevention function may be more valuable in a smart watch or a smart band having a small touch screen size.

Meanwhile, the characters displayed in the enlarged and displayed area of each character display area may be variable according to the movement of the user's touch and drag with respect to the touch screen 140. This example will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 shows that characters displayed in the character display area are enlarged as the touch and drag move in the embodiment shown in FIG.

6A shows an enlarged state of a character when the touch and drag is received at the first position and moved to the second position. 6A, peripheral characters displayed at the 6 o'clock direction corresponding to the proceeding position at the start position of the touch-and-drag are enlarged and displayed based on the representative character displayed at the center of each character display area have.

6 (b) shows the enlarged state of the character when the touch and drag move from the 2 position to the 3 position. Referring to FIG. 6B, it can be seen that surrounding characters displayed at the 3 o'clock direction corresponding to the progress position at the start position of the touch and drag are enlarged and displayed based on the representative character displayed at the center of each character display area have.

That is, the electronic device 100 according to the present invention does not enlarge and display the characters in the character display area according to the position of the touch-and-drag, but rather, as a reference for enlarging and displaying the characters displayed in the respective character display areas, Directionality of the progress position with respect to the start position is used.

In summary, in the electronic device 100 according to the present invention, while the touch-and-drag process is being performed, the electronic character string is displayed on the representative character display area for each character display area, A surrounding character displayed at a position corresponding to the direction of the progression position of the touch and drag can be enlarged and displayed. The character enlargement function according to the moving path of the touch and drag of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention facilitates the user to easily recognize the characters displayed in the respective character display areas, Can be provided.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining that a character input function is performed by touch and drag in the electronic device 100 according to the present invention.

FIG. 7A shows a configuration of a character input area 141-21 for explaining the character input function. 7A, the representative character of the character input area 141-21 is "S ", eight surrounding characters are displayed in the vicinity thereof, and since the state before the touch and drag is received, Quot; S "is enlarged and displayed.

When the touch and drag moves to the right and ends at an arbitrary point in the first character input area 141-21, "D" located on the right side of the representative character is input. Here, the starting position of the touch-and-drag may be any point in the character display area 141-2 or any point in the character input area 141-1. On the other hand, input of representative characters can be performed based on a simple touch to any point of the first character input area 141-21.

When the touch and drag moves to the left and ends at an arbitrary point in the first character input area 141-21, "A" located on the left side of the representative character is input, and the touch and drag moves downward When an arbitrary point in the first character input area 141-21 is terminated, "X" located below the representative character is input, and the touch and drag moves upward to move the first character input area 141-21 ), "W" positioned above the representative character is input.

When the touch and drag moves to the lower right room and ends at an arbitrary point in the first character input area 141-21, "C" located in the lower right room is input based on the representative character, and the touch and drag is inputted to the right upper room When the moving object is moved to an arbitrary point in the first character input area 141-21, "E" located in the upper right room is input based on the representative character, and the touch and drag moves to the lower left, Quot; Z "located at the lower left and lower ends of the representative character are input, and the touch and drag moves to the upper left room to move to any point of the first character input area 141-21 Quot; Q "located in the upper left room is input based on the representative character.

As described above, in the electronic device 100 according to the present invention, the character display area is selected according to the end position regardless of the start position of the touch and drag, and the characters in the character display area selected according to the directionality of the touch- Is selected.

8 is a diagram for explaining another example of a character input method in the electronic device 100 according to the present invention.

8A is an example of a character input area provided by the electronic device 100. In FIG. The electronic device 100 does not display any other vowel in the character display area on the touch screen 140 in the Hangul input mode and selects only the six vowels shown in Fig. 8 as "a, b, c, t, It is possible to display the displayed character display area. The electronic device 100 can perform an input function for all the vowels of the Hangul with a combination of the six vowels. Among the vowels, "-" is a representative character and is displayed in an enlarged form since it is an initial entry into the Hangul input mode.

The control unit 130 can perform an input function for each character when the character (?,?,?,?,?,?) Displayed in the character display area is selected once by simple touch or touch and drag. The control unit 130 can perform an input function for "ㅑ, ㅕ, ㅛ, ㅠ" if it is selected twice through "a, ㅓ, ㅗ,,, simple touch or touch and drag.

The control unit 130 selects the input function for "ㅐ" when selecting "a" after selecting "a", the function for inputting "ㅔ" after selecting "ㅓ" Select "ㅘ" to select "ㅘ", "" "to select" "" and input "ㅚ" to select "" " , "ㅡ" is selected, and "ㅣ" is selected, the input function for "ㅢ" can be performed.

If the vowel "ㅡ", which is not combined after another vowel in the Hangul input mode, is input after the input of "a, ㅓ, ㅗ, ㅜ", the control unit 130 displays "a, ㅓ, ㅗ, You can perform the input function for "ㅒ, ㅖ, ㅙ, ㅞ", the vowel with the greatest number of strokes for each. That is, in the Hangul input mode, when the vowel "ㅡ" which is not combined after another vowel is input after the input of "a, ㅓ, ㅗ, ㅜ" ",", "" For each vowel, "vowel, vowel, vowel, vowel" that has the largest number of strokes added to vowels "ㅑ, ㅕ, ㅛ, Can be performed. In this case, the control unit 130 displays the vowel "ㅒ, ㅓ, ㅗ, ㅜ" for the user's understanding and convenience, and then the vowel "" " , "And" ㅞ ".

FIG. 8B is a table summarizing an example of the character input method described above. In FIG. 8, the simple touch is a touch to an arbitrary point in the Korean vowel display area. When the simple touch is received, the representative character "-" of the Korean vowel display area is input. 8 (b), the arrow indicates touch and drag, the arrow indicates the direction of the touch and drag, and the touch and drag starts at an arbitrary point on the touch screen 140, Quot; region " Referring to FIG. 8 (b), it can be seen that the electronic device 100 according to the present invention can easily input all Hangul vowels with only six vowels.

As described above, the electronic device 100 according to the present invention can perform input functions for all the vowels of the Korean language with only six vowels, so that it is possible to combine all vowels within two inputs, thereby increasing the speed of text input The width of the character display area can be minimized. This can provide the effect of greatly increasing the efficiency of the display area in a small electronic device having a relatively narrow display area such as a smart watch or a smart band.

On the other hand, in the method of inputting "ㅒ, ㅖ, ㅙ, ㅞ" through the combination of the vowels "a, ㅓ, ㅗ, ㅜ" and "ㅡ" of the present invention, The present invention can also be applied to various Hangul input methods for selecting input characters based on at least one of a reception position of a simple touch and a direction and an end position of a touch and drag, including embodiments for displaying surrounding characters through touch and drag.

9 is a flowchart showing another example of a character input method of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 10 shows an example of the display state of the touch screen 140 of the electronic device 100 according to the present invention, which has entered the character input mode according to the character input method shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows examples in which a character input function is performed in the electronic device 100 according to the present invention, in accordance with the character input method shown in FIG.

The electronic device 100 enters the character input mode (S300). Then, the controller 130 controls the touch screen 140 to display a plurality of character display areas, a direction determining soft key, and an area selecting soft key, each of which displays a corresponding representative character and a plurality of peripheral characters around the representative character (S310).

10, when the user enters the character input mode, the controller 130 displays a character input area 141-1 in which characters to be input are displayed on the touch screen 140, In another embodiment, different colors and shapes may be displayed differently from other characters.) Six character display areas composed of nine characters including representative characters, first software for determining the direction for selecting characters in each character display area Key 141-3, and a second soft key 141-4 for selecting a character input target region out of the six character display regions are displayed. The six character display areas include first through sixth character display areas from left to right. The numbers displayed on the second soft key 141-4 indicate the first to sixth character display areas.

On the other hand, the user may operate the first soft key 141-3 in a touched state to rotate the jog shuttle, dial, direction key, or tilt to one side to determine the direction, The direction can be determined by operating a hardware button, and the user can select a character area with a simple touch on the second soft key 141-4.

Then, the controller 130 determines whether the direction is determined by the first control signal (S320). As described above, the first control signal may be generated based on operation on the first soft key 141-3 for direction determination. In a case where the direction is not determined by the first control signal (NO at S320), the controller 130 determines whether a specific character display area is selected by the second control signal at step S330. Here, the second control signal may be generated based on the operation of the second soft key 141-4.

If the specific character display area is selected by the second control signal (S330: YES), the controller 130 performs an input operation for the representative character of the selected character display area (S340). However, if the second control signal is not generated (NO at S330), the controller 130 performs step S330 for a predetermined time, and may repeat step S320 if the predetermined time has elapsed.

11A, when the character input mode is entered and the representative characters of each character input area are enlarged and displayed (in another embodiment, colors and shapes may be displayed differently from other characters) In the state in which the user has not operated the first soft key 141-3, a portion corresponding to the first character display area is touched by the second soft key 141-4 so that the representative character " S "is inputted.

If a specific direction is determined by the first control signal in step S320, the controller 130 enlarges and displays surrounding characters corresponding to the determined direction for each of the character display areas (in other embodiments, The color or shape may be displayed differently), and it is determined whether a specific character display area is selected by the second control signal (S350).

If a specific character display area is selected by the second control signal (S350: YES), the controller 130 controls the character display area selected by the second control signal in a direction selected by the first control signal And performs an input function for peripheral characters corresponding to the characters (S360). However, if the second control signal is not generated (NO at S350), the controller 130 performs step S350 for a predetermined time, and may repeat step S320 if the predetermined time has elapsed.

Referring to FIGS. 11B and 11C, if the user operates the first soft key 141-3 to determine the direction to the upper right and the lower right when entering the character input mode, The surrounding characters corresponding to the determined direction are displayed in an enlarged manner (in another embodiment, colors and shapes may be displayed differently from those of other characters) Quot; 3 "and" N "which are the surrounding characters of the selected character display area are input by touching the portion corresponding to the two character display area.

As described above, according to the character input method of FIG. 10, the user can easily recognize representative characters and surrounding characters of each character display area, and can easily input characters through character selection and direction selection through a touch screen So that the possibility of erroneously inputting a desired character can be remarkably reduced. Such a character input prevention function can be more advantageously used in a smart watch or a smart band having a small size of a touch screen.

In the example of FIG. 9, the first and second control signals are generated by the soft key operation displayed on the display module in a state where the display module has the touch screen function. However, in another example of the present invention, the first and second control signals may be generated by various other methods.

For example, in another embodiment of the present invention, a first control signal for direction determination is generated by a separate hardware operation such as a dial or a button provided on the electronic device, and a second control signal for selecting a character display area is generated on the touch screen Can be caused by a touch on. At this time, the selection of the character display area may be performed by touching any point of the desired character display area or by touching a soft key provided on the touch screen. In still another embodiment of the present invention, first and second control signals may be generated by operating a jaw shuttle, a remote controller, a stick, a button, and the like connected to an electronic device.

9 to FIG. 11, the directional concept at the time of inputting characters can be applied to the method of inputting characters in the electronic device 100 according to the present invention as shown in FIG. It goes without saying that the concept of the vowel input method can be applied.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. This is possible.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined by the equivalents of the claims, as well as the claims.

100: electronic device 110: communication unit
120: storage unit 130:
140: touch screen 150: input

Claims (9)

A touch screen having a touch input function and a display function; And
And a control unit for controlling the touch screen to display a plurality of character display areas in which a representative character corresponding to each character and a plurality of peripheral characters are displayed around the representative character when entering the character input mode,
Wherein,
Performing an input function for a representative character of the first character display region regardless of a reception position of the simple touch when a simple touch is received at a certain point of the first character display region among the plurality of character display regions,
When a touch and drag which starts at a certain point in the touch recognition area of the touch screen and ends in an arbitrary area of the second character display area among the plurality of character display areas,
The second character display area is selected based on whether the end position of the touch and drag is within the second character display area regardless of the start position of the touch and drag,
Dragging is performed on the basis of the representative character display area of the second character display area and the peripheral character displayed at the position corresponding to the direction of the end position with respect to the start position of the touch- To perform the input function for
Before the touch and drag is received in the character input mode, the representative characters corresponding to each of the plurality of character display areas are enlarged or displayed, or displayed differently from surrounding characters,
Dragging is performed, a plurality of character display regions are displayed in a position corresponding to the direction of the progression of the touch-and-drag with respect to the start position of the touch and drag with reference to the representative character display region Characterized in that peripheral characters are displayed in an enlarged manner or displayed differently from characters not corresponding to a drag progress direction.
delete The apparatus of claim 1,
In the Hangul input mode, when the vowel "ㅡ", which is not joined after another vowel, is input after inputting "a, ㅓ, ㅗ, ㅜ"Quot;,",","", and "
The apparatus of claim 3,
In the Hangeul input mode, only six characters "a, ㅓ, ㅗ, ㅜ, ㅡ, ㅣ" among the entire vowels of the Hangul are displayed in the entirety of the plurality of character display areas, and the six vowels are displayed in one character display area Controls the touch screen,
And an input function for all the vowels of the Hangul can be performed by a combination of the six vowels.
A display module; And
When the user enters the character input mode, controls the display module to display a plurality of character display areas in which a representative character corresponding to each character and a plurality of peripheral characters are displayed around the representative character, And a control unit for performing a character input function in response to a second control signal for selecting a character display area,
Wherein,
In a state in which the direction is not determined by the first control signal, a representative character of each of the plurality of character display regions is enlarged and displayed or displayed differently from surrounding characters, and when the second control signal is received in this state, 2 input character for the representative character of the character display area selected by the control signal,
The peripheral character corresponding to the specific direction is enlarged or displayed for each of the plurality of character display areas in a state in which a specific direction is determined by the first control signal or displayed differently from other characters, The control unit performs an enlargement of the character display area selected by the second control signal or an input function for peripheral characters displayed differently from other characters.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first and second control signals are generated by first and second soft key touch operations displayed on the display module,
Wherein the first control signal is generated based on a separate hardware operation provided in the electronic device and the second control signal is generated based on a touch operation to the display module,
Wherein the first and second control signals are generated based on a separate hardware operation provided in the electronic apparatus.
6. The apparatus of claim 5,
In Hangul input mode, if the vowel "ㅡ", which is not joined after another vowel, is input after inputting "a, ㅓ, ㅗ, ㅜ"Quot;,",","", and "
8. The apparatus of claim 7,
In the Hangeul input mode, only six characters "a, ㅓ, ㅗ, ㅜ, ㅡ, ㅣ" among the entire vowels of the Hangul are displayed in the entirety of the plurality of character display areas, and the six vowels are displayed in one character display area , And controls the display module
And an input function for all the vowels of the Hangul can be performed by a combination of the six vowels.
A touch screen having a touch input function and a display function; And
And a control unit for controlling the touch screen to display a virtual keyboard and perform a character input function in response to a touch to the touch screen when entering a character input mode,
Wherein,
A character input unit for selecting a character to be input based on a reception position of a simple touch received through the touch screen and a direction and an end position of a touch and drag received through the touch screen,
In Hangul input mode, if the vowel "ㅡ", which is not joined after another vowel, is input after inputting "a, ㅓ, ㅗ, ㅜ"Quot;,",","", and "

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