WO2011016046A1

WO2011016046A1 - A system and method for typing words in different languages in hand held devices

Info

Publication number: WO2011016046A1
Application number: PCT/IN2010/000031
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vivekananda Pani
Original assignee: Vivekananda Pani
Priority date: 2009-08-06
Filing date: 2010-01-19
Publication date: 2011-02-10

Abstract

The various embodiments provide a system and method to type words in different languages in the hand held devices using a simple algorithm and a phonetic dictionary. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for typing words in different languages in hand held devices. A word selection algorithm and pluralities of dictionaries of different languages are downloaded to the hand held device. Then a desired language dictionary is selected. The word selection algorithm is activated by selecting the messages option. The keys provided in the hand held device are pressed to type a word. The word selection algorithm displays the words that are formed with the characters selected by the pressing of the keys in the selected language to enable a user to select a word of his choice from the displayed words.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TYPING WORDS IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES IN HAND HELD DEVICES

BACKGROUND

Technical field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to messaging services and particularly to language conversion systems for messaging services. The present invention more particularly relates to typing of words in different languages in hand held devices like mobile phones, remote controllers, messaging devices, etc.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Input devices for handheld computers and mobile devices commonly include a wide variety of user interaction mechanisms such as thumbsticks, D-pads, and various depressible buttons. However, in order to input text and other characters, a keyboard is preferably utilized. These keyboards are limited in size by the size of the handheld computer or mobile device. Character-based languages (e.g., Hindi, Chinese, German, French, etc.) have thousands of characters, making it difficult for users to enter the intended characters or words into computers or electronic devices. Language specific keyboards do not exist for the simple fact that it is practically impossible to build a keyboard to support separate keys for so many different characters.

[0003] One of the currently available techniques discloses a system for mobile phone users, where users typically employ a small character-set keyboard to enter phonetic text and then word processing software converts the phonetic text to the appropriate language text of a character-based language. The entry of phonetic text is difficult on small character-set keyboards such as mobile devices that are commonly equipped with fewer input keys. For instance, a cellular phone commonly has only eight keys to represent all 26 English letters. As a result, attempting to enter phonetic text, in Asian languages such as Chinese, Hindi, into a cellular phone using only a few keys can be very difficult and confusing.

[0004] Another technique discloses T9 input method, which is suitable for word-level input. It provides only the meaningful words corresponding to the characters selected by the pressing of the keys. A user selects a word from the words presented to the user. T9 also provides predictive text software with specialized language engines for Alphabetic, Chinese and Japanese languages.

[0005] Another technique discloses a dual language messaging. The dual language messaging capabilities allow users to compose a message in a combination of two languages using simultaneous text entry and prediction. For example, a user would be able to input text in two different languages without the need to change menus. With dual language messaging, a user in the Philippines can compose a message in Tagalog; compose the next message in English; or compose a single message with a mixture of the languages, the latter a common activity amongst text messaging users in the Philippines. This same example is also applicable for users in other Asian countries, including India, Indonesia and Malaysia.

[0006] But none of the currently available system provide a simple system and method to generate a word in a desired language just by pressing the keys once using a phonetic language dictionary and to generate a set of word string and a subset of word string based on the set of keys pressed to provide a choice of words based on the frequency of use as the permutation of characters present in the keys pressed.

[0007] Thus there is a need for a system and method for typing text in different languages in handheld devices. Also there is a need for a system which uses simple phonetic mappings to generate a set of strings and a sub set of strings based on the permutation of characters assigned corresponding to the keys pressed and the phonetic dictionary. Further there is a need for a system to provide quick and easier way of typing frequency based and most common text in mobile devices easily without using complex and fuzzy algorithms.

[0008] The abovementioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification. .

SUMMARY

[0009] The objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] The primary object of the invention is to develop a system and method to type a word in a desired language just by pressing the keys only once.

[001 1] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system and method to type a word in a desired language based on the frequency of words used without using a complex, fuzzy and heuristic algorithm.

[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to develop a system and method to type a word in a desired language correctly even when the word are misspelt. [0013] The various embodiments provide a system and method to type words in different languages in the hand held devices using a simple algorithm and a phonetic dictionary. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for typing words in different languages in hand held devices involves downloading a word selection algorithm to a hand held device. Pluralities of different dictionaries of different languages are downloaded to the hand held device. Then a desired language dictionary is selected from the down loaded dictionary of languages. The downloaded word selection algorithm is activated by selecting the messages option. The keys provided in the hand held device are pressed to type a word. The word selection algorithm displays the words that are formed with the characters selected by the pressing of the keys in the selected language to enable a user to select a word of his choice from the displayed words.

[0014] The algorithm selects and displays the words in the selected language corresponding to the keys pressed as and when the keys are pressed. The algorithm selects and displays the words corresponding to the keys pressed using the phonetic dictionary of the language. The dictionary may be any dictionary. The keys can have substring mappings to help type even words with reasonable confusions. The string can be formed using phonetic dictionary in one example. The algorithm selects and displays the words even when the words are misspelt. The algorithm selects and displays the words in an order based on the frequency of the words used.

[0015] The algorithm generates a set of character strings and a subset of character strings based on the permutation and the combination of the characters assigned corresponding to the keys pressed in the hand held device, using a phonetic dictionary of the desired language and the down loaded dictionary of the desired language. The key is pressed only once to select a character or string from the different characters or strings assigned to each key.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a hand held device is loaded with an algorithm to write words in desired language by typing the keys. The hand held device is provided with a key board having pluralities of keys to enable a user to input a character. A processor is connected to the key board to read the key codes corresponding to the keys pressed to identify the characters to be used in forming a word. A memory is provided to store the dictionary of languages down loaded to the device. The downloaded language dictionary is a phonetic dictionary. The memory also stores a look up table containing the string of words corresponding to the combination of keys pressed by the user.

[0017] The processor is loaded with a word selection algorithm to select and display words corresponding to the keys pressed in a desired language using a dictionary of the desired language. The keys are pressed only once to select a character. The key board is a non QWERTY key board. The key board may be an alpha numeric key board in one example. The word selection algorithm loaded in the processor is activated by selecting the messaging option to select and display the word in the desired language when the user starts pressing the key to select a character. The activated word selection algorithm generates string of words using the phonetic dictionary of the desired language. The activated word selection algorithm generates suitable words even when the word is misspelt by pressing different combination of keys.

[0018] Thus the various embodiments of the invention provide a system and method to type words in a desired language by using a word selection algorithm and a dictionary of phonetics in the desired language. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] FIG.1 illustrates a flow chart explain the method for typing a word in different languages in a hand held device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG.2 illustrates a functional block diagram of a hand held system loaded with algorithm to type a word in different languages according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG.3 illustrates a front view of a hand held device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG.4 illustrates a flow chart explain the method for typing a word in different languages in a hand held device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG.5 illustrates a look up table containing the string of words generated during the pressing of keys in the hand held device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG.6 illustrates an example for typing a word in the hand held device by typing keys in one order, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG.7 illustrates another example for typing the word shown in FIG.6 by pressing the keys in a different order according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0027] Although specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0029] The various embodiments provide a system and method to type words in different languages in the hand held devices using a simple algorithm and a phonetic dictionary. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for typing words in different languages in hand held devices involves downloading a word selection algorithm to a hand held device. Pluralities of different dictionaries of different languages are downloaded to the hand held device. Then a desired language dictionary is selected from the down loaded dictionary of languages. The downloaded word selection algorithm is activated by selecting the messages option. The keys provided in the hand held device are pressed to type a word. The word selection algorithm displays the words that are formed with the characters selected by the pressing of the keys in the selected language to enable a user to select a word of his choice from the displayed words.

[0030] The algorithm selects and displays the words in the selected language corresponding to the keys pressed as and when the keys are pressed. The algorithm selects and displays the words in the selected language corresponding to the keys pressed as and when the keys are pressed. The algorithm selects and displays the words corresponding to the keys pressed using the phonetic dictionary of the language. The algorithm selects and displays the words even when the words are misspelt. The algorithm selects and displays the words in an order based on the frequency of the words used.

[0031] The algorithm generates a set of character strings and a subset of character strings based on the permutation and the combination of the characters assigned corresponding to the keys pressed in the hand held device, using a phonetic dictionary of the desired language and the down loaded dictionary of the desired language. The key is pressed only once to select a character or multiple characters from the different characters assigned to each key. Zero or multiple characters or strings are selected from a set of strings assigned to each key by pressing a key only once. A string is a set of characters and each key is mapped to one or more strings. Each string contains one or more characters in sequence.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a hand held device is loaded with an algorithm to write words in desired language by typing the keys. The hand held device is provided with a key board having pluralities of keys to enable a user to input a character. A processor is connected to the key board to read the key codes corresponding to the keys pressed to identify the characters to be used in forming a word. A memory is provided to store the dictionary of languages down loaded to the device. The downloaded language dictionary is a phonetic dictionary. The memory also stores a look up table containing the string of words corresponding to the combination of keys pressed by the user.

[0033] The processor is loaded with a word selection algorithm to select and display words corresponding to the keys pressed in a desired language using a dictionary of the desired language. The keys are pressed only once to select a character. The key board is a non QWERTY key board. The word selection algorithm loaded in the processor is activated by selecting the messaging option to select and display the word in the desired language when the user starts pressing the key to select a character. The activated word selection algorithm generates string of words using the phonetic dictionary of the desired language. The activated word selection algorithm generates suitable words even when the word is misspelt by pressing different combination of keys.

[0034] FIG.1 illustrates a flow chart explain the method for typing a word in different languages in a hand held device according to one embodiment of the invention. With respect to FIG.l, a word selection algorithm is downloaded to a hand held device (101). The algorithm may be loaded on the processor in the hand held device .Pluralities of different dictionaries of different languages are downloaded to the hand held device (102). The downloaded dictionaries of different languages are stored in the memory of the hand held device. Then a desired language dictionary is selected from the down loaded dictionary of languages. The downloaded word selection algorithm is activated by selecting the messages option (103). The keys provided in the hand held device are pressed to type a word (104). The word selection algorithm displays the words that are formed with the characters selected by the pressing of the keys in the selected language to enable a user to select a word of his choice from the displayed words (105). [0035] The algorithm selects and displays the words in the selected language corresponding to the keys pressed as and when the keys are pressed. The algorithm selects and displays the words in the selected language corresponding to the keys pressed as and when the keys are pressed. The algorithm selects and displays the words corresponding to the keys pressed using the phonetic dictionary of the language. The algorithm selects and displays the words even when the words are misspelt. The algorithm selects and displays the words in an order based on the frequency of the words used.

[0036] The algorithm generates a set of character strings and a subset of character strings based on the permutation and the combination of the characters assigned corresponding to the keys pressed in the hand held device, using a phonetic dictionary of the desired language and the down loaded dictionary of the desired language. A look up table is prepared to store the all the possible set of strings and the subset of strings generated corresponding to the characters assigned with the keys pressed by the user. The key is pressed only once to select a character from the different characters assigned to each key. A user selects a suitable word from the displayed list of word for use in messaging operation (106).

[0037] FIG.2 illustrates a functional block diagram of a hand held system loaded with algorithm to type a word in different languages according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG.2, a hand held device is provided with a processor 204 which is loaded with an algorithm to write words in desired language by typing the keys 202. The hand held device is provided with a key board having pluralities of keys 202 to enable a user to input a character. The processor 204 is connected to the key board to read the key codes corresponding to the keys 202 pressed to identify the characters to be used in forming a word. A memory is provided to store the dictionary of languages down loaded to the device. The downloaded language dictionary is a phonetic dictionary. The memory also stores a look up table containing the string of words corresponding to the combination of keys pressed by the user.

[0038] The processor 204 is loaded with a word selection algorithm to select and display words corresponding to the keys 202 pressed in a desired language using a dictionary of the desired language. The keys 202 are pressed only once to select a character. The key board is a non QWERTY key board. The word selection algorithm loaded in the processor 204 is activated by selecting the messaging option to select arid display the word in the desired language when the user starts pressing the key to select a character. The activated word selection algorithm generates string of words using the phonetic dictionary of the desired language. The activated word selection algorithm generates suitable words even when the word is misspelt by pressing different combination of keys. The selected words are shown on a display 206. The user selects a word of his choice from the displayed words for use in the message.

[0039] FIG.3 illustrates a front view of a hand held device according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to the FIG.3, a hand held device is provided with a set of keys in a key pad to enable the user to input a character for typing a word. When the keys are pressed on the hand held device, the display 301 on the key board displays the set of words formed with the characters corresponding to the keys pressed by the user.

[0040] FIG.4 illustrates a flow chart explaining the method for typing a word in different languages in a hand held device according to one embodiment of the invention. With respect to FIG .4, a word selection algorithm is downloaded to a hand held device (401). The algorithm may be loaded on the processor in the hand held device .Pluralities of different dictionaries of different languages are downloaded to the hand held device (402). The downloaded dictionaries of different languages are stored in the memory of the hand held device. Then a desired language dictionary is selected from the down loaded dictionary of languages (403). The downloaded word selection algorithm is activated by selecting the messages option (404). The keys provided in the hand held device are pressed to type a word (405). The word selection algorithm displays the words that are formed with the characters selected by the pressing of the keys in the selected language to enable a user to select a word of his choice from the displayed words (406).

[0041] The algorithm selects and displays the words in the selected language corresponding to the keys pressed as and when the keys are pressed. The algorithm selects and displays the words in the selected language corresponding to the keys pressed as and when the keys are pressed. The algorithm selects and displays the words corresponding to the keys pressed using the phonetic dictionary of the language. The algorithm selects and displays the words even when the words are misspelt. The algorithm selects and displays the words in an order based on the frequency of the words used.

[0042] The algorithm generates a set of character strings and a subset of character strings based on the permutation and the combination of the characters assigned corresponding to the keys pressed in the hand held device, using a phonetic dictionary of the desired language and the down loaded dictionary of the desired language. A look up table is prepared to store all the possible set of strings and the subset of strings generated corresponding to the characters assigned with the keys pressed by the user. The key is pressed only once to select a character from the different characters assigned to each key. A user selects a suitable word from the displayed list of word for use in messaging operation (407).

[0043] FIG.5 illustrates a look up table containing the string of words generated during the pressing of keys in the hand held device according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG.5, the look up table 501 stores the set of character strings and the sub set of character strings that are generated corresponding to the permutation and the combination of characters assigned to the keys pressed by the user. For example when the keys "2", "4", "2", "4", "4" are pressed in the order, the word "M5" is displayed.

[0044] FIG.6 illustrates an example for typing a word in the hand held device by typing keys in one order, according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG.6, the word strings formed by the algorithm with respect to the keys pressed by the user are shown sequentially. The FIG.6 illustrates the action done by the user for typing a word "3TM5F', and the set of character strings and the sub set of character strings which are generated corresponding to the keys pressed and displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone (601). When the user presses the key '2" (602), the characters displayed on the screen are "3f,3TT, ^" (606). When the user presses the key '2" again (603), the characters displayed on the screen are, "3TO^", 3TT, 3T" (607). When the user presses the key '4" subsequently (604), the character strings displayed on the screen are, "3TTf, 3TRT, 3TTcT "(608). When the user presses the key '2" finally (605), the character strings displayed on the screen are, "^T, W^Jl, WQt, 3TOT, 3TΞ3JT" (609). Then the user selects the word "3T€t5T" as his choice for use (610).

[0045] FIG.7 illustrates another example for typing the word shown in FIG.6 by pressing the keys in a different order according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG.7, the word strings formed by the algorithm with respect to the keys pressed by the user are shown sequentially. In this example shown in FIG.7, the user presses the keys With respect to FIG.7, the keys pressed by the user for writing a word

are

"2", "2", "4", "4", "2" which are different from the keys pressed by the user to get the word in the example shown in FIG.6. The FIG.7 illustrates the action done by the user for typing a word "3TxOT', and the set of character strings and the sub set of character strings which are generated corresponding to the keys pressed and displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone (701). When the user presses the key '2" (702), the characters displayed on the screen are "3T,3TT, ^" (707). When the user presses the key '2" again (703), the characters displayed on the screen are, "3¹Rt, 3TT, W (708). When the user presses the key '4" subsequently (704), the character strings displayed on the screen are, "3TTf, 3TFT, 3TRT "

(709). When the user presses the key '4" further (705), the character strings displayed on the screen are, "^T, Φ€τJT, WtR, 3TW, 3T3fr, 3TM5T" (710). When the user presses the key "2" finally (706), the character strings displayed on the screen are, ", WZZfX, 3TM5T" (711). Then the user selects the word "3TM5T" as his choice for use (712). [0046] The various embodiments provide a system and method to type words in different languages in the hand held devices using a simple algorithm and a phonetic dictionary without using a heuristic, fuzzy and complex algorithm.

[0047] Thus the various embodiments of the invention provide a system and method to type words in a desired language by using a word selection algorithm and a dictionary of phonetics in the desired language

[0048] Although the invention is described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the invention with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.

[0049] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the embodiments herein and all the statements of the scope of the invention which as a matter of language might be said to fall there between.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A method for typing words in different languages in hand held devices

comprising:

downloading a word selection algorithm;

downloading languages of different dictionaries;

selecting a desired language dictionary from the down loaded dictionary of languages;

activating the downloaded word selection algorithm; and

pressing of the keys provided in the hand held device;

wherein the word selection algorithm displays the words that are formed with the characters selected by the pressing of the keys in the selected language to > enable a user to select a word of his choice from the displayed words.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the key is pressed only once to select a character or more characters from the different characters assigned to each key.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein each key is mapped to one or more strings.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein each string contains one or more characters in sequence.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the word selection algorithm is activated by selecting the messages option.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the algorithm selects and displays the words in the selected language corresponding to the keys pressed as and when the keys are pressed.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the algorithm selects and displays the words corresponds to the keys pressed using the phonetic dictionary of the language.

8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the algorithm selects and displays the words corresponding to the keys pressed based on the combination of the characters present corresponding to each pressed key.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the algorithm selects and displays the words even when the words are misspelt.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the algorithm selects and displays the words in an order based on the frequency of the words used.

1 1. A hand held device comprising:

a key board;

a processor;

a memory; and

a display

wherein the processor is loaded with a word selection algorithm to select and display words corresponding to the keys pressed in a desired language and a dictionary of the desired language.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the keys are pressed only once to select a character.

13. The device according to claim 1 1, wherein the key board is a non QWERTY key board.

14. The device according to claim 11, wherein the word selection algorithm downloaded in the processor is activated to select and display the word in the desired language when the user starts pressing the key to select a character.

15. The device according to claim 11, wherein the memory stores a look up table containing the string of words corresponding to the combination of keys pressed by the user. ,

16. The device according to claim 11, wherein the downloaded language dictionary is a phonetic dictionary.

17. The device according to claim 1 1, wherein the activated word selection algorithm generates string of words using the phonetic dictionary of the desired language.

18. The device according to claim 11, wherein the activated word selection algorithm generates suitable words even when the word is misspelt by pressing different combination of keys.