WO2011022860A1

WO2011022860A1 - Method and apparatus for inputting text in electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2011022860A1
Application number: PCT/CN2009/000981
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shun-an WANG; Jian-hua BI; Ming Chen; Hao Luo; Steven J. Nowlan; Chandni Agarwal
Original assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
Priority date: 2009-08-28
Filing date: 2009-08-28
Publication date: 2011-03-03

Abstract

A method and apparatus for inputting text in an electronic device reduces the number of key presses required to input text using a multi-tap input method. The method for inputting text in the electronic device includes: receiving (204) a first key press; in response to the receiving (204), displaying (214) a default character associated with the first key press if the first key press is associated with a predefined subset of non navigation keys; subsequently, receiving (216) a second key press; and finally in response to the receiving (216), replacing (224) the default character with an alternate character associated with the second key press if the second key press is associated with a navigation key.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INPUTTING TEXT IN ELECTRONIC

DEVICE

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to entering text in an electronic devoice and more specifically to a method and apparatus for reducing the number of keystrokes required to input text using a multi-tap input method.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Nowadays, due to the small size of electronic devices, keypad_scan be small and include fewer keys than the number of letters in an alphabet.

Subsequently, there are multiple characters, such as letters, numbers, and symbols, associated with one key. Various methods can be used to disambiguate key presses for entering data or text in these electronic devices having reduced keypads.

[0003] The two most commonly used methods of disambiguation for key presses are multi-tap text entry and predictive text entry. In multi-tap text entry method, a key corresponding to a character is pressed repeatedly to select a desired character. In an example of multi-tap text entry, to enter the word 'of,' a user presses numeric key '6' three times to specify the character O', then the user presses numeric key '3' three times to specify character T. This method requires the use of six key presses to input a two letter word.

[0004] In predictive text entry, a key corresponding to a desired character is pressed and then all the character combinations corresponding to the pressed key are displayed on the display. The user then selects the desired character

combination. However, linguistic disambiguation is not perfect because multiple words may have the same key sequence. For example, 'the', 'tie', and 'vie' have the same sequence, that is 8-4-3. Therefore, the user has to scroll through the various character combinations to select the desired character combination.

Although initially only three key presses are needed to obtain a list of word options, additional scrolling and selection keypresses are required to input a desired word.

[0005] Accordingly, there is an opportunity to develop a method and apparatus for entering text using a reduced keypad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0006] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a keypad layout in accordance with some embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for navigational multi-tap text entry modein an electronic device with a compact keypad having a navigation key cluster in accordance with some embodiments.

[0009] FIGs. 3-5 illustrate screen views of an electronic device demonstrating an exemplary process for entering text in the electronic device with a keypad having a navigation key cluster in accordance with some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for entering a symbol in an electronic device with a compact keypad having a navigation key cluster in accordance with some embodiments.

[0011] FIGs. 7 and 8A- 8 C illustrate screen views of an electronic device demonstrating an exemplary process for entering text in the electronic device with a keypad having a navigation key cluster in accordance with some embodiments.

[0012] FIGs. 9-11 are schematics of alternate keypad layouts in accordance with some embodiments. [0013] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electronic device for entering text in an electronic device with a compact keypad having a navigation key cluster in accordance with some embodiments.

[0014] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be

exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] A method and apparatus enters text in an electronic device using a reduced keypad and a navigation key cluster. The method includes an electronic device that receives a first key press. In response to receiving the first key press, the electronic device determines if the first key press is associated with a predefined sub-set of non-navigation keys. The pre-defined sub-set of non-navigation keys includes numeric key '1', numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', numeric key '9', and asterisk (*) key. If the device determines that the first key press is associated with a pre-defined sub-set of non-navigation keys, then the device displays a default character associated with the first key press. Then the device receives a second key press associated with a navigation key from the navigation key cluster. The navigation key is one of an UP key, a DOWN key, a RIGHT key, and a LEFT key present in the navigation key cluster. In response, the device replaces the default character with an alternate character. Thus, the user is able to enter any desired character using at most 2 key presses.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a keypad layout of an electronic device 100 in accordance with some embodiments. The electronic device 100 includes a keypad 105, a display 160, a speaker 170, a microphone 180, and an antenna (not shown).

[0018] The keypad 105 includes non-navigation keys 110, soft keys 190, and navigation keys 195. The non-navigation keys 110 are associated with letters, numbers, and symbols. The non-navigation keys 110 include numeric key ' 1 ', numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', numeric key '9', numeric key '0', asterisk (*) key, and hash (#) key. The non-navigation keys 110 is primarily a Bell keypad with the letters Q and Z associated with numeric keys '7' and '9' and additional characters associated with certain keys (e.g., numeric keys '2'-'6' and '8') such that each key is related to five characters. Please note that the additional characters have been chosen to be commonly- used punctuation marks in usage order, but alternate additional characters and alternate placements may be used. For example, instead of a ',' (comma) associated with the numeric key '2', the numeric key '2' could have an '@' (at symbol) which is the symbol associated with a [SHIFT] [2] on a standard keyboard.

[0019] In FIG. 1, the numeric key ' 1 ' is associated with multiple symbols which include punctuation marks. The numeric key '2' is associated with characters 'A', 'B', and 'C, number '2', and commonly used punctuation mark comma ','. The numeric key '3' is associated with characters 'D', Ε', and 'F', number ^ς3', and commonly used punctuation mark period '.'. The numeric key '4' is associated with characters 'G', 'H', and T, number '4', and commonly used punctuation mark question mark '?'. The numeric key '5' is associated with characters 'J', 'K', and 'L', number '5', and commonly used punctuation mark exclamation mark ' ! ' . The numeric key '6' is associated with characters 'M', 'N', and '0', number '6', and commonly used punctuation mark hyphen '-'. The numeric key '7' is associated with characters 'P', 'Q', 'R', and 'S', and number '7'. The numeric key '8' is associated with characters 'T', 'U', and 'V, number '8', and commonly used punctuation mark colon ':'. The numeric key '9' is associated with characters 'W, 'X', 'Y', and 'Z', and number '9'. The asterisk (*) key is associated with symbols '@', semi-colon ';', apostrophe '", and asterisk '*'. The numeric key '0' is used to switch between upper case and lower case and the hash '#' key is used to switch between navigational multi-tap text entry mode, conventional multi-tap text entry mode, predictive text entry mode, number entry mode, and symbol entry mode.

[0020] The navigation key cluster 195 includes UP key 151 , DOWN key 153 ,

RIGHT key 152, and LEFT key 154. The UP key 151 is used to move the cursor up. The DOWN key 153 is used to move the cursor down. The RIGHT key 152 is used to move the cursor right and the LEFT key 154 is used to move the cursor left. The soft keys 190 may be associated with delete, answering an incoming call, rejecting a call, etc.

[0021] Additionally, a central select key (CSK) 150 is also present on the keypad. The central select key (CSK) is used to switch between the text entry mode and a navigation mode. In the text entry mode, the navigations keys are used to

disambiguate a key press and in the navigation mode, the navigation keys are used to move the cursor right, left, up, and down.

[0022] The electronic device 100 additionally includes a transceiver, processors, memory, and other electronic components which are not shown in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 is shown as a mobile phone. Alternate electronic devices can be landline telephones, cordless telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, video game consoles, remote controllers, and other electronic devices that enable text entry using compact keypads. A processor and memory in the electronic device can be used to implement a flowchart shown in FIG. 2 in order to facilitate text entry using the compact keypad with navigation keys.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a flowchart 200 for navigational multi-tap text entry mode in an electronic device with compact keypad having a navigation key cluster in

accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The method commences with the user entering 202 a navigational multi-tap text entry mode. The user starts entering text by pressing a key of a keypad. The keypad (such as the keypad 105 shown in FIG. 1) includes a group of navigation keys, a group of non-navigation keys, and additional soft keys.

[0024] As a result of pressing a key by the user, the electronic device receives

204 a first key press. Then, the electronic device determines 206 if the first key press is associated with one of: numeric key '1', numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7\ numeric key '8', numeric key '9', and asterisk (*) key. If the electronic device determines 206 that the first key press is not associated with numeric key ' 1 ', numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', numeric key '9', or asterisk (*) key, then the electronic device switches 208 to conventional multi- tap mode and the functionality associated with the pressed key as defined by the conventional multi-tap mode is performed. In one embodiment, after performing the function associated with the pressed key as defined by conventional multi-tap mode, the electronic device may return to receiving 204 a first key press in navigational multi-tap text entry mode. In another embodiment, the electronic device may end the navigational multi-tap text entry mode and function according to conventional multi-tap mode until a new entry mode is selected.

[0025] If the electronic device determines 206 that the first key press is associated with numeric key T, numeric key '2', numeric key ^ς3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', numeric key '9', or asterisk (*) key, then the electronic device checks 210 if the first key press is associated with a pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys. The pre-defined sub-set of non-navigation keys includes numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key ¹A', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', numeric key '9', and asterisk (*) key. If the electronic device determines 210 that the first key is not associated with the pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys then the first key press is associated with numeric key '1' and the electronic device switches 212 to a symbol entry mode. The symbol entry mode helps in inputting a desired (non-letter) symbol. The symbol entry mode will be explained in detail later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0026] However, if the electronic device determines 210 that the first key is associated with one the pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys, then the electronic device displays 214 a default character associated with the first key press on the electronic device. In one example as shown in FIG. 1, the default character associated with a key is the first character printed on the key. In another example as shown in FIG. 9, the default character associated with a key is the character printed at the center of the key.

[0027] After the default character is displayed 214, the electronic device determines 218 if a second key is pressed within a predetermined amount of time from pressing the first key. In one example, the predetermined amount of time maybe approximately 0.8 seconds. If the device determines 218 that the user has not pressed any key or if the device determines 218 that the second key was pressed after the predetermined amount of time has lapsed, then the device enters 220 the default character on the device and the device returns to receiving 204 another key press so that the device can enter the next character. Here, entering the default character means displaying the default character on the display and storing the default character in the memory of the electronic device.

[0028] For example, if the user wishes to enter a character 'C, then the user first presses numeric key '2'. As a result, the device determines that the key pressed is one of the keys present in the pre-defined subset of keys. Therefore, the electronic device displays 'A' on a display. Then the user presses the LEFT navigation key within the predetermined time period and as a result, the electronic device enters 'C on the display. However, if the LEFT key is pressed after the predetermined amount of time has lapsed, then the electronic device -enters the character 'A' on the display, evaluates the LEFT key press as a first key press 204, and moves the cursor to the left.

[0029] If the device determines 218 that the second key was pressed within a predetermined amount of time from pressing the first key, then the device checks 222 if the second key is associated with a navigation key present on the keypad. The navigation key may be one of an UP key 151, a RIGHT key 152, a DOWN key 153, and a LEFT key 154 present on the keypad as shown in FIG. 1.

[0030] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, there may be no timer present. In that case, the user may switch the navigational key cluster function between the text entry mode and a navigation mode using a central select key (CSK) 150, as shown in FIG. 1. In the navigation mode, the user can move a cursor right, left, up, or down using the navigation keys. In the text entry mode the navigation keys are used to disambiguate a key press. The central select key may be any soft key that is able to perform the function of switching modes. In another example, -another key can be assigned the function of switching the navigational key cluster between the text entry mode and the navigation mode.

[0031] In the case where no timer is present, then the device waits for the user to press another key, after displaying 214 the default character on the display. The electronic device receives 216 a second key press. In response to the receiving, the device determines 222 if the second key press is associated with a navigation key.

[0032] If the device determines 222 that the second key press is associated with a navigation key, then the device replaces 224 the default character with an alternate character associated with the navigation key pressed. The alternate character is a character corresponding to a key from the pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys and the navigation key pressed. For example, the second printed character on each key is associated with the UP key, the third printed character is associated with the RIGHT key, the fourth printed character is associated with the DOWN key, and the fifth printed character is associated with the LEFT key. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 1, the default character associated with numeric key '2' is 'A'. 'B' is the alternate character associated with numeric key '2' and the UP key 151. 'C is the alternate character associated with numeric key '2' and the RIGHT key 152. ',' is the alternate character associated with numeric key '2' and the DOWN key 153 and '2' is the alternate character associated with numeric key '2' and LEFT key 154. [0033] Subsequently, the electronic device enters 226 the alternate character and then the electronic device loops back to receiving 204 another key press from the user.

[0034] However, if the device determines 222 that the second key press is not associated with a navigation key, then the device checks 230 if the second key press is a clear function key. The clear function key performs the function of deleting a previously entered character, if any. If the device determines 230 that the second key press is associated with the clear function key, then the device removes 234 the displaying of the default character. However, if the device determines 230 that the second key press is not associated with the clear function key, then the device enters 232 the default character and returns to receiving 204 an input from the user. FIGs. 3-5 explain the operation of the flowchart of FIG. 2 using examples.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates screen views 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350 of an electronic device demonstrating an exemplary method for entering 'LAE' using an embodiment of the present invention. The first screen view 310 illustrates the display 305 when the user presses numeric key '5'. On the display 305 of the screen view 310, a default character 'J' 311 associated with the numeric key '5' is displayed. Because, the character 'J' 311 is just displayed on the display 305 and has not been entered, a horizontal cursor 313 is shown under the character 'J'. Along with the horizontal cursor 313 , a vertical cursor 312 is shown which shows the position of the next character to be entered. In another embodiment, the character is highlighted when it is displayed and not highlighted when the character is entered. In yet another example, the character blinks when it is displayed and does not blink when it is entered.

[0036] After pressing the numeric key '5', the user then selects the RIGHT key within the predetermined time period. As a result of the selection, the screen view changes to screen view 320. In screen view 320, the default character 'J' is replaced by alternate character 'L' 321. The alternate character has now been entered in the device and the horizontal cursor disappears. The vertical cursor 312 remains in the same position. Now, the user presses numeric key '2'. In response, a default character 'A' 331 associated with numeric key '2' is displayed on the display 305 and the vertical cursor 312 advances, as shown in screen view 330. A horizontal cursor 333 is also shown along with the default character 331, because the default character 'A' is displayed and not entered yet.

[0037] In the example of FIG. 3, the user then presses numeric key '3'. As a result, 'A' is entered in the device and the vertical cursor 312 advances. Therefore, the horizontal cursor 333 (shown in screen view 330) is now removed, as shown in screen view 340. Additionally, because the user had pressed numeric key ^ς3', the default character 'D' 341 associated with numeric key '3' is displayed on the display 305. A horizontal cursor 343 is also shown because 'D' is only displayed and has not been entered.

[0038] Now, the user presses the UP key. As a result, the screen view 340 is replaced by screen view 350. In screen view 350, the alternate character 'E' 351 replaces the default character 'D', and 'E' 351 is entered on the display 305.

[0039] Thus, the user is able to enter 'LAE' using only five key presses.

Conventional multi-tap would require six key presses. Moreover, because 'LAE' is not an English word, predictive text entry would require three initial keystrokes, but then also require significant scrolling and scanning by a user to select 'LAE' from the resulting 27 possible choices. Therefore, the flowchart of FIG. 2 reduces the number of keystrokes required to input a word.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 4, the screen views 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460,

470, and 480 illustrate the entry of characters 'J A F'. The screen view 410 shows the display 405 when the user presses numeric key '5'. As a result of the key press, a default character 'J' 411 associated with the numeric key '5' is displayed on the display 405. Because the character 'J' has been just displayed on the display 405, a horizontal cursor 413 is shown below 'J' on the display 405. Additionally, a vertical cursor 412 which indicates the position of the next character is also shown on the display 405.

[0041] In the example of FIG. 4, after pressing the first key a timeout occurs i.e. either the second key hasn't been pressed or the second key is pressed after a predetermined amount of time has lapsed. The predetermined amount of time is approximately 0.8 seconds in this example. After the timeout occurs, the default character 'J' 421 is entered in the device and the horizontal cursor 413 is removed, as shown in screen view 420. Now, the user presses the RIGHT key. Because the RIGHT key is pressed after a predetermined amount of time, in this case the vertical cursor 412 shifts right, as illustrated by screen view 430.

[0042] Then, in the example of FIG. 4, the user presses numeric key '2'. Now the screen view 430 is replaced by screen view 440. In screen view 440, the default character 'A' 441 associated with numeric key '2' is displayed on the display 405. As the default character hasn't been entered yet, a horizontal cursor 443 is shown below the default character 'A' 441. Additionally, the vertical cursor 412 advances. Once again timeout occurs before another key is pressed by the user; therefore, as shown in screen view 450, the default character 'A' 451 is entered and the horizontal cursor 443 (shown in screen view 440) is removed.

[0043] Now, the user presses the RIGHT key. In response, the vertical cursor

412 is shifted to the right, as shown in screen view 460. The cursor is shifted to the right because the RIGHT key was pressed after a predetermined time after the numeric key '2' was pressed.

[0044] Referring back to FIG. 2, when the user presses the RIGHT key after pressing the numeric key '2', the electronic device determines 218 if the RIGHT key is pressed within a predetermined amount of time from pressing the numeric key '2'. In the example of FIG. 4, the RIGHT key is pressed after the predetermined amount of time has lapsed. So, according to FIG. 2, the electronic device enters 220 the default character 'A'. So, the electronic device receives 204 the RIGHT key as the first key press. Then the electronic device determines that the first key is not associated with numeric key T, numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', numeric key '9', or asterisk (*) key. Subsequently, the electronic device switches 208 to conventional multi-tap mode and thus, shifts the cursor to the right. [0045] Referring back to FIG. 4, the user presses numeric key '3'. As a result, the default character 'D' 471 with the horizontal cursor 473 below it is displayed on the display 405, as illustrated in screen view 470. Additionally, the vertical cursor 412 which determines the position of the next character is shown on the display 405. Now, the user immediately presses the RIGHT key. Because the RIGHT navigation key is pressed within a predetermined amount of time, the default character 'D' 471 is replaced by alternate character 'F' 481, as shown in screen view 480 and the alternate character 'F' 481 is entered on the display 480.

[0046] Thus, using this technique for entering text in an electronic device, the user has to press only six keys to input 'J A F'. A conventional multi-tap technique would require seven keys to input 'J A F'. This is also favorable compared to the number of total keystrokes that would be required by predictive text entry (keystroke '5', 'space', select from options, keystroke '2', 'space', select from options, and keystroke '3', 'space', select from options.) Thus, the navigational multi-tap text entry mode helps to reduce the number of key presses required to input a word.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates screen views 510, 520, 530, 540, 550 and 560 of an electronic device demonstrating entry of 'LAE ' ('LAE[space]') using the flowchart of FIG. 2 without a timeout feature (i.e. without step 218). The first screen view 510 illustrates the display 505 when the user presses numeric key '5'. As a result, as shown in the screen view 510, a default character 'J' 511 associated with the numeric key '5' is displayed on the display 505. Because, the character 'J' 511 is just displayed on the display 505 and has not been entered, a horizontal cursor 513 is also shown. Along with the horizontal cursor 513, a vertical cursor 512 is shown which indicates the position of the next character to be entered. Now, in the example of FIG. 5, the user selects a RIGHT key. The timing of the RIGHT key press is not relevant in the example of FIG. 5.

[0048] As a result of the selection, the screen view 510 changes to screen view

520. hi screen view 520, the default character 'J' is replaced by alternate character 'L'

521. The alternate character 521 has now been entered in the device. Now, the user presses numeric key '2'. As a result, a default character 'A' 531 associated with numeric key '2' along with the horizontal cursor 533 below it is displayed on the display 505, as shown in screen view 530. In addition, the vertical cursor 512 is advanced on the display.

[0049] In the example of FIG. 5, the user then presses numeric key ' 3 ' . As a result, 'A' is entered on the device. Therefore, the horizontal cursor 533 (shown in screen view 530) below 'A' is now removed, as shown in screen view 540.

Additionally, because the user had pressed numeric key '3', the default character 'D' 541 associated with numeric key '3' is displayed on the display 505. The horizontal cursor 543 is also shown as 'D' is only displayed and not entered.

[0050] Now, the user presses the UP key. (Again timing is not important in the embodiments.) As a result, the screen view 540 is replaced by screen view 550. In screen view 550, the alternate character Ε' 551 replaces the default character 'D' 541 and is 'E' 551 is entered on the display 505. Now, the user again presses the RIGHT key. In response, the vertical cursor 512 shifts right, as shown in screen view 560. This is because pressing the RIGHT key is treated as receiving 204 a first key press in FIG. 2. Then in accordance with FIG. 2, the electronic device determines that the RIGHT key is not associated with numeric key '1', numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', numeric key '9', or asterisk (*) key, subsequently the electronic device switches 208 to convention multi-tap mode and consequently moves the cursor to the right.

[0051] Thus, the user is able to enter 'LAE[space]' using only six key presses.

Conventional multi-tap would require seven key presses. Predictive text entry would initially require four key presses (5 -2-3 -space) and then scrolling through options and selection of unconventional character string. Therefore, -the number of key presses required to input a word can be reduced relative to conventional multi-tap and can be simplified relative to predictive text entry.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a flowchart 600 for entering a symbol in an electronic device with a compact keypad and navigation key cluster in accordance with some embodiments. A symbol is any special character such as a punctuation mark, smilies, etc. In some embodiments,- number T and number '0' are also considered symbols. The electronic device displays 602 a symbol box after the device determines 210 (in FIG. 2) that the first key press is associated with a symbol key. The symbol key in the example of FIG. 6 is the numeric key '1'. However, the symbol key can be any one of a soft key, a dedicated key, and a side key, and the device can enter the symbol entry mode as a result of pressing one of these keys. The symbol box represents a list of symbols and is a virtual box which is displayed on the screen of the electronic device. Each symbol in the symbol box is associated with a symbol group. Each symbol group is associated with a key from a pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys. The predefined subset of non-navigation keys is one of numeric key '1', numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', and numeric key '9'. Each symbol group includes a subset of four symbols. Each symbol in the symbol group is associated with the non-navigation key associated with the symbol group and a navigation key. For example, a symbol group 1 associated with numeric key '1' may include symbols '(', ')', '_', and '1'. The symbol '(' is associated with numeric key '1' and UP key. The symbol ')' is associated with numeric key ' 1 ' and RIGHT key. The symbol '_' is associated with numeric key ' 1 ' and DOWN key. The symbol ' 1' is associated with numeric key ' 1 ' and LEFT key. See FIG. 7 for an illustration of the symbol group.

[0053] The user now presses another key. As a result, the electronic device receives 608 a second key press. The device then determines 609 if the second key press is associated with a navigation key. If the second key press is associated with a navigation key, then the device enters 611 a symbol from a symbol group ' 1 ' associated with the navigation key. The device then closes 614 the symbol box and switches 616 back to navigational multi-tap text entry mode.

[0054] However, if the device determines 609 that the second key press is not associated with a navigation key, then the device checks 610 if the second key press is associated with one numeric key '1', numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', and numeric key '9'. If the device determines that the second key press is not associated with one of these keys, then the device closes 614 the symbol box and switches 616 to the navigational multi-tap text entry mode. In this situation the invocation of the symbol entry mode was assumed to be an error.

[0055] Otherwise, if the device determines 610 that the second key press is associated with one of numeric key T, numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', and numeric key '9', then the device highlights 618 a symbol group 5 associated with the second key press and displays 620 a default symbol associated with the second key press. For example, if the user presses numeric key 5, then the symbol group associated with numeric key 5 is highlighted and a default symbol associated with numeric key 5 is displayed. The default symbol is generally a first symbol displayed in a symbol group.

[0056] Now, the user presses a third key. As a result, the device receives 622 a selection of a third key press. After receiving the third key press, the device determines 624 if the third key press is associated with a navigation key. If the third key press is not associated with a navigation key, then the device checks 625 if the third key press is associated with clear. If the third key press is not associated with clear, then the device enters 626 the default symbol, closes 614 the symbol box, and switches 616 to the navigational multi-tap text entry mode.

[0057] Otherwise, if the device determines 625 that the third key press is associated with clear, then the device deletes the default symbol group, closes 614 the symbol box and switches 616 to the navigational multi-tap text entry mode. In this situation, the clear key indicates that the invocation of symbol entry mode was an error.

[0058] However, if the device determines 624 that the third key press is associated with a navigation key, then the device replaces 628 the default symbol with an alternate symbol associated with the third key press and enters 630 the alternate symbol. The alternate symbol is a symbol corresponding to a navigation key. For example, the first symbol in each symbol group is associated with the UP key, the second symbol in each symbol group is associated with the RIGHT key, the third symbol in each symbol group is associated with the DOWN key, and the fourth symbol in each symbol group is associated with the LEFT key. The device then closes 614 the symbol box and switches 616 to the navigation multi-tap text entry mode. FIGs. 7-8 illustrate theuse of the flowchart 600 of FIG. 6 and the flowchart 200 of FIG. 2 using examples.

[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates screen views 710, 720, 730, 740, and 750 of an electronic device demonstrating an exemplary process for entering '(J@' using some embodiments. The first screen view 710 illustrates the display 705 when the user presses numeric key '1'. In another example, the user may press any other symbol key to enter the symbol entry mode. The symbol key may be one of a numeric key 1, a soft key, or a dedicated key.

[0060] In screen view 710, the vertical cursor 712, which determines the position of the next character to be displayed, is shown on the display 705. Along with the vertical cursor 712, the symbol box 714 is also shown on the display 705 because the user has pressed the symbol key. The symbol box represents a list of symbols associated with each key of a pre-defined sub-set of keys. The pre-defined sub-set of keys in this example includes numeric '1', numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', and numeric key '9'.

[0061] Now, the user presses numeric key ' 1 ' . As a result, the screen view 710 is replaced by screen view 720. In screen view 720, a default symbol '_' 721 associated with numeric key ' 1 ' is displayed on the display 705 and the vertical cursor 712 is advanced. Also, a horizontal cursor 723 is shown on the display 705. The horizontal cursor shows that the default symbol '_' 731 has only been displayed on the display 705 and has not been entered. Additionally, a symbol group 716 associated with the numeric key '1' is also highlighted. The symbol group is a sub-set of four symbols. Each symbol group is associated with one of the pre-defined subset of keys. Further, each symbol in the symbol group is associated with a navigation key. The symbol group is highlighted so that it is easier for the user to know which symbol group is selected.

[0062] Now, the user presses the UP-RIGHT key. As a result, the default symbol '_' 721 is replaced by alternate symbol '(' 731, as shown in screen view 730. The horizontal cursor 723 (shown in screen view 720) is now removed because the alternate character has been entered on the display 702. In addition, the vertical cursor 712 is also shown on the display 705. Now, in the example of FIG. 7, the user presses numeric key '5'. As a result, the screen view 730 changes to screen view 740. In screen view 740, the default character 'J' 741 is displayed on the display 705 and the vertical cursor 712 is advanced. Because the default character 'J' 741 has only been displayed on the display and has not been entered, a horizontal cursor 743 is also shown on the screen below 'J'. Now, the user presses the 'asterisk' key. As a result, 'J' is entered and the default symbol '@' 751 associated with the asterisk key is displayed along with the horizontal cursor 753 on the display 705 and the advanced vertical cursor 712. Thus, the user is able to enter '(J@' in just five key presses. Note that the ease with which symbols and letters can be combined. This methodology is very helpful in entering email addresses and passwords.

[0063] FIG. 8 illustrates screen views 805, 810, 815, 820, 825, 830, 835, 840,

845, 850, 855, 860, 865, 870, 875, 880, 885, and 890 of an electronic device demonstrating an exemplary process for entering an email address 'M_U@AOL.COM' using an embodiment. The first screen view 805 illustrates a display 801 when the user presses numeric key '6'. On the display 801 of the screen view 805, a default character 'M' 806 associated with the numeric key '6' is displayed. Because, the character 'M' 806 has only been displayed on the display 801 and has not been entered, a horizontal cursor 808 is also shown below 'M'. Along with the horizontal cursor 808, a vertical cursor 807 is shown on the display. The vertical cursor 807 indicates the position of the next character to be entered.

[0064] Now in the example of FIG. 8, the user selects the numeric key ' 1 ' . As a result of the selection, the screen view 805 changes to screen view 810. Because the user selects the numeric key '1 ', the default character 'M' 811 is entered in device.

Therefore, the horizontal cursor 808 (shown in screen view 805) is removed.

Additionally, a symbol box 814 is shown on the display 801. The symbol box 814 represents a list of symbols and is a virtual box which is shown on the display 801 of the electronic device. Each symbol in the symbol box is associated with a symbol group. Each symbol group is associated with a key from a pre-defined subset of non- navigation keys. The pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys in this example includes: numeric key ' 1 ', numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', and numeric key '9'.

Further, each symbol group includes a subset of four symbols and each symbol in the symbol group is associated with the non-navigation key which is associated with the symbol group plus a navigation key.

[0065] Now, if the user again presses numeric key ⁴ I', then the default character '_' 816 along with the horizontal cursor 818 below it is displayed on the display 801, as shown in screen view 815. Also, the vertical cursor 807 advances. In addition, the symbol group 819 associated with numeric key ' 1 ' is highlighted. Now, the user presses numeric key '8'. In response to the pressing, the default character 'T' 821 is displayed on the display 801 along with a horizontal cursor 823 and advanced vertical cursor 807, as shown in screen view 820. Because the user wants to enter 'U' on the display 801, the user now presses UP key. As a result as shown in screen view 825, the default character 'T' 823 (shown in screen view 820) is replaced by an alternate character 'U' 826 and the alternate character 826 is entered in the device.

[0066] Now, in the example of FIG. 8, the user presses 'asterisk' key. As a result the default character '@' 831 associated with the asterisk key is displayed on the display 801, as shown in screen view 830. In addition, the advanced vertical cursor 807 and a horizontal cursor 833 are also shown. The vertical cursor 807 indicates the position of the next character which will be entered by the user. The horizontal cursor 833 indicates that the default character has just been displayed and has not been entered. [0067] In the example of FIG. 8, the user then presses numeric key '2'. As a result, the screen view 830 changes to screen view 835. In screen view 835, '@' is entered, the default character 'A' 836 associated with the numeric key '2', the advanced vertical cursor 807, and a horizontal cursor 838 are shown on the display 801. The horizontal cursor 838 is- below the default character to illustrate that the default character has not been entered.

Now the user presses numeric key '6'. As a result, the default character 'A' 836 is entered and a default character 'M' 841 associated with the numeric key '6' is displayed on the display 801. In addition, a vertical cursor 807 and a horizontal cursor 843 are also shown on the display 801, as shown in screen view 840. Now, the user presses the RIGHT key because the user wishes to enter 'O' on the display 801. As a result of the pressing, the default character 'M' 841 is replaced by an alternate character 'O' 846 an d the alternate character 846 is entered on the display 801, as shown in screen view 845.

[0068] Now, the user presses numeric key '5' . As a result, the default character

'J' 851 is displayed on the display, as shown in screen view 850. In addition, a horizontal cursor 853 and the vertical cursor 807 are also shown on the display 801. After this, the user presses the RIGHT key. As a result, the default character 'J' 851 (shown in screen view 850) is replaced by alternate character 'L' 856 and the alternate character 'L' is entered in the device, as shown in screen view 855.

[0069] After this, the user wishes to display '.'. As '.' is a commonly used symbol, it is printed on one of the non-navigation keys. In the example of FIG. 8, '.' Is associated with the numeric key '3' and the DOWN key. So, the user presses numeric key '3'. As a result, the default character 'D' 861 associated with numeric key '3' is displayed on the display 801, as shown in screen view 860. In addition, a horizontal cursor 863 and the vertical cursor 807 are also shown on the display 801. Now, the user presses the DOWN key. In response to the pressing, the default character 'D' 861 is replaced by the alternate character '.' 866 and the alternate character '.' 866 is entered in the device, as shown in screen view 865. In addition the vertical cursor 807 indicating the position of the next character to be entered is also shown.

[0070] Now the user wishes to display 'COM' on the display. So the user first presses numeric key '2'. As a result, the default character 'A' 871 associated with the numeric key '2' is displayed, as shown in screen view 870. Along with the default character 871, a horizontal cursor 873 depicting that the default character has only been displayed and has not been entered is also shown. Now, the user presses RIGHT key. As a result, 'A' 871 (shown in screen view 870) is replaced by the alternate character 'C 876 associated with the RIGHT key and the alternate character 876 is entered in the device, as shown in screen view 875. Additionally, the vertical cursor 807 is also shown on the display. After entering 'C, the user presses numeric key '6'. As a result, the default character 'M' 881 associated with numeric key '6' is displayed on the display 801, as shown in screen view 880. Additionally, a horizontal cursor 883 and the vertical cursor 807 are also shown on the display 801. After pressing numeric key '6', the user presses the RIGHT key. In response to this, the screen view 880 changes to screen view 885. In screen view 885, the default character 'M' 881 is replaced by alternate character 'O' 886 associated with the RIGHT key and the alternate character 'O' 886 is entered in the device. Now again the user presses numeric key '6', as a result of which the default character 'M' 891 associated with the numeric key '6' is displayed on the display, as shown in screen view 890. Since 'M' has only been displayed and has not been entered as indicated by the horizontal cursor 893, the user can wait for timeout or can press a navigation key to enter 'M'. Thus, the user is able to enter the email address 'M_U@AOL.COM' in just 18 key presses. Conventional multi-tap would require a minimum of 24 keys to enter this email address. Predictive text entry would require a sequence of one to three initial key presses followed by scrolling and selection to build the email address a few letters at a time. Therefore, this method helps simplify email address entry. [0071] FIGs. 9-11 show alternate keypad layouts in accordance with some embodiments. The electronic device 900 includes a keypad 905, a display 960, a speaker 970, a microphone 980, and an antenna (not shown).

[0072] The keypad 905 includes non-navigation keys 910, soft keys 990, and navigation key cluster 995. The navigation key cluster 995 includes an UP key 951 to move the cursor up, a DOWN key 953 to move the cursor down, a RIGHT key 952 to move the cursor right, and a LEFT key 954 to move the cursor left. The non-navigation keys 910 are associated with numbers, alphabets, and symbols. In FIG. 9 the characters on each key of the non-navigation keys 910 are printed in the same place as the navigation pattern. For example, if for displaying 'B', the user has to select numeric key '2' and then UP key, then 'B' is placed in the 'UP' position on numeric key '2'. So, the character that is represented at the center of a non-navigation key (such as A and D) are the default characters associated with that key and will be displayed without the use of a navigation key and by just pressing the numeric key. This will make it easier for the user to see which combination of non-navigation key 910 and a navigation key from the navigation key cluster 995 will enter which character.

[0073] In the example of FIG. 9, for numeric key '2', 'A' is printed in the center of the key, 'B' is printed above 'A', 'C is printed to the right of 'A', ',' is printed below 'A', and '2' is printed to the left of 'A'. For numeric key '3', 'D' is printed in the center of the key, Ε' is printed above 'D', 'F' is printed to the right of 'D', '.' is printed below 'D', and '3' is printed to the left of 'D'. For numeric key '4', 'G' is printed in the center of the key, 'H' is printed above 'G', T is printed to the right of 'G', '?' is printed below 'G', and '4' is printed to the left of 'G'. For numeric key '5', 'J' is printed in the center of the key, 'K' is printed above 'J', 'L' is printed to the right of 'J', M' is printed below 'J', and '5' is printed to the left of 'J'. For numeric key '6', 'M' is printed in the center of the key, 'N' is printed above 'M', 'O' is printed to the right of 'M', '-' is printed below 'M', and '6' is printed to the left of 'M'. For numeric key '7', 'P' is printed in the center of the key, 'Q' is printed above 'P', 'R' is printed to the right of 'P', 'S' is printed below 'P', and '7' is printed to the left of 'P'. For numeric key '8', 'T' is printed in the center of the key, ^CU' is printed above 'T', 'V is printed to the right of 'T', ':' is printed below 'T', and '8' is printed to the left of 'T'. For numeric key '9', 'W is printed in the center of the key, 'X' is printed above 'W, 'Y' is printed to the right of 'W, 'Z' is printed below 'W, and '9' is printed to the left of 'W. For asterisk key '*', '@' is printed in the center of the key, '" is printed above '@', ';' is printed to the right of '@', V is printed below '@', and '*' is printed to the left of '@\

[0074] In FIGs. 10-11 arrows or other indicators are printed above each key to specify the navigation key that should be pressed when selecting a character. The electronic device 1000, 1100 includes a keypad 1005, 1105, a display 1060, 1160, a speaker 1070, 1170, a microphone 1080, 1180, and an antenna (not shown).

[0075] The keypad 1005, 1105 includes non-navigation keys 1010, soft keys

1090, 1190, and navigation key cluster 1095, 1195. The navigation key cluster 1095, 1195 includes an UP key 1051, 1151 to move the cursor up, a DOWN key 1053, 1153 to move the cursor down, a RIGHT key 1052, 1152 to move the cursor right, and a LEFT key 1054, 1154 to move the cursor left. The non-navigation keys 1010, 1110 are associated with numbers, alphabets, and symbols. For example, if for displaying 'B' the user has to select numeric key 2 and then UP key, then an up arrow is printed above B on the numeric key '2'. Similarly, for 'C a right arrow is printed above 'C, for ',' a down arrow is printed above ',', and for '2' a left arrow is printed above '2'. Therefore, a character not having any arrow on top of it (such as A and D) is a default character and can be displayed without the use of a navigation key and by just pressing the numeric key. The presence of arrows or other directional indicators above the non- navigation keys 1010, 1110 will make it easier for the user to see which navigation key will enter which character.

[0076] Note that although each key in FIGs. 1 and 9-11 represent the same characters, the non-Bell keypad characters can be easily replaced by other characters or can be removed. For example, the comma ',' associated with numeric key '2' can be replaced by some other character or can be removed altogether. In case of removal, the comma can be accessed via symbol entry mode. [0077] FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 and can be used to implement the flowcharts of FIGs. 2 and 6. The electronic device 1200 includes a reduced keypad 1225 with a navigation key cluster, a microphone 1220, a speaker 1215, a display 1235, an antenna 1205, a transceiver 1210, a processor 1240, a memory 1230, and a timer 1250. The microphone 1220 is responsible for converting received audio signals into electrical signals for transmission, and the speaker 1215 is responsible for converting electrical signals into audio signals. These signals are received and transmitted through the antenna 1205. The transceiver 1210 combines the transmission and the reception capabilities of the electronic device 1200. The processor 1240 is coupled to all the other parts of the electronic device. The display 1235 shows the characters associated with key presses on the keypad 1225 as well as icons and messages and any previously entered characters. In this example, the keypad 1225 includes non-navigation keys, soft keys, and a navigation key cluster. The non- navigation keys are associated with numbers, letters, and symbols. The non-navigation keys include numeric key ' 1 ', numeric key '2', numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', numeric key '9', numeric key '0', asterisk (*) key, and hash (#) key. The numeric key '1' is associated with multiple symbols which includes punctuation marks as well. The numeric key '0' is used to switch between upper case and lower case, and the hash '#' key is used to switch manually between navigational multi-tap text entry mode, conventional multi- tap text entry mode, predictive text entry mode, number entry mode, and symbol entry mode. The navigation key cluster includes an UP key, a DOWN key, a RIGHT key, and a LEFT key. The UP key is used to move the cursor up. The DOWN key is used to move the cursor down. The RIGHT key is used to move the cursor right and the LEFT key is used to move the cursor left. The soft keys may be associated with delete (or clear), answering an incoming call, rejecting a call, etc. Also, a central select key (CSK) is present in the keypad which is used to switch the navigation key cluster function between the navigational multi-tap text entry mode and a navigation mode. In the navigation mode, the user can move the cursor up, down, right, or left using the navigation keys.

[0078] In the present invention the combination of key presses from the navigation keys and the non-navigation keys is used to disambiguate a character.

[0079] When the user of the electronic device 1200 enters the navigational multi-tap text entry mode, the processor 1240 receives a selection of a first key from a set of keys. The set of keys includes a group of navigation keys and a pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys. The pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys includes numeric key '2*, numeric key '3', numeric key '4', numeric key '5', numeric key '6', numeric key '7', numeric key '8', numeric key '9', and asterisk (*) key in this example. In response to the selection of a first key, the processor 1240 displays a default character associated with the first key, if the first key is from the pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys. The processor 1240 replaces the default character on the display 1235 with an alternate character associated with a second key from the group of navigation keys in response to receiving a next key press under predetermined conditions as explained earlier.

[0080] The electronic device also includes the timer 1250 that checks if the second key is pressed within a predetermined amount of time after the first key press. If the processor 1240 determines that the second key is pressed within the pre-determined amount of time after the first key press then processor 1240 replaces on the display 1235 the default character with the alternate character in accordance with an

embodiment previously described.

[0081] In addition, the processor 1240 also displays on the display 1235 a symbol box in response to receiving the first key press, where the first key press is associated with a symbol key. The symbol key may be one of numeric key ' 1 ', a soft key, or a dedicated key. Then, the processor 1240 receives the second key press and determines if the second key press is associated with a pre-defined subset of keys on the non-navigation keypad. The pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys in this embodiment is one of numeric key 1, numeric key 2, numeric key 3, numeric key 4, numeric key 5, numeric key 6, numeric key 7, numeric key 8, and numeric key 9. In response, the processor 1240 highlights a symbol group associated with the second key press, if the second key press is associated with the pre-defined subset of keys. Then, the processor 1240 displays a default symbol associated with the second key press and receives a third key press, hi response to the third key press, the processor 1240 determines if the third key press is associated with a navigation key. Finally the processor 1240 replaces the default symbol with an alternate symbol associated with the third key press, if the third key is associated with a navigation key.

[0082] As a result of using this technique for entering character, the number of keystrokes required for entering a word is often reduced compared to conventional multi-tap and the process of entering a string of mixed letters and symbols is simplified compared to predictive text entry.

[0083] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present

teachings.

[0084] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more

pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0085] Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has", "having," "includes", "including," "contains", "containing" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises ...a", "has ...a", "includes ...a", "contains ...a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about" or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term "coupled" as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0086] It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or "processing devices") such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.

[0087] Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

[0088] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A method for text entry in an electronic device having navigation keys and non-navigation keys, the method comprising:

receiving a first key press;

displaying a default character associated with the first key press, if the first key press is associated with a pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys;

receiving a second key press;

replacing the default character with an alternate character associated with the second key press, if the second key press is associated with a navigation key.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein replacing further comprises:

entering the alternate character.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys includes numeric key 2, numeric key 3, numeric key 4, numeric key 5, numeric key 6, numeric key 7, numeric key 8, numeric key 9, and asterisk (*) key.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

skipping the replacing of the default character and entering the default character, if the second key is not pressed within a pre-determined amount of time after the receiving the first key press.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

entering the alternate character, if the receiving the second key press occurs within a pre-determined amount of time after the receiving the first key press.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

removing the displaying the default character, if the second key press is associated with a clear function key.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

entering the default character, if the second key press is not associated with a clear function key or a navigation key.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

switching to a symbol entry mode, if the first key press is associated with a symbol key.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

switching to a multi-tap mode, if the first key press is not associated with the pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys and the first key press is not associated with the symbol key.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the symbol key is numeric key 1.

11. A method for entering a symbol in an electronic device having navigation keys and non-navigation keys, the method comprising:

receiving a first key press, wherein the first key press is associated with a symbol key;

displaying a symbol box with at least one symbol;

receiving a second key press;

determining if the second key press is associated with a pre-defined subset of keys; highlighting a symbol group associated with the second key press , if the second key press is associated with the pre-defmed subset of keys;

displaying a default symbol associated with the second key press for the first default symbol;

receiving a third key press;

determining if the third key press is associated with a navigation key; and replacing the default symbol with an alternate symbol associated with the third key press, if the third key press is associated with the navigation key.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the pre-defined subset of keys includes numeric key 1, numeric key 2, numeric key 3, numeric key 4, numeric key 5, numeric key 6, numeric key 7, numeric key 8, and numeric key 9.

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein replacing the default symbol further comprises:

entering the alternate symbol.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising:

closing the symbol box; and

switching to a text entry mode.

15. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

closing the symbol box, and switching to a text entry mode, if the second key press is not associated with the pre-defined subset of keys.

16. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

entering the default character, closing the symbol box, and switching to a text entry mode, if the third key press is not associated with a navigation key or a clear function key.

17. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

removing the displaying of the default symbol, if the third key press is associated with a clear function key.

18. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

entering a symbol associated with the first key press and the second key press, closing the symbol box, and switching to a text entry mode, if the second key press is associated with the navigation key.

19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the symbol box represents a list of symbols associated with each key of the pre-defined subset of keys.

20. The method of claim 11 , wherein the symbol key is numeric key 1.

21. An electronic device for entering characters including text and symbols, the electronic device comprising:

a set of keys including a group of navigation keys and a pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys;

a display; and

a processor, coupled to the display and the set of keys, for displaying on the display a default character associated with a first key from the pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys in response to receiving a first key press and for replacing on the display the default character with an alternate character associated with a second key from the group of navigation keys in response to receiving a second key press.

22. The electronic device of claim 21 , wherein the pre-defined subset of non- navigation keys includes numeric key 2, numeric key 3, numeric key 4, numeric key 5, numeric key 6, numeric key 7, numeric key 8, numeric key 9, and asterisk (*) key.

23. The electronic device of claim 21 , wherein each key of the pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys is associated with at least one character.

[SYC i]24. The electronic device of claim 23, wherein a character is explicitly shown on a key of the pre-defined subset of non-navigation keys in a navigation pattern reflecting an association of the character with one key from the group of navigation keys.

|[SYC2]25. The electronic device of claim 23, wherein a character plus navigation symbol is explicitly shown on a key of the pre-defined subset of non- navigation keys reflecting an association of the character with one key from the group of navigation keys.

26. The electronic device of claim 21 , wherein the processor comprises a timer for checking if the second key is pressed within a predetermined amount of time after the first key press and wherein the processor replaces on the display the default character with the alternate character, if the second key is pressed within the pre-determined amount of time after the first key press.

27. The electronic device of claim 21 , wherein the processor is also for displaying on the display a symbol box in response to receiving the first key press, wherein the first key press is associated with a symbol key, receiving the second key press, determining if the second key press is associated with the pre-defined subset of keys, highlighting a symbol group associated with the second key press if the second key press is associated with the pre-defined subset of keys, displaying a default symbol associated with the second key press, receiving a third key press, determining if the third key press is associated with a navigation key, and replacing the default symbol with an alternate symbol associated with the third key press if the third key is associated with a navigation key.

28. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the symbol key is one of a numeric key 1, a soft key, a dedicated key, and a side key.

29. The electronic device of claim 27, wherein the symbol box represents a list of symbols, wherein each symbol is associated with a key from the pre-defined subset of keys.