Locking the keyboard by a joy stick

ES 2 579 779 T3

Lock the keyboard with a joystick

Description

[0001] The present invention is related to the field of portable radiotelephones and, more specifically, to the input or introduction of data in said apparatuses.

[0002] Today's portable radiotelephones include a number of features in addition to the ability to make and receive telephone calls. These additional features include everything from storing and accessing phone numbers and names from an internal phone book to sending text messages to other users.

[0003] Generally, current portable radiotelephones include at least one numeric keypad, for dialing telephone numbers, and a series of additional function keys, for establishing communications with the desired telephone number, turning the radiotelephone off and on, etc. It is also common for the numeric keypad to contain alphabetic representations, which make it possible to compose text messages. Typically, each number key represents three alphabetic characters; for example, the number key '2' also often represents the characters 'A', 'B' and 'C'. When writing a text message, each time a number key is pressed, a kind of cursor appears that alternately selects each of the characters represented by that key. For example, if the number key '2' is pressed once, the character 'A' will be displayed or displayed, if it is pressed a second time the character 'B' will be displayed, and so on. When the desired character is displayed, another character can be entered after a short time or by pressing another key. In this way, you can write text messages. A text message can then be sent to another user in a variety of ways that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0004] One of the problems of the mentioned method is that writing text messages is somewhat laborious since it is necessary to press each key several times to select the required character.

[0005] To address this problem, some current radiotelephones include typewriter-like keyboards. These keyboards make typing text easier, but they are large and cumbersome. That's why radiotelephones that incorporate these keyboards are great too. However, reducing the size of such a keyboard makes it increasingly difficult to select the required key, since the keyboard keys end up being smaller than the tips of the fingers, and this leads to a greater probability of pressing the wrong key.

[0006] DE 19743283 relates to equipment or apparatus that includes a directional data input means. The equipment can be a portable communications device.

[0007] US 4,843,385 relates to a locking system for radio equipment. In US 4,843,385 the equipment is locked by entering a security code. When the computer is locked, the keyboard is disabled and cannot be used. To unlock the keypad, you must enter the appropriate three-digit code. If an incorrect code is entered, the radio transmits a message to indicate the identity of the radio user and to warn that an incorrect code has been entered.

Accordingly, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an improved data entry means for use in a portable radiotelephone.

[0009] In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a system and method according to the claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for selecting a character from a predetermined set or set of characters including: means for presenting the user with a first repertoire of selectable options, so that at the minus one of them represents a subset of said set of characters; input means for selecting one of the selectable options from said first repertoire; means for presenting the user with a second repertoire of selectable options, such that at least one of them represents a character of said selected subset; and means for selecting a character.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for selecting a character from a predetermined set or set of characters including: presenting the user with a first repertoire of selectable options, such that at least one of them represents a subset of the mentioned set of characters; select one of the aforementioned selectable options from the first repertoire; presenting the user with a second repertoire of selectable options, such that at least one of them represents a character of said selected option; and selecting a character from said second repertoire of selectable options.

[0012] This has the advantage that it allows easy input of alphanumeric data into a portable radiotelephone without

ES 2 579 779 T3 that a large keyboard is required. In addition, the need to repeatedly press the number keys associated with alphabetic characters is eliminated. The present invention is particularly advantageous for portable radiotelephones or similar devices that do not have a keyboard due to their small size. Furthermore, the present invention provides a fast, accurate and efficient way to enter data using one hand.

[0013] The present invention also has advantages over systems that use a kind of pencil or pen to enter data, such as character recognition systems, where a pen or pencil-like component is passed over a sensitive touch pad and a controller tries to interpret the movements to recognize the character that is being typed. These systems are inherently slow and difficult to use and require the user to make precise movements to ensure that the correct character is recognized. The lack of precise movements often leads to the recognition of a wrong character. In the case of these systems, the pencil-like component is easily lost, making data entry extremely difficult.

Advantageously, the number of selectable options presented to the user is limited to the number of defined positions of the input device. By thus limiting the number of selectable options, and by arranging the display of selectable options according to the positions of the input device, it is possible for any selectable option to be made with a single user input.

[0015] The present invention can also be implemented to allow total or partial control of a portable radiotelephone, thus eliminating the need for a keyboard for data entry.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying illustrations, where:

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a representation of the directional input controls of a data input joystick;

Figure 2 is a diagram showing a character set commonly used in a portable radiotelephone;

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an arrangement of menu items and submenus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing another arrangement of menu items and submenus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a portable radiotelephone in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 is a flow chart showing an example of how the controller of Figure 5 operates in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Y

Figure 7 shows various portable radiotelephones incorporating the present invention.

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a representation of the directional input controls of a 'joystick' (also called a joystick or control stick) that has nine defined positions 100 to 108. The 'joystick' that is sample allows 8 directional control signals to be generated, depending on the position of the joystick. Additionally, the joystick assumes a neutral position 108 when no force is applied. The 'joystick' shown can be implemented using a set of switches, allowing directional control signals to be generated depending on the direction in which the 'joystick' is moved. Those skilled in the art will understand that many joystick combinations can be used in place of the one previously described. For example, an analog 'joystick' that uses one or more potentiometers to obtain an offset along the 'x' and 'y' axes can also be used, with the appropriate control circuitry. It is also understood that a 'joystick' having more or less defined positions, including a mouse or a scroll wheel, will be equally suitable without detracting from the inventive concepts of the present invention. Furthermore, a configuration that includes cursor keys capable of generating directional control signals will also be suitable.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a character set commonly used with a portable radiotelephone using English. Characters X1 to X11 represent special characters that can be used, for example, for accented or foreign characters, math symbols, etc.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an arrangement of menu items and submenus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3a shows a primary menu screen that is presented to a user when it is required to enter an alphanumeric text on a portable radiotelephone, such as,

ES 2 579 779 T3 when writing a text message to send to another user. The menu screen is presented - on a display device such as, for example, an LCD screen - as a matrix of blocks 301 to 309, the arrangement of which corresponds to the defined positions of the 'joystick' of figure 1. In one embodiment Alternatively, the matrix is ​​replaced by a series of segments arranged to coincide with the positions of the input device. It is understood that the positions of the blocks or segments do not have to correspond to the defined positions of the 'joystick'.

[0020] Each of blocks 301 to 308 represents a subset of the set of characters shown in figure 2. For example, block 308 represents characters A to G, block 306 represents characters H to N, etc. . The user can select any of blocks 301 to 308 using the joystick. When the joystick is pressed, the block corresponding to the direction in which the joystick was pressed is highlighted or highlighted. For example, if the user wishes to choose the character 'D' to include it in a text message, the 'joystick' is pressed upwards and block 308 is highlighted. To obtain this effect of highlighting a block, the pixels that represent said block, a border may be displayed around the block, or the like. Moving the 'joystick' from side to side highlights a block according to the position of the 'joystick'. When the desired block is highlighted, the user can select the highlighted block.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the desired block is selected by keeping the 'joystick' in the position corresponding to the desired block for a specified period of time. For example, to select block 308, the user first pushes the joystick up, which highlights block 308. Holding the joystick in the same direction for, for example, 0.5 seconds, will selects the highlighted block. The length of time required for the selection to take place depends on the user's preferences. For example, an experienced user may want the time period to be shortened, thus increasing the speed at which data can be entered. Alternatively, a novice user may want the time period to be increased. Preferably, the user can choose the time period, so that the default setting is between about 0.5 and 1.5 seconds. In another embodiment of the present invention, the user selects a block - after having first highlighted said block - allowing the 'joystick' to return to its neutral position 108. If the 'joystick' is left in its neutral position for a short period of time time, the block that is currently highlighted is selected. Alternatively, the user can press a select button to select the currently highlighted block. The select button may or may not be part of the 'joystick', or it can be activated by pressing down on the 'joystick' axis.

[0022] Once a block is selected, the primary menu screen is replaced by a submenu screen. The contents of the submenu screen depend on the block previously selected. In the example above, if block 308 has been selected, subscreen 2 will be presented to the user, as shown in Figure 3c. Each of the blocks on the submenu screen 2 represents individual characters. To select a character, move the joystick in the direction of the desired character to highlight the appropriate block. Once the desired block has been highlighted, it can be selected as previously described. Once selected, the chosen character can be added to a text message, allowing a text message to be written. The selection of lowercase characters can be implemented by a separate 'shift' key, or they can be represented as individual characters, as previously described. In an alternative embodiment, the portable radiotelephone displays the first selected character in uppercase, and subsequent characters in lowercase until a point is selected, in which case the next selected character will be displayed in uppercase, and so on. Figures 3b to 3i show examples of various submenu screens that can be used in accordance with the present invention. Using the selection methods previously described, it is clear how any character from the set of characters shown in Figure 2 can be selected by performing only two movements with the 'joystick'. This provides a fast and accurate way to enter alphanumeric characters into a device such as a portable radio. With practice, the user can quickly become an expert in selecting the desired characters using the appropriate 'joystick' movements, much like learning to type. This method of entering data is particularly advantageous for portable radiotelephones that do not have a keyboard, for example for very small or portable devices where the size of an added keyboard would be too small to be used with the fingers.

Each of the submenu screens shown in Figure 3 includes at least one blank block. Figure 3b, for example, shows the presence of a blank block in the upper left corner. The position of the blank block corresponds to the position that was required to select that submenu screen on the main menu screen. For example, if block 307 of FIG. 3a was selected, the upper left block on the related submenu screen will be blank. Correspondingly, if block 308 of FIG. 3a was selected, the corresponding block on the related submenu screen will be blank. This setting helps prevent accidental character selection due to holding the 'joystick' in a certain position for too long.

However, it is possible to use all the blocks of the matrix. Additionally, features related to functionality can also be implemented; for example, a 'back block' (or 'back block') may be included so that the matrix screen of any submenu screen can be presented to the user. Is

ES 2 579 779 T3 feature is particularly useful when a submenu screen is selected by mistake.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a possible configuration of the characters in the submenu screens. In an alternative embodiment, improvements to the user interface can be obtained by grouping characters specifically. For example, if all vowels are grouped on a submenu screen, vowels can be quickly selected. Additionally, characters can be grouped according to their distribution in a particular language. For example, the letters 'e', ​​'a', 'i', 't', etc. they can be grouped together since they are used frequently in English.

[0026] It is understood that the invention can also be implemented to fully control the functionality of a portable radiotelephone. Figure 4a shows an example of a menu screen in which each block represents a menu item for controlling the functionality of a portable radio.

[0027] For example, if a user wishes to dial a subscriber number and start a call, the user will select the 'dial' menu in the manner previously explained. Upon selecting the 'dial' menu, the user will be presented with the configuration shown in Figure 4b. Using the previously described techniques, the user can quickly type in a subscriber number and, using the 'send' option, start a phone call with the chosen subscriber.

[0028] It is understood that the previously described techniques may be suitable for a wide range of uses, from creating text messages to fully or partially controlling the operation of the portable radiotelephone. Such a system could be used to eliminate the need for a keypad on a portable radio, so that the joystick would handle all controls and data inputs.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a locking system for the 'joystick' is provided. This is to prevent unwanted selection of menus, etc. due to accidental movements of the 'joystick' when it is stored in a pocket, handbag, etc. A menu is selected to lock the 'joystick' in the manner previously described. Once locked, no further data input is accepted via the joystick until the joystick has highlighted a predetermined number of blocks, in a predetermined order and within a predetermined period of time. Figure 4c shows a possible 'joystick' lock screen, which is displayed once the 'joystick' lock command has been executed. To unlock the 'joystick', first the 'joystick' must highlight block 410, followed by block 411, block 412 and finally block 413. If a block is selected outside of this sequence, the sequence must be started over. . For the joystick lock to be disabled, the blocks must be selected in the correct order and within a specified period of time. This period of time should allow the average user time to properly select the appropriate blocks, and not be excessively long to reduce the risk of accidental selection. Preferably, this sequence should be such that it is unlikely to be executed by accidental movement of the joystick while it is in a pocket or handbag, etc.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a portable radiotelephone 500 in accordance with the present invention. A display device 501 is used to display or present graphical or textual information to the user. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the display device can be supplemented with - and even replaced by - a speech synthesizer or other sensing means. The display device is connected to and controlled by a controller 502. Controller 502 accepts control signals from a 'joystick' or other input device 503. The controller interprets signals from 'joystick' 503 that are made in response to information that is presented to the user on display device 501. Optionally, a 506 keyboard can also be connected to the 502 controller. This keypad can be used for data entry or other control signals, such as turning the portable radiotelephone on or off or other functions common to these types of devices. A memory 504 is also connected to the controller 502. Said memory 504 can be used, for example, to store text messages that the user has created, to receive messages from external users, to change user options and parameters set by default, etc. Finally, a function module of the telephone 405 is connected to the controller 502. The function module of the telephone 405 makes it possible to establish a communication with a telecommunications network, allowing to make and receive calls, send or receive graphic messages or messages. text, etc. The telephone feature module 405 provides the usual functionality expected to be found in a portable radiotelephone, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of how the controller 502 of FIG. 5 operates in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Step 600 causes a menu screen to be presented to the user via display device 401. In step 601, controller 402 interprets movements made with joystick 403 to control actions to highlight items on the menu, as previously described. Controller 402 decides when a selection of a menu item has been made in accordance with the methods previously explained. Method 602 checks if the selected menu or item has any related submenu screens. If there is a submenu screen related to the selected menu item, step 603 does

ES 2 579 779 T3 that said submenu screen is displayed. Then the user can select an item from the submenu screen in accordance with step 601. However, if there is no submenu screen related to the selected item, step 604 causes the function represented by the menu item to be executed. selected, or selects the information represented by that menu item. The process is repeated later.

[0033] Although the present invention has been previously described in relation to a subscreen level, it is understood that it is possible to use any number or configuration of submenu screens, as long as the lowest subscreen level allows selecting a single character, number, function, etc. In this way, complex character sets such as Chinese can be used quickly and easily.