`Hoeksma
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,271,835 B1
`Aug. 7, 2001
`
`US00627l835Bl
`
`(54) TOUCH-SCREEN INPUT DEVICE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Henry Hoeksma, Kinburn (CA)
`
`5,288,158
`5,379,057
`5,574,482
`5,583,497
`
`2/1994 Matias .
`1/1995 Clough et al.
`11/1996 Niemeief -
`12/1996 Hankes.
`
`.
`
`9/1999 Kubota et al.
`5,956,021 *
`* cited by examiner
`
`..................... .. 345/179
`
`Primary Exam;/1er_RiChard Hjerpe
`E47§4§§Sf:ll{:g7T;/‘1)::1:n1Z/ige‘£.l;])01:CF]i)7‘iI§11T:JCff Measures
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`A touch screen input device for improving the input of
`gipvlfigugnrggigyiatg :;‘uf§_t:f:h°fn§‘§;§d0fpiiffitTvlifliiflpfi
`intuitive to a first time user. The device maps 21 plurality of
`characters to each of its input keys and upon selection of a
`key Subsequently re_1abe1S the input keys with the Characters
`displayed on the selected key. The device is intuitive to a
`first time user since the input keys are re-labeled in manner
`which corresponds to their relative position Within the
`selected input key. In comparison to single stroke input
`devices this device reduces the number of keys required for
`data input. Alternatively a user could select a single char-
`acter Without employing the multi-touch method by select-
`ing a pre-defined element of a particular input key.
`
`14 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 1
`Google v. Philips
`
`E E
`
`*
`
`Notice:
`
`(73) Assigneez Nortel Networks Limited, Montreal
`(CA)
`J
`Y
`Sub'ect to an disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U'S'C' 154(b) by 0 dayS'
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/146,232
`
`Filed:
`Sep. 3, 1998
`(22)
`Int. Cl.7 ....................................................... G09G 5/00
`(51)
`(52) U'S' Cl‘ """"""""""""" 345/168; 345/169; 33445;
`_
`(58) Field of Search ................................... .. 345/168, 169,
`345/171> 172> 179
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`Us. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4>333>097
`4>680>728
`4,725,694
`5,003,503
`5,006,001
`5,258,748
`
`6/1982 B11119 et a1~ ~
`7/1987 Davisv H et al‘ :
`2/1988 Auer et al.
`.
`3/1991 Lapeyre.
`4/1991 Vulcano.
`11/1993 Jones .
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 1
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 6,271,835 B1
`
`/-50
`
`SOFTWARE
`
`ON—SCREEN KEYBOARD
`
`TOUCH INPUT TO
`KEY MAPPING
`
`KEY TO ACTION
`MAPPING
`
`TOUCH POSITION
`RECOGNITION
`
`DRAW DIFFERENT
`KEYBOARD
`
`CHA(;EgEl.:$TFEROM
`KEY
`
`RECTANGLE
`DRAWING
`
`TEXT STREAM
`INSERTION
`
`TEXT DRAWING
`
`HARDWARE
`
`40
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`20
`
`DIGITIZER
`
`STORAGE
`
`DISPLAY
`
`TOUCH SCREEN
`
`FIG. 1
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 2
`Google V. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 2
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 6,271,835 B1
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 3
`Google V. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 3
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2001
`
`Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 6,271,835 B1
`
` 510
`
`REQUEST
`KEYBOARD?
`
`
`
`
`
`SELECTDEFAULT
` 520
`
`CHARACTER
`ARRAY
`
`
`540
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CHARACTERKEY
`ON
`ELEMENTS
` SCREENKEY
`TOUCHED
`
` DONE KEY
`TOUCHED
`
`
`
`
`SELECT
`YES APPROPWATE
`ASQGNMENT
`
`KEYTOUCHED
`CHARACTER
` ARRAY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`INSERT
`CHARACTER IN
`TEXT STREAM OR
`PERFORM
`
`FUNCTION
`
` WITH SINGLE
`CHARACTER
`TOUCHE
`
`
`
`
`
`MAP SINGLE
`
`CHARACTERS TO
`KEYS
`
`
`
`
`
`INSERT
`
`CHARACTER IN
`
`
`TEXT STREAM OR
`
`PERFORM
`
`FUNCTION
` FIG. 3
`
`
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 4
`Google V. Philips
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MAPCHARACTERS
`OFSELECTED
`CHARACTER
`ARRAYTO
`
`VWMTFORINPUT
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 4
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2001
`
`Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 6,271,835 B1
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 5
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2001
`
`Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 6,271,835 B1
`
`_
`
`_
`
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`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 6
`Google V. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 6
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2001
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 6,271,835 B1
`
`ARRAY
`
`
`REQUEST
`KEYBOARD?
`
`SELECT DEFAULT
`CHARACTER
`
`
`
`
`
`WAIT FOR INPUT
`
`
`
` 2020
` MAP BASE
`SUB—ARRAYS OF
`
`SELECTED
`CHARACTER
`ARRAY TO
`CHARACTER KEYS
`
`
`
`ON
`SCREEN KEY
`TOUCHED
`
`DONE KEY
`TOUCHED
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MAPSUBARRAY
`OFONEORDER
`LESSTO
`CHARACTERKEYS 2080
`
` SELECT
`YES APPROPMATE
`
`CHARACTER
`
`ARRAY
`
`
`
`
`
` INSERT
`CHARACTER IN
`TEXT STREAM OR
`PERFORM
`FUNCTION
`
`
`
`INSERT
`
`YES CHARACTER IN
`‘IST ORDER
`MAP SINGLE
`TEXT STREAM OR
`SUB-ARRAY
`CHARACTERS TO
`PERFORM
`ON KEY
`KEYS
`
`FUNCTION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2ND ORDER
`SUB-ARRAY
`ON KEY
`
`
`
`2200
`
`MAP SINGLE
`CHARACTERS TO
`KEYS
`
`
`
`
`MAP SUB-ARRAY OF TWO
`ORDERS LESS TO
`
`
`CHARACTER KEYS
`
`
`
`FIG. 6
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 7
`Google V. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 7
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`
`US 6,271,835 B1
`
`1
`TOUCH-SCREEN INPUT DEVICE
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to touch-screen devices for
`the input of alphanumeric data generally, and specifically to
`touch-screen devices with limited input space. In particular,
`the invention relates to methods and apparatus for inputting
`said data.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is well known to input alphanumeric data using a single
`stroke keyboard, for example,
`to a personal computer. A
`“QWERTY” keyboard is a well known keyboard wherein
`each key represents a particular character, the first six being
`labelled QWERTY from left to right. Disadvantages of such
`an input device include the amount of space required for the
`keyboard and the non-intuitive arrangement of the keys
`therein. The required space for a keyboard is typically
`limited by the number of keys necessary for the characters
`to be made available and the key space necessary to maintain
`reliable data input,
`i.e.
`to avoid multiple keys being
`depressed.
`It is possible, however, to reduce the size of an input
`device,
`i.e. a keyboard, without reducing the number of
`characters which can be selected. This can be accomplished
`either by
`reducing the size of the keys themselves or (ii)
`decreasing the number of keys and increasing the number of
`keystrokes. Reducing the size of the keys, however, is not a
`practical solution due to the aforementioned problem of
`multiple key depression. A“QWERTY” keyboard employed
`in a wireless handset, for example, would require the user to
`exhibit considerable accuracy in selecting the desired char-
`acter. Therefore, in order to meet both requirements, one
`must use an input device that requires multiple keystrokes.
`Prior art devices take advantage of the fact that the same
`number of characters on a single stroke keyboard can be
`made available on a keyboard with fewer keys by incorpo-
`rating multiple keystrokes.
`As an example of such a prior art device, the reader is
`directed to U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,503, issued Mar. 26, 1991,
`naming Lapeyre as inventor,
`the disclosure of which is
`hereby incorporated by reference. The Lapeyre patent pro-
`vides for a 7 and 12 key input device that works on the
`general premise that a first key stroke identifies a group of
`characters from which a character is selected by a second
`key stroke. The drawbacks of such an arrangement are
`twofold.
`
`the location of a character within its respective
`First,
`group of characters does not determine the second keystroke
`key which must be pressed to select the character. This
`arrangement, similar to the “QWERTY” keyboard, results in
`a non-intuitive method of data input in which the user must
`search for the appropriate selection key. Such a device
`therefore requires extensive use in order for a user to become
`familiar with its input arrangement, thus making the device
`cumbersome for a first time or periodic user.
`Second, as a result of all available characters and their
`corresponding secondary keystroke number being labelled
`on the keys, the Lapeyre device is very cluttered and difficult
`to read. Again, this increases the input difficulty for a first
`time or periodic user.
`There exists, therefore, a need for providing a clear and
`intuitive method of data input in an area of limited space.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention to provide a
`is an object of the present
`It
`touch-screen device for the input of alphanumeric data in a
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`2
`manner which is intuitive to a first time or periodic user
`without requiring a separate key for every character. Accord-
`ing to one aspect of the invention this objective is met by
`mapping sub-arrays or groups of characters to input keys
`wherein successive keystrokes can uniquely identify every
`character therein. Said input keys are not mechanical as are
`those on a traditional keyboard but are rather input surfaces
`selectable by pressing a pre-defined area of the touch-screen
`with one’s finger. The characters mapped to said keys
`include alphanumeric characters, symbols and function
`characters; a function character being a character which
`represents a function such as backspace, tab or done for
`example.
`One application of said touch-screen input device is for
`use in a wireless handset where there exists an obvious space
`limitation given the recent trend towards smaller handsets.
`In said application the keys necessary for the input of
`alphanumeric data must be large enough to be reliably
`selected by a user’s finger. Atouch-screen device utilizing a
`multi-stroke input sequence with a minimal number of keys
`is thus required—a typical 92 key keyboard being imprac-
`tical in said application.
`According to one embodiment, the input keys displayed
`on said touch-screen input device are divided into a plurality
`of elements, wherein the number of elements per key is less
`than or equal
`to the total number of input keys. Said
`elements are positioned within their respective input key to
`correspond to the relative position of the input keys within
`the input area of the touch screen. Individual characters are
`mapped to each individual element. Said characters include
`alphanumeric data, symbols and characters representing a
`function. To select a character a user would first select an
`
`input key displaying a group of characters, one of which is
`the desired character. Such a selection occurs when the user
`
`touches a plurality of elements on the same input key.
`Responsive to selecting a desired key, each input key is
`subsequently re-mapped with the characters contained
`within said selected key. The re-mapping process occurs
`such that each character is re-mapped to the key whose
`relative position within the input area corresponds to the
`relative position of said characters within the selected input
`key. The user then selects, with a subsequent keystroke, the
`desired character from the input keys re-mapped with the
`individual characters. This re-mapping provides a user
`friendly interface to first time and periodic users as the
`appropriate key is always labelled with the desired charac-
`ters from each keystroke.
`Preferably a second method of data input can be offered
`to the user. In addition to the two keystroke method previ-
`ously discussed a single stroke method can also be
`employed. With respect to said single keystroke method a
`user can input a single character directly by touching only
`the individual element to which the desired character has
`
`been mapped without touching any other elements on the
`key. Given the size of the elements within the keys, such a
`single keystroke would typically require fine control by the
`user. This can be facilitated by means of a finely tipped
`instrument, for example a stylus.
`First time and periodic users are further benefited by the
`present invention given that the character layout and the
`input sequence are intuitive i.e. user friendly.
`One aspect of the invention provides for a touch-screen
`device comprising: a touch screen; means for displaying on
`said touch-screen a plurality of input keys; means for
`mapping a plurality of characters to each input key; means
`for determining whether an input designates a single char-
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 8
`Google V. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 8
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`
`US 6,271,835 B1
`
`3
`acter or a re-map command; means for re-mapping said
`input keys responsive to a re-map command input; means
`for selecting a character responsive to an input designating
`a particular character.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The present invention, together with further objects and
`advantages thereof will be further understood from the
`following description of the preferred embodiments with
`reference to the drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware and
`software components of a touch-screen input device accord-
`ing to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a touch-screen
`input device display layout according to a preferred embodi-
`ment of the invention.
`
`FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the process carried
`out by the touch-screen input device software according to
`a preferred embodiment of the invention.
`FIG. 4 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the
`input sequence, as the result of character key inputs, of a
`touch-screen input device according to an alternate embodi-
`ment of the invention.
`
`FIG. 5 is a series of schematic diagrams illustrating the
`input sequence, as the result of element inputs, of a touch-
`screen input device according to an alternate embodiment of
`the invention.
`
`FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the process carried
`out by the touch-screen input device software according to
`an alternate embodiment of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`The present invention will be described with respect to a
`preferred embodiment used in a wireless handset. It should
`appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention
`can also be utilized in other devices, for example, a personal
`organizer, a wrist watch, a pager, etc. which require periodic
`data input given a limited amount of space.
`By way of example, FIG. 1 illustrates a touch-screen input
`device according to a preferred embodiment of the inven-
`tion. Said device includes hardware 10 comprising a display
`20, a touch screen digitizer 30, and a controller 40. Said
`controller further comprises a micro-processor 42, and asso-
`ciated memory 44, for example, operating memory (eg.
`RAM), and software storage 46. The function of said con-
`troller 40 is to control the touch screen digitizer 30 and the
`display 20, responsive to the software 50. Said software
`comprises eight sub-routines, five of which are used for
`operating the on-screen keyboard 60. The five sub-routines
`employed in the on-screen keyboard include: touch input to
`key mapping 62—which translates the location of a touch on
`the screen into an identification of which on-screen element
`
`(s) were pressed; key to action mapping 64—which, respon-
`sive to on-screen element(s) being pressed, performs the
`associated action; draw different keyboard 66—which
`re-displays the on-screen keys with new labels as deter-
`mined by the key to action mapping sub-routine 64; generate
`character from key 68—which determine which particular
`character has been selected; and text stream insertion
`70—which inserts the selected character into the devices
`
`keyboard input stream so that other software recognizes the
`character as coming from a regular keyboard. The remaining
`three sub-routines are part of the system software which is
`necessary to support the on-screen keyboard. These remain-
`
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`4
`touch position recognition
`ing sub-routines include:
`72—which translates inputs to the touch-screen digitizer
`into screen co-ordinates;
`rectangle drawing 74—which
`draws the rectangles use to represent the various keys on the
`touch-screen; and text drawing 76—which draws the text
`characters onto the screen.
`
`With further reference to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment
`of the method steps expected by said controller as directed
`by said software will be described in detail.
`An example of a touch screen input device layout 100
`according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is
`shown in FIG. 2. Said input device is comprised of a text
`display area 110 and an on-screen keyboard 200 wherein
`said keyboard is divided into a plurality of keys. Said keys
`include four assignment keys 210, 212, 214, and 216; six
`character keys 220, 221, 223, 225, 227, and 229; and a
`“done” key 230 for terminating data input capabilities. With
`respect to the character keys, said keys are further divided
`into six elements each of which can preferably be individu-
`ally selected. For example character key 220 is divided into
`elements 240, 242, 244, 246, 248, and 249 and is initially
`mapped with the characters A, B, C, D, E, and F respec-
`tively. The position of the elements within their respective
`character key corresponding to the relative positioning of the
`character keys themselves.
`In operation the character keys are capable of being
`re-mapped either as a result of an assignment key being
`input or the input of more than one element of a specific
`character key when individual characters are mapped to the
`character elements. Assignment keys 210, 212, 214,and 216
`determine which of the alternative character arrays 250, 252,
`254 or 256 are mapped to the character keys. This results in
`a new group of six characters specific to the chosen character
`array 250 being displayed on each of the character keys.
`Note that
`in FIG. 2,
`the character array designated by
`assignment key 210 is shown mapped to the character keys.
`However, if assignment key 212 is pressed, a re-map com-
`mand is issued to re-map the character keys with the lower
`case character array 252. Responsive to an input of a
`character key 223 wherein individual characters are mapped
`to each of the elements, said character keys are re-mapped
`with the individual characters included within said selected
`
`character key 223. In this example, key 223, the upper right
`most character key, will be re-mapped with the letter ‘O’
`290, the character which was mapped to the element of the
`selected key 223 whose position corresponds to said char-
`acter keys,
`i.e.
`the upper right most element. This
`re-mapping results from the input of multiple elements on
`the same character key 220. Once re-mapped in this manner
`a user could then select an individual character by the input
`of any number of elements on the character key 225 which
`has the desired individual character mapped to it.
`Preferably, a user could alternatively select a specific
`character directly without a re-mapping step by limiting the
`input to a single element containing the desired character.
`This would occur at the stage when individual characters are
`mapped to said character key elements 240 and would by
`accomplished, for example, by means of a stylus which can
`be used to press a single element only.
`FIG. 3 is a flow diagram outlining the data input steps
`implemented by the controller 40. With reference to FIG. 3,
`once the touch-screen input device is notified in a suitable
`manner that data input is requested by the user, the initial-
`ization sequence begins 500. The controller displays the
`touch-screen keyboard 510 and selects a default array of
`characters 520 which are mapped to the character key
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 9
`Google V. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 9
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`
`US 6,271,835 B1
`
`5
`elements 530. At this stage the input sequence begins with
`the controller waiting for a user input 540. Upon receiving
`an input of any kind, i.e. the screen is touched, the micro-
`controller identifies the position of said input, via the touch
`screen digitizer and the touch position recognition software
`described in FIG. 2. From this the controller determines
`whether an on-screen key has been touched 550. If the
`position of the input, i.e. the user’s finger or stylus, does not
`correspond to the position of a key, the waiting process 540
`is re-initiated. Otherwise, the controller proceeds to deter-
`mine whether the command key “done” was touched 560. If
`said determination is positive the data input sequence ter-
`minates 570. If said determination is negative the controller
`determines whether an assignment key was touched 580.
`Responsive to an assignment key being touched, controller
`selects the appropriate character array 590, and re-maps the
`characters included in said array to the elements of the
`character keys 530 and re-starts the input sequence by
`waiting for an input 540. An input of a key other than an
`assignment key will prompt the controller to inquire whether
`a key with a single character on it was input 600. If a key
`with a single character on it was input, the controller inserts
`that character into the text stream or performs the function
`associated with said character 610 and, after resetting the
`original mapping of the characters of the appropriate array
`to the input key elements 530, re-starts the input sequence
`540.
`If the key input did not have a single character
`displayed on it, the controller determines whether a single
`element of a character key was input 620. If a single element
`was input the controller inserts that character into the text
`stream or performs the function associated with that char-
`acter 630 and, after re-labelling 530 has occurred, re-starts
`the input sequence 540. If a single element was not input, the
`micro-controller maps single characters to the input keys
`640 and restarts the input sequence by waiting for an input
`540.
`
`One should note that the assignment keys are not neces-
`sary for the functionality of the described invention. Said
`assignment keys merely offer the user an expanded number
`of available characters, analogous to a “shift” key on a
`“QWERTY” keyboard. Said keys could also be included as
`characters within the character keys as opposed to being
`distinct. One should also note that much like the assignment
`keys the “done” key shown in the aforementioned embodi-
`ment could be easily represented by a character mapped to
`a character key.
`Aperson skilled in the art should appreciate that there are
`many ways of accomplishing the above described method of
`data input.
`The description of the preferred embodiment disclosed
`above can easily be extended to include a multiple layer
`input method. This is beneficial where the constraint of
`space is greater than that previously discussed. For example,
`in small devices such as a pager, six keys may require more
`space then is available. A solution to this problem is
`achieved by increasing the number of input layers. Instead
`of having individual characters mapped to specific elements,
`arrays of characters could be used. For example, by using a
`four stroke touch-screen input device (two stroke if indi-
`vidual elements chosen) as shown in FIG. 4, three keys
`could provide 34 or 81 characters. Although said keyboard
`is shown without the assignment keys as mentioned in the
`previous embodiment, said keys could be easily added to
`offer a greater number of available characters.
`With respect to this alternate embodiment the hardware
`described previously in FIG. 1 would be the same. The
`software would contain similar sub-routines as those dis-
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`6
`cussed previously but would be modified accordingly to
`implement the method that follows. A person skilled in the
`art should appreciate that the number of keys (and elements
`therein) and input layers chosen are for the purposes of
`example only. One could reduce the number of keys and
`increase the number of input layers or reduce the number of
`layers and increase the number of keys to obtain the opti-
`mum balance between key strokes and the number of
`keys—while maintaining a similar number of available
`characters.
`
`FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d show four on-screen keyboards
`and demonstrate the input sequence as the result of character
`key inputs. One should recall that an input of a character key
`results from an input of a plurality of elements on the same
`character key. Each keyboard shown in FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c and
`4d comprise of a set of 3 character keys 1000, 1010, and
`1020, wherein each character key is comprised of 3 ele-
`ments. For example character key 1000 in FIG. 4a is divided
`into 3 elements 1030, 1040 and 1050, which are mapped
`with character sub-arrays A-I, J-R and S-_ respectively.
`Each set of character keys shown displays a different map-
`ping of character to the character keys, each mapping
`representing a different input layer or order. FIG. 4a shows
`a keyboard displaying 3”‘ order character sub-arrays mapped
`to said character keys. The order of the sub-array refers to
`the number of successive character key input steps (as
`opposed to element inputs) a user would have to perform in
`order to have single characters displayed on said character
`keys. FIG. 4b, 4c and 4d show b 2”“ order sub-arrays, 1“
`order sub-arrays and particular characters mapped to the
`character keys respectively. FIGS. 4a through 4d show the
`re-mapping and selection process which occurs as the result
`of successively inputting character key 1000. Referring to
`FIG. 4a responsive to an input of character key 1000 to
`which a 3"‘ order sub-array is mapped, the character keys are
`re-mapped with the corresponding 2”“ order sub-arrays as
`shown in FIG. 4b. Note that the characters mapped to the
`keys in FIG. 4b are, A-I, J-R and S-_, are those characters
`which were included in the 3"‘ order sub-array of the
`selected character key 1000. At this stage, an input of the
`same character key 1000, which has the 2”“ order sub-array
`A-I mapped to it, results in a re-mapping of said character
`keys with the corresponding first order sub-arrays as shown
`in FIG. 4c. Yet another input of the same character key 1000,
`now mapped with the first order sub-array A-C, results in the
`corresponding individual characters being mapped to said
`character keys. The process ends with the input of character
`key 1000 which has the individual character ‘A’ mapped to
`it. Responsive to said input the character ‘A’ is inserted into
`the text stream. After the selection of an individual character
`
`said character keys are re-mapped with the default 3"‘ order
`sub-arrays shown in FIG. 4a and the process begins again.
`FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d show the same key layout as
`described in FIG. 4, but differ in that they demonstrate the
`method of re-mapping character keys as the result of a single
`element being input. Starting with 3"‘ order sub-arrays
`mapped to the character keys as shown in FIG. 5a, an input
`of the single element 1030 results in the re-mapping of said
`character keys with the 1“ order sub-arrays which corre-
`spond to the selected element input. This is shown in FIG.
`5c. Notice that the characters mapped to the selected char-
`acter element 1030 in FIG. 5a (A-I) are now mapped to the
`character keys in FIG. 5c. At this stage an input of the same
`character element 1030 results in the selection of the char-
`
`acter mapped to the selected element, which in this example
`is the letter ‘A’. Said selected character is then inserted into
`the text stream.
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 10
`Google V. Philips
`
`GOOGLE EX. 1005 pg. 10
`Google v. Philips
`
`
`
`US 6,271,835 B1
`
`7
`
`The character keys are then re-mapped with the default 3”’
`order sub-arrays as shown in FIG. 5a.
`FIG. 6 is a flow diagram outlining the input steps for the
`multiple layer input of data. Similar to the discussion of FIG.
`3, once the input device is notified that data input facilities
`are desired 2000, a keyboard is requested 2010, a default
`character array is selected 2020, and the base sub-arrays of
`the selected character array (default array initially) are
`mapped to the character keys 2030. At this point the micro-
`controller waits for a user input 2040. Upon receiving an
`input, i.e. the screen is touched, the micro-controller deter-
`mines if the position of said input corresponds to the position
`of an on screen key 2050. If the screen was touched in a
`position which does not represent an on screen key, the
`micro-controller begins waiting for another user input 2040.
`However, once a key is selected, the micro-controller pro-
`ceeds to the next step of determining whether said key which
`was input was the “done” key 2060. If said key input was the
`“done” key, the input sequence terminates 2070. Otherwise,
`the micro-controller must determine whether an assignment
`key was input 2080. If an assignment key was input, the
`appropriate character array is selected 2090 and the base
`sub-arrays of said character array are re-mapped to the
`character keys 2030. At this stage the input sequence starts
`over by waiting for a user input 2040. An input of a key other
`than an assignment key, prompts the micro-controller to
`determine whether a key with a particular character dis-
`played on it is input 2100. If said determination proves
`positive, the character displayed on said key is inserted into
`the character text stream or the function associated with said
`
`character is performed 2110. Said character keys are then
`re-mapped with the base sub-arrays of the selected character
`array 2030. At this point the input sequence would re-initiate
`2040. If particular characters were not displayed on said
`character keys, the next stage determines whether a single
`element was input 2120. If this determination is negative,
`i.e. multiple elements on the same character key were input,
`the micro-controller then determines whether the displayed
`sub-arrays were of 1“ order 2130. If the sub-arrays were of
`1“ order the characters within said sub-array are mapped to
`the particular character keys 2150. If the sub-arrays were not
`of 1“ order, sub-arrays of one order less are mapped to the
`character keys 2140. Referring back to the single element
`determination step 2120, if a single element was selected,
`the micro-controller must then determine if 1“ order sub-
`
`arrays were displayed on said character keys 2160. If said 1“
`order sub-arrays were displayed on said keys, the character
`displayed on said selected element is inserted into the text
`stream or the function associated with said character is
`
`performed 2170. The character keys are then re-mapped
`with the selected base sub-arrays 2030, and the input
`sequence re-initiates 2040. If the sub-arrays were not of 1“
`order the micro-controller determines whether they were of
`2'” order 2180. If said sub-arrays were of 2”’ order, the
`characters within said input elements are mapped to the
`particular character keys 2190. If said sub-arrays were not of
`2'” order, i.e. of an order greater than 2”’, the sub-arrays
`within the input element (two orders less) are mapped to the
`character keys 2200, and the input sequence starts over
`2040.
`
`Again one should note that the assignment keys are not
`necessary to the functionality of the invention, but are
`merely for providing a greater number of available charac-
`ters. Also as mentioned previously said assignment keys,
`and said “done” key need not be distinct keys but could be
`easily represented by a character within the character arrays.
`Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may
`be made to the particular embodiments of the invention
`
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`described above without departing from then scope of the
`invention, which is defined in the claims.
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. A method for operating a touch-screen input device
`including a touch sensitive screen comprising the steps of:
`displaying a plurality of input keys on said touch sensitive
`screen;
`
`mapping a plurality of characters to each input key;
`receiving a user input;
`determining whether said user input designates a single
`character;
`determining whether said user input designates a re-map
`command;
`selecting said single character responsive to said input
`designating said single character; and
`re-mapping said keys responsive to said input designating
`a re-map command; wherein the step of selecting said
`single character includes:
`inserting an alphanumeric character or symbol into the
`text stream; or
`performing the function represented by the selected char-
`acter representing said function;
`wherein said input keys are divided into a plurality of
`elements; and wherein said mapping step includes
`initially mapping single characters to particular ele-
`ments; and wherein said re-map command includes
`receiving an input of a plurality of elements when
`single characters are mapped to individual elements;
`and wherein said re-mapping step includes mapping
`single characters to input keys; and wherein said input
`designating a single character includes an input of a
`particular element when a single character is mapped to
`said particular element, or an input of any number of
`elements from the same input key when a single
`character is mapped to said input key.
`2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the number
`
`of elements per input key is limited to the total number of
`input keys and wherein said re-map step includes
`re-mapping said input keys with the characters which are
`mapped to said selected input key, wherein each particula