Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING
MULTI-LANGUAGE INPUT ON A MOBILE DEVICE
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[001] The embodiments described herein relate to text input for portable
electronic devices, and more particularly to methods for processing input from
a
touchscreen display associated with a first language and input from a physical
keyboard associated with a second language.
II. Background Information
[002] Electronic devices, including portable electronic devices, have
gained widespread use and may provide a variety of functions including, for
example, telephonic, electronic text messaging and other personal information
manager (PIM) application functions. Portable electronic devices can include
several types of devices including mobile stations such as cellular phones,
smart
phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), tablets and laptop computers.
[003] Devices such as PDAs or smart phones are generally desirable due
to portability of the devices, as well as for the convenience of handheld use.
Touchscreen devices constructed of a display with a touch-sensitive overlay
are
useful as such handheld devices are typically smaller in size and easily
transportable. Further, the screen content on the touchscreen devices can
normally be modified depending on the functions and operations being
performed.
[004] However, conventional touchscreen devices provide limited methods
of receiving input from users, particularly with respect to input in multiple
languages. Accordingly, existing text entry abilities on such devices suffer
from
drawbacks that limit their efficiency and usefulness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[005] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments. In the
drawings:
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[006] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of components including internal
components of a portable electronic device in which methods and systems
consistent with the present disclosure are implemented;
[007] FIG. 2 is a first side view of an example portable electronic device
shown in a closed position, in which methods and systems consistent with the
present disclosure are implemented;
[008] FIG. 3 is a front view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 2;
[009] FIG. 4 is a second side view of the portable electronic device of FIG.
2;
[010] FIG. 5 is a back view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 2;
[011] FIG. 6 is a first side view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 2
shown in an open position, in which methods and systems consistent with the
present disclosure are implemented;
[012] FIG. 7 is a front view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 6;
[013] FIG. 8 is a second side view of the portable electronic device of FIG.
6;
[014] FIG. 9 is a back view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 6;
[015] FIG. 10 illustrates an example screen showing an example input
device of the portable electronic device of FIG. 2 in accordance with certain
aspects of the present disclosure;
[016] FIG. 11 illustrates an example screen showing a user interface
providing menu options for the portable electronic device of FIG. 2 in
accordance
with certain aspects of the present disclosure;
[017] FIG. 12 illustrates an example screen showing a user interface
providing language selection options for the portable electronic device of
FIG. 2 in
accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure;
[018] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of an example method for enabling text
input from a first text input apparatus and a second text input apparatus; and
[019] FIG. 14 is a front view of a portable electronic device in an
alternative embodiment, in which methods and systems consistent with the
present disclosure are implemented.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[020] In one disclosed embodiment, a computer-implemented method is
provided. The method includes associating a first language with a first text
input
apparatus of a mobile device. The method further associates a second language,
different from the first language, with a second text input apparatus of the
device.
The method also enables text input from the first text input apparatus in the
first
language and from the second text input apparatus in the second language.
[021] In another disclosed embodiment, a computer-readable storage
medium that stores program instructions implements the above-described
method.
[022] In yet another disclosed embodiment, a mobile device is provided.
The mobile device includes a first text input apparatus of the mobile device
associated with a first language. The mobile device also includes a second
text
input apparatus of the mobile device associated with a second language
different
from the first language. The mobile device further includes a memory storing
instructions for processing of text input. The mobile device further includes
a
processor for executing the instructions to enable text input from the first
text input
apparatus in the first language and from the second text input apparatus in
the
second language.
[023] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying
drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the
drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar parts.
While
several example embodiments are described herein, modifications, adaptations
and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions
or
modifications may be made to the components illustrated in the drawings, and
the
example methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering,
or
adding steps to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are example and explanatory
only and are not limiting. Instead, the proper scope is defined by the
appended
claims.
[024] The following describes an electronic device that includes a housing,
a touchscreen display exposed by a front of the housing for displaying a
virtual
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keyboard, a physical keyboard on a portion of the electronic device, and
functional
components comprising a memory and a processor, coupled to the memory, the
touchscreen display, and the physical keyboard. Furthermore, text entry
functions
associated with the electronic device via the touchscreen display and the
physical
keyboard are described.
[025] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,
where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the
figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of
the
example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those
of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may
be
practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, well-known methods,
procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to
obscure the example embodiments described herein.
[026] FIG. 1 shows a simplified block diagram of components including
internal components of a portable electronic device 100, consistent with
disclosed
embodiments. Examples of applicable portable electronic devices include simple
cellular phones, smart phones, PDAs, tablets, netbooks and laptop computers,
or
other such communication and computing devices. Although this description
refers to use of portable electronic devices, methods and systems consistent
with
this disclosure can be used with other devices, including devices that are not
considered portable.
[027] Portable electronic device 100 includes multiple components such
as a processor 102 for controlling the operations of the portable electronic
device
100. Communication functions, including data communications, voice
communications, or both are performed through a communication subsystem 104.
Communication subsystem 104 receives messages from and send messages to a
wireless network 106. Data received by the portable electronic device 100 is
decompressed and decrypted by a decoder 108.
[028] Wireless network 106 is any type of wireless network, including, but
not limited to, data-centric wireless networks, voice-centric wireless
networks, and
dual-mode networks that support both voice and data communications over the
same physical base stations.
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[029] Processor 102 also interacts with additional subsystems such as a
Random Access Memory (RAM) 110, flash memory 112, display 114 having a
touch-sensitive overlay 116 connected to an electronic controller 118 that
together
comprise a touchscreen display 120, a microphone 122, a speaker 124, an
actuator assembly 126, one or more optional force sensors 128, a data port
130,
an auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystem 132, short-range communications unit
134, and other device subsystems 136.
[030] In some embodiments, user-interaction with the graphical user
interface is performed through a physical keyboard 138, or through touchscreen
display 120. Processor 102 interacts with touch-sensitive overlay 116 via
controller 118. Information, such as text, characters, symbols, images, icons,
and
other items displayed or rendered on a portable electronic device are
displayed on
touchscreen display 120 via processor 102. According to one embodiment,
display 114 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), a
Thin
Flat Transistor (TFT) array, an LED display, or any other such display type
suitable for use as an output display.
[031] In certain embodiments, touchscreen display 120 utilizes a
capacitive touch-sensitive overlay, for example, and a user's touch on
touchscreen display 120 is determined according to an X and Y location of the
touch, with the X location determined by a signal generated as a result of
capacitive coupling with a first touch sensor layer and the Y location
determined
by the signal generated as a result of capacitive coupling with a second touch
sensor layer. Each of the touch-sensor layers provide a signal to controller
118
that represents the respective X and Y touch location values. Thus, in one
embodiment, a feature such as a virtual button or virtual keyboard displayed
on
the touchscreen display is selected by a mapping of the touch location to a
feature
on touchscreen display 120.
[032] According to one embodiment, processor 102 also interacts with an
accelerometer 140. Accelerometer 140 includes a cantilever beam with a proof
mass and suitable deflection sensing circuitry. Accelerometer 140 is utilized
for
detecting direction of gravitational forces or gravity-induced reaction
forces, and is
used to provide added functionality to portable electronic device 100. Input
from
the accelerometer 140 is used to control various operations of portable
electronic
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device 100. In alternate embodiments, other motion or direction detection
sensors
such as gyroscopes, magnetometers, or the like are used to detect motion or
orientation of portable electronic device 100.
[033] To identify a subscriber for network access according to one
embodiment, portable electronic device 100 uses a Subscriber Identity Module
or
a Removable User Identity Module (SIM/RUIM) card 142 inserted into a
SIM/RUIM interface 144 for communication with a network (such as wireless
network 106). Alternatively, user identification information is programmed
into
flash memory 112 or performed using other techniques. According to one
embodiment, portable electronic device 100 is a battery-powered device and
includes a battery interface 146 for receiving one or more rechargeable
batteries
148.
[034] Portable electronic device 100 also includes an operating system
150 and software programs 152 for execution by processor 102. In one
embodiment, such an operation system and programs are stored in a persistent
non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as flash memory 112.
However, in another embodiment, the operating system software and software
programs are stored in other types of persistent non-transitory computer-
readable
storage mediums such as read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetoresistive random access
memory (MRAM), hard disks, optical discs, or any other forms of RAM or ROM.
In one embodiment, additional programs are loaded onto portable electronic
device 100 through wireless network 106, data port 130, auxiliary I/O
subsystem
132, short-range communications subsystem 134, or any other suitable device
subsystem 136.
(035] In one embodiment, flash memory 112 includes a language
database 154 storing a plurality of language definitions for use by operating
system 150. Such language definitions are selectable by a user of portable
electronic device 100 to place the device into a particular language mode, or
to
assign a particular language to an input apparatus, such as keyboard 138 and
touchscreen display 120. For example, in one embodiment, portable electronic
device 100 displays menus and various other text on touchscreen display 120 in
the English language. Such language selections are made through a settings
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menu for portable electronic device 100, which will be described in detail
later.
Furthermore, in certain embodiments, language definitions are downloadable
from
a remote server via network 106.
[036] In use, a received signal such as a text message, an e-mail
message, web page download, or other such downloadable content is processed
by communication subsystem 104 and input to processor 102. Processor 102
then processes the received signal for output to touchscreen display 120 or
alternatively to auxiliary I/O subsystem 132. A subscriber also composes data
items, such as e-mail messages, for example, which are transmitted over
wireless
network 106 through communication subsystem 104. For voice communications,
the overall operation of the portable electronic device 100 is similar. That
is,
speaker 124 outputs audible information converted from electrical signals, and
microphone 122 converts audible information into electrical signals for
processing.
[037] Turning now to FIGS 2-9, illustrated generally therein is a portable
electronic device 100. In this embodiment a portable electronic device has two
portions, a sliding portion and a base portion. Portable electronic device 100
generally includes a sliding portion 202 (or upper housing) and a base portion
204
(or lower housing). The sliding portion 202 is carried by the base portion
204.
Sliding portion 202 and base portion 204 are coupled together and are
generally
slidable between a closed position (as shown in FIGS. 2-5, for example) and an
open position (as shown in FIGS. 6-9, for example). In some example
embodiments, device 100 includes a sensor on either or both portions 202, 204,
e.g., a contact switch or a magneto switch, that is coupled to the processor
102
and used to determine whether device 100 is in the open or closed position.
[038] Portable electronic device 100 will first be described according to the
closed position, and the following discussion refers to numerals displayed in
one
or more of FIGS. 2-5.
[039] Sliding portion 202 generally includes touchscreen display 120 as
generally described above. Touchscreen display 120 operates as a touchscreen
input apparatus to thereby enable the input or selection of information by a
user's
touch, such as by a user's finger. In other example embodiments, an input
device
such as a stylus is used to input or select information shown on the
touchscreen
display 120.
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[040] Additionally, one or both of the sliding portion 202 and base portion
204 include one or more input apparatuses in addition to touchscreen display
120,
such as navigation keys or buttons, a physical or virtual keyboard, a
trackpad, a
trackball, an optical jogball, multimedia keys, or other such example input
devices.
For example, sliding portion 202 as shown includes an auxiliary input device
212
in addition to touchscreen display 120. In one embodiment, auxiliary input
device
212 is an optical navigation module (e.g. an optical trackpad) that responds
to
user interaction, and which is used for navigating around display screen 120
to
select objects on the display screen, or for other purposes. In certain
embodiments, auxiliary input device 212 is a mechanical device that responds
to
user interaction (e.g. a trackball).
[041] Touchscreen display 120 and auxiliary input device 212 are
generally disposed on a front of sliding portion 202 and exposed for user
accessibility regardless of whether portable electronic device 100 is in the
open or
closed positions. The sliding portion 202 also includes other input devices,
such
as a dedicated phone application button, a dedicated "disconnect call" button,
a
home screen button, and other such input devices. In certain embodiments,
these
input devices include optical sensors, mechanical buttons, or both.
[042] Turning now to base portion 204, in one embodiment base portion
204 includes various buttons and other controls, such as buttons 208 and 210.
In
some embodiments, buttons 208 and 210 are used for navigation, for controlling
volume, or for other such control purposes. Base portion 204 also includes one
or
more application buttons 211 that can be used for example to launch a
particular
application on portable electronic device 100 (e.g. a camera application, a
phone
application, etc.). In certain embodiments, a mapping of button 211 to an
application is configurable by a user (e.g. the user selects the particular
application launched by the button 211).
[043] Furthermore, base portion 204 also includes one or more input or
output ports, (e.g. I/O ports), such as a microUSB port 214 (and which in one
embodiment is similar to or the same as data port 126). In certain
embodiments,
port 214 is used for data communication with portable electronic device 100,
or for
charging of a battery (e.g., battery 144, not shown) on device 100. Base
portion
204 also includes a battery cover 216 for covering the battery (e.g. battery
144,
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not shown). In certain embodiments, battery cover 216 is removable. However,
it
is to be appreciated that in other embodiments, battery cover 216 is
permanently
fixed to the device. Base portion 204 also includes an audio jack 217 (FIG.
4).
Audio jack 217 is be used to couple the portable electronic device 200 to a
speaker, a microphone, or both, and is used for voice communication or for
listening to music on portable electronic device 100.
[044] Turning now to FIGS. 6 to 9, the portable electronic device 100 will
be described according to the open position. Portable electronic device 100
includes physical keyboard (alternatively called a keypad) 138 carried by or
positioned on a lower portion 218 of base portion 204. Keyboard 138 generally
includes a plurality of alphanumeric keys 222 for inputting data into and
otherwise
controlling portable electronic device 100. As shown, keys 222 are be
positioned
in a plurality of rows and columns. In some embodiments, keys 222 represent an
alphabet and are arranged with a keyboard layout (e.g. QWERTY, QWERTZ,
AZERTY, or Dvorak Simplified Keyboard) or according to other particular
patterns.
[045] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, when portable electronic device 100 is in
the closed position, sliding portion 202 covers keyboard 138. This is
beneficial as
it protects keyboard 138 when not in use, and also inhibits undesired keys
from
being pressed when the user is carrying portable electronic device 100 (e.g.
in a
pocket of clothing). When portable electronic device 100 is in the closed
mode, a
user can operate portable electronic device 100 and can perform functions on
portable electronic device 100 with touchscreen display 120 as the interface,
as
well as with the accessible input devices on sliding portion 202 (e.g. using
buttons
208, 210, 211, or auxiliary input device 212).
[046] When the portable electronic device 100 is in the open position (as
shown in FIGS. 6 to 9), keyboard 138 is exposed for additional user
accessibility
and functionality. For example, some users prefer typing on a physical
keyboard
rather than utilizing a virtual keyboard displayed on a touchscreen display.
[047] Furthermore, according to an example embodiment, portable
electronic device 100 is configured to enable dual-mode entry of text by
enabling
a user to utilize keyboard 138 for text entry while simultaneously enabling
the user
to utilize touchscreen display 120 for text entry. For example, in one
embodiment,
a user activates a virtual keyboard on touchscreen display 120, thereby
allowing
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the user to input text using the virtual keyboard. Similar to keyboard 138,
virtual
keyboard is configurable to utilize a variety of keyboard layouts (e.g.
QWERTY,
QWERTZ, AZERTY, or Dvorak Simplified Keyboard) or according to other
particular patterns. Additionally, while portable electronic device 100 is in
the
open position, keyboard 138 is also enabled for text entry. Accordingly, while
portable electronic device 100 is in the open position, text input is enabled
via
both a physical input device, such as keyboard 138, and a virtual keyboard
displayed on touchscreen display 120 simultaneously, thereby interspersing
text
input from both input devices.
[048] In alternative embodiments, in place of entering text via a virtual
keyboard, controller 118 is configured to recognize drawings performed on the
surface of touchscreen display 120. For example, in one embodiment shown in
FIG. 10, touchscreen display 120 includes a handwriting area 1000, whereby a
user is capable of drawing a character on touchscreen display 120 using, for
example, the user's finger or a stylus, and controller 118 performs image
recognition on the drawn character to convert the drawn character into a
corresponding text input.
[049] Alternatively, in another embodiment, a character selection region
1002 is displayed on touchscreen display 120 at the same time as handwriting
area 1000, thereby enabling a user to enter, for example, Chinese characters
by
both handwriting area 1000 and character selection region 1002. Additionally,
in
another embodiment, keyboard 138 is additionally utilized when portable
electronic device 100 is in the open position. Therefore, portable electronic
device
100 allows a user to enter text using any of handwriting area 1000, character
selection region 1002, and keyboard 138, and can intersperse the various
inputs
received from the input devices.
[050] Furthermore, according to an example embodiment, by enabling
concurrent entry of text from both touchscreen display 120 and keyboard 138,
portable electronic device 100 also allows a user to associate particular
languages
with each of input devices, and concurrently enter text in different
languages. In
one embodiment, the term "language" is understood to mean a linguistic system
governed by grammatical rules combining particular signs or characters with
particular meanings. Example languages include, but are not limited to,
English,
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Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Greek, Hebrew or
Arabic. However, it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments, languages
not
fitting the definition of a linguistic system are associated with touchscreen
120 or
keyboard 138, such as language assistance devices that provide a user with
easy
entry of characters and words. For example, a user could associate Pinyin or
Canjie with keyboard 138, thereby assisting in the entry of Chinese
characters.
1051] Typically, portable electronic devices provide a user with the ability
to select a language setting for the device. Such language settings are often
selected through an options menu of portable electronic device 100. For
example,
FIG. 11 represents an example menu screen graphical user interface (GUI) 1100
displayed on touchscreen display 120. GUI 1100 includes, in certain
embodiments, a battery charge indicator 1102, a display clock 1104 updated
according to an internal clock (not shown), a data signal indicator 1106, and
icons
identifying software programs, such as a web browsing application, which
provide
a user of the portable electronic device with access to the Internet. In one
embodiment, such software programs are included in software programs 152
stored in memory 112 of FIG. 1.
[052] Example menu screen GUI 1100 also includes application icons
corresponding to utilities, such as a contacts application, or an options
application.
Each of the displayed application icons are selectable to invoke or launch the
respective application by utilizing, for example, touchscreen display 120 to
touch
the appropriate application, or utilizing auxiliary input device 212 to
highlight the
appropriate application. For example, as exemplified by options icon 1108, a
user
desiring to change a language setting chooses to select the options
application.
Upon receiving input from a user selecting to launch the options application
by
way of touching the icon on touchscreen display 120, or by way of selecting
the
application using auxiliary input device 212, an options screen is displayed
on
touchscreen display 120.
[053] Upon displaying the options screen, a user may further select an
option corresponding to "Languages and Input Methods," resulting in the
example
menu screen GUI 1200 shown in FIG. 12. Example menu screen GUI 1200
provides a number of options to a user for controlling language settings of
portable electronic device 100. For example, a "Display language" menu option
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1202 allows a user to control the display language of portabeF electronic
device
100 via a drop-down menu. Additionally, a touchscreen input language option
1204 and a keyboard input language option 1206 are also provided as drop-down
menus. Using options 1204 and 1206, a user can associate a particular language
with touchscreen display 120, and can associate a different language with
keyboard 138. Menu scrolling and selections can be made using input from
accelerometer 140.
[054] For example, in FIG. 12, a user has associated Simplified Chinese
with touchscreen display 120, and has associated English with keyboard 138.
Accordingly, when portable electronic device 100 is placed in the open
position, a
user may enter text input in both Simplified Chinese and English
simultaneously
without requiring cumbersome language mode changes of changing to Simplified
Chinese, typing a Chinese character, and switching immediately back to English
to type an English word.
[055] Upon selecting the appropriate language options for each of the
input devices, a user selects a "Return to Setup" option which causes portable
electronic device 100 to save the language setting to memory 112.
[056] In certain embodiments, the languages presented in options menus
1204 and 1206 depend on whether portable electronic device 100 is in the open
or closed position. Additionally, in certain embodiments, options menu labels
associated with options 1204 and 1206 change depending on the open or closed
position of portable electronic device 100.
[057] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of an example method 1300 for enabling
text input on portable electronic device 100. Using method 1300, a user may
use
both touchscreen display 120 and keyboard 138 for text input, where each text
input is associated with a different language. The method described in
connection
with FIG. 13 is implemented by, for example, software programs 152 stored in
persistent storage such as memory 112 and executed by processor 102 of
portable electronic device 100.
[058] Method 1300 begins at step 1302, where portable electronic device
100 detects an open or closed position of the device. At step 1304, if
portable
electronic device 100 determines that the device is in the closed position,
the
method returns to step 1302 to continue detecting the position of the device.
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[059] If portable electronic device 100 determines that the device is in the
open position, method 1300 proceeds to step 1306, where portable electronic
device 100 determines the language settings selected for each of touchscreen
display 120 and keyboard 138 as dictated by menu options 1204 and 1206 of FIG.
12. Upon receiving the language settings, in step 1308, portable electronic
device
100 retrieves language definitions from language database 154, and in step
1310,
associates the retrieved language definitions with their associated input
devices,
as dictated by menu options 1204 and 1206.
[060] For example, if a user selected Simplified Chinese in menu option
1204, and English for menu option 1206, then portable electronic device 100
retrieves the Simplified Chinese language definition and English definition
from
language database 154, associates the Simplified Chinese language definition
with touchscreen display 120, and finally associates the English definition
with
keyboard 138, in accordance with the settings provided by menu options 1204
and 1206.
[061] Next, instep 1312, portable electronic device 100 enables input from
keyboard 138, and at step 1314, portable electronic device 100 is placed in a
state to await text input from both touchscreen display 120 (via, for example,
handwriting or by a virtual keyboard) as well as from keyboard 138.
Additionally,
the input devices have different languages associated with one another, and
accordingly, portable electronic device 100 allows for text input in two
separate
languages at the same time, without requiring the user to change language
modes
to switch between languages.
[062] In step 1316, portable electronic device 100 again detects the device
position, and in step 1318, determines whether the device has been placed in
the
closed position. If portable electronic device 100 is still in the open
position,
method 1300 returns to step 1314 and continues to await text input from both
input devices. However, if portable electronic device 100 determines that the
device has been placed in the closed position, at step 13120, keyboard 138 is
disabled for input, and method 1300 returns to step 1302 to detect a change in
the
device position.
[063] It is to be appreciated that other example embodiments exist for
controlling the selection of languages for the various input devices. For
example,
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in an alternate embodiment, the functionality of icons displayed on
touchscreen
display 120 is changed depending on the closed or open positions of portable
electronic device 100. For example, in one example embodiment, when the
portable electronic device is in the closed position, a mode change icon (now
shown) is presented on touchscreen display 120 allowing a user to quickly
switch
a language associated with touchscreen display 120 without requiring the user
to
enter the options application.
[064] In another example embodiment, while portable electronic device
120 is in the closed position, a user selection of the mode change icon will
present
a list of all languages recognizable by handwriting. For example, a selection
of
the mode change icon will display a list of all Chinese handwriting languages
recognized by portable electronic device 120. Additionally, in some
embodiments,
an "Other languages" option is provided, whereby if the user selects this
option,
the language list will be expanded to show all languages supported by
touchscreen display 120.
[065] However, if portable electronic device 100 is switched to the open
position, the functionality of the mode change icon is modified to present
only a
listing of languages recognizable by handwriting, and does not provide a
listing of
other languages. Additionally, portable electronic device 100 presents an
informative message to the user indicating that only languages recognizable by
handwriting are displayed, and that other input languages are accessible by
placing portable electronic device 100 in the closed position. Upon returning
portable electronic device 100 to the closed position, the list of selectable
languages is automatically updated to reflect all languages supported by
touchscreen display 120.
[066] Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that in certain embodiments,
various keyboard combinations, entered either by keyboard 138 or by a virtual
keyboard displayed on touchscreen display 120, are used to invoke the mode
changing icon, thereby presenting the applicable language selection list based
on
the closed or open position of portable electronic device 100.
[067] Additionally, in certain embodiments, a user assigns shortcut keys to
a certain language. For example, in one embodiment, a user assigns "Alt +
Enter"
on keyboard 138 or the virtual keyboard of touchscreen display 120 to a
particular
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language, and inputting of the shortcut will automatically re-associate the
language assigned to the "Alt + Enter" shortcut with the input device that was
used to enter the shortcut key. Alternatively, in a different embodiment, the
shortcut assignment is always assigned to one input device in particular, or
in yet
another embodiment, the shortcut key changes both keyboard 138 and the virtual
keyboard of touchscreen display 120 to be associated with languages associated
with the shortcut key.
[068] It is to be appreciated the above illustrations are only example of
one embodiment, and in an alternate embodiment, portable electronic device 100
does not include a sliding portion. FIG. 14 illustrates generally therein an
example
portable electronic device 1400 according to an alternate embodiment. In FIG.
14, portable electronic device 1400 includes a touchscreen display 1402, which
operates in a substantially similar fashion as touchscreen display 120.
Additionally, portable electronic device 1400 includes keyboard 1404, which
operates in a substantially similar fashion as keyboard 138. In particular,
touchscreen display 1402 and keyboard 1404 are capable of being associated
with different languages, allowing for text input in two separate languages at
the
same time, without requiring the user to change language modes to switch
between languages. Furthermore, touchscreen display 1402 and keyboard 1404
are disposed together on a face or upper housing of portable electronic device
1400, with keyboard 1404 being on a base portion of the face or upper housing
of
the device. Furthermore, in this alternate embodiment, the portable electronic
device 1400 does not include a sliding portion.
[069] While the above description provides examples of one or more
processes or apparatuses, it will be appreciated that other processes or
apparatuses may be within the scope of the accompanying claims.
[070] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of
illustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to the precise forms or
embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of the embodiments will
be apparent from consideration of the specification and practice of the
disclosed
embodiments. For example, the described implementations include hardware and
software, but systems and methods consistent with the present disclosure may
be
implemented as hardware alone.
CA 02740305 2011-05-13
[071] Computer programs based on the written description and methods
of this specification are within the skill of a software developer. The
various
programs or program modules may be created using a variety of programming
techniques. For example, program sections or program modules may be
designed in or by means of Java, C, C++, assembly language, or any such
programming languages. One or more of such software sections or modules may
be integrated into a computer system or existing communications software.
[072] Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described
herein, the scope includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements,
modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various
embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations based on the present disclosure.
The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the
language
employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the present
specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are
to
be construed as non-exclusive. Further, the steps of the disclosed methods may
be modified in any manner, including by reordering steps and/or inserting or
deleting steps. It is intended, therefore, that the specification and examples
be
considered as example only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by
the
following claims and their full scope of equivalents.
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