US007848.773B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,848,773 B2 Jin et al. (45) Date of Patent: Dec. 7, 2010

(54) MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL 6,681,002 B2 1/2004 Chang HAVING QWERTY KEYS AND METHOD FOR 7401,300 B2 * 7/2008 Nurmi ...... T15/866 OUTPUTTING DUAL TONE 7,642,934 B2 1/2010 Scott ...... 341.23 MULTI-FREQUENCY SIGNAL THEREOF 2004/O189607 A1 9, 2004 Afanasiev 2005/0275633 A1 12/2005 Varanda (75) Inventors: Sang Hoon Jin, Suwon-si (KR); Sung 2007/0082708 A1* 4/2007 Griffin ...... 455,565 Chul Yang, Yongin-si (KR); Il Seok 2007/027925.6 A1* 12/2007 Salman et al...... 341.23 Jang, Seongnam-si (KR) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS (73) Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd (KR) KR 10-04551.68 10, 2004 (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 * cited by examiner U.S.C. 154(b) by 636 days. Primary Examiner Sonny Trinh (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm The Farrell Law Firm, LLP (21) Appl. No.: 11/840,908 (57) ABSTRACT (22) Filed: Aug. 17, 2007 (65) Prior Publication Data A mobile communication terminal having QWERTY keys and a method for outputting Dual Tone Multi-Frequency US 2008/0224898A1 Sep. 18, 2008 (DTMF) signals thereofare disclosed. The user inputs infor mation including alphabetic characters that is requested by a (30) Foreign Application Priority Data directory system, while viewing the alphabetic characters Mar. 12, 2007 (KR) ...... 10-2007-0O24155 marked on the QWERTY keys. The mobile communication terminal outputs DTMF signals of symbols marked on the (51) Int. Cl. input QWERTY keys identical to the DTMF signals of the H04M I/00 (2006.01) corresponding symbols of keys arrayed in a conventional 3x4 (52) U.S. Cl...... 455/550.1; 455/566:455/90.3 key array format. The alphabetic keys of the QWERTY keys (58) Field of Classification Search ...... 455/550.1, output DTMF signals identical to those of the keys of the 3x4 455/90.3, 566, 73,556.1, 575.1: 379/.433.04, array format in an alphabet input mode. Therefore, the user 379/.433.07, 433.01 can easily input information requested by the directory sys See application file for complete search history. tem while viewing the symbols marked on the QWERTY (56) References Cited keys, without requiring the user to memorize the array of alphabetic characters of the 3x4 key array format. U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 6,643,371 B2 * 1 1/2003 Mager ...... 379,355.07 6 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets

400 r 116

123 1 g : eels or " 5 PRs.8 TUV gwy 119 N 119a 119 112

SEESA 6(GGGGGG (G 118 OOOGGO U.S. Patent Dec. 7, 2010 Sheet 1 of 9 US 7,848,773 B2 FIG ... 1 (PRIOR ART )

U.S. Patent Dec. 7, 2010 Sheet 2 of 9 US 7,848,773 B2

FIG .. 2

1OO

16 DISPLAY UNIT

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ACCELERATION UNIT SENSOR

CONTROLLER 11

STORAGE UNIT

12 KEY INPUT UNIT 18

FUNCTION 19 KEYS U.S. Patent Dec. 7, 2010 Sheet 3 of 9 US 7,848,773 B2

FIG ... 3

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U.S. Patent Dec. 7, 2010 Sheet 4 of 9 US 7,848,773 B2

FIG .. 4

1OO 200 300 MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL DIRECTORY SYSTEM CALLED PHONE

ENTER CALL MODE S31

INPUT PHONE NUMBER - S33 CONNECT (S35) REQUEST INFORMATION (S37) S39 SELECTION NO KEYACVAED

CHANGE INPUT MODE

INPUTREsponse -/-S INFORMATION

TRANSMIT DTMF SIGNAL CORRESPONDING TO RESPONSE INFORMATION (S43)

S45 DOES PERSO NO CORRESPONDING TO NOTIFY THAT PERSON CORRESPONDING TO DTMF SIGNAL DOES OY SIGEL NOTEXISTS51)

YES PROVIDE NOTIFICATION OF CALL (S47)

RECEIVE CAL (S49) U.S. Patent Dec. 7, 2010 Sheet 5 Of 9 US 7,848,773 B2

FIG .. 5

400 116 123 INPUT WINDOW 122 VIRTUAL 3 X 4 KEYS

117

WIRELESS

ACCEERATION COMMUNICATION

SENSOR UNIT CONTROLLER 113

STORAGE UNIT

112

118

FUNCTION 119 KEYS U.S. Patent Dec. 7, 2010 Sheet 6 of 9 US 7,848,773 B2

FIG .. 6

400

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123 122

119 119a 119)

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OO 2CO 3OO MOBILE GENCATION DIRECTORY SYSTEM CALLED PHONE

ENTER CAL MODE S131

INPUT PHONE NUMBER S133 CONNECT (S135) REQUEST INFORMATION (S137) S139 SELECTIONS NO KEY ACVED

CHANGE INPUT MODE AND DISPLAY VIRTUAL 3X4KEYS

INPUT RESPONSE INFORMATION TRANSMIT DTMF SIGNAL CORRESPONDING TO RESPONSE INFORMATION S143)

DOESPE CORRESPONDING TO NOTIFY THAT DTMFSIGNAL PERSON CORRESPONDING TO TMFSIGNALDOES ES NOTEXISTS151) YES PROVIDE NOTIFICATION OF CALL (S147

RECEIVE CALL S149) U.S. Patent Dec. 7, 2010 Sheet 8 of 9 US 7,848,773 B2

FIG .. 8

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2242 229 abC def 2 S 2180 T Y jk O G -225 227 ------US 7,848,773 B2 1. 2 MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL properly, the user must memorize the array of alphabetic HAVING QWERTY KEYS AND METHOD FOR characters in the 3x4 keypad, which are not marked on the OUTPUTTING DUAL TONE numeric keys of the QWERTY keypad. MULTI-FREQUENCY SIGNAL THEREOF As such, when a conventional mobile communication ter minal having a QWERTY keypad is connected to the direc PRIORITY tory system, the user is inconvenienced when inputting infor mation including alphabetic characters that is requested by This application claims priority under U.S.C. S 119(a) to an the directory system, through the QWERTY keypad. application entitled “MOBILE COMMUNICATION TER MINAL HAVING QWERTY KEYS AND METHOD FOR 10 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION OUTPUTTING DUAL TONE MULTI-FREQUENCY SIG NAL THEREOF filed in the Korean Intellectual Property In order to solve the above problems, the present invention Office on Mar. 12, 2007 and assigned Serial No. 2007 provides a mobile communication terminal having 0024155, the contents of which are incorporated herein by QWERTY keys and a method for outputting signals thereof reference. 15 that enable a user to easily input information, including alpha betic characters, that is requested by a directory system, using BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION QWERTY keys, without requiring the user to memorize the array of alphabetic characters corresponding to keys arrayed 1. Field of the Invention in a 3x4 keypad. The present invention relates to a mobile communication The present invention further provides a mobile commu terminal and a method for outputting signals thereof, and nication terminal having QWERTY keys and a method for more particularly, to a mobile communication terminal hav outputting signals thereof that enable a user to easily input ing QWERTY keys for outputting a Dual Tone Multi-Fre information including alphabetic characters that is requested quency (DTMF) signal corresponding to a selected by a directory system, using symbols marked on QWERTY QWERTY key, and to a method for outputting the DTMF 25 keys. signal. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a 2. Description of the Related Art mobile communication terminal having QWERTY keys FIG. 1 is a plan view partially illustrating a conventional includes a wireless communication unit for transmitting and mobile communication terminal having 3x4 keys. receiving information to and from a directory system; As shown in FIG. 1, a typical mobile communication ter 30 QWERTY keys on which symbols composed of alphabetic minal 10 has 3x4 alphanumeric keys 7 (hereinafter 3x4 characters and numerals are marked in a QWERTYarray, for keys) may be arrayed similarly to those of a general tele inputting a marked symbol by inputting the corresponding phone keyboard. However, many recent mobile communica QWERTY key in order to input information requested by the tion terminals employ a QWERTY keypad in which alpha directory system; and a controller for outputting a DTMF numeric keys are arrayed similarly to those of a keyboard for 35 signal corresponding to a symbol of a key of a 3x4 key array computers. In particular, mobile communication terminals, to the directory system through the wireless communication such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) have adopted unit, wherein a symbol of the key of the 3x4 key array is such a QWERTY key array. identical to the input marked symbol. In general, many companies and organizations adminis Preferably, the controller enters an alphabet input mode trate directory systems, such as an Automatic Response Sys 40 and a numeric input mode. The controller outputs, when tem (ARS) system, so that a user can conventionally call and entering the alphabet input mode, a DTMF signal correspond connect with a person in the company on a representative ing to an alphabetic character marked on the input QWERTY phone using a mobile communication terminal. key. The controller outputs, when entering the numeric input Specifically, when the user calls the company administrat mode, a DTMF signal corresponding to a numeral marked on ing the directory system, the directory system requests an 45 the input QWERTY key. extension number or a name of person to be called from the Preferably, the terminal further includes an acceleration user. When the user inputs information requested by the sensor for determining a motional acceleration of the mobile directory system through keys of the mobile communication communication terminal and transmitting the acceleration terminal, the mobile communication terminal transmits Dual value to the controller, wherein the controller changes a cur Tone MultiiFrequency (DTMF) signals corresponding to the 50 rent input mode to another input mode when the received input keys to the directory system. If the called person corre acceleration value is greater than a predetermined accelera sponding to the received DTMF signal is within the company, tion value. the directory system connects the called person's phone to the In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, user's mobile communication terminal. a method for outputting DTMF signals of a mobile commu However, since the directory system is operated based on 55 nication terminal having QWERTY keys includes accessing a DTMF signals corresponding to 3x4 keys adopted by a gen directory system; requesting information from the directory eral telephone, when the directory system requests alphabetic system; selecting at least one QWERTY key on which sym characters, such as those in an employee's name, from a user bols are marked, and inputting symbols corresponding to the who uses a mobile communication terminal having a selected QWERTY key to input response information in QWERTY keypad, the user cannot easily input the corre 60 response to the requested information; and outputting a sponding alphabetic characters through the QWERTY key DTMF signal corresponding to a symbol of a key of a 3x4 key pad. array to the directory system, wherein the symbol of the key Specifically, since alphabetic characters marked on the of the 3x4 key array is identical to the input marked symbol. numeric keys of the QWERTY keypad are different from In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, those of the 3x4 keypad, the user may make errors when 65 a method for outputting DTMF signals of a mobile commu inputting alphabetic characters while making a call. There nication terminal having QWERTY keys includes accessing a fore, in order to respond to the directory system's request directory system; receiving a request for information from the US 7,848,773 B2 3 4 directory system; displaying keys of a virtual 3x4 key array, FIG. 9 is an enlarged view illustrating portion A of the wherein a key of the 3x4 key array is mapped to a correspond mobile communication terminal of FIG. 8. ing numerickey of the QWERTY keys for inputting response information in response to the request-information; inputting DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY the response information by selecting at least one numeric 5 EMBODIMENTS key of the QWERTY keys based on the corresponding key of the displayed virtual 3x4 keys; and outputting a DTMF signal Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present inven corresponding to the selected numeric key to the directory tion are described in detail with reference to the accompany system. ing drawings. The same reference numbers are used through In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, 10 out the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Detailed a mobile communication terminal having QWERTY keys descriptions of well-known functions and structures incorpo includes a case, QWERTY keys, a display, a 3x4 arrayed rated herein may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject alphabet, and a controller. A wireless communication unit is matter of the present invention. installed within the case for transmitting and receiving infor In the following description, a mobile communication ter mation to and from a directory system; QWERTY keys for 15 minal refers to a mobile communication terminal having a inputting response information in response to information keypad arrange with QWERTY keys. requested by the directory system, the QWERTY keys being The term “letters' refers to alphabetic characters embodied formed on the case and arrayed spaced apart from each other in a QWERTY-format keypad, including non-English alpha at a specific interval on the case, and including numeric keys betic characters. arrayed in a 3x4 format, wherein alphabetic characters are FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configu formed on the case in a 3x4 format located adjacent to the ration of a mobile communication terminal 100 having corresponding numeric keys; a display unit installed on the QWERTY keys 18 according to an exemplary embodiment of case above the array of the QWERTY key; and a controller for the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the mobile receiving the response information input by the numeric keys communication terminal 100 of FIG. 2. selected according to the alphabetic characters arrayed in the 25 Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mobile communication 3x4 array format, and for outputting DTMF signals corre terminal 100 is configured to include a controller 11, key sponding to the selected numeric keys to the directory system. input unit 12 having QWERTY keys 18 and function keys 19, Preferably, the alphabetic characters arrayed in the 3x4 a storage unit 13, a wireless communication unit 14, an audio array format have a color different from a color of symbols processing unit 15, a display unit 16, and an acceleration marked on the QWERTY keys, and are translucently formed 30 sensor 17. on the case. The controller 11 controls the entire operation of all ele Preferably, the color of the symbols marked on the ments included in the mobile communication terminal 100. QWERTY keys is different from a color of the case, and the The controller 11 controls an output of DTMF signals accord color of the alphabetic characters arrayed in the 3x4 array ing to an input mode selection. The input mode includes an format is similar to the color of the case. 35 alphabet input mode and numeric input mode. The key input unit 12 includes a plurality of keys for BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS operating the mobile communication terminal 100. The key input unit 12 generates key data corresponding to a user's The above and other features and advantages of the present selected key and outputs the key data to the controller 11. invention will be more apparent from the following detailed 40 DTMF signals corresponding to symbols marked on the description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, QWERTY keys 18 are identical to those corresponding to in which: symbols marked on the 3x4 keys. The DTMF signals output FIG. 1 is a plan view partially illustrating a conventional from the QWERTY keys 18 according to an input mode are mobile communication terminal having 3x4 keys; described in detail later. The function keys 19 preferably FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configu 45 include four direction keys, a selection key 19a, a call key ration of a mobile communication terminal having QWERTY 19b, and other function keys, such as a hang-up key. The keys according to an exemplary embodiment of the present selection key 19a can be used to change between the alphabet invention; input mode and the numeric input mode. FIG.3 is a plan view of the mobile communication terminal The storage unit 13 Stores a program for controlling opera of FIG. 2: 50 tions of the mobile communication terminal 100, and data FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for outputting a created while the program is operated. The storage unit 13 DTMF signal of a mobile communication terminal having also stores a program for outputting DTMF signals according QWERTY keys according to another exemplary embodiment to selection of the QWERTY keys 18. of the present invention; The wireless communication unit 14 performs modulation FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configu 55 and frequency conversion of information output from the ration of a mobile communication terminal having QWERTY controller 11 and transmits Radio Frequency (RF) signals keys according to another exemplary embodiment of the through an antenna ANT. The wireless communication unit present invention; 14 also separates received signals from RF signals received FIG. 6 is a plan view of the mobile communication terminal by the antenna ANT and performs frequency conversion and of FIG. 5; 60 demodulation for the received signals, and outputs the signals FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for outputting a to the controller 11. In particular, the wireless communication DTMF signal of a mobile communication terminal having unit 14 transmits and receives information to and from a QWERTY keys according to another exemplary embodiment directory system, i.e., the wireless communication unit 14 of the present invention; receives requests for information from a connected directory FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a mobile communication 65 system and outputs the requests to the controller 11. The terminal having QWERTY keys according to another exem controller 11 then transmits response information to the plary embodiment of the present invention; and directory system in response to the request-information. US 7,848,773 B2 5 6 Here, the response information refers to a DTMF signal cor the controller 11 tries to access the directory system 200 of the responding to a selected QWERTY key 18. organization corresponding to the input phone number, in The audio processing unit 15 digitizes voice signals input step S35. through a microphone MIC, and demodulates audio data When the mobile communication terminal 100 is con received from the wireless communication unit 14 and out nected to the directory system 200, the directory system 200 puts the data through a speaker SPK, according to the control requests necessary information from the mobile communica of the controller 11. In particular, the audio processing unit 15 tion terminal 100, in step S37. Here, request-information outputs the information requested by the directory system as requests at least one letter as response-information. For a voice. Here, the requested information may be a guide example, the request-information may be a guide message, message, for example "Please input an employee's name.” 10 Such as "Please input a name of an employee.' Next, the controller 11 determines whether the selection The display unit 16 displays, through images, data stored in key 19a is activated to change the current mode to another the storage unit 13 as well as a variety of function menus input mode, in step S39. If the selection key 19a is activated, executed in the mobile communication terminal 100. The the controller 11 changes the current numeric input mode to display unit 16 may be implemented by an LCD, which may 15 an alphabet input mode, in step S40. However, when the have a touch screen. The touch screen can perform both selection key 19a is not activated at step S39, the controller 11 display and input. maintains the numeric input mode as the current input mode. The acceleration sensor 17 determines a motional accel The mobile communication terminal 100 according to this eration generated by moving the mobile communication ter embodiment of the present invention is implemented in Such minal 100 in a call mode and outputs the acceleration value to away that the input mode is changed to another input mode by the controller 11. When the received acceleration is greater a selection of the selection key 19a. However in another than a predetermined acceleration value, the controller 11 embodiment the input mode may be changed to another input changes the current set input mode into another input mode. mode by moving the mobile communication terminal 100 at In particular, the controller 11 outputs DTMF signals an acceleration greater than a predetermined acceleration according to the current set input mode, i.e., when the current 25 value. For example, if the mobile communication terminal set input mode is an alphabet input mode, the controller 11 100 is shaken in up-and-down or side-to-side directions such outputs a DTMF signal corresponding to a specific letter that the acceleration sensor 17 determines that the generated marked on a selected QWERTY key 18. When a QWERTY acceleration is greater than the predetermined acceleration key 18 marked with a specific letter is selected, the controller value, the acceleration sensor 17 informs the controller 11, 11 outputs a DTMF signal identical to that of the correspond 30 and the controller 11 changes the current input mode to ing key of the 3x4 marked with the same letter. For example, another input mode. as shown in FIG. 1 depicting the 3x4 array keys 7, when the When the numeric input mode is changed to the alphabet key 7a on which the letters “ABC and the numerals “2 are input mode, the controller 11 displays that the current input marked is selected, a DTMF signal called “E” is assumed to mode is the alphabet input mode on the display unit 16. For be output. Using the mobile communication terminal 100 35 example, the display unit 16 may display Alpha mode 21. having QWERTY keys 18, according to the present invention, When the current input mode is changed to the numeric input when any of a key 18a (A), key 18b (B), and key 18e (C) mode, the display unit 16 displays the numeric input mode. are selected, the same DTMF signal of 0 is output. In a For example, when the request-information is a guide mes conventional mobile communication terminal having sage "Please input a name of an employee, the user changes QWERTY keys, however, when any of a key A., key B, and 40 the current set numeric input mode to the alphabet input key Care selected, the DTMF signal 0 is not output. mode. Further, when the current set input mode is a numeric input Next, the user inputs response information in response to mode, the controller 11 outputs a DTMF signal generated by the request-information through the QWERTY keys 18, in only the numerickeys 18d of the QWERTY keys 18. Here, the step S41. The controller 11 transmits a DTMF signal corre array of the numeric keys 18d of the QWERTY keys 18 is the 45 sponding to the response information to the directory system same as that of the 3x4 keys. Also, the key of a numeral from 200, in step S43. Here, the response information is composed the QWERTY keys 18 and the key of the same numeral from of at least one of the symbols marked on the QWERTY keys the 3x4 keys output the same DTMF signal. 18, as selected by the user. The symbols include at least one As described above, the mobile communication terminal letter. 100 according to this exemplary embodiment of the present 50 In particular, the user inputs letters of the response infor invention is implemented in Such a way that the input mode mation in the set input mode while viewing the letters marked can be changed according to a selection of the selection key on the QWERTY keys 18. Therefore, when using the mobile 19a or to an acceleration determined by the acceleration communication terminal 100 having QWERTY keys accord sensor 17. However, in another embodiment, the mobile com ing to the present invention, the user does not need to memo 55 rize the alphabetic array of the 3x4 keys. However, when munication terminal 100 can be modified to have only one of using the conventional mobile communication terminal, the the functions for changing the input mode. user must memorize the alphabetic array of the 3x4 keys. The following description of a method for outputting For example, when the request-information is a guide mes DTMF signals of the mobile communication terminal 100 sage "Please input a name of an employee the user inputs a according to another exemplary embodiment of the present 60 name in the alphabet input mode. The controller 11 out invention describes the configuration of the mobile commu puts DTMF signals corresponding to letters forming the nication terminal 100 in more detail. employee's name. The DTMF signals output from the con Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 4, when a user selects the call troller 11 are transmitted to the directory system 200 through key 19b, the controller 11 enters a call mode, in step S31. In the wireless communication unit 14. this case, the controller 11 enters a numeric input mode. 65 When the response-information intended to be input is When the user inputs a phone number of an organization composed only of letters, the user inputs the letters in the with a directory system 200 through a key input, in step S33, alphabet input mode at step S41. If, however, the response US 7,848,773 B2 7 8 information to be input is composed both of letters and tem as a Voice. Here, the requested-information may be a numerals, the user repeats steps S39 to S43 to change between guide message, for example "Please input an employee's the alphabet input mode and the numeric input mode accord name. ing to the input characters. The display unit 116 displays, through images, data stored Next, the directory system 200 determines whether a per in the storage unit 113 as well as a variety of function menus son corresponding to the received DTMF signals exists, in executed in the mobile communication terminal 400. The step S45. If the person is determined to exist, the directory display unit 116 may be implemented by an LCD, which may system 200 informs the called person’s phone 300 that a call have a touch screen. The touch screen can perform both a is received, in step S47. The called person may then receive display function and an input function. The display unit 116 the call, while called person phone 300 is connected to the 10 also displays the virtual 3x4 keys 122, and an input window user's mobile communication terminal 100, in step S49, or 123 for displaying letters input by selecting the virtual 3x4 may return the call at another time. keys 122. For example, the display unit 116 displays the If the directory system 200 determines that the called per virtual 3x4 keys 122 and the input window 123 such that the son does not exist at step S45, the directory system 200 input window 123 is positioned above the virtual 3x4 keys informs the mobile communication terminal 100 that the 15 122. In this embodiment of the present invention, the display employee does not exist. For example, the directory system unit 116 displays both the virtual 3x4 keys 122 and the input 200 can transmit a guide message 'An employee with the window 123. However, in another embodiment, the display name that you input does not exist to the mobile communi unit 116 may display only the virtual 3x4 keys 122. cation terminal 100. The acceleration sensor 117 determines a motional accel Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the mobile communication eration generated by moving the mobile communication ter terminal 400 is configured to include a controller 111, a key minal 400 in a call mode and outputs the acceleration value to input unit 112 having QWERTY keys 118 and function keys the controller 111. When the received acceleration value is 119, a storage unit 113, a wireless communication unit 114, greater than a predetermined acceleration value, the control an audio processing unit 115, a display unit 116, and an ler 111 changes the current set input mode into another input acceleration sensor 117. 25 mode. The controller 111 controls the entire operation of all ele In particular, when a selection signal is input for the con ments included in the mobile communication terminal 400. troller 111 to change a numeric input mode to an alphabet The controller 111 controls output of DTMF signals accord input mode, the controller 111 displays the virtual 3x4 keys 122 on the display unit 116. The selection signal is input from ing to input mode selection. 30 The key input unit 112 includes a plurality of keys for the selection key 119a or the acceleration sensor 117. When a operating the mobile communication terminal 400. The key selection signal is input to the controller 111 to change the input unit 112 generates key data corresponding to a user's alphabet input mode to the numeric input mode, the controller selected key and outputs the key data to the controller 111. 111 hides the displayed virtual 3x4 keys 122. Numeric keys of QWERTY keys 118, which have a 3x4 key The virtual 3x4 keys 122 have the same key array as the array format, output DTMF signals corresponding to a 3x4 35 conventional 3x4 keys. Further, the virtual 3x4 keys 122 are keypad in a call mode. The function keys 119 include four mapped to the corresponding numeric keys 118d of the direction keys, a selection key 119a, a call key 119b, and other QWERTY keys 118. Therefore, the user can select the function keys such as a hang-up key. The selection key 119a numeric keys 118d of the QWERTY keys 118 while viewing the letters of the virtual 3x4 keys 122 displayed on the display can be used to change between the alphabet input mode and 40 the numeric input mode. unit 116, thereby easily inputting response information The storage unit 113 stores a program for controlling including letters that is requested by the directory system. When the display unit 116 is used as a touch screen, the operations of the mobile communication terminal 400 and user can directly select the 3x4 keys 122 displayed thereon, stores data created while the program is operated. The storage thereby easily inputting response information, including let unit 113 also stores a program for displaying virtual 3x4 keys 45 122 on the display unit 116 according to selection of the ters requested by the directory system. selection key 119a. The wireless communication unit 114 Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 7, when a user selects the call performs modulation and frequency conversion of informa key 119b, the controller 111 enters a call mode, in step S131. tion output from the controller 111 and transmits Radio Fre Here, the controller 111 enters a numeric input mode. quency (RF) signals through an antenna ANT. The wireless 50 When the user inputs a phone number of an organization communication unit 114 also separates received signals from with a directory system 200 through key input, in step S133, RF signals received by the antenna ANT and performs fre the controller 111 tries to access the directory system 200 of quency conversion and demodulation for the received signals, the organization corresponding to the input phone number, in and outputs the signals to the controller 111. In particular, the step S135. wireless communication unit 114 transmits and receives 55 When the mobile communication terminal 400 is con information to and from a directory system, i.e., the wireless nected to the directory system 200, the directory system 200 communication unit 114 receives requests for information requests necessary information from the mobile communica from a connected directory system and outputs the requests to tion terminal 400, in step S137. Here, the request-information the controller 111. The controller 111 then transmits response requests at least one letter as response information. For information in response to the request-information to the 60 example, the request-information may be a guide message, directory system. Such as "Please input a name of an employee.' The audio processing unit 115 digitizes audio signals input Next, the controller 111 determines whether the selection through a microphone MIC, and demodulates audio data key 119a is activated to change the current mode to another received from the wireless communication unit 114 and out input mode, in step S139. If the selection key 119a is acti puts the data through a speaker SPK, according to the control 65 vated, the controller 111 changes the current numeric input of the controller 111. In particular, the audio processing unit mode to an alphabet input mode and displays the virtual 3x4 115 outputs the information requested by the directory sys keys 122 on the display unit 116, in step S140. For example, US 7,848,773 B2 9 10 if the request-information is a guide message "Please input In this embodiment of the present invention the display unit the name of an employee, the user changes the current set 116 displays the virtual 3x4 keys 122 only in the alphabet numeric input mode to the alphabet input mode. input mode. However, in another embodiment, the display If the selection key 119a is not activated at step S139, the unit 116 may continue to display the virtual 3x4 keys 122 controller 111 maintains the numeric input mode as the cur while in the numeric input mode, i.e., the user can input at rent input mode. least one numeral for the response information while viewing The mobile communication terminal 400 in this embodi the numeral and letters displayed on the virtual 3x4 keys 122 ment of the present invention is implemented in Such a way and the numeral or letters marked on the numeric keys 118d that the input mode is changed to another input mode by of the QWERTY keys 118. selection of the selection key 119a. However, in another 10 Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the mobile communication embodiment, the input mode may be changed to another input terminal 500 is configured to include a key input unit 212 mode by moving the mobile communication terminal 400 at having QWERTY keys 218 and function keys 219, and a an acceleration greater than a predetermined acceleration display unit 216 installed on a case 224 above the key input value. For example, if the mobile communication terminal unit 212. 400 is shaken in up-and-down or side-to-side directions such 15 The QWERTY keys 218 are arrayed, spaced apart from that the acceleration sensor 117 determines that the generated each other, at a specific interval on the case 224. The acceleration is greater than the predetermined acceleration QWERTY keys 218 have first alphabetic characters 225 value, the acceleration sensor 117 informs the controller 111, marked thereon. The numeric keys 218d of the QWERTY and the controller 111 changes the current input mode to keys 218, which have a 3x4 array format, have both the first another input mode. alphabetic characters 225 and numerals 226 marked thereon. Next, the user inputs response information in response to The numeric keys 218d output DTMF signals corresponding the request-information through the numeric keys 118d of the to 3x4 keys in a call mode. QWERTY keys 118 while viewing the letters of the virtual Symbols 227 marked on the QWERTY keys 218 have 3x4 keys 122 displayed on the display unit 116, in step S141. various colors to be readily discernible. For example, the The controller 111 transmits DTMF signals corresponding to 25 symbols 227 may have a bright color, such as white, to be the response information to the directory system 200, in step prominent, even without light emitted by a light emitting S143. Here, the response information includes at least one body within the case 224. The QWERTY keys 218 are manu letter selected by the user, and is displayed on the input factured in such a way that a key body 228 of each QWERTY window 123. key 218 is opaque and each symbol 227 is transparent. If the As such, since the user inputs the response information by 30 symbols 227 have a bright color, the key body 228 may have selecting the numeric keys 118d of the QWERTY keys 118 a dark color. Therefore, the user can easily read the symbols while viewing the letters of the virtual 3x4 keys 122 displayed 227 marked on the QWERTY keys 218 by the naked eye. on the display unit 116, the user does not have to memorize Further, since only the symbols 227 of the key body 228 allow the alphabetic array of the 3x4 keys. However, in the case of light to pass through, they can have particular prominence using the conventional mobile communication terminal, the 35 from the key body 228 through light emitted by a light emit user must memorize the alphabetic array of the 3x4 keys. ting body installed within the case 224. The function keys 219 include four direction keys, a selec For example, when the request-information is a guide mes tion key 219a, a call key 219b, and other functions such as a sage"Please input a name of an employee, the user inputs the hang-up key. name in the alphabet input mode while viewing the letters of 40 In particular, second alphabetic characters 229 identical to the virtual 3x4 keys 122 on the display unit 116. The control the alphabetic characters marked on corresponding 3x4 keys ler 111 outputs DTMF signals corresponding to letters form are formed adjacent to the numeric keys 218d on the case 224. ing the employee's name. The DTMF signals output from the The second alphabetic characters 229 are formed adjacent the controller 111 are transmitted to the directory system 200 top portion of the numeric keys 218d. The second alphabetic through the wireless communication unit 114. 45 characters 229 are printed or formed in a similar manner to the When the response information intended to be input is symbols 227. composed only of letters, the user inputs the letters in the The second alphabetic characters 229 are formed to have a alphabet input mode at step S141. If, however, the response color different from that of the symbols 227 marked on the information to be input is composed both of letters and QWERTY keys 218, i.e., the second alphabetic characters numerals, the user repeats steps 139 to 143 to change between 50 229 are formed on the case 224 to be translucent and to have the alphabet input mode and numeric input mode according to a color similar to that of the case 224. Therefore, the second the input characters. alphabetic characters 229 are not prominent from the case Next, the directory system 200 determines whether a per 224 when light is not emitted from a light emitting body son corresponding to the received DTMF signals exists, in within the case 224, i.e., the second alphabetic characters 229 step S145. If the person is determined to exist, the directory 55 become apparent when the light emitting body emits light. system 200 informs the called person’s phone 300 that a call Nevertheless, since the second alphabetic characters 229 have is received, in step S147. The called person may than receive a color different from that of the symbols 227 marked on the the call while the called person’s phone 300 is connected to QWERTY keys 218, the second alphabetic characters 229 the user's mobile communication terminal 400, in step S149. can be easily differentiated from the first alphabetic charac or may return the call at another time. 60 ters 225, when the light emitting body does not emit light. If the directory system 200 determines that the called per Although not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the mobile commu son does not exist at step S145, the directory system 200 nication terminal 500 of this exemplary embodiment of the informs the mobile communication terminal 400 that the present invention includes further elements installed in the employee does not exist. For example, the directory system case 224 that are similar to corresponding elements of the 200 can transmit a guide message 'An employee with the 65 mobile communication terminals 100 and 400, such as a name that you input does not exist to the mobile communi controller, storage unit, wireless communication unit, audio cation terminal 400. processing unit, and acceleration sensor The wireless com US 7,848,773 B2 11 12 munication unit transmits and receives information to and What is claimed is: from a directory system in a communication mode. The con 1. A mobile communication terminal having QWERTY troller receives response information from the numeric keys keys, the mobile communication terminal comprising: 218d selected by the user based on the second alphabetic a case, characters 229 in response to a request for information from 5 a wireless communication unit installed within the case, for the directory system, and transmits DTMF signals corre transmitting and receiving information to and from a sponding to the selected numeric keys 218 to the directory directory system; system. a QWERTY keypad comprising a plurality of QWERTY In a method for outputting DTMF signals from the mobile keys on which alphabetic characters are marked keypad communication terminal 500 of this exemplary embodiment 10 being formed on the case; of the present invention, when a user selects numeric keys a display unit installed on the case above the QWERTY 218d corresponding to letters in a communication mode keypad; and while viewing the second alphabetic characters 229, the con a controller for controlling the wireless communication troller outputs DTMF signals corresponding to the selected unit to output DTMF signals to the directory system in numeric keys 218d to the directory system. 15 response to input by the QWERTY keypad, Therefore, the user can easily input response information, wherein some of the plurality of QWERTY keys are keys including letters, that is requested by the directory system, on which both an alphabetic character and a numeral are while viewing the second alphabetic characters 229 formed marked as numeral marked QWERTY keys, with the on the case 224 to which the QWERTY keys 218 are installed. numeral marked QWERTY keys formed in 3x4 array As described in the foregoing, the present invention has the format, and a plurality of additional alphabetic charac following advantages: ters arc marked adjacent to each numeral marked According to an exemplary embodiment of the present QWERTY key, and invention, since the mobile communication terminal outputs wherein the controller receives response information input DTMF signals of symbols marked on the QWERTY keys by the numeral marked QWERTY keys selected accord thereof, identical to the DTMF signals of corresponding sym 25 ing to the additional alphabetic characters marked adja bols of conventional 3x4 keys, a user does not need to memo cent to the numeral marked QWERTY keys and controls rize the 3x4 key array, but instead can easily input response the wireless communication unit to output DTMF sig information while viewing the symbols marked on the nals to the directory system corresponding to the QWERTY keys. selected numeral marked QWERTY keys. According to another exemplary embodiment of the 30 2. The terminal of claim 1, wherein information is present invention, a user can easily input response informa requested by the directory system and comprises at least one tion, including letters, that is requested by a directory system, alphabetic character. as the user selects numeric keys of QWERTY keys while 3. The terminal of claim 2, wherein the alphabetic charac viewing alphabetic characters of virtual 3x4 keys displayed ters arrayed in the 3x4 array format have a color different on the display. 35 from a color of symbols marked on the QWERTY keys, and According to another exemplary embodiment of the are translucently formed on the case. present invention, a user can easily input response informa 4. The terminal of claim 3, wherein: tion, including letters, that is requested by a directory system, the color of the symbols marked on the QWERTY keys is as the user selects numeric keys of QWERTY keys while different from a color of the case; and the color of the viewing the second alphabetic characters formed adjacent to 40 alphabetic characters arrayed in the 3x4 array format is the numeric keys of the QWERTY keys. similar to the color of the case. The mobile communication terminal having QWERTY 5. The terminal of claim 1, wherein each QWERTY key keys according to the present invention allows a user to easily marked with a numeral is not adjacent to another QWERTY input response information including at least one letter that is key marked with a numeral on all sides thereof. requested by a directory system. 45 6. The terminal of claim 1, wherein only a symbol on the at Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention least one numeral marked key of the QWERTY keys allows have been described in detail hereinabove, it should be under light to pass through, thereby creating particular prominence stood that many variations and modifications of the basic of the symbol from a body of the at least one numeral marked inventive concept herein described, which may appear to key of the QWERTY keys. those skilled in the art, will still fall within the sprit and scope 50 of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. k k k k k