Electronic apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device comprises a processor that displays on a display a character input keyboard including a plurality of character keys corresponding to a plurality of characters of a language and a cursor indicating any one of them, wherein a syllable of the language is formed by combining at least one character selected from a first character group and at least one character selected from a second character group among a plurality of characters, and the character input keyboard comprises a first key line in which character keys corresponding to a first sub-character group of the first character group are arranged, a second key line in which character keys corresponding to a second sub-character group of the first character group are arranged, and a third key line disposed between the first key line and the second key line in which character keys corresponding to the second character group are arranged.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device configured to input characters according to user input and a control method thereof, and more specifically, to an electronic device and a control method thereof that identifies a character indicated by a cursor moving over a character input keyboard while a character input keyboard is displayed on a display. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices, which fundamentally include electronic components such as CPUs, chipsets, and memory for computation to perform calculations and process specific information according to a particular process, can be classified into various types depending on the information to be processed or the intended use. For example, electronic devices include information processing devices such as PCs (personal computers) and servers that process general-purpose information, image processing devices that process image data, audio devices that process audio, and household appliances that perform chores within the home. An image processing device can be implemented as a display device that displays processed image data as an image on a display panel equipped with itself. In particular, among display devices, there are mobile devices miniaturized for portability, examples of which include smartphones and tablets.

[0003] An electronic device may provide an input method editor (IME) that allows a user to input characters of a specific language, and depending on the type of electronic device, such an IME is implemented in various ways. A typical personal computer may include a keyboard, which is a hardware input interface provided for input using the user's two hands. A mobile device including a touch panel may display a character input keyboard on the touch panel that allows the user to input characters through direct touch. Meanwhile, if the electronic device is a TV, the TV displays a character input keyboard including a cursor on the screen, and as the user operates the four-directional movement buttons (up, down, left, and right) of a remote controller, the user can input a character key on the character input keyboard indicated by the cursor.

[0004] The character input keyboards displayed on conventional TVs are provided with a QWERTY key layout. The QWERTY layout is a key arrangement applied to PC keyboards, designed based on the principle of inputting characters by directly pressing multiple keys on the keyboard using the fingers of both hands. However, on a TV, the user must press the four-directional buttons on the remote controller one by one until the cursor moves to the desired character key on the character input keyboard. Consequently, under these TV conditions, the number of button presses required by the user to input a desired word becomes excessive. In other words, the IME of a conventional TV causes user inconvenience, requiring the user to expend a significant amount of time and effort to input a specific word.

[0005] Accordingly, in an electronic device configured to input characters by operating the four-way movement buttons of a remote controller, a method designed to reduce the number of times the aforementioned buttons are pressed in order to input a word desired by the user may be required. means of solving the problem

[0006] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display, an interface, a character input keyboard including a plurality of character keys corresponding to a plurality of characters of a language and a cursor indicating any one of the plurality of character keys, which is displayed on the display; a processor that moves the cursor in response to a movement command received through the interface and performs an input operation of a character corresponding to the character key indicated by the cursor among the plurality of character keys in response to a selection command received through the interface, wherein a syllable of the language is formed by combining at least one character selected from a first character group and at least one character selected from a second character group among the plurality of characters, and the character input keyboard includes a first key line in which the character keys corresponding to a first sub-character group among the first character group are arranged, a second key line in which the character keys corresponding to a second sub-character group among the first character group are arranged, and a third key line disposed between the first key line and the second key line in which the character keys corresponding to the second character group are arranged.

[0007] In addition, the above plurality of characters may include Hangul.

[0008] In addition, the first character group includes consonants, and the second character group may include vowels.

[0009] Additionally, the device further includes a user input unit comprising four directional buttons for up, down, left, and right directions, and the processor can display a character key corresponding to the consonant cluster in a position selectable by the cursor by pressing any one of the four directional buttons in response to the cursor being positioned on a character key corresponding to the basic consonant of the first character group forming the consonant cluster.

[0010] In addition, the processor can display a character key corresponding to the consonant of the first character group in a direction opposite to the direction in which the third key line of the second character group is arranged.

[0011] Additionally, the processor may display a character key corresponding to another character of the second character group in the opposite direction to the direction in which the character key line of the first character group is arranged, in response to the cursor being positioned on a character key corresponding to one character of the second character group.

[0012] Additionally, the third key line is arranged with character keys corresponding to the third sub-character group among the second character group, and the character input keyboard further includes a fourth key line in which character keys corresponding to the fourth sub-character group among the second character group are arranged, and the second key line may be positioned between the third key line and the fourth key line.

[0013] In addition, the first key line, the second key line, and the third key line can be arranged in rows.

[0014] Additionally, the processor may move the cursor to a preset character key corresponding to the second character group based on the selection of any one character key corresponding to the first character group, and move the cursor to a preset character key corresponding to the first character group based on the selection of any one character key corresponding to the second character group.

[0015] In addition, a control method for an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: displaying a character input keyboard including a plurality of character keys corresponding to a plurality of characters of a language and a cursor indicating any one of the plurality of character keys; and performing an input operation of a character corresponding to the character key indicated by the cursor among the plurality of character keys in response to a received movement command, wherein a syllable of the language is formed by combining at least one character selected from a first character group and at least one character selected from a second character group among the plurality of characters, and the character input keyboard comprises a first key line in which the character keys corresponding to a first sub-character group among the first character group are arranged, a second key line in which the character keys corresponding to a second sub-character group among the first character group are arranged, and a third key line disposed between the first key line and the second key line in which the character keys corresponding to the second character group are arranged. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0016] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device. Figure 2 is an example of a remote controller. Figure 3 is an example of the initial screen of a character input keyboard. Figure 4 is an example diagram showing the input principle of consonant clusters on a character input keyboard. Figure 5 is an example diagram showing a case where the cursor moves automatically on a character input keyboard. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a control method for an electronic device. Figure 7 is an example diagram showing the appearance of the keyboard switched to an alphabet character input keyboard. Figure 8 is an example diagram showing the switch to an input keyboard for numbers and special characters. FIG. 9 is an example of an initial state of a character input keyboard according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is an example of the case where the cursor moves to the first key line on the character input keyboard of Figure 9. Fig. 11 is an example of the case where the cursor moves to the third key line on the character input keyboard of Fig. 9. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0017] Embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise noted, the embodiments described with reference to each drawing are not mutually exclusive and multiple embodiments may be selectively combined and implemented within a single device. Such combinations of multiple embodiments may be arbitrarily selected and applied by a person skilled in the art to implement the concept of the present invention.

[0018] If, in the embodiments, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first component," "second component," etc. are used, such terms are used to describe various components and to distinguish one component from another; therefore, the meaning of these components is not limited by the terms. The terms used in the embodiments are applied to describe the corresponding embodiments and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0019] Additionally, where the expression "at least one" appears among the plurality of components in this specification, this expression refers not only to all of the plurality of components but also to each individual component excluding the rest, or any combination thereof.

[0020] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device.

[0021] Figure 2 is an example of a remote controller.

[0022] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present embodiment relates to an electronic device (1). The electronic device (1) can be implemented as various types of devices, for example, an information processing device including a PC, a server, etc.; a fixed display device including a TV, a monitor, digital signage, an electronic whiteboard, an electronic picture frame, etc.; a mobile device including a smartphone, a tablet device, a portable multimedia player, etc.; an image processing device including a set-top box, an optical media player, etc.; a home appliance including a refrigerator, a washing machine, a clothing care device, an air conditioner, etc.; a gateway, a hub, a host device, a slave device that establishes an IoT (Internet of Things) environment; or a wearable device that can be worn by a person.

[0023] The electronic device (1) includes various hardware elements for operation. In this embodiment, the case where the electronic device (1) is implemented as a display device is described. However, as previously explained, since the electronic device (1) can be implemented as various types of devices, it should be noted that the configuration described below is merely one of various implementation examples.

[0024] The electronic device (1) may include an interface unit (10). The interface unit (10) includes an interface circuit for the electronic device (1) to communicate with various types of external devices and to transmit and receive data. Depending on the connection method, the interface unit (10) includes at least one of one or more wired interface units (11) for wired communication connection or one or more wireless interface units (12) for wireless communication connection.

[0025] The wired interface section (11) includes a connector or port to which a cable of a predefined transmission standard is connected. For example, the wired interface section (11) includes a port to which a cable of a cable broadcasting system is connected to a terrestrial or satellite broadcasting antenna to receive a broadcast signal. Alternatively, the wired interface section (11) includes a port to which a cable of various wired transmission standards, such as HDMI, DP (DisplayPort), DVI, component, composite, S-Video, and Thunderbolt, is connected to connect to various video processing devices. Alternatively, the wired interface section (11) includes a USB standard port to connect to a USB device. Alternatively, the wired interface section (11) includes an optical port to which an optical cable is connected. Alternatively, the wired interface section (11) includes an audio input port to which an external microphone is connected, and an audio output port to which a headset, earphones, external speakers, etc. are connected. Alternatively, the wired interface section (11) includes an Ethernet port for connecting to a gateway, router, hub, etc., to connect to a wide area network.

[0026] The wireless interface section (12) includes a bidirectional communication circuit comprising at least one of the components, such as a communication module and a communication chip, corresponding to various types of wireless communication protocols. For example, the wireless interface section (12) includes a Wi-Fi communication chip that performs wireless communication with an AP (Access Point) according to the Wi-Fi method, a communication chip that performs wireless communication such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, WirelessHD, WiGig, NFC, an IR module for IR communication, and a mobile communication chip that performs mobile communication with a mobile device.

[0027] The electronic device (20) may include a display unit (20). The display unit (20) forms a screen for displaying an image signal processed by a processor (270) as an image. The display unit (20) includes a display panel, and various design methods may be applied to the structure of the display panel. For example, the display unit (20) may include a light-receiving structure display panel, such as liquid crystal, and a backlight that provides light thereto. Alternatively, the display unit (20) may include a self-emissive structure display panel, such as an OLED (organic light emitting diodes). Alternatively, the display unit (20) may have a structure in which a plurality of micro LED modules are combined in a tile form to form a large screen.

[0028] The electronic device (1) may include a user input unit (30). The user input unit (30) includes various types of user input interface-related circuits provided to allow the user to operate in order to perform user input. The user input unit (30) can be configured in various forms depending on the type of electronic device (1), for example, a mechanical button unit or an electronic button unit of the electronic device (1); various types of sensors; a touchpad; a touchscreen installed on the display unit (20); and external input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and remote controller (60) that are separated from the electronic device (1) and connected through the interface unit (10).

[0029] The electronic device (1) may include a storage unit (140). The storage unit (140) stores digitized data. The storage unit (140) includes one or more memory (41) having volatile properties in which data to be processed by a processor (170) is loaded and data cannot be preserved unless power is provided, and one or more storage (42) having non-volatile properties in which data can be preserved regardless of whether power is provided. The memory (41) includes a buffer, RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and the storage (42) includes flash memory, HDD (hard-disc drive), SSD (solid-state drive), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.

[0030] The electronic device (1) may include a processor (50). The processor (50) includes one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU, chipset, buffer, and circuit, which are mounted on a printed circuit board, and may be implemented as a system on chip (SOC) depending on the design method. When the electronic device (1) is a display device, the processor (50) includes modules corresponding to various processes, such as a demultiplexer, decoder, scaler, audio DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and amplifier, to display video content as video. Here, some or all of these modules may be implemented as an SOC. For example, modules related to video processing, such as a demultiplexer, decoder, and scaler, may be implemented as a video processing SOC, and the audio DSP may be implemented as a chipset separate from the SOC.

[0031] Hereinafter, the remote controller (60) will be described. The remote controller (60) is one example of an implementation of the user input unit (30) and is physically separated from the main body of the electronic device (1). The remote controller (60) provides a user input interface that can be operated by a user and transmits a signal corresponding to the user's operation on this user input interface to the main body of the electronic device (1), specifically the interface unit (10). The method of transmitting the above signal is not limited to any one method, and, for example, a wireless transmission method such as Bluetooth or infrared is used to transmit from the remote controller (60) to the wireless interface unit (12). The signal received by the wireless interface unit (12) is transmitted to the processor (50), and the processor (50) performs an operation corresponding to the command indicated by the received signal.

[0032] The user input interface of the remote controller (60) includes, for example, a plurality of buttons (61, 62, 63, 64, 65) provided for the user to press or touch. In this embodiment, the remote controller (60) includes, for example, four-direction buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) corresponding to each of the four directions (up, down, left, and right) and an enter button (65). The plurality of buttons (61, 62, 63, 64, 65) may additionally include various buttons in addition to the examples given above, but descriptions regarding configurations not directly related to this embodiment are omitted.

[0033] The four-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) include an upward button (61) corresponding to upward movement, a downward button (62) corresponding to downward movement, a left-direction button (63) corresponding to left-direction movement, and a right-direction button (64) corresponding to right-direction movement. When a user operates one of the four-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) once (e.g., by pressing or touching), the remote controller (60) transmits a signal of a movement command instructing the user to move once in the direction of the corresponding button (61, 62, 63, 64). The object to be moved by the signal transmitted by the remote controller (60) can be provided in various ways corresponding to the display state of the electronic device (1). For example, the processor (50) can switch broadcast channels one by one in the forward or reverse direction and increase or decrease the audio volume according to the operation of the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64). Alternatively, if the electronic device (1) displays a cursor on the screen, it can move the cursor according to the operation of the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64). The enter button (65) allows clicking to select an item or object indicated by the cursor (200).

[0034] The processor (50) according to the present embodiment displays a character input keyboard with a cursor overlaid on the display unit (20) and can move the cursor on the character input keyboard in response to a signal of a movement command received from the remote controller (60). However, the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) for generating the movement command must not necessarily be installed only on the remote controller (60). For example, an application for controlling the electronic device (1) may be installed on a general-purpose mobile device such as a smartphone, and by running this application on the mobile device, an interface of a touch input button corresponding to the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) may be displayed on the touchscreen. When a user touches the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) displayed on the mobile device, the mobile device can transmit a cursor movement command.

[0035] Below, a character input keyboard that the processor (50) displays on the display unit (20) is described.

[0036] Figure 3 is an example of the initial screen of a character input keyboard.

[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the electronic device (1) displays a character input keyboard (100) comprising a plurality of character keys corresponding to a plurality of characters in order to input a plurality of characters of a language. A syllable is formed by combining a plurality of characters of a language, and a word is formed by combining a single syllable or a plurality of syllables. In this embodiment, for convenience, "character" is described as a component that forms a syllable. Characters can be classified into two categories, a first character group and a second character group, according to a predetermined criterion. Characters included in the first character group are not included in the second character group, and characters included in the second character group are not included in the first character group. That is, any character is included in only one of the first character group and the second character group, and is not included in both the first character group and the second character group simultaneously. Furthermore, the first character group and the second character group each include a plurality of sub-character groups, and any character is included in only one of the sub-character groups of the first character group or the second character group.

[0038] Here, at least one of a plurality of characters included in a first character group and at least one of a plurality of characters included in a second character group are selected, and a syllable is formed by a combination of the selected characters. For example, a syllable is formed in the form of a combination of one character from the first character group and one character from the second character group, a combination of two characters from the first character group and one character from the second character group, a combination of one character from the first character group and two characters from the second character group, a combination of two characters from the first character group and two characters from the second character group, and so on.

[0039] Considering the details described above, the character input keyboard (100) includes a plurality of, for example, four key lines (110, 120, 130, 140) in which character keys are arranged. The plurality of key lines (110, 120, 130, 140) are arranged in rows as one example. Depending on the design method, the plurality of key lines (110, 120, 130, 140) may be arranged in columns or arranged along a diagonal direction. Regardless of which direction they are extended along, the plurality of key lines (110, 120, 130, 140) are extended along the same direction.

[0040] Additionally, the character input keyboard (100) may include additional keys that take into account various functions as follows. The voice recognition key (150) is an input key for activating or executing the voice input function of the electronic device (1). The space key (160) is an input key for inserting a space character between syllables or between words. The delete key (170) is an input key for deleting previously entered syllables or characters. The search key (180) is an input key for performing a search function using the entered word. The switch key (190) is an input key for switching the character input keyboard (100) exemplified in this embodiment to another character input keyboard. In addition to the examples described above, the character input keyboard (100) may additionally include keys for various functions.

[0041] A cursor (200) is displayed overlaid on the character input keyboard (100). In this embodiment, the cursor (200) is depicted as an arrow shape, but the display form of the cursor (200) is not limited to any single example. The cursor (200) may be an icon of various shapes, or may be displayed by highlighting the current position (i.e., the key indicated by the cursor (200)). The movement of the cursor (200) on the character input keyboard (100) corresponds to the input of the four-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) of the remote controller (60). That is, in response to the user inputting one of the four-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) once, the cursor (200) moves once in the direction indicated by the input of the one of the four-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64). Here, the cursor (200) moves from one key on the character input keyboard (100) to the next adjacent key in the corresponding direction during one movement. In this embodiment, the initial position of the cursor (200) on the character input keyboard (100) is described as the voice recognition key (150), but it may also be the first consonant key (i.e., the "ㄱ" key).

[0042] Hereinafter, the case where the character input keyboard (100) corresponds to Hangul is explained as an example. However, the character input keyboard (100) of this embodiment does not correspond only to Hangul, and can be modified and applied to characters other than Hangul.

[0043] In Hangul, a single syllable is formed in the order of "initial consonant-medial vowel-final consonant" or "initial consonant-medial vowel." Consonants are used for the initial and final consonants, while vowels are used for the medial vowels. Characters belonging to consonants, that is, characters included in consonant clusters, include the single consonants "ㄱ, ㄴ, ㄷ, ㄹ, ㅁ, ㅂ, ㅅ, ㅇ, ㅈ, ㅊ, ㅋ, ㅌ, ㅍ, ㅎ" and the consonant clusters "ㄲ, ㄸ, ㅃ, ㅆ, ㅉ". Characters belonging to vowels, that is, characters included in vowel clusters, include "ㅏ, ㅑ, ㅓ, ㅕ, ㅗ, ㅛ, ㅜ, ㅠ, ㅡ, ㅣ, ㅐ, ㅒ, ㅔ, ㅖ".

[0044] Applying the previously explained definition of character classification to Hangul, the first character group corresponds to the consonant group, and the second character group corresponds to the vowel group. Since consonants are used in the initial and final consonants of Hangul and vowels are used in the medial vowels, a single syllable is formed by a combination of "at least one character (consonant) of the first character group" and "at least one character (vowel) of the second character group." In the following examples, for convenience, the first character group of Hangul is referred to as the consonant group, and the second character group as the vowel group.

[0045] A consonant group includes multiple sub-character groups (hereinafter referred to as sub-consonant groups). For example, a consonant group may be classified into a first sub-consonant group of "ㄱ, ㄴ, ㄷ, ㄹ, ㅁ, ㅂ, ㅅ" and a second sub-consonant group of "ㅇ, ㅈ, ㅊ, ㅋ, ㅌ, ㅍ, ㅎ". In this embodiment, the distinction between the first sub-consonant group and the second sub-consonant group was described in accordance with the usual order of consonants. However, this classification method is merely an example, and it can be classified in various ways depending on the design method. Additionally, although the sub-consonant groups were classified into two in this embodiment, they may be classified into three or more depending on the design method.

[0046] A vowel group includes multiple sub-character groups (hereinafter referred to as sub-vowel groups). For example, a vowel group may be classified into a first sub-vowel group of “ㅏ, ㅑ, ㅓ, ㅕ, ㅗ, ㅛ, ㅜ” and a second sub-vowel group of “ㅠ, ㅡ, ㅣ, ㅐ, ㅒ, ㅔ, ㅖ”. In this embodiment, the distinction between the first sub-vowel group and the second sub-vowel group is described in accordance with the usual order of vowels. However, this classification method is merely an example, and it may be classified in various ways depending on the design method. Additionally, although the sub-vowel group was classified into two in this embodiment, it may be classified into three or more depending on the design method.

[0047] Among the multiple key lines (110, 120, 130, 140) of the character input keyboard (100), the first key line (110) has character keys corresponding to the first sub-consonant group (i.e., character keys of "ㄱ, ㄴ, ㄷ, ㄹ, ㅁ, ㅂ, ㅅ") arranged therein. The second key line (120) has character keys corresponding to the second sub-consonant group (i.e., character keys of "ㅇ, ㅈ, ㅊ, ㅋ, ㅌ, ㅍ, ㅎ") arranged therein. The third key line (130) has character keys corresponding to the first sub-vowel group (i.e., character keys of "ㅏ, ㅑ, ㅓ, ㅕ, ㅗ, ㅛ, ㅜ") arranged therein. The fourth key line (140) is arranged with character keys corresponding to the second sub-vowel group (i.e., character keys of "ㅠ, ㅡ, ㅣ, ㅐ, ㅒ, ㅔ, ㅖ").

[0048] Here, due to the characteristics of Korean syllables, where a single syllable is formed in the manner of "initial consonant-medial vowel-final consonant" or "initial consonant-medial vowel," cases where a vowel is input after a consonant and a consonant is input after a vowel frequently occur. The character input keyboard (100) of this embodiment does not allow the user to select the character key they wish to input all at once, but rather requires the user to move the cursor (200) by pressing the four-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) of the remote controller (60). Therefore, the cursor (200) must be moved to the character key desired by the user while reducing the number of operations of the four-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64).

[0049] Taking these points into consideration, a third key line (130) of a first sub-vowel group is arranged to be placed between the first key line (110) of a first sub-consonant group and the second key line (120) of a second sub-consonant group. Thus, when inputting Korean using a cursor (200) that moves according to the input of the four-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) of a remote controller (60), according to the present embodiment, the number of inputs of the four-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) can be reduced, thereby improving the convenience of use.

[0050] Additionally, the second key line (120) of the second sub-consonant group may be arranged to be placed between the third key line (130) of the first sub-vowel group and the fourth key line (140) of the second sub-vowel group.

[0051] Below, a method for inputting a consonant cluster on a character input keyboard (100) is described.

[0052] Figure 4 is an example diagram showing the input principle of consonant clusters on a character input keyboard.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, a character input keyboard (100) configured for inputting Hangul also supports Hangul consonant clusters. Consonant clusters are formed by the overlapping of identical single consonants, and in Hangul, these include "ㄲ, ㄸ, ㅃ, ㅆ, ㅉ". Each consonant cluster has a basic consonant that forms the corresponding cluster, and the basic consonant of "ㄲ" is "ㄱ", the basic consonant of "ㄸ" is "ㄷ", the basic consonant of "ㅃ" is "ㅂ", the basic consonant of "ㅆ" is "ㅅ", and the basic consonant of "ㅉ" is "ㅈ". In the initial state of the character input keyboard (100) (Fig. 3), consonant clusters do not appear on the character input keyboard (100).

[0054] When the cursor (200) moves to a character key corresponding to a basic consonant forming a consonant cluster, the user presses one of the four directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) of the remote controller (60) once to display a character key corresponding to the consonant cluster at a position selectable by the cursor (200). For example, a character key corresponding to the consonant cluster is additionally displayed above a character key corresponding to a basic consonant cluster. Also, when the cursor (200) moves from a character key corresponding to a basic consonant cluster to another character key, a character key corresponding to the consonant cluster is not displayed. For example, when the cursor (200) moves to the character key for "ㄱ", a character key for "ㄲ" is additionally displayed above the character key for "ㄱ". In this state, if the user presses the Enter button (65), "ㄱ" is input, and if the Up button (61) is pressed, "ㄲ" is input. That is, the user can move the cursor (200) from the character key corresponding to the basic consonant to the character key corresponding to the consonant cluster by pressing any one of the four directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64). When the cursor (200) moves from the character key of "ㄱ" to another character key, the character key of "ㄲ" disappears.

[0055] Based on the same principle, when the cursor (200) moves to the character key for "ㄷ", the character key for "ㄸ" is additionally displayed above the character key for "ㄷ". When the cursor (200) moves to the character key for "ㅂ", the character key for "ㅃ" is additionally displayed above the character key for "ㅂ". When the cursor (200) moves to the character key for "ㅅ", the character key for "ㅆ" is additionally displayed above the character key for "ㅅ". When the cursor (200) moves to the character key for "ㅈ", the character key for "ㅉ" is additionally displayed above the character key for "ㅈ".

[0056] Meanwhile, a character key corresponding to the consonant cluster may be displayed below a character key corresponding to a basic consonant. In this case, when the cursor (200) is positioned on the character key corresponding to the basic consonant, the consonant cluster is entered when the user presses the down button (62). That is, the input of the consonant cluster can be arranged to correspond to the relative position of the character key of the consonant cluster to the character key corresponding to the basic consonant cluster.

[0057] By positioning the character key corresponding to the consonant cluster in the opposite direction to the direction in which the character key corresponding to the vowel cluster is located, user inconvenience caused by the automatic display of the character key corresponding to the consonant cluster can be minimized. For example, when the third key line (130) of the first sub-consonant cluster is placed below the first key line (110) of the first sub-consonant cluster, when the cursor (200) is on the first key line (110) of the first sub-consonant cluster, the character key corresponding to the consonant cluster is displayed on the upper side of the first key line (110), which is in the opposite direction to where the third key line (130) is placed. If the character key corresponding to the consonant cluster is displayed in the same direction as where the third key line (130) is placed, an additional button input (61, 62, 63, 64) is required when the cursor (200) moves from the first key line (110) to the third key line (130). Considering these points, although not limited to specifics, the display position of the character key corresponding to the consonant cluster can be determined as above.

[0058] In this embodiment, a method for displaying keys corresponding to consonant clusters has been described, but the above method may also be applied to vowels. For example, a character key included in the third key line (130) or the fourth key line (140) of a vowel group may be provided to correspond to two character inputs. For example, it is assumed that there is no character key for "ㅒ" in the fourth key line (130), and instead, a single character key provided for inputting "ㅐ" also corresponds to the input of "ㅒ". When the cursor (200) moves to the character key for "ㅐ", the character key for "ㅒ" is automatically displayed in one of the four directions of up, down, left, and right of the corresponding character key. At this time, the character key for "ㅒ" is displayed on the lower side of the character key for "ㅐ", which is the opposite direction to the direction in which the key line of the consonant group is arranged, for example, the opposite direction to the direction in which the second key line (120) is arranged. By doing so, the number of times the cursor (200) needs to be moved for character input can be reduced.

[0059] When the cursor (200) moves from the character key of "ㅏ" to another character key, the character key of "ㅑ" disappears. Since the character input method can apply the principle of the preceding embodiment, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0060] Meanwhile, there are cases of double consonants where different consonants are used in pairs (or consecutively). Double consonants are mostly used in the final position. If a vowel is selected following two consecutive consonants, the later-entered consonant is recognized as the next syllable and forms the next syllable together with the aforementioned vowel.

[0061] As an example of input where there is no vowel following two consecutive consonants, when inputting "mountain slope," character keys can be entered in the order of "ㅅ, ㅏ, ㄴ, ㄱ, ㅣ, ㅅ, ㅡ, ㄹ, ㄱ".

[0062] As an example of input where a vowel follows two consecutive consonants, when you want to input "at the foot of the mountain," character keys can be entered in the order of "ㅅ, ㅏ, ㄴ, ㄱ, ㅣ, ㅅ, ㅡ, ㄹ, ㄱ, ㅇ, ㅔ". Or, when you want to input "seagull," character keys can be entered in the order of "ㄱ, ㅏ, ㄹ, ㅁ, ㅐ, ㄱ, ㅣ".

[0063] As described above, the electronic device (1) can provide a character input keyboard (100) capable of efficiently inputting Korean characters.

[0064] Meanwhile, as previously explained, this embodiment relates to a method of selecting a character key of a character input keyboard (100) by moving a cursor (200) by operating the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) of a remote controller (60). However, depending on the design method, the cursor (200) may automatically move to a predetermined position depending on the situation, thereby contributing to reducing the number of operations of the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64). The following describes such an embodiment.

[0065] Figure 5 is an example diagram showing a case where the cursor moves automatically on a character input keyboard.

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the user can control the cursor (200) to move between a plurality of character keys of the character input keyboard (100) by operating the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) of the remote controller (60). Here, when a character of the first character group is selected, the electronic device (1) automatically moves the cursor (200) to a preset character key corresponding to the second character group. Additionally, when a character of the second character group is selected, the electronic device (1) automatically moves the cursor (200) to a preset character key corresponding to the first character group.

[0067] For example, in the case of a character input keyboard (100) corresponding to Hangul, the electronic device (1) automatically moves the cursor (200) to a pre-set character key corresponding to a vowel group when a character of a consonant group is selected. Additionally, the electronic device (1) automatically moves the cursor (200) to a pre-set character key corresponding to a consonant group when a character of a vowel group is selected. In Hangul syllables, there are many situations where a vowel must be entered after a consonant (when a medial vowel is entered after an initial consonant) and situations where a consonant must be entered after a vowel (when a final consonant is entered after a medial vowel, or when an initial consonant is entered after a medial vowel). Therefore, by automatically moving the cursor (200) as described above, the number of operations of the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) of the remote controller (60) can be reduced.

[0068] Among the plurality of key lines (110, 120, 130, 140) according to the present embodiment, the first key line (110) and the second key line (120) correspond to consonant groups, and the third key line (130) and the fourth key line (140) correspond to vowel groups. The electronic device (1) may designate a character key of "ㄱ" as an automatic movement position corresponding to a consonant group and a character key of "ㅏ" as an automatic movement position corresponding to a vowel group. Such designation of automatic movement positions may be set as default in the electronic device (1) or may be arbitrarily designated by the user and input into the electronic device (1). In the present embodiment, the automatic movement positions for each consonant group and vowel group are merely examples, and character keys different from the present embodiment may be designated depending on the design method.

[0069] For example, the user can select and input the character key of "ㄹ" from the character keys of the first key line (110). When the user presses the Enter button (65) while the cursor (200) is positioned on the character key of "ㄹ", "ㄹ" is input into the electronic device (1). Since the first key line (110) corresponds to a consonant group, the electronic device (1) automatically moves the cursor (200) to the character key of "ㅏ", which is an automatic movement position corresponding to a vowel group.

[0070] The user can select and input the character key of "ㅊ" from the character keys of the second key line (120). When the user presses the Enter button (65) while the cursor (200) is positioned on the character key of "ㅊ", "ㅊ" is input into the electronic device (1). Since the second key line (120) corresponds to a consonant group, the electronic device (1) automatically moves the cursor (200) to the character key of "ㅏ", which is an automatic movement position corresponding to a vowel group.

[0071] Meanwhile, the user can select and input the character key of "ㅕ" from the character keys of the third key line (130). When the user presses the Enter button (65) while the cursor (200) is positioned on the character key of "ㅕ", "ㅕ" is input into the electronic device (1). Since the third key line (130) corresponds to a vowel group, the electronic device (1) automatically moves the cursor (200) to the character key of "ㄱ", which is an automatic movement position corresponding to a consonant group.

[0072] The user can select and input the character key of "ㅔ" from the character keys of the fourth key line (140). When the user presses the Enter button (65) while the cursor (200) is positioned on the character key of "ㅔ", "ㅔ" is input into the electronic device (1). Since the fourth key line (140) corresponds to a vowel group, the electronic device (1) automatically moves the cursor (200) to the character key of "ㄱ", which is an automatic movement position corresponding to a consonant group.

[0073] The principle described above also applies to the remaining character keys.

[0074] The number of four-way button operations can be compared for each example where automatic movement of the cursor (200) as described in this embodiment is not applied and where it is applied. For example, one wants to input the word "Ramyun" in Korean. For "Ramyun," the character keys "ㄹ, ㅏ, ㅁ, ㅕ, ㄴ" must be entered in order. The initial position of the cursor (200) is the voice recognition key (150), and when the user presses the right-facing button (64) once, the cursor (200) moves from the voice recognition key (150) to the character key of "ㄱ".

[0075] When automatic movement of the cursor (200) is not applied, a total of 18 four-directional button (61, 62, 63, 64) operations are required: 4 times from the initial position to "ㄹ", 4 times from "ㄹ" to "ㅏ", 5 times from "ㅏ" to "ㅁ", 2 times from "ㅁ" to "ㅕ", and 3 times from "ㅕ" to "ㄴ".

[0076] When automatic movement of the cursor (200) is applied, a total of 12 four-way button (61, 62, 63, 64) operations are required: 4 times from the initial position to "ㄹ", 0 times from "ㄹ" to "ㅏ" after the cursor (200) automatically moves to the character key of "ㅏ", 4 times from "ㅏ" to "ㅁ" after the cursor (200) automatically moves to the character key of "ㄱ", 3 times from "ㅁ" to "ㅕ" after the cursor (200) automatically moves to the character key of "ㅏ", and 1 time from "ㅕ" to "ㄴ" after the cursor (200) automatically moves to the character key of "ㄱ". Thus, when inputting the word "Ramen," the number of operations when automatic movement of the cursor (200) is applied is less than the number of operations when it is not applied.

[0077] Depending on the syllable or word, there may be exceptional cases where the number of operations when automatic movement of the cursor (200) is not applied is less than the number of operations when automatic movement of the cursor (200) is applied. However, since there are many syllables and words where the number of operations when automatic movement of the cursor (200) is applied is relatively less, user input convenience can be improved by this embodiment.

[0078] Hereinafter, a control method for an electronic device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0079] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a control method for an electronic device.

[0080] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 6, the processor (50) of the electronic device (1) performs the following operations.

[0081] In step 310, the electronic device (1) detects a display event of the character input keyboard. The character input keyboard includes a plurality of character keys corresponding to a plurality of characters of a language and a cursor that indicates one of the character keys. A syllable of the language is formed by combining at least one character selected from a first character group and at least one character selected from a second character group among a plurality of characters.

[0082] In step 320, the electronic device (1) displays a character input keyboard comprising a first key line in which character keys corresponding to a first sub-character group among a first character group are arranged, a second key line in which character keys corresponding to a second sub-character group among a first character group are arranged, and a third key line arranged between the first key line and the second key line in which character keys corresponding to a second character group are arranged.

[0083] In step 330, the electronic device (1) receives a cursor movement command. The cursor movement command is transmitted from the remote controller (60) through the interface unit (10) by operating the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64).

[0084] In step 340, the electronic device (1) performs an input operation of a character corresponding to the character key indicated by the cursor in response to a cursor movement command.

[0085] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 3, when the user selects the switching key (190) while the Korean character input keyboard is displayed, the electronic device (1) can switch the Korean character input keyboard to a character input keyboard of another language and display it.

[0086] Figure 7 is an example diagram showing the appearance of the keyboard switched to an alphabet character input keyboard.

[0087] Figure 8 is an example diagram showing the switch to an input keyboard for numbers and special characters.

[0088] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 7, and 8, the electronic device (1) can receive a selection signal of a switching key (190) while a plurality of Korean character keys (110, 120, 130, 140) are displayed on a character input keyboard (100). Accordingly, the electronic device (1) switches and displays the plurality of Korean character keys (110, 120, 130, 140) as a plurality of alphabet character keys (400) (Fig. 7). The plurality of alphabet character keys (400) are provided to input a plurality of alphabets, namely "A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z". Here, a key for inputting a predetermined special character may be additionally provided. When switching to multiple alphabet character keys (400), the cursor (200) can automatically move to, for example, the initial position, the voice recognition key (150). At this time, the electronic device (1) retains the voice recognition key (150), space key (160), delete key (170), search key (180), switch key (190), etc. as they are.

[0089] While a plurality of alphabet character keys (400) are displayed on a character input keyboard (100), the electronic device (1) can receive a selection signal of a switching key (190). Accordingly, the electronic device (1) switches the plurality of alphabet character keys (400) into a plurality of number and special character keys (500) and displays them (Fig. 8). The plurality of number and special character keys (500) are provided to input Arabic numerals "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0" and special characters such as "&, #, (, ), @, !, ?, :".

[0090] While a plurality of number and special character keys (500) are displayed on the character input keyboard (100), the electronic device can receive a selection signal of a switching key (190). Accordingly, the electronic device (1) switches the plurality of number and special character keys (500) into a plurality of Korean character keys (110, 120, 130, 140) and displays them (Fig. 3).

[0091] Meanwhile, the character input keyboard can be designed differently from the embodiment described above, and such an embodiment is described below.

[0092] FIG. 9 is an example of an initial state of a character input keyboard according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the character input keyboard (100) includes a plurality of character keys for inputting characters. Additionally, the character input keyboard (100) may include a voice recognition key (150), a space key (160), a delete key (170), a search key (180), and a switch key (190), and the configuration thereof is as described in the preceding embodiment.

[0094] In the initial state where the character input keyboard (100) is first displayed in accordance with the occurrence of a display event of the character input keyboard (100), the character input keyboard (100) does not display all of the multiple character keys corresponding to multiple characters of a language, but displays only a part thereof. As a premise, a syllable of the above-mentioned language is formed by combining at least one character selected from a first character group and at least one character selected from a second character group among multiple characters. In the case of Hangul, the character keys of the character input keyboard (100) may be included in any one of a first key line (610) in which character keys corresponding to a first sub-consonant group among consonant groups are arranged, a second key line (620) in which character keys corresponding to a second sub-consonant group among consonant groups are arranged, a third key line (630) in which character keys corresponding to a first sub-vowel group among vowel groups are arranged, and a fourth key line (640) in which character keys corresponding to a second sub-vowel group among vowel groups are arranged. The character keys included in each of the multiple key lines (610, 620, 630, 640) are as described in the preceding embodiment.

[0095] In the initial state, the character input keyboard (100) displays the first key line (610) and the third key line (630) among the plurality of key lines (610, 620, 630, 640), and does not display the second key line (620) and the fourth key line (640). Also, in the initial state, the cursor (200) is positioned on the voice recognition key (150), which is the initial position.

[0096] Below, the case in which the cursor (200) moves from the initial position to the first key line (610) is described.

[0097] Figure 10 is an example of the case where the cursor moves to the first key line on the character input keyboard of Figure 9.

[0098] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 10, when the user presses the right-turn button (64) of the remote controller (60) while the cursor (200) is on the voice recognition key (150), the electronic device (1) moves the cursor (200) to the character key of "ㄱ", which is the first character key of the first key line (610). At this time, the electronic device (1) additionally displays a second key line (620) on top of the first key line (610).

[0099] When the cursor (200) is positioned on the first key line (610), character input is performed as follows. When the user presses the Enter button (65), the character of the character key indicated by the cursor (200) on the first key line (610) is entered. When the user presses the Up button (61), the character of the character key of the second key line (620) corresponding to (i.e., immediately above) the character key of the first key line (610) indicated by the cursor (200) is entered. When the user double-clicks the Enter button (65), i.e., presses it twice in succession, the consonant of the character key of the first key line (610) indicated by the cursor (200) is entered (if the character is not the basic consonant of the consonant, the character is entered).

[0100] For example, when the cursor (200) is on the "ㄱ" character key, if the user presses the left arrow button (63), it moves to the left voice recognition key (150); if the user presses the right arrow button (64), it moves to the right "ㄴ" character key; and if the user presses the down arrow button (62), it moves to the "ㅏ" character key below. Here, if the user presses the enter button (65), "ㄱ" is entered; if the user double-clicks the enter button (65), "ㄲ" is entered; and if the user presses the up arrow button (61), "o" is entered.

[0101] When the cursor (200) is on the character key for "ㄴ", if the user presses the Enter button (65), "ㄴ" is entered, if the user presses the Up button (61), "ㅈ" is entered, and if the user double-clicks the Up button (61), "ㅉ" is entered. In this way, Korean consonants can be entered.

[0102] Below, the case where the cursor (200) moves to the third key line (630) is described.

[0103] Figure 11 is an example of the case where the cursor moves to the third key line on the character input keyboard of Figure 9.

[0104] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 10, and 11, when the cursor (200) moves from the first key line (610) to the third key line (630), the second key line (620) is not displayed, and the fourth key line (640) is additionally displayed below the third key line (630). Conversely, when the cursor (200) moves from the third key line (630) to the first key line (610), the fourth key line (640) is not displayed, and the second key line (620) is displayed above the first key line (610). The display positions of the second key line (620) and the fourth key line (640) are not limited, but are displayed as in the present embodiment so as not to interfere with the display of the first key line (610) and the third key line (630).

[0105] When the cursor (200) is positioned on the third key line (630), character input is performed as follows. When the user presses the Enter button (65), the character of the character key indicated by the cursor (200) on the third key line (630) is input. When the user presses the Down button (62), the character of the character key of the fourth key line (640) corresponding to (i.e., immediately below) the character key of the third key line (630) indicated by the cursor (200) is input. For example, when the cursor (200) is on the character key for "ㅏ", if the user presses the Enter button (65), "ㅏ" is input, and if the user presses the Down button (62), "ㅠ" is input.

[0106] According to this method, a character input keyboard (100) is provided that allows the user to conveniently input Korean characters.

[0107] In addition, the automatic movement method of the cursor (200) described in FIG. 5 above may also be additionally applied to this embodiment. Since the automatic movement method has been described previously, further explanation is omitted.

[0108] Additionally, in this embodiment, the cursor (200) is actually displayed to move between character keys on the first key line (610) and the third key line (630) on the screen. The method of selecting character keys on the second key line (620) and the fourth key line (640) is as described above.

[0109] Additionally, as a modified embodiment of the present embodiment, the second key line (620) and the fourth key line (640) do not disappear, and all of the multiple key lines (610, 620, 630, 640) may continue to be displayed from the initial state. Here, the second key line (620) and the fourth key line (640) may be displayed in a different color or shade to distinguish them from the first key line (610) and the third key line (630). The modified embodiment is similar to the character input method of the present embodiment, except that the second key line (620) and the fourth key line (640) are displayed or disappear in correspondence with the position of the cursor (200) on the first key line (610) or the third key line (630) in the present embodiment.

[0110] Meanwhile, regarding the effect achieved when applying the previously described embodiment (see FIG. 3), it will be explained below in comparison to related technologies. When inputting a predetermined number of search terms, the number of times a user operates the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) in the first related technology, the number of times a user operates the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) in the second related technology, and the number of times a user operates the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) in the character input keyboard (100, see FIG. 3) according to the present embodiment can be compared with each other. Here, the character input keyboard (100) according to the present embodiment is exemplified as a case where the automatic movement of the cursor (200) described in FIG. 5 is not applied (if the automatic movement of the cursor (200) is applied, a smaller number of operations is expected). The first related technology is a QWERTY type character input keyboard. The second related technology is a character input keyboard in which the first key line (110), the second key line (120), the third key line (130), and the fourth key line (140) are arranged sequentially, rather than in a configuration where the third key line (130) is arranged between the first key line (110) and the second key line (120) in this embodiment. That is, the character input keyboard of the second related technology has a form in which the key lines (110, 120) of consonant groups and the key lines (130, 140) of vowel groups are not alternately mixed, but rather the key lines (110, 120) of consonant groups and the key lines (130, 140) of vowel groups are each grouped together.

[0111] The search terms to be entered using each character input keyboard are 7: "BTS", "Dreamy", "Vincenzo", "My Little Old Boy", "Brave Girls", "Avengers", and "BTS Award International Group".

[0112] When entering the search term "BTS", the number of operations of the user's four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) is 78 times in the first related technology, 78 times in the second related technology, and 61 times in the character input keyboard (100). Here, the improvement rate of the second related technology compared to the first related technology and the improvement rate of the character input keyboard (100) compared to the first related technology can be calculated. If the number of operations in the first related technology is P1, the number of operations in the second related technology is P2, and the number of operations in the character input keyboard (100) is P3, then the improvement rate of the second related technology compared to the first related technology is calculated as {(P1-P2) / P1}*100(%), and the improvement rate of the character input keyboard (100) compared to the first related technology is calculated as {(P1-P3) / P1}*100(%). Accordingly, when entering the search term "BTS", the improvement rate of the second related technology compared to the first related technology is 0%, and the improvement rate of the character input keyboard (100) compared to the first related technology is 21.8%.

[0113] When the user inputs the search term "Even if deceived, it is like a dream," the number of operations of the 4-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) is 69 times in the first related technology, 74 times in the second related technology, and 65 times in the character input keyboard (100). The improvement rate of the second related technology compared to the first related technology is -7.2%, and the improvement rate of the character input keyboard (100) compared to the first related technology is 5.8%.

[0114] When entering the search term "Vincenzo," the number of operations of the user's four-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) is 48 times in the first related technology, 44 times in the second related technology, and 45 times in the character input keyboard (100). The improvement rate of the second related technology compared to the first related technology is 8.3%, and the improvement rate of the character input keyboard (100) compared to the first related technology is 6.25%.

[0115] When entering the search term "My Ugly Duckling," the number of operations of the user's four-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) is 76 times in the first related technology, 84 times in the second related technology, and 82 times in the character input keyboard (100). The improvement rate of the second related technology compared to the first related technology is -10.5%, and the improvement rate of the character input keyboard (100) compared to the first related technology is -7.9%.

[0116] When entering the search term "Brave Girls", the number of operations of the user's four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) is 81 times in the first related technology, 81 times in the second related technology, and 77 times in the character input keyboard (100). The improvement rate of the second related technology compared to the first related technology is 0%, and the improvement rate of the character input keyboard (100) compared to the first related technology is 4.9%.

[0117] When entering the search term "Avengers," the number of operations of the user's four-directional buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) is 53 times in the first related technology, 45 times in the second related technology, and 45 times in the character input keyboard (100). The improvement rate of the second related technology compared to the first related technology is 15.1%, and the improvement rate of the character input keyboard (100) compared to the first related technology is 15.1%.

[0118] When entering the search term "BTS Award International Group," the number of operations of the user's four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) is 229 times in the first related technology, 205 times in the second related technology, and 184 times in the character input keyboard (100). The improvement rate of the second related technology compared to the first related technology is 10.5%, and the improvement rate of the character input keyboard (100) compared to the first related technology is 19.7%.

[0119] When the cases of the seven search terms mentioned above are totaled, the number of times the user operates the four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) is 634 times in the first related technology, 611 times in the second related technology, and 559 times in the character input keyboard (100). The improvement rate of the second related technology compared to the first related technology is 3.63%, and the improvement rate of the character input keyboard (100) compared to the first related technology is 11.8%.

[0120] In this way, although there are some exceptions for certain words, overall, using the character input keyboard (100) according to this embodiment can significantly reduce the number of operations of the user's four-way buttons (61, 62, 63, 64) compared to the first and second related technologies.

[0121] Methods according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. Such a computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination. For example, the computer-readable medium may be stored in a non-volatile storage device such as a USB memory device, regardless of whether it is erasable or rewritable, or in a memory such as, for example, RAM, ROM, flash memory, memory chip, integrated circuit, or a storage medium that is optically or magnetically writable and simultaneously machine-readable (e.g., computer), such as, for example, CD, DVD, magnetic disk, or magnetic tape. It will be understood that memory included in a mobile terminal is an example of a machine-readable storage medium suitable for storing a program or programs containing instructions for implementing embodiments of the present invention. The program instructions recorded on the storage medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the present invention, or may be those known and available to a person skilled in the art of computer software. Alternatively, the computer program instructions may be implemented by a computer program product. Explanation of the symbols

[0122] 1 : Electronic device 100 : Character input keyboard 110 : 1st key line 120 : 2nd key line 130 : 3rd key line 140 : 4th key line 200 : cursor

Claims

Claim 1 An electronic device comprises a display, an interface, and a character input keyboard including a plurality of character keys corresponding to a plurality of characters of a language and a cursor indicating any one of the plurality of character keys, which is displayed on the display; a processor that moves the cursor in response to a movement command received through the interface and performs an input operation of a character corresponding to the character key indicated by the cursor among the plurality of character keys in response to a selection command received through the interface; a syllable of the language is formed by combining at least one character selected from a first character group and at least one character selected from a second character group among the plurality of characters; and the character input keyboard comprises a first key line in which the character keys corresponding to a first sub-character group among the first character group are arranged, a second key line in which the character keys corresponding to a second sub-character group among the first character group are arranged, and a third key line disposed between the first key line and the second key line in which the character keys corresponding to the second character group are arranged, wherein the first key line, the second key line, and the third key line extend in the same direction. Electronic device. Claim 2 In claim 1, the plurality of characters is an electronic device including Hangul. Claim 3 An electronic device according to paragraph 2, wherein the first character group includes consonants and the second character group includes vowels. Claim 4 An electronic device according to claim 3, further comprising a user input unit including four directional buttons for up, down, left, and right, wherein the processor, in response to the cursor being positioned on a character key corresponding to a basic consonant of the first character group forming a consonant, displays the character key corresponding to the consonant at a position selectable by the cursor by pressing any one of the four directional buttons. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the processor is an electronic device that displays a character key corresponding to the consonant of the first character group in a direction opposite to the direction in which the third key line of the second character group is arranged. Claim 6 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the processor displays a character key corresponding to another character of the second character group in a direction opposite to the direction in which the character key line of the first character group is arranged, in response to the cursor being positioned on a character key corresponding to one character of the second character group. Claim 7 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the third key line is arranged with character keys corresponding to a third sub-character group among the second character group, and the character input keyboard further includes a fourth key line in which character keys corresponding to a fourth sub-character group among the second character group are arranged, and the second key line is positioned between the third key line and the fourth key line. Claim 8 In claim 1, the first key line, the second key line, and the third key line are electronic devices arranged in rows. Claim 9 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the processor moves the cursor to a preset character key corresponding to the second character group based on the selection of any one character key corresponding to the first character group, and moves the cursor to a preset character key corresponding to the first character group based on the selection of any one character key corresponding to the second character group. Claim 10 A method for controlling an electronic device comprises the steps of: displaying a character input keyboard including a plurality of character keys corresponding to a plurality of characters of a language and a cursor indicating one of the plurality of character keys; and performing an input operation of a character corresponding to the character key indicated by the cursor among the plurality of character keys in response to a received movement command, wherein a syllable of the language is formed by combining at least one character selected from a first character group and at least one character selected from a second character group among the plurality of characters, and the character input keyboard comprises a first key line in which the character keys corresponding to a first sub-character group among the first character group are arranged, a second key line in which the character keys corresponding to a second sub-character group among the first character group are arranged, and a third key line disposed between the first key line and the second key line in which the character keys corresponding to the second character group are arranged, wherein the first key line, the second key line, and the third key line extend in the same direction. Claim 11 ◈Claim 11 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In Claim 10, the above plurality of characters is a method for controlling an electronic device including Hangul. Claim 12 ◈Claim 12 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ A method for controlling an electronic device according to Claim 11, wherein the first character group includes consonants and the second character group includes vowels. Claim 13 ◈Claim 13 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ A method for controlling an electronic device that displays a character key corresponding to a consonant cluster in response to the cursor being positioned on a character key corresponding to a basic consonant cluster forming the consonant cluster in accordance with Claim 11. Claim 14 ◈Claim 14 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ In claim 10, a method for controlling an electronic device wherein a movement command by operation of any one of the plurality of buttons is received by the electronic device from a remote controller comprising a plurality of buttons corresponding to each of the four directions of up, down, left, and right. Claim 15 ◈Claim 15 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ A method for controlling an electronic device, wherein the third key line comprises character keys arranged to correspond to a third sub-character group among the second character group, and the character input keyboard further comprises a fourth key line arranged to correspond to a fourth sub-character group among the second character group, and the second key line is positioned between the third key line and the fourth key line.

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