KEY PAD APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL INPUT IN PORTABLE TERMINAL

摘要

A keypad device for horizontal and vertical input modes in a portable terminal and a method therefor are provided to increase inputting convenience according to an unfolding mode by sensing an input mode of the portable terminal, thereby enabling a faster inputting action. A keypad input controller(750) decides on a vertical or horizontal input mode, enables the first part of a character key to be matched with a particular item of a portable terminal menu one to one in the vertical input mode, and enables the second part thereof to be matched with a shortcut function for a particular function of a terminal, then allows the third part thereof to be matched with a number key. A controller(720) receives an output signal to display the signal on a display unit(760). The display unit displays the outputted display signal. A storage unit(730) stores a program operating in the controller and data for the program.