US Patent 7636082 Dialing methods and related devices

Dialing methods for use in a device having a keypad. The keypad comprises a plurality of dual-purpose keys and non-numerical-purpose keys. The dual-purpose key has different input definitions in a letter mode and a number mode, and the non-numerical-purpose key does not have a numerical input definition. First, at least one keystrokes are received, and an input sequence corresponding to the keystrokes is generated. If any one of the keystrokes corresponds to one of the non-numerical-purpose keys, at least one address record conforming to a letter input definition of the input sequence in the letter mode is retrieved from an address book for dialing accordingly.