Electronic apparatus and method for determining validity of touch key input used for the electronic apparatus

An electronic apparatus configured to determine validity of touch key input, comprising:

• a touch key for performing a preset function;
• a dummy key for determining validity of input of the touch key;
• a sensor unit for analyzing a signal received from the touch key and a signal received from the dummy key, and generating a key input signal indicating input of the touch key or the dummy key when determining that at least one of the touch key or the dummy key is input;
• and
• a controller configured to analyze the key input signal received from the sensor unit, determine whether the dummy key is input if determining that the touch key is input, and determining validity of input of the touch key based on whether the dummy key is input,
• wherein the controller is configured to perform the preset function when the touch key input is valid.

A method for operating an electronic apparatus, the electronic apparatus comprising a touch key, a dummy key, and a controller, the method comprising:

• determining whether the touch key is input by the controller to perform a preset function;
• determining whether the dummy key is input by the controller;
• determining validity of input of the touch key based on whether the dummy key is input by the controller;
• and
• performing the preset function when the input of the touch key is valid.