Chinese character input method using numeric keys and apparatus thereof

A method for inputting Chinese using numeric keys in which Chinese characters are input on a device having a numeric keypad with numeric keys, a storage and a display, wherein the device has a key signal to phonetic symbol corresponding section which stores phonetic symbols each corresponding to key signals based on a predetermined allocation, the predetermined allocation allocating all phonetic symbols of the Chinese language on the respective numeric keys so that a set of three Medials is allocated on one numeric key, and each set of two Initials with two Finals, a set of two Initials with one Final, and each set of two Initials with one Tone are selectively allocated on the other numeric keys, and the storage has a dictionary which stores phonetic symbols each with a single Chinese character or word, the single Chinese character or the word corresponding to the phonetic symbol,the method comprising:

• inputting a key signal from the key pad based on an operation performed by a user in accordance with the correspondence of the key signal to the phonetic symbol;
• retrieving one of a phonetic symbol and a tone symbol from the key signal to phonetic symbol corresponding section in response to the key signal input by the user;
• collating the retrieved one of the phonetic symbol and the retrieved tone symbol with phonetic symbols already input to obtain a corresponding one of a phonetic symbol and a corresponding tone symbol in accordance with a combination rule of the number of key operations and the phonetic symbol of the Chinese language;
• deciding whether the obtained symbol is a phonetic symbol or a tone symbol, and returning to the inputting a key signal to wait for user's input when the obtained symbol is decided to be a phonetic symbol, or searching the dictionary based on a phonetic symbol string already input to retrieve a corresponding single Chinese character or a corresponding word and then outputting the retrieved character or word to the display when the obtained symbol is decided to be a tone symbol;
• and
• returning to the inputting a key signal to wait for a next input when the user gives no command for stopping the input.