Computer device, method and article of manufacture for utilizing sequenced symbols to enable programmed application and commands

• US 20020163544A1
• Filed: 03/02/2001
• Published: 11/07/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Semantic Compaction Systems Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Semantic Compaction Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: McGrath, Thomas J., Baker, Bruce R., Cross, Russell T., Hershberger, Dave H., Conti, Robert V., Codol, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,076,738 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/835
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72469 for operating the device by selecting functions from two or more displayed items, e.g. menus or icons

Abstract

A computer device, such as a mobile phone or PDA for example, is able to access an application program or command, based upon selection of corresponding sequences of symbols. Such symbols can be polysemous in nature and thus be associated with a plurality of different meanings depending upon other symbols sequenced therewith. By utilizing polysemous symbols, a relatively large number of sequences can be developed and associated with programs and/or commands of the computer device, with only a relatively small number of symbols displayed. In devices such as PDAs and mobile phone where display space is a premium, such access to commands and programs can be invaluable.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

providing a plurality of polysemous symbols for selection;

storing a plurality of sequences of the selectable polysemous symbols, each stored in association with an application program; and

enabling one of the application programs in response to receiving selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each stored sequence includes at least three symbols.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first symbol in each sequence corresponds to an application program category, the second symbol corresponds to a sub-category within the application program category of the first symbol, and the third symbol corresponds to an application program within the sub-category of the second symbol.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

displaying the plurality of polysemous symbols within an enabled application program;

storing a plurality of sequences of the displayed polysemous symbols, each stored in association with a command; and

executing one of the commands in response to receiving selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the commands include navigation commands.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the commands include intra-application commands for navigating within the enabled application program.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the commands include inter-application commands for navigating between the enabled application program and another application program.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of polysemous symbols are displayed as a virtual keyboard.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the virtual keyboard occupies no more than ⅓

of a display screen.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, upon receiving selection of a symbol, differentiating the display of valid polysemous symbols which occur as a next symbol in a stored sequence including selected symbol, from invalid polysemous symbols.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the display of valid polysemous symbols, which occur as a first symbol in a stored sequence upon no symbols being selected and as a next symbol in a stored sequence upon selection of a previous symbol, is differentiated from invalid polysemous symbols.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

displaying each of a plurality of selected polysemous symbols, in sequence of selection.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of polysemous symbols are provided in association with keys of a keypad.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the storing step includes storing a polysemous symbol sequence in association with a macro, wherein the macro is enabled in response to receiving selection of the stored associated polysemous symbol sequence.

19. The method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of polysemous symbols are displayed in response to entering a symbol sequence mode.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is used to enable application programs of a mobile telephone.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein selectable polysemous symbols are displayed prior to selection.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein an application program is displayed prior to selection of a selectable polysemous symbol that will complete an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein selectable polysemous symbols are highlighted prior to selection.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein selectable polysemous symbols are highlighted prior to selection.

25. The method of claim 1, wherein, the method is used to enable application programs of a personal digital assistant.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is used to enable application programs of a personal computer.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein the symbols are selectable using voice recognition.

28. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

displaying each of a plurality of selected polysemous symbols, in sequence of selection.

29. The method of claim 8, wherein the symbols are selectable using voice recognition.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the display of valid polysemous symbols, which occur as a first symbol in a stored sequence upon no symbols being selected and as a next symbol in a stored sequence upon selection of a previous symbol, is differentiated from invalid polysemous symbols.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

33. The method of claim 1, wherein the application programs include a macros, with a polysemous symbol sequence being stored in association with the macro and with the macro being enabled in response to receiving selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

34. The method of claim 1, wherein the application program is an existing previously stored program.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the polysemous symbols are displayed as a virtual keyboard.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein the commands include intra-application commands.

38. The method of claim 35, wherein the commands include navigation commands.

39. The method of claim 35, wherein each of the plurality of sequences include a sequence of at least two symbols.

40. The method of claim 35, wherein at least one sequence includes one symbol repeated a plurality of times.

41. The method of claim 36, wherein the polysemous symbols are displayed as a virtual keyboard on less than ⅓

of a display screen.

42. The method of claim 36, wherein the display of valid polysemous symbols, occurring as a first symbol in a sequence upon no symbols being selected and a next symbol in a sequence upon selection of a previous symbol, is differentiated from invalid polysemous symbols.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

45. The method of claim 35, wherein the storing step includes storing a polysemous symbol sequence in association with a macro, wherein the macro is enabled in response to receiving selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

46. The method of claim 36, wherein the virtual keyboard is displayed upon an application program being enabled.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein the commands include inter-application commands for operating between two application programs.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the inter-application commands transfer information from one application program to another.

49. The method of claim 36, wherein the virtual keyboard is displayed in response to entering a symbol sequence mode.

50. The method of claim 46, wherein the display of valid polysemous symbols, occurring as a first symbol in a sequence upon no symbols being selected and a next symbol in a sequence upon selection of a previous symbol, is differentiated from invalid polysemous symbols.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

52. The method of claim 50, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

53. The method of claim 36, wherein the virtual keyboard includes no more than two rows of polysemous symbols.

54. The method of claim 36, wherein the virtual keyboard includes no more than eighteen polysemous symbols.

55. The method of claim 35, wherein the method is used to execute commands on a mobile telephone.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein selectable polysemous symbols are displayed prior to selection.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein a command is displayed prior to selection of a selectable polysemous symbol that will complete an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein the selected polysemous symbols are highlighted prior to selection.

59. The method of claim 55, wherein the selected polysemous symbols are highlighted prior to selection.

60. The method of claim 35, wherein the method is used to execute commands on a personal digital assistant.

61. The method of claim 35, wherein the method is used to execute commands on a personal computer.

62. The method of claim 35, wherein the symbols are selectable using voice recognition.

63. The method of claim 62, further comprising:

displaying each of a plurality of selected polysemous symbols, in sequence of selection.

64. The method of claim 36, wherein the symbols are selectable using voice recognition.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the display of valid polysemous symbols, which occur as a first symbol in a stored sequence upon no symbols being selected and as a next symbol in a stored sequence upon selection of a previous symbol, is differentiated from invalid polysemous symbols.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

67. The method of claim 65, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

68. The method of claim 35, wherein the commands include a macro, with a polysemous symbol sequence being stored in association with the macro and with the macro being enabled in response to receiving selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

69. The method of claim 35, wherein the command is an existing previously stored command.

35. A method comprising:

providing a plurality of polysemous symbols for selection; and

storing a plurality of sequences of the selectable polysemous symbols, each stored in association with a command for execution; and

executing one of the commands in response to selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

70. An article of manufacture, comprising:

a first code segment for causing a computer device to display a virtual keyboard including a plurality of polysemous symbols;

a second code segment for causing the computer device to store a plurality of sequences of the displayed polysemous symbols, each stored in association with a command; and

a third code segment for causing the computer device to execute a command in response to selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

71. The article of manufacture of claim 70, further comprising a computer usable medium containing each of the first, second and third code segments.

72. The article of manufacture of claim 70, wherein the article of manufacture is a computer usable medium.

73. The article of manufacture of claim 70, wherein the commands include intra-application commands for navigating within an application program.

74. The article of manufacture of claim 70, wherein the commands include inter-application commands for navigating between two application programs.

75. The article of manufacture of claim 73, wherein the first code segment causes the computer device to display the virtual keyboard upon an application program being enabled.

76. The article of manufacture of claim 73, wherein the intra-application commands include navigation commands.

77. The article of manufacture of claim 70, wherein each of the plurality of sequences include a sequence of at least two symbols.

78. The article of manufacture of claim 70, wherein at least one sequence includes one symbol repeated a plurality of times.

79. The article of manufacture of claim 70, wherein the first code segment causes the computer device to display the virtual keyboard on less than ⅓

of the display screen.

80. The article of manufacture of claim 70, wherein the first code segment causes the computer device to display valid polysemous symbols, occurring as a first symbol in a sequence upon no symbol being selected and as a next symbol in a sequence upon selection of a previous symbol, differentiated from invalid polysemous symbols.

81. The article of manufacture of claim 80, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

82. The article of manufacture of claim 80, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

83. The article of manufacture of claim 74, wherein the first code segment causes the computer device to display the virtual keyboard upon an application program being enabled.

84. The article of manufacture of claim 74, wherein each of the plurality of sequences include a sequence of at least two symbols.

85. The article of manufacture of claim 70, wherein the computer device is a mobile telephone.

86. The article of manufacture of claim 70, wherein the computer device is a personal digital assistant.

87. The article of manufacture of claim 70, wherein the computer device is a personal computer.

88. The article of manufacture of claim 70, wherein selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence occurs through voice recognition.

89. The article of manufacture of claim 74, wherein the commands include a macro, with the second code segment causing the computer device to store a polysemous symbol sequence in association with the macro and with the third code segment causing the computer device to execute the macro in response to selection of an associated symbol sequence.

90. The article of manufacture of claim 74, wherein the command is an existing prestored command.

91. An article of manufacture, comprising:

a first code segment for causing a computer device to display a virtual keyboard including a plurality of polysemous symbols;

a second code segment for causing the computer device to store a plurality of sequences of the displayed polysemous symbols, each stored in association with an application program; and

a third code segment for causing the computer to enable one of the application programs in response to selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

92. The article of manufacture of claim 91, further comprising a computer usable medium containing each of the first, second and third code segments.

93. The article of manufacture of claim 91, wherein the article of manufacture is a computer usable medium.

94. The article of manufacture of claim 91, wherein each of the plurality of sequences include a sequence of at least two symbols.

95. The article of manufacture of claim 91, wherein at least one sequence includes one symbol repeated a plurality of times.

96. The article of manufacture of claim 91, wherein the first code segment causes the computer device to display the virtual keyboard on less than ⅓

of the display screen.

97. The article of manufacture of claim 91, wherein the first code segment causes the computer device to display valid polysemous symbols, occurring as a first symbol in a sequence upon no symbol being selected and as a next symbol in a sequence upon selection of a previous symbol, differentiated from invalid polysemous symbols.

98. The article of manufacture of claim 91, wherein each stored sequence includes at least three symbols.

99. The article of manufacture of claim 98, wherein the first symbol in each sequence corresponds to an application program category, the second symbol corresponds to a sub-category within the application program category of the first symbol, and the third symbol corresponds to an application program within the sub-category of the second symbol.

100. The article of manufacture of claim 91, further comprising:

a fourth code segment for causing the computer device to display the plurality of polysemous symbols within an accessed application program;

a fifth code segment for causing the computer device to store a plurality of sequences of the displayed polysemous symbols, each stored in association with a command; and

a sixth code segment for causing the computer to execute one of the commands in response to receiving selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

101. The article of manufacture of claim 100, wherein the commands include navigation commands.

102. The article of manufacture of claim 100, wherein the commands include intra-application commands for navigating within the enabled application program.

103. The article of claim 92, wherein the commands include inter-application commands for navigating between the enabled application program and another application program.

104. The article of manufacture of claim 91, wherein the computer device is a mobile telephone.

105. The article of manufacture of claim 91, wherein the computer device is a personal digital assistant.

106. The article of manufacture of claim 91, wherein the computer device is a personal computer.

107. The article of manufacture of claim 91, wherein selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence occurs through voice recognition.

108. The article of manufacture of claim 91, wherein the application programs include a macro, with the second code segment causing the computer device to store a polysemous symbol sequence in association with the macro and with the third code segment causing the computer device to execute the macro in response to selection of an associated symbol sequence.

109. The article of manufacture of claim 91, wherein the application program is an existing prestored application program.

110. A computer device, comprising:

a keyboard, including keys associated with a plurality of polysemous symbols, adapted to provide symbol input;

a memory, adapted to store a plurality of sequences of the polysemous symbols, each sequence stored in association with at least one of a program and a command; and

a controller, adapted to execute at least one of a program and command in response to receiving input of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

111. The computer device of claim 110, wherein the keyboard is a virtual keyboard.

112. The computer device of claim 110, further comprising a display, wherein the keyboard is displayed on the display.

113. The computer device of claim 110, further comprising an integrated input and display device, adapted to provide input and display, wherein the keyboard is displayed as a virtual keyboard on the integrated input and display device.

114. The computer device of claim 112, wherein the keyboard is displayed on less than ⅓

of the display.

115. The computer device of claim 113, wherein the keyboard is displayed on less than ⅓

of the integrated input and display device.

116. The computer device of claim 110, wherein the keyboard includes no more than two rows of polysemous symbols.

117. The computer device of claim 110, wherein the keyboard includes no more than eighteen polysemous symbols.

118. The computer device of claim 112, wherein the keyboard includes no more than two rows of polysemous symbols.

119. The computer device of claim 112, wherein the keyboard includes no more than eighteen polysemous symbols.

120. The computer device of claim 113, wherein the keyboard includes no more than two rows of polysemous symbols.

121. The computer device of claim 113, wherein the keyboard includes no more than eighteen polysemous symbols.

122. The computer device of claim 110, further comprising:

a display, adapted to display input polysemous symbols.

123. The computer device of claim 122, wherein, upon inputting a sequence of polysemous symbols matching a stored sequence, the display displays both the polysemous symbol sequence and a name of the associated program or command.

124. The computer device of claim 110, wherein the computer device is a mobile phone.

125. The computer device of claim 124, wherein the selectable polysemous symbols are displayed prior to selection.

126. The computer device of claim 125, wherein a program or command is displayed prior to selection of a selectable polysemous symbol that will complete an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

127. The computer device of claim 125, wherein selectable polysemous symbols are highlighted prior to selection.

128. The computer device of claim 124, wherein selectable polysemous symbols are highlighted prior to selection.

129. The computer device of claim 110, wherein the computer device is a hand-held computer.

130. The computer device of claim 129, wherein the hand-held computer is a personal digital assistant (PDA).

131. The computer device of claim 110, wherein the computer device is a personal computer.

132. The computer device of claim 113, wherein each stored sequence includes at least two symbols.

133. The computer device of claim 110, wherein the commands include navigation commands.

134. The computer device of claim 110, wherein the commands include intra-application commands for navigating within an application program.

135. The computer device of claim 110, wherein the commands include inter-application commands for navigating between one application program and another application program.

136. The computer device of claim 112, wherein the controller is adapted to differentiate display of valid polysemous symbols, which occur as a first symbol in a stored sequence upon no symbols being input and as a next symbol in a sequence upon input of a previous symbol, from invalid polysemous symbols.

137. The computer device of claim 113, wherein the controller is adapted to differentiate display of valid polysemous symbols, which occur as a first symbol in a stored sequence upon no symbols being input and as a next symbol in a sequence upon input of a previous symbol, from invalid polysemous symbols.

138. The computer device of claim 136, wherein the controller is adapted to highlight displayed valid symbols.

139. The computer device of claim 137, wherein the controller is adapted to highlight displayed valid symbols.

140. The computer device of claim 136, wherein the controller is adapted to darken displayed invalid symbols.

141. The computer device of claim 137, wherein the controller is adapted to darken displayed invalid symbols.

142. The computer device of claim 110, wherein at least one stored sequence includes one symbol repeated a plurality of times.

143. The computer device of claim 112, wherein the keyboard is displayed on the display upon executing an application program.

144. The computer device of claim 113, wherein the keyboard is displayed on the display upon executing an application program.

145. The computer device of claim 112, wherein the keyboard is displayed on the display upon entering a symbol sequence mode.

146. The computer device of claim 113, wherein the keyboard is displayed on the display upon entering a symbol sequence mode.

147. The computer device of claim 110, wherein the memory is adapted to store a polysemous symbol sequence in association with a macro, and wherein the controller is adapted to execute the macro in response to receiving selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

148. The computer device of claim 112, wherein the memory is adapted to store a polysemous symbol sequence in association with a macro, and wherein the controller is adapted to execute the macro in response to receiving selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

149. The computer device of claim 113, wherein the memory is adapted to store a polysemous symbol sequence in association with a macro, and wherein the controller is adapted to execute the macro in response to receiving selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

151. The method of claim 150, wherein the computer network commands include navigation commands.

152. The method of claim 150, wherein the computer network commands include hypertext links.

153. The method of claim 150, wherein the plurality of polysemous symbols are displayed as a virtual keyboard.

154. The method of claim 153, wherein upon receiving selection of a symbol, differentiating the display of valid polysemous symbols which occur as a next symbol in a stored sequence including selected symbol, from invalid polysemous symbols.

155. The method of claim 154, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

156. The method of claim 154, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

157. The method of claim 153, wherein the display of valid polysemous symbols, which occur as a first symbol in a stored sequence upon no symbols being selected and as a next symbol in a stored sequence upon selection of a previous symbol, is differentiated from invalid polysemous symbols.

158. The method of claim 157, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

160. The method of claim 150, further comprising:

displaying each of a plurality of selected polysemous symbols, in sequence of selection.

161. The method of claim 150, wherein the plurality of polysemous symbols are provided in association with keys of a keypad.

162. The method of claim 150, wherein the storing step includes storing a polysemous symbol sequence in association with a macro, wherein the macro is enabled in response to receiving selection of the stored associated polysemous symbol sequence.

163. The method of claim 150, wherein the computer network commands include world wide web address links.

164. The method of claim 150, wherein the computer network commands include search engine links.

165. The method of claim 150, wherein the method is used to execute computer network commands from a mobile telephone.

166. The method of claim 150, wherein the method is used to execute computer network commands from a personal digital assistant.

167. The method of claim 150, wherein the method is used to execute computer network commands from a personal computer.

168. The method of claim 150, wherein the symbols are selectable using voice recognition.

170. The article of manufacture of claim 169, further comprising a computer usable medium containing each of the first, second and third code segments.

171. The article of manufacture of claim 169, wherein the article of manufacture is a computer usable medium.

172. The article of manufacture of claim 169, wherein the computer network commands include navigation commands.

173. The article of manufacture of claim 169, wherein the computer network commands include hypertext links.

174. The article of manufacture of claim 169, wherein the computer network commands include world wide web address links.

175. The article of manufacture of claim 169, wherein the computer network commands include search engine links.

176. The article of manufacture of claim 169, wherein the first code segment causes the computer device to display the virtual keyboard.

177. The article of manufacture of claim 169, wherein the first code segment causes the computer device to display valid polysemous symbols, occurring as a first symbol in a sequence upon no symbol being selected and as a next symbol in a sequence upon selection of a previous symbol, differentiated from invalid polysemous symbols.

178. The article of manufacture of claim 177, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

179. The article of manufacture of claim 177, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

181. The computer device of claim 180, wherein the keyboard is a virtual keyboard.

182. The computer device of claim 180, further comprising an integrated input and display device, adapted to provide input and display, wherein the keyboard is displayed as a virtual keyboard on the integrated input and display device.

183. The computer device of claim 180, wherein the computer network commands include navigation commands.

184. The computer device of claim 180, wherein the computer network commands include hypertext links.

185. The computer device of claim 180, wherein the computer network commands include world wide web address links.

186. The computer device of claim 180, wherein the computer network commands include search engine links.

187. The computer device of claim 180, wherein the computer device is a mobile phone.

188. The computer device of claim 180, wherein the computer device is a hand-held computer.

189. The computer device of claim 180, wherein the computer device is a personal computer.

190. The computer device of claim 180, wherein the controller is adapted to differentiate display of valid polysemous symbols, which occur as a first symbol in a stored sequence upon no symbols being input and as a next symbol in a sequence upon input of a previous symbol, from invalid polysemous symbols.

191. The computer device of claim 190, wherein the controller is adapted to highlight displayed valid symbols.

192. The computer device of claim 190, wherein the controller is adapted to darken displayed invalid symbols.

194. The method of claim 193, wherein the first set of symbols and the second set of symbols include symbols which have a single assigned meaning.

195. The method of claim 193, wherein the commands include computer commands.

196. The method of claim 193, wherein the first set of symbols are displayed as a virtual keyboard.

197. The method of claim 193, wherein the second set of symbols are displayed as a tool bar, in response to selection of a symbol of the first set.

198. The method of claim 197, wherein the first set of symbols are displayed as a virtual keyboard.

199. The method of claim 197, wherein the second set of symbols is dependent upon a selected symbol of the first set.

200. The method of claim 198, wherein the second set of symbols is dependent upon a selected symbol of the first set.

201. The method of claim 193, wherein the command is a macro.

202. The method of claim 193, wherein the method is used to execute commands on a mobile telephone.

203. The method of claim 193, wherein the method is used to execute commands on a hand-held computer.

204. The method of claim 193, wherein the method is used to execute commands on a personal computer.

205. The method of claim 193, wherein the symbols are selectable using voice recognition.

150. A method comprising:

providing a plurality of polysemous symbols for selection;

storing a plurality of sequences of the selectable polysemous symbols, each stored in association with a computer network command; and

executing one of the computer network commands in response to receiving selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

159. The method of 157, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

169. An article of manufacture, comprising:

a first code segment for causing a computer device to display a virtual keyboard including a plurality of polysemous symbols;

a second code segment for causing the computer device to store a plurality of sequences of the displayed polysemous symbols, each stored in association with a computer network command; and

a third code segment for causing the computer device to execute a computer network command in response to selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

180. A computer device, comprising:

a keyboard, including keys associated with a plurality of polysemous symbols, adapted to provide symbol input;

a memory, adapted to store a plurality of sequences of the polysemous symbols, each sequence stored in association with a computer network command; and

a controller, adapted to execute a computer network command in response to receiving input of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

193. A method comprising:

providing a first set of symbols for selection;

storing a plurality of sequences including the selectable symbols and additional symbols, each stored in association with a command;

displaying a second set of symbols for selection in response to selection of a symbol of the first set; and

executing a command in response to receiving selection of a second symbol completing an associated stored symbol sequence.

206. A computer device comprising:

a keyboard, including keys associated with a first set of symbols for selection, adapted to provide symbol selection;

a memory, adapted to store a plurality of sequences including the selectable symbols and additional symbols, each stored in association with a command; and

a controller, adapted to control display of a second set of symbols for selection in response to selection of a symbol of the first set, and adapted to execute a command in response to receiving selection of a second symbol completing an associated stored symbol sequence.

207. The computer device of claim 206, wherein the first set of symbols and the second set of symbols include symbols which have a single assigned meaning.

208. The computer device of claim 206, wherein the commands include computer commands.

209. The computer device of claim 206, further comprising:

a display, wherein the display displays the first set of symbols as a virtual keyboard.

210. The computer device of claim 209, wherein the display further displays the second set of symbols as a tool bar, in response to selection of a symbol of the first set.

211. The computer device of claim 206, wherein the second set of symbols is dependent upon a selected symbol of the first set.

212. The computer device of claim 206, wherein the command is a macro.

213. The computer device of claim 206, wherein the computer device is a mobile phone.

214. The computer device of claim 206, wherein the computer device is a hand-held computer.

215. The computer device of claim 206, wherein the computer device is a personal computer.

216. The computer device of claim 206, wherein the symbols are selectable using voice recognition.

217. A method comprising:

storing a plurality of polysemous symbols for selection via voice input, each symbol being stored in associated with a name;

storing a plurality of sequences of the selectable polysemous symbols, each stored in association with at least one of an application program and a command; and

enabling one of the application programs or commands in response to receiving voice input selection of names of an associated sequence of polysemous symbols.

218. The method of claim 217, further comprising;

displaying each symbol, in sequence, in response to its associated name being selected via voice input.

219. The method of claim 217, wherein the commands include computer commands.

220. The method of claim 217, wherein the commands include computer network commands.

221. The method of claim 217, wherein the commands include navigation commands.

222. The method of claim 217, wherein the commands include intra-application commands for navigating within an application program.

223. The method of claim 217, wherein the commands include inter-application commands for navigating between an application program and another application program.

224. The method of claim 217, wherein the plurality of polysemous symbols are displayed as a virtual keyboard.

225. The method of claim 224, wherein the virtual keyboard occupies no more than ⅓

of a display screen.

226. The method of claim 224, wherein, upon receiving input selection of a symbol, differentiating the display of valid polysemous symbols which occur as a next symbol in a stored sequence including the input selected symbol, from invalid polysemous symbols.

227. The method of claim 226, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

228. The method of claim 226, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

229. The method of claim 224, wherein the display of valid polysemous symbols, which occur as a first symbol in a stored sequence upon no symbols being selected and input and as a next symbol in a stored sequence upon selection and input of a previous symbol, is differentiated from invalid polysemous symbols.

230. The method of claim 229, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

231. The method of claim 229, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

232. The method of claim 217, wherein the method is used to enable at least one of application programs and commands of a mobile telephone.

233. The method of claim 232, wherein selectable polysemous symbols are displayed prior to selection.

234. The method of claim 233, wherein an application program is displayed prior to selection of a selectable polysemous symbol that will complete an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

235. The method of claim 233, wherein selectable polysemous symbols are highlighted prior to selection.

236. The method of claim 232, wherein selectable polysemous symbols are highlighted prior to selection.

237. The method of claim 217, wherein, the method is used to enable at least one of application programs and commands of a personal digital assistant.

238. The method of claim 217, wherein the method is used to enable at least one of application programs and commands of a personal computer.

240. The computer device of claim 239, further comprising a display, wherein the display is adapted to display the plurality of polysemous symbols.

241. The computer device of claim 240, wherein the plurality of polysemous symbols are displayed on the display as a virtual keyboard.

242. The computer device of claim 239, wherein each symbol is displayed on a display device, in sequence, in response to its associated name being selected via voice input.

243. The computer device of claim 241, wherein the virtual keyboard is displayed on less than ⅓

of the display.

244. The computer device of claim 239, wherein the commands include computer commands.

245. The computer device of claim 239, wherein the commands include computer network commands.

246. The computer device of claim 239, wherein the commands include navigation commands.

247. The computer device of claim 239, wherein the commands include intra-application commands for navigating within an application program.

248. The computer device of claim 239, wherein the commands include inter-application commands for navigating between an application program and another application program.

249. The computer device of claim 239, wherein the computer device is a mobile phone.

250. The computer device of claim 249, further comprising:

a display, adapted to display selected polysemous symbols.

251. The computer device of claim 249, further comprising a display, wherein the selectable polysemous symbols are displayed prior to selection.

252. The computer device of claim 251, wherein a program or command is displayed prior to selection of a selectable polysemous symbol that will complete an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

253. The computer device of claim 250, wherein selectable polysemous symbols are highlighted prior to selection.

254. The computer device of claim 250, wherein selectable polysemous symbols are highlighted prior to selection.

255. The computer device of claim 239, wherein the computer device is a hand-held computer.

256. The computer device of claim 255, wherein the hand-held computer is a personal digital assistant (PDA).

257. The computer device of claim 239, wherein the computer device is a personal computer.

258. The computer device of claim 240, wherein the controller is adapted to differentiate display of valid polysemous symbols, which occur as a first symbol in a stored sequence upon no symbols being input and as a next symbol in a sequence upon input of a previous symbol, from invalid polysemous symbols.

259. The computer device of claim 251, wherein the controller is adapted to differentiate display of valid polysemous symbols, which occur as a first symbol in a stored sequence upon no symbols being input and as a next symbol in a sequence upon input of a previous symbol, from invalid polysemous symbols.

260. The computer device of claim 258, wherein the controller is adapted to highlight displayed valid symbols.

261. The computer device of claim 259, wherein the controller is adapted to highlight displayed valid symbols.

262. The computer device of claim 258, wherein the controller is adapted to darken displayed invalid symbols.

263. The computer device of claim 259, wherein the controller is adapted to darken displayed invalid symbols.

265. The interface of claim 264, wherein the plurality of polysemous symbols are displayed as a graphical user interface.

266. The interface of claim 265, wherein the interface is displayed on a display of a mobile telephone.

267. The interface of claim 265, wherein the interface is displayed on a display of a portable digital assistant.

268. The interface of claim 265, wherein the interface is displayed on a display of a personal computer.

269. The interface of claim 264, wherein the interface is a voice command interface, with the symbols being selectable in response to receiving an associated symbol name via a voice command.

270. The interface of claim 264, wherein the plurality of polysemous symbols are displayed as a virtual keyboard.

271. The interface of claim 270, wherein the virtual keyboard occupies no more than ⅓

of a display screen.

272. The interface of claim 270, wherein the display of valid polysemous symbols, which occur as a first symbol in a stored sequence upon no symbols being selected and as a next symbol in a stored sequence upon selection of a previous symbol, is differentiated from invalid polysemous symbols.

273. The interface of claim 272, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

274. The interface of claim 272, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

275. The interface of claim 264, wherein the symbols are selectable using voice recognition.

276. The interface of claim 270, wherein, prior to selection of a last symbol in a sequence, at least one of a name and a symbol corresponding to at least one of a command and an application program, is displayed in association with the last symbol in a sequence, to thereby facilitate learning of the correspondence between the symbol sequence and the command or application program.

277. The interface of claim 276, wherein the at least one of a name and symbol replaces display of the last symbol in a sequence.

278. The interface of claim 277, wherein the replacement is temporary.

280. The method of claim 279, wherein the display of at least one of a name and symbol replaces display of the last symbol in a sequence.

281. The method of claim 280, wherein the replacement is temporary.

282. The method of claim 280, wherein the replacement is gradual.

283. The method of claim 279, wherein at least one of a name and a symbol are displayed in association with each of a plurality of selectable last symbols in sequences.

284. The method of claim 283, wherein the display of at least one of a name and a symbol replaces the display of each of a plurality of selectable last symbols in a sequence.

285. The method of claim 284, wherein the replacement is temporary.

286. The method of claim 284, wherein the replacement is gradual.

287. The method of claim 279, further comprising:

enabling one of the application programs or commands in response to receiving selection of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

288. The method of claim 279, wherein the plurality of polysemous symbols are displayed as a virtual keyboard.

289. The method of claim 288, wherein the display of valid polysemous symbols, which occur as a first symbol in a stored sequence upon no symbols being selected and as a next symbol in a stored sequence upon selection of a previous symbol, is differentiated from invalid polysemous symbols.

290. The method of claim 289, wherein valid symbols are highlighted.

291. The method of claim 289, wherein invalid symbols are darkened.

292. The method of claim 279, wherein the method is used to enable application programs or commands of a mobile telephone.

293. The method of claim 287, wherein the method is used to enable application programs or commands of a mobile telephone.

294. The method of claim 279, wherein, the method is used to enable application programs or commands of a personal digital assistant.

295. The method of claim 287, wherein, the method is used to enable application programs or commands of a personal digital assistant.

296. The method of claim 279, wherein the method is used to enable application programs or commands of a personal computer.

297. The method of claim 287, wherein the method is used to enable application programs or commands of a personal computer.

239. A computer device, comprising:

a memory, adapted to store a plurality of polysemous symbols for selection via voice input, each symbol being stored in association with a name, and adapted to store a plurality of sequences of the selectable polysemous symbols, each sequence stored in association with at least one of a program and a command; and

a controller, adapted to execute at least one of a program and command in response to receiving voice input selection of names of symbols of an associated polysemous symbol sequence.

264. An interface comprising:

a plurality of polysemous symbols for selection, a plurality of sequences of the polysemous symbols being stored in association with at least one of a command and an application program, wherein an associated one of a command or application is enabled in response to selection of symbols of a stored polysemous symbol sequence.

279. A method comprising:

providing a plurality of polysemous symbols for selection;

storing a plurality of sequences of the selectable polysemous symbols, each stored in association with at least one of a command and an application program; and

displaying, prior to selection of a last symbol in a sequence, at least one of a name and a symbol corresponding to at least one of a command and an application program, in association with the last symbol in a sequence, to thereby facilitate learning of the symbol sequence corresponding to the command or application program.