Data input device and correlative encoding technique
First Claim
1. A data input device comprising:
- A key board containing a plurality of keys including a first group of 26 keys assigned to each letter of the alphabet and a second group of keys assigned to each Arabic numeral; and
a code generator for generating a plurality of four bit code words in response to actuation of said keys, one four bit code word for each of second group of keys, and two four bit code words for each of said first group of keys.
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Abstract
A computer input device, i.e. a keyboard, employs a reduced number of keys for entering words, numbers and commands. A novel and economical data encoding technique is employed which assigns single four bit code words (known as quytes) to the Arabic numerals 0-9, two quytes to the letters of the alphabet, and three or more quytes to various "software key" represented commands. This encoding technique not only decreases memory space requirements, but also increases processing speed. To enable an operator to select virtually any number of software keys, a plurality of additional function keys is provided, and these can be operated in a sequential manner along with the arrow and comma keys to generate a software key comprised of any number of quytes. The end of a software key is signified by the actuation of a letter key. Each software key can be represented by an icon which graphically combines all of the key symbols that are necessary to invoke it. A pair of key stick actuators is also provided on the keyboard, each of which combines the functions of a conventional key and a joy stick.
23 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A data input device comprising:
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A key board containing a plurality of keys including a first group of 26 keys assigned to each letter of the alphabet and a second group of keys assigned to each Arabic numeral; and a code generator for generating a plurality of four bit code words in response to actuation of said keys, one four bit code word for each of second group of keys, and two four bit code words for each of said first group of keys. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for encoding digital data for entry into a computer comprising the steps of:
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a) providing a keyboard data entry device, said keyboard including a first group of keys corresponding to Arabic numerals, and a second group of keys corresponding to the letters of the alphabet; b) providing a code generator connected to said keyboard for generating binary code words in response to actuation of the keys on said keyboard, said code generator generating a first plurality of four bit binary code words, one for each of said number keys, and generating a second plurality of pairs of four bit code words, one pair for each of said letter keys. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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Specification