Method for entering alpha-numeric data
First Claim
1. A method for entering alpha-numeric data from a data entry device, comprising the steps ofproviding a data entry device having eight actuation points arranged in an array,entering alpha-numeric data by entering sequential actuation points on the keys of the array, wherein the sequential keystrokes define pictographs, the pictographs having endpoints defined by the sequential keystrokes, each pictograph corresponding to a respective character of an alpha-numeric data set.
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Abstract
A method is provided for transforming ordered pairs of keystrokes entered on a keypad with eight or more keys into a full complement of alpha-numeric characters, as might be enterable from a computer keyboard. The method can be utilized with any device that permits an operator to select one of eight keys or other means of generating a distinct electrical or other signal. The keys or positions are arranged radially around a center point in locations corresponding to keys 1-4 and 6-9 of the telephone keypad. Examples of input devices include a numeric keypad, a telephone keypad, and a "joystick." The method employs an alphabet in which each character is represented by a two-stroke pictographic figure. The first stroke proceeds from the position of the first key to be pressed, thence to the center of the keypad or device. The second stroke proceeds from said center to a the position of the second key to be pressed. For the majority of letters, the figure thus formed bears a pictographic resemblance to the printed letter. The operator presses keys corresponding to the beginning and ending points of the pictograph of the desired character or key equivalent.
83 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A method for entering alpha-numeric data from a data entry device, comprising the steps of
providing a data entry device having eight actuation points arranged in an array, entering alpha-numeric data by entering sequential actuation points on the keys of the array, wherein the sequential keystrokes define pictographs, the pictographs having endpoints defined by the sequential keystrokes, each pictograph corresponding to a respective character of an alpha-numeric data set.
- 15. A data entry device, comprising an array of eight actuation points, the data entry device defining an alphanumeric data set as a function of a sequential actuation of the actuation points, the data set including a plurality of characters, each character being defined by a sequential activation of no more than two actuation points, wherein said actuation points defining each character forming a corresponding pictograph, each pictograph having endpoints defined by the actuation point.
- 28. A handheld device for entering and processing data, comprising a housing having eight input keys disposed thereon in a key array, a processor coupled to the key array, the processor monitoring the input keys of the key array and translating keystrokes applied to the input keys into characters of an alphanumeric data set, the characters of the alphanumeric data set being defined as a function of a sequential actuation of the input keys, the data set including a plurality of characters, each character being defined by a sequential activation of no more than two input keys, wherein said actuation points defining each character form a corresponding pictograph, each pictograph having endpoints defined by the actuation point.
Specification