Character input method and character input device

• US 20050088415A1
• Filed: 10/27/2003
• Published: 04/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Wai Sze To
• Original Assignee: Wai Sze To
• Inventors: To, Wai Sze
• Application Number:
  US10/692,859
• Publication Number:
  US 20050088415A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/168
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/018 Input/output arrangements for oriental characters
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0233 Character input methods

Abstract

A method of inputting characters into a device having a data processor, a memory and a number of keys is disclosed as including the steps of (a) providing, in the memory, a table of key-actuating sequences, each of the sequences corresponding to a respective character; (b) actuating the keys; (c) detecting the sequence of actuation of the keys; (d) matching the sequence of actuation of the keys with key-actuating sequences in the table of key-actuating sequences; and (d) retrieving the character whose corresponding key-actuating sequence matches the sequence of actuation of the keys, and the lines joining consecutive keys of a key-actuating sequence resemble the shape of the corresponding character. A character input device having a data processor, a memory and a number of keys is disclosed in which the memory includes a table of key-actuating sequences, each of the sequences corresponding to a respective character; the data processor being adapted to detect the sequence of actuation of the keys, to match the sequence of actuation of the keys with key-actuating sequences in the table of key-actuating sequences, and to retrieve the character whose corresponding key-actuating sequence matches the sequence of actuation of the keys, and the lines joining consecutive keys of a key-actuating sequence resemble the shape of the corresponding character.

Claims

1. A method of inputting characters into a device having a data processor, a memory and a plurality of keys, including the steps of:

a. providing, in said memory, a table of key-actuating sequences, each said sequence corresponding to a respective character;

b. actuating said keys;

c. detecting the sequence of actuation of said keys;

d. matching the sequence of actuation of said keys with key-actuating sequences in said table of key-actuating sequences; and

e. retrieving the character whose corresponding key-actuating sequence matches the sequence of actuation of said keys,

wherein the lines joining consecutive keys of a key-actuating sequence resemble the shape of the corresponding character.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the direction and path of movement among said consecutive keys of a key-actuating sequence resemble the stroke sequences of the corresponding character.

3. A method according to claim 1 further including a step of pressing one of said keys to indicate completion of input of a character.

4. A method according to claim 1 further including a step of pressing one of said keys to switch the mode of operation of said device.

5. A method according to claim 1 further including a step of pressing one of said keys to clear data in a key sequence buffer.

6. A character input device having a data processor, a memory and a plurality of keys, wherein said memory includes a table of key-actuating sequences, each said sequence corresponding to a respective character;

said data processor is adapted to detect the sequence of actuation of said keys, to match the sequence of actuation of said keys with key-actuating sequences in said table of key-actuating sequences, and to retrieve the character whose corresponding key-actuating sequence matches the sequence of actuation of said keys, wherein the lines joining consecutive keys of a key-actuating sequence resemble the shape of the corresponding character.

7. A device according to claim 6 including up to five keys for inputting characters into said device.

8. A device according to claim 7 wherein four of said five keys are respectively positioned at a north, east, south and west position.

9. A device according to claim 8 wherein a fifth of said five keys is operable to indicate the completion of input of a character.

10. A device according to claim 9 wherein said fifth key is positioned among the other four keys.

11. A device according to claim 6 wherein one of said keys is acutable to change the mode of operation of said device.

12. A device according to claim 6 wherein one of said keys is actuable to clear the data in a key sequence buffer.