WO2001071704A1

WO2001071704A1 - Apparatus and method for improved information input for internet access

Info

Publication number: WO2001071704A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/009001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Winston West
Original assignee: Winston West
Priority date: 2000-03-22
Filing date: 2001-03-21
Publication date: 2001-09-27
Also published as: AU2001252936A1

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved information input device (10) and method for increased convenience and efficiency in entering a Uniform Resource Locator and accessing the Internet. The improved information input device and method of the present invention permit rapid entry of particular character strings and/or functions or commands that represent various portions of a Uniform Resource Locator or World Wide Web address, such as components of a domain name for example, when a character string key (22) is actuated, thereby increasing the speed with which a computer user can input a URL and decreasing the amount of time needed to access the Internet.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED INFORMATION INPUT

FOR INTERNET ACCESS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to information input devices for Internet access systems; and, more specifically, to an Internet access device and method for improved efficiency and ease of access to the Internet. Description of the Prior Art Conventional information input devices, such as computer "keyboard-type" input devices, have a plurality of electro-mechanical elements such as contacts, menus, or keys that generate symbols when they are actuated. Each key, menu item, or contact point is engaged with a binary switch (i.e., an on-off switch) configuring a switch array that is periodically scanned by an electronic circuit to sense the status of the switch array and transmit a corresponding code, called a scan-code, to a system when a change in the switch array status is detected. In the case of a keyboard, the binary switch is mechanical. A label on the information input device corresponds to the menu item, the touch screen position, or is affixed to the keycap of each key and indicates the symbol that the element generates upon actuation. The user refers to the symbol on the menu item, touch screen position, or keycap to know which symbol the key generates when it is actuated. These symbols include, for example, individual characters of an alphabet, punctuation, and control indicators such as functions or commands.

User productivity with computer systems having keyboards as input devices depends upon the user's ability to locate keys and enter data quickly. The ever-increasing need for Internet access for home, school, and office use is placing a specialized demand on a computer user's ability to input or enter data rapidly and accurately. Likewise, miniaturization of Internet access devices necessitates greater stroke functionality for keys and touch or pull down menus on display screens. The Internet comprises interconnected computers that exchange information using various services, such as electronic mail, Gopher, and the World Wide Web ("Web"). The Web, for example, allows a server computer system, that is, Web server or Web site, to send graphical Web pages of information to a remote computer system. The remote computer system can then display the Web pages. Each resource, such as a server computer or a Web page, of the Web is uniquely identifiable by a Uniform Resource

Locator ("URL"), also known as a Web address. Since the Internet has become a vast depository for online information resources which can be accessed readily by anyone having a computer, a modem, and a telephone line, computer users are increasingly turning to the Internet for a variety of needs. However, rapid access to the Internet often requires the input of frequently lengthy and cumbersome character strings specifying the location of a particular Internet site.

To access particular information and view a specific Web page, a user at a remote computer system must specify the URL or Web address for that Web page in , for example, a HyperText Transfer Protocol ("HTTP") request. The HTTP request is forwarded to the

Web server that supports that Web page. When that Web server receives the request, it

sends that Web page to the remote computer system. When the remote computer system

receives that Web page, it typically displays the Web page using a browser. A browser is a special-purpose application engine that effects the requesting of Web pages and the

displaying of Web pages. The URL for most Internet sites comprises an HTTP request

followed by (1 ) the particular service, such as "www." for the World Wide Web; (2) the site name; and (3) the applicable domain, such as ".com", ".edu", ".org", ".gov", ".cc", or ".net". For example, to access the United States Patent & Trademark Office's Web site, a computer user must type each and every aspect of the Web site's designated URL: "http://www.uspto.gov", where the designated service is the World Wide Web, the site name is "uspto", the domain is " gov", and where all the appropriate backslashes ("//") and periods or "dots" are inserted as required to access this address. Computer users seeking access to information available on the Web must accurately type all of the required characters of any particular URL each and every time they wish to visit an Internet site. While the use of "bookmarks" and "shortcut keys" can eliminate a computer user's need for repeated typing of frequently used URLs, neither of these methods obviate the need to physically type the many URLs that a computer user either will access for the first, and perhaps only, time or will choose not to "bookmark" for any number of reasons.

Programmable keyboards have become available in recent years for use with a variety of computer systems and generally permit a user to "program" a selected, particular key of the keyboard to represent a plurality or string of individual keystrokes, typically referred to as a "MACRO", representing various functions and/or commands. This can enhance the productivity of the user by allowing the user to enter commands with a single keystroke, where such commands would otherwise require multiple keystrokes for their execution. However, programmable keyboards are comparatively expensive; they can be somewhat complicated to program; they are frequently designed for a particular type of computer and may not be entirely compatible with computers designed by other manufactures; and the computer user must devise a method to manage and recall accurately which keys have been designated to invoke particular MACRO commands or functions. Moreover, programmable keyboards and the MACROS they create are software driven and are not designated mechanically as are touch menus or keyboard keys.

It therefore would be advantageous to have a comparatively inexpensive, convenient, and efficient means for improving information input devices to accommodate the increased need for rapid Internet access. It also would be advantageous to have an information input device which simplifies the tedious and time-consuming task of specificallytyping and inputting all aspects of each URLwhen accessing particular Internet sites. It would be further advantageous to have an information input device that facilitates the input of frequently used character strings without the need for the computer user to specifically program the input device and then manage and recall a plurality of MACRO keys and corresponding commands or functions. Finally, it would be advantageous to have a single key, computer screen icon or button, or touch screen position that would yield different character strings and/or character strings coupled with certain functions, such as an "enter" function, depending upon simultaneous actuation of a function key, such as "shift" or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved information input device and method now have been discovered that facilitate convenient, efficient, and simplified input of character strings and/or functions or commands that represent various portions of a URL or Web address, such as components of a domain name, for ease of access to the Internet. The present invention provides an improved information input means for permitting rapid input of particular character strings and/or commands frequently utilized when entering or inputting Internet Uniform Resource Locators ("URLs"). In accordance with the invention, methods also are provided for convenient, efficient, and accurate input of information to enable rapid access to Internet sites.

In accordance with the broad aspect of the invention, the instant information input device comprises a character-string generating means for inputting at least one character string that represents at least one portion of a Uniform Resource Locator upon actuation of said character-string generating means wherein the character-string generating means is communicatively linked with a means for processing information, a means for displaying information, and a means for accessing the Internet. The character-string generating means, which can be, for example, a key on a key pad, an icon symbol or button displayed on a computer screen or a pull-down menu, or a display button on a touch screen, produces a unique symbol and/or function, such as a character string and/or an "enter" command, required for access to the Internet. In one embodiment, the information input device of the instant invention provides for the input of information immediately followed by the input of a particular function or command, such as a character string followed by the function "enter".

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the information input device comprises a computer keyboard means for inputting information or entering data and/or commands into a computer or other Internet access system. The computer or Internet access system comprises means for accessing the Internet, such as, for example, a browser and a modem. The computer keyboard means contains at least one character- string generating means, such as a character-string key, which, when actuated, generates a character string symbol in the same manner that standard, alphanumeric keys on a conventional computer keyboard generate their respective individual character symbols. The particular character string generated by the character-string key may be indicated on the labeled keycap of the character-string key. The character string symbol generated by the character-string key can be any number of grouped characters frequently used in designating particular Internet sites, such as, for example, character strings used in identifying particular Internet services, such as "www." and/or character strings used in identifying particular Internet domains, such as, for example, ".com", ".edu", ".gov", ".org", ".cc", and ".net". In a preferred aspect, actuation of the character-string key generates the character string symbol as well as an appropriate function. For example, actuation of a " com" character-string key generates the ".com" character string symbol and, since many URL's terminate with " com", also generates the "enter" function, which inputs the completed URL for accessing the Internet.

In another embodiment, the information input device of the instant invention comprises an Internet access system having a monitor with a display screen, a computer microprocessor or CPU having a browser means for accessing the Internet, a keyboard, a pointing device means for pointing to and clicking on various item on the display screen, a computer pointer displayed on the display screen, and at least one character-string icon or button capable of being displayed on the display screen. The pointing device means can be, for example, a mouse, a trackball or touch pad. The character-string icon or button can be displayed at any convenient location on the display screen, such as, for example, on a tool bar, which can be moved to various locations on the display screen, or on a pulldown menu where ever the computer pointer is located on the display screen when a particular keyboard key or a button on a pointing device means is actuated. When actuated, the character-string icon or display button generates a character string symbol in a location on the display screen that has been programmed or designated to accept typographical characters for entering URLs or Web addresses.

The particular character string generated by the character-string icon or button is displayed on the character-string icon or display button. The generated character string symbol can be any number of grouped characters frequently used in designating particular Internet sites, such as, for example, character strings used in identifying particular Internet services, such as for example, "www " and/or character strings used in identifying particular Internet domains. Actuation of the character-string icon or button is accomplished by, for example, pointing to and clicking on the character string icon or button with a pointing device means, such as, for example, a mouse, a trackball, or a touch-pad, or touching the computer screen with a hand-held electronic pen or stylus. The character string icon or button can also be activated through a pull down menu containing options for character strings, functions, or a combination thereof. Thus, when a user wishes to enter or input a particular URL to gain access to the Internet site specified by that URL, the computer user displays and actuates the relevant character-string icon or button at the appropriate point in the URL, rather than physically typing or entering each individual character comprised by the particular character string.

In another embodiment, the information input device of the instant invention comprises an Internet access system having a computer monitor with touch-sensitive screen means for inputting information by physically touching the computer screen, a computer microprocessor or CPU having a browser means for accessing the Internet, and at least one character string touch screen display button on the touch-sensitive computer screen, such as a position designated by a character-string symbol display. The character string touch screen display button can be at any convenient location on the computer touch screen, such as, for example, along one side of the touch screen, on a tool bar, or above a touch screen alphanumeric key pad. When actuated, the character string touch screen display button generates a character string symbol in a location on the computer screen that has been programmed or designated to accept typographical characters for entering

URLs or Web addresses.

The particular character string generated by the character string touch screen display button is shown on the character-string symbol display on the touch screen. The generated character-string symbol can be any number of grouped characters frequently used in designating particular Internet sites or character strings used in identifying particular Internet domains. Means for actuating the character string touch screen display button can include the computer user physically touching, by using, for example, an electronic pen, a stylus, or the user's hand, the computer screen at the point where the character string touch screen display button is displayed. Thus, when a computer user wishes to enter or input a particular URL via browser means to gain access to the Internet site specified by that URL, the computer user physically touches and thereby actuates the relevant character string touch screen display button, such as, for example, the "www." and/or the " com" character-string symbols, at the appropriate point in the URL, rather than physically typing or entering each individual character of a particular character string, such as, for example, "www." and/or " com".

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The above and further objects of the invention will become more readily apparent

as the invention is more fully understood from the detailed description to follow, with

reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals

represent like parts throughout and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of a keyboard containing the improved information input element of the instant invention.

FIGS. 2 - 2B illustrate different embodiments of the character-string keys of the instant invention.

FIG. 3 - 3A illustrate an embodiment of the instant invention using icons or buttons as the information input element of the instant invention.

FIG. 4 - 4A illustrate an embodiment of the instant invention using touch screen positions as the information input element of the instant invention. GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The following is a brief glossary of terms used herein. The supplied definitions are applicable throughout this specification and the claims unless the term is clearly used in another manner. Internet Access System: any electronic device or system capable of accessing the Internet and/or the World Wde Web via input of a Uniform Resource Locator. This includes personal computers ("PC"), hand-held personal data management and communications devices, such as a palm-pilot, or a wireless personal communications device, such as a cellular phone, that permits information input and actuation of particular character-string generating elements and/or functions or commands.

Character String: a combination of at least two character symbols, such as any combination of at least two letters of the alphabet, punctuation marks, numbers, and/or typographical symbols, such as for example, T, which may be used for accessing the Internet and/or the World Wide Web via input of a Uniform Resource Locator. Character-String Generating Means: any physical position, such as a key on a key pad, a display icon or button on a computer screen, a symbol displayed on a touch- sensitive display screen, or a position on a pull down menu, capable of generating a unique symbol and/or function, such as a character string or a character string coordinated with a particular function, when the position is physically actuated. Touch Screen: any electronic screen display device that comprises touch screen technology, which is well known in the industry and commonly practiced by one with ordinary skill in the relevant art. As used herein, touch screen refers to any touch-sensitive screen display device, such as a touch-sensitive computer screen, television screen, screen display on a hand-held personal data management and communications device, such as a palm-pilot, or a screen display on a wireless personal communications device, such as a cellular phone, that permits information input and actuation of particular character-string generating means or elements and/or functions or commands by physically touching, such as, for example, by means of a hand, an electric pen, or a stylus, a defined point-of-contact on the screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is an improved information input device for use with a computer or Internet access system to access the Internet through the use of URLs. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, when a computer user wishes to enter or input a particular URL to gain access to the Internet site specified by that URL, the computer user utilizes the Internet access system's means for accessing the Internet, such as a browser and a modem, via an appropriate communications link, positions the cursor in the appropriate location on the computer screen, and actuates the relevant combination of standard alphanumeric keys and at least one character-string generating means, such as, for example, a "www." and/or a " com" character string generating means or element. In accordance with the invention, the character-string is generated at the appropriate point in the URL by a character-string generating means rather than by physically typing or inputting each individual character comprising the character-string.

Turning now to FIG. 1 , there is shown a top view of a preferred embodiment of the improved information input device 10 containing the character-string key 22 of the instant invention. In accordance with the present invention, an information input device such as a computer keyboard is operatively coupled to a computer system comprising scanning means for sensing activation of the keyboard's keys; processing means for generating commands and data units or characters from status changes of the keys as detected by the scanning means; communication means for transmitting said commands and data units or characters from said processing means; browser means for accessing the Internet; and modem means for accessing the Internet through, for example, telephone dial-up, a Digital Subscriber Line ("DSL"), an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line ("ADSL"), wireless technology, or any other Internet connection as made available by technological advances in communication systems and as practiced by those skilled in the relevant art. The improved information input device 10 communicates with the computer system using an interface protocol appropriate for the particular input device. The information input device 10 comprises a computer keyboard 12 having a typical key layout widely used for personal computer ("PC") keyboards. In particular, the keyboard 12 comprises a keyboard supporting frame 14, a main alphanumeric panel 16, a numeric panel 18 located to the right of panel 16, and a generic function-key panel 20 placed above the main panel

16.

In accordance with the present invention, the keyboard 12 further includes at least one character-string key 22 with keycap 24 mounted on keyboard frame 14. In a preferred embodiment, the character-string key 22 is located on keyboard frame 14 above the numeric panel 18. lt will be apparent to those skilled in the art that all elements and means for the manufacture of computer keyboard 12 are well known in the industry and are common practice in the manufacture of conventional computer keyboards. The labeled keys 16, 18, 20, and 22 are standard electro-mechanical keys that generate various specifically designated character symbols or functions which are actuated when the computer user depresses and releases the keys.

When actuated, the character-string key 22 generates a character string symbol by generally the same method that the keys of the alphanumeric panel 16 and the numeric panel 18 generate their respective individual character symbols. The character string symbol can be generated in any location on the computer screen that has been programmed or designated to accept typographical characters for inputting URLs or Web addresses, such as, for example, the browser's URL address field. The only difference is that when conventional keyboard keys, such as keys 16 and 18, are actuated and a key status change is detected, each key generates a single scan code that is associated with that particular key. The character-string key 22 of the instant invention, by contrast, is associated with more than one scan code. Multiple scan codes are associated with each character-string key 22 because each character associated with the character string generated by the character string key 22 has its own individual scan code. For example, if the character string generated by the character-string key 22 is ".com", actuation of the

".com" character-string key would generate four scan codes, one for each of the four characters that comprise the character string, that is, one for the ".", one for the "c", one for the "o", and one for the "m."

The particular character string generated by the character-string key 22 may be indicated on the labeled keycap 24 of the character-string key 22. The character string symbol generated by the at least one character-string key 22 can be any number of grouped characters frequently used in designating particular Internet sites, such as, for example, character strings used in identifying particular Internet services, such as for example, "www." and/or character strings used in identifying particular Internet domains, such as, for example, " com", ".edu", " gov", ".org", ".cc", and ".net". Thus, when a computer user wishes to enter or input a particular URL to gain access to the Internet site specified by that URL, the computer user utilizes the computer system's browser means and modem means for accessing the Internet via a communications link, as described above, positions the cursor in the appropriate location on the computer screen, and actuates the relevant combination of standard alphanumeric keys 16 and at least one character-string key 22, such as, for example, the "www." and/or the ".com" character-string keys. The character-string key 22 is actuated at the appropriate point in the URL, rather than physically typing or inputting each individual character comprised by the particular character string, such as, for example, "www." and/or ".com."

Turning next to FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B, alternate embodiments of the character-string key 22 are shown. As shown in FIG. 2, the character-string key 22 can generate a single character string which is indicated on the keycap 24 of the character-string key 22. An alternate embodiment of the instant invention, as shown in FIG. 2A, functions similarly to a conventional computer keyboard, where a particular key can generate different characters, such as either a lower case character or an upper case character, depending on whether the key is depressed singly or in combination with a "shift" key. The instant invention permits the character-string key 26 to generate a plurality of different character strings, depending on whether the character-string key 26 is depressed singly or in combination with one or more other keys. For example, a character-string key 26 can generate one character string when the key is depressed singly, a second character string when the key is depressed in combination with a "shift" key, a third character string when the key is depressed in combination with an "ctri" key, and yet another character string when the key is depressed in combination with an "alt" key and a "ctri" key. In yet another aspect, as shown in FIG. 2B, the character-string key 28 can generate a particular character string when the key 28 is depressed singly, a character string coupled with a function or command, such as, for example, the character string ".com" coupled with the function "enter" at the end of a URL, when the character-string key 28 is depressed in combination with one or more other keys, such as, for example, a "shift" key, or key 28 can generate a different character string, such as for example, ".com/", when the key 28 is depressed in combination with one or more other keys, such as, for example, a "ctri" key. Referring next to FIGS. 3 and 3A, another embodiment of the information input device of the instant invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 3, the improved information input device 100 comprises a computer system, such as a PC (not shown), having a monitor 110 with a computer screen 112, a pointing device means 114, such as a mouse having actuating buttons 115 a - c, a computer pointer 116 displayed on the computer screen 112, and at least one character-string icon or button 118 capable of being displayed on the computer screen 112. The at least one character-string icon or button 118 can be displayed at any convenient location on computer screen 112. For example, character- string icon or button 118 can be on a pull-down menu 120 where ever the computer pointer 116 is located on the computer screen 112. The character string icon or button 118 is actuated when a designated keyboard key or any of pointing device mean's 114 actuating buttons 115 a-c are actuated. As shown in FIG. 3A, character-string icon or button 118 can be on a tool bar 122, which can be moved to various locations on the screen 112. When actuated, the at least one character-string icon or button 118 generates a character string symbol wherever the cursor is located on the computer screen 112, provided the cursor is positioned in a location on the computer screen 112 that has been programmed or designated to accept typographical characters for inputting URLs or Web addresses. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that all elements and means for the manufacture of the information input device 100 are well known in the industry and are common practice in the manufacture of conventional computer systems.

The particular character string generated by the character-string icon or button 118 is indicated on the surface 124 of the displayed character-string icon or button 118. The generated character string symbol can be any number of grouped characters frequently used in designating particular Internet sites, such as, for example, character strings used in identifying particular Internet services, such as for example, "www." and/or character strings used in identifying particular Internet domains, such as, for example, ".com", ".gov", ".org", " edu", " cc", and " net". Actuation of the character-string icon or button 118 is accomplished by, for example, a computer user pointing and clicking on the icon or button 118 with a pointing device means 114, such as, for example, a mouse, a trackball, or a touch-pad. Thus, when a computer user wishes to type or enter a particular URL to gain access to the Internet site specified by that URL, the computer user actuates a relevant combination of standard alphanumeric keys on the computer keyboard and character-string icon or button 118, such as, for example, the "www." and/or the ".com" character-string buttons, when the cursor is located at the appropriate point in the URL, rather than physically typing or entering each individual character comprised by the particular character string, such as, for example, "www." and/or ".com."

In another aspect, the character-string icon or button 118 of the instant information input device 100 can generate a plurality of character strings and/or character strings plus functions, depending on how the character-string icon or button 118 is actuated by the pointing device means 1 14. For example, a character-string icon or button 118 can generate one character string when the pointing device mean's 114 actuating button 115a is depressed or clicked once, a second character string when the pointing device mean's114 actuating button 115a is depressed twice or double clicked, and a character string coupled with a function or command, such as, for example, the character string ".com" coupled with the function "enter" at the end of a URL, when pointing device mean's 114 actuating button 115b or 115c is clicked. Turning to FIGS. 4 and 4A, another embodiment of the information input device of the instant invention is shown. The improved information input device 200 of the instant invention comprises a computer system, such as a PC, (not shown) having a monitor 210 with a computer screen 212 having touch-sensitive screen means for inputting information by physically touching the computer screen by means of a hand, an electronic pen, or a stylus, and at least one character string touch screen display button 218 on the touch- sensitive computer screen 212. The at least one character string touch screen display button can be at any convenient location on the computer touch screen 212 such as, for example, along one side 220 of the touch screen 212 or on a tool bar 222 as shown in FIG. 4A. When actuated, the character string touch screen display button 218 generate a character string symbol wherever the cursor is located on the computer screen 212, provided the cursor is positioned in a location on the computer screen 212 that has been programmed or designated to accept typographical characters for inputting URLs or Web addresses. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that all elements and means for the manufacture of the information input device 200 are well known in the industry and are common practice in the manufacture of conventional computer systems.

The particular character string generated by the character string touch screen display button 218 is shown or labeled on the touch screen display of the character string touch screen display button 218. The generated character-string symbol generated by the character string touch screen display button 218 can be any number of grouped characters frequently used in designating particular Internet sites, such as, for example, character strings used in identifying particular Internet services, such as for example, "www." and/or character strings used in identifying particular Internet domains, such as, for example, ".com", " gov", ".org", " cc", and " net". Actuation of the character string touch screen display button 218 is accomplished by, for example, the computer user physically touching the computer screen 212 at the point where the character string touch screen display button 218 is displayed on the computer screen 212. Thus, when a computer user wishes to enter or input a particular URL via browser means to gain access to the Internet site specified by that URL, the computer user physically touches and thereby actuates the relevant the character string touch screen display button 218, such as, for example, the "www." and/or the " com" character-string symbols, at the appropriate point in the URL, rather than physically typing or entering each individual character comprised by the particular character string, such as, for example, "www." and/or ".com." Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments, including particular keyboard details, materials, and size parameters, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and structural changes to the same can be accomplished without departing in any way from the spirit and scope of the present invention and that such modifications, changes, and variations are clearly contemplated herein. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended nor should any be inferred.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. In an improved system for accessing the Internet by means of a Uniform Resource Locator, a device having means for inputting information, means for processing said information, means for displaying said information, and means for accessing the Internet further comprising: at least one character-string generating means for inputting at least one character string that represents at least one portion of a Uniform Resource Locator upon actuation of said character-string generating means wherein said character-string generating means is communicatively linked with said means for processing information, said means for displaying information, and said means for accessing the Internet.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one character string is selected from the group consisting of "www. ", " com", ".edu", ".gov", ".org", ".net", and ".cc."

3. The system of claim 1 wherein actuation of said at least one character-string generating means generates at least one character string and at least one function.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said character string generating means is capable of generating different character strings.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said device is selected from the group consisting of a personal computer, a hand-held personal data management and communications device, and a wireless personal communication device.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said character string generating means is at least one character-string key, which is mounted on and in electro-mechanical communication with said means for inputting information.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said at least one character-string key is capable of generating at least one character string when said character-string key is actuated.

8. The system of claim 6 wherein said at least one character-string key is capable of generating different character strings when said character-string key is actuated in combination with at least one other key on said means for inputting information.

9. The system of claim 6 wherein said at least one character-string key is capable of generating a character string and a function when said character-string key is actuated in combination with at least one other key on said means for inputting information.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein said character string generating means is at least one character-string icon or button displayed on said means for displaying information.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said at least one character-string icon or button is capable of generating at least one character string when said character-string icon or button is actuated.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein actuation of said character-string icon or button comprises using a pointing device means for pointing to and clicking on said character- string icon or button displayed on said means for displaying information.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein said pointing device means is selected from the group consisting of a mouse, a trackball, and a touch-pad.

14. The system of claim 10 wherein said at least one character-string icon or button is capable of generating different character strings when said character-string icon or button is actuated in combination with at least one actuating button on said pointing device means.

15. The system of claim 10 wherein said at least one character-string icon or button is capable of generating a character string and a function when said character-string icon or button is actuated in combination with at least one actuating button on said pointing device means.

16. The system of claim 10 wherein a location of said character-string icon or button on said means for displaying information is selected from the group consisting of a toolbar and a pull-down menu displayed on said means for displaying information when either a key on said means for inputting information or at least one actuating button on said pointing device means is actuated.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one character string touch screen display button is displayed on said means for displaying information.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein said means for displaying information is a touch-sensitive screen.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein said at least one character string touch screen display button is capable of generating at least one character string when said character string touch screen display button is actuated.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein means for actuating said character string touch screen display button is selected from the group consisting of an electronic pen, a stylus and a user's hand.

21. The system of claim 17 wherein a location of said character-string touch screen display button on said means for displaying information is selected from the group consisting of a toolbar and along one side of said means for displaying information.

22. An improved method for accessing the Internet by means of a Uniform Resource Locator by using a device having means for inputting information, means for processing said information, means for displaying said information, and browser means for connecting to said Internet; connecting to said Internet via said browser means; positioning a cursor in an appropriate location on said means for displaying said information; inputting an Internet Uniform Resource Locator by actuating a relevant combination of standard alphanumeric keys located on said means for inputting information; and further comprising the step of: actuating at least one character-string generating means for inputting at least one character string that represents at least one portion of a Uniform Resource Locator.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein said character string generating means for inputting at least one character string is selected from the group consisting of a character string key, a character string icon or button, and a character string touch screen display button.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein said character string is selected from the group consisting of "www.", " com", ".edu", ".gov", ".org", ".net", and ".cc".

25. The method of claim 23 wherein the step of actuating at least one character- string icon or button further comprises using a pointing device means for pointing to and clicking on said character-string icon or button displayed on said means for displaying said information.

26. The method of claim 23 wherein the step of actuating at least one character string touch screen display button further comprises physically touching a touch-sensitive means for displaying said information at a point where said character string touch screen display button is displayed on said means for displaying said information.

27. The method of claim 22 wherein actuating said at least one character-string generating means generates at least one character string and at least one function.

28. The method of claim 23 wherein actuating said at least one character-string key generates at least one character string and at least one function when said character string key is actuated in combination with at least one other key on said means for inputting information.

29. The method of claim 23 wherein actuating said at least one character-string icon or button generates at least one character string and at least one function when said character string icon or button is actuated in combination with at least one actuating button on a pointing device means.

30. The method of claim 22 wherein actuating said at least one character string generating means for inputting at least one character string generates different character strings.

31. The method of claim 23 wherein actuating said at least one character string key generates different character strings when said character string key is actuated in combination with at least one other key on said means for inputting information.

32. The method of claim 23 wherein actuating said at least one character string icon or button generates different character strings when said character string icon or button is actuated in combination with at least one actuating button on said pointing device means.