EP2353062A2

EP2353062A2 - Method for inputting data

Info

Publication number: EP2353062A2
Application number: EP09751864A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dietmar Litschel
Original assignee: Caretec GmbH
Current assignee: Caretec GmbH
Priority date: 2008-10-30
Filing date: 2009-10-30
Publication date: 2011-08-10
Also published as: BRPI0919994A2; WO2010049520A3; US20110216006A1; WO2010049520A2; JP2012507234A; AT507455A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for inputting data through a keyboard to whose keys individual characters of a character set are assigned, wherein the number of keys is less than the number of characters of the character set and wherein the character set preferably contains punctuation marks. An improvement in operability is accomplished in that sequences of key strokes corresponding to sequences of characters which are impossible or improbable in the context of the data to be input are used for encoding characters or character sequences that are not assigned to a key.

Description

Method for entering data

The present invention relates to a method for inputting data via a keyboard, the keys of which are assigned to individual characters of a character set, the number of keys being smaller than the number of characters of the character set, and wherein the character set preferably contains punctuation marks.

The mechanical writing has the advantage compared to the handwriting that it is less tiring and the written text can be easily supplemented, corrected, stored, as well as electronically, visually, audibly and tactilely spent and received recognizable. The input is particularly efficient when used with the "blind stop", i. without eye contact with the keys, takes place. Many people make use of machine writing using the PC, but there are many more people who can only partially or not use it. Apart from the fact that the PC has not yet reached the threshold of reduction to an efficient "pocket-size" device, which can be used by anyone on a mobile basis, even though the technical prerequisites exist.

The disadvantage of poor access to machine writing affects people of all ages. But above all older people with bad health and difficulties with the handwritten longhand. So also people with motor problems, for which it is important to minimize the physical effort, with as few attacks as possible to generate as much text. In addition, speech impaired (deaf-mute, etc.), which depends on the fast writing, in order to convey the written quickly to other persons with artificial speech. Even persons who can only use one hand have the desire to be able to write efficiently. Likewise blind people who want to control the text written with one hand with the second hand on a tactile display. Blind people still have an additional problem, as 92% to 93% of them can not read braille Braille. This is because most blindness occurs in advanced age, as well as the difficulty of learning and reading Scripture itself, so there is a latent need for easier Braille.

According to the invention, it is provided that sequences of key presses which correspond to sequences of characters that are impossible or unlikely in the context of the data to be entered are used to encode characters or character strings that are not assigned to a key. For example, in German-language texts, character combinations such as ", a", ", b", etc. (usually followed by a space after a comma, "qa", "qb", etc.) do not occur. These and similar combinations are therefore available for encoding characters or strings that can not be directly addressed by individual keys or chord notes of keys.

An essential difference to the usual text input via number blocks, as used for mobile phones for sending messages, is the fact that after a key combination does not have to be paused to give the device the ability between the coding of individual characters or combination codes. For example, the letter "B" is encoded by the combination of the "A" keys followed by "A". The device can distinguish the desired input of "B" from the desired input of "AA" only by the length of the time interval between the keystrokes, which massively limits the input speed.

In analogous application of the above inventive concept, the invention also relates to a method for outputting data via a display, an expression or via volatile stimuli, by symbols associated with individual characters of a character set, the number of symbols being smaller than the number of characters of the character set and wherein the character set preferably contains punctuation marks.

As an indicator here is for example a device in the manner of a known Braille line into consideration, are provided in the extendable Stiff to represent the points. An expression is a carrier material such as paper, which is provided with punctiform sublimities. Volatile stimuli in the above sense refers to a type of output in which pressure or other tactile detectable stimuli are applied to areas of skin of the user in chronological order to represent characters, thus not requiring the user to actively pick up a reading zone.

According to the invention, it is provided that sequences of symbols which correspond to sequences of characters which are impossible or unlikely in the context of the data to be entered are used for coding characters or character strings which are not associated with a symbol.

Output symbols meant in this context are characters, for example in the manner of Braille characters. Even ordinary six-point Braille, which allows only a limited set of characters, is difficult to learn for many people, such as the blind. This is even more true for the extended Braille with eight points. The basic idea of the invention It is now applied to the output by limiting the number of symbols used. This may mean that the concept of a 6-point Braille font is retained, but easily forgettable symbols are omitted. However, this can also mean that one type of 4-point Braille is used with a correspondingly reduced supply of symbols. In the same way as typing a larger font onto a small number of keys, the font is now mapped to a small number of symbols in the output. Of course, it is absolutely advantageous in terms of easy noticeability if the two figures are identical. Now, if a particular character such as "A" is encoded in the input by the key combination ", ae", the output of the symbol string "ae" is also output to represent that character.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for outputting data in the manner described above, in which characters are represented by stimulating different areas of the skin of the user and in which each skin area are assigned a plurality of excitation modes, which are used alternately.

It has been found that with any type of Braille display, a major problem is the fatigue of the skin areas of the user, with which the tactile stimuli are perceived. If, for example, a Braille script or a similar code is imparted by displaying individual points by irritation of the finger tips of different fingers of the user, this can be done in accordance with known systems by applying a mechanical pressure or an electrical or mechanical vibration to the relevant one Skin area of the finger is exercised or not. As described above, such a method is limited by fatigue effects. According to the invention, the excitation mode is changed over time, for example by spatially dividing the skin area into subregions or excitation points for a specific point. By regular or stochastically controlled variation of the mentioned excitation points a fatigue can be prevented. As a rule, all information points and thus all excitation modes are synonymous with the information content.

In practice, such an output may be performed, for example, as follows. The five fingers of a user's hand are inserted into corresponding receiving openings, so that the fingertips opposite excitation devices, each consisting of ten extendable needles. The execution of a needle perceived by the respective fingertip corresponds to the output of a point in a 5-point code, with the 32 Characters can be displayed directly. Now if the first finger is to stimulate the representation of a character, then randomly the needles 1 and 8 are activated in the corresponding receiving opening. If, in turn, to display one of the next characters, this finger is again to be stimulated, the needles 2, 3 and 10 are addressed, which corresponds to an alternative excitation mode. As a result, this stimulus differs in strength and location from previous ones, which counteracts fatigue. Similarly, distinctions may be made in the oscillation frequency or the like.

It is not necessarily required within the meaning of the invention that the different excitation modes described above are always synonymous. Optionally, the user may be given an indication by the excitation mode as to whether a particular character combination is a code for a single character or a shorthand code for representing an entire word or portion of text.

In the following, essential aspects of the invention will be described in more detail.

(l) TEXTE INPUTS: PRIOR ART

(A) FULL KEYBOARDS: The typewriter keyboard (PC keyboard, full keyboard, QW E RTZ-Ta stature) makes all characters of the common character set of the respective language ready to be displayed. The entry is made in a single or changeover stop. The characters can be written on the keyboard with both hands and without eye contact with the keys (blind). However, these "blinds" are often not mastered, so write efficiency is low on average. The keyboard forms with the computer, monitor and printer a unit that secures the Internet access and can be networked with other units. The PC keyboard is also used in laptops, as well as in small versions, where the blind stop is not possible because of the small size of the keys. Speech impaired mobile communication devices with voice output, LCD display and strip printers are offered, whose keys are arranged in alphabetical order.

(B) POCKET KEYBOARDS: You can also play multiple keys simultaneously. In the blind area Braille keyboards are used with 8 keys (Fig. IA) as well as with 6 keys (Fig. IB). The Chord Programmer requires fewer keys, making the keyboard smaller. Chord stops require mastering the blind stop.

(C) ONE AND THUMB KEYPADS: In these, the numeric keypad (Fig. 2B) is of great importance for entering digits while writing of texts because of the large number of keys and limited number of fingers is not useful. The phone solves the problem with the multiple stop of the buttons. However, this mode is not efficient. However, the mobile phone has the advantage that the input can be performed with the thumb of one hand. It needs no footprint and can be used in almost all situations.

(D) KEYBOARDS OF MACHINE ENGINEERING: Some countries use machine-graphic systems with special chord keyboards. On them syllables and word cuts are entered, which are converted in a second operation in the target words. Typing on these keyboards is difficult to master because it requires the mastery of a comprehensive truncation system, as well as the keystrokes make high demands on the dexterity of the user.

(2) NOVEL PROCESS OF MACHINE TEXT ENTRY

Many seeing people read frequently but write little. Since the SMS of the mobile phone is written more, which indicates the continued need for written texts, as well as the preference for machine writing. However, efficient machine writing requires knowledge that many people do not have. Our invention presents a generally accessible, novel machine text input.

2.1 THE BASIC CONCEPT

(A) FONT PHRASES: We do not measure the size of our fonts according to the number of characters to be used, but according to the physiological and intellectual capacities of humans: firstly, according to the number of keys that can be touched ergonomically with one hand on short finger paths and secondly, to be able to learn and retain the efficient blind stops on the keys with as little effort as possible. The former excludes the use of the thumb and the little finger, as they can not be used efficiently enough for the keystroke, the latter the attacks for the rarely used characters, since the effort to learn these attacks because of the low use not worthwhile, especially Knowledge about this is also most likely lost.

By favoring the three middle fingers we see in the numeric keypad the ideal of our one-hand keyboard. On its nine central character keys, 31 attacks can be performed ergonomically advantageous (FIG. 2D). They are not sufficient for the 98 common characters of the German language, so many Replacement or alternative stops are required. This seems disadvantageous, but it is not, since according to the German Language Statistics [Helmut Meier, 1978] already the 24 most common characters cover 99.1% of all texts. In the interest of simple blind stops, therefore, small character sets are preferable, while for experienced writers slightly larger fonts can be chosen, provided that no efficient replacement inputs offer equally advantageous.

(B) SPARE PARAMETERS: Since only the most commonly used primitives have stoppers available, the replacement input can only be written with them. They are expanded, shortened, corrected and otherwise transformed as you type. Replacement entries are also used to retrieve information, perform word processor functions, and operate the keyboard and its composite (multimedia) devices (Internet, telephony, GPS, etc.).

(C) ALTERNATE INPUTS: In these, the characters located on mentally subordinate virtual keyboard levels can be entered "directly" with the same efficiency as the characters on the real upper keyboard level. According to the input is made on the (wrong) "real" keyboard level. At the subsequent post-stroke on a designated key, the "flying" input is converted as if it had been input at the correct keyboard level.

(D) ACOUSTIC ENTRIES complete the textual input. They are recorded with recorders and converted into written text with speech recognition. They can be used to retrieve help functions for renewing knowledge of keystrokes and any other information, as well as word processing and keyboard operation functions.

(E) BLOCK STRUCTURE: Our one-hand keyboard has a virtual three-dimensional block structure (Figure 2C) that helps to minimize the number of keys.

El: REAL TOP KEYBOARD [RO]: This (Figure 2A) contains the primary character block and the operation block. On the primary character block [P ^b ] (BO through C3), the primary lower case letters and primary punctuation marks such as the comma [,] are input. The keys of the operating block [B ^b ]. (Fl and F2) can also be used for entering primary characters and those of the primary character block as well as for entering operator functions if required.

E2: VIRTUAL KEYBOARD BENCHES (Fig. 2C): The bottom of the [B ^b ] control panel contains the virtual keyboard levels [B ^vl ] [B ^v2 ] [B ^v3 ] [B ^v4 ]. They support their virtual levels. If they are not needed for this, they are also available to the operating block [B ^b ]. Mentally below the primary character block [P ^b ] is the capital letter block [G ^b ], the calculation block [R ^b ], function block [F ^b ], cursor block [C ^b ] and any other. The characters on the blocks may be called "flying" (see alternative stops), temporarily or permanently on the upper keyboard level, such as the capitalized capital block [G ^b ] for continuous capitalization or the computational block [R ^b ] for performing arithmetic operations ,

2.2 PRIMARY LABEL SETS

(A) PRIMARY MARK SIGNATURE WITH 16 PRIMARY SIGNS: An extra small character set consists of 16 primary characters. He comes to people who can use only a few fingers for writing, as well as blind people who have difficulty learning braille Braille. This is because the 16 tactile signs (raised points) can be represented on an (ideal) matrix of only 2 columns and 2 rows (Figure 10D). However, the restriction to so few characters complicates the input, as must be made of various emergency solutions.

(B) PRIMARY TOOLS WITH 23-26 PRIMARY MARKS: Ideally, the primary character sets should be from 23 to 26 characters, with 23 characters already covering 98.6% of all texts.

2.3 MODES OF DIRECT ENTRY

(A) PRIMARY MARK: In addition to the most important lowercase letters, the comma [,] is also provided as the primary character.

(B) SECONDARY SIGNS: The umlauts [ä, ö, ü] and the [ß] can be written and left as [ae, oe, ue, sz], since this notation is well known. For common words, however, auto-correction may be provided. Examples: [older = older] [more = more often] [large = large].

Further simplifications: With a double stop of the comma the point [,, =.] And with double stop of a lowercase letter at the beginning of a word the corresponding capital letter can be written [aadler = eagle]. The characters [qu, x, y] can be written with [kwe], [iks] and [ips] and converted with auto-correction.

(C) DATA INSERTED ON THE DATA BLOCK: On the calculation block [R ^b ] are the digits [0-9] as well as some operands [,] [+] [-] [*] [/] [=] [%], which correspond to the sentence and special characters. These characters, as well as any other sentence or special characters, such as [:] [.], Can be entered as alternative inputs (see point-2.1C). That is, they mistakenly on the Lowercase block [K ^b ] is entered and converted with subsequent call of the calculation block [ ^tr ]. The date and time can also be written in this way: [a ^tr = l] [dgaa ^tr = 4711]; [, =,] [+ = +] [- = -] [* = *]; [dgbjji ^tr = 4.7.2009] [aj: de ^tr = 10:45 am].

(D) CAPITAL LETTERS may also be falsely written in lowercase letters and converted to the capital letter ^block [ ^t9 ] with the following call: [a ^tg dler = eagle] [eagle ^tg = EAGLE].

2.4 MODES OF INDIRECT INPUT

(A) INPUT PRINCIPLE: The substitute input can be written in a variety of ways, with reference to destination input, to make it as easy as possible for users to access text input. For example, the replacement input for the [?] E.g. be the word [question mark] or a mnemonic cutback such as [question, frz, or fr]. If a secondary character is required for a replacement input, such as a [ü] for [five], the replacement input can also be written incorrectly, such as [five] or as [finf].

The variants defined a priori with which the replacement entries are "allowed" are stored with their common destination input in a large file. If a written variant matches a defined variant, the destination input will be entered in the respective input file. The specified variants of the replacement input must be unique, which requires a corresponding labeling. The distinguishing marks between natural and artificial.

(B) IDENTIFICATION OF THE ENTRIES

Bl: NATURAL MARKINGS are special features of the font. They allow automated writing support. Thus, nouns can be recognized by their word ends [liability = liability, separation = separation], as well as certain punctuation marks [dot, comma, call sign] usually a space and after a point usually followed by a capital letter.

B2: ARTIFICIAL CHARACTERS, hereafter referred to as [eee], are set by the users during the writing process. The marks [ ^k ] can be an integral part of the substitute entry [ ^k eee, eee ^k , e ^k ee] or stand alone [ ^k _eee]. A substitute entry may have one or more identifiers of the same or different type [ ^k ee ^k e] [ ^k2kl eee]. The labels may be lower case [ ^b ], numeric codes [ ^πc ], alphanumeric codes [ ^ac ], as well as punctuation and special characters [ ^s ]. Markings also occur through stops on non-character ^keys [ ^tπ ]. B3: COMMON LETTERS are only qualifiers if they are presented as they would normally never be encountered, for example as [c, j, w] at the end of a word or as [ßfß, czz].

B4: RARELY LETTERS, such as [q, x, y], are very useful as labels. Especially if the license plate is unmistakable.

B5: SYMBOLS: The comma are used as marks in those places where they are not normally used, such as [_, eee] [e, ee] [eee, z]. Other punctuation marks are very good if they are rare.

(C) CONVERSION EXAMPLES: The following labels are examples that can be replaced by any others:

Cl: SECONDARY SIGNALS: [ ^x a = ä] [, a = ä] [tr ^x age = slow] Automatic conversions: [ae = ä]

C2: CAPITAL LETTERS:

Examples: [grossa ^x = A] [grossaall ^x = EAGLE] [ ^u eagle = eagle] ["ad ^d ier = ADIer]

Alternative: [aadler = eagle] [a ^tg dler = eagle] [eagle ^tg = EAGLE]

Calling the capital letter block: permanent capitalization

C3: NUMBERS AND NUMBERS:

[one ^x = 1] [forty-seven elp = 4711],

Alternative: [a ^tr = l] [dgaa ^tr = 4711] [dgbjji ^tr = 4.7.2009] [aj: de ^tr = 10:45 o'clock].

C4: SENTENCE AND SPECIAL SIGNS: [, =,] ["=.] [Character ^x =?] [Fage ^x =?] [Frz =?] [Fr ^x =?] [Paragraph ^x = §] [para ^x = §] [pa ^x = §] [omega ^x = Ω] [usdollar ^x = $] Alternative: [+ = +] [- = -] [* = *] [/ = /] [= =]

(D) COMPLETING TEXT ENTRIES:

DI: WORDS: Words and texts entered as short text, acronyms, codes, SMS or mnemonic abbreviations can be converted using conversion programs or word corrections, followed by automatic blanking. Examples: [d_ = die] [r_ = der] [u_ = and] [t_ = not] [ndw ^x = nonetheless] [aspa ^x = as soon as possible] [at ^x = Austria] [oe ^x = Austria] [ oei ^x = Austrian] [de ^x = Germany] [the ^x = German] [it ^x = Italy] [ddsg ^x = Danube Steam Shipping Company]

D2: PRE-AND AFTER-SALES:

[stand = stand up] [give = spend] [slide = slide away]

[ggwart = present] [mean = vulgarity]

[brave = bravery] [rechng = account] [common = community] (E) WORD CORRECTIONS: The written and completed words undergo a write correction of the file. This is a variety of correctly written, especially rare and foreign words. These are faced with frequent misstatements. If such is found, the misspelled text is replaced by the correct text: [Ritmus = Rhythm].

(F) INFORMATION REQUEST: Standard texts, text modules, addresses, telephone numbers, etc. can be called up using keywords (license plates) and thus incorporated into new texts. Example: [hohlegasse ^x = He must come through this hollow lane, no other way leads to Küssnacht].

(G) TEXT PROCESSING FUNCTIONS: Editing functions are performed with keystrokes. These are efficient but not always user friendly. They often interrupt the write flow and thereby reduce the writing speed. Especially when using the computer mouse.

In order to facilitate the editing of the texts and to minimize the interruptions, acoustic and textual editing functions are provided, which can also complement each other. Example of a text change in which the existing text "We deliver the products to you next Monday" should be changed: (a) Aural or textual input of the flagged command and the beginning and ending words of the sentence [replace * We Monday]: (b ) after the sentence is called it will be replaced acoustically or textually with the new text: [We thank you for your order, which we will deliver next month].

According to this principle, the other editing functions, such as search, copy, cut, paste (and the like), the functions of the toolbar (PC) and the parameter settings of the icon of the screen (PC) with input of the word of the function, with mnemotechnischen word cutbacks of the same or coded (acoustically or textually) "directly" be called.

(H) OPERATING FEATURES: The operation of keyboards and their connected simple and multimedia units, such as Internet, telephony, GPS and the like, is usually done with keystrokes. The variety of functions complicates the operation and affects the user-friendliness of the respective text capture unit. Our keyboard provides for the operation of the keyboard acoustic and textual operating commands, with which the respective functions can call directly.

(3) NOVEL DEVICES OF TEXT ENTRY

3.1 MOUNT KEYBOARD: In this (Figure 2A) thumb and small finger are provided for holding the keyboard in writing. The three middle ones Fingers are in the home position on the keys 4-5-6, from where the attacks can be performed with short finger paths while avoiding spreading movements.

The real upper keyboard level [RO] of the one-hand keyboard consists of the primary character block [P ^b ] (BO to C3), which consists of the 10 character keys and the operator block [B ^b ] with the keys Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. To write the Primary characters (as stated) can also be used for the operating keys and for carrying out operating functions also the primary characters.

On the real upper keyboard level [RO], the attacks of all mentally underlying virtual keyboard blocks are executed, which are called for this purpose permanently, temporarily or on the fly at the real keyboard level. The persistent call is intended for entering capital letters [G ^b ] which are written with the corresponding lower case letters. When the calculation block [R ^b ] is called permanently, it is used as a calculator. The temporary call to enter single characters occurs with pre-strokes of designated non-character keys, while the incorrect entries made on the upper keyboard level are corrected "flying" with post-strokes on designated keys (see point-2.1C).

2B shows the arithmetic block [R ^b ] on which the digits and numbers, the comma (or the point) on the key Fl and the actual-symbol [=] on the key F2 with single stop are input. The arithmetic block also contains the stop positions of the operands [,] [+] [-] [*] [/] [=] [%] and any further special and special characters, such as [:] [.]. They are executed with chord notes. The key assignment for these characters may be based on the standard of the calculator. On the tables be of Fig. 2D can be seen which stops can be selected for the operands. Other blocks: Function Block [F ^b], the cursor block [F ^b] and any further.

3.2 NEW MINIATURE KEYBOARDS

(A) THUMB KEYBOARD WITH NINE KEYS: On the keyboard of Fig. 3A, there are nine keys arranged in three columns and three rows. The keys are pointed upwards in curved (convex) and arranged at a short distance from each other, so that they can be struck in a small area with the thumb in the chord. The curvature and different upper surface textures facilitate the tactile finding of the keys. The keyboard can handle 25 chords and chords. They are sufficient to enter the characters of the shortened character set. (B) THUMB KEYBOARD WITH SEVEN KEYS: On the keyboard of Fig. 3B, there are 7 keys in a round arrangement on which 25 individual and chord notes (as in Al) can be performed with the thumb.

(C) DREIFINGER KEYBOARD: The keyboard of Fig. 4A has three horizontally arranged keys which are struck with the three middle fingers of one hand. With a stop 7 (without zero stop) with two stops 49 different signs can be entered.

(D) THUMB THUMB KEYBOARD: The keyboard of Fig. 4B has three triangularly arranged keys on which 49 characters (as in Bl) can be inputted with double strokes of the thumb.

(4) WRITE AND READ THE BLINDING LETTER

4.1 TACTILE FONTS:

(A) BRAILLE: Named after its inventor Louis Braille (1809-1852, Frenchman, blind) font is the only Braille used worldwide. It shows the characters with semicircular raised dots on paper or other transparencies, on a matrix of 6 or 8 dots, so that they can be perceived as they pass over the tip of the reading finger (Figure 5C). The matrix of the 6-point Braille consists of 2 columns and 3 rows, on which 64 different characters (63 without zeros) can be represented with single points or point combinations. The matrix of the 8-point Braille (Figure 5A) consists of 2 columns and 4 rows. They can display 256 different characters (255 without null characters).

The 6-point matrix is insufficient to represent the 98 common characters of the German language, so that the digits use the [#] sign before the letter [a-j] [#a = l; # j = 0]. For capital letters, the dot combinations [p3 + p6] are used as an announcement character. Braille is used in German as a full font, shorthand, stenography and computer braille. Braille is displayed permanently and temporarily, as well as expired. Permanent Braille is printed with recorders and printers on special 160g paper: Patrices press the raised dots into the underside of the paper, making them hemispherical on the surface of matrices. Modern printers duck the majesty on both sides.

Temporary Braille is displayed on tactile displays (called Braille Displays or Braille Lines). Per character, a Braille module (FIG. 5A) is provided in a matrix-compatible manner. By juxtaposing modules, the braille lines (Fig. 5B) are formed. Longer lines have 80 modules, average about 40 and small 20 modules and less. The modules have at the interfaces of the trix round openings in which round-headed pegs (pins) with a hemispherical tip are raised with piezoelectric elements to represent the characters and lowered after the reading operation (FIG. 5C). After reading one line, the next is called by pressing a key on the line.

Volatile Braille is emitted in communication with deafblind, see point (C) below. 92% to 93% of the blind have no access to the Braille. This is because the knowledge of tactile typing and the PC, which are taught to the blind at a young age, in most cases can no longer be taught to the late blind, who make up the majority of the blind. Especially not if they do not have sufficient knowledge of machine writing.

The most difficult problem, however, is reading the font. The characters are recognized by the readers only when the stimuli they perceive match the point combinations they know. Since the tip of the reading finger is small, the points compactly represented on the matrix can often be poorly recognized. Braille reading is therefore 4 to 5 times slower than reading the sighted. In addition, the long way the finger has to travel while reading is associated with a great deal of physical effort.

(B) MOON-LETTER: The William Moon (1818-1894) invented script has sublime lines. The characters are stamped with simple recorders and Braille printers. There are no displays for Moon. The typeface is used in English-speaking countries by a limited number of people.

(C) VOLUNTARY SCRIPTURES OF THE DEAD BLIND: Deafblinds are also users of Braille, although in this document they also communicate hand-to-hand with others. In doing so, the transmitter uses his fingers to press the Braille characters onto the fingers of the receiver, as if his fingers were a 6-point Braille keyboard. The printing is repeated several times (tumbled) so that the character can be unambiguously received. In some countries, the forms invented by Hieronymus Lorm (1821-1902) are also used to communicate with deafblind people. With this, the transmitter writes the signs with a finger of his hand in the hand of the receiver. Similar fugitives exist in other countries as well.

4.2 BLADES WRITING INSTRUMENTS

(A) SIMPLE WRITING PRINTERS: Braille is written with simple mechanical and electromechanical writers that deal with the mechanical Compare typewriters of the last century. They are equipped with Braille keyboards (Fig. IA and Fig. IB).

(B) EFFICIENT WRITING INSTRUMENTS: For entering text, blind electronic devices are also available, as well as comprehensive workstation equipment with PC or laptop, voice output, Braille display, Braille printer and other hardware and software. These devices have a full keyboard, whereby the written in normal writing can be converted into Braille. Efficient inputs are also provided by the Braille-Organizers and Braille-NoteBooks with similar features, but Braille keyboard (Fig. IA and Fig. IB). These devices usually can not be used by the later blind.

Our novel method of machine text entry (point-2) is also intended for the blind, severely visually impaired and deafblind. The keyboard has the capacity of a small computer (organizer), with which also the multimedia connection can be made. The text written in plain text can be converted into tactile text, as with the PC. Also for our keyboard is a supplemental insert speech output (text-to-speech) and a tactile display, for strongly visually impaired a display intended for large font representation.

4.3 TACTILE EXPENDITURE

(A) TACTILE PRINTS: The simple Braille writers are also printers. When the keys are touched, the patterns stored on racks are pressed against the inserted paper. As the pressure continues, the paper presses the paper into the die, where the raised points are hemispherically shaped. The actual Braille printers are stand-alone devices, which are available in different versions. All modern printers can print texts on two sides, some of them also tactile graphics. The largest of them are run by blind institutions. They are predominantly used to print books. Moon does not have its own printers, but the moon marks in dotted lines can also be printed using Braille printers.

(B) TACTILE DISPLAYS:

Bl: CONVENTIONAL BRAILLE ROWS (Fig. 5B): Efficient writing without the use of a braille line is unthinkable today, since the speech output is not sufficient even for qualified scribes to produce texts in appropriate quality. Braille lines are used in the PC as a full line with 80 modules or as a half line with 40 modules, in LapTops mostly with 40 modules, as well as Braille notebooks and Braille Organizers with 20 and fewer modules. Braille lines have opened the blind to the Internet and thus to the information society, greatly reducing the need for Braille printouts. Their importance is therefore not high enough to evaluate. The disadvantage, however, is that the displays are relatively large and heavy, as well as expensive and despite the great need of many blind people for lack of Braille and PC competence can not be used. Another disadvantage is that even on the full lines only a little tactile text, namely in about as much as on one of these lines, can be displayed. Since the writing needs to be checked frequently, numerous breaks occur during the writing process, which reduce the writing efficiency despite high writing speed. Last-but-not-least is disadvantageous that the reading finger and thus the hand, as well as the forearm when reading a line must cover a distance of one meter, so that the reading also requires a lot of physical effort.

B2: NEW ENDLESS BRAILLE DISPLAY (Figure 6): In a novel endless display, the Braille modules are located on a covered rotating disc. As you rotate the disc, the characters are moved to the display area for reading with your finger. The function keys are also used to set the rotation speed. The advantage of the display is that it can display an unlimited amount of text and that the reading finger does not have to cover wide reading distances, but can remain stationary. It is, in principle, an ideal reading device in which the texts are transiently output. It is thus in competition with the Braille expression.

(C) DISPLAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH DOVETHES: As explained in section 4.1C, deafblinds also communicate with each other hand-to-hand, using their fingers to press (drumming) the Braille characters onto the recipient's fingers as if they were whose fingers are a 6-point Braille keyboard. This principle of "volatile" output of Braille is also applied to a deaf-blind communication device. It has a 6-point Braille keyboard on which the characters are written and transmitted to the user electronically. Underneath the buttons are 6 troughs with vibrating buttons. In these the scribe intervenes with his fingers to receive the response to his message (in Braille).

(5) NEW POINTS

The texts in normal full text can be converted to Braille, just like the PC. In order to make the texts accessible to the later blind, our invention provides novel point fonts with less tactile characters, so that here too only primary signs are used. Example 1: Stored Text: [If I had a computer, I could write 1000 poems!]; Retranslation: [If I had a ccomputer, I could write ajjj ggedichte call sign]. Example 2: Stored Text: [I nonetheless believe that the train will come today]; Retranslation [i believe that it will come today].

A primary character set of 24 tactile characters can save 62% of all 6-dot Braille characters, which makes it easier to learn and recognize the characters, because the 24 characters have fewer dots and a smaller matrix than the 6-dot Braille can be represented.

Al: UNIVERSALPUNKTSCHRIFT (Fig. IA): A fundamental weak point of the Braille is that the point combinations are subordinate to the alphabet. This is disadvantageous because there is no universal alphabet, and even with the Latin letters language differences exist. Our universal braille follows the binary arrangement on a perfect matrix (16x16).

A2: HORIZONTAL 6-PI NK KT MATRIX PUNK (Figure IIB): This matrix has 3 columns and 2 rows. On it 64 different point combinations can be represented (63 without zero representation). However, in order to facilitate the reading of the font, we consider only those combinations that have at least one dot in each column. This makes the boundaries between the characters more visible. This is not always the case with Braille, because there are signs that have no points in either column. 27 characters meet the requirement. They can be divided into three groups of 9 characters each. The dot combinations in the second and third columns are identical in these groups, so learning these characters is easy. Only the characters in the first column are different. However, when reading the first column, it is already apparent in which of the three groups the respective character is located. A very important further advantage is that double-row characters can be more easily recognized as three-row.

A3: PUNCTURE WITH VERTICAL 6-PU N KT MATRIX (Fig. HC): This version is largely compliant (Fig. IA), but the matrix is arranged vertically (like the matrix of 6-point Braille). The advantage over Braille is also that there is at least one point in each column and a simpler system exists.

A4: PUNK REGISTER WITH 4- PU N KT MATRIX (Fig. HD): This version has a perfect matrix with two columns and two rows. On it 16 point combinations can be displayed easily readable. It is suitable for displaying alphabetic, numeric and alphanumeric codes. A primary character set of so few characters is possible in principle if use is made of several announcement marks (see point 4.1). (6) NEW TACTICAL EXPENSES

Braille reading is an active process that places intellectual and physical demands on users. Reading on the endless display, however, makes the physical effort easier, as the finger remains stationary while reading. The volatile Braille output on the deafblind communication device (see point 4.3C) makes use of the braille but does not show any possibilities for extending the principle. Our invention deals with it.

(A) PUNKTSCHRIFT VERSUS VOLUOUS EDITION: The points of the braille are uniform, so that their stimuli are perceived uniformly. The fleetingly issued stimuli of the deaf-blind communication device are also uniform, so that the information transfer is also determinative of the haptic perception of the user. However, this varies from person to person and decreases with age.

(B) CONCEPTUAL VISION: The continuous display and the deafblind communication device show that it is possible to bring the stimuli to the users to facilitate the physical effort of reading. From the principle of the deafblind communication device it can also be deduced that the stimuli can also be directed to other parts of the body and output to the user in the most appropriate way. Moreover, it should be possible to intelligently equip the stimuli to increase the information content of the mediated signs and texts.

(C) IRONING CONCEPT: Our visionary output of volatile tactile information provides stimulus modules comparable to Braille display modules. On these are one or more stimuli that move the stimuli. The stimulus bodies are comparable to the plungers (pins) in the Braille display. Our stimuli can also be pins, bolts, wheels, pliers and any other objects. The stimuli exert the stimuli with pressure, vibration, friction, impact, scratch or any other movements. It is unknown whether stimuli can be applied with electricity (possibly even subcutaneously), with air pressure or temperature. If such possibilities are shown, they too are part of our invention, so they meet the requirements of this. The stimuli are predominantly exercised with several partial stimuli to enhance the stimulus effect. They can be directed to any stimulus positions of the body. It is also important that the irritation can be done over a larger area than in the Braille, as well as that the stimuli can take place at short intervals at different points within the respective stimulus position to prevent the sensitivity of the local nerves or nerve strands is impaired due to overloading becomes. Our invention also provides parameter settings for the stimuli, which focus on the speed and intensity of the stimuli and partial stimuli, the number of partial stimuli that make up a stimulus, on the intervals between the partial stimuli, the length of the partial stimuli, the direction of the partial stimuli and the like.

(E) SIMPLE IRRITATION: For example, it distinguishes between short and longer stimuli, so that a longer stimulus of [o] could mediate the [o], the [s] the [ß] and the [a] the [ä] ,

(E) MULTI-DIMENSIONAL REIZE-DIFFERENTIATION: In this intelligent stimulus elements are used, so that the information content of each character, word or text can be changed with stimulus differentiation.

Examples: In conventional Braille shorthand, a [a] can have several meanings in context, so it is up to the user to establish the connection to the right word with his shorthand knowledge. This knowledge is not required if the user knows the rules of stimulus differentiation. For example, the subject area "geography" could have a special stimulus characteristic, so that [s] means a city and [1] a country. As a result, the city of New York could be communicated with [sy] and the country Austria with [Ia].

The principle of multi-dimensionality of information obtained with stimulus differentiation goes far beyond the shorthand Braille that blind people already make use of. It also does not recede from the one-dimensional text of the seer. The opinion that the reading of the blind can not be quick, since blind people are not able to foresee whole words or parts of texts in advance (like the seers), is therefore not upheld.

(F) REPLACEMENT ELEMENTS: Substitutes for differentiating words and texts can be used instead of the stimuli. These can also be taught to other hardware part. For example, with a "summon beep" of a loudspeaker.

(G) DISPLAYS FOR THE RECEIPT OF VOLATILE TACTILE TEXTS: The displays for the reception of volatile tactile texts are either concave or convex. In the case of the concaves, the modules are located in hollows with their rice bodies, in elevated positions in the convex ones, in order to be more easily reached by the extremities of the reader. The stimuli are issued over a larger area than the Braille. EI: STAND ALONE DISPLAYS (Fig. 7A): This is a portable display that can be connected to any measuring, weighing and calculating units, as well as bank machines.

G2: INTEGRATED DISPLAYS (Figure 7C): These displays are permanently connected to organizers and any other devices.

G3: CONTINUOUS DISPLAY DISPLAYS WITH THE USER (Figure 9): Displays are provided on finger cots, gloves, cuffs, tapes, or any other devices to read longer texts, to continuously control written texts, and to communicate with others for extended periods of time. You are permanently connected to the receiving points of the reader.

In the following, the present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures:

Fig. IA shows an 8-point Braille keyboard, Fig. IB a 6-point Braille keyboard, Fig. IC a 6-point Braille keyboard as used by deafblinds for communication, Fig. 2A shows the real one 2C shows the block structure of the one-handed keyboard with its virtual keyboard levels, FIG. 2D shows on tables aj 31 the stops that can be easily executed on the numeric keypad, FIG. 3A shows a block diagram of the one-handed keyboard with its virtual keyboard levels Fig. 4A shows a keyboard with three horizontal keys, Fig. 4B a thumb keyboard with triangular arranged keys, Fig. 5A the 8-point Braille matrix, Fig. 5B a conventional Braille line with Braille modules lined up, Fig. 5C a Braille module in cross section, Fig. 6 a novel endless display, Fig. 7A concave display for receiving volatile tactile characters, Fig. 7B a concave display for receiving Fig. 7C shows a concave display for receiving volatile tactile characters as an integral part of an organizer with a one-hand keyboard, Fig. 8A a convex display for receiving volatile tactile characters, Fig. 8B the position of the fingers above the display Display (Fig. 8A), FIG. 9 shows a display consisting of three finger cots which are permanently connected by hand, FIG. 10A shows the structure and matrix of the novel universal point font, FIG. 10B shows the structure and matrix of a novel horizontally arranged 6-point matrx, FIG For example, if IOC is the structure and matrix of a novel vertically arranged 6-point matrix, Fig. 1OD is the structure and matrix is a quadratic 4-point matrix.

Figure IA shows an 8-point Braille keyboard with 8 character keys (2) and two function keys (4). The index fingers, ring fingers, middle fingers and the little fingers of both hands rest in the basic position on the keys marked "Z, M, R and K", the thumbs on the keys "D". For single note or chord note on these keys, braille [P1-P8] is entered. Figure IB shows a 6-point Braille keyboard with 6 character keys and two function keys (4). Other details analogous to Fig. IA.

Fig. 1C shows a 6-point Braille keyboard as Fig. IB. However, it is equipped with a complementary 6-well concave display (3). Each well contains a module with a stimulus element (el-e6). To receive volatile tactile signs, the receiver grabs the troughs with the tips of its fingers. If, for example, only the stimulus (el) corresponding to the Braille point P1 is mediated, then the received sign is a [a].

Fig. 2A shows the real upper keyboard level [RO] of the one-handed keyboard of our invention. It has the shape of a numeric keypad. The 9 keys Al to C3 are the central character keys (3). They are struck individually or in chord. The 31 simple executable stops on these keys are shown in Tables a-j of FIG. 2D. The character keys also include the BO key. The 10 keys are used to enter the primary characters consisting of the most commonly used lower case letters and some punctuation marks. All other characters are also entered on these keys. So are the virtual keyboard levels, which are called for this purpose with pre- or post-attacks. The keys Fl and F2 are operation keys. (1) shows the speaker, (4) the visual display, (M) the built-in microphone. See further details in the textual part of the invention.

Fig. 2B shows the arithmetic block [R ^b ] of the keyboard which is mentally below the real upper keyboard level [RO]. On it the 10 digits with single stop and several operands [like +, -, /. *] With chord stop can be entered. The chord stops that can be used to input the operands are shown in the table be of Fig. 2D. The arithmetic block can, in the exercise of its function as a calculator, be permanently called. His signs can also be called flying with alternative attacks. See further details in the text section.

Fig. 2C shows the block structure of the keyboard with its virtual keyboard levels. Further details are in the textual part.

Fig. 2D shows in tables a to j all 31 stops on the central character keys A1 to C3 (the keyboard of Fig. 2A) which can be easily executed.

3A shows a thumb keyboard with 9 punctiform character keys, which are curved upward (convex) and arranged at a short distance from each other (3), function keys (2), loudspeaker (1), microphone (M), visual display (4) , On the keyboard, 25 characters can be entered with single and chord strokes of the thumb. Further details in the text part.

Fig. 3B shows another thumb keyboard with 7 character keys (3), two function keys (2), speakers (1), microphone (M) and visual display (4). On The keyboard can perform 25 characters with single and chord strokes of the thumb. Further details in the text part.

Fig. 4A shows a three-finger keyboard with three horizontally arranged keys (3), two function keys (2), speakers (1), microphone (M) and visual display (4). On the keyboard can be carried out with double stop the three middle fingers of a hand 49 single and chord stops.

Fig. 4B shows a thumb keyboard with triangular-shaped buttons on her 49 stops can be performed with double stop of the thumb. All other details such as Fig. 4A.

Fig. 5A shows the 8-point Braille matrix, with the dot designations Pl to P8. The dots Pl, P4, P5 and P7 shown in black are raised dots forming the capital letter "D".

Fig. 5B shows a conventional Braille line consisting of Brail- Ie modules (1) arranged side by side. The black dots are raised points called CareTec. Above the modules is a bar with cursor keys. When you press a key, the cursor jumps to the position of the respective character.

Fig. 5C shows the first column of a Braille module (1). This representation can be seen in Fig. 6 at (3). The finger recognizes the raised point Pl, P2 and P7, but not the lowered point P3.

Fig. 6 shows the tactile endless display in which the modules (1) are on a covered rotating disk. As the disc rotates, the modules enter the open display area, where they can be read by the stationary finger. With this display, the reading finger can remain stationary. Point (4) shows the function keys, with which also the rotation speed of the disk can be controlled.

Fig. 7A shows a "concave" display for receiving volatile tactile characters with the right hand. The index, middle and ring fingers engage in the hollows (3). In the hollows, the modules are each equipped with 2 stimuli elements [el-e4] [e2-e5] [e3-e6], so that two stimuli are received per finger. The stimulus reception is therefore larger than the Braille. It is a "stand-alone" display that can be connected to any device. It has two function keys (4).

Fig. 7B shows a "concave" display (1) for receiving volatile tactile characters using the right hand. The sketch shows the display (1) from its underside. It has three modules (3) located in hollows (2a). In these, the fingers Z, M, R intervene to receive tactile signs (stimuli). On each module 3 there are two stimuli [el-e4] [e2-e5] [e3-e6] so that two stimuli can be received per finger. A stimulus consists of several partial stimuli. The partial stimuli are produced by individual stimuli [rk]. testifies, with a random generator decides which stimulus is activated in each case. This prevents individual nerves or nerve strands from losing their sensitivity due to frequent activation.

Fig. 7C shows a "concave" left hand display as an integral part of an organizer with a one-hand keyboard. See Figs. 7A and 2A.

8A shows, by way of example, a "convex" display (1) for receiving volatile, tactile characters. There are 3 modules (3) with their stimuli [el-e4] [e2-e5] [e3-e6] on a small hill (2b), so that only short finger paths are required to receive the stimuli. With this version (as well as all others, so far not specifically mentioned) also spare elements (ee ^π ) can be used (see text part). The display can with the keys (T1-T3) of the respective keyboard (6) form a unit, as well as with the one-handed keyboard of our invention.

Fig. 8B shows the index finger (Z) of the right hand on a "convex" display (1). The third limb of the index finger rests (5) on the module (3) located on the hill (2b). On the left side of the finger is the stimulus element (el), while the one on the right (e4) is not visible on the sketch. The keys of the keyboard (6) are located close to the fingers.

Fig. 9 shows a display consisting of three finger blades (7), which are permanently connected to the index finger (Z), middle finger (M) and ring finger (R) of the left hand. On each of the three finger cots there are 2 modules, each with a stimulus element, which can be located anywhere on the fingers (front, back and side). Displays like this can also be located on any other parts of the body.

Fig. 10A shows the structure and matrix of the novel tactile universal punctuation according to the textual embodiments.

FIG. 10B shows the structure and matrix of the novel tactile 6-point horizontal script according to the textual explanations.

FIG. 10C shows the structure and matrix of the novel 6-point tactile vertical font according to the textual explanations.

Figure 1OD shows the structure and matrix of the novel quadrilateral 4-point tactile font according to the textual embodiments.

The various ideas presented here can be summarized as follows:

Principle of separation between primary and secondary characters:

The use of both hands when typing is not desirable for health reasons. There are many essays about it. It also binds both hands, as well as the two-handed keyboard takes up much space. It is therefore about one-handed input, in which the physiological and intellectual len requirements of man are to be considered and not the number of required signs. The single-handed entry solution also shows that the two-hand keyboard can be dispensed with, which has corresponding advantages.

Replacement inputs are also possible for invoking information, executing the word processor functions, accessing icon of the screen, operating the keyboard and its peripheral units, i. as a replacement for computer mouse and the cursor keys. This allows less interruption of the writing rhythm, easy learning of the key operation.

Further possibilities in this connection are:

Acoustic input support: Calling programs, especially for multimedia devices.

Help function: Request how a character or text can be entered.

Alternative inputs: as efficient as upper keyboard level stops.

Principle of the large text file: In case of congruence with a stored unit, the respective action: input of characters and text as well as execution of the above actions (1) is triggered.

Markings of the replacement entries:

(A) Postal attacks, which also entail an automatic deletion: the inputs are given with differentiated attacks of different information content.

See example: [sy] for city "New York" in the volatile edition of tactile texts = Multidimensional input that could go in the direction of automatic sign language ???

(B) Marking with rare characters [q, x, y] or with all three characters for different purposes; see differentiation as (A).

Novel cell phone keyboards:

(A) Simple stop when using a keyboard with punctiform keys.

(B) Double stop when using only three buttons. The keyboard can not only be made smaller than on the phone, but also requires fewer attacks than the phone.

(C) With (B) you can also enter 6-point Braille with one hand, which I did not have to do when writing the application. It could be supplemented with FIGS. 4A and 4B. Even 8-point Braille can be entered with a small supplement. There is no efficient one-hand keyboard for the blind.

The reading of 6-point Braille can be significantly improved with the 6-point horizontal matrix (Figure 10B) because reading two rows is easier than reading three are. Three rows often require vertical finger movements, which are not required for two rows.

In the case of the volatile output, virtually any length of text can be output, whereby only a few fingers (3) are required to recognize them. Therefore, only 6 actuators (stimulus elements) are required instead of 640 for a full line. The display can be made very small. It has space on the input device (organizer) and should also be very cheap to produce.

Claims

A method for inputting data via a keyboard, the keys of which are assigned to individual characters of a character set, the number of keys being smaller than the number of characters of the character set, and wherein the character set preferably contains punctuation marks, characterized in that sequences of key operations, correspond to the sequences of characters that are impossible or improbable in the context of the data to be entered, used to encode characters or strings that are not associated with a key.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one key is assigned to a punctuation mark and at the same time is used in conjunction with other individual keys associated characters for encoding non-key associated characters.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that individual characters are input by chord stops of multiple keys.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that individual characters are entered by a string corresponding phonetically to the name of the respective character, for example.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that individual characters are entered by switching to alternative keyboard levels in which the individual keys or keyboard shortcuts each have different characters are assigned.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that individual characters are entered by special stops.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the keys are associated with the most frequently occurring characters directly.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that individual characters or character combinations are entered to represent common words or word combinations.

9. A method for outputting data via a display, an expression or volatile stimuli, by symbols associated with individual characters of a character set, the number of symbols being less than the number of characters of the character set, and wherein the character set is preferred contains punctuation marks, characterized in that in analogy to the method of claim 1 sequences of symbols corresponding to sequences of characters that are impossible or unlikely in the context of the data to be entered, are used to encode characters or strings that are not associated with a symbol are.

10. A method for outputting data according to claim 9, characterized in that the method according to one of the claims 2 to 8 is developed analogously.

11. An apparatus for entering data with a keyboard having a plurality of keys associated with individual characters of a character set, wherein the number of keys is smaller than the number of characters of the character set and wherein the character set preferably contains punctuation marks, characterized in that sequences of Key operations that correspond to sequences of characters that are impossible or unlikely in the context of the data to be entered are associated with other characters or strings that are not associated with a key.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one key is associated with a punctuation mark and at the same time coded in conjunction with other keys characters that are not assigned to individual keys.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, characterized in that individual characters are associated with a combination of a plurality of keys that are struck simultaneously.

A device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the keys are arranged in a substantially rectangular arrangement in rows and columns adapted to be operated by a single hand of the user, and in that the keys in three are the index finger , the middle finger and the ring finger associated columns are arranged, and further that the characters to be entered individual keys or a combination of multiple keys are assigned to different columns.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the characters to be entered are associated with individual keys or a combination of several keys of different columns of the same row.

16. Device according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that individual characters are assigned to a sequence of a plurality of keys, which corresponds phonetically to the name of the respective character, for example.

17. The device according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that a plurality of keyboard levels are provided in which the individual keys or key combinations are assigned to each different characters.

18. Device according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that individual characters are associated with keys or key combinations that are struck by special stops.

19. Device according to one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the keys are associated with the most frequently occurring characters directly.

20. Device according to one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that a further input device is provided which has a plurality of successively arranged input areas corresponding to a plurality of successively input groups of characters.

21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the groups of characters represent words or numbers.

22. Device according to one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that the groups of characters represent paragraphs.

23. Device according to one of claims 11 to 22, characterized in that a display device is provided, which is designed to display Braille signs.

24. Device according to one of claims 11 to 23, characterized in that a display device is provided, which is designed to display a shortened braille.

A device according to claim 24, characterized in that the shortened dot font represents a part of the characters of the font directly by dot arrangements and another part by combinations of dot arrangements comprising a dot arrangement coding a punctuation mark.

26. Device according to one of claims 11 to 25, characterized in that the input areas are formed as fields on a touch screen.

27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that the fields of the touch screen are marked tactile detectable.

28. Device according to one of claims 11 to 27, characterized in that a voice output device is provided which is adapted to output the addressed by actuation of an input area group of characters.

29. An apparatus for outputting data having means for generating a display, expression or transient stimuli, the data being characterized by symbols associated with individual characters of a character set, the number of symbols being less than the number of characters of the character set and wherein the character set preferably contains punctuation marks, characterized in that, analogously to the method of claim 11, sequences of symbols corresponding to sequences of characters that are impossible or improbable in the context of the data to be entered are used to encode characters or strings that are not assigned to a symbol.

30. An apparatus for outputting data according to claim 29, characterized in that the device is further developed according to one of the claims 12 to 28.

31. A method for outputting data in which characters are displayed by stimulating different areas of the skin of a user, characterized in that each skin area is assigned several excitation modes, which are used alternately.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that the excitation modes of a skin area are synonymous.

33. The method according to any one of claims 31 or 32, characterized in that the excitation modes are formed by spatially adjacent excitation points.

34. The method according to any one of claims 31 or 32, characterized in that the excitation modes are formed by vibrations of different frequencies.

2009 10 30 Ba