GB2412089A

GB2412089A - Text entry device having a plurality of alphabetic letters on each text entry key

Info

Publication number: GB2412089A
Application number: GB0412473A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stuart Spencer Dibble
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-03-17
Filing date: 2004-06-04
Publication date: 2005-09-21
Also published as: GB0412473D0; GB0405972D0

Abstract

A text entry device (30) for use with a personal computer or a printer, wherein: the text entry device (30) comprises a plurality of keys (17); and each of a plurality of the keys (17) is associated with a plurality of letters of the alphabet. Also provided is an adapter (54. Fig 5) configured to connect to a mobile station (50, Fig 5) (e.g. a mobile phone or PDA) such as to enable communication of data between the mobile station (50, Fig 5) and the adaptor (54, Fig 5), the adapter (54, Fig 5) being further configured to receive signals representative of text generated using the mobile station (50, Fig 5), to convert said signals into text in a format interpretable by a personal computer (52, Fig 5), and then to transmit said text to the computer (52, Fig 2).

Description

24 1 2089

TEXT ENTRY DEVICE

This invention relates to a text entry device in the form of a keyboard or keypad, for use with a personal computer, workstation, word processor or printer.

Today's personal computers generally use keyboards having the so-called QWERTY arrangement of keys. This arrangement is substantially unchanged from that of typewriters of the late 19th century. Given the following shortcomings and disadvantages associated with the QWERTY arrangement of keys, in the applicant's opinion it is somewhat remarkable that it has remained in such widespread use.

Firstly, the QWERTY layout is difficult to learn, since the keys are not arranged in an intuitive manner. With the QWERTY layout, the keys are neither arranged in alphabetical order nor grouped according to frequency of use. Consequently, it takes novice typists an appreciable length of time to learn to type properly.

Many users of computer keyboards, however, never actually learn to type properly.

Furthermore, nowadays, computers are used by a great many people (other than professional typists) for both professional and domestic purposes, such as composing e-mail messages and word processing. Many such users are unable to use all their fingers when typing, and since they are also often unfamiliar with the layout of the keys, text entry may be a slow, frustrating and laborious process, often performed using only one or two fingers.

This is clearly undesirable, particularly if it results in decreased productivity at work.

Secondly, the arrangement of the QWERTY keyboard does not lend itself well to miniaturization. Modern technology enables other computer components such as hard disk drives, display panels and circuitry to be reduced in size. However, the reduction in size of a portable computer as a whole may be limited by the size of the keyboard. A typical QWERTY computer keyboard has 105 keys, and there is a requirement that each key should not be unduly small, in order to enable the keys to be operated easily. This gives rise to a keyboard that is typically of the order of 30-45 cm by 15 cm in size, and any substantial reduction of this size is not conventionally possible.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a text entry device for use with a personal computer or a printer, wherein. the text entry device comprises a plurality of keys; and each of a plurality of the keys is associated with a plurality of letters of the alphabet. The device may advantageously be operated in a manner analogous to SMS text messaging. Since many people are extremely familiar with the layout of mobile phone keypads and the method of composing SMS text messages, the present invention enables a significant improvement in the speed of alphanumeric input to a computer or equivalent device The word "key" as used herein should be interpreted broadly to encompass buttons, touch- sensitive pads and any other touchable means by which a user may select alphanumeric characters. Similarly, the words "keyboard" and "keypad" should also be interpreted broadly to encompass any device having a number of "keys" (as defined above) for the entry of alphanumeric characters.

Preferably the device further comprises a memory containing a list of words, and processing means operable to suggest words having letters which correspond to a sequence of keys pressed. Such predictive or pre- emptive text entry further improves the speed at which text may be entered into the computer.

Preferably the device further comprises integral means by which a user may add a new word to said list of words. Thus words that were hitherto unknown to the device may be added to improve its predictive or preemptive text entry capabilities.

Preferably the device further comprises processing means operable to enable a user to select one of the plurality of letters associated with a key by pressing the key a plurality of times. This enables words that are unknown to the device to be entered letter-by-letter.

Preferably the device further comprises means by which to select punctuation marks and other symbols.

The device may further comprise an integral display screen for displaying text entered in use. This is particularly advantageous if the device is arranged to be handheld, since it enables the user to work remotely from their computer.

The display screen may be further operable to display an explanation of the use of a punctuation mark or symbol selected by the user. This advantageously provides a way in which to educate young people as to the correct use of punctuation and grammar.

The device may further comprise an integral cursor control device, advantageously enabling the user to manipulate an on-screen cursor from the same device as that which is used for text entry.

The device may be in the form of a desktop keyboard for connection to a personal computer.

Alternatively the device may be in the form of a flat keypad, or in the form of a handheld keypad.

The device and the keys may be shaped, sized and configured to be operable by a disabled person.

The device may further comprise memory means operable to store text being entered, for subsequent transfer to a personal computer or printer.

The device may further comprise wireless data communication means for transferring data to a personal computer or printer.

In one embodiment the device further comprises an integral printer. This enables text to be entered and printed from a compact portable device.

In another embodiment the device may be in the form of a mobile station (e.g. a mobile telephone or a PDA), further comprising interface means configured to enable communication of data between the device and a personal computer, said interface means being further configured to receive signals representative of text generated using the device, to convert said signals into text in a format interpretable by the personal computer, and to transmit said text to the computer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an adapter S configured to connect to a mobile station (e.g a mobile phone or PDA) such as to enable communication of data between the mobile station and the adaptor, the adapter being further configured to receive signals representative of text generated using the mobile station, to convert said signals into text in a format interpretable by a personal computer, and then to transmit said text to the computer. This adapter advantageously enables a mobile phone user to use his own mobile phone and its text messaging capabilities, with which he is familiar, to enter text into a computer.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a desktop keyboard having keys for the entry of alphabetical characters in a similar manner as on a mobile phone; Figure 2 illustrates a handheld text entry device having keys for the entry of alphanumeric characters in a similar manner as on a mobile phone, incorporating a display; Figure 3 illustrates a variant of the device of Figure 2, without a display and incorporating a cursor control device; Figure 4 illustrates a portable printer incorporating a display and keys for the entry of alphanumeric characters in a similar manner as on a mobile phone; and Figure 5 illustrates a mobile phone in communication with a personal computer, the mobile phone being provided with an adapter to enable text entered using the mobile phone to be transmitted to the computer.

In the figures, like elements are indicated by like reference numerals throughout.

The present embodiments represent the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. However they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved.

Desktop keyboard Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment in the form of a desktop keyboard 10. A cable or wireless data communications connection (not shown) enables data to be transmitted l0 between the keyboard 10 and an associated device such as a personal computer (PC), workstation, terminal, word processing system or printer.

Like conventional keyboards, the keyboard 10 may incorporate a row of function keys 12 (labelled F1-F12) and number keys 13 (labelled 1-0). However, in contrast to a conventional keyboard, the present keyboard 10 has a radically different arrangement of text entry keys 14. Instead of using twenty-six separate keys to represent the twenty-six individual letters of the alphabet, the present keyboard 10 uses only eight principal keys (e.g. key 17) for the entry of all twenty-six letters. The arrangement, mutual positioning and functionality of the eight text entry keys (e.g. key 17) are broadly equivalent to those of the of the buttons of a mobile telephone. Letters A, B and C are associated with a single key, key 17. Other keys are associated with each of the following groups of letters: D, E and F; G. H and l; J. K and L; M, N and O; P. Q. R and S; T. U and V; W. X, Y and Z. Thus, eight keys represent all twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Additional keys labelled WORD SEARCH 16 (or DICTIONARY) and SPELL/SAVE (18) are also provided, and will be described in further detail below.

The CAPS LOCK key 15 switches the keyboard between upper and lower case letters for text entry.

Conventional tab and shift keys are also provided, together with a space bar 19. A variety of additional keys for symbols and punctuation marks, and menu and cursor control keys, may also be provided.

The keyboard 10 may incorporate a processor and memory. The processor may be programmed with software/firmware to interpret the user's keystrokes and to provide the computer (to which the keyboard is connected) with input signals representative of the letters and words inputted by the user.

The keyboard 10 need not incorporate its own processor, and instead may utilise the processor of the host computer. Appropriate driver software may be installed on the host computer to interpret the user's keystrokes.

The techniques by which users may enter text using the keyboard 10 are analogous to the techniques by which users can compose SMS (short message service) text messages using mobile phones, which are well known to those skilled in the art. These techniques include the entry of a desired letter by pressing a single key a plurality of times in order to select one of the plurality of letters associated with that key, and also predictive or pre-emptive text entry. The processor (either incorporated in the keyboard or in the PC) is preferably configured to handle both modes of text entry.

With predictive or pre-emptive text entry, the keyboard is configured such that the letter keys 17 are each pressed once per letter to spell the desired word, regardless of which letter from each key is intended. For example, to type the word HOME pre-emptively, the user presses the following four keys in sequence: GHI, MNO, MNO, DEF. Thus, in this example, only three different keys need to be pressed. A pre-emptive word recognition algorithm run by the processor then determines (by searching a dictionary database) possible words which correspond to this sequence of key presses, and these possible words are displayed on the display screen of the computer. In this example, the words GOOD, GONE, HOOD and HOOF (and others) will be suggested, together with HOME. The alternatives are presented individually, the processor enabling the user to cycle through the alternatives by pressing the WORD SEARCH key 16. The processor may be further configured such that further presses of the WORD SEARCH key 16 will cause the processor to search the dictionary database and display longer words such as HOODED which begin with the words suggested above.

When the desired word is presented, the user pressing the space bar 19 has the effect of selecting the word and transmitting it to the PC (e.g. entering it into a document being prepared using word processing software) . The user can then begin to enter another word.

Words not known in the dictionary database may be Individually entered, letter by letter.

This procedure is initiated by the user pressing the SPELL/SAVE key 18, then entering the word letter by letter, and then storing the word in the database by pressing the SPELL SAVE key 18 again. Individual letters may be entered by the user pressing individual letter keys a number of times, the number of presses corresponding to the position of the letter in the list of letters given on that key. For example, to select the letter B. the ABC key would be pressed twice. If the following letter of the word is A, B or C, then the user is required to pause briefly before pressing the key again. This procedure is repeated to spell the required word. Pressing the SPELL/SAVE key 18 then indicates to the computer that the word is complete, and stores it in the dictionary database.

The desktop keyboard may take a variety of forms. One possible variant comprises a conventional QWERTY keyboard with a numeric keypad, the numeric keypad also serving as the letter entry keys in a manner analogous to a mobile phone. In an alternative variant the numeric keypad for text entry is detachable from a standard QWERTY keyboard to enable handheld text entry using the numeric keypad. The hand-held device may be wirelessly connected to the body of the QWERTY keyboard, or may be connected by an electrical cable.

Alternatively, the keyboard may take the form of a flat pad that can be placed flat on a desk.

Instead of keys, the pad may incorporate a number of flat touch sensitive areas or pads.

Handheld keypad Figure 2 illustrates a further embodiment in the form of a handheld keypad 20. This device is substantially of the size of a mobile phone and the keys are operable to enter both numbers and letters. The device 20 may be configured for wireless data communication with a PC, or alternatively may be connected to a PC using an electrical cable. It will be appreciated that wireless variants will include a number of components and circuitry to enable the device to function remotely from a PC, such a power supply, a processor, memory etc. The pre-emptive word recognition facility and the letter-by-letter mode of text entry are the same as for the first embodiment described above. Similarly, the CAPS LOCK, WORD SEARCH and SPELL/SAVE keys 15, 16, 18 also function in an equivalent manner.

In contrast to the desktop keyboard 10 which may have a number of keys for symbols and punctuation marks, the handheld device 20 uses keys 28 and 24 for the entry of symbols.

The key 28 (bearing the numeral 1) is used to enter full stops or dots. Other symbols, such as pound signs () and question marks, may be obtained by pressing the symbol key 24, which causes a variety of symbols to be presented cyclically. The user can review and select symbols from those presented by using the scroll keys 23, 26. The zero key 29 serves as the space bar.

Symbols in high usage, or actions/commands, may be assigned to additional key pads (not illustrated).

The keypad 20 may be used to enter numbers by pressing and holding the required number key. If, for a particular task, it is envisaged that numbers are to be entered more than letters, then the user may press the CALCULATOR button 27 to enter a mode whereby numbers may be entered by ordinary brief presses of the keys. Pressing the CALCULATOR button 27 for a second time returns the keypad to letter entry mode.

The handheld device 20 incorporates a small integral display screen 21. This screen enables the user to check the words or numbers being entered, providing the user with freedom of movement away from the computer. Text or numbers entered by the user may be transmitted directly to the computer as they are entered, or alternatively may be stored within the handheld device 20 and then transferred to the computer at an appropriate time.

When working at a computer using a handheld keypad 20, software may be provided to enlarge the text being entered on the computer screen, and to enable the degree of enlargement to be controlled from the keypad 20. This enables the user to sit back from the computer when entering text, adopting a better posture and reducing the likelihood of eyestrain.

One variant of the handheld device 20 is wireless and incorporates an internal power source, processor and memory card. The processor may be programmed to enable the device to function as a mobile word processor, diary etc. Data may then be transferred to a PC or Compact keypad Figure 3 illustrates a variant of the device of Figure 2. The layout of the keys of the keypad is substantially identical to that of Figure 2, and the keys are configured to function in the same manner. The keypad 30 incorporates an integral cursor control device 32 (e.g. a trackball).

As mentioned above, specific keys 34, 36 may be provided for high usage symbols or actions. These keys may be user-configurable.

The keypad 30 is intended for desktop use, or to be integrated into a portable computer such as a laptop or PDA (personal digital assistant). The compact size of the keypad 30 may enable the overall size of the portable computer to be reduced Menu options providing multiple choices from single keys also enable the overall bulk of the keypad to be reduced.

The cursor control device 32 may be used both for conventional cursor control and also for selecting symbols and other options from multiple choice menus, thereby improving the speed with which selections are made.

The keypad 30 may be adapted for use by disabled people, such as those without certain limbs, or those who suffer from limited movement. The keypad 30 may be shaped, sized and configured for use by the user's hands or feet, or by any other means of contact. The size may, for example, be double that of a conventional keyboard, and the keys themselves may be formed with convex or concave profiles to suit the user. The cursor control device 32 may also optionally be modified to suit the mobility of the user.

The software used with keypads 20 and 30 may be configured to display an explanatory on- screen pop-up box alongside each of the symbols obtainable using the device. An explanatory pop-up box may be obtained when the user is selecting a symbol from a number of alternatives, or when the cursor is pointed to a symbol on-screen. The pop-up box serves to provide the user with an overview of the meaning of the symbol and an explanation of its correct usage. For example, if the cursor is pointed to a Euro symbol (a), a pop-up box would explain that this is Euro symbol for European currency. Likewise, a full stop would be described as being a means by which to end a sentence. These explanatory pop-up boxes are considered to be beneficial to the teaching of grammar and punctuation to children and young people. In the case of keypad 20 the pop-up boxes may be displayed on its integral screen 21.

With keypads 20 and 30, a library or contacts directory facility may be provided to enable the user to store telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. Such a facility would also expedite the sending of e-mail messages, the preparation of correspondence, and other document management, filing and storage functions.

As mentioned above, the keypad 30 may be incorporated in a portable computer (e.g a laptop or PDA), and multiple choice keys may be used for the selection of punctuation marks and symbols etc The purpose and use of the symbols may be explained by on-screen assistance. This keyboard allows a substantial reduction in the size and weight of portable computers.

Integrated compact keyboard and printer Figure 4 illustrates a compact printer 40 having an integrated keypad 42 and display screen 44. The printer 40 is envisaged as being particularly useful for travailing salesmen who are required to provide their customers with an immediate written quote, on-site at the customer's premises.

The keypad 42 functions in the same manner as the previous embodiments of keypads described above. The printer 40 is provided with word processing or text editing software to enable the user to compose the desired document, which can be viewed on the display screen 44 before being printed onto a piece of paper 46.

The compact configuration of the keypad 42 enables the printer as a whole to be made highly compact. In the presently preferred configuration, the printer has a substantially cylindrical body approximately 10 cm in diameter, and a width that is only slightly larger than the width of an A4 sheet of paper.

Adapterformobile phones Many users are familiar with using their own mobile phone for text entry. To enable such users to use their mobile phone to enter text into a computer, an adapter 54 is proposed which interfaces between a mobile phone 50 and a computer 52 The adapter 54 is configured to communicatively couple to the mobile phone 50. The adapter 54 is further configured to receive SMS text generated using the mobile phone 50, to convert this text into a format that the computer can interpret, and then to transmit the text to the computer either using a cable 56 or a wireless connection (not illustrated). Thus, using this adapter 54, the user may use his own mobile phone and its text messaging capabilities, with which he is familiar, to enter text into a computer.

The adapter 54 may be supplied separately from the mobile phone 50, such that the user connects them as required. Alternatively the adapter 54 may be integrally incorporated in the mobile phone itself.

Claims

1. A text entry device for use with a personal computer or a printer, wherein: the text entry device comprises a plurality of keys; and each of a plurality of the keys is associated with a plurality of letters of the alphabet.

2. A text entry device as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a memory containing a list of words, and processing means operable to suggest words having letters which correspond to a sequence of keys pressed.

3. A text entry device as claimed in Claim 2, further comprising integral means by which a user may add a new word to said list of words.

4. A text entry device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising processing means operable to enable a user to select one of the plurality of letters associated with a key by pressing the key a plurality of times.

5. A text entry device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising means by which to select punctuation marks and other symbols.

6. A text entry device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an integral display screen for displaying text entered in use.

7. A text entry device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said display screen is further operable to display an explanation of the use of a punctuation mark or symbol selected by the user.

8. A text entry device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an integral cursor control device.

9. A text entry device as claimed in any preceding claim, in the form of a desktop keyboard for connection to a personal computer.

10. A text entry device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8, in the form of a flat keypad.

11. An adapter substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.

11. A text entry device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the device and the keys are shaped, sized and configured to be operable by a disabled person.

12. A text entry device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8, in the form of a handheld keypad.

13. A text entry device as claimed in Claim 12, further comprising memory means operable to store text being entered, for subsequent transfer to a personal computer or printer.

14. A text entry device as claimed in Claim 12 or Claim 13, further comprising wireless data communication means for transferring data to a personal computer or printer.

A text entry device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8, further comprising an integral printer.

16. A text entry device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8 in the form of a mobile station, further comprising interface means configured to enable communication of data between the device and a personal computer, said interface means being further configured to receive signals representative of text generated using the device, to convert said signals into text in a format interpretable by the personal computer, and to transmit said text to the computer.

17. An adapter configured to connect to a mobile station such as to enable communication of data between the mobile station and the adaptor, the adapter being further configured to receive signals representative of text generated using the mobile station, to convert said signals into text in a format interpretable by a personal computer, and then to transmit said text to the computer.

18. A text entry device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any combination of the accompanying drawings.