Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
  • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
  • G06F3/0362—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
  • G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
  • G06F3/0233—Character input methods
  • G06F3/0234—Character input methods using switches operable in different directions
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
  • G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
  • G06F3/0233—Character input methods
  • G06F3/0236—Character input methods using selection techniques to select from displayed items
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
  • G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
  • G06F3/0233—Character input methods
  • G06F3/0237—Character input methods using prediction or retrieval techniques
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
  • G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
  • G06F3/0238—Programmable keyboards

Definitions

• the present application relates to a system for letter, sign and/or symbol input in connection with electronic apparatus, as disclosed in the preamble of the attached patent claims.
• the invention is also related to a system for the input of data elements, e.g., letters, signs, numbers and/or symbols, in connection with an electronic apparatus or device which has or is connected to a display, wherein the system is so configured that on the input of at least a first data element which is part of a data phrase it offers suggestions of the data phrase, as disclosed in the preamble of attached claims 23, 24 and 25.
• data elements e.g., letters, signs, numbers and/or symbols
• apparatus such as a mobile telephone ana a PDA/pocket PC are used as illustrations in this application, although this should not be taken as defining the limits of the invention.
• the system is based on the screen showing or reflecting the possible functions of the switch and showing or giving feedback in response to the choices made and the functions operated.
• all screen-assisted and screen-based devices can be used according to the system described herein.
• Another system guesses words in response to the letters that have been entered and places the alternatives on a line for the user to choose from. (This is found, e.g., with Linux).
• a predictive system is shown where a such a switch type is used. In this case a predictive selection of letters takes place by highlighting or marking relevant letters which are arranged in a "keyboard".
• Another object of the present invention is to be able to adapt the system to a conventional keyboard per se, although the same advantages are not obtained as when using a rotatable, multifunctional switch.
• PCT NO99/00373 which relates to multifunction keys
• PCT/NO01/00057 which describes multifunction keys and the use of multifunction keys in handheld apparatus such as a mobile telephone, a PDA, a mini PC, or a remote control related to PCT/NO00/00412 and in connection with a car as described in PCT/NO01/00056.
• Fig. 1 shows a first aspect of the system according to the invention.
• Fig. 2 shows a second aspect of the system according to the invention.
• Fig. 3 shows a third aspect of the system according to the invention.
• Fig. 4 shows a fourth aspect of the system according to the invention.
• Fig. 5 shows the use of a first version of a keyboard for operating the system.
• Fig. 6 shows the use of a second version of a keyboard for operating the system.
• Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of the structure of the system according to the invention.
• Fig. 8 shows by way of example a rotatable multifunctional switch with five pressure points.
• Figs. 9a-9m show in steps an interactive display presentation with an animation of the actual switch with its five depression points, and also related screen images.
• Figs. lOa-lOh show a variant of the system disclosed in Figs. 9a-9m.
• Figs. 11 a-1 lu illustrate the entry of data using a rotatable switch as shown in Fig. 1 interactively with a display and a predictive letter and word system.
• Figs. 12a-12d shows the use of a traditional pushbutton keyboard in connection with the system shown in Figs. 9-11.
• a screen image on a display will reflect the input and navigation options which, for example, the use of a multifunction switch will have.
• the screen image can be adapted to a smaller display screen which is usual for a mobile telephone, but is of course adaptable to larger display screens which are not only used on mobile telephones but also for other apparatus. Therefore the system is not limited to mobile telephone application, but could also easily be used in other apparatus and applications such as ordinary telephones, PDAs, PCs, remote control units, other input devices etc.
• the system shown will also be capable of being used (with modifications) on switches which vary as regards the number of pressure positions, sliding or rotational positions. This will also apply to rotary switches which operate in different planes (horizontal or vertical).
• a toggle function is a short sliding movement of a switch, where the switch will automatically move back to its previous position once actuation ceases, cf. PCT/NO01/00057.
• a text mode it will be possible, for example, to enter new letters/symbols/numbers by means of a short key press.
• a long key press it will be possible, for example, to choose other symbols or submenus.
• One alternative may be to use short and long key presses so that the user has two options for each position on the screen, but distinguishes between these by means of long or short key presses.
• arrow keys are often used to cause a cursor to move across a screen.
• the systems discussed in this description can also be utilised directly when a touch screen is used. In this case, touching the screen at the different positions and functions will replace the positions to which the various switches in the illustrated systems would have to be moved. However, the user will be dependent upon all information being shown on the screen.
• the user For input or writing to take place the user must be in a write mode, i.e., for example, he must write SMS if the apparatus is, for example, a mobile telephone, as assumed in this example.
• the apparatus will preferably have a memory in which is stored a reference book/dictionary for the language that it is to be used.
• a reference book/dictionary can be fetched from an external memory, as for instance from a telecommunications operator (APS, Application Service Provider).
• APS Application Service Provider
• the system is intended to be programmed so that the words which the user employs most come first, that it is to say that, no matter what their length, words will come or be shown successively in the priority order they have according to previous use. If the list of words does not have any priority order, the shortest words will be shown first. If a long word has been in use more than a short word with the same beginning, the long word will be shown first according to the system with priority order.
• the text the user is writing will be shown in a separate field in the screen image, i.e., on the display. In addition, the words the system guesses will continue to appear in the text. At the same time, for example, six successive words in priority order will be shown in the six fields (in this case) at the bottom of the display screen.
• the number of fields may be slightly smaller or slightly greater.
• a number could be shown which indicates the total number of words than can be chosen from.
• the user can either confirm if the system has guessed correctly, continue to enter letters, thereby reducing the number of word options, or choose another word from the list shown.
• the splitting of letter groups is an important principle which, in combination with a predictive system, can make letter input extremely efficient. On the input of text, the user will, by means of the system, split letter groups for the selection of the right letter or sign.
• the system will eliminate the suggested word based on the letter which was rejected by entering a letter from another group of letters. If the letter is correct, but the word is wrong, the letter is approved and all the predictive options which then follow include this letter of group of letters. The system thus guesses words on the basis of entered letter(s). If a letter is rejected, the possible options the system has for guessing the right word are reduced. The whole list of words is narrowed down to the words which contain the selected letters.
• field 1 will essentially show the main options which are chosen by a short key press in relation to the individual fields.
• Field 2 shows other functions and is chosen by a long key press of the multifunction key 3.
• Fig. la thus shows a "start" image where the main options are shown in field 1 and the subsidiary options are shown in field 2.
• the whole menu is shown when the user presses the function key 3 at II.
• Fig. lb the menu will spread out in the main field 4.
• Pushing the button 3 through Y5-Y1 will result in the selection of the desired submenu or function. If the position Y5 is chosen and the user presses the button 4 at position III, he will thus choose SMS from the menu, and thereby go straight into a write mode as shown in Fig. lc. If the user does not choose MENU, he may go straight to SMS which is provided as a fast select field 2, X2 in Fig. la.
• Position Y2-Y5 will contain the normal alphabet, and is shown in field 1 for each switch position.
• Field 2 shows commands which are activated by a long key press (or a double key press, depending upon the programming).
• the set-up in this case is such that the menu or main functions are in position Yl and are thus shown in field 1. It may also be the case that the menu line can be assigned to Y5, or installed as an option in the setting of the menu for the apparatus in question.
• the system can also be so configured that words are guessed upon the first selection of a letter group. Thus, it is possible to pass directly from, e.g., Fig. le to Fig. lj.
• this can be preprogrammed in order to adapt to the language of individual countries.
• Such words can be priority listed in a memory in the apparatus.
• the user may choose to program the priority system and select words in an area of style or jargon, e.g., slang, academic, child-friendly, social, old-fashioned ... etc. The possibilities are virtually endless.
• Fig. lj shows in field 1 further alternative words which have the same two first letters, in this case selected according to priority.
• field 4 see Fig. Ik, six alternative words are shown, which indicates the number of words that have been used earlier and that are in a priority list, in this case six, with the remaining 56 words in the whole list in alphabetical or standard order as indicated by the reference numeral 5 at the bottom right-hand corner in field 4 in the example.
• Fig. Ik An alternative embodiment is shown in Fig. Ik where a first field 6 shows the most used words and field 7 is for the words (or as many as there is room for) from the standard list.
• Field 1 indicated by the reference numeral 8 in this figure, is thus placed in the main screen area 4.
• Field 2 has also been brought up on the main screen area 4 and is indicated by the reference numeral 9 in this figure and represents sub-options which can be selected by a long key press. It is possible to choose to continue to browse in the list by means of a long key press III MORE.
• FIG. 11 shows an example where one of the words shown in field 1 is required.
• the switch 3 is depressed at II , thereby selecting the word TELENOSTRA.
• Fig. lm shows that a long press I on the switch 3 will allow the user to confirm OK in field 2 that the input is complete, and the system goes straight on to the input of a telephone number, see Fig. In.
• the user also has the option of going straight into a telephone list by means of a long press in position II on the switch 3, see position PHB in field 2.
• the user may push the switch 3 into a position which allows him to enter the main menu, see Fig. lo.
• the word is confirmed by means of a long press at II on the switch 3, i.e., SPACE, see Fig. lm.
• the user can then write in new letters or words.
• the user may keep letters in field 2 for direct further input of letters. This may be appropriate if the user doe not want any of the listed words, or if the user would like to reduce the list, he can enter new letters directly.
• the user may choose between the words in field 2.
• the switch 3 is moved in the Y direction. To bring up more words in the list, the user must go via Yl where field 2, position X3 will provide a link to more words, see also Fig. lj.
• An alternative for predictive punctuation can be limited to the most used signs such as full stop, exclamation mark and question mark. These may then be shown as a direct option is field 2 (XI, full stop, X2. exclamation mark, X3, question mark).
• the starting point in Fig. 3a - Fig. 3b is that the user is in a mode for input of text, i.e., a variant of the starting point shown in Fig. la - Fig. le.
• Fig- 3b shows the splitting of the desired groups of letters and the user selects T.
• the user wants the letter E and finds the group DEF as shown in Fig. 3d and presses II on the switch button 3 and obtains E straightaway.
• the system guesses the letter E because a list in the memory has registered that E is the most used of the three letters in the group in question and thus most likely after the previously entered letter T.
• the system will split the group and a manual selection must be made, here shown in Fig. 3e and Fig. 3f. If the system automatically selects a letter the user does not want, for example E in Fig. 3d, the user presses IV (CLEAR) on the switch button 3, as shown in Fig. 3g and the system splits the group of letters in question, cf. Fig. 3h.
• IV CLEAR
• a variant in this system is to automatically show a selection of vowels after the input of consonants as shown in Fig. 3i. This may be appropriate at the beginning of a word. Further on in the word a selection of both vowels and consonants that are natural on the basis of previously used combinations can be shown.
• Fig. 3j - Fig. 3n show a system where a predictive system guesses the most probable groups of letters and shows them in field 1 regardless of which row the switch is in.
• Fig. lo shows an alternative where the system is so configured that after a number of letters have been written and the word ends temporarily with a vowel, the system will try to find the letters, in this case consonants, which are the most likely to be used.
• the system at any given time selects the letters and/or words which are likely to be required by the user. These choices on shown on the screen.
• nine different letters can be shown in field 1 and/or field 2 in connection with Fig. 3i and Fig. 3o which will naturally follow a previously entered or input letter.
• the letters do not need to belong to the same group originally.
• the different options can be colour-coded.
• the different letters can be coloured according to how probable it is that the letter combination will be suggested for use.
• the group AEI in Fig. 3i can be coloured green (most used), OUY yellow (less used), JE ⁇ A red (never used).
• Fig. 3o the whole group does not need to be colour-coded, but that each individual letter can be coded.
• the system includes the possibility of vowels and consonants being mixed in the groups.
• Fig. 3p - Fig. 3u an example of how the system will work in conjunction with a standard pushbutton keypad is shown in Fig. 3p - Fig. 3u.
• the system will guess likely letters which are suitable as the following letters, and on the basis of this also suggest a word.
• the letter alternatives are shown in field 21, and the group with the relevant letter is selected by pressing the OK key. If, for example, TELENOSTRA is to be entered, the following is done.
• the group STU is selected, the letters are split up and T is chosen by pressing the OK key 22.
• the system proposes the word TAKK. If this had been correct, the user could have pressed the 0_ key and continued for the next word.
• the word desired is TELENOSTRA and E is selected by pressing the OK key 22.
• the system guesses TELECOM and at the same time the likely letters for other words are put in the fields.
• the letter L is selected, wherein OK key 23 is activated again, see Fig. 3t.
• both TELENOSTRA and TELECOM contain the letter L, the entry of L will inform the system that another word with the letter L as the third letter is desired. This results in the screen image shown in Fig. 3u.
• the user may also program requests that the telephone should guess words and/or letters from first to - letter etc., or not guess at all. (Similar settings are found today in telephones equipped with the T9 system, where the user may choose to have the system on or not.)
• the user should be able to freely set the apparatus concerned so that a level of predictiveness is obtained. That is to say, e.g., to choose between word and/or letter guessing.
• a further possibility with an extended predictive system of this kind is the option of obtaining input of letters without having to go via a selection process, i.e., as described in Fig. 3d, where the system guesses at one of the three letters on the switch on the basis of the letter a ⁇ ays which give the most common or most used words.
• the system of the invention will be predictive in connection with the input of a telephone number.
• the system takes into account the numbers stored in the apparatus. It presents a list of the most used numbers on the basis of the first digits, for example, the first three digits.
• Fig. 4a - Fig. 4c the first three digits of the telephone number are entered.o The telephone suggests and lists the numbers that begin with these three digits. Field 1 shows the other numbers. Indication 5 shows all the available numbers starting with the digit combination in the same way as has been explained earlier in connection with words. If the user wants to see more numbers, he presses on MORE (long key press). Then numbers will appear three at a time in field 1. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4e,s many more numbers can be shown. Of course, as another alternative, names could be shown instead of or in addition to the numbers, see Fig. 4f.
• mobile telephones will in time be equipped with an extended memory which will make it possible to store all incoming and outgoing calls/numbers. These could also be stored with the net operator, but linked up to each individual apparatus. This will allow the system, in another alternative, to guess from numberss that have not been pre-stored. In a system of this kind, any pictures the users exchange may also be stored.
• One advantage of this is that the user can call up a number that has been through the telephone without having specifically stored it. This means to say that the user can remember the first digits, but when presented with a list of relevant numbers he may be reminded of the whole number when seeing it on the display.
• a touchscreen keyboard i.e., a keyboard which is shown on the screen and touched directly for input of the desired functions. It will then be possible to install a function which marks the letters or numbers guessed by the system in different ways, perhaps by using colour or highlighting on the keyboards themselves.
• TELENOSTRA T is entered; all the vowels light up on the keyboard; E is chosen; a selection of the most used consonants light up, including L which is entered.
• word and sentence guessing may be programmed to appear as suggestions on the screen.
• Fig. 5a shows an electronic apparatus (e.g., a mini-computer/PDA/mobile telephone) which is controlled by a multifunction key, in this case a rotary switch with four clicks (as shown before) and with an alternative centre click.
• Fig. 5b shows how the alphabet is arranged on the screen 10 for the selection of the individual letters/signs and functions by using switch 11.
• A's On the left-hand side of the field is an overview of what the different depression positions represent, here, represented as A's which show the positions for input of letters and characters.
• the switch will change character by positioning the right-hand III pressure position on the switch 11 on an arrow in the function field. Unlike the earlier positioning of so-called global functions (described in PCT/NO00/00412), this is assigned to the III position.
• Figs. 5b - 5d show how the function field can change character. This is done by going via a SHIFT function by a click in position III on the switch 11 after having rotated the switch 11 to the right (shifted from "CLEAR” to "SHIFT").
• Fig. 5d shows active navigation selected (by arrows). Alternative navigation can be obtained if a cursor control switch 11' is mounted in the centre of the switch 11 (stepless joystick-like system).
• Fig. 5f shows the started word TELE (we want to write Telecom).
• the system guesses the letters PHC (that is, e.g., Telepati, Telehuset, Telecom). If we had wanted Telenostra, i.e., N, we would have had to turn the marker to N (i.e., the option YHN). No matter where the marker is, we do not need to turn the switch 17 now, but can press II and obtain C straightaway.
• the system will then "pick" the letters O, A (e.g.,
• Telecom/Telecamera We press the key 11 (without rotating it) at TV and get O. The system then goes on to pick the letter M. We can confirm this at II.
• a typical keyboard as shown in Fig. 6 can be arranged on a screen 12 and can be used for text input either by marker control (mouse control), multifunction keys as shown in this application, or a touch screen.
• the system will also function under these conditions and predictively make selections by marking likely letters.
• Te has been entered and the system guesses the word Telenostra.
• the user can either choose to confirm this (by using "Enter") or to continue to key in letters.
• the system will mark on the "keyboard" 12 the letters (in this case d, 1 or m) which it is most likely that the user will use. This is done on the basis of a list of words found in the memory. If the user does not want the selected word he enters more letters.
• the invention also affords the possibility of the use of sound, i.e., voice feedback. This will depend upon how well voice recognition technology develops in the coming years.
• Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of how the system can be constructed with a microprocessor 14, a memory 15, an optional further memory 16 (e.g., an external memory), a reference work 17 (which also maybe external), a dictionary 18 (which also may be external), an input unit 19 for input of data elements, acceptance of suggested data phrases or selection of alternative phrases and selection of other functions for controlling the system, and a display 20.
• the unit 19 may be adapted for, e.g., voice recognition, use of a multifunction switch (e.g., of the sliding or rotary type), standard keypad or keyboard, touchscreen keyboard and the like.
• Fig. 8 shows a rotatable, multifunctional switch 31' which has five pressure points indicated by I', II', III', IV and V.
• Fig. 9 shows an animation 31 of the switch 31'.
• an input field or result field 32 will be shown together with a field 33 which indicates appropriate words or options that are possible from a "dictionary” or "list of words” which shows the most likely words that begin with the entered letter or letters, preferably in an order determined by how many points the word or letter combination has been given, such points being related to the frequency of use of such combinations. Word or letter combinations which have not been given any "points" will be in alphabetical order in this dictionary.
• the screen image which appears on the display includes said animation 31 as an interactive figure of the actual switch 31' with an indication of the pressure positions of the switches, indicated here by I-V which are related to the said depression points I'-V in Fig. 8.
• a keyboard 34 is shown next to this animation in the same display area.
• This keyboard will preferably show all relevant letters, numbers and signs, in this case arranged as a Qwerty keyboard, but it is also possible to arrange a keyboard of this kind in a Qwerty lay-out, but with the letters in alphabetical order.
• a marker 35 will move across a field which covers three characters at a time. Characters can be selected by key presses in animation positions I, II and III.
• a key press as shown in animation position TV will confirm selection, i.e., "Space”.
• a key press on animation point V will result in a return to the preceding menu, optionally with a HOME function. This will be variable depending on where the user is in the menu. If the cursor 35 is placed over the "keyboard” 34, V will be used as an "undo” or “clear” button in the system as indicated in Fig. 9c. In Fig. 9 it is assumed that there will be room for all letters, numbers, signs and/or symbols on the screen image in connection with the keyboard 34. Turning the switch 31' as shown in Fig. 8 will result in the marker 35 moving across the keyboard 34 step by step.
• the system is preferably designed so that the data elements, e.g., letters, from the keyboard marked by the marker 35 are shown in the animation 31 in fields I, II and III.
• the data elements that are guessed, e.g., letters, will also appear here no matter where cursor 35 is over the keyboard 34. This will mean that it is unnecessary to rotate the switch 31' to all the data elements required, as the most appropriate data elements will most probably be present as direct options shown in animation fields I-III.
• Figs. 9a-9m thus show an example of how the predictive system according to the invention will be able to assist a user with the input of, e.g., text.
• Fig. 9b shows what a start position in the animation 31 might look like. Here, it will be seen that the marker 35 field is "parked" in position 35'.
• the word "telephone” is then suggested in the field 32, see Figs. 9h and 9i.
• the word is confirmed by activating the function field IV (see Fig. 9h), i.e., the "Space” field, and the screen image will then return to the earlier image, i.e., as it was in Fig. 9f where the predictive system started to function.
• a number indicated by 33' appears at the bottom of the list of words 33, in this case the number 500. This number indicates how many words in the selected category there are in the list, but it will be understood that there is not room to show the whole contents of the list and nor would this be practical.
• Fig. 9h shows that possible words in the list are "reduced" considerably after the entry of letter number two. If the user wants to enter a long word which is at the bottom of the list of words that appears, it will be possible by using the system to turn the switch 1' to a start position as shown in Fig.
• FIG. 10 will now be explained in more detail, wherein Figures lOa-lOh show a variant of the system which has just be described in connection with Figs. 9a-9m.
• a program for input of text is selected according to main menu and a screen image as shown in Fig. 10a then appears. If the user selects a function linked to field II on the animation 31, it will be possible to move down the list 33.
• the field 32 is also a text field in this case.
• the animation 31 will shift to the "Edit" mode, see Fig. 10b, whereby it is possible to edit a written text.
• a marker 37 can thus be moved by first depressing that represented by function field I, i.e., depression of the switch 31 ' at depression point I, and then rotating the switch 31 ', i.e., its control element 31".
• the user will move back to the preceding menu.
• Fig. 10a If the function field IV is selected as shown in Fig. 10a, the fields 38 and 39 will appear, see Fig. 10c.
• the animation 31 will show the alternative numbers and letters over which a marker 40 will move when the switch 31' control element 31" is rotated, or alternatively the letters 41 which the predictive system selects.
• Fig. lOd shows that the field 41, here indicated by means of 41', can contain a plurality of fields for showing additional letters. However, for simplicity, in this case emphasis has been given to showing the principle and therefore the further explanation includes only a field 41 which provides the possibility of showing three data elements.
• Fig. lOe shows that the field 38 frames a part of the keyboard 42.
• the keyboard may, for example, be in alphabetical form or in Qwerty form as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, or in another form.
• Figs. lOe and 1 Of show a switching of the field 38 between the main body 42 of the keyboard and its subsidiary part 42'. Switching can take place by placing the marker40 over the keyboard symbol 43, as shown in Fig. lOf.
• the marker 40 will also cover a function such as "Back" 44 and "Enter” 45, as known from "standard keyboards".
• Fig. lOg and Fig. lOh show that it is possible to allow only one of the keyboard parts 42 or 42' to be visible at a time, so that visually they are on top of each other, as also indicated by the fields 38 and 38'.
• Fig. I la the user has gone from a main menu, such as that shown in Fig. 10a and is now in a mode for writing, e.g., selection of function field TV in Fig. 10a ("Keyboard").
• the switch 31 control element 31' is rotated to move the cursor 40 to a region on the keyboard where the desired character is found.
• the letter T is entered by pressing at position I', see Fig. 8, on the switch 31', which effects function selection I as shown in Fig. 1 la where this function selection field is thus highlighted.
• the character that is thus entered or keyed in will appear in field 32. This causes the predictive system according to the invention to be activated.
• Fig. 11 f it will be seen that the first word that is prioritised in the list 33, in this case "telephone” is now written out.
• the list has now been “shrunk” as there are no longer so many alternatives linked to the two-letter combination “te” that has been entered.
• the function field IN in the animation 31 related to depression point TV on the switch 31' is chosen to confirm the word “telephone” and this word is then written out on the screen image, see the field 32 in Fig. 1 lg.
• the switch 31 control element 31 ' is then rotated until the marker covers the letter group "YHN", these letters also being shown simultaneously in function fields I, II and II in the animation.
• the letter “N” is selected, as indicated in Fig.
• a switch between keyboard parts could also be executed by rotating the switch control element 31" so as to thus scroll the marker 40 past "p!, whereby the subsidiary keyboard part 42' appears as shown in Fig. 1 lp.
• Entry of numbers can be done in the same way as shown and explained in detail in connection with the entry of letters.
• Figs. 1 In, l ip and Figs. 1 lr-1 lu show this.
• previously used numbers will be stored, so that the system according to the invention can guess which number the user will probably enter based on statistic frequency of use. This can easily be transferred directly to a number directory and in apparatus where the system is used in a connection situation, as for instance in a telephone.
• the user does not need to employ the key showing the letter group in a writing process where the system guesses letters independent of which group they belong to.
• the system according to the invention will save the guessed letters which form words that the system finds to be "correct”, and by using arrow /ok keys 44, 45, 46 the user can select one of the new groups, or as shown in Figs. 12a-12d one of the selected letters. If the system guesses wrong, the user can by using the "normal keypad" go directly to the letter group which has the letter the user is looking for. Another alternative, if the display screen is large enough, is to go direct to the list of words and choose from the selected words.
• roller switch 49 shown in Fig. 12d.
• this is a roller switch with three depression points and on rotation it can be used to scroll through the list of words and in addition it can replace the OK keys 44-46 as shown in Figs. 12a- 12c.
• depression of the key 50 will cause the letters STU to appear in the display screen 51.
• Depression of the key 45 results in the selection of the letter "T”. This brings up on the display screen a predictive list 52 of the words which seem to be suitable, greatest frequency statistically being taken into account.
• the system will predictively choose the letters "HOE” as these appear as second letters in the words which are given in part of the list of words 52.
• the predictive system has suggested the word “the”, but this is not the desired word, as telephone is the word the user wishes to write.
• the predictiveness therefore suggests that key 46 should be depressed to select the letter e. If the word "the” had been correct, it could have been confirmed, for example, by depressing the key 53 as shown in Fig. 12b. On selection of the letter e the word "telephone” appears at the top of the list 52, whilst the three letters "lea” are indicated as a third suggested letter in the desired word.
• a roller switch 49 has shown in Fig. 17, with three depression points can be made in the same way as just shown and described in connection with Figs. 12a-12c.
• the user will also have the advantage of being able to move the cursor, as for instance the marker 54, by rotation of the switch.
• Predictiveness can be present as regards names in a letter combination. For example, there may be a list of names with associated numbers. A user may wish to find, e.g., the name Noia Erison, plus 47 22 23 24 25. In this case the user can enter "N" and all the persons who have a name beginning with N are chosen. If an "E" is also entered, only the names beginning with these two letters will appear. There is also a possibility of predictiveness in the system with regard to number and letter combinations. In this case, this will take place essentially as described above, but here both numbers and letters are used in combination to find the right name.
• N22 it is possible to write "N22", and, for example, all the persons living in Oslo with a name beginning with “N” will be selected. If an "E” is added, it will be highly unlikely to find more the person or the telephone number for which the user is looking.
• a system which in the illustrated example can make use of combinations of a first letter in a name and the first number in, for example, a telephone number.
• the system will be capable of being adapted to what the user wants to find in lists, as for example, in a telephone directory, an address book etc.
• the system will therefore be able to give innumerable possibilities for predictive searches of names, number, addresses etc through a combination of letters, numbers, symbols etc.
• searching for e-mail addresses it is possible to make a system whereby the user enters a letter plus @ plus a letter for a domain (e.g., "no", "com").

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
• Optical Communication System (AREA)
• Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
• Holo Graphy (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=26649308

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Cited By (23)

Citations (8)

• 2001
  • 2001-11-01 NO NO20015349A patent/NO20015349L/no not_active Application Discontinuation
• 2002
  • 2002-05-10 WO PCT/NO2002/000171 patent/WO2002091160A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation

Patent Citations (8)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events