| 摘要 |
A system and method that allows convenient input of letters, numbers, and characters using an input requiring a minimal number of input buttons or keys enhanced by gestures. The system utilizes a two-stage input, first with an array “call-up” function that allows a user to select a range of letters, numbers, or characters, followed by a subsequent “specification” function that allows a user to select a specific letter, number, or character from the aforementioned array. This allows for input using wearable devices that have minimal surface area, or devices that do not require external keyboards to provide input, such as Blu-Ray players and smart televisions, while also saving space on a display, if utilized on mobile computing devices such as smartphones or tablets. The resulting input can be used in electronic communications such as email and SMS texting, or be used for word processing functions. |
| 主权项 |
1. The invention claimed is a two-stage, gesture enhanced system and method of entering letters, characters, or numbers into a computing device as an alternative to a virtual keyboard that can be utilized across all written languages that utilize a keyboard input, comprising:
“button or key assignment table(s)” that assign letters, numbers, or characters to combinations of button presses, wherein:
the roles of individual buttons and/or a plurality of buttons is defined, and used as a method of controlling the two input stages, and determining the final selection of the letter, number, character. a “call-up” stage, where a user presses a single button or plurality of buttons to initiate the data entry or input process, wherein:
a set or array of letters, numbers, or characters is “called-up” when a button or plurality of buttons is pushed; andthe set or array of letters, numbers, or characters is assigned to the button or plurality of buttons by the assignment table; andthe set or array letters, numbers, or characters assigned to the button or plurality of buttons is represented to the user as visual (presented on a display) or auditory (read back to the user) information. a “specification” stage, where the user selects or specifies a single letter, number, or character from the set or array provided in the call-up stage, wherein:
pressing of a button or plurality of buttons determines a specific letter, number or character as output; anda specific letter, number or character is assigned to the button or plurality of buttons provided in the assignment table; andthe specific letter, number or character assigned to the button or plurality of buttons is represented to the user as visual (presented on a display) or auditory (read back to the user) information; andthe specific letter, number or character assigned to the button or plurality of buttons is entered as an output and communicated to a computing device. gesture enhancements to the input process, wherein:
a single movement or actions or plurality of movements or actions of a user are captured and utilized as modes of input in conjunction with, or in addition to, the two stages of input, that is, the call up and specification stages; andspecific input roles are assigned to the gesture(s) that can be used to enhance or replace the pressing of a single button or plurality of buttons; andthe specific output assigned to the gesture(s) is entered as an output and communicated to a computing device. an option to complete either or both of the two stages of the input process using either one or both hands. |
