Ethiopic character entry

摘要

The present invention is directed to a system and method for typing Ethiopic characters in a computer system using at most two keystrokes. The rendering of characters is based on the timing between a first and second keystroke and on whether the first and second keystroke are, together, one of a predetermined number of ordered key pairs. Conventional symbol typing may be preserved by a prioritized assignment of the symbols to alternative shift keys. A timing disable key may be defined that allows typing of default characters at a comfortable speed.

主权项

1. A method of generating characters of a phonetic language using key presses inputted on a QWERTY keyboard, the method comprising:
receiving at the QWERTY keyboard a first keystroke; in response to receiving the first keystroke, starting a timer, designating a first character a contingent character, and rendering the contingent character prior to the timer expiring; if the timer expires, accepting the contingent character; if a second keystroke is received at the QWERTY keyboard prior to the timer expiring, determining if the second keystroke is associated with one of a number of predetermined specifier keys associated with the first keystroke; if the second keystroke received prior to the timer expiring is not one of the predetermined specifier keys, accepting the contingent character and rendering a second character; and if the second keystroke received prior to the timer expiring is one of the predetermined specifier keys, removing the first character and rendering a third character.