| 摘要 |
A reduced keyboard system, with a reduced number of keys, but retaining the typing map of the conventional QWERTY or QWERTY-type keyboard by employing an intuitive and learning database engine. A plurality of letters, numerals, symbols and functions are assigned to a set of data keys, buttons or data inputs (multi-character keys). The arrangement of the multi-character keys together with the character assignments to the individual multi-character keys allows a user to use the same typing map, as when typing on a conventional QWERTY or QWERTY-type keyboard, be it visual mapping (i.e. physical location of keys) or finger mapping (i.e. touch typing for typist). Thus, a very low learning curve is required and fast, fluid, double- handed or double-thumbed typing is achievable on the reduced keyboard system. The reduced keyboard system also includes many functions found in the conventional keyboard like backspace, carriage return, shift, caps lock and num lock by using non- textual or auxiliary keys. This enhances the typing experience on the reduced keyboard system to have the same feeling, typing rhythm and speed as typing on a conventional QWERTY or QWERTY-type keyboard. The obvious application for the invention would be for small, medium devices like mobile devices, PDAs, handhelds, Pocket PCs, mobile phones, console devices or in places or situations where textual input is restricted and also for keypad-less devices like glove input devices.
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