Stylus-based keyboard key arrangement
US5483235A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2225/022
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A small, stylus-based keyboard in which the arrangement of the keys is a function of predetermined estimated probabilities of the occurrence of various possible sequences of keystrokes. Sequences of keystrokes which are estimated to have a high likelihood of occurrence result in the associated keys being placed adjacent to one another. In this manner, the ease, speed and accuracy of use of small, stylus-based keyboards may be improved. Multiple keys representing the same character may be provided to increase the likelihood that keys included in high probability sequences will be adjacent. The probability estimates may be determined based on a statistical analysis of a preselected sample of text. In addition, keys may be color-coded for ease of identification and grooves may be cut into the housing between adjacent keys for ease of stylus operation. Lights (e.g., light-emitting-diodes) may also be inserted between adjacent keys or beneath the keys for purposes of word identification or next letter prediction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.