Abstract: A method of and system for entering extended characters. The method includes detecting, on a touch screen, a touch on a character and a slide away from the character; determining the direction of the slide; matching the direction of the slide with a stored set of extended characters each associated with a corresponding different slide direction; and displaying the extended character which corresponds to the determined slide direction.

Abstract: A system for very fast entry of text into a computer. The system uses a current glossary, which may be custom generated to reflect common phrases and words pertaining to any specific subject matter, as a source for retrieving words and phrases from abbreviations. Text entry is input into the system through the entry of word abbreviations, phrase abbreviations and text entries. The system uses non-fixed abbreviations for words and phrases. A word abbreviation starts with the initial of the word and includes a subset of its other letters. A phrase abbreviation starts with the initials of its first word, or two words, and includes a subset of the initials of its other words. Words and phrases satisfying a specific abbreviation are displayed in advisory tables. A desired word or phrase may be selected using an expansion command. The expanded term is then entered into the system and thereby permits entry of lengthy phrases and words with minimal text entry.

Abstract: An improved keyboard design and method for manufacturing the same is provided for minimizing the distance of travel required in entering characters using a keyboard with a single data entry device. Such system is especially useful for use in small hand held computers, pen based systems and other devices in which data entry with a pen or a single finger is required.