Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a system having and/or a method utilizing a searchable database of index information. Each index in the database may have (a) at least one descriptor, which matches an entry that a user might provide in order to identify an item, (b) a first pointer which identifies a location of the item, and (c) a second pointer which identifies a location of information that may be helpful to the user in deciding whether to request retrieval of the item. The first pointers of one index may be the same as first pointers in a different index. The second pointer may identify a general class to which an item belongs.

Abstract: A system and method for character error correction is provided, useful for a user of mobile appliances to produce written text with reduced errors. The system includes an interface, a word prediction engine, a statistical engine, an editing distance calculator, and a selector. A string of characters, known as the inputted word, may be entered into the mobile device via the interface. The word prediction engine may then generate word candidates similar to the inputted word using fuzzy logic and user preferences generated from past user behavior. The statistical engine may then generate variable error costs determined by the probability of erroneously inputting any given character. The editing distance calculator may then determine the editing distance between the inputted word and each of the word candidates by grid comparison using the variable error costs. The selector may choose one or more preferred candidates from the word candidates using the editing distances.

Abstract: User input from a reduced keypad is disambiguated and compared with a first dynamic lexicon, and predicted matches (e.g. either a single word or phrase) are offered. If a user continues to type beyond a boundary condition, then input is no longer predicted from the first lexicon, but instead is interpreted as a request for matches from a second, quasi-static lexicon allowing words or phrases to be entered. When the entry is accepted, data is transmitted to a remote receiver and may be parsed as an inquiry for subsequent operation. Following acceptance, the apparatus invokes a program suitable for interacting with the response generated to the inquiry.

Abstract: A mobile appliance and a method of using a mobile appliance are disclosed. The mobile appliance may include a microprocessor, a data entry device, a monitor, a candidate selection device, and software having instructions for controlling the microprocessor. A series of characters are provided to the appliance, and the series of characters is used to both indicate a function and indicate information for that function.

Abstract: User input from a reduced keypad is disambiguated and compared with a first dynamic lexicon, and predicted matches (e.g. either a single word or phrase) are offered. If a user continues to type beyond a boundary condition, then input is no longer predicted from the first lexicon, but instead is interpreted as a request for matches from a second, quasi-static lexicon allowing words or phrases to be entered. When the entry is accepted, data is transmitted to a remote receiver and may be parsed as an inquiry for subsequent operation. Following acceptance, the apparatus invokes a program suitable for interacting with the response generated to the inquiry.

Abstract: The invention may be a method and apparatus of organizing pointers. The pointers may identify addresses where objects are stored. The pointers may be stored in arrays so that at least two key entries are required from an input device for determining a byte and comparing the byte with bytes representing elements of objects in a database. The invention may be embodied as a machine designed to carry out the method, or as a memory device that is capable of causing a computer to carry out the method.

Abstract: A verbal interface appliance uses an attachable language-specific processing module to perform language-specific tasks. The language module implements an API by which the appliance can submit language-specific processing requests. The appliance submits data representing a user input gesture and receives both data representing appropriate feedback to the user in the language implemented by the language module and one or more candidates selected as likely interpretations of the user's input gesture. The language module also provides font data lookup service to the appliance. The language module can support more than one written language and can support more than one textual input mode.

Abstract: Appliances, methods and devices are disclosed in which a first selection corresponding to symbols is used to identify a non-information function. An object corresponding to the non-information function may be provided and selected to indicate a user's desire to execute tasks of the function. Upon receiving the user's selection, the function may be executed.

Abstract: The invention may be a method of organizing pointers. The pointers may identify addresses where objects are stored. The pointers may be stored in arrays so that the pointers corresponding to the most recently selected objects are stored nearer to ends of the arrays than are the pointers corresponding to less recently selected objects. The invention may be embodied as a machine designed to carry out the method, or as a memory device that is capable of causing a computer to carry out the method.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient Asian character text input into a reduced keypad machine such as a word processor, telephone, hand-held computer, or personal computer is provided. The system comprises a data entry keypad associated with a monitor, and a disambiguation process supporting multiple keycap depression timespan range definitions and interpretations to produce accurate messaging with a reduced keypad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inputting Chinese character text into a machine such as a word processor or personal computer. The system consists of an apparatus which forms a closed feedback loop with the operator. The operator supplies stroke selections and other data to the apparatus which presents character selection information in response to the user's input. As a consequence of the feedback provided to the operator and subsequent actions by the operator, the desired Chinese text is produced with significant improvements in speed and ease.