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 system and method for semi-automated dialing is provided. The system includes a display, and a standard keyboard upon which some keys have both a numeric and alphabetic interpretation. An input is received from the keyboard. A determination is made if the input consists only from the keys that have both numeric and alphabetic interpretation. If this is the case, then a numeric analysis is performed. Otherwise, a word analysis is performed. The numeric analysis includes determining if the input has an alternate interpretation, and if so then displaying them so that the user may select the intended input. Determining alternate interpretations includes comparing the input with a dictionary. The word analysis includes searching for word matches between the received input and words in a dictionary, and then converting the matched words into numbers using telephone convention. Results from the analyses may be dialed.

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 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: 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 method and a system for identifying an ideographic character is disclosed. A keypad is used to identify two parts of a linguistic character. A microprocessor queries a database for characters corresponding to the identified parts, and then displays the associated characters on a monitor for selection by a user.

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.

Abstract: A system and a method for text entry is disclosed. Each may be practiced using a single finger or thumb to create, select and enter characters or character sequences. The invention may be broadly applicable to the entry of a text object or a text string which may be created or received, stored, edited or transmitted by a personal appliance having a limited user interface, such as a reduced keypad or no keypad. The invention may be particularly useful in conjunction with an ideographic language.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and devices for selecting an ideographic character. A pointing device may be used to select a pinyin character, then one of more pinyin-groups and finally an ideographic character.