Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for providing a computer peripheral including one or more keys. Each key has several light emitting diodes disposed on a face of the key. Each of the light emitting diodes can switch on or off in response to a data signal received from an application specific integrated circuit dedicated to the key. A corresponding key and manufacturing method, as well as a computer system including one or more such keys are also described.

Abstract: A character input method and a mobile communication terminal using the method. The character input method includes: finding, in response to input of a key in a character input mode, at least one mapping of the key; creating, if the key has at least two mappings, a string selection list containing characters mapped by the mappings; displaying the string selection list; and displaying, if one of the strings in the string selection list is selected, the selected string in an input window. As a result, the user can conveniently input various pieces of information mapped to keys, including letters and numbers, to a mobile communication terminal without switching of input modes.

Abstract: A remote controller apparatus has a controller body, which is provided with annularly disposed display devices displaying as images operating buttons for the purpose of executing functions of a remotely controlled apparatus, and which is further provided with a display device at the center of the annularly disposed display devices. Operating switches are provided below each of the display devices, a transparent shuttle ring is disposed over the annularly disposed display devices, and a transparent center button is provided over the display device at the center. The shuttle ring is caused to rotate, and if necessary operating buttons displayed by each of the display devices are switched to other operating buttons.

Abstract: A button input apparatus with a display function, which generates a switch signal in response to a user's press, and a portable electronic device having the same. The button input apparatus includes: a plurality of lever buttons each having a transparent window in at least a portion thereof, and one fixed edge on one side of the transparent window, so that the buttons are elastically vertically flexible; a switch substrate, which is disposed below the plurality of lever buttons, including openings respectively corresponding to the transparent windows, and generating a switch signal according to a motion of any of the plurality of lever buttons via a plurality of switches disposed to respectively correspond to elastic parts of the lever buttons; and a display panel, which provides an image in an area corresponding to each of the transparent windows, at least a portion of the display panel being disposed below the plurality of lever buttons.

Abstract: An interactive, web-based codeset selection and development tool transmits hypertext documents from a web server to a web browser of a developer of microcontroller code for a new remote control device. The hypertext documents include selection criteria for groups of codesets stored in a central database of codesets. The developer selects the most appropriate codesets for the new remote control device using the selection criteria. The selection and development tool converts each of the selected codesets into a plurality of strings of timing information. The strings are encrypted and transmitted to the developer along with a signal engine. The developer loads the encrypted strings and the signal engine into a new microcontroller that has a factory-programmed decryption key. The microcontroller decrypts the encrypted strings of timing information and uses them and the signal engine to generate operational signals that control various functions of electronic consumer devices.

Abstract: A variable capacitance unit is formed between one portion of a human body and an opposed electrode facing it through a casing of a robot toy (electronic device) when the one portion of the human body such as a hand or a finger approaches the surface of the casing of the robot. Since the capacitance of the variable capacitance unit varies according to the facing area and the facing distance of the one portion of the human body and the opposed electrode, it is possible to detect the one portion of the human body approaching or touching the robot toy by detecting this change. Since the opposed electrode forming the touch sensor can be provided within the casing, the touch sensor cannot be seen directly from the outside of the robot toy.

Abstract: A hand-held communication device provides navigation key-based predictive text entry. The hand-held communication device includes a housing generally sized to be held in a human hand having a display disposed for displaying characters selectable for entry in a character position of a text string being entered and a navigation key assembly for scrolling through and selecting from the characters displayed by the display. The characters displayed by the display during text entry are arranged according to the probability of selection of each character for entry in the character position so that the character with the highest probability of selection is selected with a single input from the navigation key assembly.

Abstract: A method for providing debounce and jog control for a keyboard includes loading a first electronic storage register with a value indicative of a debounce period for the keyboard and loading a second electronic storage register with a value indicative of a jog period for the keyboard. The keyboard is scanned for a pressed key, and a signal indicative of the pressed key is debounced. The method further includes providing electronic signals for key status and jog and asserting an interrupt in accordance with the indicated debounce period and the indicated jog period while the debounced signal indicates the pressed key is down. Keys of the keyboard other than the pressed key are prevented from being scanned until the debounced signal indicates that the pressed key has come up.

Abstract: A reduced keyboard handheld electronic device and associated method that utilizes a plurality of passwords for controlling access thereto. The handheld electronic device has a non-predictive keystroke interpretation system, such as a multi-tap system. At least one of the passwords is valid and accepted when input using a keyboard of a separate electronic device, such as a PC or another handheld electronic device, and at least one of passwords is valid and accepted when input using the reduced keyboard of the handheld electronic device. In some embodiments, the keyboard of the separate electronic device is a reduced keyboard, such as a reduced QWERTY or AZERTY keyboard, and in others it is a non-reduced keyboard, such as a standard QWERTY keyboard.

Abstract: A touch panel device includes a wiring terminal, a flexible printed circuit film connected to the wiring terminal, an adhesion part corresponding to a location where the flexible printed circuit film is connected to the wiring terminal, and an adhesion-reinforcing part adjacent to the adhesion part for strengthening an adhesive bonding strength of the adhesion part.

Abstract: A pointing device capable of generating a fixed control signal regardless of operated directions and preventing the generation of a control signal owing to malfunctions, and an electronic apparatus capable of moving a controlled object on a display screen in any direction at a velocity corresponding to an operated amount of an operating section. An original point is defined as a point where a slid distance of a slide key is 0. The maximum slid distance and the minimum slid distance are defined as max_max and min_max, respectively, when moving the slide key until it reaches the rim of an opening section. When the slide key is located within a circular area whose center is the original point and whose radius is n/N of max_max (n and N are arbitrary positive integers, and n<N), a calculating section determines the strength of a control signal as 0.

Abstract: An overlay for use with a display screen, comprising at least one first tactilely readable area, wherein the display screen includes a first feature thereon, wherein the tactilely readable area includes information in a tactilely readable format, and wherein the information identifies a first feature displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A method of setting a key mapping used to generate key information from a keyboard responsive to manipulation of a key on the keyboard is described. A connected keyboard device having a programmable component is detected. A keyboard map usage corresponding to the detected keyboard device is determined. The keyboard map usage is transmitted to the programmable component of the keyboard device replacing a default keyboard map usage on the programmable component. The transmitted keyboard map usage may include a key matrix usage, a key matrix usage and a key matrix offset, or a plurality of key matrix usages. The keyboard map usage may remap one, some, or all of the keys on the keyboard. A corresponding keyboard, computer readable medium, and computer system for use with the present invention are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a keypad having a plurality of keys, each having a predetermined function for a respective plurality of selective operations. An indicating arrangement is provided for identifying a selected one of the plurality of keys. As a special feature of the present invention, the indicating arrangement can include one or more virtual keys, selectively programmable to emulate the predetermined function of one or more of the plurality of keys.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) of generating an array (100, 300, 400) having a reduced number of input/outputs (114, 314, 414). The method includes the steps of, for each array row input/output, grouping (212) at least one set of rows (124, 324, 424) in which the set of rows is coupled to the array row input/output and, for each combination of the array row input/outputs, selectively coupling (216) non-set rows (326, 426) to the array row input/outputs that comprise the combination. At least a portion of a number of rows (110, 310, 410) for the array is equal to the number of rows in each set of rows multiplied by the number of array row input/outputs plus the number of non-set rows coupled to the array row input/output combinations.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitation and encouragement of user interaction and functionality with a multimedia program via an entertainment system and remote control device. The entertainment system and remote control device are in two-way communication to accomplish various interactivity functions and features. The remote control includes one or more selectively illuminated buttons under the control of the entertainment system, such that when the entertainment system displays a prompt to the user requiring a response, the entertainment system may send a signal to the remote control selectively illuminating the button(s) to indicate to the user that the button(s) may be operated to make a response to the prompt.

Abstract: A software multi-tap input method requires only two taps to input most characters. This is especially beneficial for languages where existing multi-tap methods require on average more than two strokes per character, and where handwriting recognition is currently an unacceptable alternative. The described system employs a touch-screen input that contains a selection of displayed “buttons” substantially fewer in number than the number of potential characters in the language of interest. An input area contains an array of symbols, each symbol being associated with a group of candidate characters. A candidate area contains an array of characters associated with a most recently selected group symbol in the input area. To select a particular character, a user pushes a group symbol in the input area and then selects the desired character in the candidate area.

Abstract: A universal remote control (10) is provided for wireless remote control of one or more devices (D1 . . . Dn) equipped for remote control by respective original remote controls having visual appearances different from one another. The universal remote control (10) includes: a memory (40) that stores one or more descriptions associated with one or more original remote controls that are selectively emulated by the universal remote control (10), the descriptions including information describing the visual appearances of the original remote controls that the descriptions are associated with; and, a graphical user interface (20) upon which is displayed a representation of one of the original remote controls selected for emulation by the universal remote control (10), the representation having a visual appearance substantially the same as the original remote control being emulated.

Abstract: A QWERTY-based cluster keyboard is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the keyboard comprises fourteen alphabet keys arranged such that all the letters in the alphabet are distributed in three rows of keys and in the standard QWERTY positions. Stochastic language models are used to reduce the error rate for typing on the keyboards. The language models consist of probability estimates of occurrences of n-grams (sequences of n consecutive words), wherein n is preferably 1, 2 or 3. A delay parameter d, which is related to the period of time the system displays the predicted intended word upon entry of a word boundary, is preferably zero to immediately display the primary word choice at a word boundary and provide the user the option to select the secondary candidate if necessary. Two disambiguation keys enable the user to identify which letter is intended as a secondary option to the language model predictions.

Abstract: A device and method wherein, using a keypad such as a standard alphanumeric telephone-style keypad, text entry is improved by employing a key-press combination which indicates which of the multiple characters associated with a key is chosen. The user will push-and-hold a first key, then press a second key; the position within the keypad, such the row number, of the first key indicates which of the characters represented by the second key are chosen. In this way, any standard character can be selected with a two-key combination.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining output signals according to pressure and depressing time mainly includes a timer, a scanner and a keyboard connecting electronically to the timer and the scanner. The keyboard has a plurality of button keys. When in use, the timer is set to zero and stops counting time. Then the scanner scans the keyboard to locate the button key being depressed by an external force. A signal is output depending on the external force. A first signal is output when the external force is small. When the external force is large and the time counted by the timer does not exceed a selected time period, the first signal is output. When the time counted by the timer exceeds the selected time period, a second signal is output. Thus input information may be entered through fewer button keys, and injury that might otherwise occur by using composite keys may be avoided.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for a user of a mobile computing device to input special characters using a modifier key on a keyboard. The special characters include accented characters associated with regular characters. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for configuring a mobile computing device for a user to enter special characters is provided. The computer-implemented method includes inputting a regular character in response to a user pressing a key associated with the regular character. After the regular character has been inputted, the user may input a special character by pressing a modifier key. A special character associated with the regular character is determined in response to the user pressing the modifier key. The special character may be determined based on the number of times that the user has pressed the modifier key. The inputted regular character is then modified to the special character.

Abstract: A system for controlling an apparatus (11, 21, 31), which system comprises a control unit (13, 23, 33) adapted to transfer control signals to the apparatus dependent on the control data. Said control unit comprises data input means (14, 24, 34, 44) to input said control data, and said apparatus comprises interpreting means adapted to translate said control signal into an action. Aiming to indicate for a user of the control unit, which action the apparatus is arranged to take when activating the data input means, a visual indicator is arranged on said data input means. The invention is characterized in that said data input means comprises a variable presentation means (45, 57), arranged to realise said indicator, wherein said control unit comprises a first storage means (53) adapted to store the visual data presentable with said presentation unit.

Abstract: An apparatus has a keyboard panel with a QWERTY array of alphabetic key actuation indicia. The apparatus further has a QWERTY array of keys that are free of alphabetic key actuation indicia, and are located adjacent to corresponding alphabetic key actuation indicia on the keyboard panel. Other parts of the apparatus include an output device responsive to actuation of the keys, and a processing device operatively coupled between the keys and the output device. Summarized alternatively, the apparatus includes a keyboard with keys arranged in arcuate horizontal rows. The keys in each row have centerlines projecting radially from a respective common centerpoint.

Abstract: A holographic HMI allows data and commands to be entered into electronic equipment. The HMI involves no tangible physical contact between the human operator and the control elements because the input devices are holographic images of keys or other customarily touch-activated tangible input elements. Operator interaction is detected through electromagnetic means, obviating the need for direct physical contact with any solid input object or surface. Such HMIs generate a holographic image of a tangible input object of the tangible control mechanism. An illumination device illuminates the hologram to produce the holographic image. An actuation detection device detects the selection by the operator of a holographic image, and a signal generator receives the detection of the actuation detection device and provides an input signal to the electronic or electro-mechanical device thereby to produce the response. The hologram is affixed to a transparent or translucent material.

Abstract: A data entry system comprising a group of data symbols comprising at least one of alphabetical symbols, numeric symbols, and commands (128–136), divided into subgroups. Each subgroup is associated with at least a portion of the user's finger (102–120). The system also comprises a keypad (126) defining a plurality of keys, wherein each key contains at least one of the symbols. At least one finger recognition system (100) is configured to recognize the portion of the finger when it touches a key, and to select the subgroup symbols associated with that portion of the finger interacting with that key.

Abstract: A portable device (10) for selective message recordation and playback and scheduling includes a portable unit (11) and an optional homebase station (12). Portable unit (11) includes a housing (15), unit controller (20), tactile input mechanism (40), audio processor (60) and video processor (80). Portable unit (11) allows textual, audible and visual message inputs and their selective playback based on time or other preselected textual, audible or visual stimulus. A selectively detachable stylus (51) may be removed to engage a touch panel (50) for making operational selections and entering information. Optional homebase station (12) may include a variety of features for supporting and supplementing those of handheld unit (11), such as a floppy drive (112) message memory, input keys (114), a battery charging circuit (115) and an external communication circuit (117).

Abstract: The invention concerns a simple and user-friendly actuating device (10) for miniature keyboards or miniature input tablets. The device has of a dome-shaped body (12) which is adapted to the curve of the fingertip and fitted to the fingertip by means of a removable adhesive bond. The dome-shaped body has a pin-shaped projection (14) on its convex side which serves as the actuating element. The dome-shaped body is made of a soft plastic material which molds to the fingertip. On the concave side of the dome is an adhesive layer (18) which permits repeated fitting and removal of the dome to and from the fingertip.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a device having a numeric keypad to provide intelligent text input for Indian scripts, such as Hindi. In this method predetermined number keys, such as 2 and 3, are reserved for vowels. These keys produce either independent vowels or dependent vowels (matras) depending on the character preceding the text buffer insertion point. If the character preceding the insertion point is a consonant, keys 2 and 3 produce dependent vowels, in all other cases these keys produce independent vowels. If the user wishes to change the dependent vowel into an independent vowel, the user can do this by pressing a context switch key, such as *, and the dependent vowel in sequence. As a result, the vowel is inserted as an independent vowel, thereby overriding the context into which the vowel is being entered. Other number keys, in the preferred embodiment 4,5,6,7,8 and 9, are reserved for consonants. If the user presses any of these keys, a consonant is inserted into the display.

Abstract: A keypad system (FIG. 2) and corresponding method (FIGS. 3-4) suitable for use in a subscriber device (1) includes a capacitive touchpad 22 for detecting movement within a region, a driver device 12 coupled to the capacitive touchpad, wherein the driver device is for generating a touchpad data signal corresponding to the movement detected by the touchpad; and a controller 14 coupled to the driver device for receiving the touchpad data signal and for resolving the signal to one of a plurality of characters corresponding to the region. A keypad device 16 may be used for generating a key selection signal indicative of the region.

Abstract: A touch curve memory 110 stores therein a touch curve formed by velocity values corresponding to touch data generated by a keyboard device 20. A correction coefficient generator 10 generates a correction coefficient composed of a ratio of one of the velocity values stored in the touch curve memory corresponding to one of the touch data generated by the keyboard device, in a maximum touch memory mode switched by a mode switch 21 (SW1), to a maximum value of the velocity values in the touch curve memory. A corrector 10 multiplies the correction coefficient generated by the correction coefficient generator by the respective velocity values stored in the touch curve memory, and then generates a touch curve formed by new velocity values. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a touch control apparatus and a touch control method which can obtain a touch curve, from which a touch response suitable for a user can be obtained, easily and in a short time.

Abstract: Consonant jamos of the Korean language are grouped according to appearance and each group is associated with a respective key of a reduced keypad. Vowel jamos are specified by the user using a number of keys reserved for vowels and each of which represents a respective category of strokes by which the vowel jamo would normally be written.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a system and method of communicating information over a network between a remote server and a client computer keyboard system. The state of the client computer and the identity of the user using the client computer are determined. Based on the computer state and the user identity, a request is made to a client-side cache for a message to be displayed on a keyboard key display and an action to be associated with the keyboard key. A determination is made as to whether the requested message and action are in the cache. Upon determining that the requested message and action are in the cache, they are retrieved from the cache and the message is displayed on the keyboard key display and the action is associated with the keyboard key. If it is determined that the requested message and action are not in the cache, a request for the message and action is transmitted to the remote server, which provides the requested message and action.

Abstract: A scanner includes a housing, a control circuit positioned in the housing, the control circuit being used to control the operations of the scanner, a scanning module positioned in the housing and electrically connected to the control circuit, the scanning module being used to scan a document and generate associated document image signals, and an input device positioned on the housing and electrically connected to the control circuit, the input device being used to input proofreading symbols, alpha-numeric symbols, or special symbols to generate an associated input signal, the control circuit using the input signal to control the scanner.

Abstract: A system for controlling an apparatus (11, 21, 31), which system comprises a control unit (13, 23, 33) adapted to transfer control signals to the apparatus dependent on the control data. Said control unit comprises data input means (14, 24, 34, 44) to input said control data, and said apparatus comprises interpreting means adapted to translate said control signal into an action. Aiming to indicate for a user of the control unit, which action the apparatus is arranged to take when activating the data input means, a visual indicator is arranged on said data input means. The invention is characterized in that said data input means comprises a variable presentation means (45, 57), arranged to realise said indicator, wherein said control unit comprises a first storage means (53) adapted to store the visual data presentable with said presentation unit.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlling device. In response to a user specifying one or more operating criteria for the controlling device, the system selects executable instructions from a library of executable instructions and command code sets from a library of command code sets that are to be stored in the memory of the controlling device. In addition, the system uses the criteria to suggest command key/command code mappings for use within the controlling device. The user may interact with the system to modify the selected executable instructions, command code sets, and command key/command code mappings. When stored in the memory of the controlling device, the executable instructions are to be used to perform various operations and functions within the controlling device and the command codes are to be transmitted from the controlling device to command the operation of controllable devices in response to activation of one or more of the command keys.

Abstract: A personal digital assistant (PDA) which includes a body portion and a keyboard adapted to be coupled to the body portion. The keyboard is a standard keyboard size when in use. The keyboard is also foldable to act as a cover for the body portion. In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard attaches directly to the PDA and when not in use acts as a cover for the display of the PDA. When the keyboard is unfolded and the PDA is placed onto a flat surface, the user is able to input information using their familiar touch-typing skills with a full-size keyboard.

Abstract: To enable Chinese characters to be inputted by means of pinyin symbols inputted with the use of nine numerical keys such as those used in a telephone set or a television remote controller. For inputting pinyin symbols, keys “2” to “9” on a keypad are utilized and a conversion key is allocated, so that pinyin symbol combinations inputted are converted into a Chinese character or word. Because of this, difficulty in learning is reduced and the number of keystrokes is also reduced.

Abstract: Letters (more generally, language symbols) are entered electronically by selecting, in sequential fashion, two keys on a standard phone layout. In preferred embodiments, the two keys in the sequence are located in the same row. The first key selected is that key on which the desired letter is displayed, and the second key is given by the spatial position of the desired letter within its group of letters on the key. The letters and keys may be color-coded to aid the user when inputting the two-key sequences. Letters may be selected to spell out words on a screen and then sent electronically to a remote device or recipient.

Abstract: A system and method of keypad entries on a numeric keypad as letters of a Latin alphabet. In one aspect, the method comprises the steps of receiving at least one key entry within a fixed time period, the key entry corresponding to a letter character and being an association of a projection of the letter character on the keypad; and translating said key entry to a text character. The method may include receiving at least a first key entry and a second key entry wherein said first key entry represents a first point in a character, and said second key represents a second point in the character, the first and second points being chosen to represent points on a projection of the character on the keypad.

Abstract: A rotary interface for inputting text and other information that allows the user to quickly select and input large amounts of textual information into very small devices such as cell phones, hand-held or watch-sized PDAs, or other small devices with embedded processors where standard keyboard entry is untenable and where menu-driven selection and handwriting recognition-based character entry are non-optimal. The input interface includes three main components: a rotatable character or icon display in the form of a dial, a ring or appropriate electronic display; a means of unambiguously displaying or designating the currently selected character; and an entry mechanism for inputting the character data into the memory of the electronic device.

Abstract: When the key operation area is pressed, a decision is made about whether the key is pre-registered a single button dialing telephone number or not (step 3). In case a decision is made that a single button dialing telephone number is pre-registered to the key in step 3, the timer starts when the key is pressed (step 6). In case the key is held down for the predetermined period (T1), an operation to instruct single button dialing via a so-called hold-down operation is assumed, thus causing the single button dialing telephone number pre-registered to the key held down to appear on the display (step 8). When a predetermined period (T2) has elapsed with the key held down (step 9), an operation to instruct a call origination to the telephone number on the display is assumed and a call is originated then conversation starts depending on the answer of the distant party (step 10).

Abstract: An electronic keyboard, in particular one to be used in a dark environment and which therefore requires illumination of the keys. The keyboard includes a rigid printed circuit on which are soldered switches which can be actuated indirectly by the finger of the user, each switch being surmounted by an at least partially transparent key and an illumination device designed to illuminate the key from the rear of the key. A flexible printed circuit, carrying supply conductors for light-emitting diodes, is interposed between the keys and the rigid printed circuit carrying the switches. The flexible printed circuit includes a rigid part between a key and the corresponding switch, and the light-emitting diode which is to illuminate each key from the rear is soldered on the rigid part of the flexible printed circuit, between the key and the switch. The key preferably includes a cavity in which the diode will be housed. A key bears on the switch by way of the rigid part without bearing on the diode.

Abstract: An auxiliary keyboard has a first input mode and a second input mode and comprises an input mode switching key, a mode switching unit for switching between the first input mode and second input mode at each depression of the input mode switching key without posting the depression to a computer, a key code sending unit for sending, when the key of the auxiliary keyboard is depressed, a predetermined first key code corresponding to the depressed key of the auxiliary keyboard either in the first input mode or in the second input mode, and a mode correcting unit for correcting, when the input mode of the main keyboard is switched into the numeric data input mode, the numeric data input mode to the character data input mode.

Abstract: A time-enhanced input device driver for a data processing system is capable of generating time-enhanced output in response to input signals. The input device driver receives a first input-event signal followed by a second input-event signal. In response to the second input-event signal, the input device driver generates a character code and an associated time-span code. The time-span code reflects the amount of time that separated the first input-event signal from the second. In an illustrative embodiment, the first and second input-event signals may comprise a key-down signal from a particular key on a keyboard and a key-up signal from that key respectively, in which case the generated character code would correspond to that key.

Abstract: A computing device includes a keyboard controller that is adapted to convey an operator input from the keyboard controller along a communications channel. Also included is a battery module, which is interfaced to the communications channel, for receiving the operator input. The computing device further includes a memory element located within the battery module for recording the operator input.

Abstract: A multifunctional input device is disclosed herein. The input device includes a functional mode which defines the mode of operation of the input device. Each functional mode includes one or more domain levels with each domain level containing one or more domain-level values. Each domain level-value within each functional mode is assigned to one of a plurality of input keys. The domain-level value assigned to each input key controls the function of that input key within a given functionality and domain level. The multifunchional input device also includes a display to indicate the domain-level value associated with each of the input keys within a given functionality.

Abstract: A universal display keyboard can include a plurality of keys whose identifying indicia can be altered via electronically-alterable displays associated with the keys. In one embodiment, indicia associated with character and function keys can be controlled by the currently active application of an electronic device external to the keyboard. The keyboard can also include a plurality of user-operable mode-changing keys or elements to select state changes for the plurality of character and function keys. The keyboard can optionally include one or more built-in display windows to show the user helpful information about the keys or to provide application menu information. Various methods, as well as application of the keyboard to a keyboard system and to a data processing system, are also described.

Abstract: A character input method enables mistake of character input to be diminished, and it is unnecessary to use a rotary type switch in the character input method, therefore it is economical. In a frequency scanning type receiver, when it causes character input to be performed according to a key board section, respective numeric-keys 1 to 0 of 10-key correspond to a plurality of character groups consisting of capital letter, small letter of an alphabet, and numerals arranged in accordance with prescribed order to be determined. CPU/memory section selects the corresponding character group according to a numeric-key which is pressed firstly, next, the CPU/memory section selects corresponding alphabet character, numeral from among character group according to numeric-key which is pressed secondly.

Abstract: A keyboard with a numbers of keys disposed on the base is capable of showing the three-dimensional characters. Each key includes a shell and a three-dimensional character embedded in the shell. Combined with an illuminant module positioned between the base and keys for providing the light source, the three-dimensional characters can be shown clearly and distinguishably by utilizing the color contrast relation with light between the light-colored transparent three-dimensional characters and dark-colored or opaque shells.