Abstract: A Japanese Hiragana input character string of “a-i” is displayed while a single Japanese Hiragana character of “ti” is displayed as a display character for representing a “ta” row key assigned with a “ta” row character group of “ta”, “ti”, “tu”, “te”, and “to”. When a user then appoints the “ta” row key, “ti” is added to the tail end of the input character string to newly form the input character string of “a-i-ti” containing three characters. When each of “ka” and “ki” does not effectively follow “a-i-ti” in tree structure index data, a display character for a “ka” row key assigned with “ka”, “ki”, “ku”, “ke”, “ko” is switched into “ku” while skipping “ka” and “ki”. Further, when “tu” does not effectively follow “a-i-ti” in the index data, a display character for the “ta” row key is switched from “ti” into “te” while skipping “tu”.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a keypad of a portable terminal including an array of a plurality of alpha-numeric key buttons for the input of alphabetic letters of a language, for example, English. The vowel input portion includes a plurality of key buttons, which are allotted with vowels of English alphabet showing a high frequency of use, and some consonants of English alphabet. The key buttons of the vowel input portion are grouped and arranged at a selected position to achieve a high accessibility of the user's. The consonant input portion includes the remaining key buttons, allotted with the remaining consonants of English alphabet.

Abstract: A reduced keyboard apparatus and method for use with small-sized communications and computing devices. Input via the keyboard is performed using fingers or thumbs. The keyboard is characterized by having no discrete boundaries between the included character spaces. The direction and the destination area of a keystroke do not have to be accurate and may correspond to a plurality of included character spaces. Each of the possible characters is provided with a probability value, continuously redefined according to the specific keyboard area activated by the keystroke. The input of a word is defined by a sequence of keystrokes corresponding to the letters of the word. Subsequent to the completion of a keystroke sequence, the apparatus and method determine the identity of the word through a disambiguation process based on area density distribution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to inputt Korean characters using a touch screen, the method including: if a first input that selects a consonant key displayed on the touch screen is sensed, vowel keys including a Cheon (•) key, a Ji (-) key, and an In (?) key are displayed around the selected consonant key; and, if a second input that selects at least one of the displayed vowel keys is sensed, a consonant corresponding to the first input is determined as an initial character of a syllable and a vowel corresponding to the second input is determined as a medial character of the syllable.

Abstract: A language input system and method of a language input apparatus according to which characters are inputted based on their graphic symbols implemented on a keypad of a language input apparatus is disclosed. The language input system facilitates entry of an input string into the mobile phone using discrete keys on a keypad, and the language input system converts a combination of one or more graphic symbols inputted by the keypad onto a letter of alphabet of a language or a writing system by a surjective concatenation mapping from a set of graphic symbols onto a set of graphic symbols of English, German or Spanish language. The set of graphic symbols of the language input system and method includes a subset of graphic symbols of any geometric shape of a line, a half circle, or a combination of lines and circles, and each geometric symbol is printed on each key of the keypad.

Abstract: A Ten Mark coding system and its combination with a database and its retrieving method includes input-element electronic devices of numerals, English alphabets and mandarin phonetic symbols, and a database. The morphological components of Chinese characters are categorized into ten groups represented by numerals 0˜9, which are respectively provided with a group code and a numeral code, forming the very particular Ten Mark coding system stored in the database. The Ten Mark coding system can be used as an input method for retrieving Chinese characters, or combined with phonetic symbols to provide another input method. The input methods mentioned above can also be linked with other databases for retrieving data therein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a character input device for a terminal and a method of processing a character string, which allow the size of the character input device to be sufficiently reduced so as to improve the portability of the terminal, enable rapid and accurate character input in a touch typing fashion even in a mobile environment, and can minimize the number of presses of each key for the input of each character The character input device for a terminal includes a plurality of character keys and a function key, wherein the character keys include a character arrangement corresponding a first half of a “Sholes” character arrangement with respect to a center of the “Sholes” character arrangement, a character arrangement of a second half of the “Sholes” character arrangement being arranged on the character keys at locations mirror- image symmetrical to the first half with respect to the center of the “Sholes” character arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for expressing Hangul. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for expressing Hangul by which Hangul can be inputted, without using a separate function key, to an information appliance with an input means which comprises a multi key to which a plurality of jamos (consonants and vowels of Hangul) are assigned.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for inputting character information from a circular input device. Character information is provided by a user drawing at least one input stroke on the circular input device. The circular input device is partitioned into a plurality of regions, where each region is associated with a numerical value. When an input stroke is detected, corresponding numerical values are obtained. A code is obtained from the sequence, and a character is extracted from the code. Also, character strokes may be obtained with at least one input stroke from a circular input device, where a character contains a plurality of character strokes. Different operational modes may be selected by a user pressing a predefined location of a circular input device so that a user may enter different languages, including English and Chinese.

Abstract: In a method of entering text into an electronic communications device by means of a keypad having a number of keys, each key representing a plurality of letters and/or phonetic symbols, entered text is displayed on a display on the device. Possible phonetic syllables corresponding to an activated key sequence are generated. These are compared with a stored vocabulary comprising syllables and corresponding characters occurring in a given language. Those stored syllables and corresponding characters that match the possible syllables are pre-selected; and a number of these are presented in a separate first graphical object arranged predominantly on the display. Characters corresponding to one of the syllables in the first object are simultaneously presented in a second graphical object.

Abstract: A numeric keypad (100) for entering ideographic characters is provided. The numeric keypad (100) comprises a first set of input keys (102) corresponding to numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and a second set of input keys (104) corresponding to numeral 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0. Each of the first set of input keys (102) has a predefined single character stroke, which complies with the GB18031 standard. The second set of input keys (104) is assigned a first particular sequence of the predefined single character strokes and a second particular sequence of the predefined single character strokes different from the first particular sequence of the predefined single character strokes.

Abstract: This computer Chinese character input method mainly includes: Select 10 elements corresponding to the 10 simplified Chinese character strokes, which are and Select 46 elements corresponding to the 46 stroke combination sets, whose representative visual representations are: Assign the above 10 elements and 46 elements to keys on a computer keyboard; Determine desired characters based on the elements input by a user using the keyboard mentioned above or other apparatus.

Abstract: The names of contacts are stored as characters. Each character may include one or more phonic codes that are encoded into the character. A smart filter decodes the character into its constituent sounds. An input string is received that includes phonic codes. An application matches the decoded constituent sounds with the specified phonetic codes from the input string in accordance with rules of the spoken language and character boundaries to determine a contact to display.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile terminal including an attachable/detachable keypad which has keys arranged so that a user inputs characters using several fingers of one hand. The mobile terminal includes a keypad. The keypad includes a character part including a consonant part for inputting consonants of Korean alphabet, a right-side vowel part for inputting right-side vowels of Korean alphabet, a bottom vowel part for inputting bottom vowels of Korean alphabet, and a function control part, wherein the same character keys of a first character part having the consonant part located at an upper left portion of the keypad and a second character part having the consonant part located at an upper right portion share the same switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a number pad section of a keyboard having a plurality of digit keys, a plurality of arithmetic operation keys, and a Tab key operational by the ring or little finger of the operator's hand.

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 Chinese text entry system and method is provided to allow users to enter a character to a device such as a cellular phone or a PDA by adding a first few strokes required for the character using a joystick or its equivalent. By simply moving the joystick to add one or more strokes which are used to start writing a character, or in some case even before any stroke is added, a user can find a desired character from a displayed selection list. The selection list is context sensitive, varying depending on the last character entered, so that the user can be provided with the most possible candidates of the desired character.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a first plurality of input keys. Each of the first plurality of input keys is associated with at least one numeric value and at least one alphabetic value and arranged in a numeric and first alphabetic telephone keypad arrangement. The apparatus is also provided with a second plurality of input keys that are at least partially surrounding the first plurality of input keys. At least some of the second plurality of input keys are associated with at least one alphabetic value. Further, input keys of the first and the second plurality of input keys are arranged relative to each other to form a second alphabetic arrangement.

Abstract: An efficient and simple approach to encoding ideographic characters as sequences of input strokes or stroke categories is disclosed, wherein: each character is represented by one or more sequences of one or more components; each component corresponds to a plurality of alternative stroke sequences, each of which is associated with a probability that it will be the sequence which the user enters to specify the given component or character; and the probability associated with the user's preferred stroke sequence is automatically increased by the system when the character is selected, thus automatically adapting to a user's preferences.

Abstract: A method for arranging 37 Mandarin Phonetic Symbols (MPS) on a keypad includes arranging the 37 symbols onto 12 keys of the keypad. With this particular arrangement, a maximum number of combinations of MPS generated by pressing three keys on the keypad is reduced from 48 to 16, making input of Chinese characters considerably faster and more convenient.

Abstract: A terminal is designed so that a user who employs numerical keys, allocated for the entry of dots, can enter Braille dot combinations that are used for the input of characters. The input characters may be output as speech for feedback. Further, when a terminal accesses a server, Braille dot combinations can be entered in the above described manner, and speech can be fed back from the server. Furthermore, the server can provide a service for the user in accordance with a character string input at the terminal.

Abstract: A user interface (102) of a portable electronic device (100) includes a plurality of keys (112). The user interface (102) includes a first group of keys representing vowel characters (402), and a second group of keys representing consonant characters (202). The second group of keys is separate from the first group of keys. For the first group of keys, a first key represents leading vowels (422, 424, 426), a second key represents above and below vowels (428, 430), and a third key represents following vowels (432, 434, 436). The second group of keys may be subdivided into phonetic consonant groups (FIGS. 5 & 6) or alphabetic consonant groups (FIGS. 7 & 8).

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: Systems and methods for input of text symbols into an electronic device comprising a reduced keyboard having keys representing a plurality of characters are disclosed. Possible symbol variants are identified based on character inputs received from the reduced keyboard. Each identified symbol variant is grouped into one of a plurality of groups of symbol variants, each group having an associated priority, according to a type of the symbol variant. Within at least one of the groups, the symbol variants are ranked in decreasing order of frequencies of use of the symbol variants. A list of symbol variants comprising the plurality of groups of symbol variants in order of decreasing priority is then displayed, and an input symbol is selected from the list of symbol variants. The symbol variants of the at least one of the groups of symbol variants are thereby sorted by both priority and frequency of use.

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 method and apparatus for representing sets of Chinese or Asian characters having complicated and basic ideographic symbols in collision free combinations of English letters to provide one-code-one-character ideographic character coding.

Abstract: A system and method is directed to filtering an entry associated with a Far East language character. A potential keystroke is determined for each entry in a database, contact list, text file, and the like. In one embodiment, the entry is a Unicode associated with the Far East language character. An index is determined from the Unicode based in part on the Far East language character. The index is employed to determine the potential keystroke associated with the Far East language character. If the potential keystroke approximately matches a received keystroke, the entry associated with the Far East language character is selected. In one embodiment, the Far East language character associated with the selected entry is provided to a display device. The Far East language character may include a Korean, Japanese, and Chinese language character.

Abstract: Layouts for keypads are provided that have an improved combination of a regular of intuitive arrangement of alphabetic symbols of a language defined by letter characters of the Roman alphabet and an efficient distribution of the symbols to minimize input ambiguities. More particularly, the symbols are for the Pinyin alphabet which includes two main symbol groups thereof for forming Pinyin syllables. The various layouts employ a columnar-based arrangement for the symbols of the initial group. The symbols for the final group are parsed down to basic characters and are distributed in a row-based arrangement.

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 key input device is provided for inputting digits/letters/characters/symbols by a keypad and a character input method for the key input device. In the key input device, a mode key is pressed to select one of a plurality of key matrixes for a corresponding mode, which is displayed on a display. A first directional key is used for inter-cell movement in the displayed key matrix and a second directional key is used to select an intended digit/letter/character/symbol within a cell. In the character input method, a mode with a unique key matrix is set by pressing a mode key. An intended cell is moved to within the key matrix by pressing a first directional key. An intended digit/letter/character/symbol is selected in the cell by pressing a second directional key. The selected digit/letter/character/symbol is displayed on a display.

Abstract: A portable mobile unit, comprising: an input portion for inputting a letter or a numeral therethrough, wherein the input portion has at least fourteen (14) pieces of input keys; five (5) alphabetic letters of indicative vowels of Japanese language are assigned to five (5) input keys of said fourteen (14) pieces of input keys; and nine (9) alphabetic letters indicative of un-voiced consonants in consonants of Japanese language are assigned to nine (9) input keys, whereby an input of a voiced consonant or a half-voiced consonant is conducted by using an input key for use in inputting other consonant. With this, there is provided the portable mobile unit, which enables the input of Japanese language is possible even with a small number of key operations, in the manner similar to that of the Roman letter input method of Japanese language, with ease.

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: A method and apparatus for character entry and more particularly Chinese character entry. The method improves the ease of entry for Chinese characters on a device that has a keypad arrangement of at least a 3×3 matrix (106). For example wireless communication devices such as radiotelephones have a keypad (108) for dialing phone numbers. Arranging the Chinese characters on the device display in a 3×3 matrix to match the at least 3×3 matrix of the keypad allows the user to quickly select from the pin yin list (104) the key on the keypad that corresponds to the desired character in the matching matrix.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for inputting Chinese pinyin with tone markers, in which predetermined keys are assigned to input pinyin vowels with a tone marker. When a key is pressed to input a vowel that can have a tone marker, the predetermined keys are activated to enable a user to input a desired vowel with a tone marker. When one of the activated keys is pressed, a corresponding vowel with a tone marker is displayed at the same position of the previously inputted vowel.

Abstract: An efficient and simple approach to encoding ideographic characters as sequences of input strokes or stroke categories is disclosed, wherein: each character is represented by one or more sequences of one or more components; each component corresponds to a plurality of alternative stroke sequences, each of which is associated with a probability that it will be the sequence which the user enters to specify the given component or character; and the probability associated with the user's preferred stroke sequence is automatically increased by the system when the character is selected, thus automatically adapting to a user's preferences.

Abstract: A mobile phone has a display and a keypad which comprises a plurality of keys. Each key has associated with it a plurality of different symbols. The keypad is used to enter symbols in the form of Pinyin strings (25) into the display which are then used to determine a candidate list (26) of Chinese characters which are presented in the display. Symbols are entered into the display by pressing respective keys once or more than one times in rapid succession. Selection of a symbol is only permitted if it corresponds to a valid Pinyin string (25), either in isolation or in combination with one or more symbols entered in a previous selection. Characters chosen from the candidate list are entered into a message (24) in the display.

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 method for recognizing handwritten Chinese characters based on stroke recognition comprises steps of: recognizing handwritten strokes, updating stroke code sequences; retrieving in dictionaries/lexicons at least one corresponding character/phrase entry so as to obtain at least one candidate Chinese character/phrase; dynamically displaying the at least one candidate Chinese character/phrase; jumping to the step of recognizing strokes if it is judged that a next stroke is being written; inputting a displayed Chinese character/phrase into computers as the result of recognition if this character/phase is selected by the user.

Abstract: A layout of five stroke shapes for inputting Chinese characters in a device is disclosed. The layout is Cross-shaped with relative positions of the five strokes being helpful to users knowledgeable in Chinese writing. Further, the layout arrangement is accompanied with a lyric which helps users remember and memorize the locations of the five strokes on the keypad. The relative locations of the five strokes are: Pie at the left of the cross, Dian at the right, Heng at the top, Zhe at the bottom, and Shu at the center. The lyric describes the shapes of the strokes and the relative locations of the strokes in the Cross-shaped configuration. For example, the lyric may be “left slash, right gash, upper over, lower turn with one down in the middle.” The lyric may have a tune to become a song and may be burned in a ROM of a device, such as a mobile phone.

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: An operation panel 30 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons 36. A string-like resistor body 41 is held in a resistor holding plate 31. The resistor body 41 has a tube-like elastic outer resistor member 42, an inner resistor member 43 loosely arranged within the outer resistor member and insulating spacers 44 arranged between the inner resistor member and the outer resistor member at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the inner resistor member so that the inner periphery of the outer resistor member 42 and outer periphery of the inner resistor member 43 are constantly separated from each other. A control unit 53 is provided to produce an operation signal.

Abstract: A method for testing a keyboard complied with a language code table comprises the steps of reading an embedded language code of the keyboard to be tested through a central processing unit (CPU), comparing the read language code with the language code table stored in memory in order to determine whether there is a matched one, reading an application program interface (API) function from the keyboard to be tested by the CPU, identifying a type of the keyboard to be tested by a “Get Keyboard Type” of the API function, reading exchange codes of special keys from the keyboard to be tested by the CPU, identifying a model of the keyboard to be tested, selecting a keyboard test software corresponding to the language code, the type, and the model of the keyboard to be tested from a test software database stored in memory, and performing a test on each key on the keyboard by the selected keyboard test software.

Abstract: A method for inputting Chinese character using numeric keys, comprises allocating all phonetic symbols of the Chinese language on the numeric keys, setting a dictionary for storing phonetic symbols together with single Chinese characters or words corresponding thereto, inputting a key signal from numeric keys by user's operation, retrieving a phonetic symbol or a tone symbol corresponding to the input key signal, obtaining a phonetic symbol or tone symbol from the retrieved symbol in accordance with a combination rule of the number of operations and phonetic symbols of the Chinese language, verifying whether the obtained symbol is a phonetic symbol or a tone symbol, converting phonetic symbol string which has been input to a corresponding single Chinese character or word with reference to the dictionary and then outputting to a display when the retrieved symbol is a tone symbol.

Abstract: A method for arranging 37 Mandarin Phonetic Symbols (MPS) on a keypad includes arranging the 37 symbols onto 12 keys of the keypad. With this particular arrangement, a maximum number of combinations of MPS generated by pressing three keys on the keypad is reduced from 48 to 16, making input of Chinese characters considerably faster and more convenient.

Abstract: A reduced keyboard system for the Japanese language which uses word-level disambiguation of entered keystroke sequences, and which enables the user to select the desired interpretation of an ambiguous input key sequence as kana, and then select the desired textual interpretation associated with the selected kana interpretation. The system uses a highly compressed database format which has several advantages in terms of reduced size and minimal processing requirements during operation. Also disclosed is a reduced keyboard system which uses sequences of two keystrokes to specify each syllable, including the syllables with palatalized vowels that are written with two kana each. Input sequences of keystrokes are interpreted as ordered pairs of keystrokes which select a character according to its position in a two-dimensional matrix. The first keystroke of each ordered pair specifies the row of the matrix in which the desired character appears, and the second keystroke of each pair specifies the column.

Abstract: A numeric key-based Chinese-language inputting method, which enables the rapid inputting of a Chinese-language address in accordance with using numeric keys includes determining as to a numerical inputting mode, or a single Chinese character inputting mode, or an address inputting mode, and for a numerical inputting mode, processing in accordance with a numerical processing step, and for a single Chinese character inputting mode, processing in accordance with a single Chinese character processing step, and for an address inputting mode, and processing in accordance with an address data processing step. Thereafter, a Chinese-language address, made up of characters and numerals detected in accordance with each step, is outputted to a display portion for visual representation.

Abstract: A reduced keyboard system for the Japanese language which uses word-level disambiguation of entered keystroke sequences, and which enables the user to select the desired interpretation of an ambiguous input key sequence as kana, and then select the desired textual interpretation associated with the selected kana interpretation. The system uses a highly compressed database format which has several advantages in terms of reduced size and minimal processing requirements during operation. Also disclosed is a reduced keyboard system which uses sequences of two keystrokes to specify each syllable, including the syllables with palatalized vowels that are written with two kana each. Input sequences of keystrokes are interpreted as ordered pairs of keystrokes which select a character according to its position in a two-dimensional matrix. The first keystroke of each ordered pair specifies the row of the matrix in which the desired character appears, and the second keystroke of each pair specifies the column.

Abstract: A self-identifying keyboard is provided with customization logic which allows the keyboard processor to assign a keyboard identification (ID) value. The keyboard processor is interconnected to a data channel interface adapted to communicate with a host system. The host system can send a query for the ID value, via the data interface, and the keyboard processor can retrieve the ID value from a non-volatile memory, and transmit it back to the host system via the data channel interface. This customization approach simplifies system integration, by letting the host system automatically learn the keyboard type. The ID value may indicate a particular language of the keyboard. At the time of final system assembly, the same host system, or another suitably programmed manufacturing system can be used to assign the keyboard ID, when it is known what language or other unique functionality is used in the end-user product.

Abstract: A double-spelling soft keyboard is used to input characters in a non-alphabetic language, such as Chinese. These characters are represented by a combination of one or more of an initial sound, a final sound, and a tone. An initial soft keyboard allows the user to select the initial sound, if present. Based on which initial sound is selected, a final soft keyboard offers the user a choice of final sounds that combine to form valid characters with the initial sound. Tone information may also be supplied by the user. Based on the initial sound, the final sound, and/or the tone, the desired character is predicted. This prediction can also be informed by contextual information, linguistic patterns, and the user's previous input.

Abstract: A variety of methods and systems for presenting and delivering user application input choices. One-handed or vocal user input provides chords or syllables. The invention includes systems and methods for presenting user application input choices, chord or syllable based apparatus and sub-systems for generating user application input choices in response to input signals associated with chords or syllables. One embodiment of input device resembles a joystick and includes a base and a key carrier extending from the base. A single key is provided along the top of the carrier, and four keys extend widthwise along a side surface. A system presents and delivers user application input choices. An input device receives chords and syllables. A processor associated with the input device receives chords or syllables and generates input signals, a second processor for receiving and evaluating the input signals and for sending a user application signal to the user application processor of the computer.