Patent ID: 6681002
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An alpha-numeric data input/out system comprising:(a) a key array, said array comprising a multiplicity of radial direction indicator (RDI) keys and a multiplicity of data entry keys; said RDI keys each being marked with an arrow showing its radial direction, said data entry keys each being marked for a selected data item, and including a multiplicity of alpha-numeric symbols inscribed at radial locations on the array surface immediately surrounding each key, defining auxiliary data items, with the number of said auxiliary data items per key being equal to or less than the number of said RDI keys; said RDI keys when any selected RDI key is depressed, acting together with any data entry key to enter the auxiliary data item which is associated with said data key and located in the corresponding radial direction marked on said selected RDI key; (b) a micro-processor connected to said key array, said micro-processor being programed to interpret all specific data items marked on said data entry keys and all said auxiliary data items marked on said key array, and to convert all said data items to BCD code for transmission to a DTMF generator circuit, said micro-processor also generating alpha-numeric signals corresponding to data entries, for transmission to an LCD driver circuit; (c) a DTMF generator circuit connected to said micro-processor for receiving BCD signals from said micro-processor and generating DTMF code tones for telephonic transmission; (d) a liquid crystal display (LCD) driver circuit connected to an output terminal of said micro-processor; and (e) a liquid crystal display for displaying alpha-numeric data entries as they are made.