Patent ID: 7804484
Filing Date: 2010-09-28
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of character input for a computing system with an input device having a game controller portion and character entry portion that includes a plurality of character keys, the method of character input comprising steps of: allowing a user to selectively switch operation of the character keys of the character entry portion between a single alphabetic character input mode and a multiple alphabetic character input mode; utilizing at least 26 character keys of the character entry portion when operating under the single alphabetic character input mode with each of the 26 character keys being associated with, and used to input, a predetermined single letter; and utilizing a subset of the 26 character keys of the character entry portion when operating under the multiple alphabetic character input mode with each key in the subset of the 26 character keys being associated with, and used to input, multiple letters.