Patent ID: 6459777
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An alpha-numeric data input/output system for telephonic devices, comprising:a key array, said key array comprising a plurality of data entry keys, each having an indicated primary data item thereon and a plurality of auxiliary data items disposed radially outwardly of said primary data item in predetermined directions; said key array further comprising a plurality of radial direction indicating (RDI) keys corresponding in number to said plurality of auxiliary data items, and also corresponding in relative position thereto, said plurality of RDI keys each having indicia to provide a visual cue to an operator as to the appropriate RDI key to select in order to ensure selection of a correspondingly located auxiliary data item on a particular data entry key; and a microprocessor connected to said key array, said microprocessor being programmed to interpret which of said selected data items is being input when a particular data entry key is depressed, and to convert such interpreted data items into appropriate code for use by a data output device.