Patent ID: 7427933

Claim:
An alphanumeric data entry device for a self-service terminal presenting data entry displays for completion by a user, the data entry device accepting inputs by the user for completion of data fields in the data entry displays, comprising: a multi-button input device, at least one of the buttons being associated with a number and with at least two alphabetic letters, the input device being arranged to operate in a number entry mode wherein actuation of a button inputs the number associated therewith and a text entry mode wherein actuation of a button causes selection and entry of a letter associated therewith, the input device being operative to accept entries for data fields in data entry displays comprising both text fields and numeric fields, the input device being set to a number entry mode when an entry is to be made to a numeric field and to a text entry mode when an entry is to be made to a text field; and processing circuitry identifying a field as a text entry field or a numeric entry field and automatically switching the multi-button input device between the text entry mode and the number entry mode during entry of data into a data entry display depending on whether the current field selected for receiving an entry is identified as a text field or a numeric field, the processing circuitry further comprising a letter selector, the letter selector being operative, upon actuation of the button when the input device is in the text entry mode, to choose, from the letters associated with the button, the letter which has the highest probability of forming a word.