Virtual keypad systems and methods

Abstract

Accordingly, a virtual keypad system for inputting text is provided. A virtual keypad system includes a remote controller having at least one touchpad incorporated therein and divided into a plurality of touch zones. A display device is in data communication with the remote controller and is operable to display a user interface including a keypad, where each key of the keypad is mapped to a touch zone of the touchpad. A prediction module, in response to an operator pressing a given touch zone to select a particular character, performs one or more key prediction methods to predict one or more next plausible keys. A key mapping module remaps the touch zones of the touchpad to the keys of the keypad based on the one or more next plausible keys.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent applications Nos. 60 / 946858 and 11 / 977346, filed on Jun. 28, 2007 and Oct. 24, 2007, respectively. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to methods and systems for recognizing text input from a remote controller.BACKGROUND ART[0003]Many electronic consumer products come with remote control devices. These remote control devices can communicate a variety of commands to the electronic product. With the rise in technological advancements to the electronic products, the remote control devices have become complex to operate. For example, modern television remote controls can include selection buttons for volume, channel selection, menu selection, and picture viewing. To operate the remote control, the user must take time away from the program he or she is watching to focus in on the buttons. This can be very distr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a virtual keypad system that allows users to input text by pressing different parts of a touchpad. The system uses a prediction module to suggest possible keys based on the user's actions, and then redefines the touch zones on the touchpad to match the keys. This technology allows for more intuitive and efficient text input."

Problems solved by technology

With the rise in technological advancements to the electronic products, the remote control devices have become complex to operate.

This can be very distracting to a viewer.

The new selection buttons serve to increase the complexity as well as the cost of the remote control devices.

However, even this solution cannot completely solve the problems of inconveniency to the user inconvenience.

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