Context-dependent prediction and learning with a universal re-entrant predictive text input software component

Abstract

A system and method for supporting predictive text entry in software applications by sharing a common, predictive, software text-entry widget within a consumer device across multiple software applications and input contexts. The method comprises: a software application invoking an instance of a text-entry widget in a particular input context, the application optionally providing the widget a description of allowed symbols and a dictionary of expected symbol strings associated with the current context, the widget modifying a virtual keyboard display and predictive algorithm data according to the allowed symbols and dictionary, the user entering text via the widget, the widget returning the entered text to the application, and the application optionally including information derived from entered text in the associated dictionary to enhance the predictive capability of the widget on future invocations.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional App. No. 60 / 916,448, filed May 7, 2007, entitled “RIOT,” herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to methods supporting predictive text entry in software applications.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]For many consumer devices such as, for example, digital televisions or TVs attached to set-top boxes connected to cable, satellite, or fiber networks; phones or PDAs connected to wired or wireless networks; GPS navigation systems; automated teller machines; and kiosks; text entry is sometimes required by applications running on these devices. Such devices, however, frequently do not provide full keyboards and large display screens as typically provided by personal computers due to other design requirements, such as, for example, keeping the devices small, reliable, and low cost. As a result, text input...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Features of a virtual keyboard are disclosed which may work in conjunction with various kinds of input devices to minimize the number of key activations required to enter text aided by underlying text prediction algorithms. Suitable input devices may include, but are not limited to, five-key directional keypads (located on a TV remote control for example), a twelve-key telephone keypad, an iPod®-style thumb wheel and selection switch, a touch sensitive switch network overlaying the virtual keyboard, a touch-sensitive mouse pad, and a microphone with speech recognition software responsive to spoken navigation and selection commands.

Problems solved by technology

Such devices, however, frequently do not provide full keyboards and large display screens as typically provided by personal computers due to other design requirements, such as, for example, keeping the devices small, reliable, and low cost.

As a result, text input methods are often slow, error prone, and not well accepted by users.

Images