WO2003083633A1

WO2003083633A1 - Data input device using perception with several human senses

Info

Publication number: WO2003083633A1
Application number: PCT/FR2003/000982
Authority: WO
Inventors: André BAVEREL
Original assignee: Baverel Andre
Priority date: 2002-03-29
Filing date: 2003-03-28
Publication date: 2003-10-09
Also published as: CA2483321A1; AU2003244726A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for establishment of a perceptual unit between at least one perceptual keyboard (1) with a region (3) reserved for alphabetic keys (5), a screen (55), a data processing unit (11) and an input operator (100). The keyboard has keys (5) to which the graphemes (7) of an alphabet are assigned, the number of keys being at least equal to the number of graphemes of said alphabet, said graphemes always being discrete pairings. The graphemes are grouped on the alphabetical key zone, forming as many groups of key(s) as there are reference phonemes and, within each group of keys, those keys allocated to the grapheme thereof are distributed such that a key is adjacent to at least one other key allocated to the same group. The invention finds application on a computer keyboard.

Description

DATA ENTRY DEVICE USING

THE PERCEPTION OF SEVERAL HUMAN SENSES

What is first concerned, is a set to establish a perceptual unit using at least two senses among sight, hearing and touch between at least one "perceptual" keyboard, a screen, a processing unit data, an operator and his neural fields of hearing, sight and touch favoring the sensorimotor action of the operator, in particular his speed of data entry.

There are already such sets, but they do not bring total satisfaction.

The problem here to solve is to create an organization of a processing unit to use a new type of keyboard whose memorization of the keys proceeds from an improved logic, likely to accelerate the data processing, even the development of the programs. attached to it. The invention proposes an organization of the unit inspired by that of the keyboard and therefore made by reference phonemes. More precisely, the solution consists of an assembly of the aforementioned type promoting the sensorimotor action of the user, in particular the speed of data entry into the processing unit, this assembly comprising for this: a) a connected data processing unit at the keyboard by means of connection means, at least to create on the screen an input area and display, on the latter, said entered data; b) a display screen connected to the data processing unit via connection means; c) the perceptual keyboard, the keys of which are arranged in rows and / or in columns, the keyboard having an area reserved for alphabetical keys; d) and a control pilot for this keyboard, the assembly being characterized in that: - said keys are assigned at least the graphemes of a determined alphabet, the number of keys being at least equal to the number of graphemes of said alphabet, the graphemes assigned to the keys being always distinct two by two, all of said graphemes, which have common phonemes chosen, called reference phonemes of these graphemes, being grouped in the zone of the alphabetic keys according to said reference phonemes, forming as many key groups that there are reference phonemes in the alphabet, and, within each key group, the keys affected by their grapheme are distributed in such a way that a key thus assigned is located adjacent to at least one other assigned key in the same group; the data processing unit comprises a succession of addresses in a memory zone with an assignment path defined between them and the keys so that two successive keys are assigned two successive keys on the path, to each assigned key of its grapheme corresponds an address in the memory area, in the memory area, at least three addresses corresponding to at least three keys are grouped, so that at least three visually adjacent graphemes on the keys having the same reference phoneme correspond at least three addresses which are separated two by two successively, in memory, by a number of intermediate addresses equal to the number of addressed keys which, on the way, separate two keys successively among said at least three, and this, for several groups of key (s), and the pilot detects the activation of one of said keys and translates this activation on the screen, by displaying chage of a grapheme corresponding to that marked on the key. For the sake of clarity, we now give the following definition:

Grapheme: Minimum unit of a writing system, which represents either one or more phonemes (alphabetic writing, syllabics), or a concept (ideographic writing). In alphabetical writing, the grapheme is called a letter. (Source: Hachette Livre, 1998). - Phoneme: Smallest unit devoid of meaning which, by combining with other units of the same nature, builds the signifying units of a language. Phonemes are distinct from the sounds (or phones) of language, insofar as they have a distinctive function. The phonemes of a language are limited (from twenty to fifty depending on the language), but their combination allows to create an almost unlimited number of words. We isolate the phonemes of a language by establishing minimal pairs (father / do; late / make-up; crazy / wheel). (Source: Hachette Livre, 1998). The speaker of a given language has learned to produce certain movements of the phonatory organs so as to place in the sound waves a certain number of features that the listener of the same language has learned to recognize. The same phoneme is therefore produced concretely by different sounds, forming an open class but all having in common the features which oppose this phoneme to all the other phonemes of the same language. (Source: Larousse Dictionary of Linguistics 1999).

Thus the word "dice" is composed of graphemes "d" and "é" in a writing mode. These graphemes having respectively as phoneme (s) in a spelling mode: [d] + [el for the grapheme “d” and [e] for the grapheme “é” transcribed here with the international phonetic alphabet.

Reference phoneme: phoneme common to zero or more graphemes chosen from the phoneme (s) composing this (these) grapheme (s).

Thus the graphemes "B", "C", "D", "G", "P", "T", "V", "W" have in French [e] as a common phoneme known as the reference phoneme of these graphemes . This reference phoneme is often a vowel.

To quickly master the keyboard, the user needs to enter sequences of graphemes allowing him to quickly and permanently memorize the location of the keys at least in the alphabetical area while developing his typing speed. For this, he needs to practice typing without being slowed down either by the sense of what he has to type, or by his memorization.

To solve this problem, a generator of graphemes to enter, easy to remember, and yet developed from the point of view of sensorimotor activity, is proposed, comprising: - a table of graphemes divided into lines and columns, whose intersection zones are cells, some of which contain graphemes while others do not, with as number of columns or rows at least the number of graphemes of a given alphabet to which correspond, for each grapheme of this alphabet one or more phonemes, in any chosen language, the set of graphemes of said alphabet being distributed in sequences P _m and P _x of graphemes each grouping together all the graphemes having a common phoneme chosen from the so-called phoneme (s) called "phoneme" of reference ”of these graphemes, such as:

P _m (1 <m≤M; m and M integers): ^same grapheme whose reference phoneme is common to 0 other grapheme; P _x (X≥x≥M + 1; integers x, M and X): sequence (s) of graphemes whose reference phoneme is common to x-M + 1 graphemes;

M: maximum number of graphemes whose reference phoneme is common to zero other graphemes for a given language; - X: maximum value of x; and as the number of lines, respectively of columns, from the first containing at least all the graphemes of the alphabet known as reference graphemes of said language to the last containing the graphemes of common phonemes chosen from among said phonemes called "reference phonemes" of these graphemes, at least the maximum number of graphemes associated with the same reference phoneme including the grapheme (s) of this reference phoneme, each column containing all the graphemes associated with the same reference phoneme classified in a determined order, at least all of said reference graphemes, undergoing, by column, a circular permutation of a cell at each change of column having the same reference phoneme, in each column the same grapheme then never occupying the same cell in a unidirectional movement between the first and the last column; the number of cells in the table being greater than or equal to the number of graphemes of the alphabet in the chosen language multiplied by the maximum number of graphemes associated with the same reference phoneme including the grapheme (s) of this phoneme; the number of graphemes G _n of said language in each line between 1 and n, with the exception of the line containing the reference graphemes including the grapheme (s) of this phoneme; the number of graphemes G „of said language in each line between 1 and n, with the exception of the line containing the graphemes of phonemes called reference phonemes, from the column containing the first reference grapheme of the alphabet up to in the column containing the last one, being determined according to the formula: G _n = G „-ι - Qn-i, with Gi being the number of graphemes of the first line of the alphabet concerned, G2 being the number of graphemes of the first line minus the number of graphemes whose phoneme is not common to any other grapheme, and Q _n .ι being the number of graphemes whose reference phoneme is common to n-1 graphemes, with n> 3 (n integer) , at least one cell pointer (s).

According to another aspect, it is advised that the pointer (s) activate by means of connection the data processing unit in audible and / or visual form the sequences of graphemes generated by the movement of the pointer on the table cells, in particular to make the production of suites more user-friendly.

According to yet another aspect, it is expected that each element of the sequences produced is associated with one or more other graphemes.

All the solutions provided to the problems previously stated relate to an assembly consisting, on the one hand, of the perceptual keyboard, of the data processing unit, and of the display screen, and on the other hand, of a generator. data suites, the structure and content of which have been optimized to allow rapid and lasting mastery of the keyboard. Furthermore, we provide solutions to acquire this mastery through a learning method. This method of learning or training in data entry comprises at least the following steps: a) the localization on the keyboard of zones of visually identifiable keys, each of these zones being associated with said sequences P _m and P _x of graphemes of a determined alphabet to which correspond, for each grapheme one or more phonemes, each sequence grouping together the grapheme (s) having a common phoneme chosen from the so-called phoneme (s) called "reference phoneme" of these graphemes, b) the localization , in each of the zones, of key (s) affected each of their graphemes; c) entering each of the grapheme sequences in each zone; d) entering sequences generated by the sequence generator, from sequences of grapheme (s) with the same reference phoneme (s), sequences of one or more syllables, sequences of words, sequences of groups of words , sequences of sentences.

It is also intended that, to carry out step d), the sequences are preferably produced in sound and / or visual form at a rhythm adapted to the level of the user.

According to another aspect, is also concerned the organized and accelerated typing from the alphabetical zone of a keyboard in particular for novice or occasional users and a method for producing this alphabetical zone.

There are already keyboards with most of them having an arrangement of the azerty® or qwerty® type keys. But these do not bring total satisfaction.

Faced with this, the problem to be solved is to create an organization of a processing unit to use a new type of keyboard whose memorization of the keys proceeds from an improved logic, capable of speeding up the processing of data, or even the development of the related programs. The invention proposes an organization of the unit made by reference phonemes.

This covers an assembly as such comprising a keyboard with keys arranged in lines and / or in columns, having a zone reserved for alphabetic keys and a pilot for controlling this keyboard, in a data processing unit connected to the keyboard. by means of connection means, characterized as is the invention presented on page 1 in connection with the assembly promoting the sensorimotor action of the user (see claim 1).

According to another characteristic, it is here advised that the keys assigned to the graphemes which belong to different sequences in different languages are adjacent to at least one other key assigned to a grapheme of each of the sequences to which these latter belong in these different languages .

In addition to this, we can also provide a solution to the problem posed by access to certain graphemes, including graphemes with diacritical marks or the graphemes of vowels more frequently used than those of consonants. A solution to all or part of this problem can be found in the fact that the keyboard comprises a series of additional keys to which are assigned graphemes among which graphemes identical to those of the first keys and graphemes with diacritical marks.

According to yet another characteristic, the keys of the same group are preferably electronically connected to each other, each of them being also connected by means of connection to a central data processing unit in order to be able to control entering the corresponding graphemes using the keyboard. It is a fact that more and more computer devices, especially portable ones (handheld computers, personal assistants, telephone organizers, etc.) are no longer equipped with a keyboard with real keys. A solution provided in the invention consists in this respect in that the keyboard is a virtual keyboard materialized on a display unit of the device sensitive to means of activation adapted to control the entry of graphemes in the device by keyboard.

The size of these portable machines and their ability to grasp make it often no longer possible to enter text with a 10-finger keystroke. Hence the advantage of increasing the typing speed here. In fact, the distribution of keys has been designed and optimized for fast, reliable, durable and upgradeable storage of their location. The organization of the keys takes into account not only the graphemes of a given alphabet, but also the phonemes, by grouping the keys marked with graphemes of the same phoneme (s).

Regarding traditional keyboards, many users, in particular novices or occasional users, wish to be able to reduce their input time by improving their typing speed without committing to long and repetitive learning of a fast typing method with 10 fingers, all the more so since the evolution of voice and optical recognition means will make the use of keyboards less frequent in the near future, if not to make corrections or small modifications to texts precisely captured by these new means. The objective of these users is therefore not to reach an average typing speed of 50 words per minute but rather to go as quickly as possible from a speed for example of 5 words per minute to a speed of 20 words, in particular by typing with one or a few fingers or using a stylus. For them too, the present invention has advantages over the prior art.

The solution also consists of a method of producing an assembly comprising a keyboard having an area with alphabetic keys, and a pilot for controlling this keyboard, in a data processing unit, characterized in that, a) use is made graphemes (letters) of a given alphabet; b) from these graphemes, sequences of graphemes are formed by grouping in each sequence all the graphemes having a common phoneme (sound) chosen said reference phoneme of these graphemes, one then obtains the set of graphemes of said alphabet distributed in the already cited sequences P _m and P _x of graphemes c) these locations are assigned locations and during a step of materializing the keys, these keys are grouped according to the reference phonemes of the graphemes, which then creates as many groups of keys that there are reference phonemes in the said alphabet, and, within each group of key (s), the distribution of the marked keys is further organized so that a marked key is adjacent at least one other marked key from the same group; said materialization step comprising: a step in which at least as many keys are created on the keyboard as there are graphemes in said alphabet; and a step in which each of the keys is marked, on it or in its immediate environment, with only one of the graphemes, these keys then being assigned to graphemes always distinct two by two; d) in the data processing unit comprising a succession of addresses in a memory area with an assignment path defined between them and the keys, two successive addresses are assigned two successive keys on the path, e) an address in the memory area is matched with each affected key of its grapheme, f) we group, in the memory area, at least three addresses corresponding to at least three keys, so that at least three visually adjacent graphemes on the keys having the same reference phoneme correspond to at least three addresses separated two by two successively, in memory, by a number of intermediate addresses equal to the number of addressed keys which, on the way, separate two keys successively among said at least three, and this, for several groups of key (s), g) the keyboard is equipped with means of connection to electronically connect the marked keys to an information processing device in order to be able to control the input of the corresponding graphemes thanks e on the keyboard; h) a pilot processing unit is fitted detecting the activation of one of said keys and translating this activation via the memory area on a display device by the display of a grapheme corresponding to the one marked on the button.

In this process, the assignment and creation steps can be reversed between them.

Yet another characteristic concerns a way in which one materially operates to create the keyboard. For this it is advisable during step c) to operate as follows: i) we assign to each grapheme of said sequences P _m and P _x a location, within the keyboard area, corresponding to a key or to its immediate environment, by assigning two adjacent locations to two graphemes of the same sequence; j) these sequences are transmitted to a key creation / distribution unit on said keyboard area which, from the moment when a key affected by a grapheme of the sequences P _x has been positioned on its location, positions the other grapheme (s) and corresponding key (s) of the same sequence P _x in a limited geographical sub-area of said keyboard area such that all the graphemes of this sequence and the corresponding keys are adjacent to at least one other key affected by a grapheme of the same sequence, within the sub-zone, until a positioning of the graphemes of all the sequences P _x , each other grapheme and corresponding key of the sequences P _m being positioned at a moment in the keyboard area.

Preferably step i) and / or step c) will even be organized as follows: k) these sequences of graphemes are transmitted to a key allocation unit, in which each grapheme is assigned said suites P and P _x a location, within the keyboard area, corresponding to a key, each allocation of one or more location (s) being made after a validation step of the chosen location (s) by means of analysis of the location of each key with respect to: the arrangement of the keys on the keyboard area, - the distribution, in this area, of sub-areas of keys each corresponding to one of the suites

P _x of graphemes of which each key assigned to a grapheme is adjacent to another key assigned to a grapheme of the same sequence, and of locations for each key corresponding to a grapheme of the sequences P _m , to the distribution of the keys to the Interior of the said sub-areas, - to the location of the key (s) already placed, and / or the choice of location of one or more key (s) made by a user. I) these allocation orders are transmitted to a key creation / distribution unit on said keyboard area which, from the moment when a key affected by a grapheme of sequences P _x has been positioned on its location, positions the other grapheme (s) and corresponding key (s) ^) of the same sequence P _x in a so-called limited geographic sub-area of said keyboard area such as all the graphemes of this sequence and the corresponding keys are adjacent to at least one other key affected by a grapheme of the same sequence, within the sub-zone, until positioning of the graphemes of all the sequences P _x , each other grapheme and corresponding key of the sequences P _m being positioned at a time in the keyboard area.

According to another characteristic, it is advised that during step k) the means for analyzing the location of each key also take into account the fact that one or more graphemes belong to different sequences in different languages so that this (s) grapheme (s) is (are) adjacent to at least one other grapheme of each of the sequences to which they belong in these different languages. This feature will facilitate the recognition of groups of keys by users of different languages and the memorization of their location.

Many portable machines being deprived of keyboard with real keys, in particular of pocket computers, of "personal assistants", without keyboard, the invention also covers a method of realization of the zone of alphabetic keys of a virtual keyboard comprising such keys characterized in that: a) one language is selected from among several, b) the graphemes of the alphabet of the selected language are used, c) from these graphemes, grapheme sequences are formed by grouping in each sequence all the graphemes having a chosen common phoneme known as the reference phoneme of these graphemes, one then obtains the set of graphemes of said alphabet distributed in the already cited sequences P _m and P _x of graphemes, d) one selects in a “selection of the keyboard shape ”a shape from predefined shapes. e) within the selected area of the keyboard is assigned: to each group of graphemes corresponding to each of said sequences P _x , a group of locations corresponding to a group of keys such that each grapheme is assigned to a location and such that each grapheme of each of the sequences P _x and its corresponding key is adjacent to at least one other key affected by a grapheme of the same sequence, - to each grapheme of said sequences P _m , one of the remaining locations, f) these allocation orders to a key creation / distribution unit on said keyboard area which creates at least as many keys on the keyboard as there are graphemes in said alphabet; marks each of the keys, on it or in its immediate environment with only one of the graphemes, these keys then being assigned graphemes always distinct two by two; and which, from the moment when a key affected by a grapheme of sequences P _x has been positioned on its location, positions the other grapheme (s) and corresponding key (s) of the same sequence P _x in a so-called limited geographic sub-area of said keyboard area such that all of the graphemes of this sequence and the corresponding keys are adjacent to at least one other key assigned to a grapheme of the same sequence, within the subzone, until positioned graphemes of all the sequences P _x and P _m , each other grapheme and corresponding key of the sequences P _m being positioned on one of the remaining locations, g) in the data processing unit comprising a succession of addresses in a memory area with an assignment path defined between them and the keys, two successive addresses are assigned two successive keys on the path; h) an address in the memory zone is made to correspond to each affected key of its grapheme; i) at least three addresses corresponding to at least three keys are grouped together in the memory area, so that at least three visually adjacent graphemes on the keys having the same reference phoneme correspond to at least three addresses separated two by two successively, in memory, by a number of intermediate addresses equal to the number of addressed keys which, on the way, separate two keys successively from among said at least three, and this, for several groups of key (s); j) the virtual keyboard is equipped with: means for activating the keys, - for carrying out steps a) to c), means for selecting one or more languages, means for memorizing said sequences of associated graphemes to each of these languages, to carry out step d), means for defining the area of the keyboard keys and addressing these keys, for performing steps e) and f) of means for assigning location keys, - to carry out step g), means for allocating addresses in the memory area, and, connection means for electronically connecting these means to a processing device for controlling the input of the corresponding graphemes, by keyboard.

To allow a user to fully configure his keyboard area, the invention specifies that, preferably: during step d), the number of rows and columns of keys in the keyboard area is defined in a form "on measure ”to be selected from among several shapes, following the selection made in the“ shape selection ”mode of the keyboard; in a “keyboard key allocation” mode, each key is repositioned relative to its initial location allocated during step e) and positioned during step f) on any location in the keyboard area, repositioning d '' a key causing the displacement of other keys, in particular the key (s) adjacent to the group of keys to which this moved key belongs, this then making it possible to keep within the keyboard zone sub-zones of keys corresponding to sequences of graphemes in one or more language (s).

Two complementary or alternative innovations to each other and to the invention which we have just presented are also set out in the present application.

Thus a second innovation concerns the organized and accelerated typing of text from a processing unit capable of operating in different modes, in particular in numeric and alphabetical mode, and comprising at least one alphanumeric and function keyboard comprising substantially fewer keys. as the number of letters in a given alphabet, notably equipping communication terminals (mobile phone, personal digital assistant, etc.), and / or text editing (labeling machine, text editing part of a calculator, etc.) .), portable or desktop, real or virtual. There are already keyboards with generally 12 keys, most often 8 or 9 keys each carrying, in addition to a number, 3 or 4 letters (or graphemes) of an alphabet classified in alphabetical order. But these do not bring total satisfaction.

Faced with this prior art, the first problem to be solved is threefold: a) maximizing the number of alphanumeric characters or any other data which can be accessed by means of an alphanumeric keyboard comprising substantially fewer keys than this number of characters; b) limit the number of activation of the keys of this keyboard to enter a character and thus increase the speed of entry; c) propose a simple and effective method of memorization using the relative position of the keys to enter these characters or data.

In fact, it is a question of accessing a number which can go at least to IN ² characters using a keyboard with N keys (with I, number of level of activation of the keys, and whole I> = 1). Once an activation level has been selected, we can be satisfied with only two activations of all or part of these N keys are necessary to select a character from several, whatever the desired character.

More precisely, the solution consists of a data processing unit comprising at least one keyboard, for entering data to be processed, characterized in that it comprises: a) a series of N keys equipping the keyboard and to each of which are assigned first data, such as digital data, with only one data item per key, and second data which is carried either by all or part of the keys in a reserved location different from that occupied, on each key, by the first data item, or by maximum N zones of a sector) of the unit other than the keys of the keyboard, each reserved location or each of said N zones of the unit being divided into maximum N sub-zones for one or more given seconds , the arrangement of the N sub-areas, including in relative position, on each key, or on the sector considered of the unit, being the image of the arrangement on the keyboard of all or part of es N keys, and b) first selection means suitable for generating via at least the keyboard several activation levels for processing the data entered, two of them necessarily being selection means for selecting a determined sub-area among all the sub-zones comprising first means for recognizing an activation of the key to which said determined sub-zone is assigned, and an activation of the key occupying on the keyboard the same position as the sub-area determined within the sub-areas assigned to the key concerned.

The use of a keyboard whose data organization has been optimized, a typing method consisting of a systematic press on only 2 keys (from a given activation level) to obtain a given character, whatever this character, allows regular typing and reduces the risk of character selection errors. Text entry is therefore faster. Gradually, this use also promotes mnemonic learning of the 2-digit coding of all characters. Such a distribution of the data makes it possible to limit the choice of the operator / user to assign / select a character or a data item among all the characters or data of the keyboard. Optimizing the organization of data on the keyboard also has the effect of simplifying the electronic and / or computer design of the processing unit of which the keyboard is one of the elements. The second problem to be solved is threefold: a) reduce visual control when selecting functions displayed on a screen by directly activating one of the keyboard keys corresponding to the desired function; b) increase the number of data which can be accessed by increasing the number of functions with which predefined data is associated; c) ergonomically allow the organization and storage of data using said keyboard and the retrieval thereof.

The invention provides that the processing unit is preferably further characterized in that the first selection means comprise: a) at least one key on the keyboard for the electronic activation of a series of functions capable of being selected individually and of which as many representations as there are functions are displayed on the said zones of the unit sector, within the limits of the zones accessible on the keyboard following the activation of said key, the distribution of the representations of the functions on said sector of the unit being the image of the distribution of keys on the keyboard, the selection of a determined function whose location corresponds on the sector to that of a determined key on the keyboard being obtained by activation of this key; b) the second preset data being themselves activatable and specific to each function, and being individually displayed in all or part of the sub-zones, following the selection of said determined function, these second preset data being capable of being selected and activated by the activation of 2 keys whose location corresponds, on the keyboard, to that of the sub-area concerned on the sector; c) an input and display area reserved at a location in the sector, following said selection and activation of the second data; d) a memory zone associated with the input zone and comprising third data which can be displayed in the input and display zone and which are individually functionally linked to the keys of the keyboard so that they are displayed by activating the same 2 keys than in paragraph b).

The third problem to be solved is twofold: a) in particular using the keyboard to activate one of several functions on a large display device making it possible to display a number of function representations greater than the number of keys on the keyboard ; b) reducing the steps leading to the activation of functions performed in the prior art by a pointing device and / or scroll keys or even additional keys dedicated to certain functions.

When the processing unit has a large display device making it possible to display a number of function representations greater than the number of keys on the keyboard, the invention further provides that, during step a ), the activation of at least one key on the keyboard generates on the unit sector, in particular when the number of functions is greater than the number of keys on the keyboard, a grouping of representations of the functions in a sequence of at minus one group of functions, each comprising at most as many representations as there are keys on said keyboard, the distribution of the representations being the image of the distribution of the keys on the keyboard, the selection of a determined function whose l location corresponds on the sector to that of a determined key on the keyboard being obtained by the activation of this key following the activation of at least one other key making it possible to select the group to which said function belongs.

This aspect allows when working in multitasking to activate, deactivate functions or switch from one function to another only with keyboard keys without using scroll keys or a pointing device.

The fourth problem to be solved is to offer an alternative mode of selection of the second data whatever the activation level or the sub-zone where they are located. The invention provides for this purpose that the processing unit comprises second selection means making it possible to pass from one sub-zone to another, including from a sub-zone from an activation level to a sub -zone of another activation level.

According to the third innovation, is concerned the organized and accelerated typing of text from the alphabetical area of an alphanumeric and function keyboard, comprising substantially fewer keys than the number of letters of a given alphabet, notably equipping terminals of communication (mobile phone, personal digital assistant, etc.), and / or text editing (labeller, text editing part of a calculator, etc.), portable or desktop, real or virtual, and, a method realization of this alphabetical area.

There are already keyboards with generally 12 keys, most often 8 or 9 keys each carrying, in addition to a number, 3 or 4 letters (or graphemes) of an alphabet classified in alphabetical order. But these do not bring total satisfaction.

The problem to be solved is to create an organization of a processing unit in order to use a new type of keyboard whose memorization of the keys proceeds from an improved logic, capable of speeding up the processing of data, even the development of programs. An organization made by reference phonemes is proposed.

Thus is covered a data processing unit capable of operating in different modes, including digital or alphabetical mode, comprising at least one keyboard, and characterized in that it comprises: a) first selection means for selecting operation at least in digital or alphabetical mode; b) a series of keys fitted to the keyboard and to each of which are assigned first numerical data with a single numerical datum per key, and second data presenting at least the graphemes of a determined alphabet to which correspond, for each grapheme of this alphabet one or more phonemes, in any chosen language, in particular Romance, Germanic or other languages transcribed with the Latin alphabet, the set of graphemes of said alphabet being distributed in the sequences already mentioned P _m and P _x of graphemes; these second data being distributed over the unit according to one of the following two distribution modes:

- h1 - a distribution by rank number in which graphemes of the same rank r integer (with

1 <= r <= N, N: number of graphemes in the sequence (s) having the greatest number of graphemes), are marked on the unit, in particular on the keys, comprising numerical data of the same rank ; - h2 - a distribution by reference phoneme (s) in which the graphemes are distributed according to their reference phoneme (s), and in which all or part of the graphemes of the same sequence is marked on the unit, in particular on one or more keys, with, per key, graphemes always derived from the same sequence, several keys each having all the graphemes of the same sequence, with the exclusion of sequences comprising a grapheme whose phoneme is not common to any other grapheme, which is marked on the same key, either on different keys including the keys already comprising graphemes of another sequence; all these graphemes being classified in a predetermined order; the number of keys being at least equal to said integer N; c) second means for selecting one of the second data in alphabetical mode.

Another problem to be solved concerns the addressing of the keys and the data assigned to them. It is intended that: the second data, in particular the graphemes, are carried either by all or part of the N keys of the keyboard in a reserved space different from that occupied, on each key, by the first data, or by at most N zones of '' a sector of the unit, each of these zones being associated with all or part of the N keyboard keys, each reserved space or each of the N zones of the unit being divided into at least one sub-zone for a or several seconds given; the unit further comprising a pilot to which is operatively linked a succession of addresses in a memory area with an allocation path defined between them and the said sub-areas on said reserved locations or said areas of a sector of the unit so that two successive addresses are assigned two successive subzones on the way, each subzone corresponds on the unit a grapheme, each subzone corresponds an address in the memory zone, in memory zone, at least k (k integer) addresses corresponding to at least k sub-zones are grouped in such a way that at least k visually adjacent graphemes having the same reference phoneme on at least q (q integer) reserved locations or q zones of a sector of the unit correspond at least k addresses separated two by two successively, in memory, by a number of intermediate addresses equal to the number of addressed sub-zones which, on the way, separate rent two subzones successively among said at least k, and this, for v (v integer) groups of subzone (s) associated with the same reference phoneme; the pilot detects the activation of one of said sub-zones and translates this activation via the memory zone on a display device (45), by displaying a grapheme corresponding to that marked on the sub -zoned.

For this purpose, we recommend in particular that, in the memory zone the number k of addresses corresponding to the k sub-zones be greater than or equal to 3, on the unit the number q of reserved locations or zones of a sector of the unit is greater than or equal to 2, these locations or zones being adjacent two by two, and this, for at least v = 1 group of sub-zones associated with a reference phoneme.

It is also provided for this purpose in particular that, in the memory zone the number k of addresses corresponding to the k sub-zones is preferably greater than or equal to 4, on the unit the number q of reserved spaces or zones of a sector of the unit is greater than or equal to 1, and this, for at least v = 1 group of sub-zones each associated with the same reference phoneme.

Another problem to be solved concerns the location of the second data on the unit and the use of this to facilitate the selection of a second data among several. The invention recommends that: a) the second data be carried either by the keys in a reserved location different from that occupied, on each key, by the first data, or by N zones of a sector of the unit, each location reserved or each of the N zones of the unit being divided into N sub-zones for one or more given seconds, the arrangement of the sub-zones, including in relative position, on each key, or on the considered sector of the unit, being the image of the arrangement on the keyboard of all or part of the N keys; b) the second selection means for selecting a determined sub-zone from all of the sub-zones comprises first means for recognizing an activation of the key to which said determined sub-zone is assigned, and an activation of the key occupying on the keyboard the same position as the determined sub-zone occupies within the sub-zones assigned to the key concerned.

Two complementary solutions are provided concerning the location of the graphemes on the unit so that they are more quickly selected.

It is advised that all the graphemes of each of the sequences P _x of the distribution h2 are positioned in all or part of the sub-zones of the same key or of the same sector of first digital data corresponding to the number of graphemes of the sequence . This has among other advantages to reduce the number of affected keys of grapheme (s).

We also advise that all the graphemes of each sequence P _x of the distribution h2 are positioned in all or part of the sub-zones of one or more adjacent keys or adjacent sectors. This reduces the number of graphemes per key and makes it possible to locate on the unit, in the same zone, the graphemes of a sequence and therefore to activate them more quickly.

Two keys (respectively two sectors carrying graphemes) are adjacent if no other key (respectively sector) is inserted between them, whether we reason in line, column or diagonal

We also propose a solution to the problem posed by the selection of chains of specific graphemes. The unit is then characterized in that, the number of seconds given is greater than the number of graphemes of the alphabet retained, the second additional data containing strings of grapheme (s) chosen for the phoneme (s) that 'they represent, including strings with one or more graphemes with diacritical marks, to which one or more phonemes then correspond, being distributed in sequences P _z (with X + 1≤z; whole X and z) of graphemes grouping each of said chains of grapheme (s) having a phoneme said reference phoneme common to at least one other said chain of grapheme (s), a single pulse on said second means then being necessary to select one of these second data comprising one or more graphemes.

According to another characteristic, it is advised that the second selection means comprise means that can be activated by pulse (s), the second data distributed over the unit according to their reference phoneme are classified in alphabetical order and / or organized in a common order recognizable on keyboards of different languages and / or organized such that the first grapheme of each suite of the unit containing a vowel is a vowel, a single pulse (effect produced on a key by any appropriate means such as activation electronic by photo detection, thermo detection or other mode detection of a finger or pointing instrument, manual actuation), being then necessary to select said vowel via the second selection means, whereas in the prior art several pulses were necessary.

It is also specified that the keys comprising graphemes of vowels from the h2 distribution constitute the peripheral keys of the keyboard, this in order to locate these keys more quickly.

It is advised that the second data include, in addition to the graphemes of the Latin alphabet, graphemes of a phonetic alphabet, the latter being adapted to be combined in order to transcribe at least one determined phoneme in a given language. This has in particular the advantage for those who know this alphabet to replace strings of graphemes of the Latin alphabet by a single grapheme of a phonetic alphabet therefore to enter texts for example more quickly.

It is even proposed that the unit comprises a series of additional keys carrying graphemes of a phonetic alphabet.

According to another aspect, it is advised that the second selection means for selecting the second data distributed over the unit according to their rank number include means that can be activated by multiple pulses, in particular additional keys differentiated from one another, each representing the phoneme of reference of one of the sequences of graphemes P _m , P _x and P _z , at least one pulse is then necessary to select a given grapheme and / or a chain of grapheme (s), that is to say a first impulse on one of the additional keys and / or a second impulse on the key carrying the numerical data corresponding to the rank number of this grapheme and or of its grapheme chain (s) in its continuation.

It is even advised that a single additional key represents the reference phonemes of the sequences of graphemes P _m .

According to yet another aspect, it is advisable that the unit comprises means for translating graphemes from one alphabet to another, and means for analysis and orthographic and / or grammatical correction, so that the selection of 'one or more of the graphemes of a phonetic alphabet, corresponding to one or more determined phonemes, generates a transcription of one or more graphemes of the Latin alphabet, after analysis and orthographic and / or grammatical correction. This has in particular the advantage of selecting more quickly chains of graphemes of the Latin alphabet, a single selection of a grapheme of a phonetic alphabet can then generate several graphemes of the Latin alphabet.

The solution also consists in a method of producing the alphabetical zone of the keys of a processing unit comprising at least one keyboard, characterized in that, a) at least the graphemes of a determined alphabet are used which correspond, for each grapheme of this alphabet one or more phonemes, in any chosen language; b) sequences of these graphemes are formed by grouping in each sequence all the graphemes having a common phoneme chosen from the said phoneme (s) called the reference phoneme of these graphemes, we then obtain all of the graphemes of said alphabet distributed in the sequences already mentioned P _m and P _x of graphemes; c) each grapheme of each of the sequences is assigned a rank number in the sequence; d) we identify, among these sequences, the sequence (s) having the greatest number of graphemes, and, we count this whole number N of reference graphemes; e) the minimum number of keyboard keys is fixed as equal to this integer number N; f) each of these N keys is assigned a location on the unit and a single digital item among the N digits, these digital items being distinct two by two; g) each key, and / or a sector of the unit is divided into a location which is reserved for a single digital datum, and at a location different from that occupied by this digital datum which is divided into one or more sub -zones for one or more graphemes; h) assigning to said graphemes the sub-areas of the keys or sectors each carrying their digital data and, at least during the subsequent step k) choosing, to distribute the graphemes over the unit, in particular on the keys, one of the two distribution modes h1 and h2 already mentioned; i) at least N keys are created on the keyboard; j) marking, with a single digital datum among said N digits (these numerical data being distinct two by two), the unit (in particular the reserved location of each of these N keys or of each sector); k) the graphemes, distributed according to h1 or h2, are marked on the unit, in particular on the sub-zones of each key, as follows: the selected grapheme (s) of rank r, resulting from the distribution (s) h1, on the unit, in particular on the sub-area (s) of the key or of said sector of the unit, comprising the digital data of the same rank, and so on, until all the graphemes; or we mark the grapheme (s), assigned to one or more keys according to the distribution h2, on the unit, in particular on the sub-area (s) of the keys, or of each sector of the unit, up to marking all graphemes; l) the unit is equipped with first selection means which are electronically connected to each of said locations of the unit, in particular of the keys, marked during step k) to allow operation of the keyboard from among at least two operating modes: alphabetical or digital; m) the unit is equipped with connection means for electronically connecting said marked locations of the unit to an information processing device so as to be able to control the input of the corresponding digital data, or graphemes, by means of the keyboard; n) the unit is further equipped with second selection means, which are electronically connected to each of said marked locations of the unit, in order to be able to select in alphabetical order a grapheme of the distribution concerned among the graphemes of a same touch.

Another characteristic of this process concerns the way in which one materially operates to create the unit. For this it is advised that during at least one of the steps h), i), j), k) to proceed as follows: o) One assigns to each grapheme of said sequences P _m and P _x one of said subzones on the keys, or on one of said corresponding sectors of the unit, each carrying their digital data, by assigning: to all the graphemes of rank r, originating from the distribution h1, the sub-zones of the unit, in particular of the key comprising the numerical data of the same rank, each key then always carrying graphemes of the same rank (r); to all the graphemes of the same sequence P _x , originating from the distribution h2, all or part of the sub-zones of the unit, in particular of one or more adjacent keys, each key, or one of said corresponding sectors of the unit, then carrying graphemes always originating from the same sequence P _x , and, for each grapheme of the sequences P _m one of the sub-zones of the unit is of the same key, or of said corresponding sector of the unit, either of keys or different sectors, including keys or sectors already comprising graphemes of another sequence; p) these sequences are transmitted to a unit for creating the processing unit, in particular for keys, which, from the moment a key, or a said sector of the unit, affected by a grapheme of the sequences P _x has been located on its location, position: according to h1, any grapheme of rank (r) on the sub-areas of the key, or of the corresponding sector of the unit, of the same rank, until a positioning graphemes of all the sequences P _x , or - according to h2, all or part of the graphemes of the same sequence P _x on all or part of the sub-zones of one or more adjacent keys, or of one or more said sectors adjacent to the unit, with therefore, by key or sector, graphemes always coming from the same sequence, up to a positioning of the graphemes of all the sequences P _x , each other grapheme of the sequences P _m being positioned at a time on one of the other subzones.

Stage o) and / or stages h), i), j), k) will / will even be preferably organized as follows: q) these sequences of graphemes are transmitted to an attribution unit location of keys and of allocation on these, or on a corresponding sector of the processing unit, of a location for the first digital data and of data sub-zones, in which each sequence of said sequences is assigned P _m and P _x one of the sub-zones on the unit, in particular on the keys each carrying their numerical data, by assigning: to all the graphemes of rank r, originating from the distribution h1, the sub-zones of the key comprising the numerical data of the same rank, each key then always carrying graphemes of the same rank r; - to all the graphemes of the same sequence P _x , originating from the distribution h2, all or part of the sub-zones of one or more adjacent keys, or of one or more of said corresponding sectors of the unit, each key, or its associated sector, then carrying graphemes always originating from the same sequence P _x , and, each grapheme of the sequences P _m is also assigned one of the sub-zones either of the same key, or of different keys including the keys already including graphemes from another suite; each allocation of one or more sub-areas of graphemes being made after a validation step of the selected sub-area (s) by means of analysis of the location of each sub-area with respect to: the arrangement of the keys (or their corresponding sectors) on the unit, - the distribution of digital data on the unit, the number of sub-zones per key or on each corresponding sector, the number of keys or sectors correspondents to whom graphemes have been assigned, to the number of sub-areas of a key or of a sector to which graphemes are assigned, to the distribution of graphemes from the h2 distribution, over the sub-areas, - to the number of corresponding keys or sectors to which the graphemes of the same sequence P _x have been assigned distributed according to h2, to the number of corresponding keys or sectors to which the graphemes of the sequences P _m have been assigned distributed according to h2, to the position of the corresponding keys or sectors s to which we have assigned vowel graphemes, the location of already affected sub-areas of graphemes on one or more corresponding key (s) or sectors, and / or the choice of location of one or more graphemes on one or more sub-areas of one or more corresponding key (s) or sectors made by a user, r) these allocation orders are transmitted to a unit for creating / distributing keys on the said zone, and / or corresponding sectors of the unit , which, from the moment when a key or its associated sector affected by a grapheme of sequences P _x has been positioned on its location, positions: according to h1 any grapheme of rank r on the key or the associated sector bearing a digital datum of the same rank, up to a positioning of the graphemes of all the sequences P _x , or - according to h2, all or part of the graphemes of the same sequence P _x on one or more adjacent keys or sectors , with therefore, by key or by sector, graphemes always coming from the m me on, until a positioning graphemes all Px suites each other grapheme sequences P _m being positioned at a time on one of the other subfields.

It is also specified that at least one of steps h), i), j), k) will even preferably be organized as follows:

s) One assigns to each grapheme of said sequences P _m and P _x and to each grapheme chain (s) of sequences P _z one of said sub-areas on the keys, or on one of said corresponding sectors of the unit, bearing each their digital data, by assigning: to all the graphemes of rank r, originating from the distribution h1, the sub-zones of the unit, in particular of the key comprising the digital data of the same rank, each key bearing then always graphemes of the same rank (r); to all the graphemes of the same sequence P _x or P ₂ , originating from the distribution h2, all or part of the sub-zones of the unit, in particular of one or more adjacent keys, each key, or one of said corresponding sectors of the unit, then carrying graphemes always originating from the same sequence P _x or P _z , and, also assigning to each grapheme of the sequences P _m , one of the sub-zones of the unit is of the same key, or of said corresponding sector of the unit, either of keys or of different sectors, including keys or sectors already comprising graphemes of another sequence; t) these sequences are transmitted to a unit for creating the processing unit 1, in particular for keys, which, from the moment a key, or a said sector of the unit, affected by a grapheme of the sequences P _x or P _z has been located on its location, position: according to h1, any grapheme of rank (r) on the sub-areas of the key, or of the corresponding sector of the unit, of the same rank, up to '' positioning of the graphemes of all the sequences P _x and P _z , or according to h2, all or part of the graphemes of the same sequence P _x or P _z over all or part of the sub-zones of one or more adjacent keys , or one or more so-called adjacent sectors of the unit, with therefore, by key or sector, graphemes always coming from the same sequence, up to a positioning of the graphemes of all the sequences P _x and P _z , each another grapheme of the sequences P _m being positioned at one time on one of the other sub-zones.

According to another aspect, step o) and / or steps h), i), j), k) will / will even preferably be organized as follows: u) these sequences of graphemes are transmitted to a unit key location assignment and assignment on these, or on a corresponding sector of the processing unit, of a location for the first digital data and of data sub-areas, in which each grapheme of said sequences P _m and P _x and to each grapheme chain (s) of the sequences P _z one of the sub-zones on the processing unit, in particular on the keys each carrying their numerical data, by assigning: to all the graphemes of rank r, originating from the distribution h1 , the sub-areas of the key comprising the numerical data of the same rank, each key then always carrying graphemes of the same rank r; to all the graphemes of the same sequence P _x or P ₂ , originating from the distribution h2, all or part of the sub-zones of one or more adjacent keys, or of one or more of said corresponding sectors of the unit, each key, or its associated sector, then carrying graphemes always originating from the same sequence P _x or P _z , and also assigning to each grapheme of sequences P _m , one of the sub-zones either of the same key, or of keys different, including keys that already include graphemes from another suite; each allocation of one or more sub-areas of graphemes being made after a validation step of the selected sub-area (s) by means of analysis of the location of each sub-area with respect to: the arrangement of the keys (or their corresponding sectors) on the unit, the distribution of the digital data on the unit, - the number of sub-zones per key or on each corresponding sector, the number of keys or sectors correspondents to whom graphemes have been assigned, to the number of sub-areas of a key or of a sector to which graphemes are assigned, to the distribution of graphemes from the h2 distribution, over the sub-areas, to the number of keys or corresponding sectors to which the graphemes of the same sequence P _x distributed according to h2 have been assigned, to the number of keys or corresponding sectors to which the graphemes of the sequences P _m distributed according to h2 have been assigned to the position of the corresponding keys or sectors to which vowels graphemes have been assigned, - to the location of sub-zones already affected by graphemes on one or more corresponding key (s) or sectors, and / or to the choice of location of one or more grapheme (s) on one or more second sub-area (s) of one or more corresponding key (s) or sectors made by a user, v) these allocation orders are transmitted to a key creation / distribution unit on said zone, and / or corresponding sectors of the processing unit, which, from the moment when a key or its associated sector affected by a grapheme of sequences P _x or P _z has been positioned on its location , positions: according to h1 any grapheme of rank r on the key or the associated sector carrying a numerical data of the same rank, until a positioning of the graphemes of all the sequences P _x and P _z , or - according to h2, all or part graphemes of the same sequence P or P _z on one or more keys or sec adjacent tors, with therefore, by key or by sector, graphemes always coming from the same sequence, up to a positioning of the graphemes of all the sequences P _x and P _z , each other grapheme of the sequences P _m being positioned at one time on one of the other subzones.

According to another characteristic, it is advised that during at least one of the steps u), v): w) each sequence of graphemes is assigned) P _z a single sub-area of the unit, to which a transcription is assigned in a phonetic alphabet of his / her phoneme (s) said (s) phoneme (s) of reference ; x) the unit is equipped, as second selection means, with means for translating graphemes from one alphabet to another, and with means of analysis and orthographic and / or grammatical correction, so that the selection on the unit of a said reference phoneme corresponding to a sequence P _z , generates the transcription of one or more graphemes of the Latin alphabet, after analysis and orthographic and / or grammatical correction.

Also covered is a production method characterized in that, in a hypothesis of distribution according to h1, to carry out step n), the unit is equipped, as second selection means, with additional keys differentiated from each other each representing the reference phoneme of at least one of the sequences P _m and P _x of graphemes, each of these additional keys is electronically linked to all or part of the N keys already created in step i) as well as to means of recognizing the activation of the additional keys and of the first keys and a grapheme is accessed by the activation of one of the additional keys and of the key carrying the numerical data corresponding to the rank number of this grapheme in its continuation . Preferably, the reference phonemes of the sequences P _z are also assigned to the additional keys which are differentiated from one another.

We will now present in more detail an embodiment of the first innovation presented at the very beginning of the description, with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates the assembly making it possible to establish a perceptual unit between at least one keyboard, a screen, a data processing unit and an input operator; FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a generator of grapheme sequences; FIG. 3 illustrates another example of a generator of grapheme sequences 3; FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an address assignment path for keys; FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the addressing mode for the 26 keys of the alphabetical area; FIG. 6 illustrates a generator of grapheme sequences displayed on a screen; FIG. 7 illustrates the same alphabetical zone as in FIG. 1 or 5 but with indication of the groups of keys by reference phonemes; - Figure 8 illustrates the key groups by reference phonemes; FIG. 9 illustrates the same alphabetical zone as in FIG. 7 without indicating the groups of keys.

It should first of all be noted that in these drawings, the dimensions and the proportions of the elements of the unit have not been respected for the sake of readability.

FIG. 1 illustrates a computer keyboard 1 with highlighting of the alphabetical area 3 presented in an exploded manner. The twenty-six keys 5, only three of which are marked for the sake of readability, include graphemes 7 of which only four are marked for the sake of readability, always distinct in pairs. The keyboard is connected to a processing unit 11 by connection means 13. The driver 15 comprises one or more computer programs, one or more data files stored in a memory area 27 of the data processing unit. It will be detailed later in the description. A key 5c in zone 3 carrying a grapheme 7c is activated, this is highlighted by a framing of the key in thick line. The pilot detected this activation and translated it on the screen 55 connected to the unit 11 via connection means 23, by displaying the grapheme 7c corresponding to that marked on the key. In the nonlimiting example, this is grapheme “C”. The input operator, also called the user, is shown diagrammatically in the figure by a head 100.

As presented at least in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9, the area of the alphabetic keys of a keyboard can consist, by way of nonlimiting example, of 2 rows of 10 keys and of a six, for a total of 26 keys for the 26 graphemes of the French alphabet. The keys then carry graphemes always distinct two by two. In this key arrangement, the graphemes having selected common phonemes, called reference phonemes of these graphemes, are organized into groups of keys on all or part of the 3 rows. The distribution of key groups in the alphabetical area is by way of non-limiting example.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a generator 300 of sequences of graphemes which can be fixed on a support by the mounting members 8. It is made up of: a table of graphemes 200 of an alphabet of a chosen language, here French ; a cell pointer 100, mobile, sliding on a rail 6.

The cells 101 were not all identified for the sake of readability. The same is true for graphemes 103.

As shown in Figure 2, the grapheme table is divided into 26 columns over 9 rows. Some cells contain graphemes while others do not.

The organization of the table is as follows:

The first line contains all the French reference graphemes sorted in alphabetical order. The last line contains the graphemes of reference phonemes of these graphemes, namely a, é, e, è, i, o, u, transcribed on the basis of vowels. The cells of this line being divided into 2 parts, one (the one on the left) contains a transcription of the phonemes with the French alphabet, the other (the one on the right) with the international phonetic alphabet. Each column contains all the graphemes associated with the same reference phoneme classified in alphabetical order. For example with the reference phoneme "é" there are graphemes B, C, D, G, P, T, V and W. These graphemes, except those of the reference phonemes, undergo a circular permutation from cell to each change of column having the same reference phoneme as also shown in more detail in FIG. 5 where the organization of the columns has been developed to facilitate the visualization of these permutations, without respecting the alphabetical order. Thus, in the second column with the reference phoneme "é" there are the graphemes C, D, G, P, T, V, W and B and so on. It is noted that thus the distribution of the graphemes in these columns has been optimized so that, in each column, the same grapheme never occupies the same cell in a unidirectional displacement between the first and the last column. The cells containing graphemes also present graphemes, distinctive marks among which reliefs, colors, holograms, pictograms, images in particular images associated with the sound characteristics of graphemes among phonemes, accentuations, intonations, physiological aspects of the production of phonemes (position and movement of the phonatory organs).

Table 1 below presents the sequences P _m and P _x of graphemes of the French alphabet. Table 1

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of a generator 300 of sequences of graphemes. The table 200 is presented in the form of a disk swiveling in its center to reveal on the pointer 100 fixed the sequences of graphemes.

The generator can come in different forms, hardware or software, with the table and the pointer moving relative to each other. In figure 2, it is the pointer which is mobile whereas it is the table which is it in figure 3. In addition, the pointer in figure 2 points an entire column of cells, whereas only one cell is pointed in FIG. 3. This is by way of nonlimiting example. The size and shape of the table and the pointer may vary depending on the embodiments and the technology used.

In a basic version, the generator can consist of a table printed on a support, and the pointer, in a slide rule sliding along this one.

In a version with electronic and computer technologies, the generator is connected to the processing unit of the assembly by connection means 33, the pointer scans the table according to a defined path, activating in its passage on the cells for example the production in sound form of the grapheme of the cells crossed. The generator can also be an integral part of the processing unit to be displayed on a screen as presented below in FIG. 6.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a path for assigning addresses to keys. In this example, as a nonlimiting example, the addresses of the keys are assigned by starting on the first row of keys (top row) going from left to right, then on the middle row also going from left to right, then on the bottom row going in the same direction from right to left.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of addressing the 26 keys of the alphabetical area 3. This figure is divided into 3 parts: At the top, there are the keys affected by their graphemes; in the middle, in a virtual zone 3 shown here to facilitate understanding, the assignment to each key 5 of an address 57 is shown; at the bottom in a memory zone 27, at each address 57, each corresponding to a key, there is the grapheme assigned to the key addressed according to the allocation path illustrated in FIG. 4. The data presented in the memory zone are illustrated so as to facilitate understanding and not in a specific language, especially binary.

The keyboard driver performs at least the following operations: Detection of key activation - Translation of this activation, via the memory area mentioned above, by displaying the grapheme via other computer programs corresponding to that marked on the activated key.

FIG. 6 illustrates by way of nonlimiting example a generator 300 of sequences of graphemes displayed on a screen 55. The pointer 100 displays in a window 151 a scrolling table 200 in particular by buttons 153. In an input area 77, a operator will see the graphemes produced by the generator displayed in window 151, as he enters them using his perceptual keyboard. In the example, he has already entered the graphemes "A H K, B C D". He has “G P T V W” of this displayed sequence. These sequences of graphemes can be displayed on the screen and / or dictated by sound production means, in particular by the speakers 550, of which only one is identified in the figure, at a rhythm adapted to the level of the operator.

In the following tables are examples of tables produced by the suite generator.

Table 2 contains the 7 sequences P _m and P _x of French graphemes. According to the learning method, these are the first sequences to enter to locate the keys in their respective zones on the keyboard.

Table 2

Table 3 contains groups of sequences each comprising one of the 7 sequences P _m and P _x of graphemes undergoing within their group circular permutations. According to the learning method, typing each of these suites develops the dexterity of the user while helping him to memorize the locations of the keys. It is practically a matter of making scales, not of notes, but of graphemes of the same phoneme (s) as on a piano.

Table 3

Table 3 (continued)

Table 4 contains the grapheme table as described in Figure 2 without the row or column of reference phoneme graphemes.

Table 4

Table 5 contains the grapheme table as described in FIG. 2 with, between each column, an additional intermediate column for displaying other graphemes, containing, by way of nonlimiting example, the grapheme "A". This part of the table can be used for training in entering syllables. The number of intermediate columns and the graphemes they contain may vary depending on the level of the user. Table 5

We will now present a detailed embodiment of other inventive aspects with reference to the drawings of FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 7, as well as to:

FIG. 10 which indicates an example of two types of marking of keys: on the key and in its immediate environment; FIG. 11 which illustrates the same alphabetical zone as in FIG. 5 but with indication of the graphemes of vowels in the central position of the zone of the keyboard. FIG. 12 which illustrates an alphabetical zone with an organization of the keys taking into account the reference phonemes of French, English and German. FIG. 13 which illustrates the same alphabetical zone as in FIG. 12 but with indication of the keys grouped together by reference phonemes of French. - Figure 14 which illustrates the same alphabetical area as in Figure 12 but with indication of the keys grouped by English reference phonemes. FIG. 15 which illustrates the same alphabetical zone as in FIG. 12 but with an indication of the keys grouped together by German reference phonemes. FIG. 16 which illustrates a key creation / distribution unit. - Figure 17 which illustrates a virtual alphabetical area on the touch screen of a digital assistant.

In FIG. 1, the twenty-six keys 5, only three of which are marked for the sake of readability, include graphemes 7 of which only four are marked for the sake of readability, always distinct in pairs. The driver 15 includes one or more computer programs, one or more data files stored in the memory of the data processing unit.

FIG. 10 showing some keyboard keys illustrates an example of two types of marking of keys: on key 21 and in its immediate environment 22.

Tables 6 and 7 below present respectively the sequences P _m and P _x of graphemes of English and German with the chosen reference phonemes, transcribed with the international phonetic alphabet. Reference will be made later to these series and to these reference phonemes.

Table 6

P _m and P _x : sequences of Phonemes of Number of m or x integer grapheme (s) of English common reference to: grapheme (s) 0 or x-M + 1 (other) grapheme (s) by sequence m = 1 Pτ = R [ai] 0 other grapheme 1 m = 2 P ₂ = 0 [o] 0 other grapheme 1 x = M + 1 = 3 P ₃ = IY [ai] 3-2 + 1 = 2 graphemes 2 x = 4 P ₄ = QUW [j:] 4-2 + 1 = 3 graphemes 3 x = 5 Ps = AHJK [ei] 5-2 + 1 = 4 graphemes 4 x = 6 Pe = 6-2 + 1 = 5 graphemes 0 x = 7 P ₇ = 7-2 + 1 = 6 graphemes 0 x = 8 P ₈ = FLMNSXZ [e] 8-2 + 1 = 7 graphemes 7 x = 9 P ₉ = BCDEGPTV [':] 9-2 + 1 = 8 graphemes 8

Total number of graphemes: 26

Table 7

In Table 6, the sequences Pi and P ₂ are sequences containing a single grapheme, the reference phoneme of which is therefore common to O other grapheme. P ₆ and P7 do not contain any graphemes. The sequences P3, P, Ps, Pβ and Pg are sequences containing at least two graphemes. P3 is a sequence whose reference phoneme is common to 2 graphemes. Indeed, x-M + 1 with x being equal to 3, M (maximum number of graphemes whose reference phoneme is common to 0 other grapheme) being equal to 2 is indeed equal to 3- 2 + 1 = 2. And so on, for the other suites.

In Table 7 (German), the sequences Pi to P are sequences containing a single grapheme. The suites P ₅ and Ps are suites each containing two graphemes. P7, Ps and Pg do not contain any graphemes. The Pβ, P ₉ and P10 sequences are sequences containing at least three graphemes.

Concerning an example of a path for assigning addresses to keys, reference is made to FIGS. 4 and 5.

For an example of addressing the twenty-six keys of the alphabetical area, reference is made to FIG. 5. In table 8 below, each address according to the allocation path illustrated in FIG. 4 is matched with the grapheme assigned to it according to the affect of the graphemes on the keys as illustrated in FIG. 5.

Table 8

This table will be saved in a specific language (binary) as a file in the memory, for example of a computer.

The keyboard driver performs at least the following operations:

Keys activation detection

Translation of this activation, via the file mentioned above, by the display via other computer programs of the grapheme corresponding to that marked on the activated key. The alphabetical zone illustrated in FIG. 7 indicates an example of grouping of keys by French reference phonemes. From left to right, we distinguish: the keys carrying the graphemes of the sequence P ₉ : B, C, D, G, (top row) P, T, V, (middle row) and W (bottom row) ; the keys carrying the graphemes of the P3 suite: Q, U (bottom row); the keys carrying the graphemes of the sequence P ₄ : A, H, K (bottom row); the keys carrying the graphemes of the sequences Pi: E and P ₂ : 0 (middle row); the keys carrying the graphemes of the P5 sequence: 1, J, X, Y (middle row) the keys carrying the graphemes of the P ₈ sequence: F, L, M, N, R, S (top row) and Z middle row In this key layout, the "Q" key is adjacent to the "W", "V", "E" and "U" keys but not to "O".

Figure 12 illustrates an alphabetical area with an organization of the keys taking into account the phonemes of reference of different languages: here French, English and German. This organization is such that the graphemes which belong to different sequences in these languages, namely the graphemes E, R, J, X, V, Y, W are adjacent to at least one other grapheme of each of the sequences P _{x to} which they belong in these different languages. Thus, for example, we have the "W" key of phoneme [e] in French and German and [ju:] in English which is adjacent: - to the "V" key belonging to the sequence of phoneme [e] in French, to the "E" key belonging to the phoneme sequence [e] in German, to the "Q" key belonging to the phoneme sequence [ju:] in English; The "E" key is positioned adjacent to the phoneme [i:] keys in English and [e] in German. Its phoneme in French is not common to any other grapheme, this key is adjacent to other keys with which it has no phonetic link. The number of languages is obviously not limited.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 respectively show the groupings of keys by reference phonemes of French, English and German.

FIG. 16 illustrates a key creation / distribution unit using a laser beam for marking the keys of the alphabetical area of a keyboard initially equipped with unmarked keys. As an example, a series of three graphemes (A, H and K) is being marked with a key 7 already marked with the grapheme "A". There therefore remain the two other graphemes to be marked (H, K) on two of the twenty-five remaining locations in the alphabetical area. This creation / distribution unit optimizes the longitudinal and transverse movements of its marking head: it will therefore not control the movement of the head 31 over the 25 locations, therefore over the entire keyboard area but only over a sub-area limited 34 of it. Hence an obvious saving of time. To facilitate visibility on the figure of this limited sub-area, the marking head has been removed. We see the key with the grapheme "A" and around it the only keys, blackened keys forming the limited sub-area 34, which can carry the other 2 graphemes such that the keys A, H and K are adjacent in pairs .

FIG. 17 illustrates the alphabetical area 3 on a touch screen of a personal digital assistant 1. A stylus 45 activates the key bearing the grapheme "O", which is found in front of the cursor 47 displayed on the screen.

An embodiment of the second inventive aspect is presented below, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 18 illustrates as an example of a data processing unit a mobile telephone equipped with an alphanumeric keyboard and of function with display of the sub-zones on the screen; FIG. 19 illustrates an example of activation level comprising a series of nine functions that can be activated using the keys "1" to "9"; FIG. 20 illustrates a first example of division of each of the keys "1" to "9" of a keyboard into nine sub-zones adjacent to each key carrying a first digital datum; FIG. 21 illustrates an example of division of part of the keys of a keyboard in a location for a first numerical datum and nine sub-zones with part of these occupied by letters; FIG. 22 illustrates the position relations between the sub-zones of each key and part of the keys of the keyboard. FIG. 23 illustrates the same sub-zones as in FIG. 22 but this time containing alphanumeric characters. FIG. 24 is a magnification of the sub-zones of FIG. 22 and of FIG. 23.

FIG. 18 illustrates as an example of a data processing unit a mobile telephone 3001 with an alphanumeric and function keyboard 3003. It includes a selection means 3005 by means of the button “Alpha Num. To select an operation in digital or alphabetical mode, first digital data 3009 from "0" to "9" marked on keys 3007 and second data 3011 distributed over nine zones 3015 each containing nine sub-zones 3017, ie in total four- twenty-one sub-areas 3017 or characters, displayed on a sector 3013 of the mobile telephone, in particular on its screen. As shown in the figure, part of the screen is reserved for sub-areas and another is an entry area 3021 for example of characters. In the latter, the message "NEW KEYBOARD" appears in front of a cursor. These zones can be of size adjustable by the user. This version has the advantage of having 3007 keys of smaller size, these being affected only by numerical data.

Only three of the second sub-zones are arrowed in FIG. 18, this in order to facilitate its reading. Line 3027 under the second sub-areas will be explained in the description below. This simplification of the signage and marking also applies to the keys and locations of digital data, the zones, sub-zones of second data, in this figure as in others.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of activation level, which can be displayed on the screen of a mobile telephone, for example that of FIG. 18, comprising a series of nine functions that can be activated using the keys "1" to "9". distribution of the representations of the functions 3023 on the screen being the image of the distribution of the keys "1" to "9" on the keyboard. The selection of a specific function, for example the 3025 "ABC" (capital alphanumeric characters) framed, the location of which corresponds on the screen to that of key 8 on the keyboard is obtained by activating this same touch. The second data displayed on the screen in FIG. 18 can be obtained, for example following the activation of the key "8" corresponding to the "ABC" function on an initial activation level like that of FIG. 19. The functions corresponding to the keys "1" to "9" are detailed later in the description.

Figure 22 illustrates the positional relationships between the sub-areas of each key and some of the keyboard keys. Thus, the relative position of each sub-zone with respect to the other sub-zones is identical to the relative position of each key of the keyboard with respect to the other keys. Line 3027 in this figure and Figure 20 under the sub-areas replace the three keys at the bottom of the keyboard, the one containing the "0" and the other two voids on both sides. In this example, there are therefore only nine sub-zones per key, while this keyboard has twelve keys, for a total of 81 sub-zones. In this figure, the sub-areas are therefore only numbered from "1" to "9". Furthermore, this figure shows that the arrangement of the sub-zones on each key, or adjacent to it, is indeed the image of the arrangement on the keyboard of all or part of the keys.

Figure 23 illustrates the same eighty-one sub-areas as in Figure 22 but this time containing letters (the twenty-six letters of the alphabet plus letters with diacritical marks), other signs and symbols among which punctuation marks, currency symbols, mathematics and communication. A total of eighty-one characters accessible in alphabetical mode with a keyboard of only nine keys. As shown in this figure, the twenty-six letters of the alphabet are distributed in particular by reference phonemes, the other signs and symbols by function. The letters: The sub-areas adjacent to the keys from "1" to "6" are assigned letters as follows: the twenty-six letters of the alphabet: They are assigned to part of the sub areas of the keys "1 "to" 6 ". letters with diacritical marks: The remaining sub-areas of each of the keys "1" to "6" are further assigned letters with diacritical marks and for some other signs or symbols. - The other signs and symbols They are mainly assigned to the sub-areas of the keys "7" to "9". The sub-areas of the key: "7" contain punctuation marks;

"8" contain symbols, in particular for communication via the Internet; "9" contain mathematical symbols. Certain currency symbols are assigned to sub-areas adjacent to the "2" key.

The assignments to the keys and sub-zones of alphanumeric characters in this figure 28 are by way of example and not limiting.

FIG. 24 is a magnification of an area 3015 of FIG. 22 (area which contains the numbers "1" to "9") and of area 3015 adjacent to the key "4" in Figure 23 (area which contains the graphemes "B, C, D, G, P, ... etc."), this in order to illustrate the first selection means for selecting a determined sub-area among all of the sub-areas. Indeed, this organization of sub-zones makes it possible to easily locate and memorize the location of graphemes and other signs and symbols, but also to be able to enter them only in two stages:

^1st step: activation of the key whose sub-area is assigned the desired letter, sign or symbol; 2 ^nd time: activation of the key occupying the keyboard in the same position as the affected sub-zone of the letter, sign or symbol desired, within the sub-zones of the key concerned.

For example, to get the letter "V", you need:

^1st step: activate the key "4", one of the sub-areas of which is assigned this letter;

^2nd time: enable "7" key on keyboard occupying the same position occupied by the letter "V" in the sub-areas of the "4" button. To allow the keyboard to differentiate the activation of the keys (1 ^st and 2 ^nd time), it will be equipped with recognition means capable, by way of nonlimiting example, of detecting: the activation of two keys in an interval of determined time; the activation of two keys simultaneously in a determined time interval; activating a 1 ^st and a 2 button ^èmθ while keeping the first enabled.

The selection means for selecting an alphabetical mode or a numerical mode can be by way of nonlimiting example: a mode selection button like the button 3005 in FIG. 18; recognition means for detecting the duration of the activation of a key; a long activation will give numbers, a short activation will give letters.

Table 9 below presents, by way of nonlimiting example, six examples of functions, with their associated second predefined data, selectable on an activation level such as that for example of FIG. 19 which can be stored in the memory of a mobile phone, respectively lower case, upper case, other characters or combinations of characters, musical notes, pictograms 1, pictograms 2, each containing a list of accessible data, once the activation level has been selected, by pressing two keys on the keyboard according to the input method explained above. We find by activation level: online: a list of a maximum of nine data associated with each key on the keyboard from "1" to "9"; - in column: these data being organized for a reading of these from left to right and from top below according to the arrangement of the keys "1" to "9" in FIG. 18 and their associated sub-zones.

A selection means for selecting one of the activation levels can be, by way of nonlimiting example, means for recognizing the entry of a combination of keys on the keyboard with which the activation level is associated.

A selection means for selecting data of a determined activation level can also be done by way of nonlimiting example, in three stages via the keyboard:

^1st time: activation of the key corresponding to the activation level of which the data is part;

2 ^nd time: activation of the key whose sub-area is assigned the desired data;

^3rd time: activation of the occupant key on the keyboard the same position occupied by the affected subarea of the data, within the subfields of the respective key. For example, to get the letter "V", you need:

^1st step: activate the "8" key associated for example with the "Shift" activation level;

2 ^ee time: activate the "4" with a sub-areas is affected by this letter;

^3rd time: activate the "1" key on the keyboard occupant of Figure 18 the same position occupied by the letter "V" in the sub-areas of the "4" key. Three keys must therefore be activated to obtain data in this selection mode with a determined activation level.

The functions "Perso.1", "Perso.2" and "Perso.3" in figure 19 corresponding respectively to the keys "1", "2" and "3" on the keyboard are functions allowing to customize the content of the sub -zones in contrast to the other functions already containing second preset data. In a creation mode, the user enters third data using the second available data, associates them functionally with sub-zones, stores them in the memory of the telephone and restores them, in a use mode, as seconds given by a activation of at least two keys according to the selection mode described above. During data entry and during restitution, this data is displayed in the data entry and display area of the screen. Each sub-area may contain, depending on the size of the screen, all or part of the data entered. The sub-zones in a personalization mode can contain by way of nonlimiting example the first characters of the third data, a graphic representation symbolizing these third data.

Table 9

An embodiment of the third inventive aspect is presented below, with reference to the drawings of FIGS. 18, 22, 23, 24 and to the figures below in which: FIG. 25 illustrates an example of an alphanumeric keyboard and of function equipping a mobile phone ; FIG. 26 shows an example of two types of distribution of the graphemes on the keys: by row number 2a and by reference phoneme (s) 2b; FIG. 27 illustrates an example of division of part of the keys of a keyboard into a location occupied by a first digital data item and one or more sub-areas for carrying second data items; FIG. 28 illustrates another example of division of part of the keys of a keyboard into a location occupied by a first digital data item and nine sub-areas for carrying second data items; - Figure 29 illustrates a first example of division of each of the keys "1" to "9" of a keyboard in a location for a first numerical datum and nine sub-zones adjacent to each of them; FIG. 30 illustrates a second example of division of each of the keys "1" to "9" of a keyboard into nine sub-zones and a location for a first numerical datum adjacent to each of them; FIG. 31 illustrates an example of distribution of the graphemes in the sub-zones according to their rank number; FIG. 32 illustrates an example of distribution of the graphemes in the sub-zones according to their reference phoneme (s); FIG. 33 illustrates another example of the distribution of graphemes in the sub-zones according to their reference phoneme (s) with the keys containing graphemes of vowels situated on the periphery of the keyboard;

Figure 34 illustrates an alphanumeric and function keyboard with six additional keys fitted to a mobile device; FIG. 35 illustrates a key creation / distribution unit.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example of an alphanumeric keyboard and of function 4002 equipping a mobile telephone 4001. It comprises a display device 4027, a selection means 4003 by means of the button "Alpha Num. "To select an operation in numeric mode or in alphabetical mode, of the first numerical data 4005 from" 0 "to" 9 "and of the second data 4009 presenting the graphemes of the French alphabet distributed by phonemes) of reference on each of the keys 4007 from "1" to "9".

The keys 4007, the first digital data 4005 and the second data 4009 in this figure and others have not all been identified for the sake of readability. The number of seconds given (boxed graphemes) per key is variable: there is one grapheme on the "6" key, two on the "9" key and four on the "3" key, etc.

Table 10 below and Table 1 already set out show the sequences P _m , P _x and P _z of graphemes from French with the chosen reference phonemes, transcribed with the international phonetic alphabet. We note that the sequences Pi and P2 are sequences containing a single grapheme, the reference phoneme of which is therefore common to zero other graphemes. P _e and P ₇ do not contain any grapheme. The sequences P ₃ , P, P5, Ps and Pg are sequences containing at least two graphemes. P3 is a sequence whose reference phoneme is common to two graphemes. Indeed, x-M + 1 with x being equal to 3, M (maximum number of graphemes whose reference phoneme is common to 0 other grapheme) being equal to 2 is indeed equal to 3-2 + 1 = 2. And so on, for the other suites P „. The sequences P _z are sequences containing chains of grapheme (s) chosen for the phoneme (s) which they represent, including chains with one or more grapheme (s) with diacritical sign, to which then correspond a or more phonemes. Suites P10 to P17 each have a common phoneme. The Pie to P20 suites contain chains of graphemes to which several phonemes correspond.

Reference will be made in the following description to these sequences and these reference phonemes.

Table 10

As shown in Figure 25, the graphemes of the sequences of at least seven graphemes "F, L, M, N, R, S, Z" and "B, C, D, G, P, T, V, W Are distributed over two adjacent keys; the first grapheme on the keys containing a vowel is a vowel; these keys which contain a vowel are located on the periphery of the keyboard: first line and last column of keys comprising at the same time graphemes and numerical data.

FIG. 26 shows an example of two types of distribution of the graphemes on the keys: by row number 4002a and by reference phoneme (s) 4002b.

Figures 27, 28, 29, 30 illustrate four types of key division:

In FIG. 27, the location 4011 reserved for the first data 4005 and the sub-zones 4015 are located on the keys 4007. The number of sub-zones varies according to the keys from "1" to "4". - In FIG. 28, the location 4011 reserved for the first data 4005 and the sub-zones 4015 are located on the keys 4007. However, the number of sub-zones per key is here nine on the keys of first digital data "1" to "9".

In FIG. 29, the keys 4007 carry only the first data 4005. The sub-zones 4015 are adjacent to these keys. - In FIG. 30, the keys 4007 carry the sub-zones 4015. The location 4011 reserved for a first datum is located adjacent to the keys.

Only three of the sub-areas are arrowed in FIGS. 28, 29 and 30, this in order to facilitate their reading. There are actually nine sub-zones per key, but their number may vary depending on the distribution chosen and the number of graphemes and other signs desired. The line under the sub-areas of Figure 29 will be explained later in the description. This simplification of signage and marking also applies to keys and locations carrying the first numerical data. Figure 31 illustrates an example of the distribution of French graphemes in the sub-zones according to their row number in their suite. Thus, we find on the "1" key all the rank 1 graphemes in their sequence, on the "2" key all the rank 2 graphemes and so on. Table 11 below illustrates this notion of rank number for some sequences.

Table 11

In this distribution, each grapheme occupies the same relative position in the sub-zones as the key carrying the numerical data corresponding to the number of graphemes in its sequence. Thus, we see in the sub-area of each key from "1" to "7" located in the upper left corner, also position of the number "7" on the keyboard, one of the different graphemes of the P ₈ suite containing seven graphemes .

According to the second selection means used to select one of the graphemes on a key, this can be a drawback of having a large number of graphemes on the same key, as on key "1". In this case, in order to distribute them more uniformly on all the keys, the row numbers of the graphemes will be modified in their sequence. Thus, as indicated in table 12 below, the grapheme "e", the only grapheme of its sequence, of initial rank 1 on table 11, will be assigned a new rank number different from 1, for example of rank 7 as in table 12. In the same way, other graphemes, such as those of the P3 series can be assigned new rank numbers.

Table 12

In certain languages such as German, of which Table 7 already exposed presents the sequences P _m and P _x of graphemes with the chosen reference phonemes, there are different phoneme sequences which include the same number of graphemes as the sequences P5 and Ps. In the case of a distribution according to h1, it will be necessary to modify the row numbers of the graphemes of one of the two sequences as explained above for the sequences Pi and P ₃ .

In English, as shown in Table 6, the number of sequences P _m and P _x and graphemes in each of these sequences is identical to French. On the other hand, certain graphemes do not belong to the same sequences.

Between Figures 31 and 32, we note a different distribution of the numerical data on the first sub-areas of the keys: in Figure 31, the numbers increase from bottom to top whereas it is the reverse on the Figure 32, as in other figures elsewhere. This is to show different key positions.

Figures 32 and 33 each illustrate an example of the distribution of graphemes in the sub-areas according to their reference phonemefs. In Figure 32, the number of sub-areas per key is nine, some are therefore not affected by graphemes, while in Figure 33 the number of sub-areas by key corresponds to the number of graphemes assigned to each key. As in Figure 25, the graphemes of the sequences of at least seven graphemes "F, L, M, N, R, S, Z" and "B, C, D, G, P, T, V, W" are distributed over two adjacent keys; the first grapheme on the keys containing a vowel is a vowel; these keys which contain a vowel are located on the first line or the last column of keys comprising both graphemes and numerical data, that is to say at the periphery of the keyboard. This figure 33 also illustrates the fact that the number of sub-zones into which each key is divided can vary depending on the number of graphemes and other signs and symbols necessary for certain types of use of the keyboard.

For the positional relationships between the sub-zones of each key and some of the keys on the keyboard, reference is made to FIG. 22 already presented.

The same eighty-one sub-areas as in Figure 22 but this time containing graphemes (the twenty-six graphemes of the alphabet plus graphemes with diacritical marks), other signs and symbols including signs of punctuation, monetary, mathematical and communication symbols are also shown in Figure 23. A total of eighty-one characters accessible in alphabetical mode with a keyboard of only nine keys.

As shown in this figure, the twenty-six graphemes of the alphabet are distributed by reference phonemes, the other signs and symbols by function.

The graphemes

The sub-areas adjacent to the keys from "1" to "6" are assigned graphemes as follows: - the twenty-six graphemes of the alphabet

All the graphemes of each Px suite are assigned to separate key sub-areas. Some of the sub-areas adjacent to the "4" and "5" keys are respectively affected by all the graphemes of the Pβ and Pg sequences. Some of the sub-areas adjacent to the "1", "2", "3" and "6 keys "are respectively affected by all the graphemes of the sequences P ₄ , Pi, P ₅ , P ₂ and P3. The grapheme "O" in the P2 suite, from one of the P suites, is assigned to one of the sub-areas of the key already assigned to the graphemes in the P3 suite. Furthermore, the first grapheme of the sequences containing a vowel is a vowel; the keys concerned are located on the first line (keys "1", "2" and "3") and the last column of keys (keys "3" and "6") in the conventional order of the vowels "A, E , I, O, U "when we read these subzones from left to right and from top to bottom. Thus, they are more easily identifiable. - graphemes with diacritical marks

The remaining sub-areas of each of the keys "1" to "6" are further assigned graphemes with diacritical marks and for some other signs or symbols. Graphemes with diacritical marks are first assigned to the sub-zones following the sequences of the same reference phoneme. The grapheme "É" is thus assigned to the last of the affected sub-areas of the graphemes of the sequence P ₉ in [e]. The other signs and symbols

They are mainly assigned to the sub-areas of the keys "7" to "9". The sub-areas of the key:

"7" contain punctuation marks;

"8" contain symbols, in particular for communication via the Internet; - "9" contain mathematical symbols.

Certain currency symbols are assigned to sub-areas adjacent to the "2" key.

The location assignments for the first digital data and sub-areas are given here by way of non-limiting example.

FIG. 24 shows a magnification of nine of the sub-zones of FIG. 22 (3015a) and of those adjacent to the "4" key in FIG. 23 (3015b), this in order to illustrate a possibility of second selection means for select a specific sub-zone from all of the sub-zones. Indeed, this organization of sub-zones makes it possible to easily locate and memorize the location of graphemes and other signs and symbols, but also to enter them only in two stages:

^1st time: activation of the key whose sub-area is affected by the desired grapheme, sign or symbol;

2 ^nd time: activation of the key occupying the same position on the keyboard as the affected sub-area of the grapheme, sign or symbol desired, within the sub-areas of the key concerned. For example, to obtain the grapheme "V", we need:

^1st step: activate key "4", one of the sub-areas of which is affected by this grapheme;

2 ^nd time: activate the key "7" occupying on the keyboard the same position as the grapheme "V" occupies within the sub-areas of the key "4".

To allow the keyboard to differentiate the activation of the keys (1 ^st and 2 ^nd time), it will be equipped with recognition means capable, by way of nonlimiting example, of detecting: the activation of two keys in an interval of determined time; the activation of two keys simultaneously in a determined time interval; the activation of a 1 ^st key and a 2 ^nd while keeping the first activated.

The selection means for selecting an alphabetical mode or a numeric mode can be by way of nonlimiting example: a mode selection button like the button (4003) in FIG. 25; recognition means for detecting the duration of the activation of a key; a long activation will give numbers, a short activation will give graphemes.

FIG. 34 illustrates another example of an alphanumeric keyboard and of function 4001. In this example, the distribution of the graphemes is made by row numbers. The keyboard is equipped with additional keys 4033: - five keys 4033a each represent one of the reference phonemes of each of the sequences P _x : [a], [i], [y], [ε], [e], a key 4033b represents two reference phonemes, those of the sequences P _m .: [e] and [o].

Table 13 below indicates the different graphemes in their sequences and the numeric keys corresponding to their rank number with which they are associated.

The selection of a grapheme is done in two steps as follows:

^1st step: activation of the additional key representing the reference phoneme of the sequence to which the grapheme belongs;

2 ^nd time: activation of the numeric key corresponding to the row number of this grapheme in the continuation. For example, to obtain the grapheme "V", we need:

^1st step: activate the key carrying the reference phoneme [e];

2 ^nd time: activate the key "7" corresponding to the row number of the grapheme "V" below.

In letter mode, ^1st and ^2nd selection time can be reversed. To allow the keyboard to differentiate the activation of the keys (1 ^st and 2 ^nd time), it will be equipped with recognition means capable, by way of nonlimiting example, of detecting: the activation of 2 keys in an interval of determined time; the activation of 2 keys simultaneously in a determined time interval; activation than a 1 and a key ^era ^eιτιe 2 while keeping the first enabled.

To reduce the number of additional keys 4033, the reference phonemes [Θ] and [o] are carried by the same key 4033b instead of two separate. For this, we assign a different rank to the graphemes of the sequences P _m : for example rank 2 to the grapheme “O” and rank 1 to the grapheme “E”.

The selection means for selecting an alphabetical mode or a numeric mode can be by way of nonlimiting example: a mode selection button like the button 4003 in FIG. 25; recognition means for detecting the duration of the activation of a key; a long activation will give numbers, a short activation will give graphemes.

The distribution of the keyboard keys in this figure is by way of nonlimiting example. The 6 additional keys 33 can be replaced, for example, by a 6-position button. FIG. 35 illustrates a key creation / distribution unit using a laser beam for marking the keys of the alphabetical zone, according to the distribution h2, of a keyboard initially equipped with keys marked only with digital data. For example, a series of three graphemes (A, H and K) is being marked with one of the three sub-areas of the first numeric data key "1" already marked with grapheme "A" 4009. It the two other graphemes to mark (H, K) remain on two of the twenty-five other sub-areas remaining in the alphabetical area. This creation / distribution unit optimizes the longitudinal and transverse movements of its marking head: it will therefore not control the movement of the 4041 head over the twenty-five sub-areas, therefore on all the keyboard keys but only on one or more of them, in particular on the remaining sub-zones of the key comprising a sub-zone already marked with the grapheme "A" which are the other divisions of this key. In the case of a larger suite, certain sub-zones may be on a key adjacent to that already marked. Indeed, all or part of the graphemes of the same sequence are assigned to one or more adjacent keys. This results in an obvious saving of time. To facilitate visibility on the figure of these sub-areas, the marking head has been removed. We see the sub-area marked with the grapheme "A" and next to it two other blackened sub-areas 4015 which form the sub-areas of the "1" key, which can carry the 2 other graphemes such as the graphemes " A "," H "and" K "are adjacent two by two on the same key, here the key" 1 ".

Claims

EVENDICATIONS

1- Set to establish a perceptual unit using at least two senses among sight, hearing and touch between at least one keyboard (1) for data entry, called perceptual keyboard, a screen (55), a unit (11) for data processing, an input operator (100) and its neural fields of hearing, sight and touch promoting the sensorimotor action of the user, in particular his speed of inputting data into said unit for processing, this assembly comprising for this: a) a data processing unit (11) connected to the keyboard by means of connection means (13), at least for creating on the screen (55) an input area (77) and display thereon said entered data; b) a display screen (55) connected to the data processing unit via connection means (23); c) the perceptual keyboard (1) the keys (5) of which are arranged in rows and / or columns, the keyboard having a zone reserved (3) for alphabetic keys (5); d) and a pilot (15) for controlling this keyboard, the assembly being characterized in that: said keys (5) are assigned at least the graphemes (7) of a determined alphabet, in any chosen language, the number of keys being at least equal to the number of graphemes of said alphabet, the graphemes assigned to the keys being always distinct two by two, all said graphemes, which have common phonemes chosen, called reference phonemes of these graphemes, being grouped in the area (3 ) alphabetic keys according to said reference phonemes, forming as many key groups as there are reference phonemes in the alphabet, and, within each group of keys, the keys affected by their grapheme being distributed in such a way that a key thus affected is located adjacent to at least one other affected key of the same group; the data processing unit (11) comprises a succession of addresses (57) in a memory area (27) with an allocation path defined between them and the keys so that two keys are assigned two keys successive on the way, each key (5) assigned its grapheme (7) corresponds an address (57) in the memory area (27), in the memory area (27), at least three addresses corresponding to at least three keys are grouped in such a way that at least three visually adjacent graphemes on the keys having the same reference phoneme correspond to at least three addresses which are separated two by two successively, in memory, by a number of intermediate addresses equal to the number of addressed keys which, on the way, separate two keys successively among said at least three, and this, for several groups of key (s), and the pilot (15) detects the activation of one of said keys (5) and tr follows this activation on the screen (55), by the display of a grapheme (7) corresponding to that marked on the key (5).

2- An assembly according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a generator (300) of sequences of graphemes to be captured comprising: a table of graphemes (200) divided into rows and columns, the intersection areas of which are cells (101) some of which contain graphemes (103) others do not, with as number of columns or rows at least the number of graphemes of a given alphabet to which correspond, for each grapheme of this alphabet one or more phonemes, in any chosen language, the set of graphemes of said alphabet being distributed in sequences P _m and P _x of graphemes each grouping together all the graphemes having a common phoneme chosen from among ( s) says (s) phonemes (s) says "reference phoneme" of these graphemes, such as: - P _m (1 <m≤M; m and M integers): ^same grapheme whose reference phoneme is common to 0 other grapheme;

P _x (X≥x≥M + 1; integers x, M and X): sequence (s) of graphemes whose reference phoneme is common to x-M + 1 graphemes; M: maximum number of graphemes whose reference phoneme is common to zero other graphemes for a given language;

X: maximum value of x; and as the number of lines, respectively of columns, of the first containing at least all the graphemes (103) of the alphabet said graphemes of reference of said language to the last containing the graphemes (105) of common phonemes chosen from among said phonemes called "reference phonemes" of these graphemes (103), at least the maximum number of graphemes associated with the same reference phoneme including the grapheme (s) of this reference phoneme, each column containing all the associated graphemes to the same reference phoneme classified in a determined order, at least all of said reference graphemes, undergoing, by column, a circular permutation of a cell at each change of column having the same reference phoneme, in each column the same grapheme never occupying the same cell in a unidirectional movement between the first and the last column; the number of cells in the table (200) being greater than or equal to the number of graphemes of the alphabet in the chosen language multiplied by the maximum number of graphemes associated with the same reference phoneme including the grapheme (s) of this phoneme; the number of graphemes G _n of said language in each line between 1 and n, with the exception of the line containing the reference graphemes including the grapheme (s) of this phoneme; the number of graphemes G _n of said language in each line between 1 and n, with the exception of the line containing the graphemes of phonemes called reference phonemes, from the column containing the first reference grapheme of the alphabet up to in the column containing the last one, being determined according to the formula: G _n = G „-ι - Q _n -ι, with Gi being the number of graphemes of the first line of the alphabet concerned, G ₂ being the number of graphemes of the first line minus the number of graphemes whose phoneme is not common to any other grapheme, and Q _π. ι being the number of graphemes whose reference phoneme is common to n- graphemes, with n> 3 (n integer ), at least one pointer (100) of cell (s).

3- An assembly according to claim 2 characterized in that the pointer (s) (100) activate via connection means (33) the unit (11) for processing data producing in audio and / or visual form the sequences of graphemes generated by moving the pointer over the cells of the table.

4- Method of learning or training in data entry from a perceptual keyboard (1) belonging to the assembly according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: a) the location on the keyboard of zones (93) of keys (5) visually identifiable, each of these zones being associated with sequences P _m and P _x of graphemes (7) of a determined alphabet to which correspond , for each grapheme one or more phonemes, each sequence grouping the grapheme (s) having a common phoneme chosen from the said phoneme (s) called "reference phoneme" of these graphemes, such as:

Pm (1 <m≤M; m and M integers): ^same grapheme whose reference phoneme is common to 0 other grapheme; P _x (X≥x≥M + 1; integers x, M and X): sequence (s) of graphemes whose reference phoneme is common to x-M + 1 graphemes;

M: maximum number of graphemes whose reference phoneme is common to zero other graphemes for a given language;

X: maximum value of x; b) the location, in each of the zones (93), of key (s) (5) affected each of their graphemes (7); c) entering each of the grapheme sequences in each zone; d) entering sequences generated by the generator (300) of sequences, among: sequences of grapheme (s) with the same reference phoneme (s), - sequences of one or more syllables, sequences of words, sequences of groups of words, sequences of sentences.

5- A learning method according to claim 4, characterized in that, to carry out step d), the sequences are produced in sound and / or visual form.