Abstract

A predictive scanning input system provides predictive selection of individual indicators corresponding to keys on the keyboard to input a previously stored plural word message to a processor and subsequently to an output device. The predictive scanning input system of the present invention allows the user to select only a limited number of keys which can produce a previously stored message involving an initially detected symbol corresponding to a first key which has been operated. The system operates in conjunction with a keyboard containing a plurality of icons or polysemic (many-meaning) symbols to allow a user to access plural word messages or sentences previously stored in the memory thereof, for selective retrieval by the keyboard. The predictive scanning input system, in conjunction with the symbols containing these polysemic symbols or icons, can be adjusted to a user's needs to aid a user in communication through previously stored plural word messages, by actuation of only a limited number of keys further limited by activation of visual indicators of the predictive scanning input system corresponding to each of a plurality of symbol sequences containing an initially detected symbol. This thereby defines to a user a limited number of keys which can produce a stored message involving an initially detected symbol.

Other References

• The Effectiveness of Language Redundancy in Non-Verbal Communication, by Foulds et al., early 1970'