Character and text unit input correction system

Abstract

An input device is disclosed that includes a sensor for editing characters and text units. The sensor has an elongate configuration and is laterally-oriented with respect to sides of the input device. The input device also includes a plurality of keys for entering individual characters or multiple characters that form the text units. By contacting the sensor, an incorrectly-entered text unit may be selected and replaced with an intended text unit. In order to select the incorrectly-entered text unit, the sensor may be contacted in a position that corresponds with a position of the text unit with respect to a display screen.

1 . An input device comprising: 
 a housing having a front edge, a back edge, and a pair of side edges extending between the front edge and the back edge, the front edge being positioned proximal a user during use, and the back edge being positioned distal the user during use;    an alphanumeric region having a plurality of keys for entering characters, the alphanumeric region being positioned between the front edge and the back edge; and    an elongated, laterally-oriented, text unit editing sensor positioned between the alphanumeric region and the back edge, the sensor having a configuration of a touch-sensitive strip with a length that is at least four times a width.    
   
   
       2 . The input device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the text unit editing sensor is positioned adjacent the alphanumeric region.  
   
   
       3 . The input device recited in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one text unit sensor supporting input element to assist in editing the characters.  
   
   
       4 . The input device recited in  claim 3 , wherein the at least one text unit sensor supporting input element to assist in editing the characters includes three discrete keys.  
   
   
       5 . The input device recited in  claim 3 , wherein the at least one text unit sensor supporting input element to assist in editing the characters includes a toggle key.  
   
   
       6 . The input device recited in  claim 5 , wherein the toggle key is a three-way toggle key.  
   
   
       7 . The input device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the text unit editing sensor is positioned directly behind the alphanumeric region.  
   
   
       8 . The input device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the input device is a keyboard.  
   
   
       9 . An input device comprising: 
 an alphanumeric region having a plurality of keys for entering characters; and    a touch-sensitive sensor positioned adjacent the alphanumeric region and behind the alphanumeric region, the sensor being oriented laterally with respect to the input device, and the sensor having an elongate configuration with a length that is at least four times a width.    
   
   
       10 . The input device recited in  claim 9 , wherein the sensor is positioned directly behind the alphanumeric region.  
   
   
       11 . The input device recited in  claim 9 , wherein the input device is a keyboard.  
   
   
       12 . The input device recited in  claim 9 , further comprising at least one supporting input element to assist in editing the characters.  
   
   
       13 . The input device recited in  claim 12 , wherein the input element includes three discrete keys.  
   
   
       14 . The input device recited in  claim 12 , wherein the input element includes a toggle key.  
   
   
       15 . The input device recited in  claim 14 , wherein the toggle key is a three-way toggle key.  
   
   
       16 . An input device comprising: 
 an alphanumeric region having a plurality of keys for entering characters; and    an editing sensor positioned adjacent the alphanumeric region, the editing sensor being a substantially two-dimensional touch-sensitive strip with a curved configuration.    
   
   
       17 . The input device recited in  claim 16 , wherein the editing sensor has a pair of end portions and a central portion extending between the end portions, the central portion having an at least semi-circular shape.  
   
   
       18 . The input device recited in  claim 17 , wherein the end portions are positioned adjacent each other.  
   
   
       19 . The input device recited in  claim 16 , wherein the touch sensor forms an at least partially circular shape.  
   
   
       20 . The input device recited in  claim 16 , wherein the input device is a keyboard.