A text entry interface or text entry device is an interface that is used to enter text information in an electronic device. A commonly used device is a mechanical computer keyboard. Most laptop computers have an integrated mechanical keyboard, and desktop computers are usually operated primarily using a keyboard and mouse. Devices such as smartphones and tablets mean that interfaces such as virtual keyboards and voice recognition are becoming more popular as text entry systems.
Background With the increasing popularity of mobile electronic information management, the variety in text entry interfaces has developed considerably. Such interfaces are primarily used to communicate and record information and data.
Computer keyboard text entry A computer keyboard is a typewriter-style device which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches. Each button typically represents one character, but some symbols may only be accessible via a combination of buttons. The layout of the keyboard is like that of a traditional typewriter, although there are some additional keys provided for performing further functions. There are a number of different keyboard layouts available: QWERTY is the standard English-language keyboard layout, as the first six keys on the row of letters are Q, W, E, R, T and Y. Other keyboard layouts include AZERTY and Dvorak. The AZERTY keyboard is a variation of the standard QWERTY keyboard adapted for French-language input. The AZERTY layout is optimised for French language use. Some QWERTY and AZERTY keyboards have explicitly labelled keycaps for diacritics (accents) but, given the appropriate keyboard mapping, any keyboard may be used where these letters are needed. The Dvorak keyboard is designed so that the middle row of keys includes the most common letters, with the goal of allowing greater efficiency and comfort while typing. These keyboards usually contain letters, numbers, currency sign(s), punctuation, function and control keys, arrow keys, a keypad, and may include a wristpad.
ITU-T text entry (phone keyboard) With the popularity of text messaging, text entry with mobile phones has gained use. Each key contains multiple characters, and these are reached through multiple key presses. This is frequently used in conjunction with predictive text (also known as T9) entry. Although once popular, this system has been mostly displaced with the widespread use of touchscreens on smartphones and is now mostly found on budget feature phones.
Virtual keyboards
Virtual keyboards are similar to mechanical keyboards, but do not make use of physical keys. These may be implemented on systems using a screen or projected onto a surface. The individual letters may be selected by touching them as on a touch screen or surface, or by clicking on them with a classical pointing device (a mouse or touchpad), like in the case of virtual computer keyboards. Multi-touch screens even support virtual chorded keyboards. On-screen keyboards can be used to type and enter data without using a physical keyboard. An on-screen keyboard may contain all the standard keys including all letters, numbers, symbols, and system keys like Home, End, Insert, Page Up and Page Down, Ctrl, Alt, Caps, and Shift, and can even extend the set of characters available by simulating alternative layouts. These keys can be selected using the mouse or another pointing device, or a single key or a small group of keys can be used to cycle through the keys on the screen. The on-screen keyboard is the most common type of virtual keyboard. The accuracy of this keyboard depends only on hitting the right key. The main purpose of an on-screen keyboard is to provide an alternative mechanism for disabled users who cannot use a physical keyboard, or to provide text input on devices lacking a physical keyboard, such as smartphones and tablets. Virtual keyboards also allow users to enter characters not available on their physical keyboard, enabling support for a number of languages with only one hardware keyboard. Devices such as smartphones and tablets come with touchscreens and make use of virtual keyboards. Keyboards vary between operating systems but many third-party applications are available to replace the system keyboard. Mobile virtual keyboards are often used alongside predictive text.
Voice recognition Voice recognition is a system that allows using one's voice in order to send messages, make phone calls and more. The most powerful voice entry systems can recognize thousands of words. It usually requires the speaker to speak slowly, distinctly and to separate each word with a short pause. This system can replace or supplement other input devices such as keyboards and different pointing devices. The software has been developed to provide a fast method of writing without using a keyboard and can help people with various disabilities. The system works by analysing sounds and converting them to text. It knows how the language is usually spoken and decides what the speaker is most probably saying. The most powerful systems should recognise around 95% of clear speech correctly. Several voice recognition applications are available. Some of the most well-known systems are Apple Inc.'s Siri and Microsoft's Cortana. Many voice-recognition programs offer the ability to start and control programs through spoken commands.
Individual letter selection This is commonly used on electronic systems where text entry is not important. Examples include television channel naming and text entry in video game systems such as the Sony PSP. Usually directional input devices (arrow keys, joysticks) are used to highlight a letter or number, then the enter key is used to select the letter.
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