A Pocket-sized User Interface for Internet Browser Terminals and the Like
is disclosed. The disclosed interface provides a plurality of
pre-programmed as well as user-programmable touch-sensitive switches that
integrate with frequently-used browser functions. The disclosed
touch-sensitive switch functions may be responsive to the application that
the user is interfacing with. A critical aspect of the disclosed interface
is that the housing be less than about 0.45 inches in thickness, and
further be roughly the length and width of a standard business card,
however, other sizes may be available to provide further utility. Also
disclosed is an attachment means for attaching the keypad of the present
interface to one's arm or leg, or other structure, such as a monitor,
keyboard, desktop or other surface. Still further disclosed is a keypad
that is in wireless communication with a browser terminal, and that
further includes a user display for displaying pertinent information. Also
disclosed in other preferred embodiments are keypads that: include
multimedia device control capability; are configured for the physically
handicapped user; are provided as an addition to a conventional keyboard;
as well as devices having the touch-sensitive switches that may also be
voice-activated; these switches being arranged on a touch pad.