Alphanumeric Data Entry and Editing on a Telephone-Type Keypad

Abstract

Innovative alphanumeric data entry and edit procedures are required for input-output devices that, constrained by size and usage considerations, are limited to functionality available with multi-character and limited function keys. Such an interface was developed by the authors for Martin Marietta in support of the US Army Single Channel Anti-jam Man-Portable (SCAMP) Program. Two character entry schemes and three message editing protocols were developed and evaluated using a Macintosh-based, Supercard-configured prototype whose conventions were assessed by twelve subjects in a counter-balanced experimental design. One character entry scheme proved to be statistically superior to the other scheme in terms of time and number of keystrokes required, and was universally favored by subjects. Although there was no clearly superior message editing protocol among the three alternatives, one convention was generally favored over the others in terms of performance and ease of operation.