Method and apparatus for data entry input

An apparatus for determining a user inputted symbol or function comprising:

• a data entry device having an associated memory adapted to store information associating symbols or functions with corresponding key regions associated with the data entry device, in which the associated symbols or functions are assigned to corresponding input objects;
• and
• a processor of the data entry device adapted to:
• (i) determine which key region of the plurality of key regions has been actuated, (ii) identify the input object associated with the actuation of the key region, and (iii) output an associated symbol or perform an associated function in response to the identification of the input object that actuated the key region.

A keyboard structure comprising:

• a plurality of key regions representing an existing keyboard arrangement, at least some of the said plurality of key regions being multifunctional keys having more than one symbol or function associated with each of said multifunctional keys;
• means for associating a plurality of at least one spatially neighboring symbol or function in said existing keyboard arrangement with each key region of said plurality of key regions;
• and
• means for assigning a plurality of at least one input object or at least one assisting key or some combination of input objects and assisting keys to each symbol or function associated with each of said key regions.