Device for selection of symbols, such as characters, icons and/or multiple choices

A method for selection of symbols selected from characters or icons, comprising the steps of:

• prearranging a matrix carrying a plurality of sensors split into a first group of sensors having function of choice and at least a second group of sensors associated each to a limited number of said symbols;
• activating said sensors, bringing an activation member at least partially in coincidence with one of said sensors thus producing a corresponding selection signal, wherein said activation member is brought in turn on a first sensor belonging to said first group and then a second sensor belonging to said second group;
• wherein the activation member is adapted to slide relative to said sensors in order to be brought at least partially in coincidence with one of said sensors, thus producing a corresponding selection signal, by motion of a selection key which can be operated manually for bringing in turn said activation member to select a first sensor belonging to said first group and then a second sensor belonging to said second group, said sensors being distributed on said matrix according to modular zones, comprising a central zone and radial sector zones angularly equidistant, the sensors of the first group being located in a passageway between said central zone and each of said radial sector zones, and the sensors of the second group being located within said radial sector zones;
• identifying each sensor of said first and second group selected by said activation member, and, for each selected sensor of the second group, choosing univocally one among the limited number of symbols associated to said sensor of the second group responsive to which sensor of the first group had been selected immediately before by said activation member, and
• providing a means for guiding, at least partially, said selection key for determining the relative movement of said activation member with respect to said sensors, said guiding means consisting of edges in relief of said radial sector zones, said sensors of said second group being on said edges in relief;
• wherein the method functions without looking at the motion the selection key follows operated by action of a finger.

A selection device, comprising:

• a matrix carrying a plurality of sensors split into a first group of sensors having function of choice and at least a second group of sensors associated each to a limited number of said symbols;
• an activation member of said sensors, adapted to slide relative to said sensors in order to be brought at least partially in coincidence with one of said sensors thus producing a corresponding selection signal;
• a selection key which can be operated manually for bringing in turn said activation member to select a first sensor belonging to said first group and then a second sensor belonging to said second group, said sensors being distributed on said matrix according to modular zones, comprising a central zone and radial sector zones angularly equidistant or non-equidistant, the sensors of the first group being located in a passageway between said central zone and each of said radial sector zones, and the sensors of the second group being located within said radial sector zones;
• and
• a guide for said selection key for determining the relative movement of said activation member with respect to said sensors, said guide comprising edges in relief of said radial sector zones, said sensors of said second group being on said edges in relief,
• wherein the device is configured to be operated without looking at the motion the selection key follows operated by action of a finger.