RU2267183C2 - Input devices and their use - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: devices for data input to electronic devices, in particular, to small keyboards, in which the output keystrokes are determined both on the basis of activation of a separate switch, and on the basis combined activation of the adjacent switches.

SUBSTANCE: in a small keyboard the regions of independent and combined keys are located in alternating columns, the columns of the regions of combined keys include multiple digital columns and at least one column containing regions of keys corresponding to the symbols of punctuation.

EFFECT: reduced dimensions of the keyboard, enhanced accuracy of data input.

15 cl, 46 dwg

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to devices, such as touch panels, small keyboards and voice recognition systems, for inputting data into electronic devices and, more particularly, to small keyboards in which output key presses are determined both by activating a separate switch and based on the combined activation of adjacent switches.

State of the art

Miniaturization of electronic products is one of the basic principles of technological progress. The competitive advantage and success of the product line is largely dependent on the company's ability to successfully provide products that are becoming more functional and more portable. As technology evolves, it becomes increasingly possible to miniaturize electronic circuits, with the result that the interface (for example, screens, small keyboards, cursor control devices) can reach the size limit of portable products. Therefore, as portable products enter this area, the ergonomic quality and size of their input devices (such as small keyboards) will be of increasing importance for product recognition and success. The telephone keypad is of particular importance, as it is as important around the world as the main communication and economic tool. International standards are set, for example, for the minimum size between adjacent switches (switching points) of keys in order to accommodate the fingertips of an ordinary person. By “key” the applicant means an element from an array of elements above the surface, which, when pressed, generates an identifying output signal corresponding to the location of the element. The term “key area” includes, for example, a localized area having an operation mode similar to keys on a touch screen, and a localized area of a small keyboard formed by placing a membrane over an array of contact switches. A “small keyboard” is an array of keys or areas of keys and includes, but is not limited to, a traditional small keyboard (which is found on most phones, calculators, and the like), a keyboard, and similar touch-sensitive devices implemented using the touch screen or using divided zones on the surface of the membrane. Despite the fact that such a surface is usually flat, it can also be curved.

One of the applicant's early works was aimed at reducing the size of small keyboards by developing small keyboards in which the output from keystrokes is determined both by activating a separate switch and by combining the activation of neighboring switches. One of the earliest works of the applicant is disclosed in US patent No. 5612690 and No. 5973621, the full contents of which are incorporated into this description by reference. Applicant mentions such small keyboards in the present description as NIKK small keyboards or small keyboards with independent and combination keys.

In this context, “independent keys” or “regions of independent keys” are elevated regions of a surface of a small keyboard with separate graphic elements that provide a corresponding output signal when individually pressed. A “combination key” or “combination key region”, on the other hand, is a locally lower region of the surface of the NICC small keyboard that provides a unique output signal as a result of simultaneous or almost simultaneous manipulation of a plurality of two or more neighboring ones (for example, diagonally adjacent or “angle kitten-corner) areas of independent keys, usually corresponding to a central graphic element. Applicant uses the concept of “specific combination” to mean any combination of independent keys that corresponds to a combination key, as interpreted by the corresponding device. On the contrary, an “indefinite combination” is a set of independent keys that, when pressed simultaneously, do not correspond to a particular combination key.

Thus, the NICC Small Keyboard is a small keyboard that includes both independent and combination keys or key areas. Such small keyboards usually have independent key areas identified by graphic elements on surfaces slightly raised above adjacent surfaces bearing other graphic elements, which, for example, identify areas of the combination (combination) keys. It is possible to construct such small keyboards with an advantageously very small gap between adjacent areas of independent keys.

It is advisable to increase the accuracy of the NICC small keyboards and other input devices, taking into account the interpretation of the user's intention, regardless of the switching technology used. There is a special need to better determine whether the user means pressing a separate or combined key in the NIKK small keyboard in those implementations where strong tactile feedback is required, for example, that is provided with metal clicking (fixing) caps. Improvements in the ergonomics of such small keyboards are also required, as well as improved algorithms in order to simplify the interpretation of input, for example, for use in telephones and similar devices.

Further improvements are required in the design and implementation of small keyboards and other input devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses improvements in the design of NIKK small keyboards and other data input means and their integration into electronic devices.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a telephone with a NICC keypad defining both areas of the combination (combined) keys and areas of independent keys arranged in alternating columns has columns of combined key areas that include multiple digital columns together including digital areas corresponding to the digits from 0 to 9, and each digital column contains many digital areas and at least one other column contains key areas corresponding to Punctuation characters.

Preferably, the telephone has three numeric columns, such that the numeric columns together form a standard arrangement of telephone keys, with the left digital column containing 1.4.7, the middle digital column containing 2.5.8.0, and the right digital column containing 3.6 ,9.

In some embodiments, the key areas are determined by the corresponding perceived features on the open surface of the flexible membrane. By "perceived" the applicant means the ability to be perceived by the human senses. For example, perceived features may include changes in elevation when moving across the surface of the membrane (for example, perceived by touch). In other cases, the perceived features may simply be visual differences. Preferably, the number key areas are noticeably larger than the key areas corresponding to punctuation characters.

In some preferred embodiments, the independent key areas and the combined key areas are of different sizes.

The independent key areas together include, for some applications, areas corresponding to letters of the alphabet (such as, for example, letters A to Z of the English alphabet).

Regions of independent keys are preferably separated by a gap of not more than about half the width of a person’s fingertip, for particularly compact key arrangements, and each key region has, in some cases, an associated visible label. Areas of combination keys can also be arranged in variable-width columns.

In some configurations, the digital columns are visible in a different color than one or more columns containing predominantly punctuation characters, and the columns can alternate in such a color, for example, dark-light-dark.

In a preferred embodiment, the independent key areas are arranged in six vertical columns, as determined by the orientation of the key signatures, with independent key areas located in the first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth and eleventh vertical columns, and containing areas corresponding to letters, with digital columns areas of the combined keys form the second, sixth and tenth vertical columns, and the fourth and eighth vertical columns include key areas corresponding to am punctuation. Column numbering is carried out from any horizontal side of the small keyboard.

The telephone may be configured to register various punctuation characters, preferably two or more related characters, when one of the key areas corresponding to the punctuation characters is activated twice in sequence. For example, pressing the colon key twice registers a semicolon; pressing the dot key registers a comma twice and so on.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the NICC keypad has a surface with an open surface defining both areas of the combined keys and areas of independent keys arranged in alternating columns, the areas of independent keys containing bulges raised above the areas of the combined keys. The open surface forms a continuous smooth contour between adjacent regions of independent keys, and the absence of outlines indicates the boundaries between adjacent intervals in the grid for independent keys of the underlying grid with intervals for the keys. By “continuous smooth contour” the applicant means that the surface between the bulges does not have tactile outlines denoting the joint boundaries of independent keys, such as the edges of independently movable keys. Such a continuous smooth contour may have (and in some cases preferably have) visible labels corresponding to areas of the combination keys associated with such smooth surfaces.

In some preferred embodiments, the thickenings are diamond-shaped with ends or vertices directed between adjacent areas of the combination keys.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the NICC keypad defines both areas of combination keys and areas of independent keys arranged in alternating columns and having a standard orientation defined by labels associated with areas of independent and combination keys, with alternating columns arranged along lines inclined at an angle (for example, an angle of 45 degrees) with respect to the standard orientation of the small keyboard.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the telephone has a small keyboard including key areas arranged by columns including two digital columns, the majority of the key areas in the digital columns corresponding to selected numbers from a list consisting of 0 to 9, and at least at least one punctuation column, with most of the key areas in the punctuation column corresponding to punctuation characters.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the NICC keypad has a surface with an open surface defining both areas of combination keys and areas of independent keys arranged in alternating staggered columns and alternating staggered rows. Open surfaces form a continuous smooth contour between adjacent areas of independent keys, and the absence of visible features indicates a border parallel to a column or row between adjacent areas of keys.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the small keyboard has an array of first and second sets of keys. The first plurality of keys is located in the first plurality of rows, each row having a second plurality of elements, where each element is a key having a contact area of a first shape and a first area, the first shape and the first area corresponding to at least roughly the size of a person’s fingertip. The first plurality of keys also defines a plurality of intermediate regions that are not occupied by elements of the first plurality, while the elements of the second plurality of keys are located in the intermediate regions and have a second shape and a second area (for example, a diamond shape), the second area being significantly smaller first square.

In some preferred embodiments, the contact area of each key in the first set is located in the first horizontal plane, and the contact area of each key in the second set is located in the second horizontal plane, which is located above the first horizontal plane.

In some applications, the small keyboard is a NICC small keyboard in which each element in the first set of keys is a combination key, and each element of the second set of keys is an independent key.

In some embodiments, the keypad also includes a non-linear tactile feedback system coupled to a plurality of keys in order to provide tactile feedback for each key approximately proportional to the area of the contact area of such a key.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the NICC keypad is coated with an open surface defining both areas of combination keys and areas of independent keys arranged in alternating staggered columns and alternating staggered rows of key matrices, and tactile swellings located exactly on the outside of the matrix of keys, between the fourth and fifth rows of areas of the combined keys, in order to divide the border of the telephone small key tours consisting of areas of combined keys from the first to fourth rows of the matrix.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the “intermediate” nature of the combination keys is hidden from the user by eliminating the visible grid connecting the independent keys, which is depicted in the small NICC keyboards of the prior art. Unlike the prior-art small NICC keyboards in which the combination keys are implemented as elements located at the intersection of the sides of the independent keys, this invention implements the independent keys as intermediate areas (significantly large) of the combination keys. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a high degree of tertiary functionality (such as punctuation) is provided in the location of a small NICC keypad for a telephone by alternating keys with character classes such as numbers, punctuation, numbers, punctuation, numbers. This aspect can be further improved by changing the width and / or color of adjacent rows. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the structure of the small NICC keyboard is rotated 45 degrees, thereby creating a small NICC keyboard with a reduced width. This structure makes it possible to arrange with the American standard key layout ("QWERTY") to provide a high standard of ergonomic comfort with a narrow width (for example, reduced to 58 millimeters).

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the touch input device (such as, for example, a small keyboard or touch panel) has an open solid surface defining a flat area and a grid of sensor elements extending together with the open surface area and responding to contact with the open surface by the operator in order to to establish the position of said contacting on an open surface. The open surface changes in height along its flat area so as to form a number of tactile features.

In some embodiments, the tactile features comprise raised thickenings. Preferably, the raised bulges extend at least about 0.75 millimeters from adjacent areas of the open surface. In some cases, the open surface of the device has labels associated with the mentioned tactile features. Tactile features can define different surface areas corresponding to the associated alphanumeric characters for some applications.

In some cases, the input device is configured to provide a sequence of alphanumeric characters when contacting the corresponding tactile features of the surface is in series, for example, using a small keyboard. In some preferred embodiments, the device is a NICC keypad with tactile features containing bulges defining areas of independent keys of the NICC keypad. Preferred embodiments also include an electronic circuitry adapted to temporarily display alphanumeric characters on the screen when the operator moves (finger) over an open surface, the displayed alphanumeric characters being selected so as to correspond to the contacting position of the operator with the open surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the electronic device comprises a NICC keypad having an open continuous surface defining both independent key areas and combination key areas, the grid of sensing elements being located beneath the surface of the small keyboard and responsive to the position of a person’s finger on the surface of the small keyboard, and an electronic circuit adapted to receive signals from the NICC small keyboard indicating the status of the small keyboard, and to form l output signal in response to the activation of the keyboard by the operator. The electronic circuit is designed to determine the input signal of the intended combination key based, at least in part, on the perceived position of the finger between the centers of neighboring regions of the independent keys.

In some embodiments, the device also has a key switching matrix responsive to contacting areas of independent keys, wherein the electronic circuitry is configured to determine an input signal of the intended combination key based on the perceived position of the finger and the state of the key switching matrix. In some cases, the grid of sensors and the key switching matrix share some of the conductive tracks of the circuit board.

The grid of sensors may have a grid pitch wider than the gap between the centers of neighboring regions of independent keys, and still provide an acceptable resolution.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the electronic device has a substrate coated with a first array of spaced apart elements of conductive tracks and a flexible coating located above a substrate coated with a second array of separated by spaced apart elements of conductive tracks. The first and second arrays together form a coordinate system with a coating separated from the substrate by an array of elastic, compressible elements and having an open continuous surface. The first and second arrays of conductive elements (tracks) also form a capacitive grid that responds to the presence of an operator's finger on the surface of the coating. The electronic circuitry is adapted to recognize the capacitive state of the grid and to determine the position of said finger after the recognized capacitive state.

In some preferred embodiments, the solid surface defines the key area of the keyboard, and the electronic circuitry interprets the predetermined input of the keyboard on the basis, at least in part, of the recognized capacitive state of the grid.

In some cases, the capacitive grid responds to the position of the local deflection of the coating towards the substrate, and the compressible elements contain formations integrally formed so that they protrude from the surface of the coating facing the substrate.

In the illustrated embodiment, the device is presented in the form of a small NICC keyboard with an open coating surface that defines both areas of independent keys and areas of combination keys.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the small keyboard includes an outer cover with an open solid surface defining key areas, the grid of sensitive elements being located under the surface of the coating and responding to the position of a person’s finger on the surface of the small keyboard, and one switching point (switch) adapted in order to change the state when any of the plurality of key areas is pressed (preferably, when any area of the key of the small keyboard is depressed).

In some embodiments, the implementation of the small keyboard is a small NICC keyboard with an open cover surface defining both the independent key areas and the combined key areas and one switching point (switch) adapted to change the state when the independent key area is pressed. Regions of independent keys can be raised above the areas of combination keys.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the input device has a surface with an open surface defining areas associated with respective discrete input signals, and a substrate at the bottom of the surface. The coating has one array of mesh with variable capacity, and the substrate carries another, preferably perpendicular to the array of mesh. The device also has an electronic circuitry adapted to interpret large changes in the capacitance in the grid as localized deflection of the coating to the substrate in the area identified by the change in capacitance, and in order to interpret small changes in the capacitance of the grid as the orientation and length of the finger along the surface.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a remote measurement device is integrated in the NICC's small keyboard. In one of its embodiments, this measuring device is used to increase the reliability and accuracy of the NICC keypad. When recognizing the location of the finger, additionally or independently of the associated matrix of switches (switching points), those errors that may occur due to the presence of an ambiguous subset of switching points in the combination key can be eliminated. In another embodiment, the measuring device is located at the bottom of the NICC small keyboard in order to provide mouse functionality. In some preferred embodiments, the integrated system has the same number of electrical lines as one NIRC device. In one embodiment, two perpendicularly oriented arrays are located on different elements: one on a printed circuit board (PCB), and the other on the reverse side of the NIRC element. In this embodiment, changes in parasitic resistance (between intersections of arrays) are used to determine the location of the finger, both to implement the mouse function and the keyboard function, while the physical displacement of the NIQ element creates a change in capacitance, which is relatively huge compared to a change in parasitic capacities. Therefore, the movement of the finger can be easily distinguished due to the activation of the key, regardless of the superposition of the signals. In another embodiment, the remote measuring device and the matrix of the small keyboard are integrated. In another embodiment, piezoceramic elements (located in a sheet on the surface or discretely) are used to generate a tactile output signal. A tactile output signal can also be provided using the same element used to cause the device to vibrate, since frequencies in this range are difficult to locate a person’s finger.

Combining a location measurement system and a NIKK small keyboard can provide several benefits. For example, while in mouse mode, the surface of the NICC small keyboard can provide stability to the finger in situations related to movement. This is a serious issue due to the constant insecure movements inherent in movement. For the user, accurately controlling the cursor of a small hand-held device (such as a telephone) while traveling by bus, train, car or on foot is a futile task. The protruding elevations located along the surface of the small keyboard, or another cursor control location measuring system, can solve this problem by providing anchor points for determining the location of the finger. The protruding support elevations of some embodiments may provide the user with a tactile benchmark, enabling the user to better maintain the position of the hand by providing a small protrusion that mechanically stabilizes the finger. When the finger is between the elevations, the support is provided by the elevations that surround it, and when the finger is in an intermediate location above the elevation, the flexibility of the finger serves to capture the elevation in the pulp of the finger. By stabilizing the finger in this way, a high degree of accuracy can be achieved in moving situations that would otherwise be futile. The device can be configured to output audio signals (such as a digitized voice, speaking letters and numbers) or visual signals (such as changing the displayed character, especially with an enlarged font, possibly filling most of the screen) when the user moves his finger on a flat device surface. The sound implementation is especially useful for blind users, and the visual version is especially useful for people with impaired vision. The invention can provide greater necessary compatibility and efficiency for the user, while at the same time giving access to both the mouse function and the function of the NICC small keyboard without moving the hand.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a small NICC keyboard having a substrate with an array of sensing elements arranged to change state in response to the keyboard being triggered, and a flexible (eg, elastomeric) coating located above the substrate and having an open surface defining an array of independent regions keys, with areas of combination keys defined in the gaps between adjacent areas of independent keys, also has an array of discrete locking elements located between the coating and the substrate and separating the coating from the substrate. Each of the fixing (pressing) elements is located between two adjacent regions of independent keys and is adapted to compress elastically as a non-linear response to local pressing on the open surface of the coating in order to provide tactile feedback for keyboard operation.

In some cases, the locking elements are located under the areas of the combination keys. In some cases, the locking elements are located between directly adjacent areas of independent keys. By “directly adjacent”, the applicant means areas of independent keys that do not define the area of the combined keys directly between them, such as adjacent independent keys of adjacent columns in a staggered matrix. In some cases, the locking elements include locking elements located under the areas of the combination keys, and locking elements located between directly adjacent areas of the independent keys.

In some embodiments, each independent key region and each combination key region has four corresponding spaced-apart locking elements located at its periphery, the gap between four adjacent locking elements corresponding to the key region. Each of the locking elements is preferably located equidistant between the centers of neighboring regions of the independent keys and equidistant between the centers of neighboring regions of the combination keys.

In some cases, each independent key area defines an open pressure contact area, with the small keyboard additionally containing an array of conductive “tablets” between the substrate and the coating. Each conductive “tablet” is located in the center at the bottom of the corresponding region of the independent key and protrudes horizontally further (for example, to the neighboring region of the combination key) than the contact area of the pressure of the associated region of the independent key. By “contact area” the applicant means the area of the independent key area, which acts as a button during operation, in the sense of transferring force from the finger of an operator in order to bend the cover of the small keyboard. Such an area does not include an area that only enters into a random, non-enterable contact with the fingertip of the operator. Thus, essentially all (for example, 90 percent) of the load applied by the operator during operation of the area of one independent key is applied in the contact area of the pressure.

Some embodiments include an array of discrete locking elements located between the coating and the substrate, and separating the coating from the substrate. Each of the locking elements is located between two adjacent regions of independent keys and is adapted to compress elastically as a non-linear response to local pressing on the open surface of the coating in order to provide tactile feedback on the keyboard.

In some cases, the areas of independent keys contain raised thickenings with upper surfaces having outer edges that limit their contact areas of pressing, or have a rhombus shape with vertices directed between adjacent combination keys.

In some configurations, each pair of neighboring regions of independent keys has three locking elements located along a linear segment halfway between a pair of regions of independent keys (for example, along a border separating two regions of independent keys). Preferably, the three locking elements are separated by equal gaps along the linear segment, with one directly between the centers of the independent key regions of the pair and the other at either end of the linear segment in the gap between four adjacent independent key regions.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the locking elements are made of an elastomer (e.g., silicone), are integrally molded with the coating, and protrude from the back surface of the coating.

In some illustrated cases, the locking elements are in the form of a truncated cone.

Preferably, the locking elements are advantageously arranged so as to provide substantially the same tactile feedback in response to pressing both on the independent key area and on the combination key area. It is also preferred that the locking elements are designed and positioned so as to require substantially equal perpendicular activation forces, both for independent key areas and for combination key areas.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the NICC keypad has a substrate carrying an array of sensing elements arranged to change state in response to the operation of the keyboard; a flexible (eg, elastomeric) coating located above the substrate and having an open surface defining an array of areas of independent keys, with areas of combination keys defined in the gaps between adjacent areas of independent keys; and an array of fixing elements located between the coating and the substrate and separating the coating from the substrate. Each locking element is located between two adjacent regions of independent keys and is adapted to compress elastically towards the substrate, as a non-linear reaction to local pressing on the open surface of the coating, in order to provide tactile feedback of the keyboard. Each locking element has a symmetrical shape with respect to a corresponding axis perpendicular to the substrate and intersecting the coating between adjacent regions of independent keys.

Preferably, the locking elements are in the form of a truncated cone or a shape adapted to provide the same function in the same way, for example, such as hollow truncated cones in the form of a volcano, and to create essentially the same reaction to non-linear bending.

In some cases, the locking elements are made of elastomer integrally molded as a unit with the coating and protruding from the back surface of the coating.

In some embodiments, the grid step of each independent key has at least four corresponding spaced-apart locking elements located at its periphery, with each gap between four adjacent locking elements corresponding to the key region. Preferably, the locking elements are arranged so as to provide substantially the same tactile feedback in response to pressing, both on the areas of the independent keys and on the area of the combination keys.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the NICC small keyboard has a substantially flat substrate with an array of sensing elements arranged to change state in response to the keyboard being triggered, a flexible coating located above the substrate and having an open surface defining an array of key areas located rows, and at least one continuous elongated locking element located adjacent to at least three key areas of one row of key areas between the coating and the substrate and separating the coating from the substrate. The locking elements are adapted to compress elastically as a non-linear reaction to local pressing on the open surface of the coating so as to provide tactile feedback on the keyboard response.

In some designs, the small keyboard has many of these locking elements in the form of elongated guides extending between adjacent rows of key areas.

The locking element may include a rib, for example, located at an angle (for example, 60 degrees) with respect to the plane of the substrate, and configured to bend in response to local pressing on the open surface of the coating.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the NICC small keyboard has a substantially flat substrate with an array of sensing elements arranged to change state in response to the keyboard being triggered, a flexible coating located above the substrate and having an open surface having an array of key areas located rows and columns, with areas of combination keys between adjacent areas of independent keys. The coating also has a reverse surface facing the substrate and is held at a distance from the substrate by compressible locking elements between the coating and the substrate with the reverse surface carrying an array of conductive "tablets" located at the bottom of the corresponding regions of the independent keys. Each conductive “tablet” extends along the back surface of the substrate to the center of an adjacent area of the combination key, the horizontal distance is approximately 50 percent to 70 percent (preferably about 50 percent) of the distance between the center of the combination key area and the center of the independent key area corresponding to the “tablet” .

In some configurations, the conductive “pills” are cross-shaped arms extending toward a plurality of adjacent areas of the combination keys.

Preferably, each conductive tablet has an outer edge closest to an adjacent region of the combination key, substantially perpendicular to a line connecting the center of the adjacent region of the combination key and the center of the independent key region corresponding to the tablet.

In some cases, the tablets have contact surfaces facing the substrate, which have external regions that deviate from the substrate.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the NICC small keyboard has a substantially flat substrate with an array of sensing elements arranged to change state in response to the keyboard being triggered, and a flexible cover located above the substrate. The coating has an open surface defining an array of regions of independent keys arranged in rows and columns, with regions of combined keys between adjacent regions of independent keys, and a reverse surface facing the substrate and held at a distance from the substrate using compressible locking elements between the coating and the substrate. The reverse surface has an array of conductive tablets located at the bottom of the respective regions of the independent keys, each conductive tablet having a contact surface facing the substrate, which has external regions that deviate from the substrate.

In some preferred embodiments, the conductive tablets are cross-shaped arms protruding in the direction of a plurality of adjacent areas of the combination keys, and the edges of the conductive tablets comprise inclined outer regions.

Preferably, each conductive tablet protrudes along the back surface of the substrate to the center of an adjacent area of the combination key, with a horizontal distance of about 40 percent to 99 percent (more preferably about 50 percent to 90 percent, and most preferably about 70 percent to 80 percent) the distance between the center of the adjacent region of the combination key and the center of the region of the independent keys corresponding to the tablet.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a small NICC keyboard having a substrate with an array of sensing elements arranged to change state in response to the keyboard being triggered, and a flexible (eg, elastomeric) coating located above the substrate and having an open surface defining an array of independent regions keys, with areas of combination keys defined in the spaces between adjacent areas of independent keys, also has an array of discrete locking elements located between du coating and the substrate, and separating the coating from the substrate. Each locking element is located between two adjacent areas of independent keys and is adapted to compress elastically, providing a non-linear response to local pressing on the open surface of the coating, in order to provide tactile feedback of the keyboard, and is located so as to provide essentially the same tactile feedback in response to pressing, both on the area of independent keys, and on the area of the combined keys.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, elastomeric cones are formed on the reverse side of an NSCI element using a new manufacturing method comprising a cone-shaped through-hole matrix. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, tactile feedback elements are located at intermediate points between adjacent independent keys and may consist of elastomeric cones formed on the back of an NSCI element. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the tactile feedback elements of the NICC keypad are composed of stamped metal elements so as to include arcuate elements located at intermediate points between adjacent independent keys.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a method for interpreting an input signal of an NPC keypad. The method includes reading a keyboard input signal corresponding to a combined operation of a plurality of independent key areas of a small keyboard, and comparing a read input signal with specific sets of independent key input signals corresponding to combination keys. For read input signals that turn out to correspond to a plurality of independent key areas associated with the combination key, the input of the combination key is recorded. For read input signals that do not match any combination key, the read input signal is compared with the recorded special associations of the keys pressed together. For read input signals, which turned out to correspond to the recorded special association of jointly pressed keys, a sequence of characters is recorded in accordance with the corresponding association of jointly pressed keys.

In some implementations, a character string of sensed input defined only by a plurality of independent key regions is generated for sensed inputs that do not correspond to any combination key or any recorded special association of jointly pressed keys. In some cases, a sequence of characters is generated by arranging areas of independent input keys in a predetermined order.

In some applications, the association between the received input and the selected character string is stored in a readable memory for the received inputs, which turned out to not correspond to any combination key or any recorded special association of jointly pressed keys. Characters that are simultaneously displayed on the screen when input is read, for example, can identify the selected character string.

In some embodiments, for sensed inputs that do not correspond to any combination key, the method includes comparing the sensed input signal with the input symbol last registered before the sensed signal in order to determine whether the last registered character is among a plurality of independent regions keys of the perceived input signal, and for the last registered character, which turned out to be among the many areas of independent keys in sprinyatogo input signal, removal of the last registered character.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the electronic circuits and corresponding NICC small keyboard algorithms are implemented to simultaneously register an input signal from a plurality of keys as a means for a user to instantly enter specific digit sequences, such as a personal identification number (PIN) or access codes (such as the phone number followed by the PIN number). In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the algorithm provides mapping from alphabetic key inputs to numeric key output signals, as prescribed by the ratios of a standard 12-key telephone keypad.

The invention may, in some aspects, exploit the ability of the NICC small keyboards disclosed above to detect a simultaneous input signal from any combination of independent key regions, not even neighboring regions. This method is advantageous for providing a safe, fast means for entering digital codes for applications, such as providing access to Web sites and other information based on the use of the telephone; entering your own phone number after the PIN as a means of accessing voicemail; and the like.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the telephone has a small keyboard defining areas of alphabetic keys corresponding to individual letters, areas of numeric keys corresponding to individual numbers, and an electronic circuit connected to the small keyboard in order to receive input from the small keyboard when with different areas of keys the operator contacts. The electronic circuit is configured to convert the input of the alphabetic key into a digital signal in the form of a combination of numbers from 2 to 9, based on the alphanumeric correspondence of a standard telephone keypad. By “telephone” an applicant means in one sense a device capable of receiving an input signal from an operator and generating a corresponding code recognized as a telephone number associated with an input. This device may include, for example, stand-alone devices that generate a phone number (for example, using an enumerated transposition) but are not connected to the network. In a narrower sense, an applicant refers to a device connected to a telephone network (either by wire or via communication) for communication through a network.

In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry is configured to display a single letter in response to contacting a selected area of an alphabetical key in the first mode, and to display one of the numbers 2 to 9 in response to contacting a selected area of the alphabetical key in the second mode, the displayed number being selected in accordance with the alphanumeric matching of the standard telephone keypad.

The electronic circuitry is implemented in some applications so as to register a sequence of letters when they are in contact with areas of alphabetical keys associated with them, and in response to an additional input signal from an operator, convert the registered sequence of letters to a phone number in accordance with the alphanumeric correspondence of a standard telephone keypad . In some cases, the electronic circuitry is further adapted to initiate a telephone call using a telephone number in response to said additional input signal.

Preferably, the electronic circuit is adapted to register a digital output signal in accordance with the digits associated with the areas of the digital keys, so that the digital signal is not converted.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for dialing a telephone number is provided. This method includes inputting a desired sequence of alphanumeric characters including at least one alphabetic character. The phone generates the corresponding sequence of numbers by converting the alphabetical character into one of the numbers from 2 to 9 in accordance with the alphanumeric correspondence of the standard telephone keypad.

In some cases, the method also includes instructing the telephone to generate an appropriate sequence of numbers after the alphanumeric sequence is entered.

In many embodiments useful in English-speaking countries, for example, a desired sequence of alphanumeric characters is entered on a small keyboard including at least 24 separate key areas, each key area corresponding to a different letter of the alphabet.

In some embodiments, the desired sequence of alphanumeric characters is presented as spoken utterances and introduced by uttering the utterance. For example, a sequence of alphanumeric characters may comprise a sequence of alphabetic characters that spells spoken text, such as “1-800-colors.” These embodiments are preferably implemented using voice recognition algorithms that distinguish spoken text that identifies a number (such as "one, eight hundred") from a number that does not identify a number (such as "flowers"), and converts only non-digital text, in particular, when interpreting a text identifying a number as a number generates a telephone number of a reasonable length and format.

Details of one or more embodiments of the invention are presented in the accompanying drawings and in the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 and figure 2 are sectional views of two embodiments of a small keyboard with integrated position measurement systems.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal perspective view of a built-in location measurement grid and a key switching matrix, depicting four different types of key switch grids.

Figure 4 depicts a small keyboard with alloy coating, rather than open tablets.

5 depicts a small keyboard without a traditional key switching matrix, but with a location measurement grid.

6 depicts a small keyboard with a location measuring grid having a plurality of conductive elements on the back of a flexible coating and a plurality of perpendicular conductive elements on a substrate.

Fig. 7A depicts a small keyboard with locking elements formed by an array of piezoelectric devices with a high degree of deformation, while Fig. 7B depicts a small keyboard with one piezoelectric element between the coating and the substrate.

Fig. 8 shows a small keyboard with a force responsive resistor between the coating and the substrate.

Fig.9 depicts the substrate of a small keyboard with one pair of electrically conductive tracks that provide contact for all switching points in the matrix.

Figure 10 depicts the reverse side of the cover of the small keyboard NIKK with the first arrangement of conductive tablets.

11 is a view in section along the line 11-11 in figure 10.

12 depicts the reverse side of the cover of a small NICC keyboard with a second arrangement of conductive tablets.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

Fig. 14 is an end view of a solid sheet of material from which conductive tablets may be stamped.

FIG. 15 illustrates patch pads configured for use with the coating of FIG. 12.

Fig.16 depicts the reverse side of the cover of the small keyboard NIKK with a third arrangement of conductive tablets.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17-17 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 depicts the reverse side of the cover of a small NICC keyboard with a fourth arrangement of conductive tablets.

Fig.19 is a view in section along the line 19-19 in Fig.18.

Figa and Figv illustrate the deflection of the coatings of the small keyboard of Fig.17 and Fig.19, respectively.

Fig is a partial perspective view of the reverse side of the cover of the small keyboard NICK.

Fig.22 depicts a small keyboard with tablets located directly below the areas of independent keys.

23 is a schematic representation of a telephone electronic circuit.

24 is a cross-sectional view of a two-part shape for forming the reverse surface of the coating of the small keyboard 21.

25 is a perspective view of a first tactile feedback sheet for use under the cover of a small keyboard.

Fig. 26 depicts a small keyboard with a second tactile feedback sheet.

Fig.27 is a front view of the feedback sheet of Fig.26.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a smoothly defined surface of the NICC keyboard.

Fig.29 and Fig.30 is a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of another surface of the small keyboard NICC.

Fig. 31 depicts a preferred arrangement for the NICC alphanumeric keypad for a telephone.

Fig and Fig. 33 are sectional views taken along lines 32-32 and 33-33, respectively, of Fig. 31.

Fig - location of the small keyboard with the American standard layout of keys (QWERTY) with columns of independent keys located diagonally.

Fig. 35 illustrates an algorithm for storing and recognizing combined input signals.

Fig. 36 illustrates an algorithm for demapping alphanumeric data in order to generate digital output signals.

Fig. 37 depicts the alphanumeric correspondence of a standard telephone keypad.

Fig. 38 is a perspective view of a third tactile feedback sheet for use under the cover of a small keyboard.

Fig. 39 depicts a small keyboard with a molded tactile feedback sheet having an array of conical locking elements.

40 depicts a scanning algorithm for use with a NICC small keyboard.

Fig. 41 shows a printed circuit board with tracks located at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the key switching matrix.

Fig. 42 depicts an arcuate arrangement of the centers of regions of independent keys superimposed on a rectangular matrix of a grid of switches.

Fig and Fig is a front view and a perspective view, respectively, of a mobile phone with a small keyboard NICC.

The same reference characters in the various drawings indicate the same elements.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

First, with reference to figure 1, the element 10 of the flexible membrane of the small keyboard is located above the printed circuit board (PCB) 12, which has a conventional matrix 5 switching switching keys (switches), and a system 20 for measuring the location at a distance. The key switching matrix 5 is located on the upper surface of the PP 12 and has perpendicularly oriented conductive paths, the intersections of which form the contact pads 18 of the switching grid, which are momentarily connected by contact with the conductive tablets 16 deposited on the lower surface of the membrane 10, directly above the corresponding contact pads 18. The membrane 10 has a wavy upper surface, which forms a raised region 2 independent keys, separated by depressions, which correspond Combined keys exist. The conductive tablets may be from a solid material impregnated with a conductive material, such as carbon, or from a non-conductive material (such as membrane material 10) with a conductive paste or coating. In this embodiment, the measurement system 20 includes two overlapping arrays of linear elements (depicted in the drawing as mutually orthogonal planar arrays 22 and 24, each printed as a layer of a printed circuit board 12). Such measuring devices are used, for example, in touch panels and other computer input devices that respond to the input of two-dimensional position data. With such a grid pitch, which is shown, the measurement system 20 is used to increase the accuracy of the NICC small keyboard, helping to interpret the indefinite manipulation of the small keyboard in order to determine a given separate or combined input of the small keyboard. For example, in small keyboards with combination keys that respond to the simultaneous activation of four independent keys, the usual inaccurate placement of a finger to activate only two adjacent keys (especially in embodiments using discrete key switch technologies) leads to uncertainty. In small keyboards with combination keys that respond to the simultaneous activation of two independent keys, the usual inaccurate placement of the finger to activate only one of the two independent keys leads to an erroneous output signal of a separate key. For example, it is possible to have combination keys located on the edges or behind the edges of the NICC small keyboard and generate input signals corresponding to those keys when two adjacent independent keys in a column along the edge are activated together, although this may in some cases lead to an increase in the error rate. However, by independently determining the position of the finger using the position determination system 20, it becomes possible to accurately resolve such inaccuracies and correctly interpret the predetermined input signal. For example, when an output signal is required based on pressing 4 keys, the finger will be predominantly located above the associated intermediate graphic symbol corresponding to the combination key, however, due to the tilt of the finger or physical abnormalities of the user's finger, the pressing points may include only the lower two contact platforms 18 switching grid. In this case, the ambiguity can be resolved using the position determination system 20 even with a relatively lower resolution. Relatively inexpensive analog-to-digital converters can be used to provide a resolution on the order of 1/4 of the finger width, which is approximately 10-20 times lower than the resolution of typical commercially available position determination systems. Also, using this method, one-key activation can be used to accurately interpret the user's intention in the NICC small keyboard using the position determination system 20 providing location information and activating the switching grid providing information on any of the pads 18 to continue / don't continue. " This includes an unconventional key switching matrix 9 in which one contact can be made at any location of the small keyboard, as shown in FIG. 9.

The determination system 20 also provides built-in “mouse” functionality (cursor control) by scanning the NICC small keyboard in one software 12. In this embodiment, the position determination system 20 operates in two modes. In the first mode, it provides information for determining the position of the finger relative to the surface of the NICC keypad in order to increase the accuracy of the interpretation of the manipulation of the NICK combination key, as discussed above. In the second mode, it is used to orient the cursor on the display of the product connected to the small keyboard. The user can effectively switch between “mouse mode” and “keyboard mode”, for example, by touching a button (not shown). The ability of the user to selectively turn off either the functionality of the combined keys or the functionality of the independent keys of the NICC small keyboard may have other advantages: in gaming applications, for example, combination keys may imply a directivity function; for people with paralysis or other such muscular disorder, this simplifies accessibility to the choice function, etc.

In some configurations, the input and output lines of the position determination system 20 and the traditional key switching matrix 5 are advantageously connected in order to minimize the number of contacts or at least not increase the total number of contacts beyond what, for example, is required by one traditional small keyboard.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, dashed lines depict paths inside the PP, tracks on the surface of the PP are shown as solid lines, and vias or holes connecting the two layers are shown as dots. The combined vertical lines of the grid 23 are located on the surface of the PP 12 (in order to reduce the number of vias) and form both one half of the key switching matrix 5 and the vertical lines of the position determination system. Also, the combined horizontal grid lines 25 form the other half of the key switching matrix 5 and the horizontal grid lines of the position determination system. In this case, the lines 25 are located inside the PP 12. The contact pads 18 of the switching grid are located at each intersection of the lines 23 and 25 and each consists of an “interdigital” arrangement of open elements on the surface of the PP, thereby forming a capacitive grid element for the multiple position determination system 20 from the halves of the contact pads 18 of the switching grid embedded in it. Each column of FIG. 3 depicts a different design for the contact pads 18. The leftmost column depicts the contact pad 18 of the patch grid with contact elements for use with the technology of the locking cap switching points (switches). The second column on the left shows the “interdigital” contact pad with one vias. The second column on the right shows a spiral pattern and one vias. The rightmost column shows the first elements 19 (shown in the amount of three for each contact pad of the grid), connected by a short vertical element located on the surface of the PP on the leftmost element of line 23 and a short vertical element located inside the PP on the other two elements of line 23. The second elements 21 are "intertwined" with the first elements 19 and are connected to each other using an integrated horizontal line of the grid 25 through the corresponding holes or vias 27. In each case, the element The contact pads 18 of the switching grid are symmetrically positioned relative to the elements of the position determination system 20, thereby providing a self-interrupting signal and uncompromising accuracy of the position determination system 20, despite the combination of the key switching matrix, so that a constant output signal is measured regardless of the direction from which the finger approaches place of switching.

The input signal 31 consists of signals supplied to the combined horizontal lines of the grid 25, and the output signal 33 consists of signals received by the combined vertical lines of the grid 23. Therefore, the total number of contacts required by the microprocessor or analog-to-digital converter that processes the signal for input into the microprocessor is the same as that required for one conventional key switching matrix 5.

Changes in parasitic resistance in the contact pads 18 of the switching grid can also be used to detect the proximity or proximity of the finger or conductive "tablets" 16. This can provide additional information necessary, for example, to resolve the ambiguity.

In the small keyboard of FIG. 4, the NCCI element 10 does not have conductive tablets, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, but instead contains a force-sensitive substance 13, such as conductive non-contacting particles. For example, substance 13 may be such as a substance that provides a quantum tunneling effect, which was developed by Peratech Limited, Darlington, Country Durham, England.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the NICC small keyboard is implemented without a traditional key switching matrix. The position determination system 20 provides both cursor control and keyboard input functions. The high degree of nonlinearity of the capacitance measurement and the ability of the device to determine both the maximum threshold for any given user and determine the location of the finger by measurements near intersections allows this embodiment to work without any explicit keyboard switching matrix. When the finger approaches and thus increases the size of the measured capacitance, the system determines the approximate size of the finger by comparing neighboring intersections, on a relative scale. We can say that when a finger moves across the small keyboard from one location to another through several nodes, a range of high and low capacitance values is established, in cases where the height of the finger above the keyboard does not essentially change. This range is then compared with a reference, such as a look-up table, in absolute scale, setting the size of a person’s finger and thus determining the appropriate level of capacitance measurement that must be measured in order to recognize the intended input signal (for example, pressing a key area at the base of the location finger at the moment when the corresponding threshold of the estimated input signal is reached, and the size of the finger).

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the combined horizontal lines 25 of the grid are located inside the PP 12, and the vertical lines 23 of the grid are predominantly printed with conductive ink on the bottom surface of the NIRC element 10. The horizontal lines 25 of the grid can also be located on the surface of the PP 12 and coated with a thin non-conductive sheet of material such as KAPTON 0.01 inches (0.0254 cm) (usually polyimide) supplied by DUPON. The embodiment of this figure advantageously increases the change in capacitance measured after activating the key, relative to the embodiment of FIG. 5. When the finger moves along the surface of the NCCI element 10 (without pressing a key), the device measures changes in stray capacitance in order to provide information about the coordinates of the location. Pressing the desired character in keyboard mode causes a much larger change in capacity, since the tracks of the array of capacities are offset relative to each other. This high degree of change in capacitance has a different order than the change measured with a change in stray capacitance, and, thus, clearly indicates the activation of the key. The system then registers the symbol identified by the parasitic capacitance changes measured exactly before the large change indicating activation. The two measurement systems, therefore, are used together to provide particularly reliable cursor control and keyboard systems. One of the additional advantages of this design is that it can be designed to require fewer microprocessor contacts than the traditional matrix of a small keyboard, despite providing additional functionality. For example, it is not required that the number, location, and pitch of the tracks of the array correspond to key areas of the small keyboard in some embodiments, as illustrated by the location of the rightmost element of the array 23 in the figure. The step of the capacitive grid may be larger, for example, than the step of neighboring areas of independent keys.

Figa depicts a small keyboard with locking elements formed by an array of piezoelectric devices 30 with a high degree of deformation, as disclosed in US patent No. 5781646, 5849123 and 5831371, the contents of which are incorporated into this description by reference. This embodiment can add energy to the device, as a result of its use, and a high degree of tactile feedback. However, this embodiment may exhibit many tactile “clicks” associated with the output of one combination key. Fig. 7B shows an array of devices 30 formed as a single piezoelectric element 32 located at the bottom of the entire NIRC element 10 and above the position determination system 20. This embodiment may provide several advantages, such as the ability to provide one “click” for the input of the combination key, as well as the ability to provide vibrating sound signals “call accepted” by activating the strain / strain transducer element 32 as appropriate, as described in detail in the prior art. technicians.

Fig. 8 depicts a small keyboard with a force-sensitive resistor 32a, such as supplied by Interlink, Camarillo, California, located between the NCCI element 10 and the mechanical base 33. The locking (pressed) elements can be designed to be very easily compressible replaced by a corrugated membrane with a check valve with a predetermined pressure, or completely excluded, as shown, since tactile feedback is provided by means of a vibrating element 40, which is activated on orotkoe time controller 42 to indicate that the output signal is received from the keypad. The illustrated vibrating member 40 is a vibrating motor, such as is commonly used in telephones, pagers, and the like, in order to indicate an incoming call or a paging message.

Fig.9 depicts the PP 12 of the small keyboard NIKK with one pair of electric tracks 69a and 69b, providing contact for all switching points in the matrix.

Now, referring to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the NCCC element is provided with conductive tablets 16 with flat external contact surfaces 16a in the form of crosses with the ends 52 of branches 17 of the crosses remote from the center protruding to the connected areas 3 of the combination keys. Each tablet 16 is located, for example, directly below the region 2 of a separate key of the small keyboard and protrudes approximately at a distance d _{1 of} approximately 40 percent of the distance d ₂ from the center of the conductive tablet 16 to the center of the region 3 of the combination key toward which it protrudes. In this embodiment, each edge 52 distant from the center is located approximately along the segments connecting the centers of the closest locking elements 14. The remaining edges of the conductive tablets 16 are preferably offset by at least one half of the travel length s of the locking element from each adjacent locking element 14, where 's' is defined as the vertical distance by which the locking elements 14 protrude above the conductive tablets 16. Contact areas 67 are areas of independent key areas that ystvuyut as buttons during operation, in the sense that they transmit force from the operator's finger to deflect the keypad cover, and do not include the area from which there is a casual, no-loaded contact tip of the operator's finger. Therefore, the contact zones 67 transmit essentially all (for example, 90 percent of the load) the load applied by the operator during operation of the area of one independent key. The relationship between the contact areas 67 and the preferred tablet form is explained with reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B. The open upper surface of the small keyboard shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the outline of the key area shown in FIG. 28.

12 and 13 illustrate a different configuration of the conductive tablets 16. In this embodiment, each tablet 16 forms an extended cross with cross branches 17 extending further to the combined key regions 3 further than shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11. In this case, the branches 17 crosses are extended towards the neighboring regions 3 of the combination keys by approximately 75 percent from the distance from the center of the conductive tablets 16 to the center of the regions 3 of the combination keys, with 52 branches distant from the center nnym more adjacent locking members 14. This may be used to obtain considerable advantages, as explained with reference to Figure 20. The central region 54 of each tablet is predominantly flat and parallel to the plane of the small keyboard, with ribs 17 thinning onto the cone at an angle of about 10 to 20 degrees relative to this plane. The remaining edges of the conductive tablets 16 are offset by at least one half of the travel length from the locking elements 14, where the travel length is determined as described above for FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an end view of a sheet of solid conductive material 58 from which conductive tablets 16 of FIG. 12 and FIG. 18 can be stamped as an alternative to printing the surface of the NICC molded member 10 by means of conductive inks. Sheets 58 admixture of carbon from a foamy or elastomeric material or material otherwise converted to conductive are extruded or otherwise formed so that one or more cross-sections has a wavy surface as shown. Individual tablets 16 are then stamped or cut from such a sheet. The symmetry of the stamped tablets allows the tablets to be oriented either up or down during manufacture, the elastomeric material being formed as necessary, facilitating the manufacturing process.

FIG. 15 illustrates patch pads 18 configured for use with the conductive tablets 16 of the embodiment of FIG. 12, with LEDs 56 arranged in regions 3 of the combination keys between the pads of the grid.

Now (FIGS. 16 and 17), the NSCI element 10 has a locking element 14 located under the areas 3 of the combination keys. Conductive tablets 16 are shown below the independent regions 2. In this example, the upper surface of the small keyboard is represented as shown in FIG. 29. Preferably, the corners 52 remote from the center should have flat edges for the combination key region 3. In this embodiment, a rectangular shape with beveled corners is selected. Each tablet 16 is located, for example, directly below the region 2 of a separate key of the small keyboard and protrudes approximately by a distance d _{1 of} approximately 40 percent of the distance d ₂ from the center of the conductive tablet 16 to the center of the region 3 of the combination key in the direction in which it protrudes along a line connecting the centers of neighboring key areas. The open upper surface of the small keyboard shown in FIG. 17 corresponds to the outline of the key area shown in FIG. 29.

The analogs of FIGS. 12 and 13, 18 and 19 depict tablets 16 protruding further to the center of the combined region 3, but with peripheral regions of the tablets deviated from the PP 12. In this case, the tablets 16 are shown with a flat horizontal central region, but the entire contact surface of the tablet 16 in other embodiments (not shown) is oblique or curved so as to obtain the desired result. The locking elements 14 are as described above.

20A and 20B illustrate the deflection of the cover of the small keyboard in order to cause the tablet 16a associated with the pressed key region 2a to make contact with the PC 12, while the adjacent tablet 16b connected with the other key region 2b tilts slightly relative to the PC but does not create contact. As in the previous drawings, the cross sections are taken along the main axis of the tablets. The tablets of FIG. 20A are as in the embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 16, while the tablets of FIG. 20B are inclined, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 18. If the user wishes to enter a character printed on the key area 2a , he needs to make tablet 16a touch the PP 12; if he wishes to enter a character printed on the key area 2b, he needs a tablet 16b to touch; and if he wants to enter a character printed on area 3 of the combination key between them, he needs both tablets 16a and 16b in order to create meaningful contact with the PC. In both examples, the independent key region 2b is slightly inclined, partly due to the necessary grip due to the bending of the common membrane forming them, and partly due to inaccuracies inherent in normal use. Therefore, if the front edges of the tablets overlapping the combination key area are too far apart, it is possible for a very small fingertip to bend the surface of the small keyboard corresponding to the combination key area without coming into contact with both tablets and, therefore, without registering the input signal preset combination key. On the contrary, if the front edges of the tablets between two directly adjacent regions of the independent keys are too close to each other, then the user can accidentally press the neighboring regions of the independent keys while pressing only the area of one independent key, registering the input signal of the combination key that is incorrect. The illustrated embodiments solve this dilemma by making tablets in fact, both large and small. By tilting the contact surfaces of the tablets remote from the center, as in FIG. 20B, they can be made larger and, therefore, must ensure reliable operation with the thumb and thumb. This enhancement also helps make the areas of the 2 independent keys relatively small, while allowing the tablets to remain relatively large.

Fig.21 illustrates a two-dimensional array of equally spaced locking elements 14, each located approximately in the middle of the distance between the conductive tablets 16 associated with two adjacent areas 2 of the individual keys. In this embodiment, the locking elements 14 are truncated cones, but it should be understood that changes for this specific shape will provide approximately the same bending effect. The locking elements 14 form a staggered array with each gap between the locking elements containing either a tablet 16 connected to an area 2 of a separate key or an empty space associated with the area of a combination key. Each area of a separate and combined key (i.e., each gap for a locking element) is equally configured with respect to a number of adjacent locking elements and their proximity so that the user experiences the same tactile response both from activating a separate key and from activating a combined key when the same the number of locking elements 14 is compressed during the operation of any key. Tablets 16 are depicted as round washers in this illustration, but may be of the other forms described above.

In the embodiment of FIG. 22, on the contrary, tactile feedback for each region 3 of the combination key is provided by four adjacent locking elements located at equal intervals, while tactile feedback for each individual key is provided by essentially one the associated locking element 14 located immediately below the area 2 of the individual keys. Each locking element surrounds the associated conductive tablet 16. The device can be configured to provide the activation power of a combination key four times greater than the activation force of a single key, if required for a particular application. However, for many applications, it will be desirable to provide all key areas with the same tactile feedback reaction, as provided, for example, using the embodiments of FIG. 2 and FIG. 21, in which each locking element is approximately equidistant between two adjacent switching locations of the individual keys. In this case, the locking elements 14 may be in the form of a cross.

23 is a schematic diagram of a mobile phone control circuitry for performing mobile phone functions, including those keypad control algorithms that are described herein. At its core is a telephone processor 89, such as an ML20xx chip supplied by Mobile Link, Santa Clara, California. Flash memory 90, random access memory 91, and a liquid crystal display 92 are connected via a bus to an ARM KCNC processor 95 (computer with a reduced instruction set), which provides processing of the user interface and protocol. Straight lines connect the system connector 93, MIA 94 (Subscriber Identity Module) and the small keyboard 100. A digital signal processor (DSP) 99, the Oak brand name, also located on chip 89, provides a physical layer for speech processing through microphone 97 and loudspeaker 98, where it is transmitted and received using a dual-band RF (radio frequency) device 96.

24 shows half of the mold 44 for forming the reverse side of the NIRC element with integrally formed locking elements, such as the elements shown in FIG. 14, which consists of a fixed plate 45, which defines cavities 46 for forming the outer surfaces of the locking elements, and movable plates 47 with approximately conical protrusions 48 that form the inner surfaces of the locking elements. The two mold plates are held together when the polymer is introduced and cooled and then separated so as to enable the removal of the formed fixing elements from the cavities 46. The cavities 48 are also provided in the plate 45 to hold the conductive tablets when inserted during molding. The movable plate 47 and the fixed plate 45 can be permanently connected if the cross-sectional area through the cavities 46, perpendicular to the polymer flow, is reduced to the ends of the cavities, making it possible to extrude the molded fixing elements from their cavities without separating the mold halves.

25 depicts a tactile feedback structure for a NICC small keyboard having an array of linear guides 62 formed with a common base sheet 63 and protruding at an angle of about 60 degrees from the base sheet. Alternatively, the guides 62 may be twisted into a spiral or bent so as to curl across the surface of the sheet 63, like a snake. This embodiment provides non-linear tactile feedback of the small keyboard over the entire surface of the NICC small keyboard. The glue can be used to attach the sheet to the printed circuit board, and the holes 65 provide a clearance for tablets of the small keyboard in order to contact the PCB. Or, the guides 62 may be formed integrally or completely in sections with the reverse side of the elastomeric coating of the small keyboard. Gluing the ends of the guides that are distant from the center with the opposite surface (covering the small keyboard or PP) prevents deformation of the center of the small NIKK keyboard with changes in temperature and humidity, and also provides stable support for the ends of the feedback elements remote from the center.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a small keyboard with a tactile feedback element 210 in the form of a stamped metal sheet placed between the coating 10 and the PP 12. The sheet 210 is stamped to form arc segments 212 protruding from its plane so as to form locking elements. In this embodiment, the back side of the sheet is in direct contact with the back side of the NSCI element with parts of the arc segments remote from the center adjacent to the PC 12. As shown in FIG. 27, the arc segments 212 are arranged in rows and columns between the stamped holes 214 that provide access of conductive tablets 16 to PP 12.

On Fig depicts an ergonomically friendly small keyboard 80, which has a continuously wavy surface and clearly does not represent the area 3 of the combined keys, as located in the visible spaces of the areas 2 independent keys. Instead, areas of 3 combination keys are represented as completely independent elements (although they remain intermediate in function). There are no visible features available in the visible areas of the 3 combination keys in order to indicate any dependency with the location of the areas of independent keys. In this example, areas 3 of the combination keys are given smooth outlines, clearly bounded by oval areas, each with an inscription located in the center. Regions of 2 independent keys are not outlined, thus providing a visually clear and simplified context for greater clarity, and the traditional arrangement of telephone keys is created by using predominantly graphic elements. Graphic elements can be slightly depressed and / or created using the “double hit” molding process, in which the elements that define the areas 3 of the combined keys (or just the traditional arrangement of the telephone keys) are first formed in the same color with a harmonic combination of a small keyboard molded into second color.

Fig. 29 depicts a small NICC keyboard 82 in which the regions 3 of the combination keys are maximized as round or oval regions, and the regions 2 of the independent keys consist of rhomboid shapes 64 located between them. The embodiment of FIG. 28 does not represent a combination key region as an intersection of independent keys. Instead, areas 3 of the combination keys are represented as independent elements. The expanded round or oval areas associated with the areas of the combined keys are concave in the form of a spherical shape by 0.1 - 0.5 millimeters in their centers, measured from a neutral plane defined by relatively sharp transitions at their edges. Also, referring to Fig. 19, the raised portions are rhombus-shaped bulges 64, protruding about 0.3 to 1.0 millimeters above the neutral plane. Thus, the total distance d from the top of the rhombus-shaped bulges 64 to the base of the circular or oval regions representing the regions 3 of the combination keys is from about 0.7 to 1.5 millimeters. The peaks of the bulges 64 are predominantly flat with slight bends. The combination key region 218 218 is provided with a pair of tactile positioning protrusions 101, such as those used to indicate the number “5” on many standard small keyboards. In addition, two additional 103 bulges (protrusions) for determining the location are located exactly outside the small keyboard grid between the fourth and fifth rows of the combined key areas (i.e. are located on the same line with the fifth row of independent key areas), counting from the far end of the small keyboard . These thickenings for detection can be detected by touching to facilitate the use of the keyboard in the dark or with blurred vision.

FIG. 30 also depicts with a dashed outline a base grid connected by independent keys, as determined by the switching matrix under the cover of the small keyboard, in order to show that the open surface is devoid of the outlines of this functional grid, which is seen by the operator. Instead, the coating surface is represented as a matrix of independent and combined key areas, as determined by outlines or perceived features that do not match the underlying grid. Each dotted rectangle defines the grid location of the associated independent key. Conversely, the gaps of the combination keys are defined between the grid lines connecting the regions of the independent keys.

Fig.31 - 33 depict the element 10 of the NCCI with the location of the traditional telephone formed by the digital columns of the areas 3 of the combined keys. The first digital column 70 (with 1,4,7, *) is separated from the second digital column 72 (with 2,5,8,0) by a column of unrelated characters 74 (in the drawing, shown with the punctuation characters '?', '@', '-' and '/'). This pattern is repeated in the second column of punctuation characters') ',': ',' '' and '.' between the second and third digital columns. The width of the inscription areas of adjacent columns of the combined keys (for example, 70 and 74) differs in size, changing from wide (column 70) to narrow (column 74). The cross section through directly adjacent regions 2 of the independent keys (Fig. 32) depicts a constant interval of key regions, while the cross section through directly adjacent regions 3 of the combined keys (Fig. 33) depicts the varying width of the key regions. Preferably, the width of the “X” of the space between directly adjacent independent keys 2 is approximately half the width of a person’s finger or less, and the color of the label areas used to identify the column symbols changes, for example, from dark to light in color.

Fig. 34 depicts a NICC small keyboard with columns of areas 2 of independent keys and areas 3 of combined keys located along a 45-degree offset with respect to the user (i.e., with respect to the normal orientation of the small keyboard, as determined by the label orientation). In this embodiment, the number of independently activated keys that can be arranged on a horizontal line (as determined by the normal orientation of the small keyboard) is increased, approximately 40 percent higher than some previous implementations of the NICC small keyboard, especially the traditional American standard (QWERTY) keyboard layout.

Fig. 35 depicts an improved method for interpreting an input signal in the form of a long string of characters (BSS), such as a personal identification number (PIN; access code used to identify a person before the system provides access or service), or the like , taking advantage of the opportunity provided by the small NICC keyboards disclosed above, to detect the simultaneous output signal from any areas of the combined and independent keys, not even neighboring areas. This method may be advantageous to provide a secure and also quick means for entering digital codes for applications, such as providing access to Web sites and other phone-based services and information; entering a personal phone number after the PIN as a means of accessing voicemail; etc. These algorithms, referred to as the DSS function, can be adapted to simultaneously satisfy the following needs: 1) create a sufficiently complex input signal in order to provide an acceptable level of secrecy; 2) satisfy the minimum requirements of PIN access codes in a wide variety of applications; 3) allow almost instant input of the BSS, either user-defined or defined by the system.

At step 100, the system scans the electronic keyboard circuitry to indicate that two or more independent keys are closed at any particular time. At step 102, the system displays the symbol as a consequence of the fact that the system determined a certain combination key corresponding to the read combination, for example, on the local display. Preferably, the user does not need to perform any separate task in order to access the functionality of the BSS; simply contacting an indefinite combination of at least two unrelated independent keys for a predetermined period of time prompts the system to access the functionality of the BSS. If the system detects an undefined combination, the system proceeds to step 104. In the case where the system has just previously registered a single or combined key before identifying an undefined combination and the “release of the key” is not registered (that is, the operator did not stop pressing the keyboard), the system deletes a previously entered character.

At step 106, the system determines whether the uncertain situation corresponds to the stored BSS. If there is one previously stored, the system sends the associated DSS to the display in step 108. If the undefined combination was not previously saved as the corresponding DSS, the system determines in step 110 how many characters were registered on the display when the undefined combination was read. If the characters are registered, but too small to be a valid PIN number (for example, from one to three), then the system informs the user that the PIN must be at least four characters long and continues to scan the small keyboard at step 100.

If there are no symbols on the display, then the system continues to generate a pseudo-random DSS based on the input signals. At step 111, the system arranges the input signals of the independent keys (in this embodiment, the combination keys are not read as such when certain combinations are established) into a predetermined sequence that is independent of the sequence in which the input signals of the individual keys were read). One such sequence may be an alphabetical sequence. Another (which concerns punctuation characters) is sorting by the value of the ASCII code (American standard code for exchanging information). This ordering is likely to change the sequence in which the keys were received by the system. At step 112, the system generates a line of BCS, preferably fully digital and at least 8 characters long. If a simple concatenation of ASCII values results in a too short BSS, the values can be added together and appended to the result. There are many ways to generate a suitable pseudo-random digital sequence from a variety of input signals. If the result is too long, it can be rounded.

At optional step 114 (useful, for example, when making a phone call), the system determines the identity of the other party by checking the caller ID (identifier) or simply viewing the identity of the other party in the stored address book. If it is determined in step 110 that the user has already entered a significant DSS into the display (four or more in this example), then the system stores this undefined combination in memory so that the associated DSS can be provided in step 108 in the future. At step 118, the LSS defined by either the user or the system is sent to the display 92. In the case of the LSS defined by the system, it can send a reference identifier such as "PIN # 3", or (if block 114 is implemented) a partially specified identifier such like "Bank X PIN."

Fig. 36 depicts an algorithm built into the telephone that provides reverse mapping from the input keys of the alphabet keys to the output signals of the digital keys, as indicated by the correspondence of the standard 12-key telephone keypad (i.e., the alphanumeric correspondence of the standard telephone keypad, as shown on Fig. 37), which simplifies the task of dialing phone numbers presented in alphanumeric format, such as "1-800-PATENTS". These numbers have long been disappointing, because although they are easy to remember, they are difficult to dial. However, the reverse mapping has special applicability in small NIKK keyboards, since, despite the fact that they provide a telephone small keyboard, in many cases they do not provide a correspondence between alphabetic and numeric characters.

At step 120, the user enters alphanumeric data into the telephone. This can be done using the traditional small keyboard, NICC small keyboard, or verbally. At step 122, the user signals a desire to "dial" a telephone number by pressing a key or by saying a predetermined word. Steps 120 and 122 may be combined, especially in the case of oral dialing. In steps 124 and 126, in a different sequence, the phone transmits the numbers unchanged, while at the same time re-converting the alphabetic characters using the standard alphanumeric telephone matching shown in Fig. 37. For example, when any of the keys "A", "B" or "C" is pressed, the output signal represents the number "2". At step 128, the output from the algorithm is purely digital, consisting entirely of combinations of numbers 0-9.

Fig. 38 depicts an elastomeric sheet 220, which provides tactile feedback over the entire surface of the NICC keypad, with discrete elements 222 that are located, when the keypad is assembled, between the coating and the substrate. These elements 222 are perpendicular to the base of the sheet 220 (not shown) in order to operate in a purely bending mode, when the coating is pressed against the substrate, or may deviate. Elements 222 may be solid cylinders or vertical tubes.

Fig. 39 depicts the locking elements 14 formed with a common sheet 61, which is separated from the NIRC element 10. The locking elements 14 are conical, with their narrow ends 230 pointing downward, away from the coating 10. Additional thickness is provided by the narrow ends 230 forming a block of material in order to increase the “click” or crisp sensation of tactile feedback provided by caps.

Fig. 40 depicts a scanning algorithm that provides a particularly slow scanning frequency of clock pulses, thereby saving energy. As soon as one switch (switching point) of the small keyboard is activated, the scan is limited to neighboring keys. If another switch (switching location) of the key is activated within the waiting time, the system searches only the rows (or columns) above and below (adjacent to) the activated pair. This continues until a single key is activated for a length of time, or until opposite diagonals are detected.

Fig. 41 shows a printed circuit board 12 with tracks 226 at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the circuit path in the grid area of the small keyboard. The dashed lines represent paths connected to the center rings of the switching points 228 with cap latches. Continuous lines represent paths connected to the peripheral rings of these switching points. Since individual keys located on adjacent opposite diagonals define combination keys, this arrangement provides a simplified recognition algorithm. This hardware change redefines the software so that the simultaneous output from adjacent tracks indicates the output of the combination key.

In Fig. 42, the rows of regions 2 of the independent keys are curved in the form of arcs with a certain radius "R" so as to help identify the location using the keyboard by touching, while the corresponding key pad 18 of the key switching remain along the orthogonal rows and columns , leading to a vertical offset "L" between the centers of the regions 2 independent keys and their contact pads 18 switching in the Central columns. In the far left and right columns, the areas of independent keys are located slightly above the centers of their switching contact pads, in the front view, while at the same time, the opposite offset is obtained in the central column. This keeps the pitch of the switching matrix constant, even if the pitch between the diagonal neighboring regions of the independent keys changes.

On Fig and 44 shows that the mobile phone 250 contains a small keyboard cover 82 of Fig.29 and 30 and a display 92 for displaying alphanumeric text.

A number of embodiments of the invention are described. However, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

1. A telephone with a small keyboard, in which the output signals from keystrokes are determined both by activating a separate switch, and as a result of the combined activation of neighboring switches, in which both the areas of the combined keys and the areas of the independent keys are located in alternating columns, while the columns of the areas combination keys include multiple digital columns, together including digital areas corresponding to the numbers 0-9, each digital column containing multiple GUT said digital domains and at least one other column contains the field keys corresponding to punctuation symbols. 2. The phone according to claim 1 with three digital columns. 3. The phone according to claim 2, in which the digital columns together form a standard arrangement of telephone keys, with the left digital column contains 1,4,7, the middle digital column contains 2,5,8,0, and the right digital column contains 3,6 ,9. 4. The telephone according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the key areas are determined by the corresponding perceived features on the open surface of the flexible membrane. 5. The phone according to claim 4, in which the perceived features include changes in the rise of the membrane surface. 6. The phone according to claim 5, in which the areas of the independent keys are separated by a gap of not more than approximately half the width of the tip of a person’s finger. 7. The phone according to claim 1, in which the areas of the numeric keys are noticeably larger than the areas of the keys corresponding to punctuation characters. 8. The phone according to claim 1, in which the areas of independent keys and areas of the combined keys are of different sizes. 9. The telephone of claim 1, wherein the areas of independent keys together include areas corresponding to letters of the alphabet. 10. The phone according to claim 1, in which each area has a corresponding visible inscription. 11. The phone according to claim 1, in which the digital columns have a visible color different from the color of another column. 12. Phone number 1, in which the area of the combination keys are located in columns of variable width. 13. The telephone of claim 1, wherein the independent key regions are arranged in six vertical columns, as determined by the orientation of the key label. 14. The phone according to item 13, in which the areas of the independent keys are located in the first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth and eleventh vertical columns and contain areas corresponding to the letters, and the digital columns of the areas of the combined keys form the second, sixth and tenth vertical columns, and the fourth and eighth vertical columns include key areas corresponding to punctuation characters, with column numbering on either side of the small keyboard. 15. The telephone of claim 1, configured to register various punctuation characters when one of the key areas corresponding to the punctuation characters is activated twice in sequence.

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