BRMU9001559U2 - keyboard for a handheld electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

KEYBOARD FOR AN HAND ELECTRONIC DEVICE. A keyboard divided into zones, the zones being contoured in such a way that a structure (macro profile) of the keyboard is sensitive to touch to allow the location of the keys / characters just by touching the keyboard and moving the finger respectively. The non-flat macro profile provides the necessary tactile response for handheld device keyboards and allows true "eyes-free" writing with handheld devices.

Description

DESCRIPTION

"KEYBOARD FOR A HAND ELECTRONIC DEVICE"

INVENTION AREA

This invention relates generally to keyboards, and in particular to a handheld electronic device keyboard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The design of keyboards used for laptops and mobile devices has each evolved separately, resulting in its own input of data and control devices that require different functional user skills. Most laptop keyboards (Iaptop) are also based on a standard "QWERTY" key display, in which the letter keys are surrounded by number and symbol keys at the top, and command keys around them. of the remaining ends. The "F" and "J" keys on a QWERTY keyboard usually have a bulge or a "high" for a tactile response so that a 10-finger typist knows without looking where the rest are. fingers and consequently have all other fingers placed correctly. QWERTY keyboards are increasingly common in handheld electronic devices such as cell phones, communicators, personal digital assistants (PDAs) as they have a variety of features (messaging, calendaring, browsing) that require efficient data entry. on handheld devices. Due to the small dimensions of the device and keyboard, typing under these conditions is very difficult, especially for adults with normal-sized fingers. These hand-held keyboards are generally limited to use with only the user's thumbs. The main limitation in keyboard miniaturization is the fact that the keyboard user's fingers cannot be miniaturized, but the keys can be so small that an adult's finger spans the area of multiple keys, making typing an awkward job of typing. experience and error. Typing without looking at the keyboard ("eye-free") is difficult and virtually impossible.

US2005 / 0052419 discloses a "thumb center" keyboard divided into one or more left sections of the keyboard optimized for use with the left thumb, and one or more right sections of the keyboard optimized for use with the right thumb. In particular, a series on the left of one or more rows of input keys, placed in one or more respective arcs with one or more arched centers, is located to the left of the centerline. Likewise, a right-hand series of one or more rows of input keys is placed in one or more arcs with one or more corresponding arc centers located to the right of the centerline. This presentation makes thumb data entry more ergonomic, comfortable and easy to use.

In US7439959, the key display includes a series of keys that are placed in a regular network of rows and columns. The columns include outer columns and at least one column in half. The keys in the first and last columns are smaller and are lower than the keys in at least one column.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of an aspect of this invention to provide a new keyboard design for handheld devices.

The object of the invention is obtained through a keyboard as disclosed in the independent claim. Models of this invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, a keyboard for a handheld electronic device, the keyboard being a full alphabet keyboard, in particular a QWERTY keyboard or the like, comprises:

Significantly symmetric right and left areas of the keyboard, configured to be used by one right hand and one left hand respectively;

Right and left area of the keyboard, each including a center key, a first set of keys in a ring configuration that surrounds the center key, with the top surface profile of the first key series having a recess or elevation relative to to the general profiles of the upper surface of the center key to provide the user with a tactile response to where his fingertip is in the keyboard area. In one embodiment of the invention, the left and right keyboard zones include a second series of keys in a ring configuration surrounding the first series of keys.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is a third keyboard zone between the right and left keyboard zones. In one embodiment of the invention, the third keypad zone includes a center key and a first series of keys in a ring configuration surrounding the center key, with the top surface profile of the first key series having a recess or elevation. relative to the overall profile of the upper surface of the center key, to provide the user with a tactile response to where his fingertip is in the respective area of the keyboard. In one embodiment of the invention, the third keyboard zone includes a series of keys in a ring configuration surrounding the first series of keys.

In one embodiment of the invention, the top surface profile of the first key series is recessed relative to the overall top surface profiles of the center key and the second key series to provide the user with a tactile response to the location of the key. the tip of your finger in the respective area of the keyboard.

In one embodiment of the invention, the profiles of the upper surface of the center key, the first key series, and the second key series are configured to form a rounded recess area surrounding the center key such that the rounded sides of the area The recess areas are formed by the center key on one side and the second series of keys on the other side, and the underside of the recess area is the upper surface of the first series of keys.

In one embodiment of the invention, the center key comprises a significantly convex and conical upper surface profile.

In one embodiment of the invention, the center key comprises a significantly upper surface profile of a truncated pyramid.

In one embodiment of the invention, the size of the center keys is larger than that of the first and second keys.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least most keys in the second series of keys comprise a significantly convex and conical surface profile.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least the keys on the second series of keys on the periphery of the keyboard comprise a significantly semi-arc surface profile with a lower side that abuts the neighboring key on the first series of keys and an upper side facing forward. out.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first series of keys comprises a significantly flat upper surface profile.

In one embodiment of the invention, there are number keys in one of the left and right areas of the keyboard.

In one embodiment of the invention, the keyboard further comprises a navigation key and / or function keys.

By virtue of the embodiments of the invention, a keyboard design provides a tactile response to a user. The keyboard is divided into zones and these zones are bypassed such that a keyboard structure (macro profile) is touch sensitive to allow key / character localization only by keyboard touch and finger movement respectively. The non-flat macro profile according to this invention provides the strong tactile response required for handheld keyboards and enables true eyes-free typing with handheld devices. In addition to the macro profile contour, the keyboard can be a well-known conventional keyboard configuration, with tactile response being a complementary feature such that a new user can easily become familiar with the keyboard. Particularly good and user-friendly tactile response is achieved in the models of the top surface profiles of the center key, with the first series of keys and the second series of keys being configured to form a rounded recess area surrounding the center key. such that the rounded sides of the recess area are constituted by the center key on one side and the second series of keys on the other side, and the underside of the recess area is constituted by the upper surface of the first key series, as the rings recessed keys can act as sliding guide surfaces for the user's fingers. A tactile response in the sliding direction of the fingertip can be enhanced through a center key profile as well as the profile of the second key series.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail by way of example models with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A, 1B and 1C illustrate a full alphabet keyboard in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a full alphabet keyboard according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 illustrates an example of a handheld electronic device including a keyboard according to Figures 1A, 1B and 1C;

Figure 3 illustrates another example of a handheld electronic device including a keyboard according to Figures 1A, 1B and 1C;

Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 illustrate exemplary models in accordance with this invention.

EXAMPLE OF THE INVENTION

This invention can be applied to a keyboard of any type of handheld electronic device with a keyboard with a relatively small full alphabet for the efficient typing of text. This invention is especially applicable to wireless handheld devices such as mobile equipment, mobile stations, wireless user terminals, mobile phones, mobile communicators or personal digital assistants (PDAs).

The term "full alphabet keyboard" refers to a keyboard with a key for each letter (alphabetic character), such as AZ, so that a handheld keyboard has a layout that looks like a standard keyboard used on laptops, for example. It should be appreciated that, as used herein, the term "full alphabet keyboard" may also refer to a keyboard on which some of the keys have more than one letter associated with them. For example, Scandinavian "special" letters may be available as a "shift" + key function on a keyboard intended primarily for English language users. The specific letters used may also vary from one language to another. The keys may be arranged in QWERTY, QWERTZ1 AZERTY, or Dvorak presentations, for example. There may also be a key for each number from 0-9, or numeric characters may share keys with the letters of the alphabet. Examples of handheld QWERTY keyboards include the Nokia E61 and E71 phones. However, it should be considered that the specific association of letters and other characters with the keys on a keyboard is not essential to this invention.

A keyboard according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figures 1A, 1B and 1C. The keyboard may be made of plastic or the like. As illustrated in Figure 1A, the keyboard is a QWERTY keyboard with the full alphabet vertically divided into significantly symmetrical right and left keyboard zones (11) and (12). In the example shown, each keyboard zone (11) and (12) is a 5x5 key array. In this example embodiment, the zones are separated by a raised reinforcement or a middle wall (19). The right keyboard zone (1) includes a center key D and a first series of eight keys W, E, R, F, V, C, X, and S (referred to below as WS) in a ring configuration surrounding the middle key D. A second series of keys 1, 2, 3, 4,5, T, G, B, space, @, shift, Δ, Z, A, Q (referred to below as 1-Q) are placed in a ring configuration surrounding the first keyboard series on the outer periphery of the keyboard zone 1. The right zone (12) of the keyboard includes a center key K and a first series of eight keys U, I, O, L, A, O, M and J (referred to below as UJ) in a ring configuration surrounding the center key K. A second series of keys 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, P, backspace key, backspace, chr, comma ",", period ".", space, Ν, H and Y (referred to below as 6-Y) is placed in a ring configuration that surrounds the first keyboard series on the outer periphery of the keyboard zone 12. In the example model illustrated the shape of the keys is significantly regular (eg

ex. square) in a top view. Also, according to the concepts of this invention, the

zones 11 and 12 are bypassed such that a keyboard structure (macro profile) is

touch sensitive to allow keys / characters to be located by touch only

on the keyboard and finger movement respectively. DeK center keys are

preferably larger than the other keys to make it easier to locate

center keys with one finger without looking at the keyboard (eyes-free). Moreover, as

1B and 1C, the upper surface profile of the first series of W-S keys

and U-J is in recess (or may alternatively be raised) relative to the profiles

upper surface overviews of the center keys D and K, and in relation to the general

upper surface of the second series of keys 1-Q and 6-Y, respectively, so as to

provide a tactile response to the location of the user's finger tip on the

respective keyboard zone 11 and 12. The upper surface profiles of the center key D or K,

the first series of W-S or U-J keys, and the second series of 1-Q or 6-Y keys may be

configured to form a rounded recess area 13 or 14 surrounding the

central key D or K such that the rounded sides 15-16 or 17-18 of the

Recess 13 or 14 consist of the center key D or K on one side and the series of

1-Q or 6-Y keys on the other side, underside of recess area 13 or 14 consists of

top surface of the first series of W-S or U-J keys. The key zones of

recesses 13 and 14 may function as sliding guide surfaces for the user's fingers.

In models of the invention, a tactile response in the sliding direction of the fingers can be enhanced by a profile of the center key D or K, and also with that of the second series of 1-Q and 6-Y keys. In one embodiment of the invention, the center key D or K comprises a significantly convex or conical upper surface profile identical to that of the truncated pyramid. The four slanted main sides of the center key D, for example, direct the fingertip straight up (FeG keys), down (C and @ keys), right (F and G keys), and left ( SeA keys). On the other hand, the four diagonal corners of the center key D orient the fingertip diagonally to the corners of zone 11 of the keyboard, ie the W, Q, 1 and 2 keys, the R, 4, 5 and T keys. , the V, B, and space keys, or the X, shift, and Δ keys. The corner keys 1, 5, space and Δ may preferably be rounded at the corner in the direction of the center key D (as illustrated by the shaded area in Figure 1A) such that the fingertip will slide easily. above the K key, for example to press key 1. The other keys in the second series of keys 1-Q and 6-Y may comprise a significantly convex and conical surface profile. The keys on the second series of 1-Q and 6-Y keys on the keyboard periphery may comprise a semi-arc upper surface profile (16) with a lower side that abuts the neighboring key on the first series of keys WS or UJ and a higher side facing outwards. The first series of W-S or U-J keys may comprise a significantly flat upper surface profile.

Figure 3 illustrates an example of an electronic device (31) including a keyboard (32) according to Figures 1A, 1B and 1C. The electronic handheld device is of the so-called "shell" type comprising a pair of covers (33) and (34) hingedly connected to each other via a hinge (35). The keyboard (32) has an inner surface of the lid (33), and a graphic or text screen (36) on the inner surface of the lid (34). The keys are in a closed position, the covers (33) and (34) are folded into a vertical frame with the screen (36) placed against the keyboard (32). In the open position, illustrated in Figure 3, the lid 34 is held in the user's hand or hands, and the lid 34 with the screen 36 is turned to a desired viewing angle. This structure is used in some Nokia Inc. mobile communicators, for example. As illustrated in Figure 3, the user often writes or enters information through the thumbs to operate the keys, as the other fingers are used to hold the device. If the device is held and operated with one hand, only one thumb can be used to write. If the device is held in one hand and the other hand performs writing, an index finger or an index finger and another finger may be used for writing. In all cases, the finger (s) span multiple keys on the keyboard, making it difficult to see the key that is pressed. An ergonomic keyboard, according to this invention, is touch sensitive to allow key / character localization only by keyboard touch and finger movement, respectively, and a truly "eyes-free" typing.

It should be noted that Figure 3 is just a simplified example of using the keyboard on a handheld device. The handheld may include any number of additional features and keys not disclosed or illustrated herein. For example, the device may also include telephone buttons to initiate or end a telephone call, function buttons, a power switch, a navigation key, and so on.

Figure 4 illustrates another example in which a keyboard according to an embodiment of this invention is used in a smartphone such as the Nokia E71. The device comprises a large graphic display (45) and a keyboard (42) on the top side of a simple lid (41). Between screen (45) and keyboard (42) there is a command key field (43). The command key field (43) may include a navigation key (44), function keys (47,48,49 and 50), a power key (51) for initiating telephone calls, and a power key ( 52) to end phone calls. Figures 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of this invention. The same reference symbols represent the same characteristics or structures as those in Figures 1A, 1B and 1C. The main difference from the display of Figures .1A, 1B and 1c is that, in Figure 2A, the keys in the top row of the keyboard are function or command keys, rather than being assigned the number 1- characters. 9 and 0. The numbers 1- .9 and O are now arranged to share the keys with the characters U, I, O, J, K, L, M, Ò, A, and period "." Respectively in the zone on the right side (12). The separator gusset or middle wall (19) illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B is also omitted on the keyboard of Figures 2A, 2B and 2C. In place of the keys (5) and (6) in the top row is a large navigation key (21). Thus, the same navigation key (21) consumes a key position in both the right and left zones (11) and (12) of the keyboard. The navigation key profile can be significantly identical to that of the center keys D and K. Likewise, the two space keys in the bottom row are combined into a single space key that takes the place of a key in the bottom row. in both the right and left zones (11) and (12) of the keyboard. Other function or command keys on the example keyboard include "open", "home", "cal", "dir", "mail" and "close", but it should be considered that any commands or functions may be associated with the keys. from the top row. For example, the keys in the top row can be used for area control functions (43) in Figure 4.

Figure 5 illustrates an additional example model with a full alphabet QWERTY keyboard, vertically divided into significantly symmetrical right and left zone (51) and (52), plus a third central zone (53) of the keyboard. In the illustrated example, each of the keyboard zones (51,52 and 53) is a 3x4 key array, except that an additional column of keys (54) is provided on the left side of zone (53). The right zone (52) of the keyboard includes a center key S and a series of eight keys U, I, O, L, Á, Ò, M and J in a square ring configuration surrounding the center key Κ. Column 54 contains the P1 backspace and backspace keys, and a bottom row contains the chr, comma, ", full stop" keys. The left zone (51) of the keyboard includes a center key S and a first series of eight Q, W, E, D, C, X, Z and A keys in a square ring configuration surrounding the center key S. The row bottom contains the "@" and "shift" keys. The center zone (53) of the keyboard includes a center key G and a first series of eight keys R, Τ, Υ, Η, Ν, Β, V, F and in a square ring configuration surrounding the center key G. A bottom row contains a large "space" key. Again, in accordance with the concepts of this invention, zones 51,52 and 53 are bypassed such that a keyboard (macro profile) structure is touch sensitive to allow key / character localization only via the touch the keyboard and finger movement respectively. For example, the center keys S1 G and K are preferably larger than the remaining keys to make it easier to locate the center keys with one finger without looking at the keyboard (eyes-free). In addition, the upper surface profile of the center keys is high (or may alternatively be recessed) relative to the general upper surface profiles of the surrounding keys. The Center keys and the surrounding keys may have a similar profile, as in the models described with respect to Figures 1-4.

Figure 6 illustrates another example model with a full-length QWERTY keyboard, vertically divided into significantly symmetrical right and left zones (61) and (62), and a third central zone (63) of the keyboard. In the illustrated example, the center zone 63 of the keyboard is an array of 3x4 keys. The center zone (63) of the keyboard includes a center key G and a first series of eight keys R, Τ, Υ, Η, Ν, Β, V, F and in a square ring configuration surrounding the center key G. A bottom row contains the "#", O, the "*" keys. In addition, the top surface profile of the center keys is high (or may alternatively be recessed) relative to the general top surface profiles of the surrounding keys. The center key G and the surrounding keys may have an identical profile, as in the models described with respect to Figures 1-4. In addition, there is a "space" key below the bottom row. In the right and left area (61) and (62) of the keyboard, the center keys S and K are round or circular, larger, and raised (convex shape) or recessed (concave shape) relative to the overall top surface profiles of the surrounding keys. In the right zone (62), the eight keys U, I, O, L, A, Õ, M and J are in a segmented square ring configuration surrounding the center key K. There is another column (64) on the right side. zone (62) and contains the P and "back" keys. In addition, there is a large "backtrack" key below the zone (62). In the left zone (61), the eight keys Q, W, E1 D, C, X, Z and A are in a segmented square ring configuration surrounding the center key S. In this example, functions of other keys are not illustrated. on the keyboard.

Figure 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment in which a full-length QWERTY keyboard is arranged vertically divided into significantly symmetrical right and left keyboard zones 71 and 72, and a third central keyboard zone 73. In the illustrated example, the center zone 73 of the keyboard is a 3x3 key array. The center zone (63) of the keyboard includes a center key G and a first series of eight keys R, Τ, Υ, Η, Ν, Β, V, F and in a square ring configuration surrounding the center key G. upper surface profile of the center keys is raised (or may alternatively be raised) relative to the general upper surface profiles of the surrounding keys. The center key G and the surrounding keys may have an identical profile, as in the models described with respect to Figures 1-5. In addition, there is a "space" key below the zone (73). In the right and left zone (71) and (72) of the keyboard, the center keys S and K are round or circular, larger, and raised (convex shape) or recessed (concave shape) relative to the overall top surface profiles of the surrounding keys. In the right zone (72), the eight keys U, I, O, L, À, Ó, M and J are in a circular ring configuration surrounding the center key K. There is another column (74) on the right side of the zone (72) and contains the P keys, a "space", "backspace" key. In the left zone (71), the eight keys Q, W, E, D, C, X, Z and A are in a circular ring configuration surrounding the center key S. In this example, functions of other keys are not illustrated. on the keyboard.

Figure 8 illustrates an additional example model with a significantly symmetrical right and left zone 81 and 82 and a third central keyboard zone 83. In the illustrated example, the center zone 83 of the keyboard is an array of .3x3 keys. The configuration is significantly identical to that of Figure 7, except that the shape of the keys in the center zone 83 is adapted to fully match that of the left and right zones.

In the model shown in Figures 5-8, SeK round center keys may have joystick functionality.

It will be appreciated that in the exemplary models the keys are associated with and referred to specific characters for illustrative purposes only without restriction models of the invention for such presentation. The specific correspondence of letters, and other characters, with the keys on a keyboard is not essential to this invention and may freely vary according to the requirements of each specific device and / or language.

The models described herein are exemplary models of the invention. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that further changes and modifications may still arise in the present concepts described herein, without departing from the idea and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. REFERENCES REFERRED TO IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It is not part of the European Patent document. Although great care has been taken in compiling references, errors and omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims any liability in this regard.

Patent Documents Cited in Description

• US 20050052419 [0028]

• US 7439959 [0002]

Claims (15)

1. A keyboard for a handheld electronic device, the keyboard being a full alphabet keyboard, in particular a QWERTY keyboard, or the like comprising: a significantly symmetrical left and right keyboard zones configured to be operated by one finger of the right hand and one finger of the left hand respectively; each of the right and left zones includes a center key and a first series of keys in a ring configuration surrounding the center key; characterized in that (i) the top surface profile of the first series of keys is recessed or raised relative to the overall top surface profile of the center key to provide the user with a tactile response to where his fingertip is located in the respective keyboard area. A keyboard according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the right and left areas of the keyboard includes a second series of keys in a ring configuration surrounding the first series of keys. A keyboard according to claim 1, comprising a third keyboard zone located between the right and left keyboard zones. A keyboard according to claim 3, characterized in that the third keyboard zone includes a center key and a first series of keys in a ring configuration surrounding the center key, with the upper surface profile of the first series of keys. The keys are recessed or raised to the overall profile of the top surface of the center key to provide the user with a tactile response to where the user's fingertip is in the respective keyboard area. A keyboard according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the third keyboard zone includes a second series of keys surrounding the first series of keys. A keyboard according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the upper surface profile of the first key series is recessed with respect to the general upper surface profiles of the central key, and the second key series, for provide the user with a tactile response from where the user's fingertip is in the respective area of the keyboard. Keyboard according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the upper surface profiles of the center key, the first key series and the second key series are configured to form a rounded recess area surrounding the key. such that the rounded sides of the recess area are constituted by the center key on one side and the second key series on the other side, and the underside of the recess area being formed by the upper surface of the first key series. A keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the center key comprises a significantly convex or conical upper surface profile. A keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the center key comprises a significantly upper surface profile of a truncated pyramid. A keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the dimensions of the center key are larger than the dimensions of the first and second keys. A keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least most of the keys in the second series of keys comprise a substantially convex or conical surface profile. A keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least the keys in the second series of keys on the keyboard periphery comprise a substantially semi-arc upper surface profile with a lower side that abuts the neighbor key in the first series of keys and a higher side facing outwards. A keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first series of keys comprises a significantly flat upper surface profile. A keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by numeric keys in one of the right and left zones of the keyboard. A keyboard according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the keyboard further comprises a navigation key and / or function keys.