EP1696448A1 - elektronisches Handgerät und Tastatur mit verbesserter Bedienbarkeit und reduzierten Abmessungen und dazugehöriges Verfahren - Google Patents

elektronisches Handgerät und Tastatur mit verbesserter Bedienbarkeit und reduzierten Abmessungen und dazugehöriges Verfahren Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1696448A1
EP1696448A1 EP05251030A EP05251030A EP1696448A1 EP 1696448 A1 EP1696448 A1 EP 1696448A1 EP 05251030 A EP05251030 A EP 05251030A EP 05251030 A EP05251030 A EP 05251030A EP 1696448 A1 EP1696448 A1 EP 1696448A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
key
keys
pair
another
input
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP05251030A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1696448B1 (de
Inventor
Jason T. Griffin
Steven Henry Fyke
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BlackBerry Ltd
Original Assignee
Research in Motion Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to EP08168945A priority Critical patent/EP2019402B1/de
Priority to AT08168945T priority patent/ATE475192T1/de
Priority to EP05251030A priority patent/EP1696448B1/de
Priority to DE602005011926T priority patent/DE602005011926D1/de
Priority to AT05251030T priority patent/ATE418788T1/de
Priority to DE602005022510T priority patent/DE602005022510D1/de
Application filed by Research in Motion Ltd filed Critical Research in Motion Ltd
Priority to CA2537491A priority patent/CA2537491C/en
Priority to CN2006100887970A priority patent/CN1862736B/zh
Priority to SG200601185A priority patent/SG125237A1/en
Publication of EP1696448A1 publication Critical patent/EP1696448A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1696448B1 publication Critical patent/EP1696448B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/78—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
    • H01H13/807—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites characterised by the spatial arrangement of the contact sites, e.g. superimposed sites
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H23/00—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button
    • H01H23/28—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button with three operating positions
    • H01H23/30—Tumbler or rocker switches, i.e. switches characterised by being operated by rocking an operating member in the form of a rocker button with three operating positions with stable centre positions and one or both end positions unstable
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/054—Tactile feedback common to all switch sites
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/008—Actuators other then push button
    • H01H2221/016—Lever; Rocker
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2225/00—Switch site location
    • H01H2225/01—Different switch sites under one actuator in same plane
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
    • H01H25/041—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to handheld electronic devices and, more particularly, to a keypad for a handheld electronic device.
  • handheld electronic devices Numerous types of handheld electronic devices are known. Examples of such handheld electronic devices include, for instance, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, two-way pagers, cellular telephones, and the like. Such handheld electronic devices are generally intended to be portable and thus must be relatively small. Many handheld electronic devices feature wireless communication capability, although many such handheld electronic devices are stand-alone devices. Since handheld electronic devices typically are portable, it is also desired that the form factor of the devices be sufficiently small and ergonomic that they can conveniently be transported with a belt clip, in a user's pocket, manually, or in a briefcase.
  • PDAs personal data assistants
  • handheld computers two-way pagers
  • cellular telephones and the like.
  • Such handheld electronic devices are generally intended to be portable and thus must be relatively small. Many handheld electronic devices feature wireless communication capability, although many such handheld electronic devices are stand-alone devices. Since handheld electronic devices typically are portable, it is also desired that the form factor of the devices be sufficiently small and ergonomic that they can conveniently be transported with a belt clip, in a user
  • An improved handheld electronic device, keypad, and method in accordance with the invention meet these and other needs.
  • An improved handheld electronic device having an improved keypad provides enhanced usability and reduced size by organizing its keys in pairs, with a pair of keys being disposed on a support. Each key of a pair of keys is individually actuatable. An actuation of a key causes a primary conductor associated with the key set to electrically to connect a pair of contacts and to cause a secondary conductor associated with the key to electrically connect another pair of contacts.
  • the primary conductor is a collapsible dome or a tactile switch that can electrically connect the pair of contacts and that can provide a particular tactile feedback to the user.
  • the secondary conductor is a conductor other than a collapsible dome or a tactile switch. An actuation of any key or of any pair of keys thus provides to the user a consistent tactile feedback, i.e., from a collapse of a single dome.
  • An improved method in accordance with the invention is also disclosed.
  • an aspect of the invention is to provide an improved handheld electronic device, an improved keypad, and an improved method that provide enhanced usability.
  • Another aspect of the invention is to provide an improved handheld electronic device and an improved keypad having keys that are organized in pairs to enable the keypad to have a reduced overall size.
  • Another aspect of the invention is to provide an improved handheld electronic device and an improved keypad that provide both collapsible domes (or alternative switches providing tactile feedback) and conductive carbon elements (or alternative switches generally not providing tactile feedback), with a collapsing of a dome providing a tactile feedback to the user.
  • Another aspect of the invention is to provide an improved method of enabling input into a handheld electronic device wherein keys of the handheld electronic device have linguistic elements assigned thereto and wherein pairs of keys also have linguistic elements assigned thereto, with the improved method providing a plurality of modes for detecting input from the keys.
  • Another aspect of the invention is to provide an improved handheld device and an improved keypad that enables a small form factor while still providing enhanced usability or user friendliness.
  • an aspect of the invention is to provide an improved keypad that is structured to be incorporated into a handheld electronic device.
  • the general nature of the keypad can be stated as including a contact apparatus, a button apparatus, a primary conductor portion, and a secondary conductor portion.
  • the contact apparatus includes a plurality of electrical contacts.
  • the button apparatus includes a number of key sets. Each key set of at least a portion of the number of key sets includes a pair of keys and a support, with the pair of keys being disposed on the support.
  • the primary conductor portion includes a number of primary conductors that are elastically deflectable between a relaxed position and a deflected position.
  • Each primary conductor of at least a portion of the number of primary conductors in the deflected position electrically connects together a pair of electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts.
  • the secondary conductor portion includes a number of secondary conductors that are movable between a first position and a second position.
  • Each secondary conductor of at least a portion of the number of secondary conductors in the second position electrically connects together a pair of electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts.
  • the pair of keys includes a first key and a second key, with the first key being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, and with the second key being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position.
  • a primary conductor which corresponds with the key set is in the deflected position when the first key is in the actuated position.
  • a first secondary conductor which corresponds with the first key is in the second position when the first key is in the actuated position.
  • the primary conductor which corresponds with the key set is in the deflected position when the second key is in the actuated position.
  • a second secondary conductor which corresponds with the second key is in the second position when the second key is in the actuated position.
  • the processor apparatus includes a processor and a memory.
  • the input apparatus includes a keypad and is cooperable with the processor apparatus to provide input to the processor apparatus.
  • the output apparatus is cooperable with the processor apparatus to receive signals from the processor apparatus and to provide output.
  • the keypad includes a contact apparatus, a button apparatus, a primary conductor portion, and a secondary conductor portion.
  • the contact apparatus includes a plurality of electrical contacts.
  • the button apparatus includes a number of key sets. Each key set of at least a portion of the number of key sets includes a pair of keys and a support, with the pair of keys being disposed on the support.
  • the primary conductor portion includes a number of primary conductors that are elastically deflectable between a relaxed position and a deflected position. Each primary conductor of at least a portion of the number of primary conductors in the deflected position electrically connects together a pair of electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts.
  • the secondary conductor portion includes a number of secondary conductors that are movable between a first position and a second position. Each secondary conductor of at least a portion of the number of secondary conductors in the second position electrically connects together a pair of electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts.
  • the pair of keys includes a first key and a second key, with the first key being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, and with the second key being movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position.
  • a primary conductor which corresponds with the key set is in the deflected position when the first key is in the actuated position.
  • a first secondary conductor which corresponds with the first key is in the second position when the first key is in the actuated position.
  • the primary conductor which corresponds with the key set is in the deflected position when the second key is in the actuated position.
  • a second secondary conductor which corresponds with the second key is in the second position when the second key is in the actuated position.
  • the handheld electronic device is of a type that includes an input apparatus having a pair of keys, with the pair of keys including a first key having a first linguistic element assigned thereto and a second key having a second linguistic element assigned thereto, and with the pair of keys having a third linguistic element assigned thereto.
  • the handheld electronic device is operable in at least a first input mode and a second input mode.
  • the general nature of the method can be stated as including detecting in the first input mode at least one of i) an actuation of the first key as being an input of the first linguistic element; and ii) an actuation of the second key as being an input of the second linguistic element.
  • the method further includes detecting in the second input mode an actuation of the first key as being an input of the third linguistic element and an actuation of the second key as being an input of the third linguistic element.
  • FIG. 1 An improved handheld electronic device 4 in accordance with the invention is depicted schematically in Fig. 1.
  • the handheld electronic device 4 includes an improved keypad 8 in accordance with the invention that is depicted, in whole or in part, in Figs. 2-8.
  • the handheld electronic device 4 and the keypad 8 advantageously are configured to be of a relatively small size while providing enhanced usability, for example, in accordance with an improved method in accordance with the invention, as will be set forth more fully below.
  • the handheld electronic device 4 includes an input apparatus 6, a processor apparatus 10, a housing 12, and an output apparatus 14.
  • the input apparatus 6 includes the keypad 8.
  • the output apparatus 14 includes a display 16.
  • the keypad 8 and the display 16 are disposed on the housing 12.
  • the processor apparatus 10 includes a suitable processor 18 such as, without limitation, a microprocessor ( ⁇ P).
  • the processor apparatus 10 further includes a memory 20 having a number of routines 22 stored therein that are executable on the processor 18.
  • the routines 22 executed on the processor 18 provide functionality to inputs received from the keypad 8 and provide outputs to the display 16.
  • the memory 20 can be any of a variety of storage devices and may include one or more of, for example and without limitation, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and/or other appropriate storage device. Examples of handheld electronic devices are included in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,452,588 and 6,489,950, which are incorporated by reference herein.
  • the exemplary keypad 8 includes a plurality of keys 60.
  • Many of the keys 60 have a linguistic element 24 assigned thereto.
  • the expression "linguistic element" and variations thereof shall refer broadly to any type of character, ideogram, numerical reference, and/or other symbol that can be employed to provide linguistic expression, and can expressly include portions of the same such as strokes and the like without limitation.
  • Many of the keys 60 are organized in pairs 32 of keys 60.
  • a pair 32 of adjacent keys 60 can have an alternate linguistic element 28 assigned thereto.
  • the handheld electronic device 4 and the method of the invention allow input in a plurality of input modes.
  • an actuation of a key 60 can cause an input of the linguistic element 24 assigned to the actuated key 60 or can cause an input of the alternate linguistic element 28 assigned to the key 60 and to the key 60 adjacent thereto which form a pair 32.
  • the keypad 8 includes a button apparatus 40, a primary conductor portion 44 (Figs. 6-8), a secondary conductor portion 48 (Figs. 4 and 6-8), and a contact apparatus in the form of a printed circuit board 56. It is noted that the primary conductor portion is not expressly depicted in Fig. 3 for purposes of clarity.
  • the button apparatus 40 includes a number of key sets 36, a number of bridging members 38 extending between some of the key sets 36, and a flexible mount 66.
  • the expression of "a number of" and variations thereof shall refer broadly to any nonzero quantity, including a quantity of one.
  • the key sets 36 each generally include a pair 32 of the keys 60, a support 64, and an actuator 70.
  • the support 64 is disposed between the keys 60 of the pair 32, and the actuator 70 is disposed generally adjacent the support 64.
  • a small gap 42 is provided between the keys 60 adjacent the support 64, i.e., the support 64 terminates at the gap 42.
  • the gap 42 provides a small space 120 between the keys 60 of the key set 36 to provide to the user a visual and tactile differentiation between the two adjacent keys 60.
  • the support 64 serves to connect together the keys 60 of a pair of keys 32.
  • the flexible mount 66 is disposed generally between the keys 60 and the printed circuit board 56.
  • the exemplary mount 66 depicted herein includes a plurality of downwardly-depending legs 46 that are engageable with the printed circuit board 56.
  • the actuators 70 in the present exemplary embodiment are formed on the supports 64 and may extend across at least a portion of one or more of the keys 60 of the key set 36. In the present exemplary embodiment, the actuators 70 extend through openings 84 formed in the flexible mount 66. It is noted that in other embodiments the actuators 70 may be formed as a part of the flexible mount 66 without departing from the concept of the invention.
  • the exemplary flexible mount 66 is formed of a flexible silicone compound but could be made of other materials without departing from the concept of the invention.
  • the primary conductor portion 44 (Figs. 6-8) includes a plurality of conductive domes 68 which, in the present exemplary embodiment, are disposed on the printed circuit board 56.
  • the domes 68 are elastically deflectable between a relaxed position, i.e., Fig. 6, and a deflected position, i.e., Figs. 7-8.
  • the movement of the domes 68 between the relaxed and deflected positions occurs via elastic deformation of the domes 68 and causes the domes to "snap" between the relaxed and deflected positions to provide a desirable tactile feedback to the user.
  • tactile switches or other tactile switching structures may be employed in place of the domes 68 without departing from the concept of the invention.
  • references to a collapse of a dome and/or a tactile feedback resulting therefrom shall expressly include, for example, tactile switches and other such structures, as well as tactile feedback therefrom.
  • Such other structures are understood to be elastically deflectable between a relaxed position and a deflected position and to provide tactile feedback to the user.
  • the domes 68 in the deflected position connect together a set of primary contacts 96, such as are depicted in Fig. 5, to complete an electrical circuit therebetween.
  • the exemplary sets of primary contacts 96 each include a ball contact 104 and a ring contact 108 that are concentrically disposed on the printed circuit board 56.
  • a dome 68 When a dome 68 is in the relaxed position, its circular edge, i.e., the portion of the dome 68 opposite the proud portion thereof, is disposed on the ring contact 108 of the associated set of primary contacts 96.
  • the dome 68 When the dome 68 is in the deflected position, its previously proud portion engages the ball contact 98 of the associated pair of primary contacts 96 to complete an electrical circuit therebetween to provide an input that can be detected by the processor 18.
  • the domes 68 may be made in whole or in part of metal or another electrical conductor.
  • the secondary conductor portion 48 includes a plurality of carbon pills 76 which, in the present exemplary embodiment, are disposed on the flexible mount 66.
  • the carbon pills 76 are small members that are formed of or are coated with an electrically conductive carbon material.
  • the carbon pills 76 can be, for instance, adhered or otherwise mounted to the flexible mount 66.
  • the flexible mount 66 could be formed, i.e., cured, in physical contact with the carbon pills 76, whereby the flexible mount 66 could be formed to the carbon pills 76 to retain the carbon pills 76 thereon.
  • Other configurations are possible. It is also noted that the carbon pills 76 could be disposed on the keys 60 themselves without departing from the concept of the invention.
  • Each carbon pill 76 is movable between a first position, i.e., Fig. 6, and a second position, as is variously depicted in Figs. 7-8. In the second position, a carbon pill 76 electrically connects together an associated set of secondary contacts 100, such as are depicted generally in Fig. 5.
  • the sets of secondary contacts 100 are of an "intermeshed comb" configuration that includes a first comb contact 112 and a second comb contact 116 having a number of fingers that are adjacent or are intermeshed.
  • domes 68 and the carbon pills 76 can be said to serve as switches for the keys 60.
  • the domes provide a tactile feedback in being elastically deformed between the relaxed and deflected positions.
  • the carbon pills 76 moving between the first and second positions to engage the secondary contacts 100 generally do not provide any tactile feedback apart from the resistance provided by elastic deformation of the flexible mount 66 which, in any event, is not the same as the tactile feedback provided by the domes 68.
  • Each key 60 has an associated carbon pill 76 that is associated therewith and that is moved between its first and second positions when the key 60 is actuated.
  • Each key set 36 has an associated dome 68 associated therewith that is elastically deflectable between the relaxed and deflected positions upon an actuation of a key 60 of the aforementioned key set 36.
  • Each key 60 of a key set 36 thus also has associated therewith the same associated dome 68.
  • FIG. 6-8 An exemplary embodiment of a key set 36 having a pair 32 of keys 60 is depicted in Figs. 6-8.
  • the pair 32 of keys 60 includes a first key 60', a second key 60", and a support 64 disposed therebetween.
  • the key set 36 also includes an associated actuator 70 that can be said to be associated with the support 64 and the keys 60' and 60" and that is engaged with the proud portion of an associated dome 68.
  • a first carbon pill 76' is associated with first key 60', and a second carbon pills 76" is associated with the second key 60".
  • the first and second keys 60' and 60" are each in an unactuated position, whereby the dome 68 is in the relaxed position and the first and second carbon pills 76' and 76" are each in the first position.
  • the first key 60' has been actuated and thus has been moved from its unactuated position to an actuated position.
  • the dome 68 has been elastically deformed by the actuator 70 to the deflected position, thereby providing to the user the tactile feedback associated with such movement of the dome 68.
  • Actuation of the first key 60' also elastically deflects or flexes the mount 66 which moves the first carbon pill 76' from the first position to the second position.
  • the dome 68 has electrically connected together the associated set of primary contacts 96
  • the first carbon pill 76' has electrically connected together the associated set of secondary contacts 100.
  • the completion of a circuit that includes the aforementioned set of primary contacts 96 and the completion of the circuit that includes the aforementioned set of secondary contacts 100 each provide an input that can be detected by the processor 18.
  • the elastic energy stored in the dome 68 in the deflected position and the mount 66 in the flexed condition cause the first key 60' to rebound to its unactuated position, as is depicted generally in Fig. 6.
  • the second key 60" is depicted as having been actuated from its unactuated position to an actuated position.
  • the dome 68 is in the deflected position, and the second carbon pill 76" is in a second position where it electrically connects together another set of secondary contacts 100.
  • the support 64 pivots slightly and is translated slightly toward the printed circuit board 56, the dome 68 moves between the relaxed position and the deflected position, and either the first carbon pill 76' or second carbon pill 76" is moved from its first position to its second position.
  • the first and second keys 60' and 60" each being disposed on a common support 64, the first and second keys 60' and 60" can be actuated independently of one another.
  • the keypad 68 can advantageously have an overall size that is relatively smaller than other keypads.
  • the keys 60 of any pair 32 have the space 120 therebetween that is of a certain width, such as might be measured in the horizontal plane from the perspective of Fig. 4.
  • a given key set 36 is spaced from an adjacent key set 36 by what may be called a pitch space 124 therebetween, such as might be measured in the same plane as the space 120. It can be seen that at least some of the spaces 120 are relatively smaller than at least some of the pitch spaces 124.
  • the keys 60 in any given pair 32 are, however, clearly spaced apart from one another and thus are individually identifiable by a user.
  • the tighter spacing between certain of the keys 60 i.e., between the keys 60 in any given pair 32, than between other keys 60, i.e., a key 60 from a given pair 32 and an adjacent key 60 in an adjacent pair 32, enables the keypad 8 to have an overall relatively smaller configuration than if all of the keys 60 were spaced the same distance apart.
  • the differential size between the space 120 and the pitch space 124 allows the keypad 8 to be relatively narrow, as can be measured in a plane corresponding with the horizontal direction in Fig. 4.
  • Other arrangements of the keys 60 could provide relatively smaller overall dimensions in other directions in a fashion that would be within the scope of the invention.
  • the routines 22 include an input routine that provides to the handheld electronic device 4 a plurality of input modes.
  • the input modes could be, for example and without limitation, a text input mode, a telephone mode, a numeric mode, and/or other input mode.
  • An actuation of any given key 60 could provide an input to the processor 18 that could be detected by the processor 18 as being a number of different inputs depending upon which of the input modes is currently active on the handheld electronic device 4.
  • many of the keys 60 have assigned thereto a linguistic element 24 which, in the present example, may be a Roman letter.
  • many of the pairs 32 of keys 60 have assigned thereto an alternate linguistic element 28 in the form of, for example, an Arabic numeral, i.e., a digit.
  • the alternate linguistic elements 28 are arranged on the keypad 8 in the form of a touch-tone keypad that additionally provides an asterisk, i.e., *, assigned to one of the keys 60 and a number symbol or pound sign, i.e., #, assigned to another key 60 at locations corresponding with those of a conventional touch-tone layout.
  • the text input mode is active on the handheld electronic device 4
  • an actuation of a key 60 having a linguistic element 24 assigned thereto such as in the nature of a Roman letter will result in an input to the processor 18 that is detected by the processor 18 as being the linguistic element 24.
  • the telephone input mode or the numeric input mode for example and without limitation, is active on the handheld electronic device 4
  • an actuation of a key 60 that is part of a pair 32 having assigned thereto an alternate linguistic element 28 in the form of, for example, an Arabic numeral will provide an input to the processor 18 that is detected by the processor 18 as being the alternate linguistic element 28.
  • the handheld electronic device 4 thus advantageously is configured to be of a relatively small size and to have enhanced functionality that is provided, for example, by the method of the invention.
  • the method of the invention provides enhanced functionality by, in addition to allowing an input of a linguistic element 24 assigned to a key 60 by actuating the key 60, also providing for the entry of alternate linguistic elements 28 that are assigned to pairs 32 of the keys 60.
  • an input mode of the type that detects actuations of keys 60 as being inputs of such alternate linguistic elements 28 is active on the handheld electronic device 4, an actuation of either of the keys 60 of a given pair 32 will result in an input of the alternate linguistic element 28 assigned to the pair 32.
  • a user desiring to enter such an alternate linguistic element 28 can press either or both of the keys 60 in the pair 32, which facilitates rapid entry of such inputs.
  • Such entry can be rapid because, for instance, the user can press either or both of such keys 60 without a concern of specifically pressing one key 60 or the other key 60.
  • This advantageously also allows a user to pay relatively less attention when providing certain inputs than would be the case if the user were required to actuate only a particular key 60.
  • the user will receive a desirable and consistent tactile feedback in the nature of a collapse of a single dome 68.

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  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
EP05251030A 2005-02-23 2005-02-23 Elektronisches Handgerät und Tastatur mit verbesserter Bedienbarkeit und reduzierten Abmessungen und dazugehöriges Verfahren Active EP1696448B1 (de)

Priority Applications (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05251030A EP1696448B1 (de) 2005-02-23 2005-02-23 Elektronisches Handgerät und Tastatur mit verbesserter Bedienbarkeit und reduzierten Abmessungen und dazugehöriges Verfahren
DE602005011926T DE602005011926D1 (de) 2005-02-23 2005-02-23 Elektronisches Handgerät und Tastatur mit verbesserter Bedienbarkeit und reduzierten Abmessungen und dazugehöriges Verfahren
AT05251030T ATE418788T1 (de) 2005-02-23 2005-02-23 Elektronisches handgerät und tastatur mit verbesserter bedienbarkeit und reduzierten abmessungen und dazugehöriges verfahren
DE602005022510T DE602005022510D1 (de) 2005-02-23 2005-02-23 Tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung und Tastatur mit verbesserter Nutzbarkeit und reduzierter Größe und zugehöriges Verfahren
EP08168945A EP2019402B1 (de) 2005-02-23 2005-02-23 Tragbare elektronische Vorrichtung und Tastatur mit verbesserter Nutzbarkeit und reduzierter Größe und zugehöriges Verfahren
AT08168945T ATE475192T1 (de) 2005-02-23 2005-02-23 TRAGBARE ELEKTRONISCHE VORRICHTUNG UND TASTATUR MIT VERBESSERTER NUTZBARKEIT UND REDUZIERTER GRÖßE UND ZUGEHÖRIGES VERFAHREN
CA2537491A CA2537491C (en) 2005-02-23 2006-02-22 Handheld electronic device and keypad providing enhanced usability and reduced size, and associated method
CN2006100887970A CN1862736B (zh) 2005-02-23 2006-02-22 手持式电子装置及提供增强的可用性和减小的尺寸的键盘以及相关方法
SG200601185A SG125237A1 (en) 2005-02-23 2006-02-22 Handheld electronic device and keypad providing enhanced usability and reduced size, and associated method

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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EP05251030A EP1696448B1 (de) 2005-02-23 2005-02-23 Elektronisches Handgerät und Tastatur mit verbesserter Bedienbarkeit und reduzierten Abmessungen und dazugehöriges Verfahren

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EP05251030A Active EP1696448B1 (de) 2005-02-23 2005-02-23 Elektronisches Handgerät und Tastatur mit verbesserter Bedienbarkeit und reduzierten Abmessungen und dazugehöriges Verfahren

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CN (1) CN1862736B (de)
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SG (1) SG125237A1 (de)

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EP1859337A2 (de) * 2005-03-14 2007-11-28 Palm, Inc. Small-form-factor-tastatur für mobile rechnergeräte
EP1895390A1 (de) * 2006-09-01 2008-03-05 Research In Motion Limited Tragbares Kommunikationsgerät mit flexiblen Tasten
WO2008030664A1 (en) * 2006-09-08 2008-03-13 Palm Inc. Enhanced key structure with combined keycap for a mobile computing device
EP1965402A2 (de) 2007-03-02 2008-09-03 Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KG Steuerung
EP2405456A1 (de) * 2010-07-07 2012-01-11 Research In Motion Limited Tastenanordnung für eine mobile Einrichtung
EP2149892A3 (de) * 2008-07-31 2012-08-08 Nihon Kaiheiki Industrial Company, Ltd. Miniaturschalter
EP2487699A1 (de) * 2011-02-09 2012-08-15 Liebherr-Elektronik GmbH Kurzhubtaster
US8492666B2 (en) 2010-07-07 2013-07-23 Research In Motion Limited Key assembly for a mobile device
US11222757B2 (en) 2018-02-01 2022-01-11 Razer (Asia-Pacific) Pte. Ltd. Key switch mechanisms, user input devices and methods of fabricating a key switch mechanism

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US7394030B2 (en) 2005-06-02 2008-07-01 Palm, Inc. Small form-factor keyboard using keys with offset peaks and pitch variations
US8989822B2 (en) 2006-09-08 2015-03-24 Qualcomm Incorporated Keypad assembly for use on a contoured surface of a mobile computing device
CN107704123B (zh) * 2017-09-01 2021-04-13 联想(北京)有限公司 一种电子设备及处理方法
US10747332B2 (en) * 2018-09-13 2020-08-18 Apple Inc. Flexible stabilized button input device

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WO1999044212A1 (en) * 1998-02-25 1999-09-02 Tso Kevin H K Alphanumerical data input device using multiple input keys
US6452588B2 (en) 1998-06-26 2002-09-17 Research In Motion Limited Hand-held e-mail device
US6489950B1 (en) 1998-06-26 2002-12-03 Research In Motion Limited Hand-held electronic device with auxiliary input device
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US20030012368A1 (en) 2001-07-10 2003-01-16 Smallwood Gregory N. Telephone equipment compatible, twelve button alphanumeric keypad

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1859337A2 (de) * 2005-03-14 2007-11-28 Palm, Inc. Small-form-factor-tastatur für mobile rechnergeräte
EP1895390A1 (de) * 2006-09-01 2008-03-05 Research In Motion Limited Tragbares Kommunikationsgerät mit flexiblen Tasten
WO2008030664A1 (en) * 2006-09-08 2008-03-13 Palm Inc. Enhanced key structure with combined keycap for a mobile computing device
US7829803B2 (en) * 2006-09-08 2010-11-09 Palm, Inc. Enhanced key structure with combined keycap for a mobile computing device
EP1965402A2 (de) 2007-03-02 2008-09-03 Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KG Steuerung
EP1965402A3 (de) * 2007-03-02 2009-09-02 Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KG Steuerung
EP2149892A3 (de) * 2008-07-31 2012-08-08 Nihon Kaiheiki Industrial Company, Ltd. Miniaturschalter
EP2405456A1 (de) * 2010-07-07 2012-01-11 Research In Motion Limited Tastenanordnung für eine mobile Einrichtung
US8492666B2 (en) 2010-07-07 2013-07-23 Research In Motion Limited Key assembly for a mobile device
EP2487699A1 (de) * 2011-02-09 2012-08-15 Liebherr-Elektronik GmbH Kurzhubtaster
US11222757B2 (en) 2018-02-01 2022-01-11 Razer (Asia-Pacific) Pte. Ltd. Key switch mechanisms, user input devices and methods of fabricating a key switch mechanism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2537491C (en) 2011-04-12
CA2537491A1 (en) 2006-08-23
DE602005022510D1 (de) 2010-09-02
CN1862736A (zh) 2006-11-15
ATE475192T1 (de) 2010-08-15
EP1696448B1 (de) 2008-12-24
ATE418788T1 (de) 2009-01-15
SG125237A1 (en) 2006-09-29
EP2019402A1 (de) 2009-01-28
EP2019402B1 (de) 2010-07-21
DE602005011926D1 (de) 2009-02-05
CN1862736B (zh) 2012-02-08

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