JP2003509755A - Small keyboard for personal digital assistant and integrated web browsing and data entry device - Google Patents

Abstract

A miniature keyboard (10) that operates by utilizing a finger touching a capacitance-sensitive touchpad. The touchpad is divided into predefined zones (12) and these zones are assigned to desired characters on the keyboard. The touchpad is relatively small and thus can be coupled to information equipment and operate in the usual manner for that device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to data entry and internet browsing devices. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a personal digital assistant.
It provides a compact, easy-to-use keyboard-based data entry for a variety of mobile devices including digital assistants (PDAs), centralized internet navigation devices and cell phones. An important feature is the ability to provide audible feedback so that the user has accurate information about keystrokes, voice conversion and optical microphone input for communication purposes.

[0002]

[Prior art]

The state of related technology is subject to some disciplines. This is because the present invention not only integrates a plurality of different technologies, but also has a very wide range of application.
The rapid proliferation of small communication devices has created many problems for users who want to enter data into such devices. For example, many different types of personal digital assistants (that help users store and organize information)
PDA) exists. Such information includes appointments, calendars, addresses and phone numbers.

Data entry of alphanumeric information has continued to be a problem for PDAs. This is because there is only a relatively small surface area available for data entry. For example, providing a separate key for each letter of the English alphabet and the numbers 0 to 9 requires a fairly large area on a small communication device. Nevertheless, alphanumeric data is becoming increasingly important for the Internet.

One prior art solution is a foldable keyboard. That is, the keyboard can be expanded to form a larger keyboard that can be coupled to small electronic devices such as PDAs. Obviously, this keyboard can only be used when the user has enough room to unfold the keyboard and mount the PDS.

The importance of the Internet, the e-commerce it has created, and new forms of communication are creating demand for different types of information devices that can store more data and addresses. For example, PDAs such as Palm ™ Pilot ™ and Handspring ™ Visitor ™.
Can now provide access to the Internet. Cellular phones and smartphones are also becoming Internet enabled. In this way, users can now send and receive e-mail and even browse the World Wide Web using devices that were not originally intended for the Internet.

Unfortunately, the means of alphanumeric data entry is a problem for such small devices. One method that has been taken to enter alphanumeric data is to use shorthand scripts. However, this generally requires the user to use a small stylus to take note of the handwriting. In addition, handwriting can be lost or even dropped during use. Other input methods include small keyboards that often require the use of a stylus if they fit within the available surface area.

The method used for cellular phones is also problematic. Because they are similarly restricted within the surface area. Characters can be entered using the keypad. The user presses a key that represents a group of characters. At this time, the user must select the character to be input from the character group. However, there are several pharmaceuticals in this method. For example, the letters Q and Z are not included in a standard keypad. Moreover, there is only a limited number of distinct keys.

Therefore, it provides all the options of a standard keyboard and yet provides a new character input system for small electronic devices that is small enough to be portable and does not require the use of a stylus for operation. This has an advantage over such a conventional technique.

The above examples are becoming ubiquitous in the market. However,
The invention also enables the operation of new types of devices. In particular, the present invention provides an integrated web browsing and data entry device. However,
In order to understand the need for such a device, it is helpful to understand the characteristics of the Internet.

One of the mature technologies for the Internet is the World Wide Web (WWW), which is a type of information form. World Wide Web (hereinafter “Web”)
Is a free collection of websites with visible web pages. Web pages consist of text and graphics formatted according to a particular protocol, such as Hypertext Markup Langed Edge (HTML).

Web pages are always viewed using a web browser. Navigating from web page to web page or navigating with a web browser is commonly referred to as web browsing or surfing. Web browsing is typically accomplished by connecting links between different web pages such as: This form of link gives rise to a unique hierarchical structure of the web page. As a result, web browsing is often a process of "forward" and "back" actions between connected web pages.

The characteristics of the World Wide Web typically eliminate large amounts of data entry.
In other words, alphanumeric data entry is typically limited to short, concise phrases, such as when entering a user's name, password and abbreviated sentences in chat rooms. Therefore it is important to be able to enter alphanumeric data, while the main function is more often
It would not be necessary to provide a large amount of space for this function on handy sized devices, as would be the case between web pages, downloading and uploading data, and sending and receiving email. Nevertheless, the character input is
Difficult for handy size devices.

This prior art involves attempting to combine keyboard input and touchpad navigation input with a handheld device. Generally, two data entry areas are combined on a single touchpad surface. The user must activate different operating modes so that the touchpad surface functions as a keyboard or touchpad. Unfortunately, the user has to remember which user mode is currently in use and has to switch periodically between user modes. It is conventional to provide a keyboard and a touchpad input area separately, and to provide a small, handheld device that is not cumbersome or intrusive when the user inputs data by awkward interfaces. It will bring benefits beyond technology.

Another problem in the prior art occurs when the keyboard should be used in a smaller area than usual. However, requiring the user to press a key with a needle is undesirable for a variety of reasons. However, if the needle was not used, it would be difficult to know exactly which key was pressed. In other words, each key has a very small surface area, and placing the finger in the center of the desired key is a little difficult, so a wide fingertip is easier to divert to another.

Thus, the “hand and peck” method (typically using one fingertip to press a key) determines which key is pressed, not just which key is pressed. There will be benefits over the prior art when using a finger on a small keyboard that is operated in a manner that allows the user to be accurately informed as to be informed.

Another problem in the prior art is the difficulty in providing voice messaging capabilities. With the increasing use of the Internet, new communication methods have evolved. For example, transmission of sound and voice messages is becoming a more common method of communication. Talking is generally because you can prepare a message faster than typing. Accordingly, what is needed in handheld data entry and web navigators is the ability to receive voice input so that the voice can be transmitted or recorded as a voice message.

An object of the present invention is to provide a system for easily inputting alphanumeric data into a portable electronic device such as a PDA. It is another object of the present invention to provide a system that does not require the use of needles to achieve data entry into a compact full-featured keyboard that is attached to a compact electronic device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system including a capacitive sensing touchpad having a function like a keyboard attached to a PDA or mobile phone.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved system for internet navigation and data entry. Another object of the invention is movement and WW via the World Wide Web (WWW).
It is to provide a customized web navigation device that facilitates interaction with W.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a customized web navigation device that is less difficult to use and smaller than conventional keyboards.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a customized web navigation device that is conveniently connected to the web using wired or wireless technology. Another object of the present invention is to provide a customized web navigation device having at least one switch that allows a user to select a given website and provides access to the given website. .

Another object of the present invention is to provide a customized web navigation device that includes various data entry methods. Another object of the invention is to have a miniaturized keyboard, a separate touchpad, and a microphone for live transmission and recording of voice messages,
It is to provide a customized web navigation device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a customized web navigation device having audible feedback recognizing which key was pressed by the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a customized web navigation device that allows for other convenient web navigation options including scrolling, zooming in and out of web pages.

The above objectives are accomplished in the illustrated embodiment of a system and method for providing a compact keyboard that is operated by touching a capacitive sensing touchpad with a finger. In the preferred embodiment, the touchpad is divided into predetermined zones assigned to all of the various letters on the keyboard. The touchpad keyboard is relatively small, can be attached to an information device, and can be operated in the usual manner for the device.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, acoustic feedback is provided so that the user can know that a key has been pressed. According to the second aspect of the invention, the acoustic feedback is clear enough to identify the pressed key, such as through a voice indicating the name of the key.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a touchpad keyboard has a mechanical wheel located on one side of the touchpad keyboard. This wheel allows for quick and convenient scrolling features.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a touchpad keyboard is used for data entry to the internet and for facilitating web navigation.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a touchpad keyboard is located within a handheld web navigation and alphanumeric data entry device. The alphanumeric data entry device is connected to a computer or other web browser terminal. The data entry device has both a finger-enabled touchpad keyboard and a separate touchpad surface for activity with web navigation and cursor controls.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the web navigation device preferably comprises a microphone that facilitates the recording of voice messages or the live transmission of voice data over the Internet.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the data input device has at least one delicate switch. This delicate switch allows the web browser to access and display data from the desired website.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a data input device is a touch pad that can be used for web navigation, cursor control, object selection and disconnection, scrolling within a web page, zooming a web page, and the like. Has a face.

These and other objects, features, advantages, and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which various elements of the present invention are given certain reference numerals, to discuss the present invention for those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the invention and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the appended claims.

The presently preferred embodiment of the present invention is a capacitive sensitive touchpad keyboard. The technology used in the touchpad keyboard is derived from Sark's touchpad technology and is used in various lines of computer touchpads. Touchpad technology is described in US Pat. No. 5,305,017 and US Pat.
861,875, US Pat. No. 5,565,658, US Pat. No. 5,757,
368 and US Pat. No. 5,767,457. The technology is currently pending US Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 09/6 filed June 22, 2000.
No. 03,417.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a touchpad keyboard 10 using Sark's capacitive sensitive touchpad technology. A keyboard layout 12 (lattice line) is drawn on the touch pad keyboard. It should be noted that the keyboard overlay 12 is merely useful to the user and does not actually provide information to the touchpad circuitry. The technology used for capacitively sensitive touchpads is only important as long as it allows the touchpad keyboard 10 to detect and determine the position of a finger on the touchpad surface. Thus, the touchpad keyboard can detect the presence of a pointing device such as a finger and then focus to determine the position of the finger.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of related processes performed in the touchpad circuit.
This flow chart illustrates the functionality of the presently preferred embodiment. First step 1
00 is a step of detecting the presence of an object on the touch pad keyboard 10.
The next step 102 is to locate or focus on the true specific coordinates of the object. A variety of software and hardware in touchpad circuitry can be used to precisely determine the position of an object. However, the precision with which the invention works is only required to determine the zone in which the object is placed, not the precision in determining where the object contacts within that zone. I have to understand that.

After the touchpad keyboard 10 determines where the object contacts the touchpad surface, it is necessary to determine the zone corresponding to the determined location in step 104. Therefore, there must be a database that determines the boundaries of each zone on the touchpad keyboard 10. This zone corresponds to a particular keyboard key. Thus, the next step 106 is to determine which key on the touchpad keyboard corresponds to the touch zone. Next, at step 108, the signal corresponding to the key needs to be determined. Obviously, the signal will be unique to the particular electronic device being used. Then, at step 110, the signal is transmitted to the electronic device.

Steps 106 and 108 include a conversion process. In other words, information from one source is used to identify information about another process. These conversion processes are typically done by a database. In the presently preferred embodiment,
The database is a reference table. Thus, the look-up table is programmed to correspond to the desired keyboard layout 12 indicating zones.
After the corresponding zones have been determined, the touchpad circuitry will generate the appropriate signals.

A suitable signal may be any signal that the electronic device is designed to receive and corresponds to the zone or key that was touched. For example, a particular signal corresponds to the letter "A" and another signal corresponds to the letter "B". Therefore, the touchpad circuit includes a signal generator that generates the appropriate signals.

It has been stated above that the touchpad keyboard 10 is physically and logically divided into zones or areas. In other words, the touchpad keyboard 12 includes a keyboard overlay 12, which is a physical division of zones on the touchpad surface. Each zone typically defines a single key. However, the mode key can change the characters generated by other zones.

Software or hardware is used to determine where a finger or other pointing device contacts the touchpad keyboard. This is a logical division of zones. In other words, the touchpad senses where the finger is on the touchpad surface, but divides the touchpad surface into zones as defined by look-up tables or other database structures. Because the zones are defined in software or hardware, these zones can be easily modified if different keyboard features or overlays are desired.

It will be appreciated that the keyboard layout 12 of FIG. 1 is but one example of many possible layouts. For example, keyboard layout 12 is a full QWER
Can be used with a TY keyboard. However, the most portable electronic device is Q
Note that not all keys such as function keys or ALT keys on the WERTY keyboard can be recognized. This is because they are not needed for the functionality of portable electronic appliances. Most portable electronic devices are only interested in entering the alphabet and basic alphanumeric characters such as 0-9. Moreover, it is not even necessary to provide upper and lower cases. Nevertheless, the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention is capable of providing signals corresponding to all keys on a QWERTY keyboard.

A good reason for limiting the number of zones available on the keyboard layout 12 is the size of the touchpad keyboard 10. The width and length dimensions of the touchpad keyboard 10 can vary, but this is typically
It's the size of a credit card. Due to these dimensions, and because it is preferable not to use a stylus, there are practical limits to the number of keys that can be placed on the touchpad surface. Therefore, the mode key is useful in changing the definition of the corresponding zone. The typical depth of the touchpad keyboard 10 is relatively thin, 3 mm to 5 mm. However, this can be changed if desired.

It has been stated that the preferred application of the touchpad keyboard 10 of the present invention is to use it in electronic equipment. For example, Palm Pilot (Palm Pilot (P
(ALMPILOT) is a registered trademark) or other PDA. It would be advantageous to provide a keyboard that can be used without having to set the Palm pilot down. Therefore, the keyboard must be usable while grasping the PDA.

FIG. 3 is provided as an example of a PDA 20 for use with the touchpad keyboard 10. This PDA has a communication port 22 arranged on the bottom edge. The touchpad keyboard 10 includes a compatible communication port 24 on its upper edge. When they are bonded together, the touchpad keyboard 10 should be fixed relative to the PDA, and thus the bond is easier to grasp with one hand. In this case, the other hand can freely press the desired key.

In an alternative embodiment, it may be desirable to provide some distance between where the PDA 20 is located and the touchpad keyboard 10. Therefore, as an example of a cable 30 that allows the communication ports 22, 24 to be coupled together, FIG.
I will provide a. The cable 30 can be of various lengths.

In another alternative embodiment, this keyboard may be better implemented,
Note that there are other functions of electronics. For example, scrolling is a particularly desirable feature when working on narrow screens. The PDA 20 may even be equipped with a key dedicated to this function. However, these keys can be difficult to place,
It will probably not be located on the touchpad keyboard 10. Therefore, FIG. 5 is provided as an example of a portion of a touchpad keyboard 40 that includes a scroll wheel 42. The scroll wheel 42 is located in the touchpad keyboard 40, but its edges are exposed so that the user can turn it up and down. This rim may be grooved for good contact with the finger.

In another alternative embodiment, the size of the touchpad keyboard is probably very small, and it may be difficult for some people to immediately determine if they really touched the desired key. This is especially the case when the display screen on the obtained PDA is difficult to see. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with audible feedback. The audible feedback may be in the form of audio that emits the name of the touched key or zone. The volume is probably low, but still audible enough. Implementing audible feedback requires additions to the touchpad circuitry, including speakers and memory chips containing digitized sounds that are played zone by zone.

FIG. 6 is provided as a logical block diagram of the components of the touchpad circuitry needed to provide audible feedback. Touchpad circuitry logic 50 determines circuitry 52 for detecting an object and determining its position, a lookup process 54 for determining a key corresponding to the position of the object, and a signal corresponding to the key. A lookup process 56 for sending and a sending process 58. However, once the key is determined, this information can be sent to process 60 to determine the corresponding audio message stored in memory. This audio information is then sent to the microphone 62 for generation.

In another alternative embodiment, the touchpad keyboard could be permanently coupled to the PDA or other electronic device. For example, a touchpad keyboard can be placed under a cover that is normally folded over the display screen when the electronic device is not in use. Because the touchpad keyboard is wider horizontally than vertically,
You may need to reorient the touchpad keyboard to fit under the cover.

Another alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, which is a data input device 70 linked via a wired or wireless link to a computer or other device acting as a web browser terminal 72. Computer or web browser terminal 72 is coupled to Internet 74 and the World Wide Web (Web). It should be noted that the web browser terminal 7 can also be a television coupled to the internet 74.

Before describing the data input device 70 in more detail, it should be noted that the web provides access to web sites, including web pages. Internet access also means that the user can use other convenient forms of communication over the Internet 74, such as electronic mail, voice mail, live voice and audio communication.

The present invention provides a more convenient method of data entry and web navigation due to its layout and the functionality it provides. For example, this layout is suitable for grasping or holding the device with one hand by providing a gripping surface along the edge or below the edge and using the data entry interface with one hand. The user can sit comfortably on the chair away from the full size keyboard and easily surf the internet 74. By providing a small touchpad keyboard 76, the user does not have to bend down to enter any alphanumeric data. The full-featured keyboard 76 is a Cirque (TM) C
It is provided in the form of a touch-sensitive surface such as found in the touch pad of the corporation. The touch sensitive surface is preferably a capacitance sensitive surface having an overlay template that defines the keys of the keyboard. Overlays can have better graphics than what an LCD display, for example, can produce.

It will be apparent that the overlay or touch sensitive surface can provide a positive tactile response to the user. For example, individual keys can be separated by providing ridges on the overlay. Alternatively, the feel can be changed by the key. However, the overlay can be integral with or aligned with the touchpad surface so that it is flat to the touch, eliminating all touch and raised surfaces.

Touch sensitive surfaces provide information about the position of a finger or stylus on the surface. This information is transformed so that a key corresponding to the location on the touch sensitive surface is provided to the computer or web browser terminal 72. For example, the touch sensitive surface provides an ASCII code for the key that the computer or web browser terminal 72 is expected to understand.

Combined with the touchpad keyboard 70 is a feature that gives the user feedback regarding the identification of all keys pressed. This information can reduce the size of the touchpad keyboard 70, which is advantageous for the user. Only the user knowing that a key has been pressed is not sufficient because the finger that actuated the key may not have been placed on the desired key. Thus, this embodiment of the invention also provides audible feedback in the spoken language specific to each key.

For example, when the user presses the space bar, the data input device sends a signal to the speaker, causing the speaker to pronounce the word “space” at about the same time as the transmission. The speaker may be located within the computer or web browser terminal 72, or within the data input device 70 itself. What is important is that the user hears the corresponding digitized phonetic representation when each key on the keyboard is pressed. In this way there is no confusion about which key the user pressed.

Furthermore, in the case of a small touchpad keyboard, the user is likely to look at the keyboard instead of checking the display for input content. Therefore, the user instantly knows whether he has pressed the wrong key without reading the input contents. The user can view the data input device 70 without looking at the contents.
You can backspace out the wrong character from and then re-enter the correct character.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are other ways to achieve this desired audible feedback. For example, software drivers can be used to program computer 72. The driver intercepts the ASCII code that represents the pressed key and executes a subroutine that causes the digitized audio representation of the pressed key to be produced at the desired speaker.

On a touch-sensitive surface, a dedicated touchpad keyboard and another touchpad 78 are combined. Touchpad 78 may be a CIRQUE ™ touchpad that already provides the desired web navigation functionality. These features include cursor control, web navigation to move forward and backward between web pages, object selection and deselection, object dragging, web page scrolling, web page scaling, and more. Be done.

Note that the features described above are the most common or desirable for web navigation. However, the Internet 74 and especially the Web is very dynamic. Thus, it should be apparent that the touchpad 78 can be programmed to include other desired navigation features. Currently, the touch pad of the present invention includes a scroll region, which scrolls up and down on a page located at the right-hand side edge of the touch pad, moves forward and backward between web pages on the upper part of the touch pad, and lowers the touch pad. Scroll left and right on the page placed in
Perform scaling on the left-hand edge of the touchpad. The click and the double click are performed by tapping the touch pad 78 once or twice, respectively. The cursor movement is executed only by moving the finger touching the touch pad 78.

It will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the touchpad 78 can act to record a signature or act as a digitizing tablet. In the present invention, by providing another touchpad surface, the user can avoid being confused by having both the keyboard and the touchpad in a single touch sensitive surface. Although in the preferred embodiment there is a touchpad keyboard 76 above the touchpad 78, it should be apparent that this arrangement can be modified in alternative embodiments.

Since the present invention includes both a keyboard 76 and another touchpad 78, the data stream to the computer or web browser terminal 72 has two
Must contain type information. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that data from the touchpad keyboard 76 and touchpad 78 can be transmitted using, for example, packetization. Each packet identifies the source of the data so that it can be sent to the appropriate input.

It should also be noted that in the preferred embodiment, the data input device 70 can be held with only one hand. Advantageously, pressing a key on the touchpad keyboard 76 or using the touchpad 78 does not cause the data input device to wobble or make it difficult to enter data. This is because this embodiment includes a handgrip located along the vertical axis on the underside of the device. Therefore, the data input device 70 does not need to rest on the lap or desktop when in use. Alternatively, the handgrip can be angled or level depending on the user's preference.

In this embodiment, the data input device 70 also includes at least one switch that provides fast access to the selectable website. In other words, activating the switch causes the web browser terminal 72 to display the web site.

The switch can also be programmed to go to any desired web site by simply touching or pressing the switch. The switch is
It can also be marked with a temporary overlay template or other more permanent marking means.

In another alternative embodiment, it is envisaged to capture a signature on the pressure sensitive paper to provide a tactile record of the event. The present invention should be envisioned to function properly using other protocols, not just those provided by the Web or Internet 74, on other networks.

It must also be envisioned that the touchpad 78 used for web navigation will respond to a finger or stylus and will work with any type of touchpad. The touchpad preferably uses capacitive-based technology, electromagnetic, electrostatic, ultrasonic, light, resistive, or other finger or stylus responsive device. Switches and keyboards are preferably based on mechanical switches, membrane switches, rubber dome switches, or any other suitable switch activation technique.

The communication link between the data input device 70 and the web browser terminal 72 can include wired, wireless, infrared, radio frequency, ultrasound, and the like. Web browser terminals are considered to include video game consoles, WEBTVs, televisions with digital set top boxes, and the like.

For connection between the computer or web browser terminal 72 and the web, telephone modem, cable TV modem, DSL, mobile phone, optical fiber cable, radio frequency satellite modem, T1, T3, Ethernet (registered trademark), It shall include twisted pair wires.

Another feature of the preferred embodiment is the manner in which the data input device 70 can be configured. The data input device 70 can be configured with pre-configured settings sent by the device. Alternatively, the user can access the pre-configured settings available on the website. Therefore, the data input device 70, the computer, or the web browser terminal 72 will store this setting in a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk.

It will be appreciated that the arrangements described above are merely illustrative of the applications or principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a top view of a touchpad keyboard made in accordance with the principles of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a process performed by the touchpad keyboard of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a PDA and a touchpad keyboard connected by a communication port so as to transfer data between them.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment for connecting a PDA to a touchpad keyboard via a cable.

FIG. 5 illustrates a touchpad keyboard having a scroll wheel attached to the touchpad keyboard to facilitate operation on a display screen of a portable information device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a circuit showing a process of circuit configuration of a touchpad keyboard when audio feedback is provided.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of using a touch pad keyboard in a web navigation and data input device.

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Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A touchpad keyboard for entering data into a portable electronic device, comprising: a capacitance sensitive touchpad comprising circuitry for detecting and locating an object on a surface; and a touchpad keyboard. An overlay placed on the surface of the touchpad keyboard that provides visual feedback corresponding to the signals that the touchpad keyboard will generate when an area of the touchpad keyboard is pressed; A touch pad keyboard having a communication port for transmitting a signal corresponding to the key of. 2. The touchpad keyboard of claim 1, further comprising an auditory feedback system that causes the recorded voice to say the name of the key touched on the touchpad keyboard. 3. The touch of claim 2, wherein the touchpad further comprises a scroll wheel located on the side of the touchpad so that the user can rotate the wheel to scroll up and down the data on the display screen. Pad keyboard. 4. The touchpad keyboard of claim 2, wherein the touchpad further comprises a communication cable coupled to the communication port, the communication cable thereby enabling remote coupling to a portable information device. 5. The overlay further includes tactile feedback to the user, each individual key on the overlay being separated from all other zones by a raised edge material, thereby providing a zone on the overlay. The touchpad keyboard of claim 2, wherein the two are more clearly separated. 6. A handheld data input device for navigating a web page displayed on a web browser terminal and inputting alphanumeric data to the web browser terminal, the handheld housing and the handheld housing. A touch-sensitive surface that is located inside and that acts as a keyboard with discrete positions that define the keys above it, and a touchpad device located inside the handheld housing for cursor control and web page navigation. Between a functioning touch-sensitive surface and audible feedback to the user, thereby providing accurate information as to which key on the keyboard was touched by the user, and between the keyboard and the touchpad and the web browser terminal. Ri, handheld data input device and a communication link for transmitting and receiving at least data between them. 7. A handheld data input device for navigating a web page displayed on a web browser terminal coupled to a network and inputting alphanumeric data to the web browser terminal, the handheld housing comprising: , A touch-sensitive surface located in the handheld housing, which acts as a keyboard with discrete positions defining the keys above, and a touch located in the handheld housing for cursor control and web page navigation A touch-sensitive surface that acts as a pad device, a microphone for recording audio data for transmission over the network and a live transmission of audio data for transmission over the network, a keyboard and a touchpad. Located between the pad and the web browser terminal, handheld data input device and a communication link for transmitting and receiving at least data between them.