WO2001085460A1 - Keyboard having integrated phone keypad - Google Patents

Keyboard having integrated phone keypad Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001085460A1
WO2001085460A1 PCT/US2001/014511 US0114511W WO0185460A1 WO 2001085460 A1 WO2001085460 A1 WO 2001085460A1 US 0114511 W US0114511 W US 0114511W WO 0185460 A1 WO0185460 A1 WO 0185460A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
keys
keyboard
keyboard according
rows
row
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/014511
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Finbarr Michael O'carroll
Paul Lynn Fordham
Len Wayne Bennett
Gene Santana
Original Assignee
Motorola Inc.
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
Application filed by Motorola Inc. filed Critical Motorola Inc.
Priority to AU2001261203A priority Critical patent/AU2001261203A1/en
Publication of WO2001085460A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001085460A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/02Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
    • G06F3/0202Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
    • G06F3/0219Special purpose keyboards
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/23Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof

Definitions

  • This invention relates in general to keyboards, and more specifically to a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad .
  • keyboards are widely used to generate alphanumeric and numeric information.
  • Examples of prior art keyboards include the familiar qwerty keyboard found on typewriters, and the qwerty keyboards commonly used as entry devices for personal and laptop computers.
  • Conventional qwerty keyboards 102 as shown in FIG. 1, have three rows of staggered keys used to enter alphanumeric information and a single row of keys which is used to enter numeric information.
  • the so-called extended keyboards have in addition to the qwerty keyboard a separate calculator style keypad 104, as shown in FIG. 1, which is used to enter numeric information.
  • Other keyboards such as those found on many laptop computers have a calculator style keypad 204 included as alternate characters of the qwerty keyboard 202, as shown in FIG.2.
  • keyboards are rapidly finding their way into communication devices, allowing the user to send text messages and other information.
  • One such example is that of the keyboard used on the " Pagewriter” ® two-way pager, shown in FIG. 3. It will be noted that the
  • Pagewriter keyboard mimics closely a conventional qwerty keyboard with the alphanumeric keys arranged in three staggered rows of keys 304, 306, 308.
  • a single row of numeric keys 302 are arranged in a conventional manner above the alphanumeric keys, however these keys are arranged in a zig-zag fashion to optimize the spacing between keys due to the small overall size of the keyboard.
  • Such keyboard arrangements as found in the prior art are advantageous for entering alphanumeric and numeric data, such as required for text documents, and when a calculator style keypad is included for entering numbers for computations.
  • These keyboards are not well suited as. keyboards for entering phone numbers, because the arrangement of the keys does not mimic that of a conventional telephone style keypad, especially as to the placement of the asterisk (*) key and pound (#) key.
  • a keyboard which has an telephone style keypad integrated conveniently into a qwerty style keyboard.
  • a keyboard which can be readily implemented on a small portable wireless communication device, and which provides convenient entry of text messages, as well as to provide input for the dialing of phone numbers.
  • a keyboard arrangement which visibly distinguishes the telephone keypad function from the qwerty keyboard function in order to minimize dialing errors.
  • FIG 1 is a drawing of a prior art extended qwerty keyboard.
  • FIG. 2 is a drawing of a prior art laptop computer keyboard.
  • FIG. 3 is a drawing of a prior art keyboard used on a handheld communication device.
  • FIG. 4 is a drawing of a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a drawing of a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a drawing of a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a drawing of a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a phone qwerty keyboard.
  • the keyboard is essentially a conventional qwerty keyboard wherein a portion of the keys corresponding strictly to the qwerty keyboard function are arranged in rows 402, 404, 406, and 408 in a straight line, but can also be arranged along an arc as shown in FIG. 6.
  • the keys can have different form factors, such as circular keys for the numeric keys in row 402, and square or rectangular keys for the alphanumeric keys in rows 404, 406, and 408.
  • the portion of the keys corresponding to the phone number keypad 410 are part of the qwerty keyboard, and are arranged in a predetermined configuration which visibly differentiates those keys from the balance of the qwerty keyboard keys.
  • the visible differentiation is provided in a number of ways.
  • the keys forming the qwerty portion of the keyboard in rows 402, 404, 406 and 408 are arranged in staggered rows, mimicking a conventional qwerty keyboard, while that portion of the keys which provide the phone keypad 410 are arranged in ordered columns.
  • the phone keypad 410 is arranged in three columns of four rows of keys, corresponding to a conventional telephone keypad.
  • the keys providing the phone keypad function can be further differentiated by adding color, such that the portion of the keys forming the phone keypad 410 have a different color from the rest of the keys which provide the balance of the qwerty keyboard function.
  • the combination of the arrangement of the phone keypad keys 410 in a rectangular configuration together with the color further heightens the visible differentiation of the phone keypad 410 from the balance of the qwerty keyboard, keys.
  • FIG. 5 is a drawing of a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the arrangement of the keyboard of FIG.5 is similar to that described above for FIG. 4.
  • the qwerty keyboard keys in rows 502, 504, 506, and 508 are arranged in a straight line. All of the keys of the qwerty keyboard also have a common shape, such as square, as shown.
  • Differentiation of the phone keypad 510 is again by arranging the keys in a rectangular configuration of four rows ordered in straight lines by three columns ordered in straight lines. Color is also used to visibly differentiate the phone keypad 510 from the balance of the qwerty keyboard keys. As shown in FIGs.
  • FIG. 6 is a drawing of a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the qwerty keyboard includes the alphanumeric keys arranged in three rows, 604, 606, 608 along an arc.
  • the keys forming the phone keypad 610 are arranged in a rectangular configuration, but due to the curvature of the qwerty keyboard keys, forms a distinctive parallelogram configuration.
  • the phone keypad 610 keys operate a keys to enter telephone numbers as well as to enter conventional numeric information. As shown in FIG. 6, the qwerty keyboard key designations are included on the corresponding key, while the phone keypad key designations are placed adjacent to the corresponding key.
  • a keyboard having a set of keys organized as a qwerty keyboard (202, 204, 206, 208, etc.) for entering alphanumeric text, wherein a portion of the set of keys includes keys arranged in a predetermined configuration depicting a numeric keypad 210, the predetermined configuration differentiating that portion of the set of keys from the set of keys of the keyboard.
  • the predetermined configuration of the portion of the keys is an arrangement of the keys being ordered in four rows of keys by three columns of keys.
  • the arrangement of the keys is essentially rectangular, however can also be in the form of a parallelogram.
  • the keys of the qwerty keyboard can be arranged in a straight line, or can be arranged in an arc.
  • the keys in a first row of the qwerty keyboard are staggered from the keys in an alternate row of the qwerty keyboard, in one arrangement of keys, and can be ordered in straight line columns.
  • the first row of keys of the four rows of keys corresponds to a set of numeric keys of the row 202 of numeric keys of the qwerty keyboard.
  • the phone keypad described above is especially suited for use on portable wireless communication devices. When utilizing as a phone keypad for portable wireless communication devices operating on a GSM radio network, the zero digit key has an alternate function as shown in FIG. 6.
  • the alternate function is designated by the plus (+) symbol and allows the use of phone numbers without an explicit area code or country code designation. While specific embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, further modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art. All modifications which retain the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein are with the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Abstract

A keyboard suitable for portable wireless communication devices includes a set of keys (202, 204, 206, 208, etc.) organized as a keyboard for entering alphanumeric text, wherein a portion of the set of keys includes keys arranged in a predetermined configuration depicting a numeric keypad (210), the predetermined configuration visually differentiating the portion of the set of keys from the balance of the set of keys of the keyboard.

Description

KEYBOARD HAVING INTEGRATED PHONE KEYPAD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to keyboards, and more specifically to a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad .
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART Keyboards are widely used to generate alphanumeric and numeric information. Examples of prior art keyboards include the familiar qwerty keyboard found on typewriters, and the qwerty keyboards commonly used as entry devices for personal and laptop computers. Conventional qwerty keyboards 102, as shown in FIG. 1, have three rows of staggered keys used to enter alphanumeric information and a single row of keys which is used to enter numeric information. The so-called extended keyboards, have in addition to the qwerty keyboard a separate calculator style keypad 104, as shown in FIG. 1, which is used to enter numeric information. Other keyboards, such as those found on many laptop computers have a calculator style keypad 204 included as alternate characters of the qwerty keyboard 202, as shown in FIG.2.
In addition, keyboards are rapidly finding their way into communication devices, allowing the user to send text messages and other information. One such example is that of the keyboard used on the " Pagewriter" ® two-way pager, shown in FIG. 3. It will be noted that the
" Pagewriter" keyboard mimics closely a conventional qwerty keyboard with the alphanumeric keys arranged in three staggered rows of keys 304, 306, 308. A single row of numeric keys 302 are arranged in a conventional manner above the alphanumeric keys, however these keys are arranged in a zig-zag fashion to optimize the spacing between keys due to the small overall size of the keyboard. Such keyboard arrangements as found in the prior art are advantageous for entering alphanumeric and numeric data, such as required for text documents, and when a calculator style keypad is included for entering numbers for computations. These keyboards are not well suited as. keyboards for entering phone numbers, because the arrangement of the keys does not mimic that of a conventional telephone style keypad, especially as to the placement of the asterisk (*) key and pound (#) key.
What is needed is a keyboard which has an telephone style keypad integrated conveniently into a qwerty style keyboard. What is also needed is a keyboard which can be readily implemented on a small portable wireless communication device, and which provides convenient entry of text messages, as well as to provide input for the dialing of phone numbers. What is also needed is a keyboard arrangement which visibly distinguishes the telephone keypad function from the qwerty keyboard function in order to minimize dialing errors.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, together with its further objects and advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify identical elements, in which, and wherein:
FIG 1 is a drawing of a prior art extended qwerty keyboard.
FIG. 2 is a drawing of a prior art laptop computer keyboard.
FIG. 3 is a drawing of a prior art keyboard used on a handheld communication device. FIG. 4 is a drawing of a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing of a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a drawing of a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 4 is a drawing of a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a phone qwerty keyboard. As shown in FIG. 4, the keyboard is essentially a conventional qwerty keyboard wherein a portion of the keys corresponding strictly to the qwerty keyboard function are arranged in rows 402, 404, 406, and 408 in a straight line, but can also be arranged along an arc as shown in FIG. 6. As, shown, the keys can have different form factors, such as circular keys for the numeric keys in row 402, and square or rectangular keys for the alphanumeric keys in rows 404, 406, and 408. The portion of the keys corresponding to the phone number keypad 410 are part of the qwerty keyboard, and are arranged in a predetermined configuration which visibly differentiates those keys from the balance of the qwerty keyboard keys. The visible differentiation is provided in a number of ways. The keys forming the qwerty portion of the keyboard in rows 402, 404, 406 and 408 are arranged in staggered rows, mimicking a conventional qwerty keyboard, while that portion of the keys which provide the phone keypad 410 are arranged in ordered columns. The phone keypad 410 is arranged in three columns of four rows of keys, corresponding to a conventional telephone keypad. In addition, the keys providing the phone keypad function can be further differentiated by adding color, such that the portion of the keys forming the phone keypad 410 have a different color from the rest of the keys which provide the balance of the qwerty keyboard function. The combination of the arrangement of the phone keypad keys 410 in a rectangular configuration together with the color further heightens the visible differentiation of the phone keypad 410 from the balance of the qwerty keyboard, keys.
FIG. 5 is a drawing of a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The arrangement of the keyboard of FIG.5 is similar to that described above for FIG. 4. Unlike FIG. 4, the qwerty keyboard keys in rows 502, 504, 506, and 508 are arranged in a straight line. All of the keys of the qwerty keyboard also have a common shape, such as square, as shown. Differentiation of the phone keypad 510 is again by arranging the keys in a rectangular configuration of four rows ordered in straight lines by three columns ordered in straight lines. Color is also used to visibly differentiate the phone keypad 510 from the balance of the qwerty keyboard keys. As shown in FIGs. 4 and 5, the qwerty keyboard key designations as well as the phone keypad designations are included on the corresponding key. FIG. 6 is a drawing of a keyboard having an integrated phone keypad in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the qwerty keyboard includes the alphanumeric keys arranged in three rows, 604, 606, 608 along an arc. The keys forming the phone keypad 610 are arranged in a rectangular configuration, but due to the curvature of the qwerty keyboard keys, forms a distinctive parallelogram configuration.
The phone keypad 610 keys operate a keys to enter telephone numbers as well as to enter conventional numeric information. As shown in FIG. 6, the qwerty keyboard key designations are included on the corresponding key, while the phone keypad key designations are placed adjacent to the corresponding key.
In summary, what was described above was a keyboard having a set of keys organized as a qwerty keyboard (202, 204, 206, 208, etc.) for entering alphanumeric text, wherein a portion of the set of keys includes keys arranged in a predetermined configuration depicting a numeric keypad 210, the predetermined configuration differentiating that portion of the set of keys from the set of keys of the keyboard. The predetermined configuration of the portion of the keys is an arrangement of the keys being ordered in four rows of keys by three columns of keys. The arrangement of the keys is essentially rectangular, however can also be in the form of a parallelogram. The keys of the qwerty keyboard can be arranged in a straight line, or can be arranged in an arc. The keys in a first row of the qwerty keyboard are staggered from the keys in an alternate row of the qwerty keyboard, in one arrangement of keys, and can be ordered in straight line columns. The first row of keys of the four rows of keys corresponds to a set of numeric keys of the row 202 of numeric keys of the qwerty keyboard. The phone keypad described above is especially suited for use on portable wireless communication devices. When utilizing as a phone keypad for portable wireless communication devices operating on a GSM radio network, the zero digit key has an alternate function as shown in FIG. 6. The alternate function is designated by the plus (+) symbol and allows the use of phone numbers without an explicit area code or country code designation. While specific embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, further modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art. All modifications which retain the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein are with the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

We claim:CLAIMS
1. A keyboard, comprising: a set of keys organized as a keyboard for entering alphanumeric text, wherein a portion of said set of keys includes keys arranged in a predetermined configuration depicting a numeric keypad, said predetermined configuration differentiating said portion of said set of keys from said set of keys.
2. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined configuration of said portion of said keys is an arrangement of said keys being ordered in four rows of keys by three columns of keys.
3. The keyboard according to claim 2, wherein said arrangement of said keys is rectangular.
4. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said set of keys is arranged as a qwerty keyboard.
5. The keyboard according to claim 4, wherein said keys of said qwerty keyboard are arranged in a straight line.
6. The keyboard according to claim 4, wherein said keys of said qwerty keyboard are arranged in an arc.
7. The keyboard according to claim 4, wherein said keys in a first row of said qwerty keyboard are staggered from said keys in an alternate row of said qwerty keyboard.
8. The keyboard according to claim 4, wherein said qwerty keyboard includes a row of numeric keys, and three rows of alphanumeric keys.
9. The keyboard according to claim 8, wherein said predetermined configuration of said portion of said keys is an arrangement of said keys being ordered in four rows of keys by three columns of keys.
10. The keyboard according to claim 9, wherein a first row of keys of said four rows of keys corresponds to a set of numeric keys of said row of numeric keys of said qwerty keyboard.
11. The keyboard according to claim 8, wherein said keys of said row of numeric keys and said keys of said three rows of alphanumeric keys have a common shape.
12. The keyboard according to claim 11, wherein said keys of said row of numeric keys are rectangular and said keys of said three rows of alphanumeric keys are substantially square.
13. The keyboard according to claim 8, wherein said keys of said row of numeric keys and said keys of said three rows of alphanumeric keys have a different shape.
14. The keyboard according to claim 13, wherein said keys of said row of numeric keys is round and said keys of said three rows of alphanumeric keys are substantially square.
15. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said keys of said portion of said set of keys is a color different from said set of keys.
16. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said keys of said portion of said set of keys are identified by numeric characters.
17. The keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said portion of said keys provides a second selectable function for said keys.
18. The keyboard according to claim 17, wherein said second function is a telephone keypad.
PCT/US2001/014511 2000-05-05 2001-05-04 Keyboard having integrated phone keypad WO2001085460A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001261203A AU2001261203A1 (en) 2000-05-05 2001-05-04 Keyboard having integrated phone keypad

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US56566400A 2000-05-05 2000-05-05
US09/565,664 2000-05-05

Publications (1)

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WO2001085460A1 true WO2001085460A1 (en) 2001-11-15

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WO (1) WO2001085460A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6847310B1 (en) * 2002-06-21 2005-01-25 Bsquare Corporation Keyboard
AU2002351591B2 (en) * 2001-12-21 2006-07-20 Blackberry Limited Handheld electronic device with keyboard

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6047196A (en) * 1995-11-24 2000-04-04 Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd. Communication device with two modes of operation

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6047196A (en) * 1995-11-24 2000-04-04 Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd. Communication device with two modes of operation

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2002351591B2 (en) * 2001-12-21 2006-07-20 Blackberry Limited Handheld electronic device with keyboard
KR100704593B1 (en) * 2001-12-21 2007-04-10 리서치 인 모션 리미티드 Handheld electronic device with keyboard
AU2006230692B2 (en) * 2001-12-21 2009-02-19 Blackberry Limited Handheld electronic device with keyboard
EP2270629A3 (en) * 2001-12-21 2011-06-15 Research In Motion Limited Handheld electronic device with keyboard
US8098814B2 (en) 2001-12-21 2012-01-17 Research In Motion Limited Handheld electronic device with keyboard
US6847310B1 (en) * 2002-06-21 2005-01-25 Bsquare Corporation Keyboard
EP1532740A1 (en) * 2002-06-21 2005-05-25 Bsquare Corporation Keyboard
EP1532740A4 (en) * 2002-06-21 2005-06-08 Bsquare Corp Keyboard

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